mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
HONORING AN ARIZONA LEGEND, DR. WARREN H. STEWART, SR.
Greg Stanton (Democrat, AZ) \u2014 2022-9-19

. Madam , I rise to honor an Arizona legend, Dr. Warren H. Stewart, Sr and congratulate him for reaching the milestone of 45 years of service as the senior pastor of First Institutional Baptist Church of Phoenix. Our community is so fortunate that Pastor Stewart has devoted his life to meaningful service that has made a difference in the lives of many, and I am personally grateful to call this civil rights leader, humanitarian, scholar and author a friend. prgtoken Pastor Stewart answered the call early in life and preached his first sermon when he was just 17 years old. Several years later he became the pastor at First Institutional Baptist, the youngest--and eventually longest serving--in the church's history. prgtoken During his tenure, he has led his congregation through transformative growth and his impact stretches far beyond his spirited sermons from the pulpit. He created a family resource center, the Samaritan House for homeless families, a home for teenage mothers and expanded the church's education and outreach services. Each of these have changed the trajectory of people's lives for the better. prgtoken Through many challenging moments in our community's recent history, Pastor Stewart has offered a voice of moral clarity. He's stood up to the darkest forces in our state and prevailed. When the extremists first stopped Arizona from recognizing Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, it was Pastor Stewart who organized, mobilized and energized the campaign to make that day a reality in our state. prgtoken It's not just Arizona where his legacy lives. He's preached throughout the United States and in more than 50 countries. While overseas, Pastor Stewart helped build a new church edifice and parsonage in the Republic of South Africa. prgtoken Arizona is fortunate to have experienced 45 years of Pastor Stewart's leadership, and we are hopeful for many more. prgtoken I thank Pastor Stewart for his friendship and service, and extend congratulations to him on this significant milestone.
NO TRAFFICKING ZONES ACT
Sheila Jackson Lee (Democrat, TX) \u2014 2022-9-19

such time as I may consume. prgtoken , this bill was introduced as an important response to stopping human trafficking and sex trafficking at schools. In fact, its name was Stop Human Trafficking in School Zones. I introduced that bill to stop human trafficking in school zones. prgtoken I am glad to be here on the floor of the House to continue this journey in protecting our children. I want to start with the words from the Major Cities Chiefs Association, one of the major supporters of this legislation: prgtoken Child sex trafficking is one of the most despicable crimes an individual can commit. Sadly, there are far too many children victimized by this scourge. For example, the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children received more than 17,200 reports of possible child sex trafficking in 2021. prgtoken It is especially troubling that these crimes sometimes occur at schools which should be a safe haven for America's children. prgtoken Besides gun violence, human trafficking, sex trafficking is a scourge that takes and destroys the lives of our children. prgtoken H.R. 7566 will play an important part in addressing child sex trafficking by establishing additional penalties for offenders who commit these offenses in a school zone or within 1,000 feet of a school-sponsored activity. prgtoken We want to be heard on stopping human trafficking and sex trafficking at our schools. And so the No Trafficking Zones Act, which was formerly the Stop Human Trafficking in Schools Act, would ensure that schools across the country, including institutions of higher learning, are safe spaces for learning and academic exploration, free from the menace of sex trafficking. prgtoken H.R. 7566 would establish a sentencing enhancement of up to 5 years in several instances: First, in the case of any person who commits the offense of sex trafficking within a primary or secondary school zone or on or within 1,000 feet of the premises of a school-sponsored activity, or premises owned by an institution of higher learning. prgtoken Second, for any person who commits the offense of coercion and enticement of a minor enrolled in a primary or a secondary school, or a person enrolled in an institution of higher learning, to travel in interstate or foreign commerce and engage in criminal sexual activity while the minor is in a school zone, or on or within 1,000 feet of premises where a school-sponsored activity is taking place, or while the person is on or within 1,000 feet of the premises owned by the institution of higher education. prgtoken And third, for any person who commits the offense of coercion and enticement of a minor using the mail or facilities of interstate or foreign commerce, such as the text and instant messaging or social media platforms which have been used extensively, while the minor who is enrolled in school or an institution of higher education, is in a school zone, or on or within 1,000 feet of pre
50TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE UNIFORMED SERVICES UNIVERSITY OF THE HEALTH SCIENCES
Chris Van Hollen (Democrat, MD) \u2014 2022-9-19

