mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
HONORING RETIRED COLONEL GARY CLARK
Ross Spano (Republican, FL) \u2014 2020-12-9

I rise today to honor a Florida 15th District resident and local hero: Retired U.S. Air Force Colonel Gary Clark. prgtoken , for 26 years, Gary wore his uniform proudly and defended our prgtoken way of life. From Vietnam to the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan to Desert Storm, Gary's leadership as a commander and director played a key role in our force readiness policies. prgtoken Despite this distinguished career, Gary was just getting started. He served on the National Board of Directors of the Military Officers Association, as vice chair of the Florida Veterans Foundation, as chair of the Polk County Veterans Council, as chairman of the Flight to Honor Polk, and serves on the James A. Haley VA Hospital Advisory Board, among others. prgtoken On a personal level, he has also aided my office and those of my two predecessors with the military service academies nomination process-- his deep insight and knowledge have helped numerous students throughout the years who also proudly served our country. And just this past September, Gary joined the 8th class to enter the Florida Veterans' Hall of Fame. prgtoken , it is Americans like Gary who have sacrificed their time, their talents, and their treasures for both this Nation and their neighbors. When I see an American flag, I think of Gary, and I am so proud to call him my friend. prgtoken , I thank Gary for his service; and to many more years ahead, I salute him. Remembering Bishop Matthew Williams
PAID ACT
Tim Scott (Republican, SC) \u2014 2020-12-9

yesterday, the Provide Accurate Information Directly, PAID Act took a pivotal step closer to becoming law. Once enacted, this vital legislation, which I had the privilege of coauthoring with Senator Cardin, will save tens of millions of taxpayer dollars through targeted and commonsense updates to the Medicare secondary payer, MSP, statute, which Congress first codified four decades ago. The PAID Act aims to ensure that the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, CMS, in coordinating claims related to Medicare Advantage MA, or Medicare Part D plans, can provide the information needed for settling parties to resolve claims-fairly and efficiently. prgtoken In short, this bill is a boon for seniors, Main Street job creators, and the American taxpayer. prgtoken As this bill approaches the legislative finish line, I would like to thank Chairman Grassley for his invaluable support in working with my office, as well as with our ic counterparts and with CMS, to bolster, refine, and identify legislative avenues for our proposal. I would also like to thank Senator Cardin for his partnership in co- leading this legislation, along with Representatives Kind and Bilirakis, who introduced a companion bill in the House, which passed by voice vote yesterday. Together, I feel confident that we can see the PAID Act signed into law by the end of the year. prgtoken Congress amended the MSP statute in 2007 to require parties to a dispute--known as primary plans--to report settlements, judgments, and awards to Medicare through so-called section 111 reports. This amendment allowed Medicare to-seek recovery from settling parties when Medicare paid for healthcare because other payment was not available or reasonably expected to be available. While this system has functioned well for the Medicare Fee-for-Service program, where CMS has the claims data needed for recovery, it has not worked successfully for the MA Part C and Part D programs, where CMS does not have the requisite Part C and Part D claims data and cannot recover for payments that have been made. To compound the problem, settling parties are often unable to identify the correct Part C or Part D plan to be able to coordinate benefits, should they choose to do so. This legislation closes that critical information by having CMS communicate the Part C and Part D plan identification to settling parties in response to a section 111 report. CMS has that data and can provide it. prgtoken Congress recognizes that for the last 8 years, CMS has provided section 111 reports to the Part C and Part D Plans, and Congress expects that CMS will continue to do so after this legislation is enacted. Further, the existing MSP statute and regulations impose specific requirements on CMS, and on Part C and Part D plans, to pay for claims in some situations, to not pay for claims in other situations, and to pursue recovery of claims when appropriate. Nothing in this legis
RECOGNIZING THE IOWA AIR NATIONAL GUARD'S 185TH AIR REFUELING WING
Chuck Grassley (Republican, IA) \u2014 2020-12-9

on November 27, it was announced that the Iowa Air National Guard's 185th Air Refueling Wing in Sioux City, IA, has been awarded the Air Force Outstanding Unit Award. prgtoken This award was earned for the wing's exceptional service to the Air Force in 2019, which included the usual thousands of flying hours and refueling, but it also included things like the humanitarian efforts of this wing's effort in the multiple Puerto Rican natural disasters. prgtoken In addition, the 185th Wing has been working tirelessly to support cleanup efforts from this great windstorm in Iowa called the derecho, which wiped out 800,000 acres of crops through the middle of Iowa. It also included such things that they may not be recognized for enough-- helping with the COVID-19 testings in the State of Iowa. prgtoken So I say congratulations to the 185th Wing, and, most importantly, thank you for your dedication to serving our State and country. prgtoken . prgtoken .
MEDICAL MARIJUANA RESEARCH ACT
Greg Walden (Republican, OR) \u2014 2020-12-9

