mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
HONORING JIMMY LAI
James P. McGovern (Democrat, MA) \u2014 2021-12-3

. Madam , on December 3, 2020, one year ago, Jimmy Chee-ying Lai, founder of the now shuttered Hong Kong pro-democracy newspaper the Apple Daily, was denied bail for the first time. He has since been convicted and sentenced and will spend his 74th birthday on December 8 behind bars. prgtoken Jimmy Lai's life epitomizes the rise and fall of Hong Kong's freedoms. prgtoken Mr. Lai was born in Guangzhou, Guangdong, in China in 1947. At the age of 12, he entered Hong Kong as a stowaway on a fishing boat. He found work at a garment factory and rose from an odd-job laborer to a manager. In 1975, he bought a bankrupt garment factory and built riches with an Asia-wide clothing chain, Giordano. In interview after interview, Jimmy recalled, ``I came here with one dollar, the freedom here has given me the opportunity to build myself up.'' prgtoken The Tiananmen protests of 1989 in China motivated Jimmy to turn his attention from economic opportunities to civil and political freedom. ``You deliver information, then you deliver choice, and choice is freedom,'' he recounted. In 1990, he began publishing Next Magazine with a formula of tabloid-style sensationalism combined with investigative exposes of political and business elites. prgtoken In 1995, just two years before Hong Kong's return to China, Jimmy founded the Apple Daily with the catchy slogan ``An apple a day keeps the liars away.'' Against charges that the newspaper was anti-Chinese Communist Party, he retorted that ``if we run this newspaper based on hatred of communism, we will fail.'' Instead, ``all we need is to love what we love most, which is freedom of speech and freedom of the press.'' prgtoken This love of freedom is, however, anathema to the Chinese government's goals. When Hong Kongers protested against national security legislation on July 1, 2003, Jimmy's publications urged readers to take to the streets and called for the then Chief Executive Tung Chee-hwa to resign. prgtoken During the 2014 Umbrella Movement, the Apple Daily was again at the forefront of the call for ``genuine universal suffrage.'' Jimmy camped out at the occupy site in Admiralty near the Central Government Offices. When the police cleared the site on December 13, 2014, he was among those arrested. prgtoken During the pro-democracy protests in 2019, the Apple Daily offered blanket coverage of the months-long protests and published hard-hitting reports on police abuses and alleged police-gangster collusion. Jimmy joined various mass demonstrations that numbered up to two million. prgtoken In early 2020 Jimmy was repeatedly arrested among other veterans of the city's pro-democracy movement for organizing and participating in marches on August 18, August 31, and October 1, 2019. Such protests were rendered ``unauthorized'' simply because the police routinely refused to issue ``Notices of No Objection'' beginning in August. Jimmy was convicted and sentenced to a total of 20 months in prison
RECOGNIZING THE CENTENNIAL OF THE HOUSTON PILOTS ASSOCIATION
Brian Babin (Republican, TX) \u2014 2021-12-3

