mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE APPROPRIATIONS ACT, 2021
Peter J. Visclosky (Democrat, IN) \u2014 2020-7-30

I appreciate the gentleman yielding, and I prgtoken do appreciate the gentlewoman's concerns. prgtoken , I would begin my remarks by saying the United States military is a very special place. Only about 30 percent of young Americans between 17 and 24 are eligible to join the military. Others are not because of educational issues, because of health issues, and other circumstances. prgtoken It is clear we have to make an investment in society. But having said that, this is a special place and we ought to cast a very broad net to encourage young Americans to serve their country in the military, especially those--I would point out, living in Gary, Indiana--in disadvantaged communities, many of which don't even know that opportunity exists. prgtoken The gentlewoman is concerned about abuses, and I share that concern, and I think Mr. Calvert certainly does. We have seen abuses--setting the issue of technology aside--with recruiters making false promises. That is why we have controls in place. That is why those people are punished. That is why we have Congressional oversight. prgtoken , I do understand the criticism of younger people viewing esports channels. The ArmyEsports team Twitch channel has been set to 18-plus since August of 2019. I would grant that it is difficult in many instances to verify age online, and I do find recent media reports on the ArmyEsports team in the banning of commentators concerning. It is difficult to balance a platform's churn of service and community guidelines with free speech, and I understand that ArmyEsports has taken a pause on streaming and is reviewing its internal policies and procedures. prgtoken We, on the committee, certainly look forward to seeing the results of that review to allow the military to learn how to ensure that these platforms are used properly in the future. prgtoken The gentlewoman rightly also points out the issue of age. I would point out to all of my colleagues in this Chamber, that our bill already funds educational programs that give children under the age of 16 exposure to military service, including Junior ROTC, Civil Air Patrol, STARBASE, National Guard Youth Challenge, Young Marines, and Sea Cadets. These programs are in high demand and enjoy great bipartisan support. prgtoken , the concern is well-placed. It is the reason we have to exercise great oversight and control, but I do have to oppose the gentlewoman's amendment.
STATEMENTS ON INTRODUCED BILLS AND JOINT RESOLUTION
Tim Kaine (Democrat, VA) \u2014 2020-7-30

communities of color and those living in rural and underserved area face significant barriers to healthcare, including physician shortages. Unfortunately, in many communities of color and rural areas, there are few pathways to enter the medical profession. Recent data shows that while medical school enrollment prgtoken is up by 30 percent, the number of students from rural areas entering medical school declined by 28 percent between 2002 and 2017, with only 4.3 percent of all incoming medical students coming from rural areas in 2017. Similarly, Black, Hispanic/Latino, and Native American students face several barriers to matriculate and graduate from medical school. This exacerbates the barriers to care and the disparities in health outcomes that these communities experience. It is critical that we expand the diversity of our physician workforce to tackle the rampant disparities and systemic biases within our healthcare system. prgtoken This is why I am introducing the Expanding Medical Education Act, which aims to tackle the lack of representation of rural students, underserved students, and students of color in the physician pipeline by encouraging the recruitment, enrollment, and retention of students from disadvantaged backgrounds. The bill would provide grants through the Health Resources and Services Administration, HRSA to colleges and universities to establish or expand allopathic or osteopathic medical schools in underserved areas or at minority-serving institutions, including historically Black colleges and universities, HBCU. These grants can be used for planning and construction of a medical school in an area in which no other school is based; hiring diverse faculty and staff; recruitment, enrollment, and retention of students; and other purposes to ensure increased representation of rural students, underserved students, and students of color in our physician workforce. prgtoken Our rural communities and communities of color face significant challenges in access to healthcare. It is time our physician workforce reflected these communities. We need to diversify our physician pipeline and change the disparity in representation, and this bill will help get us there. I hope the Senate passes this legislation quickly to expand the diversity of the medical profession and to take a step towards improved access to care for our marginalized communities.
DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE APPROPRIATIONS ACT, 2021
Kim Schrier (Democrat, WA) \u2014 2020-7-30

I am delighted that this amendment addressing antibiotic resistance has been included in this package. prgtoken While today we are laser focused on COVID-19, our next pandemic could be a ``super bug.'' prgtoken The antibiotics we have relied on for years are no match for the drug-resistant bacteria that infect more than 2.8 million people each year. prgtoken As a pediatrician, I want to make sure that in 10 years I will still be able to treat my patients' bacterial infections like pneumonia, C. diff, meningitis, and abscesses. prgtoken In order to do that we need to curtail the current overuse of antibiotics and make investments in developing new ones now. prgtoken That is why Combating Antibiotic Resistant Bacteria, or CARB-X, is so important. By funding early phases of research for promising new antibiotics, this public-private partnership minimizes the risk that discourages investment in new treatments.
Troop Withdrawal (Executive Session)
Richard J. Durbin (Democrat, IL) \u2014 2020-7-30

