mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
INTRODUCTION OF THE PITTMAN-ROBERTSON WILDLIFE RESTORATION ACT AND DINGELL-JOHNSON SPORT FISH RESTORATION ACT DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA EQUALITY ACT
Eleanor Holmes Norton (Democrat, DC) \u2014 2020-12-14

. Madam , today, I rise to introduce the Pittman- Robertson Wildlife Restoration Act and Dingell-Johnson Sport Fish Restoration Act District of Columbia Equality Act, which would amend the Pittman-Robertson Wildlife Restoration Act and the Dingell-Johnson Sport Fish Restoration Act to make the District of Columbia eligible for the same federal funding as states under these Acts. The District is treated as a state under federal programs, with a few exceptions, most of them simply oversights or failures to update post-home rule. prgtoken The Pittman-Robertson Wildlife Restoration Act provides funding, derived from excise taxes on sporting equipment, for five distinct purposes: program administration, wildlife restoration, basic hunter education and safety, enhanced hunger education and safety grants and multistate conservation grants. The District does not receive any funding under this Act. The Dingell-Johnson Sport Fish Restoration Act provides funding for sport fish restoration, aquatic education, wetlands restoration and boat-related activities. Under this Act, states receive a minimum of one percent of the total amount apportioned, while the District is capped at one-third of one percent. prgtoken This omission and lack of parity under these Acts have serious consequences for the District. The District has roughly 7,800 acres of parkland covering nearly a quarter of the city, which means it has more parkland per capita than any other city in the United States. This bill would define ``State'' in these Acts to include the District, providing the District with equitable access to valuable financial resources for wildlife conservation in our nation's capital. prgtoken I urge my colleagues to support this important bill.
Biden Investigation (Executive Session)
Chuck Grassley (Republican, IA) \u2014 2020-12-14

for over a year, Senator Johnson and I investigated the family's financial dealings. For over a year, the liberal media and my colleagues on the other side of the aisle falsely said that we were peddling Russian disinformation. They ginned up any story they could to falsely portray our investigation in an effort to delegitimize the report's findings. Even my colleague Senator Wyden, with whom I have worked on many bipartisan investigations, said the following: This disinformation also became the basis of the Johnson- Grassley investigation. The political nature of this investigation has been clear all along. Bottom line: The Johnson-Grassley investigation is baseless. It is laundering Russian propaganda for circulation in the United States. prgtoken It seems the liberal media and have a very nervous tick. Any time a gets close to the truth and is about to serve justice, the other side yells: ``Russian disinformation.'' Of course, as we see now, that is a load of garbage. prgtoken As I have said on this floor several times before, our report was rooted in information from U.S. Government agencies and a left-aligned U.S. lobby shop that represented a corrupt Ukrainian gas company, and by now, the American people know that it is really the and liberal media that are connected to Russian disinformation. Just think of the Steele dossier. It was infected with Russian disinformation and paid for by the ic National Committee and Hillary Clinton's campaign. prgtoken The liberal media and those on the other side of the aisle were scared of the facts. They were scared that the American people would see the family's deep and extensive link to foreign governments, including the Communist Chinese Government. prgtoken And once Senator Johnson and I released publically our findings, those same liberal outlets said the report repackaged old material and that there wasn't really anything new to it. prgtoken They went into full protection mode, and they didn't even try to hide it. prgtoken One Washington Post columnist said: ``Even after accepting disinformation from Russian agents, Johnson and Grassley couldn't come up with anything new or interesting on Hunter .'' prgtoken Well, we know today the Post should be ashamed that they said that. prgtoken POLITICO ran a story with this headline: ``GOP Senators' anti- report repackages old claims.'' prgtoken And National Public Radio said about the New York Post Hunter stories: ``We don't want to waste our time on stories that are not really stories, and we don't want to waste the listeners' and readers' time on stories that are just pure distractions,'' end of the NPR quote. prgtoken Now, look at what Twitter and Facebook did to Hunter news. Simply said, they interfered in the election and gave the campaign a multimillion-dollar in-kind donation, courtesy
ORDERS FOR TUESDAY, DECEMBER 15, 2020
Mitch McConnell (Republican, KY) \u2014 2020-12-14

