mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
NATIONAL APPRENTICESHIP ACT OF 2021
David N. Cicilline (Democrat, RI) \u2014 2021-2-5

I thank the gentleman for yielding. prgtoken , we have an obligation to ensure that America's workers have every opportunity to get ahead. Apprenticeships are a great way for hardworking folks to hone their trade or learn new skills and earn a higher wage because of it. prgtoken In fact, graduates of registered apprenticeship programs enjoy an average starting wage of $70,000. And 94 percent of graduates are employed upon completion. Yet, less than 1 percent of the American workforce have completed an apprenticeship. This disconnect disadvantages our workers and puts us behind other industrialized nations. prgtoken The National Apprenticeship Act will address this gap in our workforce development system by providing for almost 1 million new apprenticeship positions over 5 years. And here is the really important part, it will generate $10.6 billion net benefit to taxpayers. prgtoken So it is great for workers, great for our economy, and great for taxpayers. These investments will give our economy the booster shot it needs to recover from COVID-19 while giving a new generation of workers the skills they need to achieve their American Dream. prgtoken I know about this experience firsthand. In my State, the Laborers' International Union of North America has created really a national model for apprenticeship programs. It has improved the lives of thousands and thousands of Rhode Islanders. prgtoken I include in the Record a letter of support from the Laborers' International Union of North America. LiUNA, February 2, 2021. House of Representatives, Washington, DC. Dear Representative: I write on behalf of the 500,000 hardworking men and women of the Laborers' International Union of North America (LIUNA), to ask you to vote for H.R. 447, the National Apprenticeship Act of 2021, when it comes to the House floor for a vote this week. LIUNA is proud to support this important Bill to keep our union apprenticeship programs strong. Registered Apprenticeship Programs, like the apprenticeship programs which LIUNA has implemented for decades, help workers earn while they learn. H.R. 447 invests more than $3.5 billion over five (5) years in expanding opportunities and access to Registered Apprenticeship Programs and Pre-Apprenticeships Programs, among others. The Bill creates nearly a million new apprenticeship opportunities on top of the current expected growth of the apprenticeship system. It would also yield $10.6 billion in net benefits to U.S. taxpayers in the form of increased worker productivity and decreased spending on public-assistance programs and unemployment insurance. The rigorous standards in the Bill ensure top-quality apprenticeship programs for workers. At a time when our Nat
HIGHLIGHTING ACTION BY CONGRESSIONAL STEEL CAUCUS
Frank J. Mrvan (Democrat, IN) \u2014 2021-2-5

today, I rise to highlight the action of the bipartisan Congressional Steel Caucus. prgtoken Earlier this week, the Steel Caucus leaders and 47 other members of the caucus sent a letter to the - administration that expressed our strong support for the continuation of section 232 steel tariffs and quotas. prgtoken The letter noted how we work hand-in-hand with industry and labor organizations and that we recognize the negative impact that unfair trade and global steel overcapacity have had on my district and the Nation over the years. prgtoken These steel tariffs and quotas, which were implemented to protect our national security, have resulted in significant reductions in imports. We must continue to do all we can to ensure that our Nation supports the domestic steel industry and our American steelworkers. prgtoken I look forward to continuing to engage with the Steel Caucus members, all of my colleagues, and the - administration to ensure that the American steel industry remains the foundation of our national economy and our national security.
NATIONAL APPRENTICESHIP ACT OF 2021
Lucy McBath (Democrat, GA) \u2014 2021-2-5

I rise today in support of H.R. 447, the National Apprenticeship Act of 2021. prgtoken We are still in the midst of our country's worst economic crisis in decades, and to better serve the American people, we must invest in a workforce, invest in the American Dream. prgtoken Registered apprenticeships prepare people for the jobs of the 21st century. They make our cities, our States, and our country stronger and far more competitive. prgtoken By supporting registered apprenticeship programs, we can ensure that my great State of Georgia remains the best State in the country in which to live and do business. prgtoken For decades, the Registered Apprenticeship Program has proven to be an entryway for many into the middle class, and the National Apprenticeship Act would inject much-needed funding to support a successful workforce program at a time when our Nation truly needs it the most. prgtoken I urge my colleagues to support this legislation.
NATIONAL APPRENTICESHIP ACT OF 2021
Marilyn Strickland (Democrat, WA) \u2014 2021-2-5

