mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
COVID RELIEF
Kevin Hern (Republican, OK) \u2014 2021-2-26

last year, every single COVID relief package passed with bipartisan support and bipartisan input. This is not happening today because the majority has chosen to abandon their calls for unity without even making an effort. Sadly, it is the American people who will bear the burden of this decision. prgtoken Components of this package were shoved through committees on strictly partisan lines. One of my amendments asking that we prohibit taxpayer dollars from going to people illegally in our country passed the Senate with broad bipartisan support, but was rejected without a single ic vote in our committee. prgtoken I know from experience that a hard-earned paycheck is infinitely more valuable than anything from the unemployment office. We need to put Americans back to work, make America tired again. That means we cannot incentivize workers to stay out of the workforce. prgtoken Let's not waste any more taxpayer dollars than we have to. prgtoken Getting our students back in the classrooms should be a top priority for everyone here. Not only does this bill not help return students to the classroom, most of the education funds are not even allocated until 2022. prgtoken There is a lot we can do together, but I fear a one-sided process will leave millions of Americans unaccounted for in this relief package.
PROVIDING FOR CONSIDERATION OF H.R. 1319, AMERICAN RESCUE PLAN ACT OF 2021
Steve Womack (Republican, AR) \u2014 2021-2-26

. Madam , I think a little honesty is in order tonight. It is no secret that this so-called American Rescue Plan Act has little to do with the hardships placed on Americans by COVID. prgtoken When 90 percent of a spending plan, rammed through on a sham of a budget resolution, gets spent years down the road, with much of it having little to do with the coronavirus, we should at least be honest with our constituents. It is apparently Christmas again. prgtoken Here is an example. What does the multiemployer pension issue have to do with the pandemic? Remember the failed joint select committee that was supposed to solve that problem back in 2018? That was long before COVID. But here we are, about to spend $85-plus billion on this bailout. That is double the amount of money we give to the National Institutes of Health. Look, before we ask future generations to float us another $2 trillion to pay off these liberal promises, let's at least have the integrity to admit that this really isn't about COVID.
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled,
Kevin Brady (Republican, TX) \u2014 2021-2-26

as much time as I may consume. prgtoken Americans struggling with COVID, businesses fighting to survive, seniors waiting for vaccines, millions of Americans now jobless due to lockdowns, they all deserve better than this partisan, rushed, special interest payoff to political friends. prgtoken Less than a dime of every dollar of this bill goes to COVID vaccines and defeating the virus. There is next to nothing to save Main Street businesses or get Americans unemployed back to work. And after spending nearly $2 trillion, the White House can't, or won't, tell us how many jobs this will create. prgtoken History will describe this moment as a time when more than 500,000 Americans have lost their lives, millions are jobless, small businesses are struggling, and seniors are praying for the vaccine, and House said: Let's build our a tunnel. prgtoken Come on, man. We can do better. We can work in a bipartisan way to crush this virus and rebuild America's economy, just as we did five times this past year to deliver the largest relief in American history. Vote ``no'' to payoffs to political friends. prgtoken , .
PROVIDING FOR CONSIDERATION OF H.R. 1319, AMERICAN RESCUE PLAN ACT OF 2021
Scott Franklin (Republican, FL) \u2014 2021-2-26

. Madam , I rise in strong opposition to the rule and to H.R. 1319. prgtoken We do need targeted relief for those hurt by this pandemic, but this is bad legislation. s introduced over 250 amendments to this nearly $2 trillion bill, and only ultimately accepted one. That is not unity. This is merely socialism in sheep's clothing, redistribution of wealth through cash payouts to many who have had no financial impact whatsoever from COVID. It is also redistribution of wealth from future generations who will be stuck with the tab. prgtoken The CBO predicts our economy will grow by 3.7 percent this year without any further congressional action. With over $1 trillion in unspent funds from previous packages, we can't afford to jeopardize our children's future with this socialist spending spree. I urge a ``no'' vote.
PROVIDING FOR CONSIDERATION OF H.R. 1319, AMERICAN RESCUE PLAN ACT OF 2021
Tom Cole (Republican, OK) \u2014 2021-2-26

