mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
MOTION TO DISCHARGE--S.J. RES. 77
Rick Scott (Republican, FL) \u2014 2020-12-9

I came to the Senate 2 years ago because the people of Florida entrusted me to fight against the broken ways of Washington and the out-of-control spending that is threatening the future of our children and our grandchildren. prgtoken I am fighting every day against the political class in Washington-- the same elites that scoff when people like me say that government needs to be run like a business. They say government is too complicated to run like a business, but I say that any elected official or government bureaucrat who believes that should resign tomorrow because they are part of the problem. prgtoken It is time to wake up. It is time to wake up to the fact that every dime spent in Washington belongs to American taxpayers, and every dollar spent now is a tax increase for a future generation. prgtoken It is time to wake up to the fact that our Nation is more than $27 trillion in debt. Every cent we spend moving forward threatens our ability to fund our military and our safety nets like Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid. prgtoken It is time to wake up to the fact that our position as the leader of the free world is not promised and shouldn't be taken for granted. Irresponsible career politicians who care more about their next election than the future of our country will run this Nation into the ground if we let them, and I am fighting like hell to make sure they don't. prgtoken Now, let me be clear. I support another relief measure to help our small businesses and individuals who are hurting because of the coronavirus. prgtoken For months, Senate s have been trying to pass responsible and targeted measures to quickly help those in need. And for months, have blocked these measures because of politics. prgtoken Nancy Pelosi admitted it. She said she purposely stood in the way of the deal until after the Presidential election so that politics would be in their favor to avoid ``considerations in the legislation that we don't want.'' prgtoken It is shameful and exactly why the American people are fed up with Washington. prgtoken Congress has already allocated $2 trillion in direct and indirect aid to States and localities. And we know, unfortunately, because Congress tried to get this money out the door as quickly as possible, many programs within the CARES Act are riddled with waste, inefficiency, and fraud. prgtoken Now a group of my colleagues want to spend another trillion dollars, including almost $200 billion to bail out liberal States with Governors who can't do the basic job they were elected to do--manage their own budgets. And we don't even know how much is still unspent from the previous coronavirus relief packages. prgtoken I have reached out to every single Governor--twice now--to learn exactly how they have spent the hundreds of billions of dollars they have already received, and only 10 have replied. They won't tell us because they don't want us to know there ar
CORONAVIRUS
Mitch McConnell (Republican, KY) \u2014 2020-12-9

the American people are hurting. We are in the thick of one of the worst national crises in modern memory, and people's eyes are fixed on Congress. They need the House and the Senate to stop chasing our tails and make a law. prgtoken There are small business employees who have held onto their jobs all this time because of the Paycheck Protection Program but are facing the prospect they might be laid off now, with vaccines just around the corner, because Washington fumbles the ball in the red zone. prgtoken There are medically vulnerable Americans who have watched Operation Warp Speed appear to succeed at a historic pace, but Congress can't even agree to fully fund the distribution efforts that will get the vaccines to people. prgtoken There are Americans who have been thrown out of work, through no fault of their own, who are watching Federal aid programs tick toward expiration in a few weeks, even though neither side in Congress opposes extending them. prgtoken Senate s have made one offer after another after another to try and make law on all the significant areas where nobody even disagrees. We spent July, August, September, October, and November trying different ways to create common ground, but the of the House and the Senate ic leader have been just as consistent. At every turn, they have delayed, deflected, moved the goalposts, and made the huge number of places where Congress agrees into a hostage--into a hostage--of the few places where we do not agree. prgtoken Back in the summertime, I pointed out the obvious. I said leading simply just didn't want any more help to reach American families before the election occurred. The other side claimed great offense; how insulting to even suggest that such cynicism might be at play. prgtoken And now they are admitting it out loud. Yesterday, on CNN, the ic whip was asked point-blank why the and the ic leader were so unwilling to play ball back in the autumn. The No. 2 responded: ``[Well], there was some exuberance involved because an election was coming.'' Well, he gets points for candor: ``because an election was coming.'' prgtoken A few days ago, Pelosi told reporters why she reversed months of prgtoken statements and suddenly began discussing comparatively more reasonable sums of money. Her answer was simple. She thinks the Presidential election went the way she wanted. The of the House views it as a success that she denied struggling people relief they badly needed for months because she thinks she got the political result she was after. prgtoken I count no fewer than 10 separate times that top rejected or blocked various efforts to jump-start the process, so here is just a partial sampling. prgtoken In July, s sketched a comprehensive plan for safe schools, jobs, and healthcare. We could have made law in July, but the ic leader wouldn't even engag
CONGRATULATING DAVID SHOAR
John H. Rutherford (Republican, FL) \u2014 2020-12-9

