mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
HONORING DR. MAREK PIENKOWSKI'S 50TH ANNIVERSARY OF LIVING IN THE UNITED STATES
Tim Burchett (Republican, TN) \u2014 2022-1-20

. Madam , today I recognize Dr. Marek Pienkowski, an accomplished medical researcher and a cultural ambassador for Poland. This year he is celebrating his 50th anniversary of living in the United States. prgtoken Dr. Pienkowski earned his M.D. and Ph.D. at the Medical University of Warsaw. In 1972 he migrated to the United States to work with Hilary Koprowski, the inventor of the world's first live Polio vaccine, to research cancer-causing viruses. He later became a post-doctoral fellow in clinical immunology at Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, and in 1984 he established a clinical practice to treat patients with allergies, asthma, and immunological disorders. prgtoken Today, medical research and findings from throughout Dr. Pienkowski's career are widely distributed. He published more than fifty scientific papers and two books, including the Handbook for Human Embryology used by medical students in Poland. prgtoken Dr. Pienkowski was key to expanding cultural, artistic, scientific, and business dialogue between the United States and Poland. He established the Marek Maria Pienkowski Foundation to facilitate cooperation and exchanges between the University of Tennessee's School of Art and fine arts schools in Poland. He also founded PolandNow in Knoxville, a civic organization to promote and strengthen Polish- American relationships. prgtoken During this time, former United States Ambassador to Poland Victor Ashe worked with Dr. Pienkowski to establish Knoxville's Sister City relationship with Chelm, Poland. For his efforts to strengthen U.S.- Poland relations, Dr. Pienkowski earned an Honorary Consul of the Republic of Poland designation from the U.S. Department of State. prgtoken When Dr. Pienkowski left Poland to make the United States his home, he brought with him his passions for helping people and building international relationships. Congratulations to Dr. Pienkowski for an impressive career, and I thank him for his contributions to our community.
Biden Administration (Executive Session)
Dan Sullivan (Republican, AK) \u2014 2022-1-20

today I introduce the S.T.A.N.D. with Taiwan Act of 2022, which would mandate comprehensive and devastating economic and financial sanctions against the Chinese Communist Party, key sectors of China's economy, and leaders in the Chinese Communist Party, if the Chinese People's Liberation Army initiates a military invasion of the island democracy of Taiwan. Representative Mike Gallagher of Wisconsin introduced an identical bill in the House today as well. prgtoken I am hopeful that when my colleagues come back from recess, the vast majority of Senators here, and s, will end up joining me in supporting this important bill. prgtoken Last March, in a Senate Armed Services Committee hearing, I posed this prgtoken question to the INDOPACOM commander, Admiral Davidson: Given the Chinese Communist Party's recent but long list of coercive and even violent actions--a hostile suppression of freedom in Hong Kong, threatening nuclear war with Japan, hand-to-hand combat with Indian soldiers in the Himalayas, economic blockades of Australia, genocide in its own Xinjiang province, [and aggressive naval actions in the South China Sea]--how do such actions impact your analysis [Admiral Davidson] on if and when China would invade Taiwan? prgtoken His response to me in this hearing made news around the world. He called these recent actions by President Xi ``alarming,'' and then he said: I think the threat [of an invasion of Taiwan] is manifest during this decade, in fact, in the next 6 years. prgtoken Six years--that is not a lot of time. The Senate needs to focus on this issue much more. Indeed, this issue is not unrelated to the actions of another dictator--Vladimir Putin--who is right now threatening and likely to invade one of his neighbors--Ukraine. prgtoken Now, some see the defense of Taiwan as a luxury we cannot afford in an age of sharpened and great power competition and China's global economic strength. I reject that view. Importantly, so does American law, particularly the Taiwan Relations Act, which this body passed in 1979 by a vote of 90 to 6. Among other things, it states the following: The United States will consider any effort to determine the future of Taiwan by other than peaceful means . . . a threat to the peace and security of the Western Pacific area and of grave concern. prgtoken The free world cannot be neutral in the contest between freedom and authoritarianism that is once again underway around the world, especially in the Indo-Pacific region. prgtoken American alliances, power, and ingenuity helped build a world that provided more freedom and prosperity to more people than ever before. Think about this fact: The U.S. democracy, bolstered by our strong military, has done more to liberate humankind from oppression and tyranny--literally hundreds of millions of people--than any other force
Biden Administration (Executive Session)
Mike Lee (Republican, UT) \u2014 2022-1-20

