mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
RISER Act (Executive Session)
Jerry Moran (Republican, KS) \u2014 2020-11-16

I am on the floor this afternoon to encourage us in the U.S. Senate to address at least some of the needs related to the consequences of COVID-19. prgtoken There is a deadline that is fast approaching. This problem was created in the statute by legislation that was passed, the CARES Act. I have introduced legislation called the RISER Act to offer a solution to the issue I am about to describe. prgtoken As COVID-19 has swept across the country, businesses and community institutions have been forced to adapt to the virus, fundamentally changing the way in which they operate. More people are working from home today than ever before, while others are being asked to dedicate increased resources for public health precautions and support management. Virtual education and healthcare have also expanded greatly as communities are forced to conduct ordinary functions from afar to prevent the spread of the disease. prgtoken Adapting to the realities of this newly virtual economy is costly. To aid in this transition, as part of the CARES Act, Congress established the Coronavirus Relief Fund, or CRF. It is a multibillion-dollar fund for State and local governments to disburse, covering a variety of expenses that have arisen due to COVID-19. Expenses that can be paid from the CRF funds include providing small businesses and other organizations with grants to reimburse them for costs associated with handling coronavirus. prgtoken This funding was partly intended to address immediate, unforeseen costs absorbed by our public emergency officials and healthcare providers. Kansas prgtoken counties' health departments have increasingly relied on this funding to ensure they are able to meet the needs of their community now and into the future as this pandemic stretches on. prgtoken Many States, including my own of Kansas, have also established forward-looking programs to distribute grants for economic development projects that respond to COVID-19, such as telemedicine, tele-education projects, and projects that would improve broadband infrastructure in rural and underserved areas. These communities already face a sharp divide in terms of broadband availability, and this pandemic has highlighted that. Unfortunately, for all the work we have accomplished in spreading the use of broadband, the availability of broadband, increasing its connectivity, there are still plenty of areas that need to be improved for access to quality internet services. prgtoken As more broadband-intensive work like video conferencing and virtual appointments now takes place at a much higher rate, the urgency to improve these services increases. Rural communities stand to lose the most without these types of projects. prgtoken Many of the projects require long lead times to wisely plan, appropriate, and expend Federal funding. However--and here is the problem--the CARES Act mandates that CRF funds be spent by the end of this year, now just a little
Free Speech (Executive Session)
Marsha Blackburn (Republican, TN) \u2014 2020-11-16

I think everyone has been watching a lot of news lately, and I will tell you I have talked to some Tennesseeans this weekend who feel like they can tell that the journalists working at our mainstream media outlets are getting frustrated by how much pressure we are putting on big tech companies like Facebook, Twitter, and Google. But, you know, we are putting pressure on them. It is important for them to be in their lanes. It is important that if they are going to be news sources, that they do something like hire a news director. prgtoken I think they have fallen into the same trap that a lot of people fall into when a story dominates the headlines for awhile, and then it doesn't resolve itself quickly. You know, they get pretty sick of hearing about it. They saw the initial reports of censorship, bias, and antitrust concerns. They didn't feel that personal sense of outrage about what was happening and either checked out of the conversation or let their frustration breed resentment against those who would very much like for their tweets to stay put. prgtoken But they knew something was going on out there that made them a little bit uneasy. They were hearing about censorship. They were hearing about blocking and throttling and shadow banning, and, you know, they were a prgtoken little unsettled by lack of privacy and data mining and data harvesting. prgtoken But we shouldn't use these basic notions of privacy, security, and open debate as a political football. These are, indeed, universal concerns that anyone who owns a smartphone, uses social media, or uses search engines really should care about. And, yes, people are right to feel a little bit uneasy about what is going on in the virtual space. Why shouldn't we be allowed to ask powerful tech CEOs questions about what is going on behind the scenes? prgtoken We had a hearing in the Commerce Committee a couple of weeks ago--a few weeks ago, just prior to the election. Chairman Wicker was in charge of that hearing, and people listened and thought: Why won't they answer the question? Why don't they admit that they are data mining? Why don't they admit their advertising practices? We click onto our search engines, and suddenly our screen populates with things that we have recently searched and things we have been talking about. prgtoken So we have another hearing that is coming up tomorrow at the Judiciary Committee. We are going to receive testimony from Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg and Twitter CEO Jack Dorsey about their now infamous censoring and throttling of the New York Post's social media accounts, their blocking of a story that was relevant to the American people and to the election process. prgtoken Now, keep in mind, this wasn't some conspiracy site or some anonymous blog known for posting hacked information or stories that are extreme. This was the New York Post, a trusted source in news here in the United States since 1801, when it was fo
TRIBUTE TO DR. MARK PETERS
James E. Risch (Republican, ID) \u2014 2020-11-16