. Madam , I rise today to recognize the centennial of the Houston Pilots Association. Over the last century, they have faithfully provided pilotage services to foreign and domestic vessels entering and departing the Port of Houston. prgtoken The Houston Ship Channel (HSC) is one of the narrowest and busiest ports in the world, with 21,000 commercial vessels and more than 247 million tons of cargo in transit each year. It provides 3.2 million jobs and contributes $802 billion to America's yearly economy. In fact, more than 20 percent of Texas' gross domestic product (GDP) is supported by the HSC. The Houston pilots are responsible for maneuvering vessels safely and efficiently to and from docks through the narrow and congested Houston Ship Channel. Without the knowledge and expertise of the Houston pilots, our great state would not be flourishing. prgtoken The origin of the Houston pilots dates back to 1916 when L. Fred Allien and J. William Laughton received gubernatorial appointments as pilots for the Port of Houston and Galveston Bay. The official formation of the Houston Pilots Association occurred five years later, in 1921, when four more men were appointed to ensure the safety of ships and their crews entering and exiting the HSC. Their work laid the foundation for future generations of pilots. prgtoken The Houston pilots are a team of skilled ship handlers, commissioned by the governor of the Lone Star State to protect Houston's most vital waterway. Since 1921, 251 pilots have proudly served the Houston Ship Channel. Their names, units of service, and years of service are listed below: prgtoken George Allien, Unit No. 1, 1921-1940; James B. Birch, Unit No. 2, 1921-1935; Charles H. McLean, Unit No. 3, 1921-1950; W. Joseph Weikerth, Unit No. 4, 1921-1933; Charles O'Brien, Unit No. 5, 1922- 1952; Charles H. Baether, Unit No. 6, 1924-1946; Charles S. Borup, Unit No. 7, 1924-1949; Ezra Sherman, Unit No. 8, 1924-1936; Joseph G. Basquez, Unit No. 9, 1924-1938; Jesse S. Charpentier, Unit No. 10, 1925-1949; Audley Lancaster, Unit No. 11, 1925-1946; Leo Skinner, Unit No. 12, 1925-1952; Mason Wiggins, Unit No. 13, 1926-1949; George W. Allen, Unit No. 14, 1927-1943; Guy M. Stanton, Unit No. 15, 1927-1934; Edward B. Mercer Sr Unit No. 16, 1928-1950; Albert S. Barrow, Unit No. 17, 1929-1935; Hugh C. Cage, Unit No. 18, 1930-1962; Nick J. Morina, Unit No. 19, 1931-1959; John R. Rowland, Unit No. 20, 1931- 1949; Roy C. Blodgett, Unit No. 21, 1932-1960; V. A. Bujan, Unit No. 22, 1932-1934; Henry Corry, Unit No. 23, 1932-1961; W. E. Dunlap, Unit No. 24, 1932-1956; J. F. Cook, Unit No. 25, 1938-1956; Charles H. Fuller, Unit No. 26, 1938-1957; Coney T. McMains, Unit No. 27, 1938- 1965; Holt P. Daniels, Unit No. 28, 1940-1957; M. F. Russell, Unit No. 29, 1943-1958; James E. McNary, Unit No. 30, 1947-1972; I.E. Wicker, Unit No. 31, 1947-1958; Charles Barfield, Unit No. 32, 1948-1967; David O. Duncan, Unit No. 33, 1948-1961;
ORDERS FOR TUESDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2021
Charles E. Schumer (Democrat, NY) \u2014 2021-12-6

. Finally, , I ask unanimous consent that when the Senate completes its business today, it adjourn under the provisions of S. Res. 470 until 10 a.m Tuesday, December 7; 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, and morning business be closed; that upon the conclusion of morning business, the Senate proceed to executive session to resume consideration of the Rosenworcel nomination postcloture; that all postcloture time on the Rosenworcel nomination expire at 11:30 a.m and the Senate recess following the cloture vote on the Hamilton nomination until 2:15 p.m. to allow for the weekly caucus meetings; further, that if cloture is invoked on the Hamilton nomination, all postcloture time expire at 2:15 p.m and that if cloture is invoked on the Mangus nomination, all postcloture time expire at 5:30 p.m.; finally, that if any of the nominations are confirmed during Tuesday's session, the motions to reconsider be considered made and laid upon the table and the President be immediately notified of the Senate's action.
TRIBUTE TO ANN ``ANDI'' MATHIS
Chris Van Hollen (Democrat, MD) \u2014 2021-12-6

