mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
Prevent Government Shutdowns Act (Executive Calendar)
James Lankford (Republican, OK) \u2014 2020-12-17

this all feels strangely familiar. It is the middle of December. We are facing a government shutdown, arguing behind the scenes over the final details, discussing whether we are going to do a short-term CR, wondering what is going to happen. Everyone has this sense that if we don't get the bill done by tomorrow, then we are going to end up in shutdown and all the problems that causes. prgtoken Senator Hassan and I stand in the back and hold up our hands and say: In February of last year, we proposed a solution to this that fits this exact scenario to keep us from holding Federal workers and all of our agencies in harm's way. prgtoken The ending government shutdowns bill is designed for this moment. For whatever reason, we have not been able to agree to pass it. It is a process document. It doesn't solve all of the policy issues we have. We have real policy differences, but we should not have process differences at moments like this. It is not good for the American people. It is not good for the U.S. Senate or the U.S. Congress to stand at the precipice of a shutdown and to say: Maybe we go over; maybe we don't. Maybe we have a short-term continuing resolution; maybe we pass the 12 appropriations bills. We shouldn't ever get to that moment. prgtoken Our simple idea is not a partisan idea. Senator Hassan and I released a simple, straightforward idea. You get to the end of the fiscal year, whenever that may be, and if we have not finished all the appropriations work, we continue working until it gets done. An automatic continuing resolution kicks in so that no Federal worker is worried that they are going to have furloughs right before Christmas; no agency is panicked about what happens next and who do I have to furlough and who do I have to keep and who is essential and who is nonessential. None of that happens. None of that waste occurs. We continue debating until we resolve the issue. That is all that it is. prgtoken We have 12 appropriations bills that are not done. Painfully, in this year of COVID, there have been only 22 total appropriations hearings in 12 months--22. That is 12 appropriations committees, 12 months, only 22 hearings total for all of them. prgtoken We have not completed the appropriations work on time, so now we are struggling with the what-ifs. Senator Hassan and I have a straightforward idea. Let's pass the end government shutdowns bill. Let's continue our negotiations so we don't have to be in the shadow of a shutdown again next year. prgtoken It is doable. It shouldn't be controversial. It should be obvious. When we get to a time period like this, if we are not complete, we keep working until it is done. In the meantime, we don't leave. It is the exact statement I have heard from everybody in the Chamber so far today. We need to stay until it is done. I agree. That should be the process every time we get to this moment. We stay until the work gets done. Our bill just man
IMPROVING MENTAL HEALTH ACCESS FOR STUDENTS ACT
John Kennedy (Republican, LA) \u2014 2020-12-17

suicide is the second leading cause of death for youth and for young adults aged 10 to 34. It is also the second leading cause of death among college students. Thirty-nine percent, in fact, of college students experience a significant mental health issue, and 50 percent of mental health issues begin by age 14. Seventy-five percent of them begin by age 24. prgtoken Senators Cornyn, Jones, Warren, Gillibrand, Rosen, and I have introduced the Improving Mental Health Access for Students Act. There is companion legislation in the House that is also bipartisan that has 51 cosponsors. prgtoken Our legislation is pretty simple. It would require colleges that participate in Federal student aid programs to share contact information for suicide prevention resources with their students, and this is how it works: prgtoken If a university distributes student ID cards--most do; not all of them do but most do--then the universities would be directed to include the phone numbers for the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, for the Crisis Text Line, and for a campus mental health center or program on the student ID card. If a university doesn't have a student ID card, they don't have to publish a student ID card just for that purpose. They can put the information on their websites. prgtoken The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is well known. It is a national network of over, I think, 180 local crisis centers. Those centers provide confidential emotional support to anybody in a suicidal crisis or emotional distress. They offer 24/7 services, and those services are free. prgtoken I would also point out that our legislation is also supported by the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, the National Alliance on Mental Illness, the National Association of School Psychologists, and 14 other mental health-related organizations. prgtoken Our legislation, finally, would not take effect until 1 year. So I don't want anyone to think that we are requiring our colleges to go out and immediately publish new student IDs. As they publish new student IDs when the current year runs out, we are just asking them to include this information on those IDs. prgtoken Toward that end, as if in legislative session, I ask unanimous consent that the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions be discharged from further consideration of our legislation, S. 1782, and that the Senate proceed to its immediate consideration.
Government Funding (Executive Session)
Mitch McConnell (Republican, KY) \u2014 2020-12-17

