mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
HONORING THE LIFE AND ACHIEVEMENTS OF FORMER UNITED STATES SENATOR PAUL SPYROS SARBANES
Debbie Stabenow (Democrat, MI) \u2014 2020-12-8

I rise this evening with my colleagues from Maryland and with Senator Reed from Rhode Island to pay tribute to someone whom I was lucky enough to have as a mentor when I first entered the Senate. And I want to associate myself with all of the wonderful words of my friends from Maryland. prgtoken With any new job, there is a learning curve. There are certainly things that you don't know and that you don't even know enough to know you don't know. That certainly is true in the Senate. prgtoken In 2001, I was a former Member of the House who had just been elected to the Senate. It was an exciting time--a lot of new people to meet, rules to learn, and procedures to follow. One of my new assignments was the Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs Committee, where Senator Sarbanes served as the chairman. prgtoken By that time, Senator Sarbanes was already an institution. As my colleagues have mentioned, he introduced the first article of impeachment against President Richard Nixon, as a junior Congressman. And as a freshman Senator in 1978, he was a forceful advocate for treaties that gave control, among other things, of the Panama Canal to Panama. So it felt a little surreal to find myself at the table with a brilliant leader like Senator Paul Sarbanes. prgtoken But he could not have been more gracious and more generous with his time for me as a freshman Member. He was always willing to answer my questions. He was a wonderful mentor. We, of course, worked on banking issues together, including the crafting of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act, where I was able, up close, to watch his legislative mastery. prgtoken We also worked on public transit provisions in our transportation bill, which was very important for us in Michigan. prgtoken We shared a passion for protecting our water. My colleagues have talked about the Chesapeake Bay. For me, it was the Great Lakes, and we often talked about the beauty of the lakes, as well as the bay. prgtoken Senator Sarbanes gave his final speech on the Senate floor on this very day, 14 years ago. He was a humble man, and his remarks were quite brief. He closed, in part, with this: ``I want my colleagues to know how deeply I appreciate their friendship and [their] counsel and how highly I value the privilege of having been their colleague.'' prgtoken Today, I can say exactly the same words about Senator Paul Sarbanes. He was a statesman, and I was lucky enough to call him my friend. I value the privilege of having been his colleague. prgtoken I want to offer his family, including Congressman John Sarbanes, all of Paul's friends, and the entire State of Maryland my deepest condolences. We have lost an incredible leader and public servant. prgtoken .
PUERTO RICO RECOVERY ACCURACY IN DISCLOSURES ACT OF 2020
Sheila Jackson Lee (Democrat, TX) \u2014 2020-12-8

as a senior member of the Judiciary, Committee, I rise in strong support of H.R. 683, the ``Puerto Rico Recovery Accuracy in Disclosures Act of 2019'' or ``PRRADA Act,'' which conditions compensation of professional persons retained under the congressionally passed ``Puerto Rico Oversight, Management, and Economic Stability Act'' (``PROMESA'') upon the applicant providing certain disclosures similar to those required under Bankruptcy Code section 327. prgtoken In response to dire fiscal issues facing Puerto Rico at the time, Congress passed Pub. L. 114-187, the ``Puerto Rico Oversight, Management, and Economic Stability Act'' or ``PROMESA'' in 2016, legislation I strongly supported and cosponsored. prgtoken The Act established the Financial Oversight and Management Board (Board), a fiscal control board comprised of seven members that would have control over Puerto Rico's budget, laws, financial plans, and regulations. prgtoken It empowered the board to propose a budget for Puerto Rico and restructure its obligations owed to bondholders, estimated to be $6.5 billion, and other creditors. prgtoken Although largely patterned on chapter 11 of the Bankruptcy Code, PROMESA did not incorporate all facets of chapter 11 and other relevant provisions of the Code. For example, although the Board is authorized to retain and compensate professional persons in connection with its efforts to reorganize Puerto Rico, PROMESA does not include certain restrictions that the Bankruptcy Code requires for such purposes. prgtoken For example, Section 327 of the Bankruptcy Code, unlike PROMESA, authorizes professional persons, such as attorneys, financial advisors, appraisers, and others, to be retained in connection with the administration of a bankruptcy case provided they meet the following conditions: first, such a person must not hold or represent an interest adverse to the bankruptcy estate; and second, the professional must be a ``disinterested person.'' prgtoken As I indicated at the outset, H.R. 683, the ``Puerto Rico Recovery Accuracy in Disclosures Act of 2019'' or ``PRRADA,'' conditions compensation of professional persons retained under PROMESA upon the applicant providing certain disclosures similar to those required under Bankruptcy Code section 327. prgtoken In addition, it would require the United States Trustee to review such I disclosures and submit comments in response to the court as well as authorize the United States trustee to object to compensation requested by professionals. Further, the measure would apply retroactively to professionals who have previously been awarded compensation. prgtoken Finally, H.R. 683 would authorize the court to deny allowance of compensation for services and reimbursement of expenses accruing after the bill's enactment date if the professional person did not comply with the disclosure requirement, was not a disinterested person, or represented or held an interest adverse to the b
THE ONE STOP SHOP COMMUNITY REENTRY PROGRAM ACT OF 2020
Karen Bass (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2020-12-8