I am vice chairman of the Defense Appropriations Subcommittee. It is an awesome responsibility and assignment. We end up dealing with over 50 percent of the discretionary domestic spending each year in the United States. I work with my chairman, Senator Shelby, and I have worked with others in the past trying to keep up with a changing environment in the world and a changing agenda in Washington. Many of the briefings I receive are open and public, and many are also classified. prgtoken Last week, I met with the top U.S. commander in Europe, General Tod Wolters. General Wolters provided for me and Senator Shelby a classified briefing on the administration's plans to remove almost 12,000 American troops from Germany. Yesterday, the Secretary of Defense, Mark Esper, made a similar briefing but publicly to the press. prgtoken I am extremely concerned by both the classified and unclassified information I have been given about this plan and by the differences in the briefing I received compared to the public announcements from the Secretary of Defense yesterday. Let me start off by saying that this plan makes no sense. While some are framing this as an improvement of our military posture in Europe, I don't buy it. Nobody else should either. prgtoken Germany now spends 1.3 percent of its gross domestic product on defense. Along with a majority of NATO members, Germany has agreed to reach a goal of 2 percent of GDP on defense. Germany ought to make good on its word; that is for sure. But to be clear, many, including President , fail to appreciate that there is much more to NATO's importance than simply meeting a spending goal. In fact, there are many important ways to evaluate this historic NATO alliance and judge the commitment of each member, including the political will of its leaders, its shared vision and values, and the interoperability of our military through regular training. All of these things add to NATO's deterrence. But President is clearly just using this argument about the percentage contribution and insufficient spending to drive a petty and personal grudge against Germany. prgtoken How do we know this? Because--listen to this--the countries that would be receiving our troops transferred out of Germany also do not meet the 2 percent goal. prgtoken President was reportedly angry that German Chancellor Merkel declined an invitation for an in-person G7 summit in the United States in the middle of this global pandemic. Think prgtoken of that: She was worried about the health consequences of such a meeting. We are canceling gatherings right and left in America because of a genuine concern we have for the well-being of one another. Chancellor Merkel's position is hardly unreasonable. It makes sense. Many of the statements and conduct from the President do not. prgtoken Amidst this snub to our NATO allies, President continues to try to bring President Putin a
DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE APPROPRIATIONS ACT, 2021
John Garamendi (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2020-7-30

I rise today in support of the need for a backup system to GPS, which is critical to our economy, our national security and is integrated into nearly every aspect of all Americans lives. We greatly appreciate the foresight of the Appropriations Committee for providing $5,000,000 in funding to begin the implementation of the National Timing Resilience and Security Act under the Office of the Assistant Secretary for Research and Technology at the Department of Transportation. prgtoken The need for a backup system to GPS has been recognized by this government for over 15 years and a terrestrial based system has been recommended nearly 18 times by different US government agencies and bodies in the last decade alone. Because of this is, in prgtoken 2018 Congress acted in a fully bipartisan manner to finally protect GPS by passing the National Timing Resilience and Security Act of 2018. Unanimously approved in the House, and by 96 to 4 in the Senate, it was signed into law on December 4, 2018. This law calls for, at a minimum, the deployment of a terrestrial based backup system for GPS with the Department of Transportation as the lead for execution. This Jaw ensures the implementation of a nationwide, fully complementary, and resilient backup timing system within two years, and thereafter with the expansion to position and navigation. prgtoken As strong of an advocate for GPS as I know we all are, we must now also be stronger advocates for protecting it. And that comes through this funding for the deployment of the National Timing Resilience and Security Act under the Office of the Assistant Secretary for Research and Technology at the Department of Transportation.
TRIBUTE TO MAJOR GENERAL JON JENSEN
Tina Smith (Democrat, MN) \u2014 2020-7-30

