mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
PROVIDING FOR CONSIDERATION OF H.R. 447, NATIONAL APPRENTICESHIP ACT OF 2021; PROVIDING FOR CONSIDERATION OF H. CON. RES. 11, CONCURRENT RESOLUTION ON THE BUDGET FOR FISCAL YEAR 2021; AND FOR OTHER...
Jason Smith (Republican, MO) \u2014 2021-2-2

I want to thank the gentleman from Texas for yielding, and we are thrilled that he is on the Budget Committee. prgtoken The rule puts in motion a process to spend trillions of dollars on a progressive wish list, all under the appearance of pandemic relief. And for what? prgtoken We know all five of the last COVID-related pieces of legislation were done on a bipartisan basis. In the last few days, we have seen a framework from 10 Senators laid out to get to a solution. prgtoken The fact that we are moving forward with this process just goes to show that yesterday's White House meeting was just a photo-op for the President. prgtoken Sadly, the majority seems to want to go a partisan route in both the House and Senate because they know there is not a bipartisan consensus in this country for the socialist policies they want to include, giveaways to their base, the far left and the coastal elite. prgtoken Just look at what is being discussed by on how they plan to use the budgeting process known as reconciliation, a mechanism traditionally used to control spending and address the debt. They now talk openly about granting mass amnesty; growing the control government has over your healthcare; adding new burdens, rules, and costs on the very small businesses that they have shut down; and bailing out their political allies whose policies destroyed local economies. prgtoken All of this they want to somehow hide from the American people with the label of essential items for pandemic relief. prgtoken And the rule we are debating right now rewards this process. It is the first step in allowing Washington to jam this radical agenda through Congress at lightning speed. prgtoken I ask the Chair, where was the rush to help American families when the was holding up support for direct aid to working-class families all spring, all summer, and all fall, eventually dropping her price tag and objections only after the first Tuesday in November? The first Tuesday in November happens to be election day. prgtoken I have always kept one motto in my heart as I approach this job: Put people before politics. Unfortunately, what we are seeing from the is the exact opposite; it is all politics. prgtoken In more than 30 years, a budget has not originated in the House that has not first gone through the committee process. This is truly a first. The Budget Committee has yet to even meet, to organize, to set our rules, and to ratify an agenda of oversight of the new administration. prgtoken So why are we standing here right now? Why are we moving ahead like this when the President, in his inaugural address, called for unity and spoke about the power of our example? The answer is simple: So that leaders can spend more on a bunch of programs, ideas, and systems, which they have dreamed about throwing taxpayer money at since they took control of this Chamber 2 years ago. prgtoken , I will clo
RECOGNIZING MS. JESSICA LANDRY AS THE OKALOOSA COUNTY, FLORIDA TEACHER OF THE YEAR
Matt Gaetz (Republican, FL) \u2014 2021-2-2

. Madam , I rise to recognize Ms. Jessica Landry as the Okaloosa County Teacher of the Year. For nine years, Ms. Landry has served James E. Plew Elementary School with talent, passion, and an unwavering commitment to her students. prgtoken In Northwest Florida, we are fortunate to have some of the best teachers in the Nation. It is recognized that the teaching profession is one of the most difficult professions in existence--yet it can also be one of the most rewarding. Ms. Landry has performed her teaching duties exceptionally, while also being an active and supportive member of her community. prgtoken Ms. Landry attended Northwest Florida State College, where she earned a Bachelor's of Science in Elementary Education. She later attended the University of West Florida and earned a Masters of Education in Educational Leadership. prgtoken Her support and outreach extend far beyond the walls of her classroom through her involvement in other programs, such as the School Advisory Council and Plew's Parent Leadership Association, and serving as the Senior Building Representative for Okaloosa County Schools. Ms. Landry has spent her time outside of school hours as the Academic Team coach, Young Astronaut Club coordinator, and as a mentor to new mathematics and science teachers. I commend her for her steadfast willingness to serve those who matter most--the students and youth of our Nation. prgtoken For all of her admirable contributions to our community, I am truly proud to have Ms. Landry as a constituent in Florida's First Congressional District. prgtoken Madam , on behalf of the United States Congress, I am privileged to recognize Ms. Jessica Landry for her many accomplishments, and her commitment to excellence, professionalism, innovation, and collaboration in the Okaloosa County School District. I thank her for her service, and wish her all the best for her continued success.
Nomination of Peter Paul Montgomery Buttigieg (Executive Session)
Marsha Blackburn (Republican, TN) \u2014 2021-2-2