. Madam , such time as I may consume. prgtoken Madam , I am proud to be the author of H.R. 8161, The One Stop Shop Community Reentry Program Act of 2020, and I urge my colleagues to support this important reentry measure and pass this bipartisan bill today. prgtoken I would like to take a moment to give a special thanks to Representative Guy Reschenthaler for his support. prgtoken H.R. 8161 will provide much-needed resources to especially communities with a disproportionate number of returning citizens. The idea of the bill is to provide grants to establish a centralized process to assist individuals returning to their communities after incarceration. It acts as a bridge by providing guidance to those who are leaving prison and jails on how to become productive members of their communities. prgtoken The concept of the bill is that funding would be provided to communities and neighborhoods to establish programs where people who are formerly incarcerated can run the program to essentially be a hand- holding bridge for people who are coming out of facilities to help them reintegrate into the community. prgtoken Many things that we might take for granted, such as getting your ID, getting a driver's license, paying your back child support, learning how to use transportation or the latest technology are things that can lead to recidivism for people if they are not able to reintegrate. prgtoken If you don't have a driver's license and you come from communities like mine in Los Angeles, without a car, it is virtually impossible to have a job that would allow you to support yourself. prgtoken Establishing a one-stop center where formerly incarcerated people are involved in every aspect of the management and running of the center will allow people to be reintegrated. prgtoken This Congress, in a series of hearings, the Judiciary Committee heard the challenges faced by people who are recently released. Sadly, these stories have only gotten worse over the years because, as we have incarcerated more people, we have also passed laws that essentially do not allow them to function in the legal economy, and we shouldn't be surprised when people recidivate. prgtoken For example, in some prisons, we have training programs. In California, we had a training program to teach people who were incarcerated how to be barbers, but then we passed laws that said we wouldn't allow formerly incarcerated people to get a barber's license. So that type of reintegration bridge is what this bill addressed. prgtoken As we have passed policies that lead formerly incarcerated people outside of the legal economy, in these communities where there is a disproportionate number, you actually can see an increase in crime rate, because people will do whatever is needed to survive, and many times that means going back to illegal activity. prgtoken Each year, over 650,000 people are released from custody. Finding jobs, job training, housing, and place
CONFERENCE REPORT ON H.R. 6395, WILLIAM M. (MAC) THORNBERRY NATIONAL DEFENSE AUTHORIZATION ACT FOR FISCAL YEAR 2021
Jackie Speier (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2020-12-8

I thank the gentleman for the time and for his outstanding leadership, patience, and perseverance. prgtoken I also thank Ranking Member Thornberry for his many years of distinguished service to our Nation, both in the military and in Congress. prgtoken , I thank the ranking member of the committee, Mr. Kelly; also the committee staff, Craig, David, Hannah; and my personal staff, Josh, Brian, and Luke. prgtoken Before I speak about the conference agreement, I feel like I must speak about the Fort Hood Independent Review, which was ordered after Specialist Vanessa Guillen's murder. This is the report. It is being released in a matter of 3 minutes by the Secretary of the Army. I won't go into details, but I will say that it is a damning expose of a system at Fort Hood that does a shameful disservice to the sacrifices of our servicemembers and their families. prgtoken The report makes clear what I have been saying since before I was on the Armed Services Committee, that the Army sexual assault and harassment response has failed, that servicemembers are afraid to report, believe they will not be taken seriously and will be retaliated against, and that major systemic changes are needed, including greater independence from the chain of command for handling sexual assault and harassment. prgtoken Any parent reading this report would have to ask themselves: Is my son or daughter safe in the military? prgtoken This bill is not perfect. Important provisions on sexual assault and domestic violence were left out. But this conference agreement would make progress, including a new confidential reporting option for sexual harassment and a provision to ensure that servicemembers who report sexual assault are not disciplined for related minor infractions. prgtoken It also includes a pay raise for servicemembers, long-overdue provisions to promote racial and gender equity within the armed services, including goals for accessions and promotions of persons of color and women, as well as the creation of a new deputy inspector general for diversity and inclusion that will investigate White supremacists' activities by servicemembers. prgtoken Additionally, the bill expands support for childcare and provides for exceptional family member services. prgtoken Therefore, I will be voting for the bill, and I hope my colleagues will join me in this I urge my colleagues to recognize that this is just the beginning. We have more to do. More lives are lost and must be accounted for.
Tribute to Tom Udall (Executive Session)
Richard J. Durbin (Democrat, IL) \u2014 2020-12-8

