mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
LEGISLATIVE SESSION
John Thune (Republican, SD) \u2014 2022-3-31

it has now been more than 3 years since the 2018 farm bill, and it is time to start thinking about the next one. The House Agriculture Committee has already begun holding hearings on the 2023 farm bill, and I am hoping that the Senate Agriculture Committee will begin holding hearings soon as well. prgtoken Agriculture is the lifeblood of our economy in South Dakota, and advocating for farmers and ranchers is one of my top priorities here in the Senate. I am fortunate enough to be a longtime member of the Senate Agriculture Committee, which gives me an important platform from which to address the needs of South Dakota ag producers. prgtoken During my time in Congress, I have worked on four farm bills, and I am particularly proud of the nearly 20 measures I was able to get included in the 2018 farm bill. Among other things, I authored provisions to improve the Agriculture Risk Coverage Program, improve the accuracy of the U.S. Drought Monitor, and include soil health as a research priority at the U.S. Department of Agriculture. prgtoken I was also able to secure a number of improvements of the Conservation Reserve Program, including a provision to increase the CRP acreage cap, increased flexibility for acres enrolled in CRP, and cost sharing for fencing and water distribution practices on CRP-enrolled acres. prgtoken I also secured approval for a new, short-term alternative to CRP--the Soil Health and Income Protection Program--to provide an option for farmers who don't want to take their land out of production for the 10 to 15 years required under the Conservation Reserve Program. prgtoken And I was able to secure important provisions to increase the approval rate of Livestock Indemnity Program applications for death losses due to weather-related diseases. prgtoken I would never have been able to get all this done without the input of South Dakota farmers and ranchers. These provisions were a direct result of extensive conversations with South Dakota ag producers that provided insight into the challenges that they were facing and what improvements could be made to make things easier in this demanding way of life. prgtoken As I look to the 2023 farm bill, I will once again be relying on South Dakota farmers and ranchers to lend their firsthand knowledge to this effort. In fact, last Friday, I held the first of a series of roundtables I am planning to hold to hear from South Dakota agricultural producers. Friday's roundtable focused on the commodity and crop insurance titles of the farm bill, and I was grateful to be able to hear from representatives of the South Dakota Farm Bureau; South Dakota corn, soybean, and wheat producers; as well as crop insurance industry representatives. prgtoken I will be holding additional roundtables to cover other farm bill priorities, including livestock, conservation, and forestry issues. And, of course, I will continue to rely on the many informal conversations I h
Blake D. Moore (Republican, UT) \u2014 2022-3-31

I rise to oppose the previous question so we can immediately consider H.R. 6858, the American Energy Independence from Russia Act. prgtoken I am a proud cosponsor of this bill that will strengthen our energy security, bolster our economy, and position ourselves to counter Russian aggression in Ukraine. prgtoken This morning, gas near my district office in Ogden, Utah, is $4.30. For the average family driving the average vehicle in Utah, this means that each fill-up will cost over $110. For Utah's hardworking agricultural industry, this means thousands of dollars more will be spent on fuel so they can feed the rest of America. prgtoken These skyrocketing prices are unacceptable. I share my constituents' outrage over how the administration's policies have contributed to this painful situation. This is a self-imposed tax on all Americans. For those of us who come from energy producing States, we know we can do better. prgtoken It is past time we get back to what we were doing in 2019 when the United States was a net exporter of energy. It is better for our economy and our environment when we produce domestically. In Utah, we understand this because we do this. prgtoken Instead of allowing Americans to do their jobs, the administration has shut down new oil and gas leasing. Instead of helping our communities grow, he has asked the oil cartels in the Middle East to pump more oil. Instead of investing in America, he has made us more dependent on energy imports from Russia and other foreign adversaries. We can do better. prgtoken Passing the America Energy Independence from Russia Act today will put us on a path toward energy independence. I encourage my colleagues to join me in rejecting the previous question so we can lower prices for all.
MOTION TO INSTRUCT CONFEREES ON H.R. 4521, AMERICA COMPETES ACT OF 2022
Frank D. Lucas (Republican, OK) \u2014 2022-3-31