. Madam , I thank my good friend from Texas for yielding. prgtoken Today, the House is considering a massive budget reconciliation package that the majority claims to be using for additional coronavirus relief funds. Having already passed five bipartisan relief packages over the last year, totaling almost $4 trillion in spending, the majority is now seeking to spend nearly $2 trillion more. prgtoken But unlike the past five measures, which were bipartisan deals with both and ic support, today's bill is strictly partisan, with only ic support and input. And with a glance at the bill, it is easy to see why. prgtoken First, the vast majority of this so-called rescue package has nothing to do with the COVID-19 pandemic. The bill fails to keep a laser focus on providing relief for Americans, ensuring schools are open to educate our children, and moving to swiftly reopen the economy. prgtoken Instead, the majority has thrown in completely unrelated items that just so happen to be at the top of their progressive wish list. This includes irresponsible policies like Federal bailouts for certain pension funds, providing bloated contributions to State and local governments, and arbitrarily raising the minimum wage, which will cost well more than a million people to lose their jobs. Incidentally, the same minimum wage provision is not going to be considered in the Senate and will have to be stripped from the bill. prgtoken But perhaps I shouldn't be surprised by these misguided provisions, given how completely shut out of this process s have been. During the markups across nine committees that prgtoken considered this package, s offered 245 amendments to help fix these and other problems. prgtoken s offered commonsense amendments to reopen schools, give additional resources to the NIH, provide funding to make sure all teachers have the opportunity to receive a COVID vaccine, and many more. Yet, only two of these amendments were accepted by the in committee markups, and one of those two amendments is actually being stripped out of the bill in the manager's amendment today. prgtoken A $1.9 trillion package that is being brought to the floor with next to no input? Simply astonishing. prgtoken Madam , it is clear what we need to do. Our entire Nation is suffering as a result of this pandemic. Every day, more businesses shutter. Every day, children are falling further behind. And every day, people fall deeper and deeper into despair caused, in part, by isolation. prgtoken Instead of proceeding with this progressive wish list, we need to take real action to open the economy. Above all else, we need to get children back in school. prgtoken Prior to the pandemic, children had access to in-person staff and services at school. But now, with schools remaining closed, we see the results: more students falling behind, more students contemplating suicide, more child
PROVIDING FOR CONSIDERATION OF H.R. 1319, AMERICAN RESCUE PLAN ACT OF 2021
Anthony Gonzalez (Republican, OH) \u2014 2021-2-26

. Madam , I thank Mr. Burgess for his leadership. prgtoken Madam , if we defeat the previous question, we will call up H.R. 1371, the Crush the Virus Act of 2021, introduced by my good friend, Mr. Tom Reed. prgtoken This is legislation that is based off of the Problem Solvers Caucus- endorsed framework for additional funding in order to defeat the virus by making further investments into testing, vaccine distribution, PPE, and utilizing the Defense Production Act. prgtoken In other words, this is a targeted solution that can garner bipartisan support--unlike what we are doing today--and show the American people that we are committed to working together to defeat the virus. prgtoken To date, while Congress may have struggled at times to deliver timely results, we have come together each time to pass needed legislation to help small businesses, hospitals, and Americans impacted by the virus. This is the way Congress is supposed to work. But instead, House have embarked upon a purely partisan approach, pushing aside lawmakers, like myself, who actually want to find common ground. prgtoken And for what? prgtoken A nearly $2 trillion bill that is not targeted for the coronavirus, includes policies that will hurt job creation, and in the words of Larry Summers--who is no --is a ``step into the unknown.'' prgtoken Madam , what the American people need is for us to put partisanship aside and identify targeted funding prior to spending $2 trillion of taxpayer dollars only weeks after this body enacted another nearly $1 trillion, much of which has yet to be spent. prgtoken Madam , this is why the Problem Solvers Caucus came together earlier this year to identify, in a bipartisan way, the still outstanding funding that is needed to defeat the virus. The bipartisan agreement is the basis for the legislation we will bring up if we defeat the previous question here before us. prgtoken My friend Tom Reed's bill, the Crush the Virus Act, will provide more than $160 billion in targeted aid, including: $11.5 billion for manufacturing and production of vaccines; $35 billion for the Provider Relief Fund; and $5 billion for the use of the Defense Production Act. prgtoken This proposal will speed up vaccine distribution and administration in a timely manner and supports our brave frontline healthcare workers. prgtoken I thank Mr. Reed for his leadership as co-chair of the Problem Solvers Caucus and for pushing this proposal. prgtoken Madam , let me make a final point and a broader appeal to my colleagues on the other side of the aisle. The American people sent to Washington the slimmest House majority in quite some time and an evenly split Senate. The message they sent was clear: It was not that you have some broad mandate to jam down a bunch of progressive policies, it was that they want us to actually work together, to come together and solve the problems in a bipartisan way. I think the message was cl
HONORING RON WRIGHT
Michael T. McCaul (Republican, TX) \u2014 2021-2-26