I had the privilege of knowing Tom Udall's uncle when I served in the House of Representatives. He was not only a great leader, but he was a funny man. I have repeated some of his lines and jokes so often. I don't even give him credit anymore. I hope his family and his memory will forgive me. prgtoken I have often repeated his prognosis for politicians. Morris Udall said: Once you get politics in your bloodstream, only embalming fluid will replace it. I have often thought of what drives us, the men and women of the Senate and the House, to continue to engage in this life's work of politics, with all the cost that it incurs in our lives. Clearly, we are driven by something more than just comfort. prgtoken To my friend, Tom Udall, let me say I am glad you proved your uncle wrong. As much as I wish you were staying with us for a while longer, I know that you are not leaving public service. You never will. You are just leaving this chapter. prgtoken In the Udall family, public service is a noble tradition. Your uncle always served with honor in the House for three decades. Your cousins-- Mark Udall, Mike Lee, and Gordon Smith--have all served in the Senate. Your father, Stewart Udall, answered President Kennedy's call for the best and brightest and served as President Kennedy's Secretary of the Interior. prgtoken I want to mention one footnote that should never be forgotten, particularly at this moment in history. When we watch the NFL and their dedication to the notion of Black Lives Matter, they should remember that over 50 years ago, it was your father, as Secretary of the Interior, who said to the NFL football team that was using RFK Stadium that they had to integrate and bring in their first Black player or he wasn't going to renew their Federal lease on that premises. He changed, overnight, the fate of that Washington football franchise when it came to the issue of race. That shows the kind of leadership which 50 years later looked so visionary. prgtoken But when it comes to preserving America's national treasures in the 20th century, the Udall name ranks right up there with Teddy Roosevelt. Roosevelt was a giant of conservation. He believed that we have a moral obligation to preserve our planet and the treasures of it for future generations. prgtoken I have no doubt that your father and your mother would be proud of your service in the Senate. You have carried on this legacy with such perfection by preserving America's irreplaceable national treasures. I have vivid memories of two majestic national monuments that are in Utah--Bears Ears and Grand Staircase-Escalante. President showed real leadership in creating those monuments, and you have led the fight to preserve them through the current administration. prgtoken The passion with which you spoke about the history and importance of these treasures is something I will never forget. I was proud to cosponsor your proposal, the ANTIQUITIES
ACKNOWLEDGING THE BIRTHDAY OF J. T. JOHNSON
Kwanza Hall (Democrat, GA) \u2014 2020-12-8

I rise today to discuss the public health pandemic that ravages our Nation. prgtoken As COVID-19 cases and deaths continue to rise, I believe that our country is at an inflection point in which our actions and ability to provide relief to struggling Americans will define our commitment to the American people for generations to come. prgtoken As the Member of Congress tasked with looking after the seat that the late Representative John Lewis held for over 33 years, I know that he would want me to speak up and speak loudly about the need for Congress to pass a comprehensive stimulus bill in response to this unprecedented pandemic. prgtoken Having survived COVID-19 myself after dealing with it for over 3 weeks this summer, I am committed to doing everything I can to ensure that we crush this virus and provide for the American people. prgtoken Like John Lewis once said: ``Governments and corporations do not live. They have no power, no capacity in and of themselves. They are given life and derive all their authority from their ability to assist, benefit, and transform the lives of the people they touch.'' prgtoken As the struggle mounts for the people in Georgia's Fifth Congressional District, it is clear to me that the Congress of the United States must act, and act swiftly. The latest report shows that, by the end of this year, without additional relief from the Federal Government, one in six Americans will go hungry, 20 million renters could face eviction, and small businesses, which are already being disproportionately impacted, will continue to suffer. prgtoken I know that the late Representative John Lewis would have taken every opportunity to use his voice and speak up for those who would not have food on their table if not for food banks. I know that he would have taken every opportunity to speak up for those at risk of losing the roof over their head, and I know that he would have taken every opportunity to speak up for the small and minority-owned businesses which cannot survive without help. prgtoken Just last week, it was reported that the Atlanta businesses that have managed to remain open are only making it by the slimmest of margins. Many of these struggling small and minority-owned businesses have never, even before the pandemic, had the access to the capital they need. prgtoken They need a pivot. The loans from the Paycheck Protection Program would certainly help them, and additional funds for this program must be included in any stimulus plan moving forward. prgtoken As the pandemic continues to impact communities in my district and across the country, I cannot help but urge my new colleagues to step up and take meaningful action. We cannot, and must not, leave the American people to deal with this virus alone. It is in the spirit of the Honorable John Lewis, our North Star and guiding light, that I say we must not leave Congress until we ensure that help is on the way. prgtoken , struggling Am
ADDITIONAL STATEMENTS
Margaret Wood Hassan (Democrat, NH) \u2014 2020-12-8

