mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
TRIBUTE TO HONOR THE LIFE OF DONALD KENNEDY
Anna G. Eshoo (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2020-5-8

. Madam , I rise today to pay tribute to the life and work of an extraordinary American, Donald Kennedy. prgtoken Donald Kennedy was born in New York City to Barbara Bean and William Dorsey Kennedy, on August 18, 1931, and died in Redwood City, California on April 21, 2020. prgtoken Donald Kennedy's career was long, productive and illustrious. He received his BA, MS and Ph.D. degrees from Harvard University. He began as a biology teacher at Syracuse University, then became an Assistant Professor at Stanford University in 1960, earning tenure in 1962, and he was made Chair of the Department of Biology in the School of Humanities and Sciences in 1967. In 1976 he prgtoken was awarded the Dinkelspiel Award for Outstanding Service to Undergraduate Education, one of Stanford's highest honors, and served as a trustee of the David and Lucile Packard Foundation. During the Carter Administration he served as Commissioner of the FDA, where he dealt with many controversies, earning the praise of consumers and industry alike for his leadership. He returned to Stanford in 1979 and became its eighth president in 1980. During his distinguished tenure he grew the University's endowment to $2 billion, inaugurated overseas campuses in Japan and England, established the Haas Center for Public Service and the Stanford-in-Washington campus. In 1992 he resigned from the presidency, and remained at Stanford. In 2000 he became Editor-in- Chief of Science, a post he held until 2008. He received the Carl Sagan Prize for Science Popularization, and was a fellow of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences and the American Academy of Sciences. He was the author of several books including his memoir, A Place in the Sun. prgtoken No list of Donald Kennedy's extraordinary accomplishments can describe the man he was. Proud yet humble, erudite and playful, and beloved by his students. I was privileged to call him my friend, and I'm exceedingly grateful to have benefitted from his wise counsel. prgtoken Madam , I ask the entire House of Representatives to join me in extending our condolences to Donald Kennedy's wife Robin, and his children Page Kennedy Rochon (Mark); Julia Kennedy Tussing (Ted); Cameron Kennedy (Rick Desimone); and Jamie Hamill (Rosario), and nine grandchildren. Donald Kennedy made our country stronger and made our world a better place. He will always be missed by all those who had the good fortune to know him, and he will be a lasting source of inspiration to the generations he helped shape.
COMMEMORATING THE LIFE AND LEGACY OF EARL G. GRAVES, SR.
Joseph P. Kennedy III (Democrat, MA) \u2014 2020-5-8

. Madam , I rise today to commemorate the life and legacy of Earl G. Graves, Sr a business icon, civil rights legend, and close friend to my grandfather. prgtoken Born in Brooklyn in 1935, Mr. Graves was the child of hardworking immigrants from Barbados and Trinidad. After graduating with a business degree from Morgan State University and spending time in the United States Army, he moved back home to the Bedford-Stuyvesant neighborhood and immediately began serving his community. prgtoken As part of his organizing work, Mr. Graves helped organize a rally for my grandfather, Robert F. Kennedy in the mid-1960s. My grandfather was so impressed that he offered Mr. Graves a job almost immediately as an administrative assistant in his Senate office. From there, he used his business acumen to launch a newsletter to support the Black business community, which eventually evolved into Black Enterprise. prgtoken More than just a conventional publication, Black Enterprise lifted up the successes of Black businessmen and women. Within its pages, Mr. Graves empowered his community and gave voice to minority-owned businesses across the country. He led by example, and our nation is better for the course he set. prgtoken Beyond his professional career, Earl was a devoted husband to Barbara Kydd and a loving, proud father of three sons, Earl Jr John, and Michael. prgtoken As they mourn his loss and as this Nation that he helped build celebrates his memory, our hearts are with every single person whose life he touched.
AMERICA'S GLOBAL LEADERSHIP DURING COVID-19
Marcy Kaptur (Democrat, OH) \u2014 2020-5-8

