mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
Nomination of Kiran Arjandas Ahuja (Executive Session)
Gary C. Peters (Democrat, MI) \u2014 2021-6-22

I rise to support Kiran Ahuja's nomination to be Director of the Office of Personnel Management, or OPM. Ms. Ahuja is a proven leader who has the experience and commitment needed to restore confidence in OPM and provide a vision for the future of the Federal workforce. prgtoken OPM is an independent agency that supports more than 2 million Federal employees who serve all across the government. Both OPM and the Federal workforce have faced unprecedented challenges in recent years, from attempts to dismantle the agency, to a record-setting government shutdown, to the coronavirus pandemic. And unfortunately, these challenges were made worse due to the lack of consistent and committed leadership at OPM. Our dedicated public servants are on the frontline every day, responding to the ongoing pandemic, protecting our national security, and delivering vital services to the American people each and every day. The dedicated men and women who serve at OPM and throughout the civil service deserve a qualified, experienced leader who is committed to supporting the people who make government work. prgtoken Ms. Ahuja's career includes over two decades of management experience, including running nonprofit organizations, leading the White House initiative on Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders during the administration, and serving as Chief of Staff at OPM. prgtoken Throughout this confirmation process, Ms. Ahuja has demonstrated that she understands the mission of OPM and the experience of safeguarding the nonpartisan civil service. She has committed to working closely and transparently with Congress to strengthen and to modernize the Federal workforce. prgtoken I am confident that Ms. Ahuja is the right person to lead OPM at this pivotal time. She will provide the strategic vision and the management needed to reinvigorate the Federal workforce. prgtoken I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting the confirmation of Kiran Ahuja for Director of OPM.
RETIREMENT OF JORDAN BARAB FROM THE EDUCATION AND LABOR COMMITTEE
Robert C. "Bobby" Scott (Democrat, VA) \u2014 2021-6-22

. Madam , I rise to recognize the service of Jordan Barab who served as the senior health and safety advisor to the Education & Labor Committee after serving in senior positions in the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) in two different Administrations. When Jordan announced his retirement from the Committee, Members of the Committee expressed deep appreciation for the expertise he imparted to the U.S. House of Representatives, especially when we were confronted with the spread of COVID-19. prgtoken Jordan's experience working to enhance protections for healthcare workers during the H1N1 flu epidemic--when he led the Occupational Safety and Health Administration as the Acting Assistant Secretary of Labor for Occupational Safety and Health during the Administration--informed his counsel to the Committee and Congress to have OSHA develop an Emergency Temporary Standard to protect workers during the COVID-19 pandemic. That expertise was also helpful to the Commonwealth of Virginia which became the first state to develop its own emergency temporary standard to protect workers from COVID-19. As a result, other states had a model with which to follow suit. prgtoken Jordan also worked with Representative Joe Courtney (CT) to advance legislation requiring health care and social service employers to implement plans to prevent workplace violence in the House-passed bipartisan Workplace Violence Prevention for Health Care and Social Service Workers Act (H.R. 1195). He made sure that public employees in states without OSHA protections received workplace violence protections through Medicare. He also worked with Representative Judy Chu (CA) on legislation to provide OSHA protections for workers from heat stress. prgtoken Over the decades, Jordan has been at the forefront of our nation's efforts to make sure workers come home safely from their job every day. He was a key leader in efforts to seek stronger worker protections regarding bloodborne pathogens, tuberculosis, and ergonomic hazards. Jordan also worked for five years to develop safety recommendations to prevent catastrophic chemical accidents at the Chemical Safety and Hazard Investigations Board (CSB), as well as nearly two decades as Assistant Director of Research for Health and Safety with the American Federation of State Municipal and County Employees (AFSCME). prgtoken In his earlier work with the Committee, under the leadership of Chairman George Miller (CA), Jordan focused on legislation to prevent combustible dust fires and explosions--an issue brought into sharp focus following the 2008 dust explosion which killed 14 and left over 40 injured at a sugar refinery in Port Wentworth, Georgia. Jordan was the lead staffer into the investigations and legislation to prevent the obliteration of workers' lungs from the inhalation of a flavoring chemical used in popcorn called diacetyl. Jordan also examined the underreporting of injuries and
STOP TIP-OVERS OF UNSTABLE, RISKY DRESSERS ON YOUTH ACT
Janice D. Schakowsky (Democrat, IL) \u2014 2021-6-22

