mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
NOMINATION OF TRACY STONE-MANNING
John Barrasso (Republican, WY) \u2014 2021-7-22

I come to the floor today to oppose the nomination of Tracy Stone-Manning to be the Director of the Bureau of Land Management. prgtoken This morning, the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee voted on her nomination. Every on the committee voted no. Before our business meeting was over, Senator Schumer came to this floor, to that desk, and he praised this nominee to the skies. President and the have wrapped their arms around this nomination, and they won't let go. prgtoken So the question is, Who is this nominee whom the are embracing and every voted against? Well, Tracy Stone-Manning is a graduate student who collaborated with ecoterrorists. Now, these are people who hammered hundreds of metal spikes--500 pounds of metal spikes--into trees in our national forest in Idaho. This is the kind of metal spike that they used--10 inches long, very thick; 500 pounds of these into the national forest. prgtoken Tree spiking involves nailing, hammering these rods into a tree. What happened? Why did they do that? Well, they want to stop progress in terms of logging. They want to stop progress in terms of firefighting. Because if a logger or a firefighter were to hit this rod with a chain saw, the chain saw would shatter. Devastating injuries have occurred as a result. If the saws used in timber mills or sawmills were to hit one of these as they are planing through the tree to produce boards, the entire blade shatters. It has been described to me by someone who has worked in one of these mills--it is like a hand grenade going off, damaging people all around in the vicinity. Well, the results can be fatal, and there are examples around the country where this has actually happened. Now, even the Washington Post has labeled tree spiking as ecoterrorism. prgtoken Tracy Stone-Manning, as a member of a radical group, edited, typed, and then anonymously sent a profanity-laced letter threatening the U.S. Forest Service. Here are just a few quotes from the letter. prgtoken She typed: You bastards go in there anyway and a lot of people could get hurt. prgtoken She typed: I would be more than willing to pay you a dollar for the sale, but you would have to find me first and that could be your WORST nightmare. prgtoken This is the letter she typed to the U.S. Forest Service. She then mailed this threatening letter to the target of the tree spiking, and the target was the U.S. Forest Service. prgtoken She and her circle were investigated. They were investigated for their involvement with this ring of ecoterrorists and this ecoterrorist attack that actually occurred to the U.S. forest. She was subpoenaed. She was ordered to give hair sampling, palm sampling, handwriting sampling, and fingerprint samples to the investigators. prgtoken She knew full well who the tree spikers were, and she could have easily gone to the authorities to identify
WE NEED TO REIN IN SPENDING
Michelle Steel (Republican, CA) \u2014 2021-7-22

I rise today to talk about rising inflation and the burden this is having on American taxpayers. prgtoken President promised not to raise taxes on middle-class Americans, but the rising price of essentials like groceries, gas, and appliances are making our paychecks worth less. prgtoken Gas prices are up 45.1 percent. prgtoken In my home State of California, gas is more than $1 higher than the national average. We already pay some of the highest taxes in the country. prgtoken And make no mistake, this inflation is a hidden tax on every single American. prgtoken Despite these rising costs that American families are paying the price for, President has insisted that the solution is to spend trillions more. prgtoken American families are going to continue feeling the consequences as long as President 's reckless tax-and-spending spree continues. We need to rein in spending and lower taxes for prgtoken those we serve, not spend trillions and leave future generations in debt.
ISSUES OF THE DAY
Louie Gohmert (Republican, TX) \u2014 2021-7-22