well, we in Congress are no strangers to December funding deadlines or the occasional pre-Christmas cliffhanger. prgtoken In that respect, the situation we face now is familiar. Funding for the Federal Government is hanging in the balance. In the next few days, Congress will either succeed or fail at providing secure and stable funding for our military commanders, our Federal Departments, and key investments for our future. prgtoken Fortunately, our colleagues on the Appropriations Committee and their House counterparts have been on the case. Bipartisan, bicameral committee work has full-year government funding legislation on the 1- yard line. prgtoken I am optimistic that if we can close out our other parallel business, we should be able to fund the government and move forward together. prgtoken But that brings me to the way in which this year is unlike anything we have seen before. It has been more than 9 months since our Nation began to feel the full force of the COVID-19 pandemic. The American people have done what Americans do when crises come knocking. prgtoken Essential workers have kept our Nation running. Healthcare professionals have worked day and night to care for strangers. Heroic American businesses have adapted, reinvented, and obeyed the advice of medical experts. prgtoken Now we can see the light at the end of the tunnel. Operation Warp Speed has given us safe and effective vaccines in record time, but the American people need another bridge to those better days that are not so far off. The country needs Congress to come through with another targeted rescue package. They have waited months. They have waited and suffered, and some have died while needless political games have played out. The American people's wait for more emergency assistance ought to be over. prgtoken For months, I have called for a targeted, bipartisan package that would put hundreds of billions of dollars into payroll support, testing, vaccine distribution, extended unemployment aid, safe schools, and other essential priorities. prgtoken So I am encouraged that our ic colleagues have now embraced this framework that has been the right solution for our country all this time. And a bipartisan, bicameral agreement appears to be close at hand. prgtoken The outline that I have been discussing with the ic leader, Pelosi, and Leader McCarthy would get another huge dose of bipartisan support out the door as fast as possible. prgtoken We have yet to nail down every detail, but in broad strokes, we have been discussing the targeted second round of the job-saving Paycheck Protection Program that s have sought since last summer. prgtoken We are discussing many tens of billions of dollars for distributing vaccines, COVID testing, and equipping safe schools to get our kids' educations back on track. We are discussing extending important unemployment programs. prgtoken At the particular urging of Presiden
IN HONOR OF STEVEN SIMS
John Joyce (Republican, PA) \u2014 2020-12-17

. Madam , I rise today to recognize Steven Sims of prgtoken Adams County, Pennsylvania for his service to Pennsylvania's 13th Congressional District on the 2020 U.S. Service Academy Nomination Committee. prgtoken Nominating exceptional candidates to attend our nation's service academies is one of my most important responsibilities in Congress. During this process, I rely on members of the Service Academy Nomination Committee, which is comprised of dedicated volunteers who have served our nation with distinction. prgtoken Steven is one of nine academy alumni who graciously volunteered their time to meet with and evaluate perspective nominees for the Class of 2025. As a graduate of the United States Military Academy in West Point, New York, Steven knows firsthand the qualities and dedication that are critical for succeeding at the academies. He provided wise counsel and expertise throughout the nominating process, and I am grateful for his time and commitment. prgtoken Steven Sims is an outstanding Pennsylvanian and American, as well as an excellent role model for future academy students. On behalf of the 13th District of Pennsylvania, it is my honor to recognize Steven for his service to our community and our nation.
FAREWELL TO CONGRESSMAN PHIL ROE
Tim Burchett (Republican, TN) \u2014 2020-12-17

I rise today in recognition of Bishop Richard Stika of the Knoxville Diocese. This week, Bishop Stika is celebrating his 35th year as an ordained priest of the Catholic Church, a remarkable career milestone. prgtoken Born in St. Louis, Missouri, Bishop Stika received a Catholic education from elementary school through college. He capped off his theological education by earning a master of divinity from Kenrick Seminary. prgtoken Bishop Stika was ordained a priest on December 14, 1985, and for nearly 24 years he served in several different parishes in the St. Louis area. One of his greatest achievements during this time was coordinating the visit of Pope John Paul II to St. Louis in 1999, Mr. . prgtoken On March 19, 2009, he became bishop of the Knoxville Diocese, and Bishop Stika has been making strong spiritual connections with east Tennesseans ever since. At 11 years in the Knoxville Diocese, Bishop Stika is the longest serving bishop in our diocese. prgtoken Bishop Stika and I share many values, including a strong belief in protecting the lives of the unborn. Bishop Stika has made a positive impact on many east Tennesseans throughout his tenure, and, Mr I am confident he will continue to be a leader in our community. Celebrating A.G. Heins Company
RECOGNIZING AUNT CATFISH'S ON THE RIVER
Marco Rubio (Republican, FL) \u2014 2020-12-17