ahead of our votes today, I wanted to echo the concerns that have already been voiced by many of my colleagues in this Chamber regarding the nomination of Alejandro Mayorkas to be the Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security. prgtoken At this point, we are all very familiar with his long legacy of service on behalf of people of the United States, so I will just highlight one example of the ``value'' that he will bring to the table should the Senate vote to confirm him. prgtoken When he served as USCIS Director during the administration, the inspector general was forced to investigate an ``extraordinary'' number of internal allegations that Mayorkas was granting ``special access and special favors'' to wealthy EB-5 ``investor visa'' applicants linked to influential . prgtoken When the IG took a closer look at the visa applications for three powerful Chinese nationals in particular, they came to the conclusion that if Mayorkas hadn't intervened, and I am quoting, ``the matter would have been decided differently.'' prgtoken Now, this is something that we know is inappropriate. We know that this is something for which Mr. Mayorkas should be held accountable. We know that this is something for which he has not been held accountable, and here is what he did: He put his thumb on the scale, pressured his DHS colleagues--pressured his DHS colleagues--to break their own rules and turn the law on its head, all because a few powerful friends asked him to do it. He pressured others for the benefit of some powerful friends, and it is all there for everyone to read in the inspector general's report, and he was never held accountable. Yet, here we are, being asked to support his nomination to the President's Cabinet. prgtoken There are plenty of policy differences between myself and Mr. Mayorkas that have convinced me I have no choice but to stand in opposition to his confirmation. But the example I just cited, in particular, gives me additional serious concerns about how his influence would affect the integrity of the Agency. prgtoken Just last week, I joined several of my colleagues in a letter to the senior Senator from Illinois, asking him to exercise his judgment as the incoming chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee and allow for a second hearing so we could examine Mr. Mayorkas's record thoroughly because, while I believe that the President has every right to assemble his Cabinet, I also believe that the American people have every right to understand exactly who is prgtoken being put in charge of enforcing our Nation's immigration laws and keeping our border secure, enforcing counterterrorism measures and keeping an eye on the country's cybersecurity. And the current nominee? Never held accountable for showing favor to some friends in high places. That is not the way this is supposed to be. prgtoken I would urge my colleagues to consider the American people--the taxpayers who are
SETTING FORTH THE CONGRESSIONAL BUDGET FOR THE UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT FOR FISCAL YEAR 2021
Ron Wyden (Democrat, OR) \u2014 2021-2-2

we have already begun to hear a little revisionist history with respect to this crucial issue. There was exactly one amendment on the CARES Act, and that amendment, supported by almost every Senator on the other side of the aisle, basically would have blown up the law that I put special focus on because it was deemed the only way to get expanded unemployment benefits out to folks in a timely way. prgtoken We were told that there was all this bipartisanship. Yet on the crucial issue, that wasn't the case because that benefit, in particular, is what helped scores and scores of communities all across the country stay afloat because that money was spent locally. It was spent on rent. It was spent on groceries. And most of all, it was weekly. Yet there was exactly one amendment on the original legislation, and that one amendment was to blow up the only way to get checks out to folks relatively quickly--point No. 1. prgtoken Point No. 2, these were not folks who didn't want to work. They were told by their government--told by their government--that they really needed to be at home to deal with the virus. These folks want to work; there is no question about it. prgtoken We are going to talk about this, I imagine, in this debate, but study after study has shown that the expanded unemployment during this period was not a disincentive to work. There is just no evidence of that. In fact, when we look at crucial periods of time when people might have stayed home, they were rushing to get back to work. prgtoken We are going to discuss this, and I am going to start the debate now on where we are at this moment because I think this discussion comes down to a simple proposition; that is, whether millions of workers and their families should have to spend years and years living in the wreckage of the COVID economy. The jobs recovery for millions is going in reverse. prgtoken Millions of Americans have lost jobs through no fault of their own. Maybe they were working at the airport. Maybe they were tending bar. Maybe they were teaching our kids when the worst pandemic--the worst pandemic in a century--swept the United States. They didn't do anything wrong. prgtoken The question now is whether the U.S. Senate is going to step in with big policies to actually be of help to them or whether it is going to quit on those workers when they need a modest amount of assistance until everybody gets vaccinated. prgtoken President has a strong, focused plan that is going to meet the moment, get relief to workers in the middle class, and kick-start the jobs recovery. The plan that was brought forward yesterday by 10 Senators doesn't come close to meeting that bar. prgtoken The debate isn't a whole lot more complicated than that. I am glad that there is some agreement on both sides for funding vaccines. Yet the economic divide in this debate is very clear. prgtoken Here are the key facts as we start this discussion.
AUTHORITY FOR COMMITTEES TO MEET
Gary C. Peters (Democrat, MI) \u2014 2021-2-2