I rise today to recognize the career of Minnesota Adjutant General Jon Jensen and to congratulate him on the next step in his career. On Friday, Major General Jensen will be promoted to lieutenant general and become our Nation's next Director of the Army National Guard. In this position he will oversee the national activities of the Army National Guard and work to ensure the Army Guard remains one of our finest public institutions. prgtoken General Jensen joined the Iowa National Guard's 168th Infantry Regiment in 1989 before later transferring to the Minnesota National Guard in 2002. Through hard work and dedication, he rose to become the Minnesota National Guard's 31st Adjutant General in November, 2017. In this role, General Jensen has served as the head of Minnesota's Army and Air National Guard, where he has demonstrated the highest levels of duty, honor, and service. prgtoken I have had the pleasure of working with General Jensen during my time in office at the State and Federal levels. He is a proven leader who has seen the Minnesota Guard through deployments, natural disasters, and preparing the Minnesota Guard to meet future challenges. We worked closely to preserve the National Guard's access to the Readiness and Environment Protection Initiative, REPI, a program which both ensures the Guard's ability to carry out critical training and also works to conserve the natural habitat surrounding military bases. General Jensen has been a strong advocate for this program and worked with my office to ensure National Guard installations across the Nation have continued access to the REPI Program. This is just one example that demonstrates General Jensen's dedication to service which makes him an outstanding choice to be the next Director of the Army National Guard. prgtoken In addition to the outstanding job General Jensen has done running the Minnesota National Guard, he is also inspiring, intelligent, and optimistic--all important qualities in a strong leader and qualities that have helped General Jensen make outstanding contributions throughout his more than 30 years of service. Given his strong qualifications, leadership qualities, and extensive experience, I cannot think of a better candidate to become our Nation's next Director of the Army National Guard. prgtoken On behalf of myself and all Minnesotans, thank you for your dedicated service to Minnesota and our Nation. I know you will excel in your new role, and I look forward to continuing to work with you for many years to come.
DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE APPROPRIATIONS ACT, 2021
Jason Crow (Democrat, CO) \u2014 2020-7-30

I rise today in support of en bloc package No. 2, which contains my bipartisan amendment to provide resources for a key national defense priority. prgtoken The threat to our servicemembers from sophisticated, state- manufactured unmanned aerial systems, or drones, is serious and requires us to pursue innovative and advanced solutions. prgtoken My amendment would increase by $5 million the Army RDT&E air and missile defense advanced technology line in order to integrate and demonstrate a modular, multimission capability consisting of surveillance, electronic warfare, and high-energy laser into a remotely operated robotic vehicle. The integrated prototype would demonstrate an ability to remotely detect, identify, and mitigate UAS threats so that we can better protect our troops and bases. prgtoken I would like to thank Chairman Visclosky and Ranking Member Calvert for working with me on this amendment. Additionally, I would like to recognize Mr. Lamborn, Mr. Langevin, Mr. Buck, and Ms. Haaland for their leadership and support on this issue.
Unanimous Consent Request (Executive Session)
Sherrod Brown (Democrat, OH) \u2014 2020-7-30

. I want to thank Senator Stabenow and Senator Wyden. prgtoken I will speak for just 2 or 3 minutes. I know that Senator Schumer will make another unanimous consent request. prgtoken Think about what Senator McConnell wants to do. Senator McConnell is going to cut $400 in unemployment insurance to tens of millions of unemployed workers, hundreds of thousands in my State alone--in Oregon, Michigan, Illinois, New York, Minnesota, Texas, Florida, and Wisconsin. Thousands of workers are going to lose $400 a week. prgtoken Think about what is going to happen. Around the country, the moratorium on evictions is expiring. Around the country, in community after community, a moratorium on electric and water cutoffs is about to happen. So workers are going to lose $400 a week. They are going to face eviction. prgtoken What is going to happen? prgtoken We know what is going to happen. What is going to happen is more people will lose their homes, more people will be in homeless shelters, more people will spend the night in their cousin's basement in the middle of a pandemic. prgtoken It is cruel, and it is really stupid policy to cut their income for unemployment for the millions of unemployed workers and then provide no dollars for rental assistance, no dollars for paying their mortgage, and no help for those workers. How can we? We are the United States of America. How can we do such a thing prgtoken I yield to Senator Schumer.
Elections (Executive Session)
Maria Cantwell (Democrat, WA) \u2014 2020-7-30

