mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
RECOGNIZING THE SLCC MEN'S SOCCER NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP VICTORY
Mitt Romney (Republican, UT) \u2014 2021-8-2

I rise today to recognize the incredible athletic achievements of the Salt Lake Community College men's soccer program. This past season, their hard work and collective determination earned them the NJCAA Division One national championship title following a thrilling overtime victory in the final match. prgtoken The Salt Lake Bruins accomplished this feat after an undefeated conference season, tallying an ultimate record of 16-1-1 under the impressive leadership of Mark Davis and the entire coaching staff. On their path to the final, the Bruins were crowned champions of Region 18, West District, and the Scenic West Conference. prgtoken On June 10, 2021, Davis and his talented squad of young athletes, a union of Utahns and international footballers proudly representing the Bruins banner, faced top ranked Iowa Western in the final. Despite conceding early, the Bruins clawed back thanks to a sensational left- footed strike by Ryen Jiba. In overtime, Paul Richnow headed home the game winner to deliver the program its first ever championship trophy. prgtoken Champions are forged by years of supreme dedication to individual and collective improvement on and off the pitch. These athletes of diverse backgrounds demonstrated their ability to excel as one team, and they should be immensely proud of their accomplishment. For their efforts, Bruins players and coaches earned numerous accolades, including Mark Davis being named SWAC and West District Coach of the Year, as well as Coach of the Tournament. His staff, including Cassie Ulrich, Ty O'Connor, and Jordan Carver, earned United Soccer Coaches Staff of the Year and four All American selections. Sophomores Levonte Johnson, Samuel Owusu, and Paul Richnow were named NJCAA First Team All Americans, and Richnow also earned MVP of the National Tournament. An additional 12 players have committed to playing at the NCAA level. prgtoken Individual performances and accolades are built on the strong foundation of a great team. Recently crowned champions also include freshman Jose Arellano, Christian Olivares, Daniel Tareke, Mason McRae, Taimu Okiyoshi, Jermaine Muirhead, Sergio Martinez, William Greener, Negue Kante, Santiago Delfino, Ethan Coleman, Hogeun Jee, Kai Phillip, and Samson Ahisu. Sophomores also include Omar Gomez, Freddy Cano, Brandon Cervantes, Jason Chavez, Andres Bermudez, Azriel Johnson, Johnathan Castro, and Rafael Calderon. prgtoken I extend my congratulations to the entire SLCC men's soccer program for their historic season and wish them the best of luck in their continued athletic and academic pursuits.
LEGISLATIVE SESSION
Bill Cassidy (Republican, LA) \u2014 2021-8-2

I would like to rise and speak to the infrastructure bill that is before us and, specifically, about a component of the infrastructure bill. My colleague, earlier, Senator Tuberville from Alabama, said that when he goes home he speaks to people in his State, and he always gets a consistent message. I, too, get that consistent message: better jobs, greater safety for their family, and a better future for our country. And this infrastructure package addresses those concerns. prgtoken Now, the infrastructure package is about roads and bridges and highways, ports and waterways, increased access to broadband in areas that don't have it now, flood mitigation, coastal restoration. These are things that will contribute to better jobs, more safety, and a better future for our country. prgtoken But, first, let me dispel some myths. There are some misconceptions out there about this bill. One misconception is that it is somehow the same as the $3.5 trillion bill that people have heard about that have proposed, increasing taxes to a record basis and increasing our national debt when obviously we are pushing up on the debt limit. This is not that bill. prgtoken This bill is about roads and bridges and broadband and flood protection. That bill is about everything else. This bill is about improving the quality of life for our families and improving the future for our country. That bill is about a sugar high on an economy which is already in an inflationary mode. These are two different bills. So I am speaking about the one that has 86-percent approval in two straight polls by the American citizens. prgtoken The other concern is that this will contribute to inflation. Again, that is confusing it with the $3.5 trillion wish list that my ic colleagues have. No, the bill that we are proposing, with $550 billion in new spending over 5 years for roads, bridges, and highways, is judged to not be inflationary, to actually improve our economy over time. Lastly, that somehow this infrastructure bill that we propose is somehow s playing along with in a way that is bad for our country. prgtoken Let me point out that President proposed a $1.5 trillion infrastructure bill. We put up $550 billion in new spending. He proposed $1.5 trillion. Only 5 percent of his was paid for, whereas ours is paid for. prgtoken To make the point, this is something that s have proposed in the past, that have proposed in the past, and this version is something which and s can support. It is paid for, and it does help the American people. How does it help the American people? It gives them better jobs, increases the safety of their families, and gives a better future for our country. prgtoken Let me give some ideas about how that can occur. There is $110 billion for roads, bridges, and highways, not just to repair some, to construct some others, but also for th
LEGISLATIVE SESSION
Rob Portman (Republican, OH) \u2014 2021-8-2

