mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
504 MODERNIZATION AND SMALL MANUFACTURER ENHANCEMENT ACT OF 2021
Young Kim (Republican, CA) \u2014 2021-4-14

. Madam , I thank Representative Luetkemeyer for his leadership in the House Small Business Committee. I would also like to extend my special thanks to Chairwoman Velazquez for putting forward these very important bills. prgtoken Madam , I rise in strong support of H.R. 1490, the 504 Modernization and Small Manufacturer Enhancement Act of 2021. prgtoken I was proud to join my colleagues, Representatives Craig, Davids, and Chabot, to introduce this bipartisan bill to modernize the SBA's 504 loan program. The program was established with the mission to incentivize economic growth and job creation by providing small businesses with affordable long-term financing. prgtoken Our bill will provide the SBA with the tools to assist small businesses as they recover during COVID-19. H.R. 1490 would expand eligibility of 504 loans for small businesses that have focused on workforce development, revitalized areas hit hard by the pandemic or disaster areas, and implemented energy-efficient products, or have 10 or fewer employees. These additions will strengthen the 504 loan program for the long run and help small businesses in my community access much-needed capital. prgtoken The bill will also streamline the closing process of 504 loans. Specifically, H.R. 1490 allows Certified Development Companies to rectify documentation without the implicit approval of the SBA. These corrections will allow small businesses to make investments in their community or hire more workers without delay. prgtoken Lastly, the bill would support our small manufacturers to ensure that our community's manufacturing base remains strong and competitive during these difficult times. prgtoken Madam , I urge my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to support H.R. 1490.
IN RECOGNITION OF RICHARD BUCHANAN
Rodney Davis (Republican, IL) \u2014 2021-4-14

I rise today to recognize the former city of Bloomington council member, mayor, and McLean County board member, Mr. Richard Buchanan. He was a clearly dedicated public servant who dedicated more than four decades of his life to serving the taxpayers. Sadly, Rich passed away on March 30. prgtoken Rich grew up in Clinton, and graduated from Northern Illinois University, where he met the love of his life, Judy. After graduation, Richard spent 6 years serving his country in the U.S. Army Reserve. Outside of public service, he had an enduring career spanning 30 years at State Farm and raised three children alongside Judy. His leadership to Bloomington and McClean County will truly be missed. prgtoken My prayers are with his wife, Judy, his children, and all those who called Richard a friend. In Remembrance of Patricia Everhart Reese
MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR (Executive Calendar)
Sherrod Brown (Democrat, OH) \u2014 2021-4-14

from the neighboring State, Senator Toomey, for joining us. I thank all of my colleagues who were here today, Senators Warnock and Murkowski, Toomey and Cassidy, Cortez Masto, and Padilla for joining to read these powerful words today. prgtoken This is about as diverse a group as we could assemble in the U.S. Senate, a group of seven Senators who really reflect our country today: a reverend in a Black church, the son of a union electrical worker, a doctor from the Deep South, an Independent born in the Alaska country, a son of Mexican immigrants, a daughter of Mexican Americans who made this country home for a century, and a son of the Midwest whose father came from Mansfield, OH, and mother came from Mansfield, GA. prgtoken We come from different backgrounds, and we disagree on many things, but we love this country--all seven us--and we know we can do better for the people who make it work. prgtoken Dr. King and the civil rights leaders of his generation did more than just about anyone to push this country to live up to our founding ideals and make the dream of America real for everyone. prgtoken Protesting, working for change, organizing, demanding our country to do better--those are some of the most patriotic things all of us can do. That is Dr. King's charge of this letter: Progress never rolls in on wheels of inevitability. prgtoken That is our charge. I think about the campaign Dr. King was waging when he was assassinated. You can't forget he was martyred in Memphis when fighting for some of the most exploited workers in this country, sanitation workers. He understood the deep connection between workers' rights and civil rights. As he put it, ``What does it profit a man to be able to eat at an integrated lunch counter, if he doesn't earn enough money to buy a hamburger and a cup of coffee?'' prgtoken Until all Americans have the dignity they have earned, Dr. King's work will remain unfinished. That means paying all workers a living wage, giving them power over their schedules, providing good benefits and safety on the job, letting them, if they choose, organize a union. That means all workers should get a fair share of the wealth they create. It means recognizing the dignity of communities that Black Americans have built over generations. prgtoken They were denied wealth and investment. The schools were underfunded. Banks wouldn't lend. Highways tore down businesses and tore apart neighborhoods in the Presiding Officer's largest city in Milwaukee, as they did in the largest cities in my State: Columbus, Cleveland, and Cincinnati. prgtoken In the face of all of that, Black Ohioans and people all over the country built businesses and churches and vibrant neighborhoods and loving families. But they should not have to do it on their own. prgtoken As we emerge from this pandemic and we work together to build a stronger country out of this crisis, we can't make the mist
LEGISLATIVE SESSION
Jeff Merkley (Democrat, OR) \u2014 2021-4-14

