mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
WILLIAM M. (MAC) THORNBERRY NATIONAL DEFENSE AUTHORIZATION ACT FOR FISCAL YEAR 2021
Pramila Jayapal (Democrat, WA) \u2014 2020-7-20

my amendment would repeal the law that requires the military to provide an unfunded priorities list to Congress along with their budget request each year. prgtoken This year, the Pentagon requested a whopping $740 billion from Congress, even more than last year, while other agencies like the State Department, the EPA, and the Department of Housing and Urban Development were cut by over 15 percent. prgtoken The defense budget eats up over half of our Nation's annual discretionary budget, and yet this year Pentagon officials gave Members of Congress a wish list of $18 billion in unfunded priorities on top of its request for $740 billion in spending. prgtoken Why? Because in 2016, Congress actually passed a law requiring the military services and combatant commands to provide annual wish lists of weapons systems that the Pentagon couldn't fit into its already massive budget. prgtoken No other Federal agency is required by law to provide such wish lists, and with good reason. The practice is irresponsible, and it undermines the very goals of budgeting. prgtoken So why does it exist? Because it gives special interests and the defense contractor industry an opportunity to argue for Congress to fund additional, extremely expensive weapons systems not important enough to make it into the Pentagon's budget. prgtoken Now, this is a bipartisan concern. You might hear that this is something that just want. No. Lawmakers have long questioned the utility of unfunded priority lists. The late Senator John McCain, chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee, said in 2015: ``Actually, I am not really big on unfunded priority lists. I think they're sort of a backdoor way of getting things done.'' prgtoken Former Defense Secretary Robert Gates took a step further to ban the practice of submitting these lists to Congress during his tenure. prgtoken Senator McCain and Secretary Gates were exactly right. We need to see spending discipline and better efficiency within the Pentagon. prgtoken The Department of Defense has now failed two consecutive audits in 2 years. The Pentagon lost track of $800 million in construction projects and $2.1 billion in spare parts for the F-35 program. And it even buried an internal study revealing $125 billion in bureaucratic waste amid fears that the findings might lead Congress to reconsider the massive sum of taxpayer money that goes to the Pentagon each year. prgtoken If a private corporation lost track of hundreds of millions of dollars and shielded evidence that it could save billions in wasteful spending, its shareholders would find that completely unacceptable, but the Defense Department has not undertaken the kind of real reform that it needs. In fact, the senior officer the Pentagon appointed just 3 years ago to reform the Department is now poised to be eliminated because she identified too much waste that could be saved. prgtoken Now, the other side might claim that these wish lists a
WILLIAM M. (MAC) THORNBERRY NATIONAL DEFENSE AUTHORIZATION ACT FOR FISCAL YEAR 2021
J. French Hill (Republican, AR) \u2014 2020-7-21

. Madam , I rise today in opposition to Division F, the Corporate Transparency Act provision, within Amendment 499 to H.R. 6395, the William M. (Mac) Thornberry National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2021. prgtoken This amendment is part of a larger of package of amendments that the House is voting for en bloc. Many of those provisions I support. I would like to emphasize that my remarks only apply to certain provisions within Amendment 499. prgtoken Specifically, I do not support Division F of the amendment which is the text that relates to H.R. 2513 which passed the House floor on October 22, 2019. The legislation addresses how we might combat illicit finance activities through the collection of beneficial ownership information. prgtoken I did not support the legislation when it passed the House floor, and I do not support it as a provision in amendment 499. In fact, I have long advocated against this policy since I was elected to Congress over five years ago. prgtoken The collection of beneficial ownership has been debated in Congress for a long time as the ability to set up legal entities without accurate beneficial ownership information, has long represented a key vulnerability in the U.S. financial system. prgtoken Congresswoman Maloney, the leader of the legislation, has been trying to pass a bill that would collect beneficial ownership for over a decade. prgtoken I agree that knowing where money is coming from, where it is going, and in whose hand it sits is vital to U.S. national security. prgtoken However, I cannot support the text as written as it places significant burden on small businesses. The legislation creates a new regulatory database within Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN), a law enforcement unit, which most small businesses have never even heard of. And, even more alarming, if they don't comply, they could face a penalty of up to $10,000 and a prison sentence of up to 3 years. prgtoken This could create significant unintended consequences for a large portion of the economy's commerce. prgtoken I believe there is a better path forward, which is why I have long supported aligning tax filings with collection of beneficial ownership information--a regulation small businesses already understand. prgtoken Furthermore, it is critical to note that the beneficial ownership information is already required and is already being collected. The Customer Due Diligence (CDD) Rule, which took effect in May 2018 requires banksto identify and verify the identity of the beneficial owners of companies opening accounts. prgtoken The CDD rule is operational and effective. Why would we upend this regulation, that has been working for over two years, to place unnecessary burdens on our local dry cleaners, our farming community, or the realtor that sold you your house, or any other small business? These are the types of individuals that will have to comply FinCEN, an organization they hav
REMEMBERING MARCOS GIL
James E. Risch (Republican, ID) \u2014 2020-7-21

