mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
Coronavirus (Executive Calendar)
Chuck Grassley (Republican, IA) \u2014 2021-6-8

in January of 2020, when reports began to circulate about the coronavirus, I instructed my oversight and investigations staff to get a classified briefing from the Department of Health and Human Services' Office of National Security. Around that same time, I publicly said that there were signs that the virus could develop into a worldwide threat. I also noted at that time my concern that China may not be accurately reflecting the scale or scope of the problem and that China was failing to share information with global health organizations. Unfortunately, my concerns proved to be true. prgtoken From the beginning, my goal has been to ensure a robust Federal response to the threat and to better understand the origins of the virus. prgtoken Today, as we emerge from the pandemic, the focus has rightly shifted to understanding how the virus originated. We lost over 500,000 of our fellow Americans, and this body has spent trillions of dollars to support the U.S. economy during the pandemic. prgtoken We the people have an absolute right to know everything that the U.S. Government knows about the origins of the coronavirus. On March 8, 2021, I wrote to the Director of National Intelligence and the Secretary of Health and Human Services requesting all intelligence, among other requests, relating to what the government knows about the origin of the coronavirus. I received some intelligence product, and that product causes very serious concern and further supports my belief that the ongoing review of its origin can't leave any stone unturned. The effort must be a whole-of-government approach. prgtoken In response to my letter, the National Institutes of Health, an Agency within the Department of Health and Human Services, stated that it hasn't funded gain-of-function research on the coronavirus. Recent reports have cast doubts on that position. prgtoken Dr. Fauci's unit provided $3.4 million in taxpayer grants to a research organization called EcoHealth Alliance. That group then issued subgrants to the Wuhan Institute of Virology. It has been reported that from this $3.4 million, somewhere between $600,000 and $826,000 was sent to the Wuhan Institute of Virology. That money, by the way, is U.S. taxpayer money. It was spent on researching bat coronaviruses. prgtoken As the Wall Street Journal noted last week, it is likely that the Wuhan Institute of Virology was doing gain-of-function research. If true, that research could have strengthened the virus to the version that caused the global pandemic. prgtoken Dr. Fauci has said that Chinese scientists are trustworthy, that ``we generally always trust the grantee to do what they say,'' and that ``I can't guarantee that a grantee hasn't lied to us because you never know.'' He also said, ``I can't guarantee everything that is going on in the Wuhan lab, we can't do that.'' What complete nonsense and a mess that it is. prgtoken Well, Dr. Fauci, why can't you know wh
Judicial Nominations (Executive Session)
John Thune (Republican, SD) \u2014 2021-6-8

let me begin by saying that I am grateful to Senators Klobuchar, Blunt, Peters, and Portman and the two Senate committees that they lead for their bipartisan investigation into the events of January 6, and for producing a detailed report in a short amount of time. The report makes clear that there is more work ahead for the committees. More importantly, it also highlights the immense bravery of the men and women of the U.S. Capitol Police who defended the Capitol Complex on January 6. prgtoken In the coming days, after a thorough review of the 100-page report, I will discuss its recommendations with my colleagues and work to institute reforms that will make a meaningful change to better protect the U.S. Capitol
HONORING SAM HOUSTON STATE UNIVERSITY'S ACHIEVEMENT OF ITS 1ST FCS CHAMPIONSHIP
Kevin Brady (Republican, TX) \u2014 2021-6-8

. Madam , I rise today to recognize the Sam Houston State Bearkats and their first NCAA FCS title in program history. prgtoken Throughout the season, the team faced countless unprecedented challenges. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the FCS football season was moved to Spring 2021. Additionally, following the February Winter Freeze, players and coaches used feed shovels to clear snow off the field for practice. Meanwhile, due to renovations to the football facilities, the Sam Houston St. players were without locker room and shower facilities. prgtoken Despite the season's difficulties, Sam Houston State's resilience made the year one that will not be soon forgotten. The Bearkats finished their regular season undefeated with a 10-0 record. The team clinched its eighth Southland Conference championship. Additionally, coach K.C. Keeler won the Southland Conference Coach of the Year. With such a successful regular season, the Bearkats entered the postseason with momentum and with the No. 2 seed in the FCS playoffs. prgtoken After defeating Monmouth, South Dakota St and James Madison, the Bearkats secured their place in the FCS title game. The 2021 FCS Championship Game, played in prgtoken Frisco, TX between the Sam Houston State Bearkats and the No. 1 seed South Dakota State Jackrabbits, was an instant classic. After a back and forth game, the Bearkats' resilience proved to be the difference. With only 16 seconds left in the game, Eric Schmic found Ife Adeyi for a 10-yard touchdown to take the lead. With a 23-21 victory, Sam Houston St secured its first FCS Championship in program history. prgtoken This was not only a first for Sam Houston State and Texas, but it was also a first for Coach K.C. Keeler, who became the first coach to win an FCS Championship at two different schools: first at the University of Delaware and now at Sam Houston State. Coach Keeler also became the all-time winningest coach in FCS playoff history with 24 wins. The Bearkats' Jequez Ezzard was also named the FCS Championship Game's Most Outstanding Player. The team's achievement will be long remembered. As Coach Keeler said to his team after the game: ``It's immortality for the rest of our lives and beyond that . . . Sam Houston State is the national champion.'' prgtoken I join the rest of the state of Texas in honoring Sam Houston State and the Bearkats for their historic victory. They truly represent the best of Texas and its fighting spirit of strength and determination.
LEGISLATIVE SESSION
Rick Scott (Republican, FL) \u2014 2021-6-8