along with my colleague Senator Mike Crapo, I rise today to honor our friend Dr. Mark Peters. Dr. Peters, who led the Idaho National Lab INL--for 5 extraordinary years, will be stepping down from his position as director of the INL to pursue a new role with Battelle Energy Alliance. prgtoken Throughout his long and distinguished tenure at the INL, our national laboratories, and other highly respected research institutions, Dr. Peters has earned a reputation as a leading voice in the U.S. nuclear community. He is highly respected by Congress, the administration, industry, and stakeholders because of his knowledge and his engaging and inclusive style. Simply put, Dr. Peters is a giant in the nuclear industry. He has served as a senior advise to the U.S. Department of Energy on nuclear energy matters and as a fellow of the American Nuclear Society, a prestigious recognition for his outstanding accomplishments in nuclear science and technology. prgtoken As INL director, Mark led the State's fifth largest employer and skillfully managed its team of more than 4,000 scientists, engineers, and support staff at our country's premiere nuclear, cybersecurity, and scientific research laboratory. Thanks to his leadership, the Lab is thriving and its future is bright. It would be difficult to list every one of Mark's many accomplishments at the Lab, but there are several key achievements that have propelled the INL to new heights. prgtoken Mark played a pivotal role in getting the Nuclear Energy Innovation Capabilities Act signed into law. He also succeeded in bringing the National Reactor Innovation Center to Idaho, ensuring that the Lab will continue to lead the development and deployment of advanced nuclear reactor designs well into the future. prgtoken Furthermore, Dr. Peters was instrumental in growing the mission of the Lab. Mark invested time and energy into making the INL a world leader in industrial control systems cybersecurity to match its well- established reputation for nuclear energy. This research arm has helped ensure the safety and security of our Nation's critical infrastructure while acting as a boon to eastern Idaho's economy. prgtoken Recognizing the inherent opportunity in its expanding cybersecurity practice, Dr. Peters worked closely with the Sate of Idaho to construct two new buildings at the Lab's Research and Education Campus. These world-class centers facilitate cutting-edge research by government and private industry, while providing Idaho students with opportunities to develop modeling, simulation, and cybersecurity skills for in-demand careers in Idaho and beyond. prgtoken The Idaho Falls community not only benefited from Mark's leadership, but that of his wife, Ann Marie Peters. Her tireless efforts to expand programs and acquire the latest technologies at the College of Eastern Idaho have provided thousands of students with unprecedented high- quality educational opportunities.
ADDITIONAL STATEMENTS
Roy Blunt (Republican, MO) \u2014 2020-11-16