I want to thank my dear friend and colleague from Georgia (Mr. Carter) for his leadership on so many issues before the committee and for his very kind and generous words. I will miss serving with Mr. Carter. He has been a terrific member of the committee, and he, too, will have a great future ahead. prgtoken , our next Member, I should call him the deputy mayor of Washington, D.C because that is kind of what you are when you are the ranking member of the House Administration Committee. He has been a passionate advocate on the next bill, but because of a meeting he has coming up, I am going to yield to him now, so he can make that scheduled appointment, to talk about this bill and the next bill. prgtoken , I yield such time as he may consume to the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Rodney Davis).
MOTION TO DISCHARGE--S.J. RES. 78
Rand Paul (Republican, KY) \u2014 2020-12-9

I rise today to oppose another massive infusion of arms into the volatile Middle East. prgtoken Someone must ask the question: Can a lasting peace be purchased with more weapons? Will selling sophisticated fighter jets and weaponized drones bring more stability to the Middle East? Is it wise to pour fuel on the fire that burns in the Middle East? prgtoken The Senate today is debating with these joint resolutions whether to disapprove of the announced sale of 50 F-35s and 18 Reaper Drones to the United Arab Emirates, a country that has recently taken encouraging steps specifically toward Israel, but with an overall record that should give concern. prgtoken The primary questions we should be asking ourselves are: To what ends has the UAE deployed its military and its military technology in recent years? Does the UAE have a record that we can trust? What military behavior are we encouraging and rewarding with this sale? Will the U.S. bear responsibility if the UAE misuses these incredibly sophisticated weapons? prgtoken The answers to these questions are far from clear. In fact, the UAE's record should give us pause. The UAE is not a democracy. Their human rights record is mixed, and their military activities in the region, as a one-time member of the Saudi coalition, contributed to the bloodshed and devastation in Yemen. prgtoken On human rights, let's look at some recent reported examples. In 2017, Ahmed Monsoor, a human rights activist, was given a 10-year prison sentence based on his speech. Specifically, he was charged for posting ``false information that harms national unity'' on social media. The charges against him were based on a call for the release of another activist who had been put in prison for political speech. Is this the kind of democracy or lack of democracy and lack of speech that should be rewarded with our most sophisticated weaponry? prgtoken In 2017, the UAE government also handed down a 10-year sentence to Nasser bin-Ghaith, an economist, for his criticism of the UAE and Egyptian Governments. Is this the kind of country that deserves our most sophisticated weaponry? prgtoken In 2018, the UAE arrested Matthew Hedges, a British citizen and doctoral student, and denied him access to legal counsel for 5 months. They sentenced him to life in prison for spying charges based on a confession that was obtained in an undisclosed location. They were ultimately forced to pardon him after international outrage. Is this the kind of country that we can trust with our most sophisticated weaponry? prgtoken The fact that the UAE is willing to buy this technology is not in and of itself justification for the sale. This is the time to carefully study the situation in the region and to consider the effects of accelerating the Middle Eastern arms race in the short-term and in the long-term. prgtoken This is why our government shouldn't be rushing into approving this sale; yet our government is movi
AUTHORITY FOR COMMITTEES TO MEET
James M. Inhofe (Republican, OK) \u2014 2020-12-9

I have 7 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 Commerce, Science, and Transportation prgtoken The Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation is authorized to meet during the session of the Senate on Wednesday, December 9, 2020, at 10 a.m to conduct a hearing. Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs prgtoken The Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs is authorized to meet during the session of the Senate on Wednesday, September 30, 2020, at 10 a.m to conduct a hearing. Committee on Indian Affairs prgtoken The Committee on Indian Affairs is authorized to meet during the session of the Senate on Wednesday, December 9, 2020, at 2:30 p.m to conduct a hearing. Committee on Veterans' Affairs prgtoken The Committee on Veterans' Affairs is authorized to meet during the session of the Senate on Wednesday, December 9, 2020, at 10 a.m to conduct a hearing. Select Committee on Intelligence prgtoken The Select Committee on Intelligence is authorized to meet during the session of the Senate on Tuesday, April 30, 2019, at 2 p.m to conduct a closed briefing. Subcommittee on Social Security, Pensions, and Family Policy prgtoken The Subcommittee on Social Security, Pensions, and Family Policy of the Committee on Finance is authorized to meet during the session of the Senate on Wednesday, December 9, 2020, at 10 a.m to conduct a hearing. Subcommittee on Clean Air and Nuclear Safety prgtoken The Subcommittee on Clean Air and Nuclear Safety of the Committee on Environment and Public Works is authorized to meet during the session of the Senate on Wednesday, December 9, 2020, at 9:45 a.m to conduct a hearing.
RELIABLE INVESTMENT IN VITAL ENERGY REAUTHORIZATION ACT
David B. McKinley (Republican, WV) \u2014 2020-12-9