I rise in memory of Marcos Gil of Arimo, ID, who gave his life on April 28, 2018 rescuing a young woman from drowning. prgtoken When 17-year-old Marcos Gil saw his girlfriend caught in a circular current downriver from a waterfall, he rushed to her aid. Despite being a poor swimmer, Marcos jumped into the Portneuf River to save the 14- year-old girl as she called for help, submerging himself in the powerful current and pushing her toward the bank of the river. With Marcos' help, the young woman was able to grab hold of a branch at the edge of the riverbank and swim to safety. Tragically, Marcos was unable to extricate himself from that same current, drowning in the process of saving the young woman's life. prgtoken Those who knew Marcos described him as friendly, deeply caring and eager to serve, and the story of his courage and sacrifice continues to resonate throughout eastern Idaho and beyond. Members of the community have rallied around the Gil family, including the Bannock County Sheriff's Office, which honored Marcos posthumously with the first ever lifesaving award presented to a civilian, and the Red Cross of Greater Idaho, which recognized Marcos with its East Idaho Real Heroes award. This year, Marcos was posthumously awarded the Carnegie Medal by the Carnegie Hero Fund Commission. The award, which is given to recognize those who have risked their lives to save others, will be presented to his parents, Margarito and Silvia Gil. prgtoken At just 17 years old, Marcos Gil left the world far too soon. He is deeply missed by his family and all who were fortunate enough to know him, and his bravery and heroism will not be forgotten.
HONORING IRA KATZ
Earl L. "Buddy" Carter (Republican, GA) \u2014 2020-7-21

I rise today to honor a champion. prgtoken Ira Katz, a registered pharmacist and owner of Little Five Points Pharmacy, was recognized as Champion for Opioid Safety by the Georgia Pharmacy Association. He received this title after completing a series of educational programming aimed at reducing opioid-related overdoses. prgtoken Everything began when he was connected to a local needle exchange operation and was made aware of the need to provide opioid education and Naloxone, or Narcan, to whoever needed it. Naloxone is a drug that reverses opioid overdoses. prgtoken According to the CDC, overdoses involving opioids killed nearly 47,000 people in 2018, and 32 percent of those deaths involved prescription opioids. That number is far too high, which is why we desperately need people like Ira Katz fighting on the front lines to save countless lives for a more positive future. prgtoken As the only pharmacist currently serving in Congress, I understand the importance of fighting the opioid epidemic and serving one's community with the utmost integrity. prgtoken I applaud Ira Katz for his 39 years of hard work to serve the people of the Atlanta community, and I wish him all the best in the years to come.
CELEBRATING THE 50TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE NATIONAL INTERAGENCY FIRE CENTER
Doug LaMalfa (Republican, CA) \u2014 2020-7-21

