mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
RECOGNIZING 155TH ANNIVERSARY OF 13TH AMENDMENT
G. K. Butterfield (Democrat, NC) \u2014 2020-12-7

I thank Congresswoman Bass very much for those very kind words, and I thank her for her friendship and for her leadership over the last 2 years as she has led the 55 men and women of the Congressional Black Caucus. I certainly know from past experience that it is a daunting challenge to lead such a caucus. But I thank her so much for her leadership, and I look forward to the future leadership of our new chair, Congresswoman Joyce Beatty. prgtoken Today, the Congressional Black Caucus is convening to present a Special Order, recognizing the 155th anniversary of the ratification of the 13th Amendment. General Leave
ADDITIONAL STATEMENTS
Catherine Cortez Masto (Democrat, NV) \u2014 2020-12-7

I come forward today to recognize the life, career, and service of a fellow Nevadan and friend, Mayor Robert Crowell. His leadership and love of the Silver State are an example to all of us. As mayor of Carson City, he led the city through some difficult times--the great recession and the current coronavirus pandemic--and oversaw the redevelopment of the capital city's downtown core with his unique mix of dedication, compassion, good humor, and vision. prgtoken Mayor Crowell began his life of service as a young Navy sailor serving in the Vietnam war. After retiring as a naval captain, he earned his undergraduate degree in economics from Stanford University in 1967 and his doctor of jurisprudence degree from Hastings College of the Law in 1973. He was admitted to the State Bar of Nevada in 1973. He was a member of the Bar Register of Preeminent Lawyers and had been included in Best Lawyers in America in the fields of government relations and energy law for the past 25 years. prgtoken Born in Tonopah and raised in Carson City, Mayor Crowell was always active in his community, serving as a board member or leadership role with the Carson City School Board, Nevada Association of Counties, Nevada League of Cities, Carson Area Chamber of Commerce, Northern Nevada Development Authority, Rotary Club of Carson City, and Nevada Legal Services. In addition, he was past president of State Bar of Nevada and chair of the Nevada Mandatory Continuing Legal Education Board. He was appointed by the Governor to the Colorado River Commission and twice held the position of chairman, overseeing Nevada's allocation of water and power from the Colorado River. Mayor Crowell also served as president of the Board of Indigent Defense Services, a State agency to oversee the provision of indigent legal services in Nevada. He was also a member of the Vietnam Veterans of America and was selected to be part of the ``first in the country'' Honor Flight for Vietnam Veterans in Nevada. prgtoken Mayor Crowell has numerous recognitions for his countless contributions to the quality of life of his fellow Nevadans. He was awarded the Participatory Democracy Award from the Nevada Association of Counties and the State Bar of Nevada Presidential Award--the highest honors awarded by those organizations--as well as being inducted in the Nevada Lobbyist Hall of Fame. prgtoken Mayor Crowell had many titles--lawyer, lobbyist, veteran, community leader--but it was clear he found great joy in serving the people of Carson City as mayor. Among his accomplishments was leading the effort to redevelop downtown Carson City, creating an entirely new dynamic downtown that supported local businesses and our community. For his leadership on this effort, he was recognized by the Nevada Chapter of the American Planning Association with the De Boer Award as well as the Robert Broadbent Distinguished Services Award from the Nevada Chapter of the American
HONORING THE RETIREMENT OF HENDERSON COUNTY SUPERINTENDENT MARGANNA STANLEY
James Comer (Republican, KY) \u2014 2020-12-7

I am going to spend the next 30 or so minutes discussing some various topics and recognizing a few people in my congressional district for various things. prgtoken , I rise today to recognize Marganna Stanley of Henderson County on her retirement after 30 years as an educator, including serving the last 6 years as superintendent of Henderson County Schools. prgtoken Ms. Stanley has lived out her childhood dream of teaching and has maintained an unwavering love for education throughout her career. Through the years, she has worked in various roles in the Henderson County school system, including serving as a classroom teacher in the district office, as a principal, and eventually as superintendent. prgtoken Although the roles have changed, her passion for educating students has not. Even when she wasn't in the classroom every day, she would regularly show up to read to classrooms and find other ways to maintain a close connection with students. prgtoken I am honored to congratulate Ms. Stanley on a successful tenure as an educator in my congressional district. I know that she has left a positive impact on the lives of numerous young people over the past 30 years, and I wish her nothing but the best in her retirement. Honoring the Retirement of Judge Timothy Stark
VICTORVILLE MAYOR GLORIA GARCIA RETIRES
Paul Cook (Republican, CA) \u2014 2020-12-7