I thank Mr. Pallone for yielding. prgtoken , since 2000, more than 460 children have died from furniture tip-overs, and the Consumer Product Safety Commission has reported that tip-overs cause an average of 25,500 emergency room- treated injuries every year as children are crushed, trapped, or stuck by furniture. prgtoken These deaths and injuries should never have happened in the first place, but they continue to happen because current furniture stability standards are both inadequate and only voluntary. We can't continue to allow the furniture industry to regulate itself. It hasn't worked and it has come at a cost of children's lives. prgtoken That is why I have reintroduced the legislation, the STURDY Act, H.R. 1314, which would strengthen and make mandatory furniture stabilization standards for clothing storage units. prgtoken No parent should have to worry about their children being injured, or worse, by a piece of furniture. prgtoken I want to give a special shout-out to the organization Kids In Danger that has been advocating for this for a long time, and for the moms who came to this Congress and told the stories of their lost children because of these tip-overs. Their stories have moved everyone who has heard them. prgtoken It is time now that we act. We can do something to help prevent these furniture tip-overs that put our Nation's children in danger. prgtoken , I urge all of my colleagues to support this legislation.
INFRASTRUCTURE IN AMERICA NEEDS OVERHAUL
Gwen Moore (Democrat, WI) \u2014 2021-6-22

. Madam , I rise to support acting, taking up and passing the American Jobs Plan and the American Families Plan. prgtoken Our infrastructure is in dire need of an overhaul, and it can't be put off any longer. prgtoken We also need to invest in the human infrastructure in our country, and we don't have to choose one over the other. prgtoken Americans across the Nation rely on sustainable infrastructure to get their children to school, to get to work, to facilitate commerce. We need to build on the investments that this Congress has already made through the American Rescue Plan, including dollars that are flowing to our communities. prgtoken Madam , $2 million has recently been sent to Milwaukee for the East-West Bus Rapid Transit project in my district, a green public transit option. prgtoken I support the American Jobs Plan, bold investment to get every lead pipe in our country out from underneath our ground. prgtoken I also support investments in paid leave, childcare, and expanded access to affordable and quality health insurance. prgtoken I urge my colleagues to support these measures.
LGBTQ PRIDE MONTH
Sara Jacobs (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2021-6-22

. Madam , I thank Mr. Cicilline for yielding to me. prgtoken I am honored to join my colleagues tonight to mark Pride Month. I should know note, San Diego actually officially celebrates Pride in July. So I am happy I get an extra month to celebrate with all of you. prgtoken Madam , I stand here today as the proud sister to a trans brother and a gender nonconforming sibling; a proud member of the LGBTQ Equality Caucus; and the proud representative of Hillcrest, the heart and soul of San Diego's diverse and vibrant LGBTQ-plus community. prgtoken This year has been difficult for so many of us, but especially for the LGBTQ-plus community. COVID-19 took friends, family members, and beloved community leaders from us. It forced so many into isolation; closed our communal spaces; and added to the economic, mental health, physical health, and childcare burdens. prgtoken And to all of the young people stuck at home, away from their friends, and may be with family who doesn't accept you, know this: You are perfect just the way you are and we need you. prgtoken But during this pandemic, San Diego's LGBTQ-plus community also rallied together to support one another and to support our community at large. The San Diego LGBTQ Community Center hosted food banks and made home deliveries for folks who were homebound. San Diego Pride hosted vaccine events for LGBTQ-plus people of color, trans, and non-binary people, and those living with HIV. prgtoken And next month, at long last, we will finally be able to celebrate Pride together again in person. And as we celebrate, we are also focused on the future. I am proud to work alongside all our LGBTQ-plus siblings to fight for an end to discrimination in all its forms based on sex, sexual orientation, and gender identity. prgtoken Earlier this year, I was honored to join every one of my ic colleagues as an original cosponsor of the Equality Act, legislation that will be life-changing for so many of my constituents. prgtoken The first version of this bill was filed 15 years before I was even born. It had one cosponsor and never got a vote. It is humbling to think about the progress that has happened in my lifetime, progress that was made possible by all those who marched and protested and raised their voices. I am proud to work alongside all of you to continue that work. We will keep up the fight until everyone has equal rights under the law.
INTRODUCING BILL TO COMBAT TRANSNATIONAL WHITE SUPREMACIST EXTREMISTS AND STRENGTHEN INTELLIGENCE ASSESSMENTS ON TRANSNATIONAL WHITE SUPREMACIST THREATS
André Carson (Democrat, IN) \u2014 2021-6-22