I stand today to extend my heartiest congratulations to Ann Mathis--``Andi''--as she prepares to retire from the National Endowment for the Arts--NEA--after 42 years of dedicated service. prgtoken A resident of Bethesda, MD, Andi has served as the NEA's program specialist for States and regions, using her expertise in arts management and best practices in grantmaking to support the work of 50 State arts agencies, six regional arts organizations, and six U.S. Territories. prgtoken Andi first joined the NEA after graduating from Cornell University and then earning a master's degree in community arts management from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. Andi began her career in the NEA's Grants Office and Office of Management Analysis before settling into her role with States and regions in the Partnership Division. prgtoken During her distinguished tenure, Andi has nurtured partnerships with State arts agencies and regional arts organizations, building a network that has extended the reach of Federal support for the arts. As a guiding force in the NEA's Partnership Division and a font of institutional knowledge, Andi's expertise, dedication, and sense of humor have made her a beloved icon in national arts funding. Often, State and local officials would line up, literally, to obtain Andi's guidance and insight. prgtoken Andi's efforts have included extensive work with both the Maryland Arts Council and Maryland's Mid Atlantic Arts Foundation. She was also instrumental in centering the role of arts and culture in Federal disaster relief and recovery efforts, representing the NEA on disaster preparedness task forces and Federal Government working groups. Her outstanding work at the NEA has earned her numerous Distinguished Service Awards and other commendations over the years. prgtoken Andi's greatest pleasure has always been her beautiful family. While at the NEA, she married, had two daughters, Allison and Melinda, and now delights in her daughters' growing families, which enabled Andi to become ``Grandi.'' A devoted mother and grandmother, Andi is renowned for her sewing prowess and her own line of ``Grandi'' children's clothing. prgtoken After more than four decades in the Federal Government, Andi plans to continue her legacy of service in retirement, working in the area of adult literacy, which will include tutoring through the Literacy Council of Montgomery County. We know that she will take seriously the Jewish tradition of tikkun olam, repairing the world, as she continues to make a difference in the lives of others. prgtoken I ask my colleagues to join me in extending our gratitude to Andi Mathis for her outstanding service to our Nation and in sending our best wishes to her as she begins her next adventure.
Remembering Robert J. Dole (Executive Session)
Richard J. Durbin (Democrat, IL) \u2014 2021-12-6

I learned this morning about the passing of Senator Robert Dole. What an extraordinary person he was. prgtoken It was not my good fortune to serve with him in the U.S. Senate, but as a Member of the House of Representatives, I knew his work. (Ms. DUCKWORTH assumed the Chair.) prgtoken I can remember when we enacted the Americans with Disabilities Act. Tom Harkin was our leader on the ic side. He had a member of his family who suffered a disability, and Tom was always sensitive to that. But Bob Dole's leadership on the other side, from the side, made a remarkable difference because we knew that Bob Dole was not speaking about disability as some other person's experience but, frankly, his own. prgtoken I don't know what measure of courage Bob Dole showed before he served the United States in World War II, but we all knew that experience led him to a battleground injury, which he carried the rest of his life. It was amazing to me that he kept his public life so active despite the limitations that he faced. His loss of use of one arm put him in a position where he was compromised in many ways every single day. Yet he soldiered on, literally, to serve his Nation, not only in the Armed Forces but also in the U.S. Senate to pass legislation, major legislation like the Americans with Disabilities Act. It is remarkable that he lived as long as he did and faced the injuries that he did. prgtoken I would say, , you know better than most what we are speaking of with Senator Dole's contribution to his country and the battle he continued to wager the rest of his life. prgtoken I respect him so much and hope the Senate will just pause for a moment to not only reflect on him, Elizabeth Dole, and his family but also on the fact that his bipartisanship made the difference in the lives of ordinary Americans. He was willing to sit down with the party on the other side of the aisle, compromise, and be determined to get things done. Shouldn't we do the same in his honor? I think we should.
ADDITIONAL STATEMENTS
Margaret Wood Hassan (Democrat, NH) \u2014 2021-12-6

today I pay tribute to Coach Sean McDonnell, who recently announced his retirement after leading the University of New Hampshire football team for the past 23 years. I am deeply grateful for his leadership on and off the field and the impact that he has made on countless students. prgtoken Coach McDonnell has been a staple of UNH football for decades. After playing defensive back for the Wildcats from 1975 to 1978, he later returned to serve as an assistant coach, before taking over as head coach in 1999. prgtoken Under his leadership, the Wildcats saw much success. The team made 14 consecutive appearances in the NCAA's Football Championship Subdivision--FCS--playoffs and reached the semifinals in 2013 and 2014. As a result of his hard work, Coach McDonnell was named a two-time national coach of the year in the FCS. prgtoken But his reach goes far beyond the scoreboard. Known as Coach Mac, he served as a mentor and role model for countless young people. Above all, he was deeply proud of how those students and players represented the University of New Hampshire and our entire State. prgtoken Coach Sean McDonnell has left a lasting legacy in the Granite State. I thank him for all of his hard work and wish him the best in his well- deserved retirement.
Remembering Robert J. Dole (Executive Session)
Patrick J. Leahy (Democrat, VT) \u2014 2021-12-6