I rise today to congratulate David Shoar on a well-deserved retirement from a 40-year, lifelong career from law enforcement. David has been with the St. Johns County Sheriff's Office since being elected sheriff there in 2004, 2008, 2012, and 2016. That is 16 long years of faithful service to the St. Johns County Sheriff's Office. prgtoken He has been an outstanding leader for the St. Johns County Sheriff's Office and initiated many innovations during his tenure. Sheriff Shoar actually began his law enforcement career with the St. Augustine Police Department in 1981, serving as a patrol officer before being promoted to sergeant in 1991. prgtoken Because of his leadership, knowledge, skills, and abilities, in 2000, he was appointed as chief of police, following successful stints as operations commander and administrative services commander. Just 4 years later, in 2004, he would then begin his career as sheriff of St. Johns County. prgtoken , that is when I really came to know Sheriff Shoar, during the Florida Sheriffs Association's new sheriffs school. Although we both attended an earlier training class in Wakulla Springs and really had gotten to be close friends, it was at this new sheriff's training that I truly began to appreciate Sheriff Shoar's intelligence and his insights. prgtoken Sheriff Shoar is also a decorated soldier in the Florida National Guard, later retiring as a major after 24 years of service to our Nation and our State. He served in the Gulf War and led North Florida's recovery efforts following Hurricanes Andrew and Opal. His public service record and leadership in northeast Florida is truly second to none. prgtoken , all of Sheriff Shoar's awards and accolades are too numerous to list, but they do include the America's Most Wanted National First Responder Award, the American Legion's Top Cop Award, the Catholic Charities prgtoken of St. Johns County Good Samaritan Award, the Salvation Army's Gus Craig Award, and the prestigious Colonel Ed Taylor Award from the St. Johns County Veteran's Council for his many years of dedication to our Nation's veterans. prgtoken In addition to his many successes in law enforcement, military service, and community service, Sheriff Shoar also holds bachelor's and master's degrees from the University of North Florida and an honorary doctorate of law degree from Flagler College. prgtoken During his 40 years of service, Sheriff Shoar made a positive difference in his community, his country, his agency, and the lives of many people, including my own. prgtoken His life reminds me of a quote by Ralph Waldo Emerson: The purpose of life is not to be happy. It is to be useful, to be honorable, to be compassionate, to have it make some difference that you lived and lived well. prgtoken Sheriff Shoar, David, my friend, you have made a difference and lived well. prgtoken On behalf of the Fourth Congressional District of Florida, I wish David well in h
Nomination of Sean J. Cooksey (Executive Calendar)
Josh Hawley (Republican, MO) \u2014 2020-12-9

in a few moments, we are going to be voting on a series of nominations to the Federal Election Commission, one of which is of personal interest to me. It is the nomination of Sean Cooksey to be a Commissioner of that body. prgtoken I know Sean personally because I have had the great privilege of working with Sean for the last 2 years while he has served as the general counsel in my office. Sean is a native Missourian. He comes from the eastern part of the State, just north of St. Louis. He is a proud graduate of Truman State University in the State of Missouri. He comes from a working family there in the State, and his family still lives there. prgtoken Sean has rendered exceptional service to me this last year and a half. In fact, when I came to the Senate not even 2 years ago, I have to say Sean had more experience than I did, having served in this body for several years before in the office--on the staff of Senator Ted Cruz of Texas. prgtoken Sean has done absolutely outstanding work in the last year and a half in my office helping us pass important legislation, including my first bill signed into law in the Senate, the Supporting and Treating Officers in Crisis Act. This is a law that will direct new funding to police officers and other law enforcement all across the State of Missouri and across the Nation to get the help and support they need when they are exposed to violence, when they are exposed to situations that require followup help, counseling. It gets them the resources especially in small and local police departments in rural areas, like those across my State. Sean was instrumental in drafting this legislation and in getting it passed. It was a proud day almost a year and a half ago when President signed that bill into law. prgtoken This is just one example of the outstanding service Sean has rendered not just to my office but to the people of Missouri and not just to the people of Missouri but to the people of the United States. That is why, while I am sorry to see Sean go on a personal level, I am absolutely delighted for the country because my loss is going to be the gain of the United States of America. prgtoken I want to congratulate Sean on this nomination and what I think will soon be his confirmation in just a few moment's time. prgtoken I want to congratulate his family. I know this is a very proud day for them. I believe Sean will be the youngest member of the Federal Election Commission, maybe in the history of this body. I can't think of anyone more deserving. I know that he will render distinguished service to the country in this capacity. prgtoken .
MOTION TO DISCHARGE--S.J. RES. 77
Tom Cotton (Republican, AR) \u2014 2020-12-9