. Madam , I rise with deep concern regarding the state of U.S. leadership during the global COVID-19 pandemic. Tragically, over 200,000 people have died worldwide, with more than 3 million confirmed cases. This likely represents just the tip of the viral iceberg. prgtoken The Coronavirus pandemic has caused the worst global health crisis since the 1918 Spanish flu epidemic. prgtoken Real leadership could have contained this devastation. Instead of leading the global response though, the Administration ignored repeated warnings from his intelligence experts and undermined the seriousness of the threat. Those at the very top called it a hoax, squabbled over the name of the virus, undermined G-7 unity, closed the U.S. border with Europe without consulting our closest allies, and significantly delayed the opportunity to slow the spread of the disease both globally and domestically. prgtoken Worse yet, despite warnings during the administration transition of the possible security threats of a viral pandemic, they hollowed out and eliminated the National Security Council's Directorate for Global Health Security and Biodefense at Home. Now, we face the highest number of reported infections in the world, with more than 970,000 cases, and an alarming risk of spread rates because we still lack adequate testing capabilities. prgtoken In the absence of American leadership, malign actors including China, Russia and Cuba have filled the void. They provided and pledged humanitarian assistance to Italy, the Philippines, and other nations in desperate need of assistance. Authoritarian governments have used the ensuing chaos to consolidate their rule. Take Russian President Putin's constitutional referendum to extend presidential term limits or Hungarian Prime Minister Orban's recent parliamentary moves to rule by decree. But worse yet, also to spread misinformation about the disease and democratic response. Threatening further the domestic political divisions already ripe with tension. prgtoken What makes our nation great is not only the American people's ingenuity to solve problems at home, but also our generosity and creativity to lead with our values when the world faces crisis. Six years ago, the U.S. led the fight against the Ebola crisis from the beginning. We developed, coordinated, and led a worldwide response to the Ebola outbreak, as well as strengthened our preparedness at home. As a result, we stopped the outbreak and kept the homeland safe. prgtoken It is long past time for the Administration to play a leading role in the global pandemic coordination response. As the richest nation on earth with leading global health experts, real leadership would coordinate and contain the virus domestically then turn to aid the international community. Real leadership would not cast blame and withhold international aid to organizations leading the global fight. Real leadership would be fully supporting critical, independent news
LEGISLATION TO SECURE AMERICAN SPACE LAUNCH PREEMINENCE
Bill Posey (Republican, FL) \u2014 2020-5-8

. Madam , I, along with my colleague, Representative Charlie Crist, feel our nation's robust commercial space launch industry is threatened by increased subsidies from foreign government entities. This threat does not only adversely impact U.S. space launch providers, but it will adversely impact our ability to have affordable and assured ability to launch critical U.S. national security payloads. prgtoken There are unfair practices coming from China, India, Russia and Europe. prgtoken These countries have taken notice of U.S. market growth and are funding their own launch vehicle development and providing direct subsidies to compete with and take market share from the U.S. commercial launch companies. prgtoken To level the playing field, the American Space Commerce Act extends existing space launch tax incentives for an additional ten years for companies that launch their payloads from the United States. prgtoken The 2019 Report to Congress of the U.S.-China Economic and Security Review Commission states that ``China is taking steps to establish a commanding position in the commercial launch and satellite sectors relying in part on aggressive state-backed financing that foreign market-driven companies cannot match.'' prgtoken The report further adds, ``China has already succeeded in undercutting some U.S. and other foreign launch and satellite providers in the international market, threatening to hollow out these countries' space industrial bases.'' prgtoken A strong domestic space launch industry is in the national security interest of the United States. Foreign launch providers are heavily subsidized by their governments and use these subsidies to intentionally price below the cost to undercut American competition, materially harming the American industrial base. prgtoken The American Space Commerce Act will help our domestic space launch industry and keep the United States a leader in space.
CONGRATULATING RICHARD BOYER
John Joyce (Republican, PA) \u2014 2020-5-8

. Madam , I rise today to congratulate Richard Boyer on celebrating his 100th birthday on Wednesday, May 6, 2020. On behalf of Pennsylvania's 13th Congressional District, I congratulate Mr. Boyer on reaching this momentous milestone. prgtoken A proud World War II veteran, a dedicated member of our community, and a former small business owner, Mr. Boyer is a true hero in Franklin County. Earlier this year, it was my privilege to present Mr. Boyer with several medals honoring his service in the U.S. Navy, and to hear him recount some of the stories of his youth. prgtoken After completing basic training, Mr. Boyer's company was assigned to a new destroyer and sent to Cuba in the fall of 1940 and then to Europe. After the attack on Pearl Harbor, Boyer's ship was sent to Norfolk, Virginia, to add implements of war to the ship before traveling to Pearl Harbor. Once in Pearl Harbor, Marines boarded the ship and they departed for Midway Island. Boyer also served aboard the USS Gwin DD-433 during the Doolittle Raid. prgtoken After nearly eight years of military service, Mr. Boyer returned to Franklin County with his wife, Mary Jane. Longtime residents of South Mountain, Mr. and Mrs. Boyer operated the Big Dipper Restaurant and Dance Hall, a popular location in the Rouzerville area, until it closed in 1970. prgtoken It is my sincere pleasure and privilege to honor Richard Boyer for his many years of service to our Franklin County community and to the United States of America. Over the past century, he has lived a remarkable life. I wish Mr. Boyer a very happy 100th birthday and every continued happiness.
HONORING OUR LAW ENFORCEMENT DURING NATIONAL POLICE WEEK
Gus M. Bilirakis (Republican, FL) \u2014 2020-5-8