. Madam , I rise today in support of my amendment, which requires the Office of Apprenticeship to use best practices to recruit and retain nontraditional candidates. prgtoken In 2019, only 9 percent of the 280,000 apprentices surveyed by the Department of Labor were women. Merely 16 percent were non-White. In a country where nearly half the labor market is made up of women and one- quarter are people of color, our training programs--often debt-free pathways into good-paying jobs--must include the full diversity of our Nation. prgtoken My amendment addresses this problem by ensuring that apprenticeship programs have ample resources to effectively recruit and retain nontraditional candidates. But we can't sop there. We must continue to uplift all communities in the South Sound, my home, and across the Nation by equitably supporting women and people of color pursuing the American Dream. Everyone deserves access to economic opportunity and stability. prgtoken Madam , I urge the adoption of this amendment and the underlying bill.
NATIONAL APPRENTICESHIP ACT OF 2021
Robert C. "Bobby" Scott (Democrat, VA) \u2014 2021-2-5

I rise in support of H.R. 447, the National Apprenticeship Act of 2021, which I introduced with Congressman Fitzpatrick of Pennsylvania. prgtoken Registered Apprenticeships are this nation's most successful federally funded workforce development initiative. prgtoken Each year, hundreds of thousands of workers count on Registered Apprenticeships to learn in-demand skills, earn wages that grow along with those skills, and receive nationally recognized credentials that lead to rewarding careers. prgtoken Registered Apprenticeships are so successful that 94 percent of apprentices are employed upon completion and earn an average starting wage of more than $70,000 a year. prgtoken Investing in Registered Apprenticeships not only benefits workers; it also strengthens our economy and helps employers build pipelines of talented and dedicated workers. prgtoken Increased funding for high-quality workforce development programs is precisely what we need to help workers get back on their feet during the COVID-19 pandemic. prgtoken Millions of people are still without work, and at least 7 million of the jobs lost during the COVID-19 pandemic may never come back. prgtoken Yet, Congress has not reauthorized the National Apprenticeship Act since it was first passed in 1937. prgtoken Simply put, we have left our nation's best workforce development initiative under-resourced at a time when we need it most. prgtoken In response, the National Apprenticeship Act of 2021: prgtoken invests $3.5 billion in our national apprenticeship system; prgtoken ensures consistency and quality across apprenticeship programs; prgtoken increases opportunities for diverse groups of workers who have not traditionally been included in the apprenticeship system; and, prgtoken expands Registered Apprenticeships in emerging sectors, such as health care, manufacturing, finance, and technology. prgtoken This investment, alone, will create an additional 1 million apprenticeship opportunities. And it will yield more than $10 billion in benefits to taxpayers through higher tax revenue and decreased spending on social safety net programs. prgtoken Construction trades and their industry partners have long proven that the Registered Apprenticeship model works. In my district, the Norfolk Naval Shipyard's Apprentice Program and the Newport News Shipbuilding Apprentice School have been operating successfully for more than a century. We should expand this model so that more workers and employers can experience the benefits. prgtoken That is why, last Congress, Committee and s held four bipartisan hearings and conducted months of intensive negotiations to produce a bipartisan proposal that expands access to high-quality apprenticeships. Last November, the House passed this legislation in a bipartisan vote of 246 to 140. prgtoken Now, we have the chance to, once again, come together and pass the National Apprenticeship Act of 2021 so that workers across the coun
PROVIDING FOR THE ADOPTION OF S. CON. RES. 5, CONCURRENT RESOLUTION ON THE BUDGET FOR FISCAL YEAR 2021
Joseph D. Morelle (Democrat, NY) \u2014 2021-2-5