for many years, I have supported the annual National Defense Authorization Act. The bill always contains many worthy provisions, and it usually passes with large majorities. After all, who wants to vote no when the common refrain to pass the bill is ``Support the troops''? But at some point you have to draw the line, and this year is where I draw it. prgtoken Just look at these bills over the last few years. Five years ago, the NDAA was 968 pages--not unusual around here and something you can get your hands around. But last year, the NDAA report was 1,794 pages, and this year the report is an astonishing 4,517 pages--not even counting the classified annexes. I doubt anyone really knows what is in it except maybe some lobbyists. prgtoken And get this: As the bill grew more than sixfold in length, we had even less time to read it. The number of people who could read the bill at any one time was restricted. Social distancing--``Can't have too many people in the room,'' we were told. That is fine. I understand. We are still in a pandemic. But then we should have had more time to review the bill, not less. Yet Armed Services Committee members were asked on this floor last week to sign the bill after having only a couple of hours to review it. prgtoken As this massive bill was written in secret and then rushed to a vote, some seem to have forgotten to consult with the Commander in Chief or recall that he has veto power. It is pretty well known that the President wants the bill to reform or repeal section 230, the giveaway to Big Tech oligarchs who get to censor the American people without consequence. prgtoken The bill stiff-arms the President. There is not a word in more than 4,500 pages about section 230. The sponsors claim they couldn't airdrop provisions into the bill at the last minute. I take the point. I am not sure the President will, though, and he is the one with the veto. prgtoken But there is more. The bill condemns the President for proposing to move some troops out of Germany and restricts his ability to do so, even though NATO's frontier has shifted hundreds of miles to the east and Germany hasn't exactly carried its share of the NATO load. The Senate didn't debate this major policy change. Our earlier bill didn't even mention it. As far as I am concerned, this provision was, to borrow a phrase, airdropped without appropriate consultation with committee members. And for the record, I am a senior member of the committee, but I only learned about this provision in the newspaper on Friday, 2 days after I was asked to sign the bill. prgtoken It would appear the standard for airdropping provisions into the bill is that we won't airdrop things that support the President's priorities, but we will airdrop stuff that thwarts his priorities. I doubt that will get past the President's veto either. prgtoken This failure to consult committee members is not an isolated incident. The President's 5G pla
HONORING THE LIFE AND SERVICE OF OFFICER ANDY ORNELAS
Mike Garcia (Republican, CA) \u2014 2020-12-9

I rise today to honor the life of an American legend and aviation pioneer, General Chuck Yeager, who passed away this past Monday, December 7. prgtoken Daring to be the first to break the sound barrier over California's Mojave Desert, General Yeager achieved aviation history in 1947 and launched the modern jet age. He did what many thought was impossible, and he did it over the skies of my district. prgtoken But his dedication to our Nation and contribution to aeronautical sciences was greater than this one crowning achievement. He served in World War II as a fighter ace, shooting down 13 German planes--5 in one day. prgtoken In 1953, he set a world speed record by flying at nearly 2\1/2\ times the speed of sound. prgtoken From commanding the school training astronauts at Edwards Air Force Base, to flying 127 missions as commander of a fighter wing in Vietnam, to testing a Russian MiG-15 obtained from a defector, Chuck Yeager's service to country and advancement of aviation never stopped throughout his lifetime. prgtoken These accomplishments might have seemed unlikely in the beginning. Possessing only a high school degree and becoming sick riding in his first military flight as a passenger, he might have seemed an unlikely milestone maker in military aviation. But, as he said in his memoir: ``All I know is I worked my tail off learning to learn how to fly, and worked hard at it all the way.'' prgtoken As a fighter pilot myself, this is difficult for me to say, but Chuck Yeager was truly the best fighter pilot this world has seen. Hard work, determination, bravery, and service made Chuck Yeager a role model and a uniquely American hero. prgtoken May God bless Chuck Yaeger, his family, and the Nation that he served, and I hope Chuck is up there in Heaven setting more records.
CONGRATULATING THE LEADERSHIP COUNCIL OF SOUTHWESTERN ILLINOIS
Mike Bost (Republican, IL) \u2014 2020-12-9

. Madam , I rise today to congratulate the Leadership Council of Southwestern Illinois in receiving the prestigious Abilene Trophy for its support of the men and women who serve at Southern Illinois' Scott Air Force Base. prgtoken Established in 1999, the Abilene Trophy is awarded every year in recognition of the best community support for an Air Force Base. This year, the Leadership Council of Southwestern Illinois was selected in part because of the growing Scott Patriot Program, which allows servicemembers to identify businesses, communities, and organizations that are designated as ``military friendly.'' The partnership between the Leadership Council and Scott Air Force Base in the STEM and cybersecurity outreach programs provides local servicemembers and the surrounding community the opportunity to work together and energize the regional economy. prgtoken The Leadership Council Southwestern Illinois and Scott Air Force Base play a vital role in our nation's military readiness. As Southwestern Illinois' largest employer, Scott Air Force Base is a nationally- respected military instillation. We couldn't be happier to have organizations like the Leadership Council supporting their mission. prgtoken Madam , please join me in honoring the Leadership Council Southwestern Illinois and Scott Air Force Base for this incredible partnership. On behalf of Illinois' 12th Congressional District, congratulations!
MOTION TO DISCHARGE--S.J. RES. 77
Lamar Alexander (Republican, TN) \u2014 2020-12-9