I appreciate my friend, Member of Congress, Kat Cammack. She has expressed so articulately what I have seen, what I have experienced so many times spending the night on the border, going down those dirt roads along the Rio Grande. It is incredible. prgtoken And some would think, Oh, well, isn't it compassionate to encourage people to come to the United States. It is the most unneighborly, uncompassionate thing that we could do. These are people who--other than the gang members, those who are part of the cartels, those coming from groups in the Middle East and other places that don't have U.S. interests at heart, but so many of them, they are looking for a better way of life. prgtoken Why do they not have a better way of life where they are, including, especially, Mexico? Well, it is because of the unsecured border we have that allows the Mexican drug cartels to make tens of billions of dollars every year coming from America for the drugs, for the fentanyl that kills, for the sex trafficking, for the human trafficking. We are funding the corruption in Mexico. prgtoken , when my wife and I had our honeymoon, we didn't have much money at all; $300 got us 5 nights, 6 days in a fabulous place in Mexico. But we don't go back because the drug cartels no longer say hands off of the tourism. prgtoken Mexico is being devastated by the drug cartels. And it is America and administrations like this that are allowing them--actually making it possible--not just allowing, making it possible. Some might say they are truly accessories to the corruption, to the criminality that is going on. prgtoken And in fact, evidence of that comes from the fact that as border patrol had told me before, before this administration when they used to talk to me and never ever tried to prevent me from getting to the border and seeing exactly what is going on--that has all changed now. This administration did not allow me, two nights in a row, trying to get to the border, as I have done countless times before--wouldn't let me get there. In fact, used the place where normally you get down from the embankment, go through the wall that is being constructed by the administration, go down through the flat area, and then you come up to the levee road, and then that allows you to get miles and miles down the dirt roads along the Rio Grande where thousands of people are coming across. prgtoken And they didn't allow it this time. They used the wall, not to keep out illegal aliens, but to keep me from seeing the outrageous travesties and tragedies that are going along our border, because people are being lured to their detriment. In tort law, it would be called an attractive nuisance; like having a swimming pool and having no fence so that a child is drawn in and then drowns. prgtoken Well, this administration is luring people to their detriment. And I have been there many nights, it is not on the list of questions that is required to be asked, bu
LEGISLATIVE PROGRAM
Steve Scalise (Republican, LA) \u2014 2021-7-22

as we look at those bills coming to the floor next week, frankly, they would make those problems worse. I know when we talk about the inflation side--we talk about inflation, because it is the thing we hear the most when we talk to our constituents back home, because regardless of the statistics, the data is little solace if you see your dollar going for less further, less far. In fact, you see your dollar not going as far because whatever you are making, you are spending even more money than you were spending before and waiting longer to get things because of these policies. prgtoken In fact, the spending itself is part of the problem that is leading to inflation. People get that. And so they look at these multitrillion- dollar spending bills and they are starting to ask the questions: What is really in those bills? If it is not things to help my family, because I am paying more with all of this new spending, what is in it? prgtoken We just found out today there are millions of dollars in the bill that is coming to the floor next week specifically just for one entity, Planned Parenthood of Mar Monte, San Jose, California; Planned Parenthood, the largest provider of abortions in the country. So not only is Hyde being discarded, the mutually agreed upon, bipartisan, and not just Henry Hyde with a few other people. Henry Hyde passed this in the 1970s under a majority. and s said taxpayer funding shouldn't be used to provide abortions, and it had always been sacrosanct in spending bills that this Congress passed, and , since that time until now. prgtoken So not only are they gutting Hyde in the bill, but they are putting millions of dollars into Planned Parenthood by name. This is what drives people nuts when they see that kind of spending and a disconnect because they are paying more money for regular household goods. And instead of us confronting that on the floor, they see this kind of spending that is generational, because it is the next generation that will have to pay for it. Because as much as it seems this majority wants to raise taxes to spend more money, even all the taxes that would run more jobs out of this country don't cover all of this kind of radical spending. prgtoken I would hope we go a different direction. We surely will be opposing that kind of radical spending and it surely won't be helping those families who just want answers, who just want to see relief from the problems that they are facing. prgtoken .
HONORING WENDY BALDO
Andy Biggs (Republican, AZ) \u2014 2021-7-22

. Madam , I rise today in honor of a longtime friend, Wendy Baldo, who will soon begin her well-deserved retirement. prgtoken Wendy first came to work in Arizona state government in 1988, during the administration of Governor Rose Mofford. In 1993, she began her long and distinguished career with the Arizona State Senate. In 2009, Wendy was hired as chief of staff for the legislative body, a role in which she has now served for more than 12 years. prgtoken I came to know Wendy while serving in the Arizona state legislature from 2002 to 2016. My election to the Arizona Senate in 2010 provided me the opportunity to work under Wendy's guidance, and she continued to serve as my chief of staff for the four years I served as Arizona Senate President. Wendy was always a trusted advisor. She staunchly protected the institution of the Senate and was the fierce, loyal ally every leader needs. It is a rare occurrence in the Arizona Senate for a chief of staff to serve multiple Senate presidents. Wendy's service to five presidents is a true testament to her character and caliber. prgtoken The knowledge and expertise Wendy has accumulated in her years in the Arizona Senate are an invaluable resource. Her retirement, while well- deserved, will undoubtedly be a loss for the Senate. I thank Wendy for her many years of service to the people of Arizona and wish her well in this next phase of her life.
ACTIONS AND RESULTS SPEAK LOUDER THAN WORDS
Fred Keller (Republican, PA) \u2014 2021-7-22

