mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
Remembering Cody Holte (Executive Session)
Kevin Cramer (Republican, ND) \u2014 2020-6-4

Senator Hoeven, and I associate myself with everything he said about Officer Holte. He is right. It was an appropriate celebration of Officer Holte's life on Tuesday of this week as we attended the funeral, along with Congressman Armstrong, Governor Burgum, Adjutant General Gorman, and a whole bunch of other friends, family, members of law enforcement, community leaders, and even strangers who came to provide that heroes celebration that Cody earned. prgtoken An interesting thing about what Cody went into, he and a fellow officer from the Grand Forks Police Department were called to a scene where shots had already been fired and the deputy sheriff had already been hit by somebody who was simply being served an eviction notice, assigned by a judge--somebody who was very well armed with an AK-47. He had shot 41 rounds before doing the damage that he had done and before he was stopped. When Cody arrived, like all good officers do, he didn't run from the fire but ran to it. He saved lives by giving up his own. It is what heroes do. It is what all of our men and women in law enforcement who wear the badge are prepared to do. prgtoken We live in an interesting time. It was ironic, to say the least, that we in North Dakota, along the Red River, Grand Forks, are just up the interstate from Minneapolis, paying tribute to a hero, and yet that hero doesn't seem to get the same attention that a criminal gets. That hero and his brothers and sisters who wear the badge don't seem to be as respected by our media as criminals are. In fact, the restrictions and the restraint that our heroes exercise in carrying out their duties, the vast majority of them, are really rarely, if ever, highlighted. prgtoken Yet we celebrate the life of Cody Holte--29 years old, the father of a 10-month-old son and a husband to Mandy. It is just really important that we stand in this Chamber today and give Cody the respect and the honor that he earned here in these hallowed halls and tell his story to a nation that is intrigued and fixated, in many respects, on those that Cody protects us from. prgtoken It was a great honor to be there with his family and with hundreds-- thousands, perhaps--of other law enforcement officers to pay tribute to a real hero. I think it is important to note that this hero is also a real person. I thought that his chief of police gave an absolutely marvelous speech, and I want to just reiterate a couple of things that the Grand Forks chief of police said about Cody at the funeral. prgtoken Chief Mark Nelson said that he and Cody had formed a close bond--by what?--in part, by sharing baby photos, the chief's of his grandchild and Cody's of Gunnar, his son. He recalled that Cody was a friend to all. Now, who doesn't want a cop who is a friend to all and with a grin that could brighten anyone's day? More importantly, he said that Cody was a cop's cop, whose heart was bigger than his co
PAYCHECK PROTECTION PROGRAM
Mitch McConnell (Republican, KY) \u2014 2020-6-4

yesterday evening, the Senate passed a few targeted changes so that Senator Collins' and Senator Rubio's historic Paycheck Protection Program will continue to protect American workers and small businesses through this pandemic. prgtoken Back in March, these Senate leaders hand designed this plan to push unprecedented assistance to working families and Main Street businesses. Once again, in April, they led the charge to refill their popular and successful program with more money so it could help even more Americans. In the weeks since, our colleagues have continued to track the program's operation and recommend further tweaks where necessary. prgtoken In recent days, both Senator Collins and Senator Rubio helped to strengthen and improve the House's proposed PPP modifications before it actually passed the bill and sent it over to us, and I know the senior Senators from Maine and Florida have already identified several more technical fixes for the new legislation that, I hope, Congress will address. prgtoken Talk about legislation making a difference. Thanks to Senator Collins, Chairman Rubio, and our other colleagues who helped to make this program a success, the PPP has delivered more than a half a trillion dollars in relief and has literally saved tens of millions of American jobs. prgtoken So, as we continue to stay nimble and continue our efforts, I just had to thank and recognize the architects of this historic program--the senior Senators from Maine and Florida--for helping to soften the blow of this pandemic for so many American families.
GOING BACK TO COLLEGE SAFELY
Lamar Alexander (Republican, TN) \u2014 2020-6-4

