mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
CLIMATE CHANGE
James Lankford (Republican, OK) \u2014 2020-9-23

here we are again. It is late September, and the budget work has not been completed yet. It seems terribly familiar to this body, and it is frustrating. It is not as if no one knew September was coming; it was on the calendar. When I first looked at it in January this year, September already existed on the calendar. prgtoken It is not as if we didn't know what all the deadlines were. Everyone knew full well what all the deadlines were. prgtoken We can say it is the pandemic that slowed everything down, except for the fact that all of the appropriations work could have already been done, and much of the committee work could have been done. Some was done by the House but not completed. It can be done by the Senate, but it was not. prgtoken So here we are again, watching the countdown clock toward a government shutdown as we discuss what happens next. prgtoken Things have been tied up this week with what is called a continuing resolution. This body knows--others may not--that a continuing resolution is literally taking last year's appropriations bills, changing the dates, and moving them over to the new one. This particular continuing resolution stretches until December 11, when we would have to pick it up and pass more appropriations for another continuing resolution at that time. prgtoken The fight this week has been over whether we are going to support rural America and agriculture. The House originally drafted a continuing resolution that left out all of the agriculture projects that were in it. The Senate, obviously, threw a fit over that and asked: Why are we supporting everything, including benefits to Sri Lanka to get added to the House's proposal for the continuing resolution, but you won't do so for America's farmers? prgtoken So, in the back-and-forth conversation this week, the House had to extend. Then it went another day. Then the House finally put the agriculture projects back in--and still left in, by the way, benefit for Sri Lanka. prgtoken Our ongoing conversations continue, though, about airlines. On October 1, airlines across the country are going to lay off 100,000 people--100,000. We have asked for some engagement on the issue of these airlines. In the CARES Act, back in March, we gave an extension to those airline workers so that the airline workers and the airlines could still stay connected to each other even when we were in this downtime. We are getting very close to a vaccine. It is like we can see the light on the other end of the tunnel, but it is not a train this time; it is actually light. We are going to get through this pandemic, but for whatever reason, the House refuses to deal with the issue of how to help airline workers at all, not even to do half of what was done in the past, not even to do a portion of what was done in the CARES Act. It has been exceptionally frustrating. prgtoken It has been the same issue with the House in its not wanting to do anything on th
Supreme Court Nominations (Executive Session)
John Thune (Republican, SD) \u2014 2020-9-23

I don't think anyone is surprised that have not reacted well to the idea that President will nominate a third Supreme Court Justice. After all, overreacting to nominees is pretty much the ' stock-in-trade. It doesn't matter who the nominee is. To hear the tell it, any nominee is likely to bring about Armageddon. prgtoken The fact that some nominees in past years, and as recently as this past June, have sided with the liberal wing of the Court more often than I would like has not in any way restrained ' hysteria each time a new nominee is introduced. prgtoken I thought we had reached a low point 2 years ago with the nomination of Justice Kavanaugh, who suffered months of character assassination at the hands of , but it turns out that was not the low point because we have reached a new low. prgtoken As I said, it is no surprise the have reacted with hysteria at the prospect of President nominating another Supreme Court Justice. It was disappointing--but hardly surprising--that yesterday the ic leader blocked a key Intelligence Committee hearing on election security, a topic he has repeatedly insisted is of overwhelming importance, to protest the thought of the Senate fulfilling its advice and consent role and confirming a principled, conservative woman. Even Pelosi's overwrought statement that s are ``coming after your children,'' seemed pretty much par for the course. prgtoken have not limited themselves to temper tantrums. No, have moved on to threats. Dare to confirm the President's duly nominated nominee, are now saying, and if we win back the majority in November, we will eliminate the legislative filibuster and pack the Supreme Court. prgtoken In other words, if s dare to fulfill the Senate's role of advising and consenting to the President's nominee, will upend our democratic institutions. They will eliminate the legislative filibuster, which is the Senate rule that helps ensure legislation that passes the Senate has to be at least somewhat bipartisan. prgtoken And they will pack the Supreme Court. For those who need a brief refresher on the concept of court packing, which had been largely consigned to the dustbin of history nearly a century ago, the theory is as follows: If the Supreme Court is not deciding cases to your liking, add more Justices to the Court until you start getting the decisions that you want. In other words, let s dare to fill the vacant slot on the Supreme Court, and will keep adding Justices to the Court until they can be assured they will get the outcome they want in every case. prgtoken Yesterday, I referred to those as undemocratic. Why did I say that? They are inconsistent with democratic government. In our system of prgtoken government, you win some and y
Billion Dollar Boondoggle Act (Executive Session)
Joni Ernst (Republican, IA) \u2014 2020-9-23