I thank the distinguished leader for his words and his statement about our friend Bob Dole. I also agree with him in that we have to stay here and get this work done. prgtoken , as someone who has observed the evolution of relations between the United States and Cuba for nearly 50 years, particularly since I first traveled there in 1999, I find the situation between our two countries today bewildering, tragic, and exasperating. prgtoken Bewildering, because senior Administration officials--who have publicly and privately acknowledged that the 60-year policy of unilateral U.S. sanctions, isolation, and threats has failed to achieve any of its objectives and instead has hurt the Cuban people--have prgtoken nevertheless adopted that same failed policy as their own. prgtoken Tragic, because the policy has emboldened Cuba's hard-liners who have cracked down even more on citizens who dare to peacefully protest about shortages of food, medicine, and electricity, and against government repression. And it has exacerbated the crisis that has engulfed the island due to the COVID pandemic and the government's dysfunctional economic policies. prgtoken Exasperating, because anyone who understands Cuba could have predicted what has happened since the Administration reversed the Administration's policy of engagement and would have taken steps to mitigate it. Instead, the current policy is making the situation even worse. prgtoken For the past ten months, I have urged the White House to not repeat past mistakes when it comes to our relations with Cuba's government and the Cuban people and to pursue a policy based on our longterm national interests. I deeply regret that has not yet happened. prgtoken Instead, this administration's policy, so far, has been dictated by a tiny but vocal constituency in this country that has always opposed U.S. engagement with Cuba. It is a policy that history has shown is doomed to fail. prgtoken Currently, the United States and Cuba have diplomatic relations, but to what end? There is no meaningful diplomacy being conducted, and our Embassy in Havana and Cuba's Embassy in Washington are barely functioning. Consular operations have ceased. The dialogues we had with the Cuban Government on issues of mutual interest, from law enforcement to human rights to public health--dialogues the Administration cut off--have not resumed. How can this be in our national interest? prgtoken While Cuba remains on the list of state sponsors of terrorism due to a last-minute, politically driven, vindictive, and factually indefensible decision of the administration, we continue to have diplomatic relations. Is this not irreconcilable? And whatever became of the administration's review of that deeply flawed designation which was promised months ago? prgtoken Cultural, scientific, and educational exchanges have largely ended. This is neither justified nor in our national
Build Back Better Act (Executive Calendar)
Rob Portman (Republican, OH) \u2014 2021-12-6

I am here on the Senate floor again this evening to talk about the so-called Build Back Better legislation. prgtoken This is legislation that are trying to push through the process here on a purely partisan basis under what is called the reconciliation process. prgtoken I believe this massive tax-and-spend bill is irresponsible at a time when we prgtoken see an uncertain economy, thanks in large measure to all of the challenges we are now finding with regard to COVID, and Omicron in particular, at a time of really high inflation that is hurting my constituents and everybody's constituents in this Chamber, and at a time of record levels of debt. Certainly, this is not a time for us to put out another piece of legislation that spends dramatically more money and also has big tax increases on the economy. prgtoken This is the 10th consecutive week while Congress has been in session that I have come to the floor to talk about reasons I believe this legislation is bad for America. prgtoken As we have talked about before, this massive new spending bill represents the largest amount of spending of any legislation ever passed by the U.S. Congress. This is a big deal. prgtoken Now, some would say: Well, the official score is only $1.7 trillion so it is the second largest because the first largest would be the $1.9 trillion that was already spent earlier this year. That is fine. You can say that, but what sets this legislation apart, as a number of analysts have shown us, including the Penn Wharton study, is that a lot of the spending in this bill, the costs of the bill, have sunsets. So it camouflages the full cost of the bill. prgtoken I will give you an example of one of the major spending priorities that is going to end up costing a lot more than estimates say. The enhanced child tax credit from the March spending bill is extended for 1 year in this legislation, which means that after next year, this new benefit people have come to expect would be cut off. prgtoken Based on the history here in Congress, that is not how it operates. Benefits like this are not ended. So if it doesn't end, and these programs ended up not being sunset, Penn Wharton estimates that the total spending on this bill goes from around 1.75 trillion to about $4\1/2\ trillion. Wow. More than double the largest spending bill ever considered by the U.S. Congress. prgtoken At a time of record debts and deficits, my hope would be that and the administration have come up with a responsible way to pay for this multitrillion-dollar reconciliation package. prgtoken Unfortunately, some of us have been arguing for months that this legislation is about as far as responsibly paid for as you can get. One of the primary sources of proposed revenue is a series of tax hikes that, despite what might say, hits the middle class, hits families in the middle class, hits small businesses the hardest. prgtoken As an example, t
Remembering Robert J. Dole (Executive Session)
Jerry Moran (Republican, KS) \u2014 2021-12-6