. Madam , on February 7th, we were forced to say goodbye to my dear friend and fellow Representative, Ronald ``Ron'' Wright. prgtoken Throughout his long and distinguished career in public service, Ron inspired all with an unshakeable drive to make his community a better place. Ron was a committed Texan through and through, and among those values he held most dear were those of integrity and hard work. prgtoken Ron's jobs over the years reflect this. He spent his early years milking cows--on the family dairy farm, then proceeded to 30 years in business, working in construction, media, sales, and management. But throughout his time in the private sector, Ron couldn't quite shake a deeper desire to serve. He served on a number of boards and commissions, including the Tarrant County Historical Commission, the Arlington Housing Authority Board of Commissioners, the Mansfield Education Foundation board, the Arlington Sports Authority, and the Arlington Tomorrow Foundation. prgtoken In 2000, Ron made the permanent switch to public service when he was elected to the Arlington City Council. In this role, Ron fought to improve the lives of his fellow citizens. After serving 8 years on the City Council, Ron accepted an appointment to become the Tax Assessor- Collector of Tarrant County. He was later elected to a full term by the voters of Tarrant County, then re-elected to a four-year term in November 2016. prgtoken In 2018, Ron was elected by the constituents of Texas' 6th Congressional District to represent them in the U.S. House of Representatives. In this capacity, Ron fought to improve the lives of his fellow North Texans, and he served as a Member of the Committee on Foreign Affairs and the Committee on Education and Labor. prgtoken I had the opportunity to learn from Ron last Congress during our time on the Foreign Affairs Committee. In my conversations with Ron, I was struck by his wit, charm, and readiness to solve the problems affecting all Americans. prgtoken During his time in Congress--Ron, famous for his impeccable taste in bow ties, began every day with a smile on his face. He worked with everyone, looking past the bounds of party lines in his desire to find solutions for the American people. In 2019, Ron was diagnosed with lung cancer. In the face of this challenge Ron did not balk but maintained a rigorous work schedule and inspired us all with his fortitude and lasting sense of humor. prgtoken Ron was a fighter, a proven conservative, and a true statesmen. The citizens of Texas' 6th District have lost a leader and we here in Congress have lost a dear friend. My heart goes out to Ron's wife, Susan, their three children, and their nine grandchildren. Ron Wright was a warrior, and someone who passionately fought for his constituents, for Texas, and for America--he will be missed.
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled,
Andy Barr (Republican, KY) \u2014 2021-2-26

my friends on the other side of the aisle should be embarrassed. This massive, $1.9 trillion spending spree is nothing more than a fiscally irresponsible, liberal wish list. Less than 10 percent of this bill actually responds to the pandemic in the form of vaccine distribution and other public health needs. The vast majority of this funding goes to misplaced priorities, such as bailing out mismanaged State and local governments for pre-COVID liabilities, paying people to not work, expanding Care, providing stimulus checks to illegal immigrants, and allowing taxpayer funds to pay for abortion. prgtoken It is true that the legislation appropriates $130 billion on top of the $110 billion already provided to schools, but it does so without any stipulation that schools actually reopen. This is despite overwhelming evidence that it is safe for our children to go back to in-person learning. And 95 percent of the money allocated to schools will not be spent until after 2022, which means this bill does almost nothing to get our kids back in the classroom. Meanwhile, approximately $1 trillion in COVID relief already appropriated by Congress remains unspent. prgtoken , I am voting ``no'' for my children, I am voting ``no'' to protect taxpayers, and I encourage all of my colleagues to vote ``no.''
PROVIDING FOR CONSIDERATION OF H.R. 1319, AMERICAN RESCUE PLAN ACT OF 2021
Debbie Lesko (Republican, AZ) \u2014 2021-2-26

. Madam , I rise in opposition to the rule. prgtoken Only 9 percent of the underlying bill goes to combating COVID-19 through public health spending. The other 91 prgtoken percent is a partisan wish list being pushed by my colleagues on the other side of the aisle. Union pensions, blue State bailouts, Planned Parenthood, and even a bridge and a tunnel. That is what most of this bill is about, not COVID-19 relief. prgtoken We need targeted, tailored relief that actually helps the American people, not this $2 trillion boondoggle. prgtoken Madam , I urge my colleagues to oppose the rule and the underlying bill.
COLORADO WILDERNESS ACT OF 2021
John R. Curtis (Republican, UT) \u2014 2021-2-26

such time as I may consume. prgtoken , I rise today in support of my amendment to require a study of any land impacted by the legislation to determine if these areas contain geothermal resources or minerals needed for battery storage, renewable energy technology, or electric vehicles. prgtoken We agree that we want to reduce human emissions that are polluting our ecosystem. Renewable energy will play a role long into the future, and we must ensure we have the resources needed to make solar panels, wind turbines, and batteries here in America. prgtoken President agrees. Just yesterday he issued an executive order to ensure the United States has access to domestic critical minerals. President 's fact sheet on the executive order says: ``While the U.S. is a net exporter of electric vehicles, we are not a leader in the supply chain associated with electric battery production. The U.S. could better leverage our sizable lithium reserves and manufacturing know-how to expand domestic battery production.'' prgtoken To state the obvious, if we are accidentally locking up lithium with this bill while President says we should do the opposite, this is something Congress should know. This amendment does not prevent any part of the lands package from being implemented, as currently drafted. prgtoken I am a strong supporter of the local-driven public lands legislation, which is why I ensured my amendment would not impact any of the bills on the ground level. There is parts of this package I actually support. Mr. Huffman's bill included in the public lands bill was supported by me last year. prgtoken This amendment is not a criticism of this lands package. It is about listening to science and combating climate change. More information is always better, more science is better. That is all this amendment does, give us more science-backed information as Congress faces the issues of producing renewable energy in the future. prgtoken , .
COLORADO WILDERNESS ACT OF 2021
Lauren Boebert (Republican, CO) \u2014 2021-2-26

