mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
VOTE ON MOTION TO PROCEED
Christopher Murphy (Democrat, CT) \u2014 2020-10-22

there are a lot of inscriptions--famous words, inspirational sayings--that are detailed into and painted onto the walls of the Capitol. One of my favorites, which I think also happens to be one of the shortest, adorns a wall, I believe, on the way into the House Chamber. The saying is attributed to Alexander Hamilton, and it reads, simply: Here, Sir, People Govern. prgtoken Here, Sir, People Govern. It is purposeful that that quote finds its way onto the walls of the Capitol Building because this is the branch of government that is given primacy by our Founders. It is no coincidence that we are the article I branch. Governing--the process of setting the rules by which the country lives--is supposed to happen here, in the article I branch, the elected wing of American democracy. prgtoken But as all of my colleagues know, there has been very little governing here happening of late. This Congress--this Senate--has been effectively dead. Here in the Senate, half the normal bills have been passed during this Congress, compared to normal years, and nearly one- third of that legislation that we have finished has just been renaming postal buildings or authorizing commemorative coins. In fact, over the last 2 years, the Senate has spent floor time on a grand total of 20-- 20--pieces of legislation that weren't routine or emergency spending measures. That is less than one bill a month. We are getting paid $170,000 a year to work on one substantive piece of legislation every 30 days. prgtoken Now, perhaps you could intellectually reconcile this legislative desert if there were no problems to solve in America, if not a single major change in law was necessary. That, of course, is not the case. A pandemic disease has killed over 200,000 Americans. An opioid crisis that rages largely unchecked took another 70,000 lives last year, just in drug overdoses alone. One out of 10 Americans are out of work today. Wildfires and hurricanes and droughts, caused by a man-made warming of the planet, ravage our landscape. No, there are really big problems that need to be solved--deadly problems, existential problems. prgtoken I keep searching for the reason that no legislation is happening here, especially since the Senate does actually seem to be doing something. I mean, I am here voting most weekdays. So we must not be totally out of business. No, in fact, the Senate has been doing something, and that something is confirming judges to a record number of vacancies in the Federal court system. prgtoken Those record vacancies were created by Senator McConnell, who refused--refused--to confirm any judicial nominees, including to the Supreme Court, during President 's final 2 years in office. And the primary reason that Senator McConnell has stopped passing legislation and has turned this institution into a judge-confirming simple machine is because the modern Party currently owns a policy agenda that is about
VOTE ON MOTION TO PROCEED
Chris Van Hollen (Democrat, MD) \u2014 2020-10-22

every day we see more Americans dying from COVID-19 and more Americans contracting this virus. As of today, we have hit the awful mark of over 220,000 Americans dead from COVID- 19, the highest death level in the entire world, and, with that, we are also experiencing the economic fallout and pain that has come with it. prgtoken It did not have to be this way. President knew about this deadly virus early on, and he could have and should have acted. But even at this moment, there are things that this U.S. Senate can be doing to both stop the spread of the virus and ease the economic pain. We could be taking up and voting on the legislation that passed the House of Representatives called the Heroes Act, which is a comprehensive emergency relief package for the American people--both addressing testing and contact tracing and other issues to stop the spread of the virus and providing essential economic relief to American families, workers, and businesses that are struggling from the fallout. prgtoken But we haven't even had a chance to vote on that bill here in the U.S. Senate. The Heroes Act was passed by the House more than 5 months ago, and then, recently, the House passed a revised version called Heroes 2.0. We tried to get a vote on that just this past Tuesday here in the U.S. Senate. It was blocked by the leader, Senator McConnell, and here we have 12 days to go until the election. Instead of focusing on that relief, we are trying to rush through and use an illegitimate process to put another Justice on the Court. prgtoken But there is something else that we should also be doing now instead of rushing a Justice on the Court, in addition to the Heroes Act, and that is defending the integrity of our democratic process and the integrity of our elections. prgtoken That is what brings me to the floor today because we have, of course, a few days to go--12 days, to be exact--to get to the election. Yet it has been years--not just 1 year, not just 2 years, not just 3 years-- years when some of us have been pushing to enact legislation here to defend against foreign interference in our elections--Russian interference, which we have known about since 2016, and interference from other adversaries. prgtoken So, yesterday, we heard from the Director of National Intelligence that there are foreign actors interfering in our elections and attempting to disrupt our process--Russia and Iran. Well, the question for the U.S. Senate is not the issue of whether we were going to have foreign interference. The question for the U.S. Senate is, Why did we sit back and do nothing about it for 3 years--for 3 years? prgtoken Senator Rubio and I introduced a bipartisan bill. It is called the DETER Act, which is very straightforward. It says that if we catch Russia and Putin interfering in our elections again, there will be automatic, swift sanctions, so if you are Vladimir Putin and you are thinking about int
STATEMENTS ON INTRODUCED BILLS AND JOINT RESOLUTION
Susan M. Collins (Republican, ME) \u2014 2020-10-23

