mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
STATEMENTS ON INTRODUCED BILLS AND JOINT RESOLUTIONS
Mitch McConnell (Republican, KY) \u2014 2020-9-9

this year's Kentucky Derby showed that our great traditions can adapt to overcome any challenge. But our sport must be protected. prgtoken I have been proud to stand up for Kentucky horse racing throughout my career. I introduced a checkoff bill to promote the sport domestically. I assembled a coalition to open new markets in Japan and Hong Kong. I worked to make sure internet regulations did not unduly restrict the racing industry. I have secured tax provisions to promote equine equity and grow investment in Kentucky. It has been my privilege to deliver for this sport and Kentuckians who stand behind it. prgtoken Today, I am introducing new legislation to keep it up because, unfortunately, the coronavirus isn't thoroughbred racing's only challenge. In recent years, tragedies on the track, medication scandals, and an inconsistent patchwork of regulations have cast clouds over the future. A national publication's editorial board even called for this sport to be abolished altogether. prgtoken We needed action to protect the sport we love, to defend our history and the 24,000 Kentuckians who work in the thoroughbred racing industry. So in Lexington, the horse capital of the world, I announced with my friend Congressman Andy Barr that we had found a way forward. prgtoken Today I will introduce the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Act to recognize a uniform, national standard for thoroughbred racing. Baseball, football, and other professional sports have a central regulatory authority. Thoroughbred racing should as well. prgtoken Some of the biggest names in the sport--Churchill Downs, Keeneland, the Breeders' Cup and the Jockey Club, just to name a few--are supporting our plan to provide Federal recognition and enforcement power to an independent Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority. prgtoken The board will be made up of both industry-selected and independent members. It will set national standards for track safety, anti-doping, and medication practices and lab protocols. This will make thoroughbred racing as fair and as safe as possible. prgtoken I am proud to partner with Senator Kirsten Gillibrand on this bipartisan legislation. New York is home to another leg of the Triple Crown. Their junior Senator has previously introduced similar legislation to protect our sport. I am also glad to have the senior Senator from California and the junior Senator from Arkansas as original cosponsors on this bill. prgtoken Today, Congressman Barr and Congressman Tonko will present this legislation over in the House. I am grateful for Congressman Barr's years of leadership on this issue, and I am glad we prgtoken are making bipartisan, bicameral progress with our bill. This way, when we can all return to the grandstands to watch the thoroughbreds round the final turn toward a thundering finish, we will be taking pride in a fair and safe race. prgtoken , I ask unanimous consent that the text of the bi
Coronavirus (Executive Session)
John Thune (Republican, SD) \u2014 2020-9-9

starting this week and tomorrow, there will be a vote on a coronavirus relief bill, and it is a bill that is targeted to the areas that really need it, it is fiscally responsible, and it is rooted in reality. In other words, it is a realistic approach to dealing with the coronavirus challenges that we, as a nation, are facing. prgtoken The ic leader and the ic assistant leader have been down here just now talking about the ic bill, a bill which passed the House of Representatives and a bill that was $3\1/2\ trillion in terms of its pricetag and a bill that was filled with goodies for special-interest groups and lots of leftwing priorities, many of which have nothing to do at all with the coronavirus. prgtoken In fact, $3\1/2\ trillion is a number that I think was pulled out of thin air. I have no idea how they came up with it. I don't think it was based on any feedback or input that they got from States or businesses around the country. I think it was let's just make up as many things as we can and let's just throw a lot of money out there and see what it does. prgtoken Well, unfortunately, I think people have come to the realization-- people around the country, at least--that every dollar that we spend now is a borrowed dollar. So the $3\1/2\ trillion that was allocated by the House and which has been supported just in the last few minutes here by the ic leader and the ic whip is borrowed money. It should come as no surprise to anybody in this country that our country already is deeply in debt. We added about $3 trillion earlier this year when we passed the CARES package--at the time, something that was needed. We needed to be big and bold and move quickly, which we did. prgtoken We have a much better sense now, I think, about this disease, what the needs are, and we ought to be targeting our assistance to those areas of greatest need, whether it is small businesses that need assistance, that haven't been able to reopen; whether it is in the area of healthcare, our hospitals and nursing homes, the provider community; or whether it is supporting the efforts that are being made to come up with vaccines and therapeutics, the money that is going into testing. Those are all things I think that there was pretty broad agreement on at the time. We still believe those are things that are essential, in addition to supporting our schools as they try to safely reopen. prgtoken There are a number of priorities out there that I do think we have learned, gotten more information about, and determined where the dollars made the most difference, what could be changed and modified in these programs to make them more workable, and that is what has led to the discussion we are having now and the bill that we will vote on tomorrow. prgtoken What the , in their bill--the $3\1/2\ trillion bill--did was they just decided that money is no object and evidently
COVID-19 Vaccine (Executive Calendar)
Kelly Loeffler (Republican, GA) \u2014 2020-9-9