I come to the floor today to make comments on two other subjects. The first is about a subject that is concerning about 70, 75 million American families; that is, going back to college and going back to school. The question is on the minds of many Americans: Will we be going back to college? Will our children be going back to school? prgtoken We finished a hearing today--the Presiding Officer was present; the Senator from Alaska was present--on going back to college safely. The question is not whether we are going back to college in the United States of America; the question is how to go back safely. We all understand that when 70, 75 million students go back to college and go back to school, that is the surest sign that American life is regaining its rhythm--not just for the students themselves but, especially with the children, for their parents, most of whom work outside the home. prgtoken Today's subject was about college. We had excellent witnesses. We had Mitch Daniels, the president of Purdue University. He was introduced by the Senator from Indiana. We had the president of Brown University, Christina Paxson. We had Logan Hampton, who was president of a small historically Black college in Jackson, TN, Lane College. And we had the President of American Public Health Association, Dr. Benjamin. They talked with us about the various strategies and concerns that existed. prgtoken I will, in a few minutes, ask consent to put my opening statement in the Record, but if I can summarize it, it would be this. Most of our 6,000 public colleges and universities--some public, some private, some church schools--will be open in August for in-person students but not all of them. The University of California State system has said so far that it expects only to offer online courses. But at Purdue, for example--an institution of 55,000 students--President Daniels has decided, with the approval of his board, and President Paxson of Brown--a different kind of institution in the Northeast, different from Purdue--they both decided it is their obligation to open up and to create a safe environment for the students to come back. prgtoken There are several reasons for this. There is some health risk in coming back. Of course, wise leadership can address that. But I think, as all of us have looked at our colleges, wise leadership can make colleges among the safest communities to live and work in America over the next year because colleges have certain advantages. In the first place, most of the campus community is young. While we can't be cavalier about the effect of COVID-19 on young people, as Dr. Fauci has warned us, the fact is that COVID-19 seems to hurt the young much less. prgtoken The second reason it would be easier to go back to college is that there is a lot of space in colleges that isn't used. Colleges are the most notorious wasters of space in our society. It is rare that a class is taught in the earl
PRESCRIPTION DRUG PRICING REDUCTION ACT
Chuck Grassley (Republican, IA) \u2014 2020-6-8

it is no longer business as usual in America, so let's end business as usual in Washington. prgtoken We are experiencing a deadly pandemic. The United States is firing on all cylinders to fight it and to find a vaccine, but it does us no good if Americans can't even afford the vaccine or related treatments. Even before the coronavirus outbreak reached our shores, President called upon Congress to deliver a bill to his desk that lowered drug prices for Americans. He mentioned that in his State of the Union message. The Prescription Drug Pricing Reduction Act does just that. It is time for Congress to support the American people. prgtoken . prgtoken .
AMENDING TITLE 38, UNITED STATES CODE, TO MODIFY THE LIMITATION ON PAY FOR CERTAIN HIGH-LEVEL EMPLOYEES AND OFFICERS OF THE DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS
Mitch McConnell (Republican, KY) \u2014 2020-6-8

I ask that the Chair lay before the Senate the message to accompany S. 3084. prgtoken The Presiding Officer laid before the Senate the following message from the House of Representatives: Resolved, That the bill from the Senate (S. 3084) entitled ``An Act to amend title 38, United States Code, to modify the limitation on pay for certain high-level employees and officers of the Department of Veterans Affairs.'', do pass with an amendment. Motion to Concur
HONORING ROBERT RICHMOND'S 100TH BIRTHDAY
Larry Bucshon (Republican, IN) \u2014 2020-6-8

. Madam , I rise today to honor Robert Richmond on his 100th birthday. prgtoken Robert was born on March 12, 1920, to William and Mary Richmond in Chandler, Indiana. After graduating from Chandler High School, he attended the Mechanical Arts School and received his Certificate of Achievement in December 1940. After the United States entered World War II the next year, Robert was drafted into the Army, serving in the Reconnaissance Company of the 638th Tank Destroyer Battalion. His time in the Army took him from training in Fort Benning, Georgia, to the Ardennes Forest in Belgium, where he participated in the Battle of the Bulge. Robert served honorably and received the Purple Heart, the Bronze Star, and Good Conduct Medals before leaving the service at the rank of staff sergeant. prgtoken After the war, Robert went to work for the Boonville Natural Gas Corporation for 30 years. He married his wife of 71 years, Evelyn Dimmett, on November 9, 1946, and the couple had two children, Greg (1950) and Gary (1954). Throughout his life, he has remained committed to his faith, family, and community--not only as an active member of his church and hardworking employee, but also as a loyal husband, father, and friend. prgtoken Madam , it gives me great pleasure today to recognize Robert on his great milestone. On behalf of Indiana's Eighth District, I wish him well, and I thank him for everything he has done for his community and his country.
LEGISLATIVE SESSION
Marsha Blackburn (Republican, TN) \u2014 2020-6-8