I rise today. along with my colleague Senator Cardin, to introduce the Home Health Emergency Access to Telehealth Act or Heat Act. This bipartisan bill would help ensure that seniors who rely on home health care have the choice to receive these critical services through telehealth during the COVID-19 pandemic and future public health emergencies. prgtoken COVID-19 is the greatest public health challenge since the flu pandemic of 1918 and has claimed the lives of more than 200,000 Americans. This public health emergency has underscored the need for older adults and other at-risk populations to have access to health care in the home setting. Home-based care is crucial to ensuring that this pandemic does not create devastating long-term health consequences due to delayed care. The highly skilled and compassionate care that home health agencies provide are an important component of this inhome care. prgtoken I have been a strong supporter of home care since my very first home visit, which took place in my hometown in Aroostook County early in my Senate service. This experience gave me the opportunity to meet and visit with home health patients, where I saw first-hand what a difference highly skilled and caring visiting nurses and other health care professionals make to the lives of patients and their families. I have been a passionate advocate for home care ever since. prgtoken In March, my bipartisan home health legislation, the Home Health Care Planning Improvement Act, became law as part of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act. This new law will improve the access Medicare beneficiaries have to home health care by allowing physician assistants, nurse practitioners, clinical nurse specialists, and certified prgtoken nurse midwives to order home health services. Far too often seniors experience unnecessary delays in accessing home health care. To avoid these needless delays, it is common sense that other medical professionals who are familiar with a patient's case should be able to order these services. prgtoken Home health professionals have continued to provide face-to-face services during the COVID-19 public health emergency, but this crisis has created additional challenges, including the need to maintain an adequate supply of personal protective equipment to protect themselves, their patients, and their patients' families. The use of telehealth and virtual visits can help address these challenges. Unlike other Medicare providers, however, home health agencies are not eligible to receive Medicare reimbursement for telehealth services during the COVID-19 emergency. prgtoken In May, I led Congress' first hearing examining COVID-19's devastating impact on seniors. During the hearing, Dr. Steven H. Landers, President and CEO of the Visiting Nurse Association Health Group, testified that, despite this lack of Medicare reimbursement, his organization has found telehealth t
CELEBRATING THE MARRIAGE OF JIM BERT AND LYDIA LAUDERDALE
Trent Kelly (Republican, MS) \u2014 2020-10-23

. Madam , I rise today to celebrate the 50th wedding anniversary of Jim Bert and Lydia Lauderdale of Shannon, Mississippi. prgtoken Jim and Lydia attended different high schools, with Jim graduating from Shannon High School and Lydia graduating from Okolona High School. Jim went on to become a Mississippi State Bulldog, and Lydia attended Northeast Mississippi Community College where she earned a degree in Nursing. Jim and Lydia were married on Wednesday, October 23, 1970 in Starkville, Mississippi, but later made Shannon, Mississippi their home. prgtoken Five years after their marriage, Jim started his family business, Shannon Steel Service, while also helping his father's business, Tom Lauderdale Paper Company. At the same time, Lydia was working in hospitals and nursing homes all throughout North Mississippi before retiring as a school nurse for Lee County Schools. prgtoken Jim and Lydia are the proud parents of their two sons, Bert and Stewart Lauderdale, who work alongside Jim and Jim's brother, Tommy, in the family business. They are members of Shannon First United Methodist Church, and are also proud grandparents of six. prgtoken Their commitment to each other and the community is inspiring, and we wish them many more years of happiness.
HONORING STEVE AND LINDA WASHBURN OF PFLUGERVILLE, TEXAS
Bill Flores (Republican, TX) \u2014 2020-10-23