. Madam , I rise to introduce a bill that will address intelligence gaps and sharpen our focus on transnational white supremacist extremist threats. Specifically, this bill will improve our federal intelligence agencies and prioritize the white supremacist extremist threat, including its ties to international groups. This bill builds on previous work done by a number of congressional committees, including the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence's Intelligence Authorizations (IAA) over the past few years. prgtoken As the Chairman of the Counterterrorism, Counterintelligence, and Counterproliferation (C3) Subcommittee on the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence, I am proud to strengthen our earlier provisions in the IAA and introduce this new bill. I am also extremely grateful for the collaborative efforts and support of Chairman Adam Schiff--who joins me as an original cosponsor of this bill, and whose work was invaluable in developing this legislation for introduction today. prgtoken This bill mandates that the National Counterterrorism Center-- alongside the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Department of Homeland Security--explore and analyze more completely the ideology and objectives driving white supremacist groups with transnational connections, including their leadership and operational structure. Currently, the United States government too often and too heavily relies on outside research organizations for detailed analysis of white supremacist extremists. It is imperative that United States government's intelligence agencies and subordinate organizations perform the high-level analysis needed to best utilize existing data, add additional data that may be missing, and ensure this is done on a national level. The new assessments required by this bill will allow lawmakers and the public to more completely understand the full scope of the transnational threat and will help foster a sustained examination of its international impact well into the future. prgtoken As a former law enforcement professional, I have warned my colleagues for a number of years that the threat of white supremacist extremist organizations has been growing worse. Today, this problem is the top terror threat to American lives, and the United States Government needs to take actions that reflect this heightened priority, especially since the January 6th insurrection and home-grown attack on the U.S. Capitol. While there has been improvement under the Administration, plus increased Congressional efforts, the Intelligence Community continues to place a priority on the international terror groups and their offenses, while ignoring the domestic terror threats. While some were taken by surprise by domestic terrorists that blew up the federal building in Oklahoma City in 1995, we should never again be caught by surprise--especially when we have the ability and the duty prgtoken to prevent future attacks w
MAKING IMPROVEMENTS IN ENACTMENT OF TITLE 54, UNITED STATES CODE, INTO A POSITIVE LAW TITLE AND TO IMPROVE CODE
Jerrold Nadler (Democrat, NY) \u2014 2021-6-22

such time as I may consume. prgtoken , just like H.R. 3239, this bill has been prepared by the Office of the Law Revision Counsel, and it makes a number of technical changes to update title 54 of the United States Code while making no substantive changes in law. prgtoken I thank the gentlewoman from Missouri (Ms. ) for introducing this legislation, and I urge all Members to support it. prgtoken , .
PROTECTING OLDER WORKERS AGAINST DISCRIMINATION ACT OF 2021
Mary E. Miller (Republican, IL) \u2014 2021-6-23

