mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
LEGISLATIVE SESSION
Maria Cantwell (Democrat, WA) \u2014 2021-6-8

we have been working for almost a month to review and vet hundreds of amendments filed by my colleagues on both sides. You maybe followed the floor debate here, where we agreed to numerous amendments and had discussions on many more--I think 20, to be exact. prgtoken We had been working on a managers' package that was previously objected to before we left for the recess. Since then, we have been working diligently with our colleague Senator Wicker, on the Commerce Committee, to put forth a bipartisan package of amendments to improve the legislation. Many of these provisions have been great bipartisan efforts: Senators Ernst and Hassan's bipartisan amendment to improve transparency of the National Science Foundation grant funding; Senator Collins' amendment to require an update on implementation of the Energy Implementation Act; Senator Blackburn had a technical fix on studying the possible threats to our communications network and fiber optic transmission; Senator Warnock's amendment to clarify the definition of minority-serving institutions on STEM grants; Senator Cortez Masto worked on several bipartisan pieces of legislation to resolve issues on amendments dealing with critical minerals and recycling, something very important to us as a nation. prgtoken So, in total, we have 42 amendments--23 led by s, 19 led by --many of which, as I said, are bipartisan. These amendments would seek to improve the bill and accomplish Member priorities. And this is what happens when you negotiate on the Senate floor in regular order. You vote on amendments; you have some voice vote amendments; and you have a managers' package. prgtoken So I hope our colleagues will consider giving our colleagues a chance to have their amendments that have been agreed to accepted into this package. prgtoken So I ask unanimous consent that the following amendments be agreed to en bloc: Collins 1583; Fischer 1637; Johnson 1701; Shaheen 1758; Rubio 1777; Thune 1851; Wicker 1943; Hagerty 1958; Cotton 1964; Blunt 1988; Scott 2000; Ernst-Hassan 2017; Romney-Menendez 2025; Johnson 2048; Lujan 2082; Rosen 1768; Merkley 1823; Warnock 1980; Murray 1981; Hassan 2001; Warren-Rubio 2104; Collins 1622; Wicker 1801; Leahy-Tillis 2093; Van Hollen-Tillis 2049; Blackburn 2085; Cortez Masto 2083, which includes language from Senator Durbin; Lankford 1945; Baldwin-Braun 2026; Hyde-Smith 1933; Hyde-Smith 1841; Merkley-Rubio-Romney 2103; Ossoff 2105; Kennedy 2113; Barrasso 2094; Rubio 2106; Kaine 2090; Barrasso-Cardin 2101; Peters 2112; Cantwell 1905; Baldwin 2081; and Cardin-Wicker, as modified, 1782.
HONORING THE MEMORY OF THE VICTIMS OF THE HEINOUS ATTACK AT THE PULSE NIGHTCLUB ON JUNE 12, 2016
Rick Scott (Republican, FL) \u2014 2021-6-9

it is with heavy heart that I stand here today and remember this dark day in Florida's history. s for joining me to honor the 49 lives lost far too soon in a terror attack on Pulse nightclub nearly 5 years ago. While nothing can ever bring back the lives lost, I am glad we are able to come together to stand for love and kindness over hate and evil in this world. prgtoken .
Anniversary of the Pulse Nightclub Shooting (Executive Session)
Marco Rubio (Republican, FL) \u2014 2021-6-9