there is clearly an urgent need for the United States to address the growing threat posed by Communist China. In so doing, we can't forget the commitment we all made to American taxpayers to be responsible stewards of their tax dollars. prgtoken America is in a nearly $30 trillion debt crisis. We can't afford to spend more than $250 billion on a bill that doesn't pay for itself. Worse, it would add to our national yearly deficit in dramatic fashion, which is what triggers the point of order I am raising today. prgtoken In 2018, we agreed not to pass spending bills without a way to pay for them, but there is no plan to pay for this. We are completely ignoring our own rules to advance this spending. prgtoken Spending beyond our means has consequences. There will be a day of reckoning. The pending measure, Senate amendment No. 1502 to S. 1260, would violate the Senate pay-go rule by increasing the on-budget deficit. Therefore, I raise a point of order against this measure pursuant to section 4106 of H. Con. Res. 71 to the concurrent resolution on the budget for fiscal year 2018.
LEGISLATIVE SESSION
Rand Paul (Republican, KY) \u2014 2021-6-8

. This bill adds over $250 billion to our debt. The additional debt will make us weaker, not stronger. As we speak, the massive Federal spending of the last 2 years is already causing inflation throughout the supply chain and eventually will lead to economic stagnation. prgtoken There is nothing conservative about this bill. The bill is nothing more than a Big Government response that will make our country weaker, not stronger. I object.
IN RECOGNITION OF THE 150TH ANNIVERSARY OF GLC MINERALS, LLC
Mike Gallagher (Republican, WI) \u2014 2021-6-8

. Madam , I rise today to honor GLC Minerals, LLC as the company celebrates its 150th anniversary. prgtoken GLC Minerals is a Green Bay based, custom manufacturer of minerals and applications in its fifth generation of ownership and operation by the Hurlbut family. GLC Minerals serves many of Wisconsin's key industries, including dairy, poultry, glass, paper, construction, and agronomy. prgtoken The company came from humble beginnings when entrepreneur, Fred Hurlbut, Sr realized the strategic location of Green Bay and the economic opportunity of Great Lakes shipping following the Civil War and, in 1871, Fred's foresight came to fruition as the Hurlbut Calcium and Chemical Company. prgtoken In 1913, second-generation owner, Fred Hurlbut, Jr grew the company to include major coal and bulk distribution throughout Northeast Wisconsin. In 1940, the now named F. Hurlbut Company relocated to the shores of the Fox River where it still resides today, 81 years later. Throughout the mid-1900s, the company expanded its equipment and product lines. prgtoken Under third-generation owners, Wesley H. Garner I, Charles Bennet and Frederick J. Lenfesty, the company diversified into the calcium and concrete products business. In 1965, Wesley H. Garner I's son, Frederick L. Garner, joined the company and, after serving in various capacities within the company for more prgtoken than twenty years, he purchased Hurlbut Calcium and Chemical from the family. Frederick focused on reinvesting in the plant and equipment to produce a diverse and high-quality product line, and changed the name of the firm to Great Lakes Calcium Corporation. prgtoken In 1996, Wesley Hurlbut Garner ll, became the fifth-generation family member to continue the entrepreneurial spirit by further expanding product lines. In 2015, Wes changed the company's name to GLC Minerals, LLC and launched GLC Integrated Services, LLC, a trans-load company serving Wisconsin's dairy industry with cost-effective movement of product from rail to truck to farm. GLC Minerals continues to grow and support our local business community and the broader Green Bay community, as it did in the early days when it helped to establish and support the Greater Green Bay Chamber. prgtoken Madam , I urge all Members of this body to join me in applauding GLC Minerals and the Hurlbut family legacy for their 150 years of success.
LEGISLATIVE SESSION
John Cornyn (Republican, TX) \u2014 2021-6-8