throughout the past five decades, the Senate has recognized the important role of the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences--USUHS--in maintaining the health and readiness of our Nation's uniformed services. Today, I am proud to congratulate this fine institution, located in Bethesda, in my State of Maryland, on its 50th anniversary. prgtoken Public Law 92-426 established USUHS in 1972 to ensure continuity and leadership for uniformed medicine. USUHS is our country's only Federal graduate and undergraduate degree-granting health sciences university in support of the Department of Defense--DOD--and the Nation. Since its founding, USUHS has graduated more than 11,000 military health professionals. prgtoken USUHS has met every goal and mission envisioned by the founders of this remarkable institution. It is the only institute of higher learning to provide a unique military curriculum that educates and trains leaders in healthcare relevant to the military mission. USUHS provides its students a rigorous healthcare education combined with equally demanding training in leadership, military medicine, and public health. Students learn in a variety of settings, including modern classrooms and laboratories, a renowned simulation center, major military hospitals and clinics, summer operational experiences with military units, and progressively challenging field exercises. Students leave USUHS prepared to care in any setting, from a modern tertiary care hospital or primary care clinic, to the sickbay of a warship, the cargo bay of a critical care air transport flight, an operating room in a combat support hospital, or a treatment tent in a refugee camp. prgtoken The USUHS Hebert School of Medicine, compared with any other U.S. medical school, contributes the highest number of physician accessions to the military services. USUHS alumni comprise 25 percent of the Military Health System physician force. An independent analysis of USUHS conducted by the Institute for Defense Analysis found that, on a value basis that factors in retention, USUHS may offer the highest return on physician education and training investments. They concluded that USUHS graduates deployed more than 250 percent longer than other accession sources--an average of 731 days compared to 266--have higher proportions of officers in the mid- and senior-rank levels compared to other accession sources, have higher representation in special operation units compared to other accession sources, and attain a higher percentage of specialty board certification compared to other accession sources. The school's graduate education programs in biomedical sciences, public health, clinical psychology, health professions education, and health policy have granted more than 1,000 graduate degrees. Many of these alumni are now serving as key leaders in the Federal Government, academia, research foundations and laboratories, and in public hea
REAUTHORIZING THE READ ACT
Barbara Lee (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2022-9-19

. Madam , I rise in strong support of H.R. 7240 to reauthorize the Reinforcing Education Accountability in Development Act, or the READ Act. prgtoken I thank my good friend, Chairwoman Karen Bass, for leading this bipartisan legislation and Chairman Meeks and the for moving it to the floor. prgtoken Our dear friend and a great leader, Chairwoman Nita Lowey, who preceded me as chair of the Subcommittee on State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs, led the charge to pass the READ Act in 2017. I saw her over this weekend, and she was so excited that this bill was coming to the floor. prgtoken The READ Act coordinates and amplifies U.S. efforts to support basic education abroad. Over 58 million children still cannot go to school around the world, more than half are girls, and COVID-19 disrupted learning for hundreds of millions of kids, creating huge challenges for meeting the sustainable development goal of providing a quality education for all kids by 2030. prgtoken I was proud to include in the fiscal year 2023 House SFOPS appropriations bill $985 million for international basic education, $35 million above last year's enacted level and $291.6 million above the President's budget request. The READ Act authorization will ensure that these resources will deliver the most value for kids around the world.
COUNTERING UNTRUSTED TELECOMMUNICATIONS ABROAD ACT
Tom Malinowski (Democrat, NJ) \u2014 2022-9-19

I am prepared to close, and the balance of my time. prgtoken , H.R. 8520, the Countering Untrusted Telecommunications Act is an important initiative in finding and addressing American vulnerabilities to cyber spying and espionage, particularly in our communications with partners and allies whose unsecure networks may provide backdoor access to these increasing threats. prgtoken I, once again, thank Representatives Wild and Wagner for their tremendous work in advancing this bill and their commitment to protecting our national security from cyber and security threats. I hope my colleagues will join us in supporting this bill. prgtoken , .
Mark Frerichs (Executive Session)
Richard J. Durbin (Democrat, IL) \u2014 2022-9-19