. Most Americans remember that horrifying day 5 years ago. I certainly do. I remember it was a morning, and I started getting text messages that something horrifying had happened in our home State. As we turned on the news, we could see that it already had been the deadliest attack on American soil since September 11 of 2001. prgtoken And the full horror of that day, of that night, came into focus, as I remember jumping in my truck and driving 3 hours to be on the scene. And it would be a few more days, or a few more hours, before we learned that it was an attack that was inspired by an ideology of hatred by an individual inspired by--who had pledged allegiance to a foreign terrorist organization, and in that context appeared there on that evening. It was an evening of tragedy. prgtoken It was, as Senator Scott mentioned, Latin night at the Pulse nightclub. This was a well-known nightclub in the LGBTQ community in Central Florida. And one would think no one should ever be--the last thing someone is worried about when they go out for a night with their friends is that they are going to be attacked by a radical jihadist terrorist in the United States. prgtoken We had seen similar attacks in London and France. And the realization that that could happen in Florida, just down the street from a small business furniture store whose owners I had gotten to know shook everyone, shook me. prgtoken Like most terrorist attacks, it sought not only to bring death but division and fear, to terrorize; and, clearly, there is a tremendous amount of pain that 5 years later is still there. prgtoken But from it, what also occurred was that it brought Floridians together, particularly those in Central Florida--first, hand in hand to grieve and then to preserve the memory of those whose lives were lost. The outpouring of love and support came not only from Florida but from Americans from all across the United States who shared in our grief and drew inspiration from the State's resilience. prgtoken Five years later, the process of mourning continues. The process of remembrance continues, but so, too, is Orlando as united as it was 5 years ago. It is a reminder to us that even with prgtoken all the challenges and threats we face, the threat of a radical, hateful ideology that can inspire people living here to take such horrifying actions, is something we should remain vigilant about. prgtoken And I want to thank my colleague Senator Scott for allowing me to partner with him on this resolution to remember not just that tragic day and to support the national Pulse Memorial but also to extend our continued condolences to those who suffered so greatly on that evening and to remind a nation of how we must remain vigilant against those who seek to terrorize
Biden Administration (Executive Session)
Chuck Grassley (Republican, IA) \u2014 2021-6-9

as my colleague from Iowa just said, something mysterious happened just before the holiday weekend when the budget was released. So just before Memorial Day, the administration released its long-awaited fiscal year 2022 budget proposal. prgtoken Having reviewed the proposal, it is obvious why they chose this timing to do it--because they hoped most Americans would be too distracted by their backyard barbecues and tributes to fallen heroes to even notice how outlandish this budget proposal is. Thank God, Presidents only propose, Congress disposes because we have the power of the purse. prgtoken I have bad news for my ic colleagues about the release of this; that the American public won't have the wool pulled over their eyes as easily as this administration thinks so by putting this out late Friday before the holiday weekend. Americans will see this budget for what it is, a very unserious political document containing a laundry list of liberal wish list policies unmoored from economic or fiscal reality. It would be funny if not for the very serious issues we currently face in our country, and this budget makes them worse. prgtoken In response to the pandemic, Congress understandably took bold actions to help individuals keep the roof over their head and to help small businesses keep their lights on. As a result, our national debt exploded because of the pandemic. It now exceeds the entire output of our economy, and this budget is going to make that situation even worse. prgtoken As we enter the postpandemic world, we need to address the very real issues about rising debt and deficits posing for our country over the long term. Otherwise, to quote the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office, ``a growing debt burden could increase the risk of a fiscal crisis and higher inflation as well as undermine confidence in the U.S. dollar.'' prgtoken The President's budget completely ignores potential fiscal and economic challenges that we all know are on the horizon. Taking the concept of ``never letting a crisis go to waste'' to a whole new level, the budget would put our country in a permanent crisis mode in terms of spending and debt levels. prgtoken In 2009, at the height of the financial crisis, the government spending peaked at 24.4 percent of GDP. Now, spending proposed under President 's budget would average even higher at 24.5 percent over the next decade. So what we had peaked in the 2009 year of the financial crisis is going to be just common for the whole next decade, and that is bad. prgtoken Moreover, the President's budget would set a new record for the debt as a share of the economy. According to the President's own rosy assumptions, debt as a percentage of GDP would reach 112 percent next year, shattering the World War II record of 106 percent of GDP. And by 2031, debt as a share of our economy would hit 117 percent of GDP. So how extraordinary a step this budget takes. A
REMEMBERING EARL MICHAEL WILLIS
Bill Cassidy (Republican, LA) \u2014 2021-6-9