I thank the gentleman for yielding. prgtoken , I rise in support of H.R. 3361, the RIVER Act, and thank Chairman Tonko and Congressman Loebsack for working with us in a bipartisan way on this important legislation. prgtoken This RIVER Act reauthorizes key hydropower production and efficiency incentives through 2036. Boosting hydropower production will ensure that Americans have access to affordable, clean energy. prgtoken As Congresswoman Cathy McMorris Rodgers has previously noted on numerous occasions, only 3 percent of America's 91,000 dams generate electricity because in part it takes 10 years to get a permit to develop new hydropower projects. prgtoken This bill will help streamline and develop utilizing existing infrastructure and overcome barriers to future projects. prgtoken I urge my colleagues to support the RIVER Act. prgtoken , I ask a point of personal privilege to address my esteemed chairman. prgtoken , I say to my ranking member and my former chairman, colleague, since I came here 10 years ago, coming from the business sector nearly 50 years in private practice in the business of engineering, I have been so impressed with the leadership we have had in Energy and Commerce. It wasn't what I was expecting. You and Fred, and even to some extent my friend, Frank, to some extent--Frank, don't get carried away here. prgtoken I have seen you taking on some difficult issues and using humor, your approach, you have been able to work through some difficult situations coming up with solutions. So you are going to be missed. You and Mylene have earned the break. But I think of all the legislation. prgtoken You have been in my house. You have come to West Virginia--``West by God Virginia''--and I do appreciate what you have done for us, what you have done on the opioid epidemic. It is still ravaging West Virginia and across this country. prgtoken People have to understand that in West Virginia more people are going to die from opioids than from COVID this year. This is still a problem, but thanks to you, we are moving in the right direction. prgtoken I can't express enough how much you have meant to me in my career and my confidence. The people's House has been in good hands under you, and I very much appreciate your service. God bless all of you as you continue in your retirement.
MEDICAL MARIJUANA RESEARCH ACT
Andy Harris (Republican, MD) \u2014 2020-12-9

is it useful for that group? Is CBD useful for that group of pediatric patients with seizures? Yes, it sure is. Is it useful for people with glaucoma? Yes, it sure is. Is it useful for spasticity with multiple sclerosis? Yes, it sure is. prgtoken But there are 40 or 50 other claims that we don't know about. We deserve to know about it. Those claims are simply not founded on science. prgtoken Look, let's do the science. Let's see what medical marijuana is useful for. As a physician, anything it is useful for, I want to provide for patients. Let's do the science. Let's pass H.R. 3797.
MOTION TO DISCHARGE--S.J. RES. 77
John Kennedy (Republican, LA) \u2014 2020-12-9

I would like to speak for a few moments today about a Baton Rouge and Louisiana rock star. I am talking about Baton Rouge's own Diane Deaton. prgtoken This week, Diane announced that she is going to retire from her post as a weather forecaster at WAFB-TV, which we refer to as Channel 9, where she has served on ``9News This Morning'' and on ``Early Edition'' for many years. prgtoken Diane is known--widely known--affectionately as Queen D. She has been reporting the weather for the people of Louisiana, particularly Southeast Louisiana, for 37 years--37 years--and all prgtoken at the same station. Over a WAFB career spanning, what, nearly four decades, Diane has become a beloved fixture in our State and in our State capital. prgtoken Her compassion has been on regular display--and not only in the way that she has walked Louisianians through hurricanes and tornadoes. Weather is important to us in Louisiana. Diane has invested in first and second graders at Buchanan Elementary in East Baton Rouge Parish through an extraordinary program called the Reading Friends program. She has built new homes for families through Habitat for Humanity, where she currently serves as a board member. Diane has been a part of LSU Tiger HATS pet therapy program. That is a program where she and her colleagues visit young patients and their families at one of our leading hospitals, Our Lady of the Lake Children's Hospital. prgtoken Diane's awards are many. I won't list them all, but they include the Louisiana Association of Broadcasters' Lifetime Achievement Award, the Holly Reynolds Humanitarian of the Year Award--that was from the Capital Area Animal Welfare Society--and the Ulli Goodman Volunteer of the Year Award from the Baton Rouge Ballet Theater. I don't know how she finds the time, but Diane is also certified as a Delta Society Pet Partner for her work using therapy animals. prgtoken Yet I noticed that Diane's announcement was characteristically humble as she steps away after 37 years. Here is what she said: ``I have never taken for granted the honor and privilege you have given me over these many years by choosing me and my colleagues here at WAFB-TV to keep you and your family safe and informed.'' prgtoken I think that the gratitude among Louisiana and Baton Rouge residents is certainly mutual. prgtoken I am glad to hear that Diane will not be leaving our great State. I want to emphasize that. She is going to retire in Louisiana, and I hope she enjoys every moment--every single moment--she gets to sleep in after December 18. No one can argue--no fair-minded person can argue-- that she hasn't earned a rest, even though her familiar weather forecast will be sorely missed in a State that takes more than our fair share of beatings from Mother Nature. prgtoken I thank you for the chance to honor Diane Deaton. I thank you for the chance to honor Diane Deaton for all of her hard work on behalf of everyone who relies on WAFB-
MOTION TO DISCHARGE--S.J. RES. 77
Richard C. Shelby (Republican, AL) \u2014 2020-12-9