my colleagues have talked about free and fair elections, but I am quite concerned that this bill does quite the opposite. prgtoken I am really quite stunned that one would think that a bill that dictates exactly how every State has to use an ID law affects the access to the ballot box for every single American, that it would be requested that it would be passed with no process, no possibility of a committee to examine the fact that every single American voter is impacted by this effort to erect a barricade between the voter and the ballot box. prgtoken I was thinking about how, when we were here on January 6, the boxes that had the electoral college votes--gorgeous, ornate, old wooden boxes were here on the counter, and they are just a symbol of the pulsating heart of our Republic, the ability of every citizen to participate in the vision for their country, how their country will operate, how their children will have an opportunity to thrive--that ballot box. prgtoken So here is a bill designed to make it harder to get your voice heard, harder to get your ballot counted, being asked to be considered by this Chamber with absolutely no process of committee deliberation. prgtoken If we had such a process, it would be pointed out that currently millions of Americans don't have the IDs required in this measure. Well, that makes it a lot harder for millions of Americans to vote. prgtoken It would also be pointed out in the committee process that of those who don't have those IDs, about three times as many Black Americans don't have those IDs as White Americans, even though Black Americans are a much smaller percentage of the American population, which means that this measure is hugely discriminatory against Black Americans. And it is just wrong to engage in that type of discrimination in an effort to manipulate the outcome of elections. prgtoken Now, it would be quite a different conversation if we had evidence that there were an actual, real problem being addressed. But, fortunately, this has been studied time and time and time again. We had the Governor of Michigan testifying here on Capitol Hill just a few days ago, and we asked when they did the study--the investigation because of the lawsuits that were filed related to the last election-- how many people voted illegally in vote by mail. And that effort to find the evidence of fraud turned out, she said, zero. Zero. prgtoken And I asked her a question because I was stunned that it was zero. Certainly one person who thought they were a citizen but wasn't a citizen and voted who was found? Zero. Zero. prgtoken And there is study after study after study. So we understand what this is, and that is what would be explored in committee. It is an effort to make it harder for Americans to vote. prgtoken It is not about security because there is not a security problem. It is about the fact that this disproportionately affects low-income Americans and Black Ame
PROVIDING FOR CONSIDERATION OF H.R. 7, PAYCHECK FAIRNESS ACT, AND PROVIDING FOR CONSIDERATION OF H.R. 1195, WORKPLACE VIOLENCE PREVENTION FOR HEALTH CARE AND SOCIAL SERVICE WORKERS ACT
James P. McGovern (Democrat, MA) \u2014 2021-4-14

. Madam , I thank the gentleman from California, a distinguished member of the Rules Committee and also a graduate of the College of the Holy Cross in Worcester, for yielding me the time. prgtoken Madam , I support this rule and the underlying legislation, and I urge my colleagues on both sides to do the same. I hope they all will vote for the rule. prgtoken The two bills that we are bringing to the floor are the product of regular order. They went through the committee process, hearings and markups. prgtoken We, in the Rules Committee, made the substitutes in order so they can try to defend their ideas, which I don't agree with. Nonetheless, other amendments are made in order as well. But then again, I guess there is not much we can do to make some of my friends happy. prgtoken Madam , I rise for a more somber purpose, and that is to honor my friend and colleague, Congressman Alcee Hastings, who we lost last week after a courageous battle with cancer. I am proud to have sat side-by-side with him in the Rules Committee for many years. prgtoken I often say that the Rules Committee is like a family. To those outsiders who prgtoken are observing the Rules Committee, we can sometimes look a little bit like a dysfunctional family, but nonetheless, we are a family. Today, our family is in mourning. prgtoken This House is already a little less joyful and a little less purpose- driven without him here. That was the thing about Alcee Hastings. Whether he was in the majority or the minority, or whether he liked what we were considering on this floor or not, he relished his service in this institution. He used every day here to wage worthy fights on behalf of justice. prgtoken His election marked the first time an African American was elected from Florida since the Civil War era. He went on to become the first Black chairman of the Helsinki Commission, a respected voice on the world stage. prgtoken There was not a barrier he was afraid to break. He was steadfast in providing a voice to all those who needed an ally, including minorities, children, immigrants, and people struggling in poverty. prgtoken Madam , I would be remiss if I didn't acknowledge that he could do more with the simple turn of a phrase than many of us could do with 100 words or more. As he was yielding back his time in the committee or here on the floor, especially if he felt that we were considering a bill that somehow was disadvantaging vulnerable people in this country, he would get up and give a stern and passionate and succinct lecture to this body. Then he would conclude by saying: That is my story, and I am sticking to it. And if I offended any of you by what I said, that was intentional. prgtoken It was pure Alcee Hastings. He chose his words carefully, and he meant every one of them. Now I have lost a dear friend, this Congress has lost a giant, and those who all too often go unseen in America have lost a champion. prgtoken We s
MICROLOAN IMPROVEMENT ACT OF 2021
Marie Newman (Democrat, IL) \u2014 2021-4-14