as chairman of the Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship, each week I recognize a small business that exemplifies the American entrepreneurial spirit that drives our economy. It is my privilege to recognize a family-owned small business committed to investing in its community. This week, it is my pleasure to honor Aunt Catfish's on the River, of Port Orange, FL, as the Senate Small Business of the Week. prgtoken A long-time resident of Port Orange, Jim followed in the Galbreath family tradition of entrepreneurship. His mother, Ann Galbreath, founded and ran a restaurant called Marko's Drive-In in the 1950s. After it closed briefly, Jim bought Marko's and reopened it. Building on his experience, Jim used an old fishing dock to open a new restaurant in 1979, Aunt Catfish's on the River. prgtoken More than 40 years later, Aunt Catfish's on the River is still family-owned and operated. Jim's son, Brendan Galbreath, who started as a teenager, took the helm, keeping the business in the family. Under his leadership, Aunt Catfish's has stayed true to its reputation for outstanding service and delicious cuisine. prgtoken The Galbreath family's focus on building strong relationships with their community is a key part of their success. During the coronavirus pandemic, Aunt Catfish's opened a drive-through operation and expanded its carryout services. Brendan served on the Port Orange South Daytona Chamber of Commerce/City of Port Orange Reopening Task Force, working with local business owners, civic leaders, and public health experts. Together, they designed and implemented the Port Orange Phase One Reopening Plan, enabling their community to reopen safely. Additionally, Aunt Catfish's on the River participated in the chamber's ``I Am, I Go, I Support Local'' campaign to support local businesses. prgtoken Like many Florida small businesses, Aunt Catfish's on the River experienced a sharp drop in revenue due to the coronavirus pandemic. In April 2020, the U.S. Small Business Administration launched the Paycheck Protection Program, a small business relief program that I was proud to author. The PPP provides forgivable loans to impacted small businesses and nonprofits who maintain their payroll during the COVID- 19 pandemic. Aunt Catfish's on the River used their PPP loan to keep their employees paid, while maintaining the highest health and safety standards for their customers. prgtoken Aunt Catfish's on the River is a notable example of the endurance and resilience of family-owned small businesses. Through their advocacy and service, Aunt Catfish's on the River has strengthened their local small business community. Congratulations to Brendan and the entire team at Aunt Catfish's on the River. I look forward to watching your continued growth and success.
ORDERS FOR FRIDAY, DECEMBER 18, 2020
Mike Braun (Republican, IN) \u2014 2020-12-17

I ask unanimous consent that when the Senate completes its business today, it adjourn until 10 a.m Friday, December 18; further, that following the prayer and pledge, the morning hour be deemed expired, the Journal of proceedings be approved to date, the time for the two leaders be reserved for their use later in the day, and morning business be closed; further, that following leader remarks, the Senate proceed to executive session and resume consideration of the Aenlle-Rocha nomination.
CONCERNS WITH A NEW TREND
Andy Barr (Republican, KY) \u2014 2020-12-17

I rise today to express concern with a trend that could harm our financial system, crush jobs, and have lasting negative impacts on American competitiveness and economic exceptionalism. prgtoken Many on the other side of the aisle are calling for financial regulators to inject climate risk scenarios into bank supervision, and a new administration will likely prioritize weaponizing financial regulation to achieve unrelated climate goals. prgtoken Radical climate activists are incapable of passing the Green New Deal through Congress because most Americans understand it will destroy jobs, increase energy costs, and destabilize our economy at a time of immense fragility and volatility, so they will undoubtedly turn to financial regulation and supervision as a backdoor to implement their climate agenda. prgtoken Earlier this year, a group of Senators put these ideas to paper in a partisan report, calling on all Federal financial regulators to infuse ill-defined climate scenarios into their supervision of banks and to discourage financial firms from lending to industries that ``amplify climate risk,'' such as coal or oil and natural gas. Lost on prgtoken these Senators is the impact that this would have on American jobs and cost of living amid a pandemic or the fact that financial supervision should rely on risk-based metrics rather than pie-in-the-sky sustainability goals. prgtoken This week, the Federal Reserve announced that it joined the Network for Greening the Financial System, a consortium of central banks intent on weaving climate risk into bank supervision. To those of us closely tracking this issue, the decision by the Fed raises many red flags. prgtoken I take no issue with the Fed participating in multilateral deliberative bodies. My concern comes from some of the ideas being discussed by other members of the NGFS and whether the Fed plans to import them. prgtoken The NGFS has made a series of recommendations that are particularly troubling. First, it suggests supervisors elevate their regulated entities based on sustainability metrics in their portfolios. Unfortunately, there is no clear definition of what ``sustainability'' means, but you can bet that the climate activists will push it all the way to the brink. prgtoken We do not need European regulators to tell our banks how sustainable their portfolios should be. Portfolio strength should be measured objectively, based on credit risk, not on poorly defined sustainability goals. prgtoken Second, the NGFS urges regulators to integrate climate risks into financial stability monitoring. Unfortunately, climate stress scenarios are plagued with methodological challenges. Material impacts from changing weather patterns occur over the course of decades; whereas, current stress tests look at a period of nine quarters. It would be difficult for a bank to accurately forecast stresses over that length of time, and regulators can't account for a bank's d
China (Executive Calendar)
Marsha Blackburn (Republican, TN) \u2014 2020-12-17

