mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
Introductory Statement on S. 4424
Alex Padilla (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2022-6-16

I rise to introduce the bipartisan Recreation and Public Purposes Tribal Parity Act to correct a long- standing and unjust oversight that prevents Tribal governments from having the same opportunities as State and local governments do to buy and lease public lands for recreational purposes. prgtoken Current law allows the Bureau of Land Management to lease or sell certain public lands to State and local governments or qualifying nonprofits if those lands will be used for explicit public and recreational purposes. These lands are used for a variety of public and recreational purposes, like historic monument sites, schools, firehouses, law enforcement facilities, courthouses, health facilities, hospitals, and parks. However, the law does not allow the BLM to sell or lease these lands to Tribal governments. prgtoken Our bill would allow Tribal governments to participate in the program in the same way that State and local governments do. Doing so would help ensure Tribal nations enjoy the same opportunities for land acquisition as State and local governments and nonprofit organizations do. prgtoken Tribal governments were not considered when the Recreation and Public Purposes Act became law in 1926. The omission leaves Tribes without the same opportunities as other governments to use public lands for these beneficial purposes. This disadvantage is clear, as the sale and lease of public lands is often at a discount compared to fair market value. This issue is part of the greater need to correct longstanding barriers that undermine the sovereignty of Tribal governments and our efforts to right historic wrongs. prgtoken The Federal Government owns about 640 million acres of land, about 28% of the total land in the United States. Public lands potentially available for disposal by the Bureau of Land Management alone are located across at least 18 States. The exclusion of Indian Tribes from qualifying for acquisition of these lands is not based on any clear policy rationale. prgtoken As our Nation works to strengthen Tribal sovereignty and self- determination, it is important that we ensure our laws treat Tribal governments in equal regard as State and local governments and ensure they have the opportunity for positive and productive land use activity. prgtoken I thank Senator Feinstein for introducing this legislation with me in the Senate, and Congressman LaMalfa for championing this effort in the House of Representatives. I look forward to working with my colleagues to enact this commonsense bill as quickly as possible.
MOTION TO DISCHARGE
Cory A. Booker (Democrat, NJ) \u2014 2022-6-16

I literally turned to my staff and asked: Has Senator Paul's staff reached out to us at all? prgtoken That is not the case. prgtoken Then, to characterize us as the opposition, we are not in opposition to this bill. We are trying to protect Federal judges as is the unanimous vote of the Judiciary Committee. prgtoken So this is very frustrating that we should stop this for the Supreme Court Justices--the Senator has no objection to that--but, for some reason, not for the other members of the judiciary. I just find that problematic. prgtoken I am willing to meet with the Senator. I am not in opposition to his bill. The meeting which would be had, I will do but with the two sponsors of the bill to protect the U.S. Senate. But to hold up the protection of other fellow citizens because we are not getting protection, to me, does not mark the nobility of this body and the self-sacrifice of this body. prgtoken .
RECOGNIZING CONTRIBUTIONS MADE BY DREAMERS
Sylvia R. Garcia (Democrat, TX) \u2014 2022-6-16

I rise today to recognize the 10- year anniversary of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program, more commonly known as DACA. prgtoken Ten years ago, President and reaffirmed America's tradition as the land of opportunity by creating DACA. Since that day, brave young immigrants, known as Dreamers, have provided massive contributions on their path to the American Dream. prgtoken DACA gave Dreamers a chance to do that, to dream big. It allowed them to use their talents, giving them a chance to seek higher education, work, and, most importantly, protection from deportation. They were there for us on the front lines, working as healthcare workers, all kinds of workers, to help us through the pandemic, and we thank them. prgtoken While we celebrate DACA as a significant temporary achievement for all of America, it is by no means a substitute for fixing our broken immigration system. prgtoken , I promise to continue our fight for comprehensive immigration reform so that we can finally keep families together permanently.
RISING PRICES HIT LOW-INCOME FAMILIES HARDEST
Shontel M. Brown (Democrat, OH) \u2014 2022-6-16

. Madam , rising prices at the pump and at the supermarket are costing families more each month, and higher prices are falling hardest on low-income families, who spend a larger share of their budget on food and gas. prgtoken Since the beginning of the year, gas prices have increased by nearly $2. No doubt, this is in part due to Putin's war in Ukraine, but it is also driven by oil and gas companies raising prices on consumers. prgtoken Last month, the House passed the Gas Price Gouging Prevention Act to institute the first Federal law against profiteering by oil and gas companies. Today, the House considered and passed legislation to make cheaper and cleaner ethanol blends more available. prgtoken These commonsense measures would get gas prices under control and put money back in families' pockets.
RECOVERING AMERICA'S WILDLIFE ACT OF 2021
Rosa L. DeLauro (Democrat, CT) \u2014 2022-6-16