2\1/2\ years ago, a native of my home State of Illinois and a veteran of the U.S. Navy, Mark Frerichs, was abducted by the Taliban or one of its affiliates in Afghanistan. prgtoken He was working there as a contractor, and his disappearance was devastating to his family back in Lombard, IL. prgtoken Senator Duckworth and I have spent countless hours and staff hours working with his family trying to find out what happened to Mark. We spoke to his sister Charlene and repeatedly raised his case with both the and administrations. We wanted to let them know we cared, and we joined the family on that course. prgtoken Well, today, the family's prayers have been answered. The news was released that Mark is coming home. I want to commend President , Secretary of State Blinken, and their teams for never giving up on Mark and ultimately securing his freedom. prgtoken His sister Charlene said upon news of her brother's release that ``[w]e never gave up hope that he would survive and come home safely to us.'' She was right. And Mark was so fortunate to have her as his steadfast champion. prgtoken Welcome home, Mark Frerichs. Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 prgtoken , I listened to the comments that were just made by the leader about events in Washington, the state of the economy, and it was interesting, the perspective he took. He was critical of President for calling a meeting of several thousand supporters last week on the White House lawn from all over the United States to celebrate the passage of the Inflation Reduction Act here in the U.S. Senate and House. You know and I know there wasn't a single vote in favor of the Inflation Reduction Act. Some 6 weeks ago, we did some things that, frankly, many of us had been hoping for for a long time without a single vote supporting it. prgtoken The Senator from Kentucky wondered what we were celebrating. Well, let me tell him a few of the things we are celebrating. prgtoken After years of candidates going out on the campaign trail and telling America that the cost of prescription drugs were too high, we finally did something about it--finally. After years of negotiating the price for drugs in the Veterans' Administration so we could afford to give our veterans the very best, we applied the same standard to Medicare. What does it mean? It means that the most popular and most expensive drugs that are sold through Medicare to recipients over the age of 65, we are now going to negotiate the prices to come up with a reasonable amount to charge taxpayers for those drugs. prgtoken Well, if you wondered whether or not the pharmaceutical industry can handle that kind of truth, I might remind people what they already know. Exactly the same drugs in the same boxes are for sale in Canada at a fraction of the price that we pay in the United States. The same thing is true in Europe. And
STATEMENTS ON INTRODUCED BILLS AND JOINT RESOLUTIONS
Alex Padilla (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2022-9-19

I rise to speak in support of the Expanding Financial Access for Underserved Communities Act, which I introduced today. prgtoken Over the past decade, affordable banking services have become more difficult for many Americans to access due to the closure of physical bank branches. Addressing banking deserts is an important element to promoting equity across our entire economy. prgtoken I believe that credit unions can play a significant role in improving access to affordable banking services in underserved communities throughout our Nation. prgtoken That is why I am proud to introduce this legislation to allow all federally chartered credit unions to expand their field of membership to underserved areas. The bill would exempt business loans made to borrowers located in underserved areas from the credit union member business lending cap. prgtoken I am proud to join Chairwoman Maxine Waters in this effort. I hope my colleagues will join me in support of this bill to promote economic opportunity in low-income communities and communities of color.
HELEN KELLER NATIONAL CENTER REAUTHORIZATION ACT OF 2022
Robert C. "Bobby" Scott (Democrat, VA) \u2014 2022-9-19

such time as I may consume. prgtoken , I rise in support of H.R. 1433, the Helen Keller National Center Reauthorization Act, which would reauthorize the Helen Keller National Center for 5 years. prgtoken The Helen Keller National Center for Youths and Adults Who Are Deaf- Blind was first authorized by Congress in 1967 to assist the deaf-blind community in America. prgtoken To this day, it is the only comprehensive national program that provides information, referrals, support, and training exclusively to Americans who have combined vision and hearing loss, while also supporting families and professionals who work with the deaf-blind community. prgtoken Moreover, the Helen Keller National Center is the only comprehensive national program that provides for information, referral, support, and training exclusively to youth and adults who have combined vision and hearing loss. The center also supports families and professionals who work with the deaf-blind community. prgtoken Thankfully, through our actions today, we will be one step closer to reauthorizing the center's important work through 2027. prgtoken The Helen Keller center performs life-changing work. This work and the population it serves deserve all of our support. prgtoken Lastly, I thank the sponsor of the legislation, the gentleman from Wisconsin (Mr. Pocan), and the cosponsors, the gentleman from Oklahoma (Mr. Cole), the gentleman from New York (Mr. Suozzi), and the gentleman from Pennsylvania (Mr. Fitzpatrick), for their leadership on this legislation. prgtoken , I urge all of my colleagues to support the American deaf-blind community and support this bipartisan legislation before us. prgtoken , .
Puerto Rico (Executive Calendar)
Charles E. Schumer (Democrat, NY) \u2014 2022-9-19

today, my thoughts are with all our fellow Americans in Puerto Rico--and all communities across the Caribbean--battered by the destruction of Hurricane Fiona. As of this morning, well over a million residents on the island remain without power, and two-thirds remain without running water. prgtoken In a short while, I will get on the phone with the FEMA Administrator and urge that they be ready to approve temporary 100 percent Federal cost share for all emergency protective services that Puerto Rico conducts in the coming days. That means covering the island's costs for distributing food and water, disaster operations, and emergency medical care. Right now, the FEMA Disaster Relief Fund has about $15 billion as of late last week--a fund we fought extremely hard to secure. prgtoken I will also join with my colleagues in the New York delegation to send FEMA a letter calling on them to be ready to support Puerto Rico on any upcoming request for aid. prgtoken Five years--almost exactly 5 years to the day--after Puerto Rico was devastated by Hurricane Maria, the Federal Government has a responsibility to make sure we don't repeat the mistakes of the previous administration. The Federal response should be swift, robust, and continued for as long as the island needs.
Introductory Statement on S. 4884
Mazie K. Hirono (Democrat, HI) \u2014 2022-9-19