. Madam , such time as I may consume. prgtoken I rise today to urge my colleagues to vote in favor of this motion to instruct the conferees on our competitiveness legislation. prgtoken This motion instructs conference members to agree to section 2502 of the Senate legislation. This section is simple and common sense. It says that no person or entity of concern can receive grants, awards, or other support from the National Science Foundation, federally funded manufacturing programs, or technology hubs authorized by this legislation. prgtoken A person or entity of concern is generally defined by the Department of Defense as directed by Congress in previous Defense Reauthorization Acts. prgtoken DOD has identified entities of concern as Communist Chinese military companies and companies owned or controlled by the People's Liberation Army, and they have defined persons of concern as individuals affiliated with these CCP military entities. prgtoken Simply put, this motion ensures that we aren't giving taxpayer dollars to the adversaries who are trying to steal U.S. technology and use it against us. prgtoken The Senate was right to add this important guardrail, and it is only responsible that we urge our House conferees to ensure it is included in the final conferenced legislation. prgtoken I would like to point out that we wouldn't have this particular difference in our bills had the process of passing the House legislation been done in regular order. prgtoken The COMPETES Act was developed in a back room by the 's office prgtoken with very little input or review from relevant committees. prgtoken Although thoroughly vetted and bipartisan Science Committee bills were included in that package, they were sandwiched in among unrelated, partisan spending that added up to a backdoor attempt to pass parts of the Build Back Better Act. Because of this rushed, opaque bill-writing process, unsurprisingly, the COMPETES Act had a lot of flaws. prgtoken Despite less than 3 days to review the bill text, Members submitted more than 600 amendments to the bill. But the Rules Committee, with very little input, made in order only 261; and of that number, only three amendments were given individual debate time on the floor, with all other amendments being considered en bloc. Not only did Members have little opportunity to write this bill, but they also had almost no opportunity to fix its flaws. prgtoken I could go on about the danger of passing massive bills like this out of regular order, but for now I will focus on this particular issue. This provision preventing funds from going to Chinese military entities and persons of concern was submitted as a part of multiple amendments to the Rules Committee, but none of these amendments were made in order. I fail to see how amendments limiting taxpayer funds from going to China isn't relevant to a bill about competitiveness with China. prgtoken Democra
LEGISLATIVE SESSION
Mitch McConnell (Republican, KY) \u2014 2022-3-31

well, the administration is on track for another record-shattering year on our southern border--in all the wrong ways. prgtoken The Department of Homeland Security is reportedly preparing for up to 18,000 attempted border crossings per day--18,000 per day. prgtoken President 's border crisis is a symptom of the modern ic Party's inability to support any remotely reasonable policy of border enforcement. prgtoken Now, thus far, the administration has kept the chaos at least somewhat in check by leaning on emergency authorities that are specific to the COVID pandemic. To be clear, even with these title 42 authorities in place, our border has still been in crisis. Last month was the worst February in more than 20 years. We just saw the worst 12- month period for illegal crossings since at least--listen to this-- 1960. This is with title 42 in place. Just imagine if President kills it. prgtoken But the open-borders far left doesn't like title 42. So now, according to public reports, the administration is preparing to cave to the radicals, end title 42, and effectively throw our borders completely wide open. prgtoken Ending title 42 without any real border security plan in place would spark a humanitarian and security crisis like we have never seen before. But it is pretty obvious the far left doesn't care. Open borders are their objective. prgtoken So at the same time Washington are pushing for more Federal spending on the pandemic, they prgtoken want to declare the pandemic is finished at our southern border. This doesn't add up. prgtoken Throwing the floodgates open for an historic spring and summer of illegal immigration would be an unforced error of historic proportions. It would be right up there with the administration's $2 trillion in inflationary spending and their botched retreat from Afghanistan. prgtoken But this goes deeper than just title 42 and COVID. The fundamental point is this: Today's need the pretext of the pandemic to justify having national borders at all. The left feels they need the pretext of COVID to have any--any--border enforcement whatsoever. prgtoken This is absolutely mind-boggling. prgtoken s and the American people reject this false choice between permanent COVID versus open borders. We can't only be a sovereign nation during pandemics. Americans deserve secure borders all the time. prgtoken Functional open borders have pervaded the agenda at literally every level. The President chose a Supreme Court nominee, Judge Jackson, who has displayed a major streak of judicial activism on this very subject, illegal immigration. prgtoken In 2019, the judge sided with the leftwing activists and overlooked plain statutory language that gave DHS ``sole and unreviewable discretion'' over the speedy removal of illegal immigrants. Judge Jackson literally just brushed aside the plain text of the law to reach the policy out
REMEMBERING CONGRESSMAN DON YOUNG
Earl L. "Buddy" Carter (Republican, GA) \u2014 2022-3-31