. Madam , I rise today to honor and recognize the retirement of Gloria Garcia from the Victorville City Council. prgtoken Mayor Gloria Garcia was born and raised in Victorville, CA. Gloria attended Victor Valley Sr. High School, Victor Valley College, and Skadron College of Business. She was elected to the Victorville City Council in November 2012 and was appointed Mayor by her fellow Council Members in December 2014. She was reelected in 2016, and continuously reappointed as Mayor by her colleagues on the council. Gloria's time on the council has been marked by many successes in Victorville. Her focus on public safety, new infrastructure, road maintenance has led to great improvements and safer neighborhoods in Victorville. prgtoken Mayor Garcia has served the council with honor and integrity, and her commitment to good government and transparency has served the citizens of Victorville well. Although her second term has seen Victorville and its Council experience discord and disruption, Gloria has remained steadfast and focused on working for the people of Victorville. I will truly miss Gloria's face on the council dais, and I wish much happiness and success in her future.
RECOGNIZING IOWA STATE UNIVERSITY FOOTBALL
Chuck Grassley (Republican, IA) \u2014 2020-12-7

I want to visit with my colleagues about something that hasn't happened in Iowa for over 100 years. Over the weekend, the Iowa State football team completed their regular season play. The Cyclones are having a noteworthy season. They secured the first place rank in the Big 12 Conference's regular season after winning five consecutive conference games and eight overall conference wins this season. prgtoken The good news doesn't stop there for the Iowa State football program. The Cyclones finished first place in league play, for the first time since 1912, when they won the Missouri Valley Conference. This has earned the Cyclones their well-deserved spot in the Big 12 title game on December 19, the first ever Big 12 championship appearance in Iowa State University's history. prgtoken I want to applaud the Cyclones for their historic season. So many fans, including me, will be rooting them on for the Big 12 championship game. prgtoken .
HONORING DEPUTY SANDEEP DHALIWAL
Ted Cruz (Republican, TX) \u2014 2020-12-7

on September 27, 2019, County lost one of its finest when Deputy Sandeep Dhaliwal's life was taken in the line of duty. Pyara Dhaliwal, Deputy Dhaliwal's father, lost his hero. prgtoken That is exactly who Deputy Dhaliwal was, a hero. He was deeply committed to his faith, his family, and to serving others with compassion. prgtoken Moved by his Sikh faith, Deputy Dhaliwal was a trailblazer. When he was first recruited by the sheriff's office, Deputy Dhaliwal petitioned the office to allow him to wear his turban and beard while in uniform, becoming the first to be allowed to do so. prgtoken Deputy Dhaliwal has left a profound legacy on the law enforcement community. Since his death, the Houston Police Department and all eight county constables have changed their policies to allow officers to wear and carry articles of faith on duty. Deputy Dhaliwal's commitment to his faith will inspire generations of Sikhs and other religious minorities to serve in law enforcement and protect our communities. prgtoken Deputy Dhaliwal was also a dedicated husband, father, son, and brother. His wife Harwinder Kaur Dhaliwal and their three beautiful children Japdeep, Noordeep, and Pardeep and their family and friends have dedicated their lives to ensuring his legacy endures. prgtoken We also remember Deputy Dhaliwal's commitment to love and peace, a love and peace he showed not only while on duty, but to each person he served. prgtoken When Hurricane Harvey decimated the Texas Gulf Coast, Deputy Dhaliwal served meals to Houstonians who were left homeless. In the wake of Hurricane Maria, he traveled to Puerto Rico to assist in the relief efforts there. He also worked to deliver water and supplies to Punjab, India, while the area was suffering from a severe drought. prgtoken Deputy Dhaliwal leaves behind an unmistakably beautiful legacy of a life marked with faith, devotion, and service to others. prgtoken I am grateful my colleagues have moved to rename the U.S. Postal Office prgtoken in Houston the ``Deputy Sandeep Singh Dhaliwal Post Office Building,'' to ensure Deputy Dhaliwal's selfless service and heroism is remembered. This community and the entire State of Texas are better for having known him.
China (Executive Calendar)
Marsha Blackburn (Republican, TN) \u2014 2020-12-7