have ignored our local communities and their needs with this land grab. prgtoken In their letter of opposition, Mesa County points out three of the five wilderness areas in Mesa County in this bill that have had large fires in recent years, and that wilderness designations harm active management and wildfire activities. prgtoken I hope that when Members visit my district on horseback, they are telling people that this land will soon burn, because if we do not actively manage our forest, Mother Nature will continue to manage it for us. prgtoken , the amendments that are offered today would protect energy production, local grazing rights, water rights, access to our public lands, and allow wildfire mitigation. Perhaps, and most importantly, these amendments give the people of my district a voice, ensuring local officials have a seat at the table when land use is changed in their respective counties. prgtoken The victory in my election showed the will of the people in Colorado's Third District. They want to keep their land open for public use. prgtoken , I thank the Member for his thoughtful amendments, and I strongly encourage support on these amendments today.
COLORADO WILDERNESS ACT OF 2021
Blake D. Moore (Republican, UT) \u2014 2021-2-26

I thank the gentleman for yielding. prgtoken , I am proud to rise in support of these amendments. Utah ranks second in the country for percentage of land owned by the Federal Government, so we understand the challenges and opportunities that come with land designations. prgtoken , with Utah's interests in mind, I introduced a commonsense amendment that would require local land officials to approve wilderness designations, empowering the local communities to work with the Federal Government on major land decisions, and the previous comments actually emphasize the importance of that. And I appreciate that, and I respect that, the local input that the gentlewoman was mentioning. prgtoken Our system works best when there is close collaboration between all levels in government. Our State and local governments see firsthand obstacles to successfully managing their resources, and they are experts in their communities' unique needs and concerns. As policymakers, we have a responsibility to bring local officials to the table so that we can make the most informed land decisions possible. prgtoken Wilderness areas can be beautiful, but these designations bring many challenges. Our Federal lands will be best managed when we include our constituents' perspectives. Unfortunately, this process has denied my colleagues and me the ability to do just that. prgtoken , I urge my colleagues to vote for these very sensible and reasonable amendments.
LIMITATIONS OF FREEDOM
Joe Wilson (Republican, SC) \u2014 2021-2-26

. Madam , I have twice in my life been denied passage at a wall or fence with both times being a limitation of freedom. prgtoken On June 12, 1990, I was denied passage in Berlin at the Brandenburg Gate by an East German Communist guard directing me to Checkpoint Charlie at the junction of Friedrichstrabe. prgtoken On February 25, 2021, I was denied passage in Washington at 2nd and C Street, which I have walked for 20 years, at a locked 12-foot fence topped with razor wire until a courageous Capitol Police Officer arrived to unlock the gate for me to be released from Capitol Hill confinement. prgtoken I appreciate the efforts of District of Columbia Delegate Eleanor Holmes Norton to prevent permanent fencing surrounding Capitol Hill, which isolates legislators from constituents. prgtoken Unobtrusive security can be implemented and installed without abusing National Guard personnel who are dedicated in their service. As a 31- year Guard veteran and grateful Guard Dad of three members, I know firsthand of Guard commitment. prgtoken In conclusion, God Bless our Troops and we will never forget September 11th in the Global War on Terrorism.
PROVIDING FOR CONSIDERATION OF H.R. 1319, AMERICAN RESCUE PLAN ACT OF 2021
Pete Stauber (Republican, MN) \u2014 2021-2-26

. Madam , I am disappointed because we are again on the floor in a closed rule, where zero amendments were made in order because, again, we are here voting on a package that has hundreds of billions of dollars in non-COVID-related spending. prgtoken Again, I am down here on the floor, disappointed that the majority disallowed my amendments. prgtoken One of my amendments would have reported on the impact the job- killing Keystone XL order would have on small businesses. prgtoken My other amendment, which was denied, prevented taxpayer dollars from funding child slave labor. No, you did not hear that wrong. In fact, this is the fifth time the have blocked this type of amendment from me. What is the issue with being anti-child slave labor? prgtoken Like I said, I am not sure how this is controversial, but when faced with the binary decision to source these minerals from human rights abusers in Africa and China or source them from Minnesota under the best labor standards and the best environmental standards in the world, I will take made in America 150 percent of the time. prgtoken I join my constituents' disappointment in this process. This is very concerning.