I rise today to congratulate Mr. Blake Hurst on an extraordinary career and well-deserved retirement. Blake has been an outstanding leader and voice for Missouri's agriculture industry and has played a vital role to elevate our State's national presence among the agricultural community when it comes prgtoken to advocacy on behalf of Missouri farmers and ranchers. Among his contributions to Missouri's agriculture industry, Blake has served with the Missouri Farm Bureau in a variety of capacities throughout his career, including as a district board member, vice president, and most recently as the organization's president for the last 10 years. prgtoken Mr. Hurst was elected in 2010 as the 14th president of Missouri Farm Bureau and will cap off a 25-year career with the Missouri Farm Bureau upon his well-earned retirement. A devoted family man, Blake Hurst and his wife Julie have three children, Lee, Ann, and Ben. The family raises corn and soybeans on their family operation in northwest Missouri. Blake also operates a wholesale greenhouse business with his wife, Julie; daughter, Lee; and sons-in-law, Ryan Harms and Matt Clutter. The family raises flowers in two acres of greenhouses. prgtoken In addition to his time consuming role at Missouri Farm Bureau, in his spare time, Blake also contributes as a freelance writer, with work appearing in the Wall Street Journal, The American, Weekly Standard, Wilson's Quarterly, Reader's Digest, Today's Farmer, and the Show Me magazine of Missouri Farm Bureau. prgtoken Mr. Hurst has had a tremendous career with the Missouri Farm Bureau and is one of the most forward-thinking agriculture leaders in America. Over the years, I have truly valued the working partnership and, most importantly, the friendship, that I have fostered with Blake. Blake brings a certain passion and tenacity when it comes to agriculture, whether it is fighting against costly and burdensome regulations from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, advocating for better management of our Nation's rivers and inland waterway system, defending the Renewable Fuels Standard, promoting healthcare services for rural America, or delivering assistance to producers that are impacted by natural disaster. He has demonstrated the ability to communicate big ideas and advocate for commonsense solutions that has been a big help to me and so many others across Missouri and the country. There is no one I would rather be in the trenches with than with Blake. prgtoken Blake and Julie have done so much for our State and understand it incredibly well. I look forward to their continued advice, success, and friendship. It is with great pleasure I wish Blake continued success in retirement and well-deserved time with his family. prgtoken Thank you, Blake, for all you have done and will continue to do for Missouri.
Coronavirus (Executive Session)
John Cornyn (Republican, TX) \u2014 2020-11-16

it is no secret that in parts of Texas and in cities across the country, COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations are on the rise. Dr. Angela Clendenin is an epidemiologist at Texas A&M University's School of Public Health, and she attributes this increase to what she calls pandemic fatigue. prgtoken After months of vigorous handwashing and mask wearing, it seems that people are becoming less and less vigilant. She said, if we continue in the behaviors that we are behaving in right now without regulatory intervention, we are going to continue in the direction we are headed. I guess that is one way of saying if we don't shape up, the present spread of the virus will continue with, perhaps, in some instances, dangerous, even fatal, consequences. prgtoken That is a path we should not head down and one that will put an even greater strain on our healthcare workers. I guess, as I think about it, there are two ways to approach this pandemic. One is to leave it to government to tell us what we can and cannot do, to engage in more and more lockdowns and deprivation of our individual liberty or we can take personal responsibility. Speaking for myself, and I hope others, I hope the personal responsibility route is the one we will take. prgtoken From staffing shortages due to the coronavirus exposure to short supplies of personal protective equipment, to a lack of critical equipment like ventilators, our frontline healthcare workers have carried on this fight in the face of tremendous challenges. Now, with cases climbing in parts of my State and around the country, these heroes are in dire need of another line of defense. prgtoken The public--meaning Congress--on their behalf has the power to provide that help. Through the same simple steps we heard about since the beginning of the pandemic, we can stop or at least dramatically slow the transmission of COVID-19. prgtoken Again, it gets back to the basics we have all been taught and I think more or less most of us have been employing: washing your hands, wearing a mask, practice social distancing, and don't let the pandemic fatigue win. prgtoken We need to all remain vigilant and committed to these basic practices until the experts tell us that COVID-19 is no longer a threat--likely, a point after which the vaccine has been widely deployed. None of us knows exactly when that might happen, but we have been getting some great news this last week or so about scientific developments that have been funded by the efforts that we in Congress have taken together on a bipartisan basis. prgtoken On Friday, in my State, the Governor announced the Department of Health and Human Services will distribute a new COVID-19 therapy to hospitals across the State as early as this week. The antibody treatment is produced by Eli Lilly and will be critical in reducing hospitalizations. It is meant for those who are known to be at a higher risk of developing severe symptoms, like the e
Presidential Election (Executive Session)
John Cornyn (Republican, TX) \u2014 2020-11-17