I ask unanimous consent that when the Senate completes its business today, it adjourn until 10 a.m Tuesday, December 15; further, that following the prayer and pledge, the morning hour be deemed expired, the Journal of proceedings be approved to date, the time for the two leaders be reserved for their use later in the day, and morning business be closed; further, that following leader remarks, the Senate proceed to executive session to resume consideration of the Kirsch nomination; further, that the Senate recess at 12:30 until 2:15 p.m. to allow for the weekly conference meetings; finally, that all time during recess, adjournment, leader remarks, and morning business count postcloture on the Kirsch nomination.
IN RECOGNITION OF JOE SCHUMACHER'S 20 YEARS OF DEDICATED PUBLIC SERVICE TO VIRGINIA'S FIRST CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT
Robert J. Wittman (Republican, VA) \u2014 2020-12-14

. Madam , I rise today in recognition of Joe Schumacher in honor of his 20 years of dedicated public service to Virginia's First Congressional District. Joe began his service to Virginia's First District with my predecessor, Congresswoman Jo Ann Davis, and has been with my office for the entirety of my time in Congress as well. I would like to take this time to recognize Joe's milestone of 20 years with Virginia's First District. prgtoken Joe is a native Virginian, an Air Force veteran, and a graduate of the University of Virginia. During his time as my District Director, Joe has exemplified the meaning of a ``Servant Leader''. From overseeing the district staff prgtoken to working with constituents, Joe is always thinking about how to make things better and what more we can do to make it happen. He consistently goes above and beyond to serve constituents and support his fellow staff. His work as the Academy Coordinator has impacted countless young applicants as they begin their careers in service to this nation. Joe's leadership is a shining example of what other District Directors should strive to be. prgtoken Therefore, Madam , I ask that you rise with me to recognize Joe Schumacher for his selfless dedication to Virginia's First District. Joe is a crucial member of our team, and I am forever grateful for his service to our office and to Virginia's First District.
Tribute to Thomas Wilson (Executive Session)
Jerry Moran (Republican, KS) \u2014 2020-12-14

this evening I want to take just a moment, in front of my colleagues, to recognize the contributions of a member of my staff: Thomas Wilson. Mr. Wilson has spent the last year working in our personal office as part of the Department of Veterans Affairs Congressional Fellowship Program. prgtoken As Thomas departs my office and returns to the Department of Veterans Affairs, I want to express my appreciation to him for his hard work and the dedication to serve veterans in Kansas and across the Nation. Thomas has served at the VA for more than 18 years. His selfless approach to service has helped countless veterans receive the care and support that they have earned. He has surely been an asset to my team as we work to serve Kansans, servicemembers, and veterans. prgtoken Before joining our office, Thomas served as the legislative director to Congressman Harold Baker, a member of the House Veterans' Affairs Committee. He served on the transition team after leaving congressional service and then went on to serve in numerous roles at the VA. These included roles as a congressional liaison for the VA and, most recently, in the Veterans Experience Office. prgtoken He is a graduate of the National Defense University and has used his experience to benefit those who serve our Nation in uniform. prgtoken Thomas is fortunate to have his loving wife Ashley and son Chase by his side. They undoubtedly contribute to Thomas's altruistic nature, and he is blessed to have their support. prgtoken Thomas joined my office in January 2019, just as I was assuming the gavel of the Senate Veterans' Affairs Committee. His experience navigating the VA proved immensely helpful to my personal and committee staffs as we set off to advocate for veterans from all walks of life. prgtoken He was especially helpful in advocating for women veterans. Thomas led the effort to study the employment rates of post-9/11 female veterans, a cohort of veterans that experiences higher unemployment rates, more than any other demographic. prgtoken His efforts will lead to policies to support female veterans and to make certain that they have the tools necessary to succeed after their service to our Nation. prgtoken It is sad to see Thomas leave the office, but I know that his return to the Veterans Experience Office next month will produce lasting results for the many veterans who regularly interact with the Department of Veterans Affairs. prgtoken Thomas is an impressive public servant, and it has been a privilege to work with him. I hold him in the highest regard. He is a significant asset to our veterans and represents some of the best that our Federal Government has to offer. prgtoken Once again, thank you, Thomas, for all you have done for Kansans and for American veterans this year in association with us and our work. You have been a model of selfless service and leadership, and I know you will continue to do great things throughout your care
Collegiate Athlete and Compensation Rights Act (Executive Session)
Marsha Blackburn (Republican, TN) \u2014 2020-12-14