today I rise to honor the career of New Hampshire State Trooper Scott Frye, who recently retired from the force. prgtoken A native of Milford, NH, Scott served with the New Hampshire State Police for more than 22 years as a road trooper, a member of the narcotics unit, and most recently as head of the executive protection detail. During his time in executive protection, Scott served under three Governors, including for 4 years during my time as Governor. prgtoken Through our work together, I saw firsthand Scott's commitment to the Granite State. He always sees the big picture; he can step into a room and immediately assess it and the people in it, both as a security risk, but also for need. Scott can find a way to connect with and put almost anyone at ease. As a result, he is greeted as a welcome friend wherever he goes in New Hampshire. prgtoken While Scott served for nearly a dozen years on the security detail of Governors, he never lost sight of his commitment and obligation to protect the safety of every person in New Hampshire. prgtoken Scott's experience and deep understanding of the Granite State were an important benefit to those he worked with. When we would travel to sites of natural disasters during my time as Governor, Scott always had a sense about who needed to be checked in with and what a community or a public safety official needed in challenging times. Even when his day ended and he was officially off-duty, if he were on his way home and an extra State trooper was needed, he would be there to help in any way that he could. prgtoken Perhaps nothing exemplifies Scott's dedication, bravery, and heroism more than when he was driving Governor John Lynch in 2012 and they witnessed an accident. A car had gone through a guardrail, fallen into an embankment, and caught fire. Scott pulled over, and along with an off-duty firefighter, freed a man who was trapped in the vehicle--just seconds before it was engulfed in flames. For his lifesaving action, Scott was honored with a number of awards, including a Carnegie Medal, a national honor that recognizes those who risk their lives to an extraordinary degree while saving or attempting to save the lives of others. prgtoken Throughout his service, Scott approached everything with humor, kindness, and patience. He never complained, and he always served with an incredible amount of professionalism. prgtoken Above all, Scott's main commitment was to his family. His service would not have been possible without the support and love of his wife Susan, his sons Zachary and Matthew, and his extended family. prgtoken I am grateful for Scott's friendship and his years of dedication to the people of New Hampshire. His retirement is well-deserved, and I know that he will continue to look for ways to improve his community and the entire Granite State. prgtoken I hope that you will join me in recognizing the years of service of State Trooper Scott Frye.
Coronavirus (Executive Session)
Charles E. Schumer (Democrat, NY) \u2014 2020-12-8

everywhere you look, there are signs the country needs emergency Federal relief before the end of the year. Cases, hospitalizations, and deaths are rising. COVID restrictions are snapping back into place in cities and States around the country. Economists are warning of a double-dip recession if Congress fails to pass another round of fiscal stimulus. prgtoken The situation is really quite simple. There are flaring needs in the country, and we need to work across party lines to pass legislation to meet those needs. Let me say it again. We need both parties to sit down and compromise on legislation to help the American people. That is the only way to get legislation passed. But observers of this process seem to have lost track of this simple truth. The leader seems to have forgotten about it entirely. prgtoken Amazingly, it has been over 8 months since Congress came together to pass the CARES Act, and the leader's position has not budged. The majority leader continues to insist that the Senate accept one of his partisan proposals, each one of which has been sorely inadequate and each of which has contained poison pills designed to ensure the bill's failure. prgtoken The most conspicuous of these poison pills is the so-called ``red line'' the majority leader has tried to draw on the issue of corporate immunity. Contrary to the majority leader's dire predictions, there has been no flood of COVID lawsuits--in fact, quite the opposite. Almost a year into this pandemic, with nearly 15 million Americans infected and 280,000 lives lost to COVID-19, there have only been 111 COVID-related lawsuits filed regarding conditions of employment, 23 suits for personal injury for exposure to the coronavirus in a public place, and 11 COVID-related medical malpractice suits. prgtoken Far from a pandemic of lawsuits, there has barely been a trickle. Yet the leader continues to prevent Americans from getting the aid they so desperately need and deserve until he gets this piece of partisan, ideological legislation. Again, yesterday, while the leader was busy accusing of blocking ``bipartisan'' legislation that ``everyone agrees on''--his words--other Members of the leadership were making it clear that Leader McConnell continues to insist on this particular poison pill. The whip said that any relief must have corporate immunity provisions that ``satisfy Senator McConnell.'' prgtoken Imagine holding emergency aid hostage--help for the unemployed, help for small businesses, help to pay the salaries of police and firefighters, help for individual Americans, funding to deliver a vaccine--in order to give corporations legal immunity. But that has been the position for the past 8 months, and it is the leader's position today. prgtoken For the sake of bipartisan negotiations, leadership should forsake these hard-line positions. You can't