during the committee markup on this bill in the Commerce Committee, there was an amendment offered that was accepted that added Davis-Bacon prevailing wage protection to the underlying bill, which is now in the bill before us. prgtoken This is purely a gratuitous addition to this bill because the fact is, in constructing these major semiconductor fabs, they pay far greater than the prevailing wage. But perhaps the most dangerous part of this is the fact that this now is being applied to private construction. prgtoken Davis-Bacon historically and statutorily has been applied only to public workers. But this is an unnecessary expansion and, frankly, jeopardizes some of the support we are getting for the underlying bill, which we cannot afford to lose any of that support in our competition against China, particularly when it comes to manufacturing semiconductors here onshore and shoring up the vulnerable supply chain. prgtoken I would ask colleagues to vote for the amendment.
HONORING MICHAEL T. PTASIENSKI, 5TH INSPECTOR GENERAL OF THE U.S. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, IN CELEBRATION OF HIS RETIREMENT
Rodney Davis (Republican, IL) \u2014 2021-6-8

. Madam , I rise today to acknowledge the career of a true public servant, House Inspector General Michael Ptasienski, who has dedicated nearly 15 years of his professional career to ensuring the People's House operates with integrity and accountability. Appointed as Inspector General in February of 2018, Mike is only the fifth individual to hold this position and as House IG, exemplified the excellence, attention to detail, determination and character necessary for success. prgtoken But of course, the role of the Inspector General was not a surprise to Mike. Prior to being appointed, he had served as Deputy Inspector General of Advisory and Administrative Services, and as Director of Management Advisory Services. This month, his tenure in the House IG shop came to its end when he entered retirement on June 4, 2021. Mike will be missed--not only for his dedication and commitment to the IG mission, but for his positive attitude and approachable nature. prgtoken Part of the mission of the House IG is to ``serve as a constructive critic, helpful advisor, and positive change agent.'' In fulfilling this mission, Mike has gone above and beyond, and the House is a more accountable, efficient, and safe institution due to the many recommendations and advisories his team produced under his leadership. prgtoken I wish to once again express my and my team's gratitude for Mike's partnership, collaboration, and kindness throughout the years, and wish him all the best in his retirement.
TRIBUTE TO EULA HALL
Mitch McConnell (Republican, KY) \u2014 2021-6-8

Southeastern Kentucky lost Eula Hall this May, a humanitarian titan who blessed her community with generosity, tenacity, and dedication. Eula was a self-described ``hillbilly activist'' whose efforts to improve healthcare in Kentucky enhanced the lives of her neighbors and friends. As the founder of the Mud Creek Clinic, now known as the Eula Hall Health Center, Eula was driven by her selfless spirit to deliver quality care to thousands of Kentuckians. Today, I recognize Eula Hall as a lifelong champion of Floyd County and the entire Southeastern Kentucky region. prgtoken Eula founded the Mud Creek Clinic in 1973 with a $1,400 donation and a calling to improve healthcare in her disadvantaged community. She served everyone, regardless of their ability to pay, through a primary care clinic, mental health counselor, pharmacy, and food and clothing pantry. Even after her clinic burned down in 1982, Eula did not miss a day of service, delivering help directly from her own home. She redefined healthcare in Southeastern Kentucky from the ground up, leaving an indelible impact on the region. prgtoken Eula was born into extreme poverty, growing up without plumbing or electricity and only receiving an eighth-grade education. In spite of these obstacles, she was driven by a higher calling to serve her community. When Eula founded the Mud Creek Clinic, she did so based on a conviction that all Kentuckians, regardless of income, deserved to be cared for by their neighbors. Her work quickly caught the attention of local leaders and physicians, bringing much needed resources to her distressed region. prgtoken She was a local activist from a young age, driven by the struggles and suffering she saw during her childhood. Motivated by a desire to assist the vulnerable, Eula gave help to the needy and a voice to the voiceless through an ever-expanding series of projects. With an unflappable work ethic, Eula would go on to run the Mud Creek Water District, piping drinking water to 800 homes, and served as the president of the Kentucky Black Lung Association. Her tireless, grassroots efforts have left an enduring legacy of community-based activism in Southeastern Kentucky. prgtoken Eula's industriousness permeated every aspect of her life, even as she entered old age. Just last year, she was working on a proposal to found a nursing home in her area as a response to the COVID-19 pandemic. In recognition of her determination and tenacity, Eula received a number of awards, including honorary doctorates from Berea, Midway, and Pikeville colleges in Kentucky and Trinity College in Connecticut. She was also the subject of a landmark book on healthcare in Eastern Kentucky, ``Mud Creek Medicine,'' by Kiran Bhatraju. She led a vibrant family, and is survived by 4 children, 8 grandchildren, 14 great-grandchildren, and 5 great-great-grandchildren. prgtoken I had the opportunity to speak with Eula just a few weeks before she
THANKING PHILIP L. PARKER FOR HIS SERVICE TO THE GREATER DAYTON, OHIO REGION
Michael R. Turner (Republican, OH) \u2014 2021-6-8