. Madam , such time as I may consume. prgtoken I first welcome the gentlewoman from Florida to the House, and I look forward to many opportunities to work together in a bipartisan fashion. I would note that one of the very first things we did in this House was the bipartisan passage of Public Law 117-1, which was paving the way for an historic appointment of Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin. So we have worked together, and I think we will find common purpose on so many things facing the American public. And I certainly hope we find commonality and purpose in this work that we will do over the next several days to work on support, in the most difficult of times, for American families. prgtoken Because I have heard this now said so many times in the last few days about a trillion dollars that the administration has not spent, I would say, first of all, if anyone in a period of 2 weeks could spend a trillion dollars, I would find that remarkable. prgtoken The second is, this is in the pipeline. And we don't wait for every dollar to be spent and then think about having another debate about further support. prgtoken There is nothing about this that I find extraordinary. What I do find extraordinary is that you point out that money that has been appropriated, is earmarked, and is moving out the door in appropriate ways and going through the proper channels, and that would be a point of debate and argument. prgtoken This is necessary. We have heard it from so many leading economists around this country. We have heard it from the American public. So I think the case is clear, and I look forward to further discussion on this. prgtoken Madam , I yield 2 minutes to the gentlewoman from the great State of New Mexico (Ms. Leger Fernandez).
HONORING THE LIFE OF RICHARD BIEDER
Joe Courtney (Democrat, CT) \u2014 2021-2-5

. Madam , it is with great sadness that I rise today to honor the life of the late Richard Bieder of Stamford, Connecticut, who sadly passed on January 16, 2021. Richard was a giant in the Connecticut trial bar, who handled high profile cases for decades, always on the side of ``the little guy'', usually up against large institutional adversaries. prgtoken Richard's rise to prominence as a litigator was meteoric. Like all the greats in his profession he was quick on his feet, possessed a sharp wit and had a relentless commitment to preparation regarding the facts and the law in every case. Richard received a bachelors from University of Pennsylvania's Wharton School of Finance in 1962. Armed with that degree he entered New York University's School of Law, graduating in 1965 at the age of 25. He joined the US Navy and was stationed in the Philippines as a Lieutenant in the U.S. Navy Judge Advocate General Corps, which immediately got him started in the courtroom where he thrived. prgtoken In 1968, he returned from his service in the military to his native state of Connecticut, launching his 40- year journey as a top-notch trial lawyer. Within a year of his return, he joined a law firm headed by another icon in the legal profession Mr. Theodore Koskoff. Richard discovered a mentor in Ted from the outset, as he deeply aligned with his associate's passion for civil rights, fairness and the American system of trial by jury. After just three short years, Richard permanently sealed his commitment to the firm, joining as a senior partner and re-establishing it under the name of Koskoff, Koskoff and Bieder. After experiencing the loss of Ted Koskoff in 1989, Richard continued his work as senior partner alongside Ted's son, Michael Koskoff, who was a kindred spirit advocating difficult, and sometimes controversial cases that many other lawyers would shy away from. prgtoken The firm's high-quality work attracted many associates and clients, allowing Richard the freedom in the latter half of his career to perform a great deal of pro bono representation, oftentimes as an advocate for the most vulnerable in our communities. Whether it was a class action suit in the aftermath of a state or national disaster, a battle against a powerful institution, or the co-founding of an organization to provide pro bona representation of children under custody of the Department of Children and Families--using the law to promote a just society was his passion. prgtoken Richard Bieder's direct impact upon the lives of others and the institution of lawyering cannot be understated. After 9/11, Richard responded by helping to organize a nationwide network of lawyers and create Trial Lawyers Care (TLC), which is believed to be the largest pro bona legal program in the history of the U.S. Under his stewardship as President, TLC assisted families eligible to file claims under the September 11th Victim Compensation Fund. Meanwhile, between 2001
NATIONAL APPRENTICESHIP ACT OF 2021
Suzanne Bonamici (Democrat, OR) \u2014 2021-2-5