actions and results speak louder than words. prgtoken In the months since President first called for unity and bipartisan cooperation, the President's and 's reckless tax-and- spend policies have hurt middle-class families and small businesses. These are the very people they profess to want to help the most. prgtoken For the third straight month, the cost of living in America has continued to increase, the highest rate of inflation we have witnessed since 2008. prgtoken Compared to last year, gas prices are up 45 percent. Food prices have increased 2\1/2\ percent. The price of an automobile is up 45 percent for a used car. Americans know they are paying more for what they need to live every day while their paychecks have decreased by almost 2 percent. prgtoken Americans are spending more and getting less. This inflation is a hidden tax and a pay cut on every American family. And the effects of these are felt hardest by our senior citizens and people living on fixed incomes. prgtoken The cost-of-living adjustment for Social Security this year was barely 1 percent, but rising consumer prices have outpaced that increase by more than four times.
PAYING FOR INFRASTRUCTURE
Devin Nunes (Republican, CA) \u2014 2021-7-22

I thank the gentleman from Arizona for giving some extended time to recognize Jerry Lewis, who was a statesman, a Congressman from the Inland Empire, a good friend to all of us. prgtoken Jerry really was a one-man institution on Capitol Hill, having served in the House for more than 30 years. Jerry was extremely effective at serving his constituents. He always kept his constituents in the Inland Empire in mind, and he was always popular with them. Jerry never lost and never received less than 61 percent of his vote in any of his congressional races. prgtoken Jerry was a veteran Congressman, and when I first came to the House in 2003, I actually already knew him, because, as was typical of Jerry, he liked to work with young people. At the time in the eighties and nineties, him and Congressman Bill Thomas from Bakersfield, they would organize conferences for young people to teach them about policy and politics. And I went to many of those events, which I have fond memories of, and when I look back at that, those were really important events in my life that probably inspired me in some way to ultimately serve with Jerry. I will always be thankful for that. prgtoken When I did come to Washington as a Representative, Jerry became a close friend, a mentor. Jerry taught me the ropes and how to assimilate and deal with sometimes the strange ways of doing things around here. prgtoken Also, back home in California, there are many times that I had the opportunity to visit both Jerry, his wife Arlene, Mr. Calvert, memorable times at dinner doing constituent events, getting to know his area and always focusing as a whole on how we could do things better in California and work together. prgtoken Jerry ultimately became one of the most influential and well- respected Members of the House, earning admiration and affection on both sides of the political aisle and serving his long tenure with distinction. prgtoken Jerry was a good friend and a true statesman who will be missed not only in these Halls of Congress but also, as well, in California. prgtoken I thank the gentleman from Arizona for yielding, and I also thank Mr. Calvert for organizing this tribute to Mr. Lewis.
NOMINATIONS OF HELAINE ANN GREENFELD AND CHRISTOPHER H. SCHROEDER
Chuck Grassley (Republican, IA) \u2014 2021-7-26