instead of passing a resolution meant to politicize our military, I am offering my own resolution to honor the service and the sacrifice of the members of the U.S. Armed Forces, veterans, prisoners of war, and Gold Star families. prgtoken My resolution also recognizes President 's strong record of supporting our troops, taking care of our veterans, defending the American people from foreign threats. President and I have and always will honor the service and sacrifice of our brave men and women in uniform. prgtoken , I ask unanimous consent that, as if in legislative session, the Senate proceed to the consideration of my resolution at the desk. I further ask that the resolution be agreed to, the preamble be agreed to, and that the motions to reconsider be considered made and laid upon the table with no intervening action or debate.
Coronavirus (Executive Session)
John Cornyn (Republican, TX) \u2014 2020-9-9

over the last several months, Texans have found new and creative ways to connect with one another while following the necessary COVID-19 precautions--things like drive-through birthday parties, live-streamed weddings, virtual family reunions, and socially distanced barbecues. Life looks a lot different today than it did at the start of the year, but despite the challenges we face, we know it is unrealistic to hit the pause button until the pandemic subsides. prgtoken While COVID-19 continues to be ever present in our daily lives, folks across my State are safely adapting their routines, and that certainly has been my objective in the Senate. Over the past few months, I, like many of my colleagues--maybe all of my colleagues--have largely replaced in-person conversations with virtual ones, through more than 150 separate calls with groups across the State of Texas. These virtual conversations continued over the month of August, along with a number of socially distanced events complete with all of the CDC precautions. Close communication with my constituents has always been important, and the COVID pandemic has made these conversations even more critical. prgtoken During August, I spent time hearing from my constituents, learning about their challenges and what they need in the way of additional help. I donned my mask--like we all have--to safely meet with city leaders, teachers, healthcare heroes, food bank workers, and others across the State. I continued to join telephone and video calls with Texans whose routines and livelihoods have been disrupted by the pandemic. prgtoken It actually was an exhilarating opportunity to get out from behind my computer screen and to share information about the coronavirus relief bills that we have passed thus far but to learn also, just as significantly, where those bills were working and where more needed to be done. As the Senate prepares to vote on a targeted relief bill tomorrow, these discussions could not have been more timely. prgtoken I also hosted recently four telephone townhalls with constituents across Texas. This is amazing technology, as the Presiding Officer knows, where you can reach out to a quarter of a million people just in an hour-long phone call and give them a chance to express their views or ask questions. prgtoken I heard from parents who are concerned about the start of the school year; small business owners who are trying to stay afloat, not knowing when all of this will end; and a woman in rural Texas who is worried that if the U.S. Postal Service goes under, she will not be able to receive her medication in the mail. prgtoken This is a difficult time for many of our neighbors, and I was glad to share the information about the resources we provided and to answer questions about what Texans might be able to expect in the next relief bill. prgtoken One of the most commonly asked questions was about unemployment insurance. Since March, mo
ORDERS FOR THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 10, 2020
Cory Gardner (Republican, CO) \u2014 2020-9-9