. Madam , I rise today to recognize the 30 years of service and ministry of Steve and Linda Washburn with First Baptist Church in Pflugerville and their work in the Pflugerville community. prgtoken First Baptist Church was founded in 1973 as a mission-minded ministry dedicated to sharing a passion for God's word and leading people to faith and salvation in Christ. prgtoken Under the guidance of Pastor Washburn, First Baptist Pflugerville has become an integral part of the community, where a strong sense of discipleship has led to the creation of many outreach programs-- including children and student ministries, a food pantry feeding thousands in the community each year, support groups for the hurting, and a church committed to keeping Christ at the center of the family. prgtoken Even as the church has grown, First Baptist Pflugerville has remained committed to their original mission-minded goals, and through the efforts of the congregation, thousands have found the joy, peace, and contentment that spring from a fulfilling and personal relationship with Jesus. prgtoken For the past 30 years, Pastor Washburn and his wife Linda have been a source of light, encouragement, and joy for the entire membership of First Baptist Pflugerville. Under their guidance, the church has seen significant change and growth from a membership of around 600 to 2,400. This growth allowed the church to build its current 1,500-seat worship center after outgrowing its first worship center built just a few years earlier. These buildings were necessary after outgrowing the old campus even after several years of providing three separate Bible study hours and worship services each Sunday. prgtoken Pastor Washburn's commitment to outreach and involvement have made him a pillar of the Pflugerville community as the ministry of the church strives to help and protect vulnerable and hurting citizens. His desire to help led him to author a book, ``Salt and Light,'' that Biblically explains many of the issues facing the Church and society today. prgtoken On October 25th, 2020, First Baptist Pflugerville is saying goodbye to Pastor Washburn and Linda as they begin the next chapter of their lives in retirement. There is no doubt that Pastor Washburn will continue to spread the Word of God no matter where retirement leads him. prgtoken I thank both Pastor Washburn and Linda Washburn for their down to earth and positive leadership of this congregation, and for their impact in spreading the Good News of Jesus Christ. prgtoken As I close today, I urge all Americans to continue praying for our country, for our military men and women who protect us, and for our first responders who keep us safe at home.
Cloture Motion (Executive Session)
Mitch McConnell (Republican, KY) \u2014 2020-10-23

colleagues, in my first experience with Supreme Court confirmations in the Senate, I was a young staffer for a junior Member of the Judiciary Committee. That was also the same time I met a young guy named Lamar Alexander, who had just left the Senate to go to the White House to work in Congressional Affairs. So I have had an opportunity for quite a long time to observe the confirmation process through various ups and downs--periods when nominees were confirmed almost overwhelmingly and periods during which they were heated, to put it mildly, contests over the nomination. prgtoken What I think you can safely say about the Senate over the last 40 or 50 years is that it is in an assertive period. In other words, viewing the whole process as a joint thing, the President has a role to play, and the Senate has a role to play. And at various times in the history of our country, the Senate has been pretty passive about it; at prgtoken other times, they have been pretty aggressive about it. But the Constitution is clear: The Senate has a role if it chooses to exercise it. prgtoken Rarely have we ever had a nominee as extraordinary as the one we have before us right now. We have had a chance to witness this outstanding nominee. We have watched her in committee. She has demonstrated she has the deep legal expertise, dispassionate judicial temperament, and sheer intellectual horsepower that the American people deserve to have on their Supreme Court. prgtoken Last week, we saw why fellow legal scholars called Judge Barrett ``a brilliant and conscientious lawyer who will analyze and decide cases in good faith,'' and they say she is ``tailor-made''--tailor-made--``for this job.'' prgtoken We saw why her former law clerks--her students--call her ``a woman of unassailable integrity'' and ``a role model for generations to come.'' prgtoken We saw why the American Bar Association--an institution the ic leader has called the gold standard--the gold standard-- deemed Judge Barrett ``well qualified'' to sit on the Supreme Court. And they heard why the legal professionals behind that rating called her--listen to this--``a staggering''--staggering--``academic mind.'' prgtoken The chair of the ABA Standing Committee on the Federal Judiciary told the committee directly that ``in interviews with individuals in the legal profession and community who know Judge Barrett, whether for a few years or decades, not one person''--not one, not one--``uttered a negative word about her character.'' prgtoken This outstanding nominee is exceptionally suited to this job, period. And I know we all know that. She is an exceptional nominee to the Supreme Court who will make the Senate and the country exceedingly proud. prgtoken There are few of us around here who have experienced the last 30 years up close and personal, and I am one of them. Others of you have followed parts of history from the outside, and now you are making history. <|
MORNING BUSINESS
Rand Paul (Republican, KY) \u2014 2020-10-23

for 100 years, the Rotary Club of Bowling Green, KY, has been committed to the highest standards of humanitarian service. The results of this century of engagement can be seen in successful projects throughout my hometown of Bowling Green, but also abroad, where our local Rotary Club has partnered with Rotary International to globally eradicate polio and to meet other enormous public health and safety needs. I was privileged to participate, along with one of my sons, in a project to bring clean, chlorinated water to an underserved community in Guatemala and to see, firsthand, the impact that the Rotary Club of Bowling Green is having in the lives of families and children in that country. This is a tremendous organization that deserves our recognition. I commend its current president, Alan Palmer, his board, and the current members--who give generously of their time, resources, and talents--for leading this organization into a new century of service.
RECOGNIZING THE REPUBLIC OF ARTSAKH
Adam B. Schiff (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2020-10-23