. Madam , I rise today, excitedly, on behalf of the millions of small businesses across our Nation that are truly suffering from the pandemic and struggling to keep their doors open because support is simply not reaching them. prgtoken As a former small business owner, I know firsthand how loans can make an absolutely life-changing difference for an entrepreneur. prgtoken However, the reality is that too many small businesses, especially those led by women, or minorities, or those in rural communities, don't have access to the primary lending programs offered by the Small Business Administration or private sector. prgtoken Microloans are designed to help start-ups and new small businesses that don't have banking relationships with access to larger capital. But for too many businesses, these microloans have been unreachable. prgtoken That is why I am proud to co-lead the Microloan Improvement Act to ensure that, regardless of background or location, every business has equitable access to capital. prgtoken With this legislation, we are expanding the number of community-based lenders eligible for the lowest interest rates on loans. That means these lenders can offer lines of credit to more small businesses. prgtoken Now more than ever, we have an obligation to remove barriers that prevent small businesses from receiving microloans. With this legislation, we are cutting bureaucratic red tape that has restricted growth and job creation. prgtoken From mom-and-pop shops, to family-owned stores, to every small business, they will all benefit. That is why this legislation is supported by and s, and I am so glad to partner today with my colleagues. I am happy to work in a bipartisan fashion to help our intermediaries provide assistance to our local entrepreneurs. prgtoken Let's pass this legislation so we can support the smallest of the small businesses in all of our communities.
CALLING FOR RECOGNITION OF THE ARMENIAN GENOCIDE
Jim Costa (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2021-4-14

I rise today to address also a critical need for infrastructure in America. It is time that we build new transportation systems and rehabilitate structures to support a modern economy and a way of life in the 21st century. President 's American jobs plan is an attempt to do just that with historic investments in improving infrastructure and putting millions of people to work. We need that. prgtoken The goals of this plan is to help all Americans. I urge my colleagues to help forge a bipartisan package to invest in America. prgtoken When it comes to transportation, California is leading the way by building the Nation's first sustainable, true state-of-the-art high- speed rail project. It will deliver a fast, reliable, and eco-friendly way to connect to Los Angeles, to the bay area, and ultimately 80 percent of the State's population, getting cars off the roads and cleaning our air. prgtoken It will spur an investment in the economy that will deal with the economic fallout of the pandemic, creating reliable, good paying jobs; supporting small businesses; and investing in socially disadvantaged communities. In my home of California's San Joaquin Valley, we are already seeing the benefits of high-speed rail. prgtoken My legislation, the High Speed Rail Corridor Development Act of 2021, will help fund this forward-thinking project and other rail corridors across the Nation. prgtoken Big projects we know are hard. They always have been. So bold action, if we are serious about improving our future, is necessary. Since I first came to Congress, it has been one of my highest priorities to invest in America's infrastructure. prgtoken What do I mean by this? prgtoken Investing in our Nation's water infrastructure, a 21st century system of transportation, nationwide broadband, and our schools are all investments that the majority of Americans want to see us make. prgtoken The debate we are engaged in now is how we define and what we can agree on in terms of infrastructure and how we pay for it because we must. prgtoken So let's show the American people that their government can work together and make important investments that are long overdue that will benefit America and regain our lead. Today, we rank 13th in the world in terms of infrastructure. That is not the place America ought to be. We need to make these investments in our people and in our country, which are good investments that will pay dividends for future Americans and future generations to come.
Nomination of Brenda Mallory (Executive Calendar)
Thomas R. Carper (Democrat, DE) \u2014 2021-4-14

