mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
LEGISLATIVE SESSION
Thomas R. Carper (Democrat, DE) \u2014 2021-2-4

unfortunately, I must rise in opposition to Braun amendment 833 this evening. On its face, this amendment would prohibit the EPA and the Council on Environmental Quality from issuing any regulation or guidance that would ban oil and gas fracking. prgtoken President has stated repeatedly that he does not support a blanket ban on fracking. He has said that we should capture the methane that emanates from fracking, not ban the practice all together. prgtoken Let me give you his exact words. This is 's words: ``Let me be clear, and I know this always comes up, we're not going to ban fracking.'' prgtoken The amendment, as written, before us appears to go beyond just prohibiting EPA and the Council on Environmental Quality from issuing regs to ban oil and gas fracking. The effect here would actually go beyond that and prevent the Federal Government from regulating emissions of methane and air toxics that are related to fracking. prgtoken I encourage my colleagues to not vote for this hasty and unnecessary amendment. Methane is 85 times more dangerous than carbon dioxide. We should be controlling it, not allowing it to go up into the air. Vote on Amendment No. 833
MORNING BUSINESS
Chris Van Hollen (Democrat, MD) \u2014 2021-2-4

I opposed amendment No. 54 proposed by Senator Young because it could prevent more than 3.5 million American citizens with Social Security numbers, including 2 million children, from receiving vital relief if anyone else in their household lacks a Social Security number or uses an Individual Taxpayer Identification number to file their taxes. Before Congress passed an omnibus Covid relief package in December 2020, these mixed-status families were excluded from receiving economic impact payments, including their American citizen children. It is simply wrong and constitutionally suspect to discriminate against this group of American citizens. Amendment No. 48 prgtoken , I opposed amendment No. 48 proposed by Senator Blunt. Getting our kids back in school is an urgent priority. Children, parents, and educators all struggle with remote learning, especially when far too many children don't have adequate access to the internet. But if we are to open safely and keep kids in school, we must follow evidence-based public health guidance from experts that protects all members of our school communities: students, parents, educators, and staff, alike. Vaccines for educators is a critical step, but schools must have the necessary guidance and resources to implement mitigation strategies to safely reopen, including funds for ventilation improvements, PPE, and robust testing and contact tracing. This amendment would be counterproductive--dangerously penalizing schools, disregarding State and local public health guidance, and blocking access to billions of dollars for our educators and students when they need it most. prgtoken The administration has called for cross-agency collaboration to provide guidance and for Congress to provide an additional $ 130 billion in emergency K-12 funding, so our schools can safely return to in-person learning. American families, children, and educators can't afford for us to waste any more time; it is time for Congress to act.
INSURRECTION IN THE CAPITOL
Peter Welch (Democrat, VT) \u2014 2021-2-4

. Madam , it was an extraordinary day that started out quite beautiful for me. I live across the street, right next to the Supreme Court; and every day, almost without fail, there are demonstrators out on the Supreme Court who are peaceful. Some of them I agree with and some of them I disagree with, but it is a beautiful sight to see people exercising their First Amendment right. prgtoken That was a beautiful day, January 6, and I had time. We weren't scheduled to be here in the House until about 1 p.m. So I did something that is a privilege and just a joy for those of us who serve here in the Capitol. I took a walk from the Supreme Court to the Capitol, down to the Washington Monument, to the Lincoln Memorial, and back. prgtoken Of course, the protesters at that point were there, as it was their right to be. But on the way back, I became somewhat alarmed because when I got to the White House, it was really much more like a mob with many folks with bullhorns talking about hanging and using horrible epithets I can't mention here directed towards Nancy Pelosi. prgtoken As they came back toward 4th Street, I came in sight of--and was standing by--two groups of people who were about 70 strong and were practicing marching in military formation, and as they marched, they were chanting, again, a word I can't use here, F those people, talking about the people in this building. prgtoken As Ms. Ocasio-Cortez said, people in this building were workers. They were Capitol Police who were in this building because they had to do an hour-and-a-half commute to do this job to protect this building that belongs to the people of this country so they could then pay the bills for their family and make that hour-and-a-half commute back. It was the cafeteria workers. It was everyday, hardworking, wonderful Americans. prgtoken Now, at that point I still didn't think anything about it because it never occurred to me, with all the anger and hostility I saw with those groups of people who were marching in a formation, that when I was later sitting up in that gallery with many of my colleagues as the proceedings were taking place, that this building would be invaded. I took it for granted that that just couldn't happen. prgtoken Of course, it did. The first sign we had of something amiss is when we saw the security people for our leadership--the , the minority leader, and our majority leader--rush them off the floor. We on the floor and in the gallery still had no idea what was going on. prgtoken Now, in retrospect, we find out the west side of the building was being breached, and one of the police officers said it was like a castle storming. prgtoken Mr. McGovern took the chair and began to continue the process of certification of the election until one of the Capitol Police officers told us that teargas had been fired, that people had breached the building, get out the gas mask, and lie on the floor. prgtoken Then I saw Cap
HONORING ELOISE ABRAHAMS DURING BLACK HISTORY MONTH
Darren Soto (Democrat, FL) \u2014 2021-2-4