I rise in support of the bipartisan National Apprenticeship Act, which I am honored to co-lead with Chairman Scott. prgtoken Last summer, I held a roundtable discussion with apprentices and pre- apprentices from around northwest Oregon. I spoke with Melissa, who said that joining the Boilermakers Local 242 apprenticeship was a ``life-changing decision.'' And Lacy, who talked about her apprenticeship with Laborers Local 737; she said it ``made it possible to pay my bills and feed my kid.'' prgtoken By supporting the National Apprenticeship Act, we will help more workers like Melissa and Lacy gain the skills and support services they need to provide for themselves and their families. prgtoken As our Nation recovers from the economic consequences of the pandemic, registered apprenticeships provide especially meaningful upskilling and reskilling opportunities for displaced and dislocated workers to help them secure good-paying jobs. prgtoken I am glad that my bipartisan PARTNERS Act is included to help small and medium-sized businesses develop registered apprenticeships and provide workers with support services like tools, work attire, transportation, childcare, and mentorship. prgtoken The legislation we pass today will help more Oregonians and Americans get the skills they need to succeed. prgtoken , I include in the Record a letter from the National Task Force on Tradeswomen's Issues in support of the National Apprenticeship Act. [From the National Task Force on tradeswomen's Issues, Jan. 28, 2021] Comments of the National Taskforce on Tradeswomen's Issues on the National Apprenticeship Act Reauthorization The National Taskforce on Tradeswomen's Issues (TWTF) is a national coalition of women's organizations and tradeswomen whose mission is to create access, opportunity and equity in nontraditional employment and training for women. TWTF very much appreciates the reauthorizing of the National Apprenticeship Act (NAA) of 2021 (H.R. 447) in a way that best protects apprentices and best serves other stakeholders in the apprenticeship system. In particular, TWTF is deeply grateful for the careful attention that H.R. 447 pays to enhancing opportunities for women and people of color-- populations that have historically been too often unfairly denied such opportunities because of their gender, race, or ethnicity--to gain access to and retain high-skill, high-wage jobs through registered apprenticeships, pre-apprenticeships, and youth apprenticeships. TWTF is also highly appreciative of the significant investments that H.R. 447 makes to the national apprenticeship system. Our organizational members, such as Chicago Women in the Trades, Oregon Tradeswomen Inc Tradeswomen, Inc. (in Northern California), ANEW (in Washington State), Nontraditional Employment for Women (NEW) (in New York City)
HONORING THE LIFE OF GABRIELLE ALDEA
Elaine G. Luria (Democrat, VA) \u2014 2021-2-5

I rise today to honor the life, legacy, and advocacy of Gabrielle Aldea. prgtoken Gabby was a tireless fighter for expanding access to healthcare for those with preexisting conditions. She was born with a bladder the size of a thimble. Gabby spent the first 7 years of her life in and out of the hospital. prgtoken A tenacious voice for reform and compassion, Gabby overcame this adversity and took to civic engagement. She became a voice for those who too often cannot speak for themselves and an inspiration for our community. prgtoken I rise today to call on my colleagues to join me in honoring Gabby's legacy by recommitting to the value of expanding access to healthcare and fostering a more equitable community for this generation and for generations to come.
NATIONAL APPRENTICESHIP ACT OF 2021
Cori Bush (Democrat, MO) \u2014 2021-2-5