I rise today to express my concerns with respect to H.R. 2773, the Recovering America's Wildlife Act. The bill has laudable goals and the potential positive impact on our nation's wildlife conservation efforts is undeniable. I am a longstanding proponent of environmental causes and the benefits of investing in them. prgtoken However, the ends do not justify the means. Specifically, the bill provides an average of $1.4 billion per year in mandatory appropriations from the General Fund indefinitely. As a result, this bill provides the additional funding on autopilot without any role for this or future Congresses to scrutinize the details and value prgtoken of this massive investment. Additionally, the House Parliamentarian's Office has also con-firmed to my staff that this bill presents significant jurisdictional issues with respect to the House's rule against appropriating in an authorizing bill. prgtoken I believe there is a better way forward that is consistent with the longstanding regular order of this body. Subjecting this funding to the appropriations process would ensure that we make these valuable investments in our nation's wildlife while at the same time preserving the important role Congress must play in overseeing our Article I responsibilities. prgtoken It pains me that we were not able to resolve these differences because as a longtime appropriator, I fully understand the need for robust, long-term investments to protect our environment and natural habitats. However, as chair of the House Committee on Appropriations I must vote against this legislation. The Founders were crystal clear about the importance of the power of the purse. Our duty to the American people is to ensure that we do not abdicate our responsibility to be effective stewards of taxpayer resources. prgtoken My hope is that I can work with my colleagues here in the House and in the Senate to come to a stronger, bipartisan agreement on moving this bill forward in a manner that is consistent with the rules of this body and Congress' power of the purse.
MOTION TO DISCHARGE
Thomas R. Carper (Democrat, DE) \u2014 2022-6-16

I rise today in support of a piece of legislation with a very long name: the Sergeant First Class Heath Robinson Honoring Our Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics Act of 2022, also known as the PACT Act--P-A-C-T, PACT Act. prgtoken This historic legislation will improve and expand access to VA healthcare to our Nation's veterans, including upwards of 3\1/2\ million post-9/11 veterans. It is going to save lives. prgtoken Let me say that again. It is going to save lives and, hopefully, a lot of them. It is going to better ensure that our Nation lives up to the promise from President Lincoln's second inaugural address. You recall, he said ``to care for those who have borne the battle''--to care for those who have borne the battle. prgtoken During his first State of the Union earlier this year, President called on Congress to prioritize taking care of our veterans who were exposed to burn pits and other toxic materials while serving overseas in a number of theaters, Iraq and Afghanistan among them. prgtoken Today, I am proud to say that Congress has answered that call, as well as the call of our Nation's veterans service organizations, affectionately known as our VSOs. Those VSOs, veterans' advocates, and military families, many of whom have lost their loved ones, have organized and fought for this bill for years. prgtoken President likes to say ``all politics is personal.'' He also says that all diplomacy is personal. I think he is right on both accounts. prgtoken This issue is personal for our President, and it is personal for me as well as it is for hundreds of thousands of other American families. MAJ Beau , Delaware's former attorney general, served in the Delaware National Guard for more than a decade, including a yearlong deployment to Iraq on Active Duty. prgtoken I was privileged to have served as the commander-in-chief of the Delaware National Guard for 8 years during my time as Governor, and I have enormous respect for the men and women who serve today and have served in the Delaware National Guard. prgtoken Over the past two decades, I have attended countless deployment ceremonies in New Castle County, and Dover as well, for our soldiers, airmen, and their families and also assemblies when we welcomed them home, safe and sound. prgtoken Like many military parents at these sendoffs and welcome-home ceremonies, the s did not know when their son would return. They didn't know for sure if he was going to make it back when our Nation sent him off to Iraq. I believe it was in late 2008. And they did not know, even if their son did make it back, whether he would carry with him the physical and emotional wounds of war that we sometimes can sustain. prgtoken As it turned out, Beau , a young man I had known ever since he was a little kid, appeared to make it home back to Delaware healthy and whole at the completion of his tour in 2009. prgtoken I didn't know it at the time,
HONORING KENNETH ``BABYFACE'' EDMONDS, SINGER, SONGWRITER, AND PRODUCER
André Carson (Democrat, IN) \u2014 2022-6-16