. If they can do that with a hashtag--all of that suppression, all of that intimidation--then think about what they will do in the real world. prgtoken If we stand down, the Chinese Government is going to keep pushing to stand up. They will fill a power vacuum because their determination is to be the leader, the global dominator. They want the 21st century to be the China century. It is their strategy. It is what they do. So now is the time to act. I would encourage my colleagues to remember this as we begin a new Congress. prgtoken . prgtoken .
INDIAN COMMUNITY ECONOMIC ENHANCEMENT ACT OF 2020
Martin Heinrich (Democrat, NM) \u2014 2020-12-17

as if in legislative session, I ask that the Chair lay before the Senate the message to accompany S. 212. prgtoken The Presiding Officer laid before the Senate the following message from the House of Representatives: Resolved, That the bill from the Senate (S. 212) entitled ``An Act to amend the Native American Business Development, Trade Promotion, and Tourism Act of 2000, the Buy Indian Act, and the Native American Programs Act of 1974 to provide industry and economic development opportunities to Indian communities.'', do pass with an amendment. Motion to Concur
American Workers (Executive Calendar)
Sherrod Brown (Democrat, OH) \u2014 2020-12-17

this spring, I was talking with a grocery store worker in Ohio, who told me: ``They call me essential, but I feel expendable.'' That grocery store worker and thousands of others who are on the frontlines of this pandemic risk their lives so that Americans can keep food on their tables and get their packages delivered. They change linen in hospitals. They drive city buses or rural buses. They stock shelves in supermarkets. prgtoken When these workers go home at night, having been exposed to the public pretty much their whole workday, they worry they are going to bring the virus home and infect their families. prgtoken It is essential workers keeping our society going. A number of American corporations claim to recognize this. They have run feel-good ads--at least they did early in the pandemic--saying ``thank you'' to essential workers, claiming these workers are the heart of their companies. prgtoken But saying ``thank you'' is not nearly enough. Workers don't need a PR campaign. They need fair pay and protections on the job. These corporations get positive press off their workers while too often paying them poverty wages and, in too many cases, failing to protect their safety in the workplace. prgtoken I wrote an open letter this summer to corporate executives, published in their paper of record, the Wall Street Journal. I said to these corporations: You say your workers are essential. Then treat them that way. Our economy is supposed to reward people whose talents are in high demand. That is what we are all taught. That is what you always tell us; right? These workers' skills keep our economy going. Their paychecks should reflect that. prgtoken It has been 6 months since that letter was published. It may surprise no one to learn that my phone has not been ringing off the hook with calls from CEOs who want to discuss renewed efforts to invest in their workers. prgtoken All that has changed is that corporate profits have gone up, hazard pay has disappeared, and more workers have died. Profits are up at most of the biggest companies, especially the largest retail companies. prgtoken The Brookings Institution studied the 13 biggest retailers in this country and found that their earnings have shot up 39 percent compared with last year, and stock prices are up 33 percent. Guess how much wages have gone up. One dollar an hour. prgtoken The Washington Post looked at the 50 biggest corporations. Between April and September, these companies handed out more than $240 billion--240,000 million, $240 billion--to their stockholders through stock buybacks and dividends. prgtoken It is workers making these companies successful. It is workers risking their lives on the job, but shareholders got nearly 8 percent of the profits workers created. prgtoken Look at Amazon. The company's quarterly profits increased by a staggering 200 percent. But that same Amazon rolled back its tiny $2- an-hour raise in June and announced