I rise today to honor the life of a young man who was not only an intern in my congressional office but also a friend. Earl Michael Willis was born on May 29, 1993, in Baton Rouge and was the beloved son of Earl and Cristal Willis. He grew up in Brusly, LA, and attended Holy Family School and Catholic High School in Baton Rouge. Michael developed a strong connection to God during his formative years, especially through close friendship with Father Michael Allelo, and his Christian faith and values were an important aspect of his daily life. When Michael was in middle school, his sister Rachael Lynn passed away from cancer. From that point on, Michael's life was dedicated to his sister's memory, and he and his family participated in many Light the Night events. More recently, Michael and his wife Megan established a nonprofit foundation named ``Running for Rachael'' in honor of his sister. prgtoken Ever since working at River Road Day Care in Port Allen in high school, Michael was passionate about advocacy. At age 20, he became a legislative assistant to Cindy Bishop of Checkmate Strategies and went on to become the director of business development for the firm after finishing college. Michael graduated from Louisiana State University in May 2015 in political science. While at LSU, he was an active member of the Phi Kappa Psi fraternity and vice president of policy for The Center for Development and Learning, where he led the center's ``Literacy and Economic Development'' summit and led a highly successful ``Literacy Day at the Capitol.'' Michael married the love of his life, Megan Voda, on April 17, 2020. He possessed an incomparable measure of love and devotion for his wife, his parents, and all of his family. Sharing quality time with them was always atop his list of priorities. prgtoken Michael is survived by his wife Megan, parents Earl and Cristal Willis, brother Nicholas Boudreaux, nephews Noah and Nicholas Boudreaux, mother- and father-in-law Cris and Tim Voda, sister-in-law Katie Voda, his honorary nephews Beau Seymour and on Danna, his honorary nieces Lilly Seymour and Caroline Danna, and a host of aunts, uncles, extended family, and friends. Michael Willis was a truly loving and inspiring individual who always ensured that those around him felt loved, valued, and appreciated. He will be deeply missed, but his memory will live on forever in the hearts of those who knew and loved him.
Election Security (Executive Session)
John Cornyn (Republican, TX) \u2014 2021-6-9

the right to vote is the most fundamental and essential feature of our democracy. As Abraham Lincoln said, a government of the people, by the people, and for the people would not be possible if it weren't for citizens who cast their ballot at every available election. prgtoken From city councils, to school boards, to Presidents of the United States, the American people have a right and, I would argue, a duty to make their voices heard. In 2020, a record number of voters did just that. Nearly 160 million Americans cast their ballot, accounting for roughly two-thirds of all eligible voters. If you compare that to 2016, just 4 years earlier, 17 million more people voted in the last election. This included higher turnout across all racial and ethnic groups--African Americans, Caucasians, Hispanics, Asians. Each had a higher turnout this election. prgtoken When Congress originally passed the Voting Rights Act in 1965, the goal was to eliminate common discriminatory practices that were in place at that time. It was and it is a landmark piece of legislation. There is no question it has been an overwhelming success, and I think that is something we should celebrate as a nation. prgtoken In 2012, for the first time on record, turnout among Black voters was higher than for White voters. In 2020, both Asian and Hispanic voters turned out at the highest rate on record. We certainly have come a long way, as the preamble to the Constitution says, in our effort to form a more perfect Union, but we should not tire, nor falter, nor fail in our progress to make sure that everyone who has the right to vote has an opportunity to cast their ballot. prgtoken Before every election--and 2020 was no different--there is a widespread effort to register new voters and encourage more citizens to participate. In Texas, we set new records in registering and turning out voters. We turned out 11.3 million voters, 66 percent of those registered. In the years to come, I hope we will set new records and get more voters to the polls. I think that goal should be shared by every American. prgtoken But in addition to this work, we have a responsibility to protect the integrity of the ballot. This became a focus in particular after the 2016 election when we actually saw Russia try to interfere with the Presidential election that year. prgtoken In response, Congress provided hundreds of millions of dollars to shore up State election security measures and to help local officials safeguard future elections. Our intelligence community and particularly the National Security Agency and Cyber Command made sure that there were no cyber attacks or minimized the impact of potential cyber attacks on election voting systems, including voter registries and the like. The postmortem reviews were that they were pretty successful in deterring those sorts of attacks that occurred in 2016. prgtoken But it is not just up to the Federal Government; across
U.S. Competition and Innovation Act (Executive Session)
Charles E. Schumer (Democrat, NY) \u2014 2021-6-9