I rise today to introduce a bill, the Natural Infrastructure Act of 2022. This bill requires the Secretary of the Interior, in coordination with the Secretary of Agriculture, to establish a Joint Natural Infrastructure Science Program. This program, which would be a joint effort by the U.S. Forest Service FS and the U.S. Geological Survey USGS, would prgtoken seek to further research on the use of natural solutions to address evolving infrastructure needs across the country. The bill also requires the Secretary of the Interior to assess the costs and effectiveness of select natural infrastructure projects on an annual basis. prgtoken The bill defines natural infrastructure as constructed landscape features and systems that employ nature-based solutions that promote, use, restore, or emulate natural ecological processes. These features, when compared to grey infrastructure solutions, are often more cost- effective, increase community resilience to climate change impacts, and attract community support. The American Society of Civil Engineers estimates that our country's need for infrastructure repairs through 2025 totals over $4 trillion. In order to meet our country's short- and long-term infrastructure needs, research is needed to inform the decisions being made by the people charged with addressing these infrastructure needs--civil engineers, local governments, developers, and the construction industry. The Joint Natural Infrastructure Science Program established by this bill directs USGS and FS to work with colleges and universities to advance ongoing natural infrastructure research efforts to inform future infrastructure projects. The bill also establishes a stakeholder advisory group to inform the Secretary of the Interior on appropriate research topics to be assessed by the Joint Natural Infrastructure Science Program. prgtoken The bill authorizes $4 million in appropriations for each fiscal year from 2023 through 2033 for both the Secretaries of Agriculture and Interior to implement the Joint Natural Infrastructure Program. Additionally, the bill requires the Secretary of the Interior to publish an annual report on no fewer than 30 natural infrastructure projects across the country to assess the cost and effectiveness of the projects as well as provide recommendations on ways to improve future natural infrastructure projects in terms of construction, costs, and effectiveness. The selected projects should be diverse in terms of both geographic location as well as project type. These reports, coupled with the research generated by the Joint Natural Infrastructure Science Program, will help inform future infrastructure projects as we seek out cost-effective solutions all across the country that maximize human and environmental benefits in the face of evolving challenges, including the increasing impacts of climate change.
CONGRATULATING LAS VEGAS ACES ON WNBA CHAMPIONSHIP WIN
Steven Horsford (Democrat, NV) \u2014 2022-9-20

I rise today with excitement to congratulate the Las Vegas Aces for winning the 2022 WNBA finals. prgtoken The Las Vegas Aces are the first Las Vegas-based team to bring home a professional sports championship. Before winning the championship, this team was built for success, having the best regular season record this year. prgtoken Forward A'ja Wilson was named the WNBA Most Valuable Player for the second time in her career, and during the semifinals, point guard Chelsea Gray became the first player in WNBA history with more than 30 points and 10 assists in a playoff game. prgtoken In her first year as head coach, Becky Hammon led this championship team with determination and poise. prgtoken Congratulations to the Las Vegas Aces players, coaches, and leadership for this incredible victory. prgtoken I look forward to celebrating this championship and the many more to come. Go Aces.
PROVIDING FOR CONSIDERATION OF S. 1098, JOINT CONSOLIDATION LOAN SEPARATION ACT; AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES
Ed Perlmutter (Democrat, CO) \u2014 2022-9-20

. Madam , I would also say to my friend from Texas, as it relates to inflation, the gentleman is correct. There has been, on a year-over-year basis, a jump of about 8 percent, 8.3 percent, I think he mentioned. But since the beginning of the year, that has fallen dramatically. prgtoken Of course, over the summer we saw deflation in a couple of months, and the most recent inflation report in August was it rose .1 percent. So, annualized, that is a 1.2 percent inflation rate now because we are seeing prices drop, particularly in the energy sector. prgtoken So as much as my friends on the other side would like to wish that we had inflation, it is going away because we have been able to pass legislation like the Inflation Reduction Act, which takes a good look at both climate responsibilities that we have in urging and incentivizing towards renewable energy. But it also has a huge piece in there to allow us to negotiate prescription drug prices and bring those down. prgtoken So I would say to my friends on the other side, this bill is about dealing with loans, consolidated loans that now need to be separated. prgtoken But on the subjects brought up, I can tell you that inflation is dropping prgtoken based on the most recent reports, and gas prices are falling. prgtoken Madam , .