those of you who have taken time out to watch college sports this fall--and I know there are many in this Chamber who have, and they know that the games this year have looked very different when you compare them to previous years' games. A lot has changed for these young players, but they are no less popular with their fans and no less important to the success and prominence of the academic institutions they represent. prgtoken For a while now, I have been joined by other members of the Commerce Committee as we have tried to resolve the tension that exists between the NCAA and college sports stars over a student athlete's right to earn compensation for the use of their name, image, or likeness. This is called the NIL issue. prgtoken Last week, Senator Wicker, who is chairman of the Commerce Committee, introduced the Collegiate Athlete and Compensation Rights Act, which would finally create a uniform national framework to allow student athletes to receive that compensation without the risk of losing their amateur status and without falling into traps set by dishonest outside parties looking to exploit their fame. prgtoken Normally, we don't make too much hay over a bill introduction, but just getting everyone to the table is a first step that student athletes have wanted to see happen for a while. And I thank Chairman Wicker and Senator Moran for backing this legislation. prgtoken I do want to point out that the reason the Senate has stepped in is because the NCAA just never could get around to addressing this issue. They kept kicking the can down the road. They kept sending it to one committee and to another committee, and the NCAA has shown very little determination to solve this issue for these young athletes. Because the leadership at the NCAA has proven unable and has shown an inability to address this, we have stepped up to address this issue. Our student athletes deserve more respect than they have been shown by the NCAA. (Mr. BOOZMAN assumed the Chair.)
Coronavirus (Executive Session)
John Cornyn (Republican, TX) \u2014 2020-12-14

as we all know by now, late Friday evening, the world received the news that we have been waiting, hoping, and praying for since March. The first COVID-19 vaccine was approved here in the United States. The vaccine was developed by Pfizer and its German partner BioNtech and was found to be 95 percent effective in preventing COVID-19 during clinical trials--extensive clinical trials. prgtoken The leaders of Operation Warp Speed immediately mobilized the distribution plan, and the first doses of the vaccine are arriving at healthcare facilities across the country today. Texas's initial shipment of nearly 225,000 doses will be administered to our healthcare workers this week by our healthcare workers, and we will provide these heroes with the protection they need to continue their fight on our behalf on the frontlines. prgtoken This is a turning point in our war against COVID, and the significance of this victory in such an expedited timeframe cannot be overstated. I want to thank the brilliant men and women who made this feat possible. There are the researchers and scientists who developed the lifesaving vaccine, as well as the volunteers who participated in clinical trials. There are the manufacturers that are rapidly producing millions of doses and distributors who are getting those doses to sites across the country as quickly as possible. Of course, there are the hospitals, pharmacies, and our incredible healthcare workers who will lead the vaccine effort. The race to a COVID vaccine will be remembered as one of the greatest human achievements of our generation, and these brave and brilliant individuals helped make it possible. prgtoken I want to remind all of us that while this is a huge milestone and one that should absolutely be celebrated, we are not out of the dark yet. The light at the end of the tunnel is getting bigger and brighter, but we still have a ways to go, and each of us has our own part to play in getting us there. For the American people, that means stopping the spread through the same habits that we learned all year--washing your hands, wearing a mask, practicing social distancing, and taking extra care to protect our most vulnerable friends and neighbors. Of course, this holiday season is not a time to forget the habits we built over the last several months but to double down on them. prgtoken While this is a development to be celebrated and a day we have been looking for for a long time, Congress has not yet done its job. For months on end, the American people have asked for additional financial support to weather this storm, and so far we have not seen any progress. Our ic colleagues blocked bill after bill, saying more of the words of Pelosi: Nothing is better than something. prgtoken Well, our ic colleagues stood in the way of investing more in vaccine distribution, extending unemployment insurance benefits, helping our small businesses keep their work
REMEMBERING ERVIN JULIAN
Debbie Lesko (Republican, AZ) \u2014 2020-12-14