I thank Dr. Foxx for her leadership. prgtoken Every small business has its own unique characteristics and challenges, and that is a good thing. Having diversity of business structures and operations is what makes America productive and competitive. The Federal Government should move with caution when they pass legislation which puts every detail and decision of American businesses under overbearing rules and regulations. prgtoken There are already laws in effect which prevent employers from discriminating against older Americans. As it should be, age discrimination in the workplace is illegal. prgtoken I oppose H.R. 2062 because there has not been thoughtful deliberation with the real Americans involved. The proponents of this bill have not provided the Members of this body with data and evidence which shows that the regulatory changes in this bill are needed or even wanted. prgtoken The legislation before us today represents big wins for the ' special interests--namely, trial lawyers, not working-class America. prgtoken Our land is the land of opportunity because everyone from all ages and walks of life has the chance to participate and prosper, and thankfully, they are protected by law against discrimination. Rather than successfully addressing real-world problems, this bill will only enrich ' political allies. prgtoken I strongly urge a ``no'' vote on this bill.
PUBLIC-PRIVATE PARTNERSHIPS CAN REBUILD INFRASTRUCTURE EFFECTIVELY FOR LESS MONEY
Andy Barr (Republican, KY) \u2014 2021-6-23

I rise to honor a dedicated leader in rural healthcare. prgtoken After 48 years, Sheila Currans retires as the CEO of on Memorial Hospital. Mrs. Currans' service began as a high school candy striper. She served as a medical-surgical nurse, an ICU/CCU head nurse, and supervisor of nursing. She led for 5 years as COO and then was named CEO in 2009. prgtoken on Memorial Hospital, located in rural Cynthiana, Kentucky, serves people from a seven-county region and is one of the few remaining independent, not-for-profit hospitals in Kentucky. prgtoken The people of on County and the surrounding counties have been fortunate to have a great leader in Mrs. Currans and her passion for healthcare excellence, leadership experience, and understanding of rural healthcare needs. She will be missed, and I wish Sheila Currans all the best in her well-deserved retirement.
REPUBLICANS ARE ADDRESSING THE MAJOR CRISES
Mike Garcia (Republican, CA) \u2014 2021-6-23

I rise today to call on Congress and the administration to hold China accountable for its role in the COVID-19 pandemic. The evidence suggests that this virus, like too many other things in the world, was made in China. prgtoken Despite the growing evidence surrounding China's lack of transparency and mishandling of the COVID-19 pandemic, House continue to stonewall efforts to investigate the origins of COVID-19. s have made numerous calls for the need to investigate the origins of COVID and hold China accountable, but the majority has yet to hold a single hearing on it. prgtoken This is shameful. Americans deserve transparency, and they deserve answers. We must hold China accountable for its coverup of this deadly virus that has taken the lives of 3.8 million humans worldwide, including 600,000 American lives. prgtoken Under the administration, we had an investigation in place to investigate the origins of COVID-19, but that necessary investigation was ended by this administration. Instead of holding our adversaries accountable, the current administration is bowing down to them. They have chosen a strategy of appeasement rather than accountability. prgtoken If America wants to remain a leader on the global stage and if we want to remain a safe and secure nation, then we must hold China and other adversaries absolutely accountable. prgtoken My colleagues and I stand ready to work across the aisle to deliver the transparency and answers that Americans deserve. I hope that our colleagues across the aisle will join us in our efforts.
PROTECTING OLDER WORKERS AGAINST DISCRIMINATION ACT OF 2021
Rick W. Allen (Republican, GA) \u2014 2021-6-23