I grew up on a family farm with modest means. As a young girl, I saw Washington, DC, as a place for men in big fancy suits and big fancy houses. While a lot has changed since that time--for one, there are a lot more women like me serving in the Senate--so much here is still the same. prgtoken You see, too many folks in Washington get their paychecks from American taxpayers but don't honor the folks who pay their salary. Instead of holding bad actors accountable, whether it is reckless spending or raunchy behavior on taxpayers' time, it gets swept under the rug. prgtoken Let me give you an example. I have a bill right now. It is called the Billion Dollar Boondoggle Act. It passed committee unanimously. It is actually one of the simplest bills I have ever introduced. It literally requires the government to report on projects that are, No. 1, behind schedule and, No. 2, overbudget. It is a simple reporting requirement. Again, it passed through the committee unanimously. prgtoken The bill has the support of my colleagues, but I am being stonewalled by my friends across the aisle. Folks, I cannot fathom why some Senate would oppose a reporting requirement to identify wasteful spending. prgtoken You might ask: If this bill is so simple, why does it mean so much to you? Because it matters to my fellow Iowa taxpayers. They expect Washington to use their tax dollars wisely, not throw them down bottomless sinkholes that go unnoticed. Ask any small business owner in Iowa whether the bottom line allows them to be over-budget or behind schedule. They would be out of business. They would be out of business in a heartbeat. Yet we can't even pass a bill to report on these cost overruns, much less address them. I guess it is perfectly fine for Washington to take more and more from working families and small businesses. prgtoken Folks, I think it is downright shameful that we just can't pass this simple bill. I will remind you again, it passed unanimously through committee. prgtoken While there is a heck of a lot of political posturing that goes on in the Senate, we have had moments when we have come together to rein in the ticker tape parade of Washington's excesses. For instance, we passed my SQUEAL Act, which was signed into law as part of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017. I am proud of that effort because there is no reason Members of Congress should enjoy tax perks that don't get enjoyed by everyone else. prgtoken My bipartisan Program Management Improvement and Accountability Act was signed into law, creating more efficiency and oversight in the Federal Government. prgtoken I certainly have not stopped fighting to rein in Presidential perks. prgtoken I have also worked with colleagues who couldn't be more different from me politically, and we have actually accomplished really important things for the American people. I will name a few of those. We have fought against abuse in the Olympics
Kevin Hern (Republican, OK) \u2014 2020-9-23

I urge defeat of the previous question so that we can immediately move to debate and pass H.R. 8265 and stop playing politics with American businesses and jobs. prgtoken We all can name at least one favorite establishment that is now an economic casualty of coronavirus. Many small businesses are hurting, and they need our help. prgtoken We came together in an incredible bipartisan way this spring to create the Paycheck Protection Program, but the fallout of these shutdowns is lasting longer than any of us dared believe, and our communities are now in need of swift action. prgtoken That is exactly why we need a vote on H.R. 8265, which ic leadership is currently preventing. There are over $135 billion still sitting in the funds that are authorized and appropriated. This bill gives small businesses with 25 percent revenue losses and under 300 employees the opportunity for a second cut at the PPP loan. It sets aside $25 billion specifically for mom-and-pop businesses with less than 10 employees, and it simplifies the forgiveness process for loans under $150,000. prgtoken Do it today. Do it today. We have plenty of time. To make it simple: Passing this bill saves jobs, but doing nothing sends those same people to the unemployment lines. The bills we are voting on today will never become law. Messaging bills can wait; extending this program cannot. prgtoken I know that many of my colleagues across the aisle are frustrated with the lack of action on this issue. They like this bill and know it would help our communities. I know this because many have told me personally. If half of the who have privately told me they supported this legislation would vote for it, it would pass overwhelmingly and would be law quickly. So I call on them today to stand up and do what is right. Their communities need them in this moment. America needs us all in this moment. prgtoken , I ask the leaders to stop playing politics with American businesses and jobs. I urge defeat of the previous question and immediate consideration of H.R. 8265.
TRIBUTE TO TOMMY TURNER
Mitch McConnell (Republican, KY) \u2014 2020-9-23