this weekend, I was thinking about the toll that the recent loss of fellowship has really taken on the American people. prgtoken I think everyone would agree that, over the past few months, we have really felt levels of loneliness, anger, and frustration that we have never experienced in our lives. For most of us, it has been a long time since we have been able to gather with friends and family or to go to a church service. This isolation has brought to the surface conflict that has been brewing for a very long time. For many years, powerful forces in politics and popular culture have insisted that there is nothing we can't learn from interacting with one another online. Technology has brought the world together under the premise of this false intimacy and convinced millions of people that what they see on their screens is all they need to know about the world. prgtoken There are many things that Americans can rightfully disagree about, especially during an election year, but contrary to what our social media timelines would lead us to believe, most Americans have held onto the lessons we all should have learned when we were mere children. When we were little, we learned that, as Americans, we have a duty to fight hatred wherever we find it, to be kind to one another, to practice the Golden Rule. Instead of giving in to stereotypes and assumptions, we should reject our own biases and, instead, meet people where they are, with open arms and listening ears and loving hearts, and truly listen to what they have to say. prgtoken There are destructive forces at work in this country that want the American people to forget these lessons and, instead, make a false choice between putting their beliefs into practice and protecting the institutions and symbols that define our Republic. They want to convince you that this Nation is broken beyond repair. That is their goal: to undermine what you believe and to convince you that the path forward must be forged at the expense of faith, hope, and free speech, free expression. This is a lie. Worse, it is an obvious lie to anyone who has studied our Nation's precious history. For hundreds of years, the American people have persevered in spite of conflict and more-- civil unrest, economic downturns, and neighborly disagreements. prgtoken That is what we are going to do now here in Washington, back at home in Tennessee, and in our communities. Instead of allowing Congress to come to a standstill, we will make and encourage strong policies that protect the American people. Even though the mainstream media has temporarily forgotten that we are in the midst of a global pandemic, the Senate has not forgotten that. We will continue to monitor the progress of businessowners as they slowly repair the damage done to our economy by extended lockdowns and do everything we can to make sure our scientists have the resources they need to develop a vaccine for COVID- 19. <|p
HONORING CONGRESSMAN SAM JOHNSON
John B. Larson (Democrat, CT) \u2014 2020-6-8

. Madam , I rise today to honor former Congressman, War Hero, and Chairman of the Ways and Means Social Security Subcommittee Sam Johnson. prgtoken Sam Johnson was an iconic American war hero. He epitomized the stoic silence and toughness needed to persevere through his captivity by the Viet Cong. He was a decent, caring, and humble American whose nobility was measured by his actions, not his words. Engraved above the 's rostrum in the House of Representatives it says, `that we may in our day and generation perform something worthy to be remembered.' Sam Johnson lived up to that. He would look you in the eye and his word was his bond. He never sought the limelight; he always just sought to do what was right. Johnson served 29 successful years in the Air Force and spent seven of those years as a prisoner of war. He shared many stories from the years he was held captive. Johnson was a staunch patriot, often expressing his deeply held patriotism as cause for his civil service. A result of his dedication, he was awarded two Silver Stars, two Legions of Merit, the Distinguished Flying Cross, one Bronze Star with Valor, two Purple Hearts, four Air Medals, three Outstanding Unit Awards, and the Freedom of Flight award. As a sincere supporter of the military, Johnson worked to enact the Military Family Tax Relief Act of 2003, which increased benefits to members of the armed forces and their families. prgtoken Johnson represented Texas for almost 28 years, the oldest Member of Congress, when he retired in 2019. Serving as the Chair of the Ways and Means Social Security Subcommittee, Johnson was committed to Social Security solvency. He never wavered on the importance of our seniors retiring securely and often expressed concern for future beneficiaries. I was privileged to serve as the Ranking alongside Sam Johnson during his time as Chairman of the Social Security Subcommittee and will always cherish the friendship we formed. In 2016, Johnson rightfully received the Congressional Patriot Award alongside John Lewis. They were the first recipients of the award. It was presented to them by two other American heroes, Ambassador Andrew Young Jr. and the late Senator John McCain. Johnson and Lewis are two giants of American history and are reminders that patriotism knows no party. I was honored to have a part in celebrating them both that night. prgtoken America and the United States Congress lost a true hero with his passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family. He will be dearly missed.
IN RECOGNITION OF THE 108TH BIRTHDAY OF LUCILLE DOROTHY GREWE
Debbie Dingell (Democrat, MI) \u2014 2020-6-8