. Madam , I rise today to recognize the great sacrifice of our Nation's men and women in law enforcement. May 10th is the beginning of National Police Week. This week is a time for all Americans to pause and pay tribute to those who serve in law enforcement, and to remember those who have fallen. prgtoken Everyday our nation's law enforcement officers leave their homes and families to make sure that our communities are safe. During these uncertain times, law enforcement officers play a vital role on the front lines to reduce the spread of COVID-19. I have always been amazed at the willingness of our law enforcement officers to put themselves in harms way for their neighbors, friends, family, and strangers. prgtoken During this National Police Week, take a moment and say thank you to your local law enforcement officers and continue to be grateful that there are those among us who are willing to risk their lives to keep our communities safe. prgtoken I thank the Law Enforcement Agencies of the Florida 12th Congressional District. We are eternally grateful for their sacrifice.
RECOGNIZING THE SACOMANI FAMILY
J. French Hill (Republican, AR) \u2014 2020-5-8

. Madam , I rise today to recognize Michael and Tonya Sacomani and their kids for turning the difficulties of social distancing and confinement into a positive. prgtoken The Sacomani's had to quickly adapt after their family trip, a cruise for the kids' spring break, was canceled due to COVID-19. prgtoken During these long days of social distancing and isolation, the Sacomani's turned to a camping staycation in their own backyard, which backs up to the Saline River. prgtoken The Sacomani's made it their family mission to clean up as much of the Saline River as they can during the quarantine. prgtoken Their list of cleaned up trash is incredible, so far including refrigerators, stoves, ski boats lodged in trees, a hot tub lodged in a tree, and hundreds of tires. prgtoken I would like to extend a hand of gratitude to the Sacomani's for their worthwhile commitment to hard work, our environment and natural resources.
ORDERS FOR TUESDAY, MAY 12, 2020
Mitch McConnell (Republican, KY) \u2014 2020-5-11

I ask unanimous consent that when the Senate completes its business today, it adjourn until 10:30 a.m Tuesday, May 12; 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 Montgomery nomination; further, that notwithstanding rule XXII, the Senate vote at 12 noon on the confirmation of the Montgomery nomination and that, if confirmed, the motion to reconsider be considered made and laid upon the table and that the President be immediately notified of the Senate's action; further, that the Senate recess following the confirmation vote on Montgomery until 2:15 to allow for the weekly conference meetings; finally, that notwithstanding rule XXII, the Senate vote on cloture on the Edgar nomination at 2:15.
Protecting Human Rights During Pandemic Act (Executive Session)
Marsha Blackburn (Republican, TN) \u2014 2020-5-11

to all of my colleagues and to our staff here in the Chamber, those who are mothers, I hope they had a wonderful Mother's Day weekend, and it is a joy to return to work today. I will tell you, I am really blessed to have some of those moms. They are policy experts, and they are a part of my staff. I listen a lot to what they have to say. prgtoken Like with all of our staff, I admire their dedication and their focus--especially now and especially when it comes to discussing how this COVID crisis is affecting their children, how they are learning and how they are utilizing technology to communicate and practicing distance learning and hearing what schools are doing as they are all going through a learning curve. We are all going through a learning curve on how to utilize technology. prgtoken The thing that is so significant, as I talked to so many of these working moms and dads, what we realize and they realize and what they highlight with me is that embodied in this technology, we have a lot of dangers that exist and vulnerabilities that are being created to the privacy of our children. prgtoken Long before students were forced to attend classes via webcam, Congress began taking a hard look at how the companies providing digital classrooms were protecting what I term the ``virtual you''--you and your presence online--how they were protecting that virtual you of underage users. prgtoken As it turns out, what we found in the work that we were doing--some of it I did while I was in the House, as chairman of the Subcommittee on Communications and Technology of Energy and Commerce, and some of that work I continued here. But back in 2015, as we started doing a deeper dive on what was happening with protecting privacy and presence online, the Electronic Frontier Foundation filed a complaint with the FTC against Google, alleging that their Google for Education platform was exploiting students' personal information and potentially exposing it to third parties. prgtoken Think about this. The Google for Education program--kids were logging on, and they were using this. Google--what were they doing? Data mining. What were they doing with what they were data mining, which is your information? They were then sharing that with third parties. And guess what. You didn't know. The parents didn't know, and the children didn't know. What we found out was that one wrong click, and any program administrator could expose a student's virtual you to potential outside websites. A 2017 report from the Electronic Frontier Foundation confirmed and expanded on these concerns. Even free products can come at the cost of student privacy. prgtoken Last month, Google donated 4,000 Chromebooks to students in rural California--4,000 Chromebooks. That sounds like a very generous donation, a way to help close that digital divide, a way to connect students to the internet, to open up the world and bring the world in to them. The p
SENATE RESOLUTION 569--EXPRESSING THE SENSE OF THE SENATE THAT, DURING PUBLIC SERVICE RECOGNITION WEEK, PUBLIC SERVANTS SHOULD BE COMMENDED FOR THEIR DEDICATION AND CONTINUED SERVICE TO THE UNITED...
Benjamin L. Cardin (Democrat, MD) \u2014 2020-5-11