over the past few months, there have been many of us in this Chamber who have taken Big Tech to task over their shady and biased business practices. In more than one hearing, we have grilled them on the privacy, censorship, and antitrust concerns that have allowed us to keep these CEOs in the hot seat, and that grilling has taken place by those of us on either side of the aisle. prgtoken These are big, big problems, and they are not going to disappear at the end of this Congress. These are problems that are going to be around. prgtoken But one of the advantages of having these companies, like Facebook and Twitter and Google, living in our phones and in our homes is that it is much harder for oppressive governments and global bad actors to hide their crimes from the rest of the world. prgtoken Just last year, about this time, the freedom fighters in Hong Kong-- and this is a poster that I used on the floor just about this time, December 9, 2019, and it shows the freedom fighters in Hong Kong. It shows how they were making their case: ``We do not want to become like China.'' prgtoken These freedom fighters in Hong Kong captured our attention when they filled the streets and demanded an end to the Chinese Communist Party's terrible crackdowns on free speech and expression. While the coverage in the 24-hour news cycle definitely made an impact, it was the millions of tweets and Facebook posts and videos and blog posts that turned their movement into a collective global outcry for an end to violence and terror in Hong Kong. prgtoken You see, people saw what was happening there. They saw it in realtime. Even if they didn't fully understand the politics behind these protests, they knew that the disproportionate response by the Chinese Government to stamp out these protests was wrong. As those posts flowed out of Hong Kong, support flowed right back in, and having spoken with many of these brave activists, it really meant the world to them that they were hearing from us. prgtoken While all of this was happening, something else--some countermessaging, if you will--was flowing from Beijing. It was a message of total capitulation sent by corporations, sports organizations, the mainstream media, and even powerful national and world leaders. They were all trying to keep the peace on behalf of their own self-interests, but as the days and weeks passed by, their blinders became more and more obvious. prgtoken By that time, the online activist community had put the Chinese Communist Party's crimes on full display. prgtoken What started as a debate on free speech and political autonomy morphed into a full indictment of the Chinese Communist Party's crimes against humanity, against the Uighurs in Xinjiang, in Tibet, and Inner Mongolia, and all across Mainland China. prgtoken Thanks to internet freedom efforts made possible by the Open Technology Fund, tweets and videos describing the Chinese Communist Party's intol
Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forests (Executive Calendar)
Mike Crapo (Republican, ID) \u2014 2020-12-7

I rise today to highlight some meaningful progress underway on the Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forests to improve the health of these forests. These collaborative efforts are showing progress, and they are an example of where we can go nationally. prgtoken Collaboration brings results. I have been a longtime champion of collaboration to address public lands management disputes, as collaborative processes are good for the environment and good for natural-resource based economies. Collaborative problem-solving is a key way to ensure that all voices are heard and long-term solutions are crafted. prgtoken Working together through collaboration does not require a sacrifice of principles, but it does require earnest negotiations with respect for ideas from all perspectives and a willingness to work to understand each other's objectives. Inevitably, at several points along the collaborative path, there are strong disagreements. However, participants' refusal to quit is a key attribute of successful collaborative efforts. prgtoken One of the greatest benefits of collaboration is that it enables the achievement of solutions that are better than the status quo for all stakeholders. Such solutions are better for the environment and the economy. Through collaboration, participants can actually achieve their objectives and in ways that benefit the entire community. prgtoken The work on the Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forests is a great example of the benefits of collaborative efforts. The Clearwater Basin Collaborative, or CBC, as we call it, which was officially launched 12 years ago, has had an important role in furthering discussions about the management of the Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forests. Nez Perce Tribal representatives, representatives of Federal and State agencies, county commissioners, local communities, timber companies, conservation groups, and other stakeholders make up the CBC's Working Group, which accommodates a diverse array of viewpoints and objectives. prgtoken I met with members of the predecessor group, called the Konkolville Collaborative, and welcomed the opportunity to be a part of the CBC's official launch in 2008. I track the group's progress through dedicating a member of my staff to being part of its discussions focused on resolving longstanding concerns and achieving land management decisions and fostering communication among different interest groups. The remarkable landscape it works to enhance encompasses forestlands providing habitat for treasured wildlife and anadromous fish species; resources for local communities, including timber, livestock grazing, and mining; and natural carbon sinks that help our planet. prgtoken The Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forests span 4 million acres. Three rivers flow through the forests, providing important water sources, outstanding fishing, and other recreational opportunities. It is truly a remarkable place, and the group's
Order of Procedure (Executive Calendar)
Mitch McConnell (Republican, KY) \u2014 2020-12-7