now, 68 to 32, that was the final vote tally last night for the U.S. Competition and Innovation Act--USICA--an overwhelming display of bipartisan support, a rarity on a major bill in this Senate. prgtoken I believe the final vote reflects the importance of the bill--of rededicating the Federal Government to science and technology; to outcompeting our adversaries, especially the Chinese Communist Party; to strengthening critical supply chains as well as our partnerships and alliances abroad. prgtoken I believe that future generations will look back on this competition bill as the turning point for American leadership in the 21st century. prgtoken I think the depth of the bipartisan support reflects the process we took as well. The kernel of the bill is legislation I wrote with Senator Todd Young, the Endless Frontier Act. We ultimately included legislation from six committees and input from every Member. Over 3 weeks, the Senate considered more than 20 amendments, the vast majority from s. In fact, the Senate even accepted an amendment from Senator Paul by voice vote. That doesn't happen too often around here. prgtoken Excluding budget resolutions, nearly as many amendments have received prgtoken rollcall votes on this one bill as on all the bills in 2017, when the s were in the majority--nearly as many amendment votes on this one bill as over that entire year. We are running the Senate in a different way. prgtoken So I want to thank my colleagues on both sides for their efforts, Senators Cantwell and Wicker for their excellent management of the bill, Senator Young for working with me from the beginning until the very end, Senators Menendez and Risch as well as Murray, Durbin, Peters, Brown, and Wyden, whom I am committing to working with to put real teeth into the anti-censorship provisions of this bill before it becomes law. Senator Wyden has been a hallmark on that. prgtoken Of course, the job is not done until the legislation moves through the House and onto the President's desk. prgtoken Now that the bill has passed the Senate, we are going to work with Pelosi and the relevant committee chairs in the House to move this bill forward as quickly as possible. prgtoken Of course, the House can bring in additional priorities, but I am intent on seeing the major thrust of this legislation become law. The bill is so important to the future of America that the House and Senate must come together and send President a bill he is very, very eager to sign. prgtoken Yesterday, the Senate took a bold, strong step toward boosting American science, technology, and innovation for decades. We are going to keep at it, keep at it until we cross the finish line.
Biden Administration (Executive Session)
Sheldon Whitehouse (Democrat, RI) \u2014 2021-6-9