I ask unanimous consent that when the Senate completes its business today, it adjourn until 10 a.m Thursday, September 10; further, that following the prayer and pledge, the morning hour be deemed expired, the Journal of proceedings be approved to date, and the time for the two leaders be reserved for their use later in the day; and further, that following leader remarks, the Senate proceed to executive session to resume consideration of the Jarbou nomination under the previous order.
TRIBUTE TO ALLEN NICHOLAS
Thom Tillis (Republican, NC) \u2014 2020-9-9

I rise today to pay tribute to Allen Nicholas who is retiring as forest supervisor for prgtoken the National Forests in North Carolina. Mr. Nicholas has served for over 30 years and has been a living embodiment of the National Forest Service's motto, ``Caring for the Land and Serving People.'' prgtoken Mr. Nicholas was born in Magnolia, MS, and graduated from Mississippi State University with a bachelor's degree in forest resource management and then with a master's degree in business administration. He began his career as a silvicultural technician in the Daniel Boone National Forest and went on to serve in numerous natural resource and leadership positions throughout the southern and eastern United States. prgtoken When he arrived to his first forest supervisor position on the Shawnee National Forest, equestrian use across the forest was rampant. Mr. Nicholas led a multiyear effort to reduce the impact of trail use on natural resources while also supporting an equestrian-based tourism economy. prgtoken As forest supervisor, Mr. Nicholas oversaw North Carolina's four National Forests. The Croatan, the Nantahala, the Pisgah, and the Uwharrie National Forests contain more than 1.25 million acres of land that stretches from the Appalachian Mountains to the Atlantic Coast. All together, the forests welcome more than 7 million visitors each year. Mr. Nicholas led a team to reduce the number of accidental visitor deaths in National Forests in the southern region. Under his leadership, the team recommended a set of actions that are now being implemented to track data, improve communication to visitors, and provide more official presence through volunteers and partners. Mr. Nicholas demonstrates an impressive talent for balancing the safety of visitors with responsible stewardship of our Nation's natural resources. prgtoken All who interact with Allen Nicholas--and countless more past, present, and future visitors--benefit greatly from his service. His commitment to the betterment of others is reflected in his lasting relationships with Forest Service employees and the public. His words inspire and empower, and he leads by example with his actions. Quite simply, he is a natural mentor to others and a wonderful example of a public servant. prgtoken Please join me in congratulating Allen Nicholas, his wife Debra, daughters and sons-in-law, Anna Lisa and Taylor Roberts, and Kelsey and Garrett Dismukes, and his grandchildren Gracie and Charlie on his distinguished public service career and retirement. I wish him and his family the best in his future endeavors.
STATEMENTS ON INTRODUCED BILLS AND JOINT RESOLUTIONS
Susan M. Collins (Republican, ME) \u2014 2020-9-9