this week we celebrate the 50th anniversary of the National Interagency Fire Center. prgtoken Established in Boise, Idaho, in 1970, the NIFC supports the Federal emergency response for wildland firefighting across the country. Eight different agencies look to the NIFC for direction and coordination on how to best respond to wildland fires. prgtoken This year's fire season is already underway. I have two in my northern California district, at least, and it will be very active. The NIFC will play a critical role in supporting and coordinating these fire operations across the West. prgtoken The NIFC proves that our emergency response efforts are stronger when agencies work together, and I thank the workers who help support our Nation's firefighters. prgtoken , I thank the NIFC for 50 years of service to our Nation's wildlands, firefighters, and for public safety.
RECOGNIZING CLINTON HIGH SCHOOL'S AIR FORCE ROTC FOR RECEIVING UNIT OF THE YEAR RECOGNITION FOR THE STATE OF TENNESSEE
Charles J. "Chuck" Fleischmann (Republican, TN) \u2014 2020-7-21

. Madam , the mission of the Air Force Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps is to develop citizens of character who are dedicated to serving their nation and community. Clinton High School AFJROTC did it in spades, and superbly. prgtoken Clinton High TN 2011-1 is in its 9th year of existence; the program consists of 107 cadets; 58 percent of the school students are on free/ reduced cost lunch, and 2019 through 2020 has been a year of accolades, achievements, and superlatives. As of the coronavirus pandemic shutdown in mid-March, Clinton High TN 2011-1 had accumulated 565 Community Service Hours and 608 Leadership Development Hours. In addition, Cadets Dylan Montgomery and Dylan Butler both earned the Boy Scout Eagle award which also included extensive community service projects. prgtoken Clinton High TN 2011-1 has also displayed excellence in scholarship. Their academic team made the semi-finals for the Joint Leadership Academic Bowl for the third year in a row. Five of the top eight graduating seniors were AFJROTC cadets. Cadet Dylan Butler graduated third out of 300 and received a 4-year AFROTC scholarship to the University of Tennessee at Knoxville, the state university system's flagship school. Cadet Kaylee Puleo graduated fourth out of 300 and received an appointment to the US Military Academy at West Point. Cadet Dylan Montgomery graduated fifth out of 300 and received a 4-year scholarship to The Citadel, The Military College of South Carolina. Cadet Travis Vaugh graduated seventh out of 300 and was selected for the Nuclear Navy's submarine career track based on his GPA and ASVAP scores. Cadet Summer Sieber graduated eighth out of 300 and received a 4-year scholarship to The University of Tennessee at Knoxville's Tickle College of Engineering. prgtoken Clinton High TN 2011-1 has also shown excellence in leadership, with two cadets sitting on the Principal's Student Action Leadership Team and two cadets representing Clinton High School on the Anderson County School Board. prgtoken Clinton High TN 2011-1 also showed excellence in drill and ceremonies at the Daniel Boone Drill Meet. They received the outstanding unit, Esprit de Corps, award, the color guard received third place, received third place in the All-Freshman Team unit inspection, and Cadet Dylan Butler came in second place for the individual knockout. prgtoken Finally, Clinton High TN 2011-1 has shown excellence in orienteering by coming in third place during the Anderson County High Orienteering Competition. prgtoken Clinton High School AFJROTC 2011-1 makes a difference. In spite of growing up in challenging economic, family, and educational backgrounds, they exemplify the Air Force Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps' mission to develop citizens of character who are dedicated to serving their nation and community; personify the Air Force Core Values of Integrity First, Service before Self, and Excellence in All We Do, and merit selection as t
SUPPORTING TROOPS THROUGH NDAA
Daniel Meuser (Republican, PA) \u2014 2020-7-21