St. Louis and I rise today in support of the National Apprenticeship Act of 2021 and in support of our amendment. prgtoken For more than 80 years since the New Deal, the Registered Apprenticeship Program has sought to build pathways into dignified and stable work. But we know that the promise of good jobs with good pay and benefits has never been fully realized in America. prgtoken The pandemic has unevenly devastated communities like Missouri's First District, including families of color, unhoused communities, people with disabilities, and heavily incarcerated communities. prgtoken , as we rebuild our economy, we must target jobs to them. Our amendment will ensure childcare is not a barrier to successful reentry home. It centers the more than 5 million young children in this country who have had a parent incarcerated by adding childcare as an essential transitional service. prgtoken , as a single mother, as a nurse, as a former childcare worker, I know what it is like to miss a day of work because a sitter fell through or I couldn't afford childcare. prgtoken When you are a single mother, not working is rarely an option. Not working means you can't feed or shelter your family. I have been there. I have been evicted, and I have lived in a car with my own children. prgtoken Over 80 percent of women in jail are mothers to minor children and are their primary caretakers. When anyone is released from prison, they need resources to be reunited with and provide for their families. Our amendment ensures that participation in the workforce can be equally shared by all, including those who need it most. prgtoken , I thank Chairman Scott and his amazing staff for collaborating, and I thank Representatives Bowman and Pressley for their partnership. I urge my colleagues to support my amendment.
PROVIDING FOR THE ADOPTION OF S. CON. RES. 5, CONCURRENT RESOLUTION ON THE BUDGET FOR FISCAL YEAR 2021
Earl Blumenauer (Democrat, OR) \u2014 2021-2-5

. Madam , I appreciate the gentleman's courtesy. prgtoken I am excited that this is one area that there was an opportunity to have that bipartisan cooperation. The administration supports it. We have and ic support in the Senate. My good friend, Senator Wicker, and Senator Sinema have led the charge there. This is a bright spot for a very troubled part of our economy, independent restaurants, which are the cornerstone of all of our communities. prgtoken I hope we can come together to support this on a bipartisan basis as we move forward with the reconciliation. I appreciate the gentleman's courtesy. I appreciate the time.
CREATING PATHWAYS FOR HARDWORKING PEOPLE
Steven Horsford (Democrat, NV) \u2014 2021-2-5

I rise in support of the National Apprenticeship Act of 2021. prgtoken I started my career leading the Culinary Academy of Las Vegas, the largest job training program in the State. This experience instilled in me the importance of workforce programs that create pathways for hardworking people to get good-paying jobs. prgtoken Passing this legislation is a vital step to begin our economic recovery by training Nevadans for new careers in high-demand fields, including at the Westside Education and Training Center in historic west Las Vegas, which my office was just able to secure nearly $7 million to help build. prgtoken By providing nearly 1 million additional apprenticeship opportunities over 5 years, and adding $10.6 billion in net benefits to our economy, the National Apprenticeship Act will help working families and small businesses restore the financial security that was lost during the pandemic. prgtoken As a co-chair and founder of the Labor Caucus, I am proud to support this legislation, which is endorsed by some of our Nation's largest labor unions, including the AFL-CIO, UNITE HERE, the Laborers, and the Teamsters. prgtoken I am glad that my amendment to support the recruitment and retention of nontraditional apprenticeship populations, including women and people of color, is included in this bill. My constituents and all of our constituents deserve the opportunities this bill affords. prgtoken , I urge my colleagues to vote ``yes'' on the National Apprenticeship Act of 2021.
NATIONAL APPRENTICESHIP ACT OF 2021
Thomas R. Suozzi (Democrat, NY) \u2014 2021-2-5

as co-chair of the Labor Caucus, I rise in support of the National Apprenticeship Act. The Labor Caucus advocates for America's working men and women, and this legislation helps America's working men and women. prgtoken You see, America continues to create enormous wealth, and that is a good thing. The problem, however, is that wealth has not been shared with the people who go to work every day. prgtoken Since the 1980s, the Dow Jones has gone up 1,500 percent, 15 times, and the GDP has gone up 800 percent, 8 times, but workers' wages have increased by less than 20 percent. prgtoken Everybody in America believes, or should believe, that if you are willing to go to work every day, you should make enough money so that you can buy a home, have health insurance, and retire one day without being scared. Unfortunately, that is no longer a reality in America. prgtoken We know the more you learn, the more you earn. Sixty percent of Americans, however, do not graduate from college. Working with President , the Apprenticeship Act will make the skills necessary to be a welder, a plumber, a computer machinist, a carpenter, or a skilled laborer available so American working men and women, whether they go to college or not, can live the American Dream again.