I rise today to introduce the Justice for the Living Victims of Lockerbie Act. This bill would create a process to seek justice for a group Pan American World Airways pilots who lost their careers and pensions following the bombing of Pan Am Flight 103 over Lockerbie, Scotland, and the subsequent bankruptcy and closure of Pan Am. prgtoken On December 21, 1988, the state of Libya committed an infamous act of terror by bombing Pan Am Flight 103 over Lockerbie, Scotland, killing 270 innocent civilians. Despite Pan Am's greatly improved financial position in 1988, the media coverage of the terrorist attack wreaked havoc on Pan Am sales leading to its bankruptcy in 1991. prgtoken In 2008, the United States entered into the U.S.-Libya Humanitarian Settlement Agreement, in which Libya paid $1.5 billion to settle claims by U.S. citizens for Libyan-sponsored terrorism. After payments by the State Department to families of death victims from Lockerbie and the La Belle Disco bombing in Germany, compensation to other victims was to be determined by the Foreign Claims Settlement Commission. The Commission could only consider further claims referred to it by the State Department. prgtoken One of these claimants was a group of senior Pan Am pilots, most of whom were veterans, who were over the age of 50 and lost their jobs, pensions, healthcare, and eventually their savings when Pan Am went bankrupt and closed. Due to the federally required retirement age of 60 at that time, and the airline industry's seniority system, they were unable to get new pilot jobs with other airlines. Two of these pilots reside in Maine--Ron Fitch of Poland Spring and Schafer Bean of Diamond Cove--and I have heard their stories and their pleas for Justice on behalf of their own families and the others who suffered as a result of Libya's acts of terrorism. prgtoken This group's initial lawsuit against Libya, which had been joined with the families of those who died at Lockerbie, was dismissed by the courts due to sovereign immunity. Following the 2008 settlement agreement with Libya, the group of pilots approached the State Department in 2009 seeking the necessary referral to have their claims heard by the Foreign Claims Settlement Commission. For more than 4 years the State Department failed to refer the group's claims to the Commission, but following bipartisan letters to then-Secretaries Clinton and Kerry signed by myself and more than 60 other Members of Congress, the State Department finally referred the claims in 2013. prgtoken After an initial denial of claims in a preliminary ruling by the Commission in July 2016, the group of pilots was granted a hearing in December 2016. So many of the pilots and their families attended the hearing that it was moved to a U.S. District Court courtroom in Washington, DC. Three senior Pan Am executives testified at the hearing, including the former Pan Am CEO, Thomas Plaskett; former Pan Am
Coronavirus (Executive Calendar)
John Barrasso (Republican, WY) \u2014 2020-9-9

I come to the floor today, the day before we will be voting on a piece of legislation to deal with relief for people, for a country, dealing with coronavirus. I come to the floor today as Americans are looking to us, the U.S. Senate, to provide relief in this ongoing battle against this disease. prgtoken s, as you well know, are offering a path forward. That is what the American people want. They want a path forward. So tomorrow, the Senate s will move a targeted bill, a bill to help people get back to work, to help kids get back to school, and to deal with and put the disease in the rearview mirror. prgtoken It is interesting, in watching all of the things that unfold in the U.S. Senate and in the Chamber, that continue to be playing political games. The ic leaders in the House, as well as the Senate, have held up this round of coronavirus relief just as they held up the last round of coronavirus relief. prgtoken You say: Where is the roadblock? Well, I will tell you. Senator Schumer and Pelosi have been the roadblocks to relief for the American public. The has demanded a multi-trillion-dollar blank check to pursue her liberal agenda. It is a liberal wish list, no strings attached. You can go through all of the things that she has asked for. Even the New York Times said it was a liberal wish list, and that is the New York Times realizing that it wasn't a serious piece of legislation. prgtoken Yet, just last week, when Pelosi was asked about it and all of the things that are in it, she said: ``We're not budging.'' Her statement: ``We're not budging.'' prgtoken At the same time, as you look at what is happening in the country, Presidential nominee seems to be, ever so slowly, coming out of his hiding place in the basement. His answer to coronavirus, when the press asked him about this a week or so ago when he just edged out of the basement just a little bit, he said he would shut down the entire country again. prgtoken That is not what they want in Wyoming. That is not what they want in your State, Mr. Presiding Officer. That would be a recipe for disaster. But that is what the former Vice President, the nominee of the Party, has said he would do: shut down the country again. We have seen, time and time again, leaders shrink in the face of adversity. s are facing challenges head-on. prgtoken It was interesting that, a couple of weeks ago during the convention, didn't even mention the violence that was plaguing -run cities all across the country. Not a single one of the speakers at their convention mentioned the destruction and the looting and the rioting and the violence. mayors, Governors, through their words and their actions, are encouraging these riots that are destroying our cities. They have surrendered to the leftwing mob, and, as a result, violent anarch
CORONAVIRUS
Rob Portman (Republican, OH) \u2014 2020-9-10