it is an honor to be here this afternoon to address my colleagues of the U.S. Senate, and it is an honor that you sit in the Chair as I do so, as I pay tribute to the Honorable Senator Bob Dole. prgtoken I was in church on Sunday. I got out of church--it is Advent; Christians are preparing for Christmas--only to learn that during that church service, Bob Dole had died. It has been the topic of conversation by Kansans ever since--not that kind of curiosity conversation that sometimes you have when someone passes away but that deep respect, that concern, that care, that appreciation for a life well-lived. prgtoken Senator Dole grew up down the road from where I grew up. I remember kind of the earliest conversation with my own dad about World War II experiences was that Bina Dole, Bob Dole's mother, as well as my grandmother were on party lines, and the conversation between my grandmother and Mrs. Dole was the terrible circumstance that her son Bob Dole had experienced in the battlefields of Italy. prgtoken My dad, who served in World War II and served in northern Africa, Italy, was in the neighborhood, and the request of one neighbor to another, one party line participant to another: Do you think there is any way that Ray could find out how Bob is doing? prgtoken So my earliest recollection, my earliest understanding of the life of Bob Dole was as a soldier, a member of the Army, a person who served in World War II and was horrifically injured. My view is--and I don't know this, but having known Bob Dole and having seen the consequences of his life, what I think is true is that that experience, the near-death experience, the expectation not to survive, and the long road to recovery created in Bob Dole, in his mind and heart, a different circumstance and a different result than if that never happened. prgtoken People talk about Bob Dole's life as a Member of Congress. He was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives in 1960. I was asked over the weekend: When did you meet Bob Dole? And I can't remember the first instance, but he was my Congressman. I was engaged in politics as a teenager, and Bob Dole was always there at every gathering. And so I grew up in politics around him, but never with the--other than the sense that this is somebody we really respect. prgtoken In 1968, Congressman Bob Dole became Senator Bob Dole and his life in this body and his life in the House of Representatives culminated in amazing achievements on the legislative battlefield. prgtoken But when people ask me, ``What do you remember or what made Bob Dole Bob Dole?'' my view is his service to America in World War II. I think it made him more aware of people who were struggling, people who had disabilities. I think he saw the challenges that people from across the country faced as a result of their service. He saw the challenges that people in foreign countries experienced in World War II. prgtoken And when w
Vote on Rosenworcel Nomination (Executive Calendar)
John Thune (Republican, SD) \u2014 2021-12-6

. The following Senators are necessarily absent: the Senator from Tennessee (Mrs. Blackburn), the Senator from Louisiana (Mr. Cassidy), the Senator from Tennessee (Mr. Hagerty), the Senator from Nebraska (Mr. Sasse), the Senator from Pennsylvania (Mr. Toomey), and the Senator from Alabama (Mr. Tuberville). prgtoken Further, if present and voting, the Senator from Tennessee (Mrs. Blackburn) would have voted ``yea.''