I have 6 requests for committees to meet during today's session of the Senate. They have the approval of the Majority and Minority leaders. prgtoken Pursuant to rule XXVI, paragraph 5(a), of the Standing Rules of the Senate, the following committees are authorized to meet during today's session of the Senate: Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry prgtoken The Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry is authorized to meet during the session of the Senate on Tuesday, February 2, 2021, at 10:30 a.m to conduct a hearing. Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry prgtoken The Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry is authorized to meet during the Session of the Senate on Tuesday, February 2, 2021, immediately following a floor vote, to conduct a hearing on a nomination. Committee on Armed Services prgtoken The Committee on Armed Services is authorized to meet during the session of the Senate on Tuesday, February 2, 2021, at 9:30 a.m to conduct a hearing. Committee on Armed Services prgtoken The Committee on Armed Services is authorized to meet during the session of the Senate on Tuesday, February 2, 2021, at 9:30 a.m to conduct a hearing on a nomination. Committee on Veterans' Affairs prgtoken The Committee on Veterans' Affairs is authorized to meet during the session of the Senate on Tuesday, February 2, 2021, at 9:30 a.m to conduct a hearing on a nomination. Select Committee on Intelligence prgtoken The Select Committee on Intelligence is authorized to meet during the session of the Senate on Tuesday, February 2, 2021, at 2:30 p.m to conduct a closed briefing.
HONORING AND RECOGNIZING THE WORK OF THE U.S. CAPITOL CUSTODIAL WORKERS
A. Donald McEachin (Democrat, VA) \u2014 2021-2-2

. Madam , I rise today to honor and recognize the work of the U.S. Capitol custodial staff, specifically the Black and brown members, for their excellent work every day, but especially for their work across the Capitol complex after it was desecrated on January 6, 2021 by a mob of rioters and insurrectionists trying to reverse the results of a fair and free election. It is a privilege to work alongside such dedicated stewards of our temple of democracy, and their exemplary work deserves to be acknowledged. prgtoken The labor of Black and brown Americans is integral to the history of our Capitol building. When the Capitol was first constructed, enslaved Black laborers were brought in from across the country to build the home of our nation's democracy. Enslaved laborers were involved in nearly every step of construction, from quarrying marble and sandstone to masonry to devising the architectural innovations needed to install the Statue of Freedom in 1863. prgtoken Today, our Capitol continues to rely on the labor of Black and brown Americans. Our Black and brown custodial staff make sure the entire Capitol complex is pristine and accessible to all that visit, and throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, they have worked to maintain our community's health and safety. I see the pride they take in their work each and every day and thank them for their endless dedication. prgtoken On January 6, 2021, Black and brown custodial staff were in attendance as well. While media coverage has largely focused on the experiences of House Members and Senators, custodial and administrative staff throughout the Capitol complex weathered the siege all the same. Once the Capitol was secured, these dedicated employees were the first back to work, scrubbing the stains inflicted on our temple of democracy by the same rioters who made them fear for their lives. prgtoken Our colleagues' work to clean the Capitol is particularly commendable considering the appalling racial nature of the riots. Former President and his supporters spread baseless allegations and lies about the integrity of the 2020 presidential election, including about the validity of votes cast in majority Black or brown cities. When election officials and the courts refused to overturn the results, a predominately white mob, including proud white supremacists, stormed the Capitol. After seeing these white rioters treated more kindly than protestors for racial justice often are, the largely Black and brown custodial staff were left to clean up the mess. They cleaned up broken glass, blood, empty bottles, and other items left by the mob. I read that a staff member described the experience of cleaning up after the insurrection as ``degrading.'' To that end, I say we see you and we appreciate your efforts. Their work was not made in vain, nor did it go unnoticed. prgtoken Madam , I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing these distinguished members of the U.S. Capit
EXECUTIVE CALENDAR--Continued
Thomas R. Carper (Democrat, DE) \u2014 2021-2-2