. Madam , in honor of Black History Month, I would like to recognize Joshua J. Myers. prgtoken Joshua J. Myers is a not-for-profit leader with over 14 years of marketing communications, fundraising, and sales management experience. Throughout his career, Joshua has been featured as a commentator for print, radio and television, and other mediums promoting health education and disease prevention. prgtoken Through his work, Joshua seeks to promote his passion for connecting people to health and wellness resources that improve their lives, especially those disproportionately affected by health disparities. prgtoken Currently, Joshua serves as the Development and Communications Director at Hope and Health Center of Central Florida, Inc a medical clinic with operations throughout Florida. prgtoken Joshua holds a bachelor's degree in theater and communications from the College at Brockport, SUNY, a master's in communications and media technologies from the Rochester Institute of Technology, and a master's in arts management from the University of Buffalo, SUNY, at which he was the Arthur A. Schomburg fellow. prgtoken He currently resides in Altamonte Springs, Florida, and enjoys reading, cooking, fitness, and the beach. prgtoken For that and more, Mr. Joshua J. Myers, we honor you. Honoring Angela Eady
STATEMENTS ON INTRODUCED BILLS AND JOINT RESOLUTION
Jack Reed (Democrat, RI) \u2014 2021-2-4

today I am introducing the Layoff Prevention Act. This bill would extend the financing and grant provisions for work sharing that I authored and worked to include in the Middle Class Tax Relief and Job Creation Act of 2012, and, most recently, the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act. prgtoken The concept of work sharing is simple. It helps people who are currently employed--but in danger of being laid off--to keep their jobs. By giving struggling companies the flexibility to reduce hours instead of their workforce, work sharing programs prevent layoffs and help employers save money on rehiring costs. Employees who participate in work sharing keep their jobs and receive a portion of Unemployment Insurance benefits to make up for lost wages. This prevents layoffs, saves employers rehiring costs, and costs states only a fraction of what it would if workers went on unemployment full-time. prgtoken Financing for work sharing programs was included in the CARES Act and extended through March 14, 2021 in the most recent COVID-19 relief legislation enacted in December. The legislation I am introducing today would build upon what is currently in law, by enacting a five-year extension of financing for permanent work sharing programs, and a two- year extension for temporary programs. This revised Layoff Prevention Act will also double funding to support states that are implementing work sharing programs, from $100 million, as provided in the CARES Act, to $200 million. prgtoken I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting passage of this bill-- which will continue to spur our recovery from the pandemic--by keeping American workers on the job, saving taxpayers money, and providing employers with a practical and cost-effective alternative to layoffs.
LEGISLATIVE SESSION
Edward J. Markey (Democrat, MA) \u2014 2021-2-4