the Senate has now invoked cloture on the nomination of Brenda Mallory, President 's nominee to serve as the Chair of the White House Council on Environmental Quality. First, let me just say thank you. I want to express my thanks to--and I am sure, on behalf of Brenda Mallory--53 Senators who voted in favor of cloture so that we can move forward and now debate her nomination. We thank each Senator who cast that supporting vote. But I rise in support of Ms. Mallory's nomination to this important position. This is a position a lot of folks have never heard of, but it is a hugely important one. And I urge our colleagues to now join me in supporting, in confirmation, a highly, highly qualified nominee as well. prgtoken The Chair of the White House Council on Environmental Quality--or CEQ, as we call it--may not be the first position many Americans think about when they consider consequential Presidential appointments. But it is a crucial body--critical body--with considerable sway over our Nation's health and environment. prgtoken One of my mentors was a named Russ Peterson, a great leader of the DuPont company for many years, Governor of Delaware, and later served as Chair of the White House Council on Environmental Quality during the administrations of both Richard Nixon and Gerald Ford. prgtoken Governor Peterson used to refer to his role as Chair at the Council on Environmental Quality as similar to that of an orchestra leader, an orchestra conductor. He said: You don't play the instruments as the Chair of the CEQ, but you try hard to ensure that everyone in the orchestra is playing in harmony. The CEQ Chair coordinates action across the entire government in order to ensure that Federal Agencies are working in harmony and that every Federal decision advances the objectives of economic growth, of better public health, and of stronger environmental quality. prgtoken While CEQ Chairs do work much like an orchestra leader, a conductor, to achieve harmony across Federal Agencies, they must also pursue balance. That balance includes at least three components: one, growing our economy; two, ensuring a just and healthy society; and, three, protecting our environment for current and future generations. Those are the clear objectives of CEQ as laid out in the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969, known as NEPA, the landmark law that created CEQ, often referred to as ``the Magna Carta of environmental laws.'' prgtoken According to its six pages of statute, NEPA's purpose includes--and I am going to quote--``efforts which will prevent or eliminate damage to the environment and biosphere and stimulate the health and welfare of man.'' I would add ``and woman.'' NEPA enshrines democracy by giving the American people a voice to help decide the fate of Federal decisions. For 50 years, NEPA has sought to ensure environmental protection, public health, and the notion that the American peopl
OSCAR DE LA ROSA
Ed Perlmutter (Democrat, CO) \u2014 2021-4-14

. Madam , I rise today to recognize and applaud Oscar De La Rosa for receiving the Arvada Wheat Ridge Service Ambassadors for Youth award. prgtoken Oscar De La Rosa is a student at Jefferson Jr./Sr. H.S. and received this award because his determination and hard work have allowed him to overcome adversities. prgtoken The dedication demonstrated by Oscar De La Rosa is exemplary of the type of achievement that can be attained with hard work and perseverance. It is essential students at all levels strive to make the most of their education and develop a work ethic which will guide them for the rest of their lives. prgtoken I extend my deepest congratulations to Oscar De La Rosa for winning the Arvada Wheat Ridge Service Ambassador for Youth award. I have no doubt he will exhibit the same dedication and character in all of his future accomplishments.
FOOD ALLERGY SAFETY, TREATMENT, EDUCATION, AND RESEARCH ACT OF 2021
Frank Pallone, Jr. (Democrat, NJ) \u2014 2021-4-14

such time as I may consume. prgtoken , I rise today in support of the Food Allergy Safety, Treatment, Education, and Research Act, also known as the FASTER Act. prgtoken An estimated 32 million Americans, including approximately one in every 13 children, are affected by food allergies. These allergies can pose significant risks, particularly when inaccurate food labels fail to warn consumers about the presence of some of these allergens. prgtoken Under current law, eight allergens are considered major food allergens. These allergens include milk, eggs, shellfish, tree nuts, wheat, peanuts, and soybeans. Due to their status as major food allergens, manufacturers must clearly state the presence of any of these ingredients on labels. prgtoken Notably missing from this list of allergens is sesame. Sesame is considered an allergen of growing concern. While its prevalence has more than doubled over the last decade, it is not required to be listed as an allergen on food packaging. In fact, in some cases, a food may contain sesame, but the ingredient won't be listed at all on the labels, instead being referred to through nonspecific terms such as ``spices'' or words that may not be easily recognized by consumers as containing sesame, such as tahini. prgtoken While many may not recognize the significance of a simple ingredients label, for many families, a lack of clarity on ingredients could mean life or death for those who are allergic to sesame. Clearly, this information should be prominently featured on all packaged food labels. prgtoken This is an issue we have been working on for quite some time. I previously introduced a bill several years ago that would list sesame as a major food allergen, and although the Food and Drug Administration opened a docket to solicit feedback about sesame labeling, the agency has not been able to require the listing of sesame due to overly long regulatory processes. prgtoken So today, , we are bypassing these regulatory delays and taking action. The appropriately-named FASTER Act would quickly move this process along by recognizing sesame as a major food allergen and requiring its listing on new food labels after a phase-in process. prgtoken The bill will also require FDA to report recommendations on how we can make additional improvements to protect individuals with food allergies, including ways to add additional major food allergens. prgtoken So I want to thank Representative Matsui for her tireless work on this bill. She is the prime sponsor. We came so close to getting this over the finish line in the last Congress, and I am glad that today we are sending this bill to President for his signature. I am proud to support the legislation. I encourage all Members to vote for it. prgtoken , .