. Madam , since taking office, President has delivered on his promise to rebuild our military. prgtoken The Mac Thornberry National Defense Authorization Act fully funds the President's budget request, authorizing funding for national defense commitments at home and abroad. prgtoken This bill includes a 3 percent pay raise for our troops and their families. If anyone deserves a raise, it is the brave men and women in uniform who sacrifice so much while defending freedom around the world. prgtoken This bill also provides critical investments in artificial intelligence and makes sure our military can prepare for and respond to emergent threats from China and other adversaries around the world. prgtoken This bill also provides funding for the Space Force, a strategic area where we have fallen well behind over the years. prgtoken Parts of this bill also ensure that the Department of Defense has the resources to protect our Armed Forces from the coronavirus, with funding for PPE and testing capabilities. prgtoken Portions of this bill show the world that the U.S. military is strong and will preserve peace through strength, a top priority of President . This bill continues to make up for the shortfalls of the past and sends a clear message to our servicemembers that we have their backs.
MFAR TRANSPARENCY ACT
Roger Williams (Republican, TX) \u2014 2020-7-21

. Madam , I rise today urging the administration to delay a harmful rule that would be catastrophic to rural hospitals and healthcare providers in the 25th District of Texas. prgtoken The coronavirus pandemic has presented challenges unseen before in American history. While all businesses have been forced to operate in a new environment, healthcare providers have overcome tremendous hurdles to meet the needs of their patients, despite historical financial losses. prgtoken Implementation of the Medicaid Fiscal Accountability Rule, or MFAR, would lead to devastating hospital closures in Texas and restrict access to crucial health services. prgtoken The financial impact alone would cost our State nearly $11 billion and cause local governments to increase taxes, resulting in less care and more red tape. prgtoken That is why I am leading the fight on behalf of all Texans. I am proud to introduce the bipartisan MFAR Transparency Act to analyze the impact of the rule before blindly moving forward so that our health systems can continue to serve patients during the most dynamic health crisis of our generation. prgtoken , Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson, for joining me in this effort. prgtoken In God we trust.
CONGRATULATING MILITARY ACADEMY GRADUATES
Glenn Thompson (Republican, PA) \u2014 2020-7-21

I rise today to recognize some great Americans. I am here to congratulate and thank a dozen brave men and women who have committed their lives to serving our country. prgtoken Earlier this summer, 12 of my constituents and former constituents whom I am proud to have nominated for an appointment to our Nation's military academies have graduated. prgtoken It has been an incredible honor to meet these dedicated young people over the years and to support them in their pursuit of an education. Those who choose to spend their lives protecting and defending the United States are the bravest this great Nation has to offer. prgtoken Today, I would like to recognize each of the graduates whom I have previously nominated who completed their education at our Nation's military academies: prgtoken Robert Bendik of State College, a graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy; prgtoken Isaac Bengel of Erie, a graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy; prgtoken Darren Keglovits of Coudersport, a graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy; prgtoken Hannah Milliron of Duke Center, a graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy; prgtoken Alexandra Treglia of State College, a graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy; prgtoken Grayson Hill of North East, a graduate of the U.S. Military Academy West Point; prgtoken Sarah Henderson of Indiana, a graduate of the U.S. Military Academy West Point; prgtoken Sterling Pickett of Loganton, a graduate of the U.S. Air Force Academy; prgtoken Bailey Ishler of State College, a graduate of the U.S. Air Force Academy; prgtoken Emily Walbridge of Mill Hall, a graduate of the U.S. Air Force Academy; prgtoken Karlee Xander of Corry, a graduate of the U.S. Air Force Academy; and prgtoken Thomas King of Port Matilda, a graduate of the U.S. Air Force Academy. prgtoken These brave men and women have bright futures ahead of them, Mr. ; and as they begin their careers in our Nation's Armed Forces, I know their hard work, their dedication, and their commitment will serve them well. prgtoken I am incredibly grateful for their service, and I commend them for their bravery. prgtoken This next chapter in life will present many challenges, but also many opportunities, and I am confident that these young people will rise to the occasion. prgtoken , I would like to thank these individuals for their service, and I wish them the very best of luck.
CONGRATULATING PRINCIPALS PATRICE BRAND AND ERIN DOTY
Joe Wilson (Republican, SC) \u2014 2020-7-21