. Madam , I rise today to offer my heartfelt congratulations to Lucille Grewe as she celebrates her 108th birthday on Tuesday, June 2nd, 2020. This significant milestone is worthy of commendation. prgtoken Lucille Grewe was born in 1912 and grew up in the small town of Buckner, Illinois. As the third of five children born to Ernst and Bertha Grewe, Lucille fondly remembers playing outside with her family and walking with her siblings to deliver coffee and a lunch bucket to her father during his lunch break at the mines. prgtoken Throughout her life, Lucille has experienced a tremendous amount of change. She grew up in simpler times without telephones, few automobiles, and limited women's rights, and she has been a witness to some of America's most defining and challenging moments. At the young age of three, Lucille remembers watching her cousin from her back porch as he walked off to serve in World War I. Several years later, she lived through the ratification of the 19th Amendment, granting women the right to vote. By the 1930s, Lucille worked alongside her mother and siblings on a family farm, raising livestock and harvesting crops, to help her family endure the difficulties of the Great Depression. prgtoken When Lucille was in her 20s, she followed her older sister Alma to Detroit, Michigan. She found a job at Briggs Automotive working on car bodies at the Mack Avenue Plant, where she earned 40 cents an hour. After the attack on Pearl Harbor in 1941, Lucille stepped up to America's call. She was transferred to Brigg's Connor Avenue Plant to work as a riveter on Boeing B-17 wings for the duration of World War II until 1946. As a Rosie the Riveter, Lucille's hard work, grit, and patriotism not only sustained the American war effort, but paved a path for generations of working women to follow. After the war, Lucille returned to the Mack Avenue Plant to work on car bodies once more. She remained with the company through its transition to Chrysler, and finally retired in 1971 at the age of 59. prgtoken Since retirement, Lucille has taken up a number of hobbies including swimming, bowling, and traveling. Today, she enjoys playing cards, specifically pinochle, and spending time with her friends. Lucille is known for her great attitude, sense of humor, and enthusiasm. She has been both an inspiration and a mentor to many, and she continues to live a fruitful life. prgtoken Madam , I ask my colleagues to join me in celebrating Lucille Dorothy Grewe on her 108th birthday. I join with Lucille's family and friends in extending my best and warmest wishes to her on this special day. I am proud to honor her life, her accomplishments, and her invaluable contributions to our nation.
LEGISLATIVE SESSION
Charles E. Schumer (Democrat, NY) \u2014 2020-6-8

now, ``Equal Justice Under Law''--those words are etched in stone above the doors of the Supreme Court, a bedrock principle of the American system. These past few weeks have been a searing reminder of how that principle does not reflect the lived experience for many Americans. prgtoken For Black Americans, confrontations with the police are not the same as for White Americans. You can be standing on a street corner like Eric Garner or asleep in your bed like Breonna Taylor and have your life ended by police. George Floyd's brutal death at the hands of a White police officer in Minneapolis sparked peaceful protests across this country because as singular and tragic as the death of George Floyd was, his experience was one that resonated with far too many Black Americans. prgtoken That is why hundreds of thousands of Americans have engaged in peaceful demonstrations against police violence and systemic racism. From Los Angeles to Washington, DC, and from Seattle to New York City, where I joined shoulder to shoulder with my fellow New Yorkers on Saturday, Americans from all walks of life have marched, sang, prayed, cried, and spoken out that Black lives matter; that our country promises justice for all but too often only delivers it for some. prgtoken The protests weren't confined to big cities. Thousands turned out in Allentown and Fayetteville, PA; in Fairmont, WV; and in Havre, MT. There were Black Lives Matter protests in Vidor, TX, a city with a troubled history as a haven for the KKK, and Harvard, NE, a city with only 1,000 residents. prgtoken Remarkably, though these protests concerned events within our borders, they sparked outrage far outside of them. The name ``George Floyd'' was chanted in Rome, Paris, London, Amsterdam, Berlin, and Mexico City. This is a rare moment for our Nation's history. Injustice stares us so plainly in the face that the great mass of our people are demanding change. The institutions of our government and our democracy have an obligation to answer. prgtoken Today, we are taking the first of many necessary steps to respond to our national pain with bold action. This morning, I joined with Pelosi and several of our House colleagues, Representatives Bass, Clyburn, Nadler, and Jeffries, as well as my colleagues, Senators Booker and , to introduce the Justice in Policing Act--a response to the recent protests and the years of failure to reform our police departments. prgtoken The Justice in Policing Act proposes crucial reforms to combat racial bias and excessive force by law enforcement. It would ban the use of choke holds and other tactics that have left Black Americans dead. It would limit the transfer of military weaponry and equipment to police departments. It would change the legal standard to make it easier to hold police accountable for misconduct when they use deadly force on American citizens. prgtoken Through increased data and transparency, as well