. Madam , today I rise to honor Kenneth Edmonds, better known as Babyface, an Indianapolis native, who will be inducted into the Madam Walker Legacy Center Walk of Fame on June 17, 2022. prgtoken Kenneth was born in Indianapolis to Marvin and Barbara Edmonds and raised in our great city. He began songwriting at the young age of 12 years old, and after taking on the name Babyface, he signed his first record deal after joining his first band Manchild. He later joined The Deele which enjoyed a fast breakthrough into the music world for their R&B and funk hits. prgtoken Kenneth has created a legacy through his music. His second album, ``Tender Lover'', which included the hit singles ``It's No Crime'' and ``Whip Appeal'', went double platinum and became a critically acclaimed triumph. Babyface continued to share his talents as a co-songwriter with noteworthy artists such as Johnny Gill, Whitney Houston, and Boyz II Men. He was later nominated for a Grammy Award for Album of the Year for his unforgettable work on The Bodyguard Soundtrack. prgtoken Kenneth went on to release ``For the Cool in You'', winning his first Grammy for ``When I Can See You Again'' for Best Male R&B Vocal. While continuing to win consecutive Grammys for Producer of Year, and working with versatile artists, he released, starred, and created the soundtrack for the 1997 movie, Soul Food. prgtoken Throughout his successes, Kenneth has maintained a respectful approach to his work and an endearing sense of humility--typifying our beloved Hoosier values. He has three children for whom he sets a remarkable example. Kenneth is a dedicated philanthropist, supporting organizations making a difference in the fields of health, education, and more. His list of achievements and awards are impressive, and his hometown is overjoyed with his latest recognition from the Madam Walker Legacy Center. prgtoken Today, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring Kenny ``Babyface'' Edmonds. Our community is proud of his success and impact in the music industry, Indiana and our country.
HONORING OUR PACT ACT OF 2021
Rob Portman (Republican, OH) \u2014 2022-6-16

I want to thank my colleague from Delaware via Columbus, OH, for his comments, and I want to talk for a moment about what we did today in the U.S. Senate. We passed legislation very important to our veterans that has to do with expanding VA veterans' healthcare coverage but specifically addresses the problem of our veterans who have been exposed to burn pits--toxic burn pits that have resulted in terrible illnesses, including cancer and others. prgtoken The legislation we passed is named the Heath Robinson PACT Act. And people may wonder: Well, who is Heath Robinson? Why is it named after him? prgtoken Heath Robinson was from Pickerington, OH, which is a small community outside of Columbus, OH. He enlisted in the Ohio National Guard. He became a sergeant first class. He did tours of duty in Kosovo and also in Iraq. He was with the 285th Area Support Medical Company and was a two-time Ohio Army National Guard NCO of the Year in 2012 and 2013--so a very distinguished career in the military. prgtoken In 2020, he died of cancer. And when you talk to the medical professionals, they say that his exposure to burn pits prgtoken is what resulted in his cancer developing and in the end of his life way too soon. prgtoken So his widow Danielle, who some people may remember was at the State of the Union up in the Gallery, and his mom Kathi and his daughter Brielle have been tireless advocates for addressing this burn pit issue, trying to stop the burn pits from being used but, of course, addressing the consequence of these burn pits. And they have channeled their grief in a constructive way, which is to encourage Congress to pass this legislation that we passed today. So many other veterans who have been exposed to burn pits will now get their healthcare because of their work and because of the tribute that is being paid to their father and husband and son, Heath Robinson. prgtoken So that is who Heath Robinson is, and that is why it was important to name that legislation today after him.
VISTA FIELD
Dan Newhouse (Republican, WA) \u2014 2022-6-16

. Madam , I rise today to recognize an exciting addition to Central Washington that has been years in the making. prgtoken Vista Field, formally a municipal airport, is well on its way to becoming a vibrant and pedestrian-focused town center with neighborhoods and urban lifestyle amenities. The 103 acres of land will introduce 1,000 single-family homes, retail shops, restaurants, and entertainment to the growing community of Kennewick. The Port of Kennewick is celebrating this new addition to the community by hosting a grand opening celebration, today, where community members can be the first to see the new public amenities, such as a commercial plaza, pedestrian bridges, fountains, and ponds. prgtoken Once completed, this new urban development is expected to bring in $51 million in infrastructure investments in addition to over 3,000 jobs for our local community, contributing to a thriving local economy. prgtoken Vista Field is a perfect example of the innovative projects that are possible when local leadership and community collaboration are at the forefront, and I am excited to see this project take form and bring new opportunities for everyone in our community to enjoy.
HONORING JAN ZIMMERMAN ON HER RETIREMENT AS CHIEF OF POLICE IN RAYMORE
Vicky Hartzler (Republican, MO) \u2014 2022-6-16