I was listening to our friend, the ic whip, and his advice to President to capitulate before the recounts and before the litigation that has been filed has been finally decided. I know they would like to have him do so, but he is completely within his rights to use the existing procedures in the States and in the local jurisdictions where these elections were conducted to review the results to see if there are discrepancies. prgtoken I also know they would like to say it is just about President , but more candidates other than President were on the ballot. We ought to be in the position of trying to preserve every legal vote for every candidate and making sure there are no mistakes, and there is a process in place to make that happen. prgtoken I don't know what the ultimate outcome will be--I sort of have a sneaking suspicion about what the trend line looks like--but 72 million-plus people voted for President and Vice President . Out of respect for them, at least, if not for the President and the Vice President themselves, we ought to let this process play itself out. There will be a peaceful transition of power. I have no doubt whatsoever.
STATE OPIOID RESPONSE GRANT AUTHORIZATION ACT OF 2020
Denver Riggleman (Republican, VA) \u2014 2020-11-17

I thank my good friend, Representative Walden, Congressman Pallone, and also David Trone. prgtoken Our Freshman Working Group has been incredible on this issue. It is interesting how it has come full circle. prgtoken , 2 years ago, in my very first speech on the floor of the House of Representatives, I called on Congress to act and address the opioid addiction crisis that causes tens of thousands of deaths every year. During the 2 years since that speech, I have been working hard to provide solutions and take positive steps to address the crisis. prgtoken I also have become more aware of the harm the opioid epidemic has caused in our streets and in our districts. I have seen how the crisis has affected the friends and the family members of so many, including some in this Chamber today, like my dear friend David Trone, who tragically lost his nephew to an opioid overdose. prgtoken I have been personally affected by this crisis, and I know the toll it takes on those affected and the people who love them. I was sitting at my desk in Congress about 1 year ago when I got the call that my cousin Trey had overdosed, not far from where I was sitting. I talked about this with Congressman Trone. We knew we had to do something. prgtoken I think that is why we have to thank Members like Representative Sherrill and Representative Armstrong for their incredible support in this. prgtoken Trey and Ian, I think this bill is for them and all the people who have suffered through this incredible scourge. prgtoken , the bill before us today starts to address some of those challenges and is a positive step toward combating the very real crisis of opioid addiction that has had devastating consequences for families across this Nation. prgtoken Obviously, I strongly support H.R. 2466, the State Opioid Response Grant Authorization Act of 2020. Not only must Congress act to address this crisis, but we must lead. I chose to colead this bill because it will help countless numbers of my constituents, and it is the right thing to do. But I have to applaud the efforts of my dear friend David Trone and all the members of the Freshmen Working Group on Addiction. prgtoken , I urge my colleagues to support this bill. Again, I don't think I can say this any stronger: This bill is for Trey and Ian, and this bill is for all those affected by the overdoses, the awfulness that happens within each family.
SOUTH CAROLINIANS APPRECIATE PRESIDENT TRUMP
Joe Wilson (Republican, SC) \u2014 2020-11-17