I am here for one of my favorite days of the year on the Senate floor because today is the 249th anniversary of the Gaspee raid. I can only imagine what I am going to do next year when it is the 250th anniversary of the Gaspee raid. I may bring pyrotechnics onto the Senate floor, in violation of every rule. prgtoken The Gaspee raid is what Rhode Island abolitionist and writer Frances Whipple McDougall called the ``first blood'' drawn in America's struggle for independence, and I come every year to mark this important but overlooked event in American history. prgtoken Our typical history textbook tells us that the Boston Tea Party sparked the American Revolution in December of 1773. Remember that date: 1773, December. Massachusetts folks in Boston protested English taxation by pushing tea into Boston Harbor. It was a memorable protest. We ought to remember it. But we Rhode Islanders contend that a different spark 16 months earlier out on Narragansett Bay ignited the Revolution. The date was June 9, 1772, and the central players in this saga were two ships, one a little sloop, the Hannah, embarking from Newport for Providence, and the other a British customs schooner, the HMS Gaspee; hence the Gaspee raid. The Gaspee was under the command of Lieutenant William Dudingston of His Majesty's Royal Navy, patrolling Narragansett Bay. prgtoken The meeting of the Hannah and the Gaspee and the act of defiance that followed would be explosive. prgtoken Before I describe the encounter of the Hannah and the Gaspee, it is important to set the stage. prgtoken England's King George had overextended his empire during the Seven Years War, especially in the war's American theater known as the French and Indian War. The conflict was expensive to win, and by its end, Britain had taken on vast new territory and the cost of governing that territory, and the British national debt soon doubled. prgtoken Meanwhile, over the course of the 18th century, Rhode Island had become a prosperous, major distiller and distributor of rum and trader of goods. Now, the rum trade was a corrupt and immoral enterprise, a leg of which profited off the labor of enslaved Africans, but it was profitable, and the British were thirsty for customs duties. So the Crown tried to crack down on Rhode Island's trade, including its rum- running, to collect more customs revenue to pay down the King's debts. prgtoken King George's zeal for tax collecting in Narragansett Bay got a little out of hand. British officers started seizing cargo without evidence, leaving the cargo's owners with no recourse. They commandeered Rhode Islanders' ships on flimsy grounds and then used those commandeered ships to collect more customs duties. British authorities even pressed Colonial sailors into service, essentially kidnapping them and forcing them to work on the ships of the Crown prgtoken In one incident in July 1764, the customs ship HMS St. John seized cargo and
UNITED STATES INNOVATION AND COMPETITION ACT
Benjamin L. Cardin (Democrat, MD) \u2014 2021-6-9

the U.S. Innovation & Competition Act the Senate passed yesterday sends a loud, clear signal to the Government of the People's Republic of China and to the Chinese Communist Party: American foreign policy is grounded in our values, and we will work with our allies to defend our interests and to protect our friends. Enactment of this bill will place the United States in a much stronger position to thwart Chinese aggression, uphold human rights, increase U.S. competitiveness, and enhance our national security. prgtoken I am proud to have worked on a bipartisan basis with Chairman Menendez and Ranking Member Risch and other colleagues in both parties to put forward legislation ensuring that defense of human rights and good governance and upgrading our armory in the battle against corruption remains at the forefront of our national security policy. prgtoken This measure will complement the action President took just last week to define the fight against corruption as a ``core U.S. national security interest.'' In the National Security Study Memorandum the President released on June 3, he ordered a high-level review of how our government, our partners, and others can work together to combat illicit, corrosive corrupt activity. prgtoken The interagency review that he directed the National Security Advisor to lead should yield a robust strategy that brings all the tools at the disposal of the United States to bear on one of the most consequential problems we face. I look forward to seeing the results of this high- level report and working with the - administration to target corruption wherever we find it. In the meantime, the legislation the Senate has passed will provide the Executive with more tools. prgtoken While corruption is a global issue--no country is immune from the disease that is corruption--it is important that we bring this fight directly to the Chinese Government. S. 1260 calls for a report to Congress on the corruption and corrupt activities of the senior officials of the Government of the People's Republic of China so that the United States can expose these individuals and hold them accountable. prgtoken Congress cannot--and must not--turn a blind eye to the People's Republic of China's shocking, systematic abuse of its Uighur population, as well as of ethnic Kazakhs, Kyrgz, and other Muslim minority groups in the Xinjiang Uighur autonomous region. This ongoing genocide demands a forceful U.S. response. prgtoken The U.S. Innovation and Competition Act protects the innocent victims of these atrocities by authorizing appropriations for protecting human rights to include programs that prioritize the protection and advancement of the freedoms of association, assembly, religion, and expression for women, human rights activists, and ethnic and religious minorities in China. The bill also authorizes and encourages the imposition of sanctions relating to forced labor and with r