. Madam , I rise today to honor the distinguished career of Chief Jan Zimmerman of the Raymore Police Department. After more than four decades of selfless service working in public safety, Chief Zimmerman has announced her intent to retire. She has established an inspiring career and legacy that is a true testament to the value Missouri's public servants bring to their communities. prgtoken Beginning a career in public safety in 1979, Jan served the Kansas City Police Department (KCPD) as a dispatcher; shortly thereafter, she attended the Kansas City Police Academy and was sworn in as a KCPD police officer in 1982. Throughout her career in law enforcement, Jan served the KCPD with distinction by rising through the ranks of sergeant (1987), captain (1994), and ultimately concluded her tenure as major (2000). Jan holds a BA in Criminal Justice, an MA in Public Administration, and is an alumnus of the FBI National Academy in Quantico. prgtoken Joining the Raymore Police Department as Chief of Police in 2012, Jan Zimmerman has led the department through tumultuous times providing unremitting leadership. Chief Zimmerman places high expectations on her officers, committing herself to provide quality training and setting an example for the next generation of public safety professionals. prgtoken Jan also championed mental health by partnering with healthcare professionals to develop the Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) and implement the program at the KCPD and the Raymore Police Department. Later, she served as a Jackson County Mental Health Court Commissioner and considers this experience one of her proudest accomplishments. Zimmerman is the first female in the history of the Missouri Police Chiefs Association to receive the Donald ``Red'' Loehr Outstanding Police Chief award for her achievements in ensuring public safety. prgtoken Law enforcement officers face many difficult, sometimes fatal, challenges. To support fallen officers' families, Jan serves as a program director for the Surviving Spouse and Family Endowment Fund with the Kansas City Crime Commission. prgtoken For over a decade, Chief Zimmerman has put the safety and wellbeing of Raymore residents above her own. With the support of family; her husband, Major David Zimmerman of the Kansas City Police Department; her daughters, Jackie and Britt; and her granddaughters, Elise and Michele, Jan has withstood the hardships that are all too common in law enforcement. prgtoken Today, thanks to the leadership of Chief Jan Zimmerman, Raymore residents enjoy safer neighborhoods, exceptional emergency services, and a police department that serves with integrity. On behalf of Missouri's Fourth Congressional District, I thank Chief Zimmerman for answering the call to serve and protect our community. Congratulations on a well-deserved retirement.
LEGISLATIVE SESSION
John Thune (Republican, SD) \u2014 2022-6-16

before I begin, I would like to take a brief moment to wish the U.S. Army a happy 247th birthday. prgtoken I had the special honor this morning to ``fall in'' with Secretary of the Army Wormuth, Army Chief of Staff McConville, Sergeant Major of the Army Grinston, many other Army leaders, and hundreds of soldiers for some morning PT. prgtoken I appreciated the opportunity to join in the Army tradition of a birthday formation run, and it was especially humbling to run through the hallowed grounds of Arlington National Cemetery. prgtoken Any time you are in Arlington--or any national cemetery in the States, like the Black Hills National Cemetery in South Dakota, or overseas, like the Normandy American Cemetery--you are reminded of the sacrifice and legacy of our Nation's warfighters. Every name and pair of dates on a headstone tells a unique story of selfless service to our Nation. prgtoken In running over the hills and around the turns this morning, you get a better sense of the magnitude of the more than 400,000 Americans who are honored at Arlington and the collective sacrifice of all of America's heroes. prgtoken Today, the U.S. Army proudly carries on the heritage and legacy established on June 14, 1775. Our soldiers and all our men and women in uniform stand guard around the world to protect our freedoms, and they make any adversary think twice about threatening them, as the U.S. Army has done for the past 247 years. prgtoken Thank you for all of your service to our country, your professionalism, and determination, and thank you for including me today. Happy birthday to the U.S. Army. Rural Broadband prgtoken , as a longtime member and former chairman of the Senate prgtoken Commerce Committee and as a resident of a rural State, I have long been focused on expanding rural broadband access and ensuring that the benefits of the next wave of mobile broadband, 5G, are fully realized in rural communities. prgtoken Expanding rule broadband access has been embraced by Members on both sides of the aisle, and Congress has appropriated billions of dollars in recent years to ensure that rural communities are able to access fixed broadband. It is encouraging to see Members on both sides of the aisle supporting this goal, but there are problems. While, as I said, Congress has appropriated billions of dollars toward this goal, the Federal Government lacks an overarching broadband strategy. prgtoken As a recent Government Accountability Office report highlighted, rural broadband funding is spread out over 15 separate Agencies and more than 130 separate programs in our government. That doesn't exactly make for outstanding efficiency or coordination. What it does make for is wasted taxpayer dollars and slower progress in ensuring that our rural communities have access to broadband. prgtoken Last week, the Senate Commerce Committee's Communications Subcommittee, of which I se
AMERICA'S ASTRONOMICAL NATIONAL DEBT
Bruce Westerman (Republican, AR) \u2014 2022-6-16

. Madam , our current national debt is not only huge, it is astronomical. As of today, the national debt exceeds over $30 trillion. To put that in perspective, that amount in $100 bills laid side by side would circle the Earth over 1,167 times. If stacked, it would reach the International Space Station 80 times. prgtoken The debt crisis is truly out of this world, and yet my colleagues across the aisle would rather spend even more money on unnecessary programs with unrealistic goals. Effects of the debt are already being felt in the form of record-high inflation and gas prices, but perhaps the greatest tragedy is that it will be our children and our children's children who will ultimately foot the bill.