thank you. I am on the floor today to talk about the coronavirus pandemic and what we can and should do here in the U.S. Senate and in Congress as a whole to actually address the ongoing problem. prgtoken We are not out of the woods yet. We still have a healthcare crisis and, of course, an economic crisis that is a consequence of that. prgtoken We have done some good bipartisan work over the past 6 months. In fact, not many people realize that we have actually passed five or six bills with strong bipartisan majorities. The one people know about most is the biggest one, the CARES Act. I think it got 97 votes here on the floor of the Senate--97 to nothing. prgtoken We have in the past been able to figure out a way to come together as s and and as Americans to be able to address this crisis. We need to do it again because we still do have a crisis. We still do have unacceptably high levels of people getting infected, hospitalized, being in the ICU, fatalities, and, of course, our economy is not where any of us would like to see it although it has improved significantly, in part because of the legislation we passed here. prgtoken I am convinced that we would be at over 10 percent unemployment still if not for the legislation we passed here. Instead, we are beginning to come down--8.4 percent last month. That is faster than anybody thought it could. Still, of course, it is unacceptably high. prgtoken So more help is needed, and we can't let the upcoming election and the politics around that keep us from getting together and continuing to do the work that we have to do. We haven't been able, in the last 5 or 6 weeks, to do that. Instead, we have been working kind of on opposite sides of the aisle on our own projects. prgtoken Today we voted on a bill that had a majority of the U.S. Senators supporting it. That is not how you pass something around here; there has to be a supermajority--60 votes. But a majority of the Senators in this Chamber just voted for legislation that has strong bipartisan appeal I would think because, as we will talk about in a second, almost every element is supported by the , s, and, most importantly, by the American people. prgtoken What we have done is we have kind of fallen into camps. So the passed a bill in the House called the Heroes Act. It is a $3.5 trillion bill. Remember, we have already spent about $3.5 trillion, making this the largest deficit in the history of our country and making our debt now, for the first time since World War II, the size of our entire economy. That concerns all of us, and it should. I hope it concerns all of us because our fiscal situation going forward for our kids and grandkids is something we should be concerned about too. prgtoken Anyway, the $3.5 trillion bill is a grab bag, to be honest. Some of it is related to COVID-19, but some of it is not. As an example, there is a provision in there th
ADDITIONAL STATEMENTS
Mike Crapo (Republican, ID) \u2014 2020-9-10

in honor of National POW/MIA Recognition Day this September 18, 2020, I join in raising awareness about the more than 81,900 Americans the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency, DPAA, reports remain missing from World War II, the Korean war, the Vietnam war, the Cold War, the Gulf wars and other conflicts. I also commend the members of the POW*MIA Awareness Rally Corp. of Pocatello, ID, and other similar groups that keep a spotlight on the immense service of our American servicemembers and the ongoing need to bring them all home. prgtoken My heart goes out to the American families who have carried on through years, and even decades, waiting for answers to their questions. Those who see a loved one off to war but long after the war's end still await that loved one's return shoulder our country's sorrow. May all servicemembers' families get the resolution of knowing their lost family members have been returned to the country they served so admirably. prgtoken Thank you to those who work for and assist the DPAA and related efforts to get needed answers and bring all American servicemembers home. Piecing together the circumstances, whereabouts, and lives of those lost cannot be easy, especially during a global pandemic, but bringing them home is critical to honoring their service. The DPAA reports that 75 percent of lost Americans are located in the Indo- Pacific, and more than 41,000 of the missing are presumed lost at sea. Despite the difficulty, the agency announced accounting for more than 70 missing servicemembers since March. Their locations included Germany, Laos, North Korea, Papua, Pearl Harbor, the Philippines, Romania, Saipan, South Korea, and Tarawa. prgtoken To help with this effort, I have supported and introduced the bipartisan Bring Our Heroes Home Act, which would address obstacles preventing families and caseworkers from accessing the records needed for recovery efforts by putting one entity in charge of prioritizing and facilitating the declassification of records related to missing servicemembers. We cannot let up in bringing home all our Nation's heroes, including the 359 Idahoans, who have yet to be returned. Those who have served our Nation deserve no less than to rest at home, and we cannot rest until they do.