I am here to emphasize just how important this budget resolution is to unlocking opportunity for millions of children across our country. I am here to shine a bright light on a problem that predates the coronavirus but that has been severely exacerbated by the ongoing pandemic. I am speaking about the homework gap experienced by as many as 12 million children in the United States, who, right now, today, nearly a year into this public health emergency, still do not have internet access at home and are unable to participate in online learning. prgtoken This is a national disgrace, and it is going to come back to haunt our Nation for a generation. Children should not be missing the third grade because they are not connected. They should not be missing the fifth grade. They are going to pay a huge, long-term price because of that lack of connectivity. Before the pandemic, these students were at an educational disadvantage already because they could not complete homework assignments that required internet access after class, but, today, the problem is exacerbated with most schools being closed and household kitchen tables becoming virtual classrooms during the pandemic. Even as we try to safely reopen schools in the weeks and months ahead, distance learning is not going away both because of the continuing health crisis and the need to make up for severe learning loss during these past 11 months. prgtoken The bottom line is that, if a young student has no internet connection or device, she cannot learn. That means that those 12 million students in America, right now, without connectivity, who are disproportionately from communities of color, low-income households, and rural areas, are falling further behind in their studies every single day that this pandemic continues. prgtoken There is no reason the country that invented the internet cannot provide it to children who need it to learn and to develop. We as a society simply cannot allow an 8-year-old to miss the third grade because she does not have the internet at home. These vulnerable students are no longer facing just a homework gap; they are facing a learning gap, and it will likely become an opportunity gap for the rest of their lives because those opportunities come from a good education. To close this gap and correct this educational injustice, we must immediately connect these students to the internet. Given its history and success, it is just common sense that we use the E-rate Program as a guide to connect students where they are currently learning--at home. prgtoken The E-rate, which already connects schools and libraries to the internet, is a trusted program, deliberately designed to require an equitable distribution of funding to our most vulnerable communities, urban and rural, blue and red. I created the program more than two decades ago, and it has since invested more than $52 billion in the educational connectivity for children,
IMPROVING DISTRIBUTION OF COVID-19 VACCINES
Ann M. Kuster (Democrat, NH) \u2014 2021-2-5

across the United States, Americans are finally seeing the administration of COVID-19 vaccines improve after a slow rollout. prgtoken The development of two highly effective vaccines in under 1 year is an unprecedented scientific accomplishment, but this effort is only truly recognized when we can get vaccine into the arm of every American who wants it. prgtoken That is why the first piece of legislation I introduced this year, the Coronavirus Vaccine and Therapeutic Development Act, would dramatically boost Federal investment in manufacturing and distribution of the COVID-19 vaccine. prgtoken There is no greater public health priority than getting this vaccine into the arms of every American, and I am committed to working with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to ensure the equitable distribution of the vaccine. prgtoken To improve the facilitation of vaccine distribution, I have also introduced bipartisan legislation with my colleague, Dr. Larry Bucshon, that would improve and expand information-sharing between State and Federal governments to ensure that vaccines are being administered effectively and efficiently. prgtoken I urge my colleagues to join both of these bills so that we can save lives and get our economy back on track.
NATIONAL APPRENTICESHIP ACT OF 2021
Mark Pocan (Democrat, WI) \u2014 2021-2-5

as a proud member of the International Union of Painters and Allied Trades, as a co-chair of the Labor Caucus, and a proud member of the Education and Labor Committee, I rise in strong support of the National Apprenticeship Act. prgtoken With such high unemployment, the bill before us seeks to invest $3.5 billion over 5 years to expand access to registered apprenticeships across America. Almost 1 million new apprenticeship opportunities will result from the enactment of this bill, leading to good-paying, family- supporting jobs across the country. prgtoken So what are registered apprenticeships? prgtoken Well, they are a great way to earn and learn. You get paid for your work while learning the skills you need to master your trade at the same time. Not everyone chooses a path of higher education, but everyone wants to earn a good family-supporting wage for their hard work. Apprenticeships are a perfect way for many who fit this definition. From medical work to construction and more, apprenticeships mean advanced opportunities for so many. prgtoken My home State of Wisconsin is a pioneer in this area. We enacted the Nation's first apprenticeship law in 1911. The results of our experience back home have been clear: They lead to a stronger, smarter, and more skilled workforce. prgtoken Federally, the case for supporting registered apprenticeships is compelling. According to data from the Department of Labor, 94 percent of people who complete a registered apprenticeship are employed upon completion, and their average starting wage is above $70,000. prgtoken We were fortunate to support more than 14,000 apprenticeships in Wisconsin last year for over 3,000 employers and over 200 occupations. I look forward to that total growing dramatically following the enactment of today's bill. prgtoken I urge all of my colleagues to vote for this bill. prgtoken , I include in the Record this letter of support for the National Apprenticeship Act from the AFL-CIO.
IN RECOGNITION OF MARK GRAZIADIO FOR HIS LIFETIME OF SERVICE TO NORTHEASTERN PENNSYLVANIA
Matt Cartwright (Democrat, PA) \u2014 2021-2-5