I ask unanimous consent that not withstanding the provisions of rule XXII, the Senate vote on the motion to invoke cloture on the Simington nomination at noon tomorrow. I further ask that postcloture time with respect to the Schwartz and Simington nominations expire at 4 p.m. tomorrow and the Senate vote on confirmation of the nominations in the order listed. Finally, if any of the nominations are confirmed, the motions to reconsider be considered made and laid upon the table and the President be immediately notified of the Senate's action.
HBCU PROPELLING AGENCY RELATIONSHIPS TOWARDS A NEW ERA OF RESULTS FOR STUDENTS ACT
Lloyd Smucker (Republican, PA) \u2014 2020-12-7

such time as I may consume. prgtoken I rise today in support of S. 461, the Historically Black Colleges and Universities--HBCU--PARTNERS Act, which stands for Propelling Agency Relationships Towards a New Era of Results for Students. prgtoken This legislation is a result of bipartisan, bicameral collaboration and executive leadership across administrations. Executive orders on HBCUs began under Jimmy Carter and have evolved with each succeeding President. prgtoken In 1989, George H.W. established the first President's Board of Advisors on HBCUs and the White House Initiative on HBCUs. prgtoken In February 2017, President built upon these historic efforts and issued an executive order to promote excellence and innovation at HBCUs. S. 461 would codify President 's executive order to pave a brighter and stronger path forward for HBCUs. prgtoken Notably, this bill established the President's Board of Advisors, a 23-member board responsible for advising the President and reporting on strengthening the educational capacity and economic offerings of HBCUs. prgtoken The board will also work closely with the White House Initiative on HBCUs to make recommendations to improve overall competitiveness of HBCUs, their ability to remain financially secure, how to elevate public awareness and appreciation of HBCUs, and more. prgtoken Federal agencies will collaborate with the White House Initiative on HBCUs, and each agency will work to increase the capacity of HBCUs to compete effectively for Federal grants and contracts and to participate in Federal programs. prgtoken As a member of the Education & Labor Committee, I have spent time learning about the ways in which HBCUs serve our country's students and higher education community. I know I speak for many on the committee and in this Chamber when I say that HBCUs play a critical role in preparing our country's next generation of leaders and innovators. prgtoken This legislation before us today will empower HBCUs' education and economic offerings so they can continue prgtoken serving students, families, and communities across the United States. prgtoken , I strongly urge my colleagues to join me in voting ``yes'' on this bill, and .
Coronavirus (Executive Calendar)
John Cornyn (Republican, TX) \u2014 2020-12-7

I came to the floor to talk about some other things, but I just want to say in response to our friend, the ic leader, it sounds to me that he has got a case of ``do as I say, not as I do'' when it comes to COVID-19 relief bills. prgtoken If my memory serves me correctly, he has led the effort to block the Senate's consideration of five different COVID-19 relief bills. prgtoken Pelosi has made the incredible statement that ``nothing is better than something'' when it comes to COVID-19 relief. That is easy to say when you are still getting a paycheck, when you have a job you can go do, and you can provide for your family, and you have access to healthcare. prgtoken But for the millions of Americans who have suffered through this pandemic, those are words that sound a lot like Marie Antoinette: ``Let them eat cake.'' prgtoken I mention this because I have been around this place long enough to know that, unless you tell people the whole story, too often they believe the talking points and the half story or the incomplete story, like we heard from the ic leader. prgtoken It is shameful that, after passing four separate COVID-19 relief bills, including the CARES Act, through the end of March on a virtually unanimous basis, that Pelosi chose to pass a partisan bill out of the House, the Heroes bill, for another $3 trillion, including things like tax breaks for millionaires and billionaires in New York and San Francisco, unrelated to the COVID-19 relief bill that we needed. prgtoken So I applaud the group of bipartisan Senators who have been working now, after the election, to try to come up with the relief rather than kicking this can down the road and leaving people in the lurch during the Christmas holiday season. prgtoken And then when it comes to a vaccine, I have no doubt that the incoming administration is going to claim complete credit for producing a vaccine and getting this virus in the rearview mirror. prgtoken I understand why they would be tempted to do so, but it is because of the bipartisan action that Congress has taken with this administration through Operation Warp Speed that we have seen our world-class scientists come up with safe and effective, I hope, soon-to-be- certified vaccines by the Food and Drug Administration, and people can begin to start getting vaccinated by the middle of this month. That is a modern-day miracle. We should all be proud of it, but it should not be part of a partisan campaign now after we have had an election on November 3. prgtoken I wish our friends would get out of the campaign mode and get into the governing mode. We have got important work we need to do here.
ARMS SALES NOTIFICATION
James E. Risch (Republican, ID) \u2014 2020-12-7

section 36(b) of the Arms Export Control Act requires that Congress receive prior notification of certain proposed arms sales as defined by that statute. Upon such notification, the Congress has 30 calendar days during which the sale may be reviewed. The provision stipulates that, in the Senate, the notification of proposed sales shall be sent to the chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. prgtoken In keeping with the committee's intention to see that relevant information is available to the full Senate, I ask unanimous consent to have printed in the Record the notifications which have been received. If the cover letter references a classified annex, then such annex is available to all Senators in the office of the Foreign Relations Committee, room SD-423.