while I come to the floor this afternoon, I am kind of questioning whether the heat of Washington, DC, has gotten to people. Clearly, it has been a record July here, with 90- plus degree temperatures every day. But the notion that we should somehow cancel the election in the fall, I think, is either the heat of the moment or just clear wrongheadedness. prgtoken I have been waiting for some time to come to floor to talk about our voting system and why it is so important to protect it and why now we should recognize that Americans, in having to deal with the coronavirus, have had the ability to vote and the ability to get there and the ability to be protected while they are voting. It has occurred in several elections that we need to be doing more. prgtoken That is why I continue to support the efforts of our colleagues to make sure that we are doing everything we can to protect elections. prgtoken I know that Leader McConnell has proposed the HEALS Act, but it doesn't contain any money for helping safe and secure elections in November. I know that the House bill, the Heroes Act, does help put money in place to keep polling workers safe during the pandemic. I know that we have other legislation, whether it is Senator Wyden's bill, which I am on, the Vote By Mail prgtoken Act, which would help eligible U.S. voters vote by mail, or whether it is other legislation, like that of my colleague Senator Klobuchar, to help back up paper ballots and create election security grants to help States improve their cybersecurity. prgtoken I have talked many times at many hearings about our challenges with cybersecurity, and I know that all this legislation--my colleagues have been out here on the floor, and they have tried to bring them up, but to no avail. prgtoken Well, I think instead of suggesting that the election be canceled, the President should be advocating that Congress pass aid and assistance to States to make sure that, during the COVID pandemic, things are in place so that poll workers can get to their jobs on time, that they can work effectively in doing that and protect their health and security and protect the health and security of the public. What I don't think he should do is to diminish the very important role that mail-in ballot voting has had in the United States of America. prgtoken I say that coming from a State where we have mail-in ballots. The mail-in ballot system has grown over time to be the primary way in which we vote in the State of Washington. I say it is the primary way because I am sure there are ways that people can show up and vote at particular election offices, and there are probably other things. But, no, we don't have an election site. For those who love going to the polling places as a way to exercise their democracy and their rights, I appreciate that too. There is nothing better than participating in the democracy of an election by going there and casting a vote. But you
HONORING MARY M. BLACK
Greg Stanton (Democrat, AZ) \u2014 2020-7-30

. Madam , I rise to honor the life and legacy of Mary M. Black, who passed away on March 21, 2020. A woman of courage and conviction, Mary relentlessly fought for a better life for our state's children and families. For 35 years, she served as chief executive of Black Family and Child Services of Arizona, an agency she founded after encountering systemic inequities in our state's child welfare system. Because of Mary's work, the needs and hopes of families of all backgrounds have been elevated and heard, and we are better for her presence among us. prgtoken Mary was a fearless champion of children. Having grown up in rural Louisiana with loving parents who endowed her with a strong sense of self-esteem, Mary's work was grounded in her firm belief that all children deserve a safe and supportive home. After graduating from Grambling State University, Mary became a social worker in Arizona's child welfare system, where she became acutely aware of the hardships faced in trying to place Black children in foster care and adoptive families. She responded with leadership and faith, dedicating herself not only to finding loving and caring homes for Black children, but also developing policies and programs that valued children of color and treated all families with dignity and respect. Mary's vision resulted in the founding of Black Family and Child Services of Arizona, which has become one of the state's most respected nonprofit social services agencies. Since its inception, the agency has kept families together, found foster and adoptive homes for children in need, and created prosperity and opportunity for Arizonans of all races and backgrounds. Mary and her pioneering work have been recognized numerous times for its innovation and focus on human dignity. prgtoken Mary's passion and leadership have inspired Arizonans to do justice, to love kindness and to keep fighting to ensure all children grow up in safe and supportive homes. We join her family in grief and gratitude, thankful that we bore witness to her work in Arizona and confident that her legacy will be felt for generations. Godspeed, Mary.
DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE APPROPRIATIONS ACT, 2021
Robert C. "Bobby" Scott (Democrat, VA) \u2014 2020-7-30

I rise in support of my two amendments to H.R. 7617. prgtoken My first amendment is offered with Virginia Representatives Wittman, Luria, and Beyer and reflects the need to adequately fund the important work done at Jefferson Lab. prgtoken JLab conducts primary research in subatomic particles, but the $2 million included in this year's bill falls short of the $9 million needed to move forward with the renovation and expansion to JLab, which the Department of Energy has already approved. prgtoken I also rise in support of my amendment offered with Virginia Representatives Wittman, McEachin, Luria, Spanberger, and Wexton in regard to the urgent need for robust funding for the U.S. Corps of Engineers for coastal construction projects. The Port of Virginia and the Corps of Engineers have already undertaken the dredging, widening, and deepening of the Norfolk Harbor to enable safe and efficient two- way passage of the new larger container ships. The project will require additional funds and a New Start designation to keep the projected timeline intact. prgtoken I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting additional funding to keep both of these essential projects moving forward and on schedule.