. Madam , I rise today to recognize former Wayne County Commissioner Mark Graziadio for his lifetime of service to his fellow citizens. Mark was enjoying his well-deserved retirement with his wife of 46 years, Susan Jayne Bunnell Graziadio, in Cape Coral, Florida when he unexpectedly passed away on January 18, 2021. prgtoken Mark was born in Hancock, New York to Rita Laverne Fisher Graziadio and Vincent Sebastian Graziadio on July 6, 1953. He attended Catholic schools in Hancock, New York and Honesdale, Pennsylvania before graduating from Scranton Preparatory School in 1971. He received his Bachelor of Science degree in accounting from the University of Scranton in 1977. prgtoken Mark began his professional career at Giant Markets. During his time at the market from 1971 to 1986, he held many positions that were integral to store operations, including clerk, night shift manager, third man, and assistant manager. As point of sale coordinator, prgtoken he installed and trained employees on the use of the first scanning registers in Northeastern Pennsylvania. prgtoken In 1983, Mark joined the Honesdale National Bank (HNB), and in 2018, he retired as vice president and marketing director. At HNB, he launched a marketing strategy that used radio ads to promote community events. He used the banking acumen he acquired at HNB to teach banking courses at local colleges and at Dickinson College in Carlisle, Bucknell University in Lewisburg, and Penn State in State College through the Pennsylvania Bankers Association. He also spoke at businesses and nonprofits on a variety of topics, including customer service, team building, and marketing. prgtoken Mark was interested in politics. He actively engaged with the political process by serving on committees on the local and state levels and ran for local office in Honesdale and Wayne County. In 1999, he ran a successful campaign for Wayne County Commissioner and served from 2000 to 2003. prgtoken Mark was dedicated to his local community and sought to give back to his friends and neighbors by devoting his time to local charity organizations and advocacy groups. He served as the president of the Wayne County Habitat for Humanity; an officer, board member, and member of the Executive Committee for the NEPA Alliance; a member of the Honesdale Jaycees; a youth basketball coach and champion Little League coach; chairman of the Wayne County Big Brothers/Big Sisters; and president of the Scranton Chapter of the American Institute of Banking (AIB). For his efforts, Mark received many awards and recognitions, including Jaycee of the Year and the Wayne County Chamber's Community Service Award. prgtoken I am humbled to honor the life of this true public servant. Mark was steadfast in his determination to give back to this community and generous with his time and energy, and he had a sense of humor that delighted all who had the privilege of knowing him. Mark will be greatly missed, but h
NATIONAL APPRENTICESHIP ACT OF 2021
Susan Wild (Democrat, PA) \u2014 2021-2-5

in November of last year, I stood in this Chamber to support this legislation, the bipartisan National Apprenticeship Act. The House passed it, but the Senate failed to put it up for a vote. We need to seize this opportunity. prgtoken Revitalizing our apprenticeship system is not a ic or priority. It is a national priority for workers across our country. It is essential to our task of building an economy that provides a wider, sturdier bridge to the middle class. prgtoken For every dollar invested in our registered apprenticeship system, we see a return of $28 in benefits. But the U.S. invests only $195 of public money per apprentice, while our Canadian neighbors spend $1,300 per apprentice. We are leaving too many communities behind and at risk of getting outpaced in the world economy. prgtoken Now is the time to invest in the American worker. This bill makes long-term investments and provides grants for employers to incentivize the hiring of apprentices, and it provides workers with the opportunity to earn while they learn and obtain portable credentials without incurring significant debt. prgtoken , I urge a ``yes'' vote on this bill.
NATIONAL APPRENTICESHIP ACT OF 2021
Marcy Kaptur (Democrat, OH) \u2014 2021-2-5

I rise in strong support for H.R. 447, the National Apprenticeship Act of 2021. prgtoken In the middle of this global pandemic and economic crisis, Americans need hope and they need work. Today's legislation is a meaningful step to increase access to registered apprenticeships. Apprenticeships remain one of the most successful workforce development programs for new entrants and those seeking a new career. prgtoken According to the Department of Labor, 94 percent of people who complete apprenticeships are employed upon completion and earn an average salary of over $70,000. As a Representative for the cities of Toledo, Lorain, Sandusky, Cleveland, and Parma, all of which boast a strong automotive heritage, it is difficult to overemphasize the value of these apprenticeships for young people and adults starting careers in the automotive trades. prgtoken So whether it is the expertise to rebuild an engine, replace a battery in a hybrid vehicle, perfect biofuels, or TIG weld the rear quarter panel of an old Wagoneer, there will always be a market for skilled craftspeople who can repair or restore modern and classic vehicles, and invent the vehicles of the future, as happened with my own brother, Steve, who did it for many years as a race car driver and a patent holder. prgtoken I strongly support this legislation for over a million apprenticeship opportunities over the next 5 years to strengthen this economy and bring people the skills that are needed to operate successful enterprises.