President was extraordinarily successful in South Carolina, overcoming the biased fake news to have a tremendous victory. prgtoken The voters appreciated record job growth for African Americans, Hispanics, and Asian Americans, along with record job growth for women and youth, along with a restored military with peace through strength, protecting our allies like Israel, as he stood for law enforcement to protect American families. prgtoken There is true love and affection for in South Carolina. prgtoken wasted the largest onslaught ever of cash, with over $200 million from out-of-State, to pathetically spend money to the point where their votes were $120 per vote to lose. prgtoken unintentionally exposed their socialist agenda of everything free for everybody, resulting in citizens with no freedom, but the political and media elites have all the power. prgtoken Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher was correct that socialism will work until it has run out of spending other people's money, always failing. prgtoken In South Carolina, female s were especially targeted by the failing . South Carolina has elected the first female Congresswoman ever, Congresswoman-elect Nancy Mace. The South Carolina State Senate has elected, with Penry Gustafson of Camden, the first ever to be elected to the State Senate from Kershaw County, joining Senators Katrina Shealy of Lexington and Sandy Senn of Charleston. prgtoken Despite dirty tricks, a smeared Senator Lindsey Graham swept to victory, with gains at all levels--Federal, State, and local--with the largest number of elected officials in 140 years. prgtoken State Party Chairman Drew McKissick and Executive Director Hope Walker have been dynamic leaders for successfully leading the victory party with Governor Henry McMaster, Lieutenant Governor Pamela Evette, and Attorney General Alan Wilson. prgtoken I am humbled to have lived the modern revolution, attending the swearing-in of State Representative Charlie Boineau in August 1961 as the first elected in the 20th century, with State Representative Floyd Spence being the first to courageously switch parties in 1962, leading today to super majorities with all statewide officials now s, along with eight out of nine Federal legislators being s. prgtoken I credit my mother, Wray Wilson, for my political involvement, as she was a pioneering activist in South Carolina for President Dwight Eisenhower in 1952. prgtoken In conclusion, God bless our troops, and we will never forget September 11th in the global war on terrorism. prgtoken Our sympathy for the family of the visionary Midlands business leader Arthur Brown, Jr.
FEMA ASSISTANCE RELIEF ACT OF 2020
Garret Graves (Republican, LA) \u2014 2020-11-17

I just want to quickly make note for the record that Hurricane Katrina was largely the result of the Federal Government's actions, the devastation that was caused, the loss of life. The Chief of Engineers of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers acknowledged their fault in that incident. Yes, it was unique. prgtoken I also want to make clear that I said that I don't necessarily object to the outcome of the legislation, but I think the way of getting there is inappropriate. We need to have consistent standards on how to achieve the right cost share for different disasters.
MAYOR JON ARTHUR SIMMONS
John Shimkus (Republican, IL) \u2014 2020-11-17

. Madam , I rise before you today to recognize and honor Mayor Jon Arthur Simmons of Vienna, Illinois--a remarkable man who has humbly dedicated his life to service, both to Southern Illinois and our great nation. prgtoken Jon was born in Goreville Township, Illinois on June 15, 1941 to John and Veneta Simmons. He attended Vienna High School, graduating in 1959. Four years later, in 1963, Jon was drafted into the United States Army, serving in Vietnam until being honorably discharged in 1965. In 2019, Jon was honored with the opportunity to travel to Washington, DC as part of the Southern Illinois Honor Flight. Jon recalls the experience and the welcome home celebration as humbling, a drastic contrast to his experience coming home from Vietnam where the soldiers were not welcomed and treated unkindly. prgtoken Jon became an auctioneer in 1974 which has sent him all over Southern Illinois. His slogan states, ``Auction means action, and we guarantee satisfaction''. The people with whom he has interacted throughout the years would agree. Furthermore, Jon has demonstrated this motto in his local community, always being a reliable helping hand to whoever is in need. For the last 12 years, Jon has served as the Mayor of Vienna, Illinois and has spent his career working to progress the city he loves. prgtoken At the end of 2020, Jon will retire from auctioneering after 46 years and serving as Mayor of Vienna after 12 years. Diabetes, a heart attack, and cancer of the bladder has impacted Jon's health, a consequence of his exposure to agent orange while serving our country. prgtoken Madam , Jon Simmons has proven to be an asset to his family, community, and country. I want to thank Mayor Simmons for his service throughout the years and wish him well in his retirement.