I have tremendous respect for my friend and colleague, the distinguished Senator from Connecticut. He and I both acknowledge that the policy we are arguing--the nature of the policy is one in which we have seen something of a tug-of-war, a ping pong match over the years. prgtoken The legislation will put in place or restore the so-called Mexico City policy, prohibiting U.S. foreign aid from going to organizations that perform or advocate for abortion overseas. It is backed by an estimated 75 percent of Americans who don't believe that we should be using U.S. taxpayer dollars especially to further the cause of conducting or advocating for abortions overseas. prgtoken He and I both agree that President has rescinded that. I think where we disagree can be highlighted and traced back to the fact that we call it by different names. He refers to this as prgtoken the gag rule, a gag rule. Now, normally when we think of a gag rule, we think of something that tells someone who is otherwise free to speak that they may not speak. It is, in fact, what happens when we don't allow people to live. It is what happens to all these baby girls who are never allowed to be born precisely because they are female. And make no mistake, when we fund abortions overseas, that is what is happening. It happens a lot in countries that receive our aid in the absence of the Mexico City policy. Some of that goes to these organizations that perform abortions. prgtoken In many of these countries, sex-selective abortions are not only tolerated culturally, they are commonplace. They are excessive. As a result, these baby girls never get to be born. They never get to become women. They never get to speak in the first place. That is a form of gagging. That is not OK. prgtoken Regardless of how you feel about abortion, regardless of whether you think that is a baby, a human life, or whether you think it is something else--I am not sure what else it could be. When someone becomes pregnant, we know that is the potential of what will one day be a human being. Absent a death--whether a natural death or a death brought about by someone's actions or by the operation of a disease or medical condition or surgical intervention in the case of abortion--it is a person. We shouldn't lose sight of that. prgtoken I have difficulty accepting the premise that the only solution to this is continuing to fund organizations that perform or advocate for abortions overseas. I reject the premise that anything we do in this area to withhold those funds will necessarily result in more abortions. prgtoken As far as the suggestion that organizations could receive these funds and still perform abortions and that not translate into U.S. dollars being used to perform abortions, I reject that premise as well for the same reason that I reject the premise that Planned Parenthood isn't using taxpayer dollars to perform abortions. It is. It is spent dif
MARCH FOR LIFE
Steve Chabot (Republican, OH) \u2014 2022-1-20

I thank the gentleman from New Jersey for his long-time leadership in protecting innocent, unborn lives. He was here at the beginning. The fathers of the pro-life movement here in the United States Congress were Chris Smith and Henry Hyde. prgtoken Speaking of Henry Hyde, we have had for a long time something called the Hyde amendment, which basically said U.S. tax dollars could not go to pay for abortions, but we have a radical pro-abortion group of people that control this Congress now. They think that tax dollars ought to go to pay for other people's abortions. prgtoken They also believe that not only should we pay for abortions here in the United States with the people's tax dollars, but they ought to pay for abortions across the globe, and that is a reversal of the Mexico City policy. prgtoken The Supreme Court is currently considering two cases that may fundamentally alter abortion in this country, and it is my hope, my sincere hope, that this Court will finally right a grievous past wrong and give the rights to the most vulnerable among us, the unborn, and protect lives in the future rather than what has happened in the slaughter of over 63 million of our fellow citizens. prgtoken I want to thank Mr. Smith and all the other Members who will be speaking here today for their leadership on this vital, vital issue.
Biden Administration (Executive Session)
John Barrasso (Republican, WY) \u2014 2022-1-20

I come to the floor today to oppose the ' radical agenda. prgtoken For weeks now, America has been breaking records with cases of coronavirus. The scavenger hunt for tests has resulted in long lines and empty shelves. We have just had the worst jobs report of the year-- last year--with inflation at a 40-year high. Crime is out of control in big cities run by . The southern border is being overrun by hundreds of thousands of illegal immigrants every single month. Our foreign policy is in shambles; our friends are endangered; and Vladimir Putin, China, North Korea, and Iran are emboldened. prgtoken The American people are deeply worried about all of these issues. Yet in Washington are offering no solutions on these pressing problems. created many of these crises in the first place, often through incompetence, mismanagement, and weakness. Now, under President , they are making them worse. prgtoken just spent 5 months trying to pass the most expensive spending bill in American history. It was a bill nobody asked for except for the radical base of professional activists. The bill would have led to the largest tax increase in 50 years, trillions of dollars in new spending and new debt, and even higher inflation. prgtoken tried to pass this on the narrowest of margins. failed. As soon as the bill was pronounced dead, scrambled to change the subject. know they can't solve the inflation crisis, the supply chain crisis, the coronavirus crisis, or any of the other disasters created by the administration. By ignoring these problems, they are practically admitting that, as , they have no solutions. prgtoken So what are they doing instead? prgtoken Well, they have tried to manufacture another crisis. They have invented a phony moral panic about election laws. and have repeatedly lied about our elections. They got Major League Baseball to move the All-Star Game to a State. They got Hollywood stars and journalists and wealthy corporations to parrot their talking points. Now they have former Presidents and Clinton getting involved. It has been a shameful effort to frighten the American people and further divide our Nation. prgtoken When was a Presidential candidate, he said he would ``heal the country.'' He said he would ``restore the soul of the nation.'' Just 1 year into his Presidency, we have found out that that was all for show. has been one of the most divisive and partisan Presidents in American history, and, today, he is on track to be the least popular President in modern times. prgtoken I understand why are desperate to change the subject. Yet are failing on the election issue as well. If think they can win on the idea of a Federal election takeover, they are wrong. is so unpopular in Georgia he couldn'
MARCH FOR LIFE
John Joyce (Republican, PA) \u2014 2022-1-20