. Madam , I rise today to congratulate Evie Nguyen of Glendale, Arizona, on winning the 2020 Congressional Art Competition for Arizona's 8th Congressional District. prgtoken Evie's artwork, completed in charcoal and titled ``Mutual,'' highlights the close relationship between humans and nature by showcasing herself with a Cactus Wren, Arizona's state bird. prgtoken Evie was a senior at Deer Valley High School when the artwork was completed. Her art is currently being displayed in the U.S. Capitol along with the other Congressional Art Competition winners from around the country. prgtoken Each spring, I am proud to host the Congressional Art Competition to showcase the incredibly talented students across Arizona's 8th Congressional District. prgtoken It is an honor to represent these promising young artists in Congress.
Save Our Seas 2.0 Act (Executive Calendar)
Robert Menendez (Democrat, NJ) \u2014 2020-12-15

let me thank Senator Sullivan for his introduction of our efforts here today and to really commend him for working in such a bipartisan spirit to drive an important piece of legislation, to really address the future of future generations of Alaskans, of Rhode Islanders, and New Jerseyans--and Americans, as well as other people across the world. prgtoken I agree with Senator Sullivan that Senator Whitehouse's name is synonymous with the oceans and his focus on this is singular and his perspective is of the utmost importance. prgtoken I want to rise to join my colleagues from Alaska and Rhode Island to celebrate the enactment of Save Our Seas 2.0 and to thank our colleagues, both in the House and the Senate, for their votes in support of the most comprehensive piece of legislation to address the growing global environmental threat of plastic waste in our oceans. I want to thank Representatives Suzanne Bonamici of Oregon and Don Young of Alaska for their commitment and leadership in shepherding the bill through the House. prgtoken To my colleagues, Senator Sullivan and Senator Whitehouse, it has been a great pleasure working with you on these issues. The passion, the knowledge, the persistence you have brought to solving the problem of plastic waste in the world's oceans is incredible, and it was essential to our shared success. prgtoken Plastic pollution in our oceans is truly a global problem that literally washes up on New Jersey shores, impacting businesses and communities across our State. This calamity is yet another reminder that Americans are directly impacted by the policies and practices of countries around the world. Plastic debris in our oceans does not respect international borders. prgtoken The abundance of plastic waste in our ocean requires comprehensive action alongside the fight against climate change. Save Our Seas 2.0 will bolster U.S. leadership and global engagement to combat plastic waste and marine debris, improve plastic waste management, and enhance marine debris response and innovation. prgtoken As the ranking member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, I take special pride in the international title of this bipartisan legislation, which formalizes U.S. foreign policy to address this issue, supports USAID's work to curb ocean plastic, and encourages the United States to explore the development of an international agreement to foster cooperation on addressing plastic waste globally. I think this legislation can be the catalyst for that. prgtoken The Earth's oceans are a global resource that sustains life everywhere, whether it is your country, State, or district that has a coastline or is landlocked. Eighty percent of New Jerseyans live in a coastal area, and our economy is heavily dependent on these vibrant communities. Families who depend on our fishing, their real estate, hospitality, tourism, and outdoor recreation industries rely upon clean and safe oceans.
Immigration (Executive Session)
Ron Wyden (Democrat, OR) \u2014 2020-12-15