I rise today to recognize one of my political mentors, the dean of the House, Representative Don Young. prgtoken I met Don on one of my first days as a Member of the House of Representatives. I walked into this Chamber and took a seat. Minutes later, some old guy starts digging his knuckles into my back. I couldn't believe that was happening. I had no idea what this guy was doing. prgtoken You can imagine my confusion as I frustratingly found myself another chair, but you can also be assured that I never sat in that seat again. It wasn't until afterward that I learned that I had sat in his seat. I never made that mistake again. prgtoken Knowing him, he has probably already picked out a seat in Heaven, and I pity the fool who tries to sit there. prgtoken Don Young is and was a dear friend. At work, he was my mentor, someone whose stalwart belief system and passion for public service inspired me every single day. prgtoken Don truly loved the great men and women of Alaska. That was obvious from his fearless advocacy for the Last Frontier up here in Washington and even more obvious on our annual fishing trip, where I got to see firsthand the State he loved so dearly. prgtoken I was able to go with him on three separate occasions on that trip. Every one was a great experience. I will miss those annual fishing trips, not just for the sport of it, but for the comradery I felt with the amazing public servants who joined together to learn from one another. prgtoken Luckily for Alaska residents and the Young family, Don was a better man and legislator than he was a fisherman. prgtoken My prayers and support go out to his wife, Anne, his children, and everyone who was privileged to know this great friend, father, and public servant. prgtoken It was an honor to gather and pay tribute to him yesterday. He made every second count and worked hard to leave this country better than he found it. He was the oldest Member of Congress, and I never let him forget that. I still feel like his time on Earth here was cut short. prgtoken Don, your presence, your knowledge, and your leadership will be sorely missed, but they will never be forgotten. Remembering Mabel Josephine ``Jo'' Mason
HAPPY 100TH BIRTHDAY, MARINA METEVELIS
Kevin Hern (Republican, OK) \u2014 2022-3-31

a very special friend and constituent of mine turned 100 years old last week. Her name is Marina Metevelis, but back home, she is better known as Tulsa's ``Rosie the Riveter.'' prgtoken Marina took the iconic red bandana for the first time and wrapped it around her head when she was 16 years old in 1941, when she reported to work on the B-17 Flying Fortress bombers in the aftermath of the attack on Pearl Harbor. prgtoken Marina joined the ``Rosie the Riveter'' sisterhood that day and stood shoulder to shoulder with an army of extraordinary women who became the most formidable munition and war supply manufacturers in modern history. prgtoken They played an integral role in World War II, for which the entire world is grateful. prgtoken Marina still wears the red bandana to this day. She hasn't slowed down for one second, working to forge a better community for Tulsa and continuing her lifelong mission to support our veterans by raising funds for numerous veteran organizations. prgtoken Happy birthday, Marina. Thank you for your service to our Nation, and may God bless you.
LEGISLATIVE SESSION
Lindsey Graham (Republican, SC) \u2014 2022-3-31

this morning, I am going to announce my decision on Judge Jackson's nomination to the Supreme Court. I will oppose her, and I will vote no. prgtoken My decision is based upon her record of judicial activism, flawed sentencing methodology regarding child pornography cases, and a belief Judge Jackson will not be deterred by the plain meaning of the law when it comes to liberal causes. prgtoken I find Judge Jackson to be a person of exceptionally good character, respected by her peers, and someone who has worked hard to achieve her current position. However, her record is overwhelming in its lack of a steady judicial philosophy and a tendency to achieve outcomes in spite of what the law requires or commonsense would dictate. prgtoken After a thorough review of Judge Jackson's record and information gained at the hearing from an evasive witness, I now know why Judge Jackson was the favorite of the radical left, and I will vote no. prgtoken In the area of child pornography, there has been an explosion in this country of child pornography on the internet. In 2021, groups that follow sexual abuse of children on the internet reported 29.3 million reports of individuals accessing information regarding child pornography on the internet. It has gone from 100,000 in 2003 to 29.3 million in 2021. prgtoken It is estimated that there is 85 million images and videos and other files involving sexually exploited children on the internet. prgtoken Now, why is this important? prgtoken This is the venue of choice for the child pornographer. It is not the mail. As you can see, the internet is where these people go. In a matter of minutes, they can download hundreds, if not thousands, of images and videos of the most disgusting abuse of children; and my goal is to deter that, not discount it. prgtoken Judge Jackson's sentencing methodology, in my view, misses the mark. I don't doubt that, personally, she is offended by the behavior that we are all prgtoken talking about, but as a judge, she has an opportunity to deter the behavior of going on the internet and downloading images of exploited children. Every time she has that opportunity, she refuses to exercise it. prgtoken Now, why is Judge Jackson's sentencing so different? prgtoken In possession cases, she gives 29.2 months, and the average nationally is 68 months. In the distribution of child pornography, her sentence is 71.9 months, and the minimum is 60 months. That is what you have to give. The average nationally, they tell me, is 135 months. The length of sentence for the possession of child pornography imposed by Judge Jackson is 57 percent less than the national average. In the area of distribution, it is 40 percent less than the national average. prgtoken Why? prgtoken Under the sentencing guidelines, judges, if they choose, can enhance the sentence based on the fact that the perpetrator used the internet. prgtoken Now, why do we want that as a sentencing enhancement?
ADDITIONAL STATEMENTS
Mike Crapo (Republican, ID) \u2014 2022-3-31