from New Jersey, Mr. Smith, for his leadership in this incredibly important issue. Year after year he has stood for the unborn. Personally I want to thank him for that leadership. prgtoken , in the 49 years since the case of Roe v. Wade was ruled on by the Supreme Court, 63 million innocent unborn children have lost their lives to abortion. prgtoken Now, members of the radical left are trying to raise the number of abortions performed in the United States by repealing the Hyde amendment, which for decades has ensured that no taxpayer dollars are used to fund this barbaric procedure. prgtoken As a doctor, I swore an oath to ``first, do no harm.'' prgtoken When I was in medical school I swore that I would never perform, assist, or support an abortion procedure. As a medical student, as an intern, as a resident, and as a board certified physician for 25 years, I lived up to that pledge. prgtoken As a legislator in the United States Congress I took a pledge to continue to stand for life. prgtoken Now is the time for Congress to pass legislation that defends the rights of the unborn. prgtoken Now is the time for us to end abortions in this country. prgtoken On this 49th anniversary of Roe v. Wade let us remember the lives that have been lost and recommit ourselves to defending human life.
COMMEMORATION OF DR. MARCY ZWELLING
Pete Sessions (Republican, TX) \u2014 2022-1-20

I rise today out of great respect and mourn the loss of Dr. Marcy Zwelling from California. prgtoken Dr. Zwelling, since 2012, has headed up the National Physicians Council for Healthcare Policy, which is a group of some 570 independent physicians across the country. Dr. Zwelling not only challenged me but challenged all 570 members of the Physicians Council to please advocate on behalf of not only patients but also physicians. She dedicated her service and life not only to patients, attempting to give them the very best of medical help, but also for physicians. Physicians who many times are faced with innumerable challenges, not just to provide service but also in their own lives. prgtoken So it is today I offer to the House of Representatives the great life of Dr. Marcy Zwelling who passed away this last weekend. May she rest in peace. May God bless her life and that which she gave each of us. prgtoken Whether she was helping organize one of the over nine conferences of the National Physicians Council for Healthcare Policy nationwide, developing new screening tools for patients with cancer, or supporting her fellow physicians, Dr. Zwelling served as an inspiration and servant leader for myself and so many others in the medical community. I will miss her leadership and inspiration.
ADDITIONAL STATEMENTS
Rand Paul (Republican, KY) \u2014 2022-1-20

as ranking member of the Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship, each week, I recognize an outstanding Kentucky small business that exemplifies the American entrepreneurial spirit. This week, it is my privilege to recognize the small business, Powell Valley Millwork of Clay City, KY, as the Senate Small Business of the Week. prgtoken Twenty-seven years ago Jim Thornberry and his son Jimmy left the mining industry behind in search of a new venture. Shortly thereafter, Powell Valley Millwork was founded. The Thornberry's started their mill with the desire to harvest a tangible product within a sustainable industry, and that mission has stayed at the heart of their business throughout their decades of growth and success. prgtoken The talent and substance of Powell Valley Millwork draws directly from our State, with the mill focusing on only one species of lumber: poplar. As prgtoken the State tree of Kentucky, poplar is an abundant resource within Appalachia, which makes their location in rural Clay City a prime spot for their operation. Often referred to as ``the painter's wood,'' poplar is known for its clear grain, smooth milling, and paint-taking qualities. The versatile and fine nature of the wood allows Powell Valley Millwork to supply consumers with a wide variety of interior- trim products, such as stretcher bars, door and window jambs, stair parts, cabinetry components, primed finger-joint interior trim, and more. In creating all these products, the Powell Valley millworkers make sure nothing goes to waste. Poplar can be safely used as animal bedding which means the mill's offcuts, those that are not already being used to fuel the company's wood drying kilns, are turned into shavings. These shavings are then bagged and shipped out by the truck load to be sold in a wide variety of retail outlets. prgtoken This Powell County mill maintains their technology at a topnotch standard. In 2019 the owners invested in a new addition to the team: a sophisticated scanning rough mill line from Eagle Machinery & Supply, Inc. The new rough mill line is able to process 65,000 board feet of lumber in a single 8-hour shift with only six people required to operate it. The joint project between Powell and Eagle, both family companies, demonstrates that U.S. machinery manufacturers can successfully compete with Europeans in providing world-class technology to the North American wood processing industry. prgtoken The Thornberrys keep their eye on efficiency and progress, opening up ownership of the company to experts outside the family, including Brian Lambert, Powell Valley Mill's General manager, and Dale Budke, the mill's operations manager. As fellow owners of the company, these gentleman provide the expertise necessary for navigating the growing Kentucky lumber industry. In 2019 Powell Valley Millwork acquired the Metrie Poplar manufacturing facility in nearby Jeffersonville, KY. With a n
TRIBUTE TO LINDA WILSON
Lisa Murkowski (Republican, AK) \u2014 2022-1-20