millions and millions of people will breathe a bit easier on January 20. That relief will be especially sweet for those who suffered under 's coldhearted approach to immigration and asylum. prgtoken The President has built a wall to immigrants, but it is not made of fencing or brick and mortar. The President has rebuilt the infamous paper wall, like that of the 1930s, which kept too many Jews out of the United States, trapping them within the murderous regime of Nazi Germany. prgtoken The paper wall was built on anti-migrant regulations, including one targeting anybody who might become a so-called public charge. It was reinforced by racism, anti-Semitism, and nativism. It created bureaucratic roadblocks that had no purpose other than to frustrate applicants, block visas and refugees, and slow immigration to a trickle. That is awfully familiar to those who watched succeed horribly at repeating some of America's worst immigration mistakes. prgtoken In the last 4 years, I have often thought about my late mom and dad who were refugees to America. My parents were German Jews who fled the Nazis. prgtoken Not all of our family got out. My great-uncle, Max, was one of the last to be gassed at Auschwitz. prgtoken When my father arrived here at 13, he barely spoke any English. He studied hard. When the war came, my dad, who wasn't exactly built like Captain America, wanted more than anything to wear the uniform of the U.S. Army. My dad essentially talked his way into the service. He joined the Army's psychological warfare division because, with his fluent German, my dad wrote propaganda pamphlets that our planes dropped on the enemy soldiers that were retreating further and further back toward Berlin. prgtoken I have seen those pamphlets, and--with a little son pride--they were smoking. They just told the Nazis they didn't have a chance. In contrast, the materials their military dropped on our soldiers was written in mangled English--comical stuff. My dad has really been singled out. He is in the Holocaust Museum for his contributions for helping our Army beat the Nazis, and after the war, he became a journalist and an author. prgtoken My mom came in 1939, a few years after my dad. During the war, she served in the Women's Army Corps. She was in England, France, and Germany, and on the wall at home is a picture of my mom in her WAC uniform. You can look at that picture, and you can see pride in serving our country from every single pore. prgtoken After the war, my mom had a long career as a research librarian, and she worked even harder raising her oldest son, who mostly wanted to play NBA basketball instead of hitting the books. prgtoken Both my parents felt so blessed that they could get out of Germany. They made it over the paper wall. They had a chance to become Americans. prgtoken Most Jewish families in the United States have stories just like these. Some were able to get out;
IN REMEMBRANCE OF RON MINER, `DJ INDIANA JONES'
André Carson (Democrat, IN) \u2014 2020-12-15

. Madam , today I rise to honor and remember an Indianapolis legend, and my friend, Ron Miner, also known as DJ Indiana Jones who passed on Friday, December 4th. prgtoken Ron was an Indianapolis native, attending Ben Davis High School on our community's west side and DJing for his family's business `Melody Skateland' in the 1980s. He fell in love with hip-hop at an early age and moved to New York City where he promoted for artists such as Boogiemonsters and Heather B before returning to his hometown. Ron established himself as a familiar voice in the Indianapolis hip-hop and Reggae music scenes, managing a local hip-hop group, the Mudkids, and later as a DJ with RadioNow 100.9 and Hot 96.3. As a local businessman, Ron co-founded Crush Entertainment, a midwestern management group, and owned the Casba Bar where he hosted `Reggae Sundays' and I know his legacy will live on through the many charitable organizations he promoted and supported. prgtoken Ron's passing has been deeply felt by his family, friends, Hoosiers and colleagues across our country. He was a friendly and outgoing man who never hesitated to help others, and his passion for music and the hip-hop scene earned him countless fans. Today, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing the amazing life of Ron Miner, DJ Indiana Jones. His work has inspired countless individuals in our community, and he leaves a legacy of love for music and his fellow man.