. Madam , congratulations to Patrice Brand and Erin Doty on being named principals in Lexington- Richland School District Five. Together they bring over 40 years of experience to the school district for the students. prgtoken Patrice Brand has served as assistant principal of instruction at the Academy For Success since 2019. Prior to that job, she served as assistant principal at a middle school and a high school in Charlotte, N.C. She replaces Danielle Major-Murphy, who was named the new principal of Irmo Middle School. prgtoken Erin Doty previously served as the assistant principal of instruction at Irmo Middle School. She also served as assistant principal at Dutch Fork Middle School from August 2013 to June 2017. Doty replaces Justin Thomas, who was named the district's new coordinator of student information systems. prgtoken They have set the standard of excellence in their community through their work, and I wish them the best in their new positions.
TRIBUTE TO DAPHNE HAYES
Marco Rubio (Republican, FL) \u2014 2020-7-21

today I recognize Daphne Hayes, the Hardee County Teacher of the Year at Hardee Senior High School in Wauchula, FL. prgtoken Daphne believes in her students and teaches them to believe in themselves. She encourages them to apply to multiple colleges and universities to broaden their options after they graduate from high school. She takes pride in knowing one of her students last year received acceptance letters from more than two dozen schools and received several scholarships. prgtoken Daphne is a science and Advancement Via Individual Determination-- AVID--teacher and has taught in Hardee County for 8 years. She sponsors the AVID program, which helps students identify and focus on their goals, improves their academic performance, and establishes a plan for their future. Daphne also dedicates her spare time to serving youth at the First Baptist Church of Bowling Green. prgtoken I extend my best wishes and gratitude for Daphne for her dedication to her students and her community. I look forward to learning of her continued success in coming years.
NATIONAL DEFENSE AUTHORIZATION ACT FOR FISCAL YEAR 2021--Continued
John Cornyn (Republican, TX) \u2014 2020-7-21

as the Senate knows, this week we will complete our work on the 60th National Defense Authorization Act-- actually, 60 years in a row. For decades, this legislation has provided the opportunity for us to take stock of the evolving threat landscape and ensure that our national defense is prepared to meet the challenges on the horizon. prgtoken As technological advancements have changed battlefield tactics, each year's NDAA has allowed us to invest in a modernized force and advanced weapons. As risks in cyber space emerged as a new vector for warfare, this legislation has allowed us to invest in resilient networks and a talented workforce. prgtoken As the global order has shifted, this annual bill has given us the opportunity to identify the greatest threats to our country and to take strategic action. This year's national defense authorization bill is no exception. It continues to invest in a modernized national defense that is critical to maintaining peace through strength. prgtoken That is something we need to remember, which Ronald Reagan taught all of us. Weakness is provocative. Bullies look for opportunities to take advantage of weakness. It is strength in our leadership, particularly with our military, that helps us maintain the peace. prgtoken This bill also devotes resources to regain our competitive advantage over our greatest opponents to freedom and democracy today, including China and the Communist Party. In my lifetime, China has gone from a poor and isolated country to now accounting for nearly 20 percent of the global gross domestic product. But China's economic muscle isn't the reason it tops America's watch list. The Chinese Communist Party's ruling strategy can best be described as ``win at all costs,'' and, sadly, the victims of that strategy are often the Chinese people themselves. prgtoken On the Senate floor yesterday, I spoke about some of the latest human rights violations by the Communist Party in China--their recent move to erode the freedoms and autonomy of Hong Kong, their efforts to silence and punish protesters who dare to speak out against the Chinese Communist Party, their ongoing ethnic cleansing campaign targeted at the Uighur people. prgtoken China continues to demonstrate a complete lack of respect for basic human rights and dignities, and I remain concerned by the growing threat they pose to the world order, including the United States of America. prgtoken Attorney General Bill Barr recently gave a speech about the challenges posed by an increasingly powerful, wealthy, and relentless China. It is a great speech, which I commend to you. It provides an impressive overview of how the Communist Party manipulates American businesses and industries, steals intellectual property, surveils and censors its own people, and seeks to exert its power and influence in the United States. prgtoken For those who are unfamiliar with the modern relationship between the United S