. What a good speech here. We don't hear them like that every day. prgtoken To my colleague Senator Jones, 3 years was not a long time here, but we feel his presence. I can tell you that I have known Doug a long time. I remember I came to the U.S. House when he came up to work in the Senate for Senator Heflin in the Judiciary Committee and so forth. prgtoken I supported him when he was nominated by President Clinton to be the U.S. attorney in the Northern District of Alabama, where he did a tremendous job. I worked with him day after day, as we all do, on a lot of issues that affected the country but affected, especially, our State of Alabama at times, and we worked hand in glove. prgtoken We have become friends. We have our differences, but we also have a lot of things that he talked about today where we would come together for the State and for the country. prgtoken I wish him well. I think we will hear more from him in the weeks ahead, in the months ahead. I certainly hope so. He has a lot to give. prgtoken He has a great family. He has a great wife in Louise and a great partner there. prgtoken He has a great staff and we worked together and we will continue to do this. prgtoken But one theme--and I like that he kept expounding on it here today-- that if we work together in the Senate, s and , we get things done; if not, things don't happen. prgtoken I wish Senator Jones Godspeed and wish him the best prgtoken , today I would like to speak about my fellow Alabama colleague and friend, Senator Doug Jones. prgtoken I have known Doug Jones since he was a young staffer working for Senator Howell Heflin on the Senate Judiciary Committee. During his 3 years as a Member in the Senate, I believe we have worked well together. prgtoken He and his staff have shown a lot of professionalism and class while in Washington. He is respected by all of his colleagues on both sides of the aisle. prgtoken While we may not agree on every policy, Doug understands the Senate and respects the institution. It has been an honor to serve with him. prgtoken Annette and I have enjoyed spending time with Doug and Louise, and we wish them all the best. prgtoken Thank you, . .
Coronavirus (Executive Session)
John Thune (Republican, SD) \u2014 2020-12-9

I am hoping that we will be able to pass a COVID relief bill before Christmas. As the leader has said earlier, we don't need to resolve all of our differences to pass a bill. We can pass targeted legislation that focuses on the priorities that we all agree need to be addressed. As the leader pointed out earlier this morning on the floor, s here in the Senate have tried repeatedly, going back to last summer, to move legislation that is targeted, that is fiscally responsible, and that addresses the key needs that are being experienced and the challenges that are being felt by the American people during the pandemic. prgtoken In fact, as recently as October, we had a majority of U.S. Senators here on the floor that attempted to get on a bill--a targeted, fiscally responsible bill--that addressed the needs that our small businesses have, with additional funding for the PPP program; that provided an extension for unemployment insurance for people who were unemployed; that provided funding for vaccine distribution; that also provided funding for frontline workers and, I should add, funding for schools and universities. It was a very targeted, fiscally responsible bill. It was voted on here in the Senate not only once but twice. prgtoken Both in September and October, we brought a bill to the floor and couldn't even get on it because the ic leadership decided to block that bill. So we didn't even have a debate. Not only could we not get a vote on something that represented a good-faith effort at addressing the key needs that are being felt by the American people as a result of the pandemic, but we couldn't even get on the bill to debate it. prgtoken So we are trying yet one more time, and I hope this time we will meet with success because I do believe that we need to pass COVID relief before the end of the year, and I hope Members of the ic leadership will decide that they are willing to move forward to meet our country's most critical COVID priorities Remote and Mobile Worker Relief Act of 2020 prgtoken , on the subject of COVID relief, there is another issue that we should address before the end of the year, and that is tax relief for remote and mobile workers. The complicated tax situation facing mobile workers has been an issue for a while now, but it has been thrown into especially sharp relief by the pandemic. prgtoken As everyone knows, medical professionals around the country have traveled to hard-hit areas this year to help hospitals deal with the influx of COVID cases. But what many people don't realize is that these medical professionals, like other mobile workers, are likely to face a complicated tax situation this year as a result. For the majority of Americans, State income tax is fairly uncomplicated. Most Americans work in the same State in which they reside. So there is no question as to which State will be taxing their income. <