. Madam , I rise because for more than four weeks, Azerbaijan and Turkey have been waging war on Artsakh, bombarding civilians, churches, and committing possible war crimes. More than 800 soldiers have been killed repelling Azerbaijan's attacks, and dozens of civilians are dead. Estimates are that more than half of the civilian population of Artsakh has been displaced, sleeping in cars or open fields away from falling bombs, as winter approaches. prgtoken For decades, through the OSCE Minsk Group, the United States has supported a peaceful, democratic, and negotiated resolution to the dispute surrounding Nagorno Karabakh, or Artsakh. We have persisted in this policy even as Azerbaijan launched countless assaults and as their leadership frequently threatened war to redraw the line of contact by force, and as they rejected monitoring along the line of contact. prgtoken Today, it appears that Azerbaijan and Turkey are determined to make good on their threats. With bombs, and drones, and Syrian mercenaries, Turkey and Azerbaijan are pushing ahead with a war that has no end in sight. The Armenian people are the grandchildren and great- grandchildren of the genocide perpetrated a century ago by the Ottoman Empire, and the words and deeds of Erdogan and Aliyev today call to mind the crimes of one hundred years ago. prgtoken We cannot allow history to repeat itself. If Azerbaijan and Turkey have determined to wage war, the United States, the Minsk Group, and the International Community should make clear that they will not succeed in their aims. prgtoken And that if they persist in this violence, we must recognize the Republic of Artsakh as an independent nation. Doing so would send the strongest possible message that we will not allow border disputes to be settled by the indiscriminate and devastating use of force against civilian populations. prgtoken Aliyev and Erdogan must be made to understand that if they continue with this war, there will be consequences. The United States will not stand idly by.
IN RECOGNITION OF DR. JOSEPH I. CASTRO BEING NAMED CHANCELLOR OF THE CALIFORNIA STATE UNIVERSITY SYSTEM
TJ Cox (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2020-10-23

. Madam , I rise today to congratulate Dr. Joseph I. Castro on being named the eighth Chancellor of the California State University system. Dr. Castro will be the first California native and the first Mexican American to hold the chancellorship. In his role as Chancellor, he will oversee 23 campuses and 486,000 students throughout our nation's largest four-year higher education system. prgtoken Dr. Castro was born and raised in the small city of Hanford, in the heart of California's Central Valley. The grandson of Mexican immigrants and the son of a single mother, Dr. Castro knows well the challenges so many young men and women face in their pursuit of higher education. Like many of his students, Dr. Castro is a first-generation college graduate. He earned a B.A. in political science, a M.P.P. from the University of California, Berkeley, and later a Ph.D. in higher- education policy and leadership from Stanford University. prgtoken Since 2013, Dr. Castro has served as President of California State University, Fresno. Under his leadership, Fresno State attained a national ranking as one of the top universities in the country. The school was also recognized for its commitment and achievements to diversity. More than 60 percent of Fresno State's recent graduating class are the first in their families to attend a four-year institution. As President, Dr. Castro has led by example, encouraging Fresno State students, faculty, and staff to ``Be Bold'' in order to meet and overcome any challenge that would limit academic, personal or professional growth. prgtoken As an advocate for Fresno State and the California State University system, Dr. Castro serves on numerous boards, including the Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities' Governing Board, WASC Senior College and University Commission, Mountain West Athletic Conference Board, and the Stanford University Graduate School of Education Advisory Council. Before becoming President of Fresno State, he served for 23 years in the University of California system. From 2006 to 2013, he was Vice Chancellor of Student Academic Affairs and Professor of Family and Community Medicine at the University of California, San Francisco. prgtoken Earlier in his career, he held faculty and administrative leadership positions at four other University of California campuses including Berkeley, Davis, Merced and Santa Barbara. Dr. Castro has received five Excellence and Innovation Award from the American Association of State Colleges and Universities for his accomplishments at Fresno State. In 2018, he was named as CSU President of the Year by the California State Student Association. In 2016, he received the Alumni Excellence in Education Award from the Stanford University Graduate School of Education. Dr. Castro has also been honored with the Ohtli Award, which is highest honor granted by the Government of Mexico to recognize leaders who have empowered the lives of Mexican n