. Chairman Carper, thank you. Thank you for managing this important legislation and all the work you have put into it. prgtoken You know, I asked my team today: Can you give me a sense of how much of this underlying legislation we are talking about on the floor this week that was already written? In other words, what did Senator Capito, Senator Carper, and others on the EPW Committee, as an example, already write with regard to this surface transportation bill that we are simply picking up in this legislation and moving forward to be sure it gets reauthorized, certainly before September 30, and we hope far before that. And about half of the pages of the bill is language that was written through the committee process here. Now, some may be happy to hear that, and some may be unhappy to hear that, but that is the truth. And, frankly, it made our job easier because a lot of the hard work was done. prgtoken In the case of the legislation that Senators Carper and Capito shepherded through their committee with regard to our highways and bridges, it was a 20-to-nothing vote, as I recall, out of committee, unanimous. So we thought it was appropriate for us not to tell them how to do their job but to help them by picking up that legislation, and as they have improved that legislation, their underlying authorization legislation, and ensure that it is prgtoken included in the package. And I appreciate Senator Carper and Senator Capito working with us on that even over the past few weeks. So, yes, we have added more on top of it because we believe our Nation needs a shot in the arm. We have enormous infrastructure needs. But without Senator Capito and Senator Carper's involvement, 20 to nothing out of committee, we wouldn't be where we are today, and that is the foundation upon which this was built. So, again, I know that is not understood by everybody, but that is a fact. prgtoken And our Nation's infrastructure does need the help. And this legislation, the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act before us right now, is an unprecedented investment. It is historic, but it is that because a historic investment is needed. It is important to note that we did so without raising taxes on the American people or causing further inflation in an already overheated economy. I heard some of my colleagues on my side say: Gosh, I want to support you, but I am worried about the spending and its impact on inflation. Well, this is what the economists would call supply-side spending. This is long-term spending for capital assets that may last 40, 50, 70 years. Think of a bridge or think of another infrastructure project like a big water infrastructure project. So it is a different kind of spending. It is not going to be spent over the next year. In fact, very little, if any, will be spent in the next year, but it will be spent over time--over 5, 10 years for these kinds of projects. That is the kind of money that goes into building infra
TRIBUTE TO DR. JIM LOGAN
Cynthia M. Lummis (Republican, WY) \u2014 2021-8-2

today I am honored to recognize my good friend Dr. Jim Logan, who is being inducted into the Wyoming Agriculture Hall of Fame. Since the Wyoming Agriculture Hall of Fame was established in 1992, 67 agriculture leaders have been recognized for their substantial contributions to our great State. I speak for many when I say Dr. Logan is more than deserving of this distinguished honor. He built an outstanding career in Wyoming and has risen to the highest ranks of his profession. Beyond his professional success, he exemplifies what it means to be an outstanding Wyoming citizen. prgtoken Dr. Logan began his studies at the University of Wyoming in 1969 and continued his education at Colorado State University earning his doctor of veterinary medicine degree. Upon graduation, he returned home to Riverton, WY, and joined a veterinary medicine practice. He later opened his own practice, and for over 40 years, he graciously served his community. During that time, he established a strong reputation among Wyoming's farmers and ranchers. He quickly excelled and became a reputable leader in his profession. prgtoken After developing extensive knowledge and expertise in his field, he generously offered many years of service to the State of Wyoming. Dr. Logan served the Wyoming Livestock Board in many capacities, including as the State veterinarian. The agriculture community in Wyoming is grateful for Dr. Logan's contributions and his commitment to health and safety for an industry that makes up the very fabric of Wyoming culture. prgtoken As a member of various working groups and regulatory boards, he helped address some of the most pressing issues affecting our State. He was a central figure in the development of Wyoming Brucellosis Designated Surveillance Area regulations. With any decision, he constantly kept the best interest of Wyoming's livestock producers in mind. For this, we are thankful. prgtoken I would also like to mention that Dr. Logan has exceeded all expectations in what it means to be a leader in the community. His passion for agriculture has inspired the next generation of farmers and ranchers. Dr. Logan is a proud supporter of 4-H and FFA, serving as a mentor and instructor to young people with a heart for agriculture. He has also taken on many other leadership responsibilities on several State and national industry associations and committees, including the American Veterinary Medical Association, American Sheep Industry Association, and the Western States Livestock Health Association. Outside of the agriculture industry, he served as the chairman of the Riverton Memorial Hospital Board. prgtoken Earlier this year, Dr. Logan announced his retirement as the Wyoming State veterinarian. While his retirement is a true loss for farmers and ranchers across the State, no one is more deserving of a happy and joyful retirement. I want to offer my deepest congratulations on a successful career. It
LEGISLATIVE SESSION
John Cornyn (Republican, TX) \u2014 2021-8-2