I heard a lot about Doug Jones before he got here from another courageous former U.S. attorney, Hal Hardin from Nashville. I was not disappointed when he arrived. prgtoken Doug Jones reminds me of another former who was very effective in the Senate, Ted Kennedy. Ted Kennedy would come on the floor and make the most--well, no one could ever say he abandoned his principles, based upon his speeches. He would stand back there in the back, and the things he would say would rally any Lincoln Day Dinner. In fact, all I had to do back in Tennessee to stir up the crowd was to mention Ted Kennedy. I did that on a regular basis. prgtoken However, when I made my maiden address, without my knowing it, Ted Kennedy went around and got 20 cosponsors for the legislation I introduced that day, and I got a good dose of what it means to be an effective U.S. Senator, somebody who sticks to his or her opinions but, at the same time, who knows we are here to try to work on some sticky issues and get a result that most of us can vote for and that the country can accept. prgtoken In his time here, Doug Jones did that. I got to watch him because he was a member of the Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee. Senator Kennedy used to chair that committee, working with Senator Enzi, Senator Gregg, Senator Hatch, and others to produce a lot of legislation. He used to say that committee has one-third of all the jurisdiction in the Senate. Maybe that is about right. prgtoken Doug Jones was one of the newest Senators. We have 23 members. He was way down at the end of the line, but I noticed he always came and he always asked questions and he always listened. He seemed to me to be trying to say what he believed but learn from the witnesses how to get a result. prgtoken Let me just mention one contribution he made that I think will stick with him and with the people of Alabama and this country for a long time. That was the work we did in 2019. Senator Murray and I, Doug Jones, Senator Tim Scott, Senator Bennet of Colorado were on it from the beginning to do two things at once that helped low-income Americans who wanted to go to college. prgtoken The first was to simplify the dreaded FAFSA, the Federal Aid application form that 20 million Americans fill out every year that is 108 questions long. About 90 of them are unnecessary; everybody agrees. For years, we have been working on that to try to simplify it. Finally, we got a significant part of that done. prgtoken Doug Jones played a major role in that because what that legislation did was to say to the low-income family in Alabama or Tennessee or Arkansas or Illinois--wherever--you don't have to send your tax information into the Federal Government twice and let them then see if they can catch you making a mistake and hold up your Pell grant for 2 months while you figure that out. All you have to do is check a box, and the Internal Revenue
REAFFIRMING COMMITMENT TO MEDIA DIVERSITY
Robert E. Latta (Republican, OH) \u2014 2020-12-9

I rise today in support of H. Res. 549. This resolution reaffirms the importance of having diverse representation across the media to better reflect their audience and serve the public interest. I urge my colleagues to support this pledge to eliminate barriers to media diversity and to reinforce our commitment to encourage diversity in media policy. prgtoken , I would like to spend the remainder of my time to commend the leadership of my good friend, the ranking member, Mr. Walden. Unfortunately, Leader Walden has decided to make this his last term in Congress, but his work at the Energy and Commerce Committee and his service to the people of Oregon will continue to positively impact our Nation for decades to come. It is going to be hard to imagine going to the committee without him at the helm on our side. prgtoken You have been a steady force, just as your family, who has been a steady force when they took those wagon trains to Oregon on that trail back in 1845. You have never forgotten your roots, and you show that every day. I appreciate it because I know, under your leadership, you have helped many of us in committee. And I know, as your vice chair, you had a lot of confidence in me when you let me take over the helm on many a day and run the committee. prgtoken But as one of your subcommittee chairs on Digital Commerce and Consumer Protection and this Congress being the ranker on Communications and Technology, I appreciate that. prgtoken And I know that, again, when I think about all of the things that you have worked on, especially in the last Congress and with the opioid epidemic, which claimed over 73,000 lives in this country, and you were at the helm of H.R. 6 and brought together all those bills, over 60 pieces of legislation to help people in this country. And that is going to be a lasting legacy that we are going to have. prgtoken So, again, we are going to appreciate you, but we also hate to see you leave. prgtoken And also, with all your telecom work, to have someone with that experience, as you mentioned in your opening remarks about you and your bride of 38 years, Mylene, owning the radio stations and being able to get out there and get the work done.