as I said earlier, when considering any legislation, the House should first determine whether legislation is needed and, next, whether the bill under consideration will adequately address or improve the situation. prgtoken Before H.R. 2062 was brought to the House floor, the Committee on Education and Labor did not have a standalone hearing on the bill and instead held a subcommittee-level hearing on multiple, wide-ranging topics. prgtoken This complex and sweeping legislation deserves further examination by the committee so Members can gather more information from a variety of experts to make an informed decision regarding its practicality. prgtoken Supporters of H.R. 2062 claim the Supreme Court's 2009 decision in the Gross case and 2013 decision in the Nassar case have harmed workers who faced age discrimination or unlawful retaliation for claiming discrimination. Publicly available data does not show that the Supreme Court decisions in the Gross or Nassar cases have discouraged individuals from filing EEOC charges. prgtoken A -invited witness who testified acknowledged that ``it is difficult to quantify the impact that the Gross decision has had on the number of older workers who bring cases and the number of those who win them.'' prgtoken This witness also acknowledged that ``when we might have expected a drop in charges due to Gross-inspired discouragement from employment attorneys, there was a sizeable jump in the number of ADEA charges filed with the EEOC.'' prgtoken In addition, a review of the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, or EEOC, data shows that, as a percentage of all charges filed, the rate of EEOC age discrimination charges is approximately the same as 11 years before the Gross decision, with a slightly higher percentage of age discrimination charges filed after the Gross decision. prgtoken As a percentage of all charges filed in the 7 years following the Nassar decision, there has also been an increase in title VII retaliation charges, which shows that individuals have not been discouraged from filing these charges. prgtoken Further, a review of court decisions shows that plaintiffs have continued to win age discrimination and title VII retaliation cases in the wake of the Supreme Court's decisions of Gross and Nassar. prgtoken Bottom line, we must ensure that before we continue to legislate on an issue that may not need additional Washington interference, we have accurate data. prgtoken My amendment simply states that before H.R. 2062 goes into effect, the Government Accountability Office must conduct a study and report to Congress on whether individuals have been discouraged from filing age discrimination or title VII retaliation charges and from filing lawsuits following the decisions in Gross and Nassar and whether there have been fewer plaintiffs winning age discrimination and title VII retaliation lawsuits. prgtoken If the GAO finds that individuals have not been discourage
Democratic Agenda (Executive Session)
Marsha Blackburn (Republican, TN) \u2014 2021-6-23

it seems that for the past month Senate s have watched as our ic colleagues send up one partisan test balloon after another. prgtoken They threatened a battle over a so-called equal pay bill, which turned out to be chum in the water for the trial lawyers but really not much else. Then they, once again, threatened the Second Amendment, but they couldn't find a friend across party lines to join them in that fight. So that trial balloon was popped. prgtoken And who could forget their promise to bring the improperly named Equality Act to the floor for a vote? Well, that balloon didn't take flight either. And, yesterday, the ' democracy-destroying election takeover bill almost survived, but it too came crashing back to Earth after failing to clear a procedural hurdle. prgtoken Still, they have made the most of their time over the past month, holding up their string of failures as evidence that it is the filibuster and not the radically partisan nature of their agenda that is thwarting their progress. prgtoken As the leader said at the beginning of this month, it was an agenda that was designed to fail. It failed to bring them the power that they are craving to have over the lives of millions of Americans. It failed to kill the filibuster, and it certainly failed the millions of Americans who have been forced to watch, dumbfounded, as this circus played out in realtime on their television screens. prgtoken It was a complete waste of our time. It is what one of my Tennesseans said this weekend, talking about these trial balloons, talking about this lurch to the left--and , this was a friend of mine who is a --as he said, it was a complete waste of our time, the American people's time. He added: It was a complete waste of my dime-- for the tax dollars that he sends to Washington, DC. He went on to say: Think about the problems you could have solved if you had been focused on making some progress instead of creating chaos. prgtoken Yesterday, the Commerce Committee held a hearing on achieving broadband resiliency. As you well know, this is one of the most important infrastructure problems that not only faces our committee but also faces this body. We had a great discussion, and I thanked Chairman Lujan for that hearing. But I can't help but wonder how much more progress we would have been able to make on this issue if the 14 million unserved rural Americans--yes, unserved; they have nothing-- think about the progress we could have made if those 14 million unserved Americans had taken precedence in the minds and in the agenda of our friends across the aisle. It would have been great to focus on that. prgtoken Speaking of infrastructure, perhaps we could have focused more energy on giving the needed authority to our local officials so they can fix crumbling roads and bridges and getting regulations out of their way so they can go to work helping