when my friend Tommy Turner was first elected to lead LaRue County in 1985, he was the youngest Kentuckian to ever serve as a county judge-executive. Now, 35 years later, Tommy recently announced he would leave office as our Commonwealth's longest currently serving county leader. Records bookend his service, and more accomplishments fill the years between. I would like to take a moment to congratulate Tommy on his decades of leadership for LaRue County and to thank him for his many contributions to Kentucky. prgtoken Every county judge-executive is responsible for local services such as the county's budget and road maintenance. As LaRue County's leader, however, Tommy was given an additional--almost sacred--charge. He helped preserve the birthplace of our most famous Kentuckian, Abraham Lincoln. Tommy took seriously his role in honoring Lincoln, and Kentucky will continue to benefit from his enthusiasm for our Nation's 16th President. prgtoken Along with a group of motivated citizens, Tommy helped establish the Lincoln Museum in Hodgenville. In a typical year, thousands of tourists will visit the museum and the nearby Abraham Lincoln National Historical Park. Tommy championed an effort to expand the National Park by coordinating a donation to include Lincoln's Boyhood Home on Knob Creek. This year, Kentucky Living Magazine named the Lincoln Museum as the Commonwealth's Best Museum, a well-deserved distinction for their efforts to safeguard the Great Emancipator's legacy. prgtoken In 2000, Congress created the Abraham Lincoln Bicentennial Commission to prepare national celebrations for the President's 200th birthday. Recommended by Kentucky's Governor at the time and appointed by the President, Tommy was a fine choice to serve as a commissioner. Hodgenville would later host the celebration's National Opening Ceremony and lead the country in honoring President Lincoln. prgtoken Over the years, I have worked with Tommy to preserve Lincoln's heritage in LaRue County and to deliver for the community's bright future. It has also been a privilege to join Tommy's radio show to speak directly with local families about their priorities and my work for Kentucky in the Senate. prgtoken Tommy spent half of his life as LaRue County's judge-executive. The results of his leadership can be seen across the county in its growth and opportunity. I would like to encourage my Senate colleagues to join me in thanking Tommy for his service and for preserving the memory of one of our country's greatest leaders. In whatever comes next for Tommy, I wish him the best. I look forward to his continued contributions to our great Commonwealth.
Debbie Lesko (Republican, AZ) \u2014 2020-9-23

such time as I may consume. prgtoken , in closing, at a time when many Americans are struggling with the economic fallout from the ongoing pandemic, it is unfortunate that the ic majority is not coming up with solutions that can actually be signed into law. We need to negotiate with the s in the Senate and the President and the together. That is what America wants. prgtoken Instead, in this rule, we are focusing on a Green New Deal-type of energy package--one that didn't work so well in California, as can be attested to by their rolling blackouts and other energy crises. prgtoken , I would call on us to defeat the previous question so that we can add the amendment to, at least, help the small businesses and their workers. This is something we can do together. prgtoken , I urge a ``no'' on the previous question, ``no'' on the underlying measure, and .
Agriculture (Executive Session)
John Hoeven (Republican, ND) \u2014 2020-9-23

I would like to thank the Senator from Arkansas again for his diligence and hard work, and our Ag chairman. prgtoken I just want to wrap up with some thank-yous, as well, and it starts with our Ag chairman, not only for his leadership on the farm bill but then on making sure we fund these farm programs. prgtoken I tell you, it has been something that I know Senator Boozman agrees with me on. We have learned a lot from him, and we appreciate it. It has made a real difference for farmers and ranchers across this country. prgtoken I want to thank, of course, all of the Senators that worked with us on this project--I named them earlier--but our House Members too. We reached out to Members of the House, whether it was the ranking member on the Ag Committee, Representative Conaway, or whether it was Representative Fortenberry. There are many others that reached out and helped as well. prgtoken I agree. I want to thank our staff, led by Tony Eberhard, my chief, and on the Agriculture side, by Morgan Ulmer and her whole crew, Shannon Hines, and, of course, Richard Shelby, our leader on the Approps side, and somebody whom you worked with for many, many years, . prgtoken It takes all of these people working together. This was really important, not just for the farm bill but for that disaster assistance, the coronavirus food assistance funding that we are providing, as well, which our farmers and ranchers need so very much as we go through this COVID fight. prgtoken So let me just wrap up. This is something that the Ag chairman brought up. I thought, as usual, right on. He said we wouldn't have been able to get this done without the farm groups and the ranch groups stepping up and calling their Member, whether it was their Senator or their House Member. prgtoken Our chairman also already introduced this into the Record--the letter--which was so important. But I am going to take just a minute and read through those ag groups, if I could, as our way of finishing up with a thank you. prgtoken I am just going to read through those 47 groups: Agriculture Retailers Association, Amcot, American Agri-Women, American Cotton Producers, American Cotton Shippers Association, the American Dairy Coalition, American Farm Bureau Federation. prgtoken I have got to say that the American Farm Bureau Federation took a real leadership role, so a special thanks there. prgtoken But thanks to all of these groups: American Pulse Association, American Sheep Industry Association, American Soybean Association, American Sugar Alliance, Association of Equipment Manufacturers, Cotton Growers Warehouse Association; Cotton Warehouse Association of America, Crop Insurance Professionals Association, National Association of Wheat Growers, National Barley Growers Association, National Cattlemen's Beef Association, National Corn Growers Association, National Cotton Council, National Cotton Ginners Association, National Council of Farme
EXPANDING ACCESS TO SUSTAINABLE ENERGY ACT OF 2019
Lizzie Fletcher (Democrat, TX) \u2014 2020-9-23