. Madam , I am honored to pay tribute to a respected community leader and trusted friend from my congressional district, Philip L. Parker, for his outstanding leadership and service to the business community and the Greater Dayton, Ohio region. prgtoken Phil Parker became president and CEO of the Dayton Area Chamber of Commerce on April 29, 1994 and retired on July 31, 2020. Before joining the Chamber, Phil was Executive Director of the Home Builders Association of Dayton and the Miami Valley. prgtoken For nearly a half-century, Phil has worked to make the Miami Valley a better place to live, work, and raise a family. When I served as mayor of the city of Dayton, and throughout my time in Congress, Phil and I worked together on many issues and community projects to advance our shared goals of promoting economic and job growth throughout Southwest Ohio. prgtoken During his 26-year tenure as president and CEO of the Dayton Area Chamber of Commerce, Phil directed one of the 25 largest Chambers of Commerce in the nation. He oversaw the implementation of numerous transportation initiatives, such as the development of Austin Boulevard and much-needed improvements of U.S. Route 35 and I-70. Under his leadership, the Dayton Area Chamber was consistently recognized as one of the very best in the nation. In 1998, the Dayton Chamber was named Chamber of the Year by the Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives. prgtoken Phil has been actively involved as a local, regional, state, and national volunteer, serving more than 500 volunteer hours a year over nearly 46 years. The generous amounts of time and energy he has contributed to a variety of volunteer and civic organizations, including the Greater Dayton Jaycees, the United Way, and the American Red Cross, have benefited our entire community. prgtoken Phil has served on more than 50 boards over the years and currently sits on a dozen local boards including Greene Memorial Hospital, Soin Medical Center, Kettering College, and is a member of the Dayton Rotary Club. prgtoken Madam , I appreciate this opportunity to extend my heartfelt congratulations to Phil Parker as he celebrates his retirement. I ask my colleagues to join me in thanking a truly outstanding citizen for his lifetime of service to the people of Southwest Ohio.
HONORING THE LIFE OF DR. ALBERT DOTSON, SR.
Maria Elvira Salazar (Republican, FL) \u2014 2021-6-8

. Madam , I rise today to honor Dr. Albert Dotson, Sr a beloved constituent in our community who served as a pioneer, activist, husband, and loving father throughout his lifetime. On May 29, 2021, Mr. Dotson passed away at the age of 83. prgtoken I would like to recognize Dr. Albert Dotson, Sr.'s steadfast leadership, his embrace of the communities he has lived and served in, and his many achievements. prgtoken Born in Memphis, Tennessee in 1938, Albert was raised by a single mother who worked as a housekeeper. His mother, Alberta, taught him the value of hard work and respect at an early age. prgtoken Later on in life, Albert met his wife, Earlene, while at church. The couple married in 1959 and continued to attend church together throughout the next six decades. Together, they had five children and 13 grandchildren. prgtoken Throughout his life, Albert never forgot the value of hard work that his mother instilled in him. After dropping out of college to take an entry-level job at Sears Roebuck and Company, he eventually worked his way up as the corporation's first African American store manager. In 1976, he relocated to Miami, where he eventually decided to launch several of his own businesses with his wife. prgtoken Education was always very important to Albert and Earlene. After watching all five of their children graduate from college, they decided to go back to school themselves and complete their undergraduate degrees. Albert eventually went on to complete his PhD in Philosophy in 2004. prgtoken Albert continuously remained active in the higher education community, serving on Florida International University's (FIU) Foundation Board of Directors for nearly two decades to secure research funding for architecture and medical students. He eventually went on to chair the FIU Board of Trustees from 2009 to 2011. prgtoken Albert cared deeply for the Miami community, being involved with community groups like the Miami-Dade Chamber of Commerce and the Miami- Dade School Board. In 1989, he joined the Orange Bowl Committee, created in 1935 to promote tourism to the Miami metropolitan area. Less than a decade later, Albert broke records when he became the first African American President of the Committee. prgtoken Albert's life is a great example of service-leadership and working hard towards the American Dream. Miami-Dade will always be grateful for his contributions to our community. prgtoken Dr. Dotson Sr. is survived by his wife Earlene; his sons Albert Jr. and Jonathan; his daughters Dr. Toya Greene, LeTessa Hall, Christa Dean; and his 13 grandchildren.