in a State as big as mine, reliable transportation infrastructure is absolutely essential. We are home to both the largest network of highways, as well as the largest number of bridges in the country. We are also a major hub for imports and exports both along the gulf coast and the southern border. prgtoken As we continue to welcome more new Texans every day, the strain on our infrastructure is growing. It takes a lot of planning and maintenance to get all 29 million Texans, our visitors, and crucial cargo around the State safely and efficiently. When you add in broadband, airports, levees, waterways, it is easy to see how big an undertaking this entire process is. prgtoken I continue to hear from my constituents back home, like I am sure we all do, about the need for Federal funding to help repair, maintain, and expand infrastructure across our States. But we just can't keep adding expenses to the taxpayers' credit card. We have to figure out how to pay for it. prgtoken Earlier this year, President floated his idea for an absolutely massive infrastructure bill totaling $2.6 trillion. It included a broad range of controversial and, frankly, overpriced programs, all funded by massive tax hikes on the American taxpayer. prgtoken The good news is, that is not the bill we are considering today. A bipartisan group of our colleagues worked with the White House to find common ground and get a bill to the floor with support from both sides. The 2,700-page text was just released last night, and I know, like everybody else, I am still in the process with my staff of evaluating just how it will impact my State and our Nation. prgtoken Our colleagues who negotiated and drafted this legislation put in a lot of long hours and hard work to reach an agreement. I commend them for their efforts. prgtoken I am eager to see a score from the Congressional Budget Office to provide a better understanding of the true cost of this legislation. But even the proponents who negotiated this deal concede that, at least before the $118 billion transfer from the general revenue fund last night, that even then, only about half of it was paid for. prgtoken I believe there, so far, have been some missed opportunities, one being reforms to the highway trust fund itself. For years, the highway trust fund has faced major shortfalls and, to a serious degree, Texans have footed the bill for those shortfalls because we are one of the States that receive less than we contribute. For every dollar we put in the highway trust fund, only 95 cents comes back to my State. That is not the same treatment of every State. In fact, we received the lowest rate of return than any other State. prgtoken I don't think it is a stretch to say it is unfair that Texans subsidize infrastructure projects in every other State, but that is only part of the issue here. The highway trust fund has been operating in the red for more than a decade. The current
LEGISLATIVE SESSION
Mitch McConnell (Republican, KY) \u2014 2021-8-2

a number of our colleagues in both parties worked through the weekend to finalize their draft agreement on a major bill for our Nation's infrastructure. I want to thank the Senators who worked hard and long to get this effort this far already. prgtoken I am confident that out of the 100 of us who serve in this body, 100 will be able to find parts of the legislation that we wish were different. But I believe our colleagues' draft text provides a good and important jumping-off point for what needs to be a robust and bipartisan process out here on the floor. prgtoken Infrastructure is exactly the kind of subject that Congress should be able to address across the aisle. Roads, bridges, waterways, airports-- these things are not luxuries for the greatest Nation in world history. They are necessities. prgtoken Necessarily, legislation like this will be big and complex. It will necessarily affect all 50 States. That is why, while I salute the hard work of our colleagues who produced the base text that is now before us, their conversations can't be the Senate's last word. Senators on both sides expect and deserve opportunities to have a say and to put their own State's imprints on this major bill. prgtoken Just as infrastructure itself is not a luxury but a necessity, the same goes for the Senate having a robust and bipartisan amendment process on legislation of this magnitude. prgtoken Our full consideration of this bill must not be choked off by any artificial timetable that our ic colleagues may have penciled out for political purposes. Our bipartisan negotiators have already been taking this task very seriously. The American people need the Senate to continue taking it seriously, as well. prgtoken On another matter, this bipartisan work on infrastructure just reinforces the recklessness of the purely partisan taxing-and-spending spree the want to ram through next. prgtoken Even before we get to this week, there is ample evidence the Senate is fully capable of passing policies that are actually smart, that actually make things better for American families, and to do so with bipartisan majorities. A year and a half ago, the Senate turned a blank sheet of paper into the CARES Act that saved our healthcare system, saved our economy, and poured money into Operation Warp Speed to help unlock vaccines in record time--overwhelming bipartisan support. prgtoken A year ago, we passed the Great American Outdoors Act, a historic investment in our Nation's national parks and national treasures-- another very large bipartisan vote. Last December, there was yet another bipartisan COVID rescue package, and just a few months ago, Senators once again compromised and passed a big bipartisan bill addressing American competitiveness versus China. prgtoken There is nothing stopping policies from earning bipartisan support here in the Senate, when they deserve it. Bills that deserve to pass the Chamber are not h
LEGISLATIVE SESSION
John Thune (Republican, SD) \u2014 2021-8-2