I have the honor of serving on the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee--a committee you serve on--which oversees, as you know, the Department of Homeland Security since the committee was first formed. prgtoken Almost two decades later, I remain convinced that the nominees we confirm to lead that Department must possess sound judgment, integrity, relevant experience, boundless energy, and the leadership skills that will enable them to take on some of the most daunting challenges that we face today as a nation. prgtoken The Department of Homeland Security is a Department with a budget of over $50 billion and a staff of over 240,000 men and women. Its Agencies protect our country from ever-evolving domestic and foreign threats; they respond to natural disasters; and they help to secure our critical infrastructure. prgtoken Unfortunately, in recent years, the senior leadership ranks of this Department have come to remind many of us as something akin to executive branch Swiss cheese, with critical positions remaining vacant for far too long or without Senate confirmation at all. In fact, the Department of Homeland Security has been without a Senate-confirmed Secretary for 21 months. Think about that--21 months. Meanwhile, there is no shortage of work to be done from the clear and present threat of domestic terrorism to responding to the SolarWinds cyber breach to helping distribute the COVID vaccine. prgtoken Now, more than ever, it is crucial for this important Department to be led by men and women who have been vetted and confirmed by Members of this body. The American people deserve a capable leader at the helm of this Department, and I believe that leader is Alejandro Mayorkas. prgtoken Ali represents the best of America. Born in Havana, Cuba, Ali knows firsthand what it is like for a family to flee its native land and come to the United States in search of refuge. He is a man of integrity and a person of principle who possesses a truly, truly remarkable work ethic. What is more, he may well be the most qualified nominee we have ever been asked to consider to lead the Department of Homeland Security. prgtoken He has previously served admirably as its Deputy Secretary for nearly 4 years, and before that as the head of DHS's largest Agency, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services. As Director of this Agency, he worked to combat immigration fraud. He directed and implemented the DACA Program to protect hundreds of thousands of Dreamers and much more. prgtoken As Deputy Secretary, he led the Department's successful Unity of Effort initiative to improve morale in an Agency which previously had the lowest morale of any large Agency in our Federal Government. In fact, the Department that reported the greatest improvement in morale in the final year of the administration was the Department of Homeland Security, in large part, due to Ali's leadership and that of former Se
HONORING AHMET AND NESUHI ERTEGUN FOR THEIR FIGHT AGAINST RACIAL INJUSTICE THROUGH THE POWER OF MUSIC
Alcee L. Hastings (Democrat, FL) \u2014 2021-2-2

. Madam , I rise today to draw attention to an article that appeared on January 20, 2021 in the Washington Post entitled, ``These Turkish brothers found their calling in D.C championing the Black music scene'' by David Taylor. The article highlights the contributions made by Ahmet and Nesuhi Ertegun, two Turkish brothers who fought against racial injustice. The Ertegun brothers were the sons of Turkish Ambassador, Mehmet Munir Ertegun, and navigated the heavily segregated and complex Washington, D.C. These two young Turkish men dismissed racist comments and individuals, and instead familiarized themselves with the black neighborhoods of Washington. prgtoken The two quickly realized how racially divided the city was, and in order to satisfy their love for jazz, the brothers became familiar with jazz clubs on U street, record shops on Seventh Street, and were regulars at the famous ``Waxie Maxie,'' where they would meet fellow jazz enthusiasts. Ignoring the racial barriers which divided the city and country, they unapologetically hosted jam sessions at the Turkish Embassy. The Turkish Ambassador received complaints from irritated neighbors, but simply ignored those who called the music ``disturbing''. Enamored by jazz music the Ertegun brothers organized the first integrated jazz concert at the Jewish Community Center in the 1940s. prgtoken Eventually, the Ertegun brothers founded Atlantic Records in 1947 and the record company became the most successful independent label in the country. Atlantic Records went on to work with Ray Charles, Ruth Brown, La Vern Baker, the Drifters, the Coasters, Aretha Franklin, and Led Zeppelin. The list of music icons also included Stevie Wonder and Mick Jagger. In 1995, the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame museum announced that its main exhibition hall would be named after Ahmet Ertegun. prgtoken Madam , as we celebrate Black History Month, I hope that my colleagues will join me in honoring Ahmet and Nesuhi Ertegun. Their story is a wonderful reminder that despite numerous differences there is always a common unifying force between people. Especially during these times when we find ourselves deeply divided, we must remember that we are able to come together despite our differences, and work for a better future as the Ertegun brothers did through the power of music. [From the Washington Post, Jan. 20, 2021] prgtoken These Turkish Brothers Found Their Calling in D.C Championing the Black Music Scene (By David A. Taylor) Turkish filmmaker Umran Safter has a special place in her heart for Washington. She had the international premiere of her first documentary feature, ``Eye of Istanbul,'' at the 2016 Washington, DC Independent Film Festival, where it won the award for best of the festival. Her new film brought her back to D.C. for the story of Ahmet and Nesuhi Ertegun, the b