I rise today to recognize and congratulate Linda Wilson, who recently retired from the U.S. Department of Education after over 33 years of service to the American people. prgtoken Linda earned a degree from University of Arizona in 1980 before embarking on a career dedicated to public service. Linda began her service as a congressional staffer for Representative Millicent Fenwick from her home State of New Jersey. She then served the people of Illinois as a legislative aide for Representative Bob Michel. In 1989, Linda began her service at the U.S. Department of Education, engaging with State and local officials and congressional offices in both the Intergovernmental Affairs Office and the Office of Legislation and Congressional Affairs, serving 9 of the 12 U.S. Secretaries of Education across political parties. prgtoken Linda has been an indispensable resource in my work on the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee and the Senate Appropriations Committee, of which I am a member. She assisted me to solve innumerable problems and concerns important to my constituents. She provided information about various administrations' implementation of important Federal programs, such as the Alaska Native Educational Equity Program, the Native American Language program, the State-Tribal Education Partnership program, and Impact Aid, in addition to providing insight into the Department's budget priorities. In addition to her expertise on these issues, she always approached my questions and concerns with the utmost diligence and attention, providing the support necessary for me to craft legislation that meets the needs of my constituents and the American people. prgtoken I am grateful for Linda's professionalism and dedication. I thank her and congratulate her on her upcoming retirement and wish her well in the future.
Cloture Motion (Executive Session)
James Lankford (Republican, OK) \u2014 2022-1-20

to the Chair, we will as a nation process through this in the days ahead. This body has very strict laws that cover my State and many other States for a lot of other things. prgtoken In my State, if you go to build a building in the southeast part of my State, you have to do frequent inspections to make sure the burying beetle is not going to be harmed in that area because it is considered threatened. prgtoken If you are in the western part of my State, you can't build certain buildings in certain places or carry out certain farming activities because the lesser prairie-chicken is there. prgtoken If you are in California, they pour their water--their great water-- out of the mountains into the ocean because if they don't, it may harm the smelt. prgtoken If you are building a bridge in Oklahoma, at certain times of the year, and a migratory bird puts up a nest in that construction area, you have to stop construction, because migratory bird eggs are valuable, burying beetles are valuable, prairie-chickens are valuable, smelts are available, but we throw children in the trash. prgtoken We have got to figure this out as a nation, and, currently, we seem to be afraid to talk about it or even to protect the rights of individuals who disagree about this in the workplace. We have got to figure this out as a nation. prgtoken .
UNITED STATES AID TO TALIBAN
Doug LaMalfa (Republican, CA) \u2014 2022-1-20

under recent comments President made about his first year, he talked about under-promising and over- delivering. prgtoken Given what the year looks like, please, , under-deliver. prgtoken , our country has seen unprecedented crisis and record inflation, supply chain disruptions, price surges, gas and energy costs going through the roof, food supply shortages, empty shelves everywhere, higher prices. prgtoken Unfortunately, the failures of 's first year in office isn't limited to just the United States alone. No, he hastily evacuated our troops from Afghanistan, leaving behind as many as 14,000 U.S. citizens and legal residents and friends, as well as billions of dollars of countless weapons of ours that have fallen into the hands of the Taliban. So over 20 years of a record of Taliban and they get all these weapons to use against us or our friends in the neighborhood. prgtoken If this is not bad enough, the administration is now proposing to send over $300 million in foreign aid, basically, to the Taliban regime to do all the great things they have been doing. People in Afghanistan do need help, but we know the funds or food we send over there will go straight into the wrong hands. prgtoken We need to have a better chain of supply to help them than what the administration is proposing. The nonprofit rescue group known as Save Our Allies has been working tirelessly to rescue those left behind by President 's disaster over there. They warn that the funds and supplies will not go into the hands of the average Afghan but, instead, straight into the hands of the Taliban. We need to rethink this.