it is good to see the Senate taking up a genuinely bipartisan bill this week. A group of Members from both parties have spent weeks developing this legislation, and we saw the result of their work in the bipartisan support for proceeding to this bill. prgtoken Now, we need to let that bipartisan process continue. We need to give Members who weren't a part of the bipartisan group a chance to weigh in, and that means making sure that we have a robust amendment process. prgtoken I know the majority leader is eager to get through this legislation and on to the ' next piece of what is partisan legislation, and that is a $3\1/2\ trillion tax-and-spending spree, but prgtoken that is not a good reason for rushing this infrastructure bill through the Senate. prgtoken This is an enormous bill. It is more than 2,700 pages long, and the legislative text was just released last night. To start with, Members need time to digest this legislation, and then Members need the opportunity to offer amendments. prgtoken The bill before us today is a genuinely bipartisan bill, and I am very grateful for the tireless efforts of the Members who put in so many long days and nights--and weekends, I might add--to get us to this point. prgtoken Like a lot of our colleagues, I spent the weekend here in Washington as the bipartisan group worked through many final drafting issues, and I appreciate the fact that the members of the group took the time to get the bill as right as possible before introducing it. prgtoken But this legislation was still put together by only a handful of Senators. And unlike traditional highway bills, there are major pieces of this legislation that haven't been through the rigor of a committee process. prgtoken So all Members deserve the chance to weigh in. A number of Senators have raised legitimate concerns about this legislation, such as whether the proposed pay-fors are sufficient to keep this legislation from driving up our debt, and they deserve to have the chance to air those concerns and offer possible solutions. prgtoken Infrastructure legislation is some of the most essential legislation that we consider. Commerce in this country depends on the strength of our infrastructure, from up-to-date electric grids to well-maintained airports and train tracks, ports and waterways, and roads and bridges. prgtoken We need to get this legislation right, and that means giving Members ample time to examine the details of the bill, and it means giving Members the chance to address any problems in the bill through a meaningful amendment process. We shouldn't sacrifice adequate time on this bill merely because the ic leader would like to spend next week jamming a 100-percent partisan piece of legislation through the U.S. Senate. prgtoken Let's honor the bipartisan process that has gotten us this far by finishing this infrastructure bill with a robust, bipartisan amendment process. prgtoken I yield
LEGISLATIVE SESSION
Tommy Tuberville (Republican, AL) \u2014 2021-8-2

when I go back to my hometown of Alabama, I usually ask the people: What is the most important to you? Every day, what is the most important to you? prgtoken And, usually, there is a consensus of three things: a good job, schools for their kids, and safe neighborhoods for their families. That is always what they talk about. prgtoken You know, the fulfillment of these basic aspirations is a foundation of a quality of life, the foundation of the American dream. prgtoken In my relatively short time up here, I have noticed people in this building often lose sight of those three basic items. We waste time bickering over things that, at the end of the day, don't much matter in the grand scheme of things. We engage in bitter partisan commentary, all in the hopes of scoring political points. prgtoken Folks back home can't relate to this because they don't have the luxury to waste time on cheap talk. prgtoken We are witnessing a nationwide surge in crime as we speak. In the last year, homicides have risen upwards of 30 percent--this is unprecedented--and doubled the largest previous increase of 13 percent since 1968. prgtoken There is always more than one factor to consider when analyzing crime trends, but the effect of some ' anti-police rhetoric has been perfectly clear. Just take a look at what is happening across our country as we speak. prgtoken For the last year, we have heard some at every level talk about wanting to defund the police, take money away from them; we have too many of them. In many cities they control, succeeded in reducing policy budgets. They have been very successful. They have told police to stop doing their jobs, to stop enforcing certain laws. prgtoken I have heard say that they want to replace cops with social workers. You know, while I understand the well-intentioned desire to address the root cause of crime, instead of just focusing on the fallout, leaving our police underfunded and ill-equipped is not the solution. prgtoken If someone is attempting to break into my house, I am not calling a social worker to come perform an evaluation and to develop a treatment for the assailant. I am not doing that. prgtoken Too often, we have seen elected officials take the side of radicals burning property, looting small businesses, over the men and women who wear the badge and have sworn to serve and protect our communities. And now we are seeing the consequences all across the country. prgtoken As one report notes, in New York City, murders have increased 47 percent since 2020. Tickets and routine arrests dropped by 90 percent, but requests for police intervention went up by 50 percent. But the police won't go. They are not wanted. prgtoken Murders in Los Angeles this year are up 22 percent, and shootings are up 59 percent. But arrests in Los Angeles have dropped 37 percent since 2020, and are down even more this year. prgtoken In Chicago, murders were up