along with my colleagues Senator Jim Risch, Representative Mike Simpson and Representative Russ Fulcher, we congratulate Brian Ness on his retirement after 13 years of outstanding service as director of the Idaho Transportation Department, ITD. prgtoken In 2009, Brian Ness was appointed to serve as director of the Idaho Transportation Department, and he has been responsible for an annual budget of approximately $800 million and leading 1,650 employees. We have greatly valued his input on advancing Idaho transportation priorities, including through the Federal appropriations process and other infrastructure-related proposals. He also testified before the U.S. House of Representatives Subcommittee on Research and Technology in 2019 on ``The Need for a National Surface Transportation Research Agenda.'' prgtoken Director Ness has devoted considerable time utilizing his experience as a transportation professional to help lead a number of related organizations. He has served on the boards of directors and in many other leadership roles for the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials, AASHTO; the Western Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials, WASHTO; the Transportation Research Board, TRB; the American Road and Transportation Builders Association, ARTBA; and the Idaho Rural Partnership. His leadership roles include the Governor appointing Director Ness to chair the Idaho Autonomous and Connected Vehicle Testing and Deployment Committee. Additionally, in 2019, Director Ness became president of the ARTBA's Transportation Officials Division. He also served as president of WASHTO in 2015. prgtoken Throughout his career, he has earned many recognitions for his remarkable work and led teams that have received many honors. For example, since Director Ness joined the ITD, it has received nearly 170 national awards for its programs and projects, including the prestigious Francis B. Francois Award for Innovation. ITD has also won an extraordinary 17 AASHTO President's Transportation Awards. Director Ness also received the 2016 Navigator Award from the national organization, Route Fifty; was named Trine University's--formerly Tri- State University--2014 Alumni of the Year; AASHTO's President's Award for Administration in 2013; and was honored in 2012 as Leader of the Year by the Treasure Valley Chapter of Women's Transportation Seminar. prgtoken Before becoming director at ITD, Director Ness worked for 30 years at the Michigan Department of Transportation, holding a variety of positions in research, operations, aeronautics, construction, and project development. He earned a bachelor of science degree in civil engineering from Tri-State University and a master's degree in public administration from Western Michigan University, and he is a licensed professional engineer in Michigan and Idaho. prgtoken We understand the ITD's employee-driven innovation program started
RECOGNIZING ODESSA AND MIDLAND CHAMBERS OF COMMERCE
August Pfluger (Republican, TX) \u2014 2022-3-31

the administration's handling of the border crisis is not humane. It is heartbreaking. prgtoken Yesterday, the White House confirmed their intention to rescind Title 42, one of the only policies in place that is helping quell the border crisis. prgtoken This decision will have disastrous consequences on the already several million illegal immigrants who have flooded into this country. Human trafficking and smuggling across our border have reached historic highs, and our border States are paying the price. In fact, every State is a border State. prgtoken Texas is suffering from record-high levels of fentanyl and drugs pouring across the border, increased crime, high-speed chases, and more. prgtoken DHS already lacks the capacity to process, retain, and apprehend illegal immigrants along the border. Rescinding Title 42 will only double down on the amount of people that are illegally crossing the border, making it that much more difficult for those in the Border Patrol and Customs, and other agencies, who are trying to do their job to keep this country safe. prgtoken The small communities along the border are already overwhelmed and they cannot withstand a surge of hundreds of thousands of illegal migrants reportedly waiting on the other side of the border to get in once Title 42 is rescinded. prgtoken Migrants will pour into this country in a flood as our communities experience the catastrophic results. Patrol facilities and local communities will once again be forced to absorb at least double the current number. Title 42 is the only policy that is helping. prgtoken The administration has abandoned Texas, has abandoned other border States, and has abandoned its duty to secure our country. Making any changes to this policy will have disastrous consequences. prgtoken And get this straight, I remind everyone in this House that we still have a mask mandate on board aircrafts in this country to keep us safe from COVID. Yet, we are rescinding Title 42, also in place because of the pandemic. Think about that. prgtoken , I urge my colleagues on the other side of the aisle to stand with us and to help come up with a reasonable solution. Title 42 rescission is not that solution. President must not rescind Title 42. Recognizing Elizabeth Ann Mafford