in honor of Public Service Recognition Week, I rise to express my gratitude and appreciation for the millions of men and women who serve as Federal, State, county, and local government employees across the United States of America. Since 1985, Public Service Recognition Week has brought communities together to give tribute to our Nation's public servants on the first week of May. I am proud to be a co-sponsor of the annual Senate resolution marking this occasion each year, and I thank Senators Sinema and Lankford for their leadership in introducing this year's edition, which the Senate will pass momentarily. prgtoken We must never take for granted that public servants are committed to serving the public. In a time of unprecedented crisis, with millions working from home and the real risk of falling victim to disease by going into the workplace, public servants work for us. In more ordinary times, with people less concerned but still dependent on essential public goods such as clean water, schools, and a safe community, public servants work for us. The COVID-19 pandemic only makes more apparent what has always been true: we owe so much, from the daily operations of our society to the rapid relief to emergencies, to the men and women who form our public service. prgtoken Now more than ever, public servants are working on the front lines, often times potentially putting themselves at risk, to continue those daily operations of our society and provide critical rapid relief to this immense national crisis. At the Federal level, they have dutifully taken on the responsibilities charged upon them by Congress through the CARES Act. Thousands of workers at the Department of Treasury and Small Business Administration, making due with insufficient staff and resources, are playing an instrumental role in responding to the economic downturn by distributing billions of dollars in stimulus payments to individuals and loans to small businesses. At the state level, workers of State unemployment insurance agencies now face truly historic demands of their abilities as the unemployment rate approaches levels not seen since the end of the Second World War. Despite the stress, despite the technical challenges, and indeed despite the system infrastructure that makes it exceedingly difficult for applicants to receive benefits in the first place, these workers are doing everything they can to make the system work for people. And at the county and local levels, public servants are striving to ensure compliance with special quarantine orders and offering testing and other emergency services. prgtoken The United States will undoubtedly overcome this pandemic. But we must recognize that it would not happen without our public servants. We have the example of Nancy Sullivan, resident of Bethesda, Maryland and an employee at the National Institutes of Health, honored this year as a finalist for the Samuel J. Heyman Servi
Coronavirus (Executive Session)
Charles E. Schumer (Democrat, NY) \u2014 2020-5-11

the United States has well over a million confirmed cases of COVID-19. We are quickly, unfortunately, approaching 80,000 fatalities. prgtoken Alongside this great crisis of public health, this shocking and heartbreaking loss of life, there is a looming economic catastrophe. There are now more than 30 million newly unemployed Americans, over one-tenth of the population in the United States and the highest number since the Great Depression. Many believe this number underestimates the real total. prgtoken Once this crisis is over, there is no guarantee that these millions of newly unemployed Americans will be able to resume their old jobs. How many people will find new jobs? At what salary? Even the most optimistic scenarios predict a period of extended high unemployment. Others suggest we are looking at the kernels of a second Great Depression. prgtoken Here on the Senate floor, for the second week in a row, we are living in the alternative reality of Leader McConnell's making. He has scheduled no legislative business here on the floor related to COVID-19--none--no measures for the unemployed, no relief for renters or homeowners, no legislation to increase testing capacity, no proposals to help State and local governments retain teachers, firefighters, busdrivers, and police officers. prgtoken Looking at the Senate calendar, you would never know that we are working in the midst of a national crisis. It looks like any other session--a few executive nominations, hearings on rightwing judges, and legislation from previous months that the leader should not have delayed. It is just totally, totally divorced from reality. prgtoken Despite the obvious health risks, Senators are ready to do our jobs. Why don't we actually do our jobs and focus on COVID-19? For the sake of common sense and the good of the Nation, the Senate should be focused on COVID-19. We should be holding multiple serious oversight hearings every week. Several of my colleagues on the other side, including the leader, have said they want to see how the legislation we have already passed is working before doing anything else. At the same time, the majority is slow-walking the hearing process. prgtoken Finally, after a lot of ic pressure from myself and many others, the leader is sort of eking out, week by week, hearings. We have just heard that we will hear from Powell and Mnuchin on the 19th. That will be almost 2 months after a bill that let $4 trillion of lending authority be released before there is a hearing. prgtoken Why didn't we hold a hearing 3 weeks ago, 5 weeks ago, or last week? It is prgtoken just outrageous. How can the Senators say we want to see how this is working and not have a whole bunch of hearings to exam how it is working, instead of squeezing them out under direct pressure from us ? prgtoken Now, tomorrow, in the Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Commi