. Madam , I thank Chairwoman Johnson for this opportunity and for her bipartisan leadership of the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology during this Congress. prgtoken Madam , I rise today in support of H.R. 4447 and the important bills from the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology that are included in this bill. prgtoken I am proud to represent Houston, Texas, the energy capital of the world, and our country leads the world in energy production and innovation because of the work that we do in Houston. We innovate, we create, we research, and we power the world. prgtoken H.R. 4447 will help ensure that we continue to do so with a meaningful increase in the Federal resources necessary to develop critical energy technologies that we will rely on in our energy mix into the next century. prgtoken As the center of energy expertise and experience in the country, my constituents in Houston are well-positioned to utilize the financial support provided through this bill and to help chart the course for our energy future. prgtoken I am particularly glad that to expand research and development of large-scale demonstration of carbon capture, utilization and storage technologies, this package includes legislation I helped lead with my friend from Fort Worth, Mr. Veasey, the Fossil Energy Research and Development Act. prgtoken Critical work on carbon capture is going on right now in my district, and we have a real opportunity to reduce carbon emissions through these and other carbon capture efforts. prgtoken To continue the important work of modernizing the use of fossil fuels, Houston companies and universities will be eligible to compete for an estimated $14 billion in grant funds made possible by this bill. prgtoken I am also glad that this bill includes the ARPA-E Reauthorization, legislation passed through our subcommittee to reauthorize funding for the Department of Energy's Advanced Research Projects Agency-Energy to help advance high-potential, high-impact technologies in the early stages of development. prgtoken While I support these and other important provisions of this bill, I recognize that it is not a perfect bill. I am disappointed that my amendment to address some outstanding issues related to eminent domain and pipeline construction was not made in order. prgtoken Our conversation about our energy future is vital for all of us. I look forward to continuing my work with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to ensure that we are able to build the infrastructure we need to ensure the reliable delivery of American energy across the country and to collaborate on the essential research that we need and that we focused on so much in our committee work. prgtoken In the energy capital of the world, we have unique and critical expertise to offer this conversation, and it will help us chart a path forward together. prgtoken Madam , this bill represents some of the things we can do together. And for that rea
Housing Report (Executive Session)
Sherrod Brown (Democrat, OH) \u2014 2020-9-23

the coronavirus has been the great revealer in our country. This crisis, of course, isn't happening in a vacuum. It is layered atop a system that already was not working for a whole lot of people and that had centuries of racism built into it. prgtoken Few places is that more true than in our housing system. When it comes to housing, like so many problems in this country, we have a President who makes things worse, not better. For 4 years now, President and his administration have systematically undermined fair housing. prgtoken I would add, since the Senator from Utah is in the Presiding Officer's chair, that I would do a shout-out for his father and what he did as Secretary of HUD in the late sixties, early seventies in trying to move this country forward. prgtoken That was obviously not in my prepared remarks. I didn't know that you would be presiding, but thank you. prgtoken The agenda--very different from the agenda in the Romney HUD administration--turned back the clock on civil rights protections that leave communities of color, people with disabilities, and LGBTQ people behind. prgtoken This week I released a comprehensive report from the Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs Committee, detailing the ways that President has made inequality and segregation in housing worse and the work we have to do to undo the damage. prgtoken More than 50 years after Congress passed the Fair Housing Act, access to housing remains not just unequal but separate and unequal. prgtoken The contours of our country are too often still defined by Black, Latino, Asian or White neighborhoods, all with very different levels of access to resources--schools, grocery stores, healthcare, clean air and water, public safety. prgtoken This is not an accident; it has been done by design. For decades, the Federal Government not only condoned housing segregation and discrimination--perhaps unbelievably, perhaps not--it actively promoted it. prgtoken We all know about Black codes. We know about Jim Crow, even if too many want to deny we are still living with this Jim Crow legacy today. It wasn't just the most blatant racist laws; discrimination was woven into the creation of our modern housing system from the beginning. prgtoken After the Great Depression, President Roosevelt created the government-sponsored Home Owners' Loan Corporation, the HOLC, and the Federal Housing Administration, the FHA. prgtoken These could have been tools for expanding opportunity for everyone. They did that for White Americans, but for Black Americans they did the opposite. HOLC partnered with local real estate agents and appraisers to make what they called residential security maps. These maps used color coding to differentiate between supposedly high- prgtoken risk and low-risk neighborhoods, with green signifying the best neighborhoods and red indicating a so-called hazardous area. prgtoken Neighborhoods that were home to people of color-