I intend to object to any unanimous consent request relating to the nomination of Helaine Ann Greenfeld, to be an Assistant Attorney General at the Department of Justice, PN459, and Christopher H. Schroeder, to be an Assistant Attorney General at the Department of Justice, PN370. prgtoken Last week, at the Senate Judiciary Committee's executive business meeting, I noted my intent to vote for both nominees but object to any unanimous consent request for their confirmation. Ms. Greenfeld will lead the Justice Department's Office of Legislative Affairs and Mr. Schroeder will lead the Justice Department's Office of Legal Counsel. Both of these components are at the heart of my congressional oversight requests and the Department's failure to respond. I have made this decision clearly not on the basis of their credentials but on the basis of the Justice Department's failure to respond to congressional oversight requests. prgtoken To date, the Justice Department has failed to provide a full and complete response to any of my oversight requests. I said the same thing when I objected to any unanimous consent request relating to the Kenneth Polite nomination on June 22, 2021. Nothing has changed. prgtoken For example, on July 15, 2021, my staff had yet another call with the Justice Department's Office of Legislative Affairs, the very office Ms. Greenfeld will be in charge of. On that call, the Department wanted to know why I had a hold on Mr. Polite and whether they could do anything to change my mind. My staff made clear to the Department that the issues before them are quite simple: Attorney General Garland must respond to my oversight letters and records requests. prgtoken The Department asked for that call with my staff, and the Department did not provide my staff a substantive update on any of my oversight requests. It is absurd for the Department to schedule a call relating to my hold on Mr. Polite, which was done due to the Department's consistent failure to respond to my oversight requests, and then have no updates relating to any of my oversight requests. prgtoken As one of many examples of unanswered questions and requests, on February 3, 2021, and March 9, 2021, Senator Johnson and I requested information from the Justice Department relating to Nicholas McQuaid. Mr. McQuaid was Acting Assistant Attorney General for the Criminal Division, the position Mr. Polite now holds. In those letters, we raised concerns about potential conflicts of interest in light of the fact that Mr. McQuaid was employed at Latham & Watkins until January 20, 2021, and worked with Christopher Clark, whom Hunter reportedly hired to work on his Federal criminal case. prgtoken This arrangement presents an ongoing potential conflict of interest given the fact Mr. McQuaid is still employed at the Criminal Division as the Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General. A core function of congressional oversight is to ensure
Mike Enzi (Executive Session)
Mitch McConnell (Republican, KY) \u2014 2021-7-26

this weekend, we received the bad news that our friend and former colleague, Mike Enzi, was involved in a serious accident while riding his bicycle. prgtoken Mike's colleagues on both sides of the aisle were sorry enough to see him depart the Chamber and begin his well-earned next chapter just a few months ago. Mike and Diana were a fantastic Senate couple in every respect, from major legislative accomplishments to the generosity and kindness they showed to everyone from Senate staff to the pages. So I know Members on both sides of the aisle are very much thinking of Mike at this time. We pray for his health and for the entire Enzi family
HONORING THE 150TH ANNIVERSARY OF COLORADO SPRINGS, COLORADO
Doug Lamborn (Republican, CO) \u2014 2021-7-26

. Madam , I rise today to honor the heart of Colorado's Fifth Congressional District, Colorado Springs, Colorado. This July 31st, we celebrate 150 years since General William Jackson Palmer, a Civil War hero and railroad magnate, founded Colorado Springs in 1871. prgtoken The region's first inhabitants were Native Americans, such as the Ute, Cheyenne, Arapaho, and many others. They gathered at the base of Pikes Peak, known today as America's Mountain, near its abundant springs in what is now called Garden of the Gods Park. As they followed vast herds of bison, the Ute prgtoken would camp in nearby red rock canyon and visit the bubbling mineral water springs we still enjoy today. prgtoken The region lies along the extreme southwestern edge of the Louisiana Territory, which President Thomas Jefferson purchased in 1803. Following the Louisiana Purchase, explorers and settlers began to venture west. prgtoken In November 1806, American explorer Zebulon Pike traveled through the area and was credited for ``discovering'' Pikes Peak. He and his group attempted to reach the summit, but they were neither dressed nor equipped to climb the mountain that ultimately came to bear his name. prgtoken General William Jackson Palmer ushered in a new era of Colorado Springs history in 1869. During his first visit to the area, he fell in love with its ``most enticing scenery.'' In 1870, Palmer wrote to his wife: ``Could one live in constant view of these grand mountains without being elevated by them into a lofty plane of thought and purpose?'' prgtoken In the 1890s, one of the richest gold strikes in American history was discovered on the western slope of Pikes Peak. Almost overnight, the Cripple Creek Mining District grew from an isolated cattle pasture to the home of more than 50,000 people. As a result, by the turn of the 19th century, Colorado Springs was called ``the city of millionaires.'' prgtoken One of these millionaires was Spencer Penrose, who made his first fortune in Cripple Creek. He used his vast resources to build the Pikes Peak and Cheyenne Mountain Highways and to establish the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo, Will Rogers Shrine, and The Broadmoor Hotel. In addition, he and his wife, Julie, created the El Pomar Foundation, which still generously supports many worthy causes in the Pikes Peak region and across Colorado. prgtoken At the turn of the century, inspired by a trip to the summit of Pikes Peak, Katharine Lee Bates penned what has become our country's most famous poem and song, ``America the Beautiful.'' prgtoken In the 1940s, the U.S. Army opened Camp Carson, marking the beginning of a strong and vital military presence in the Pikes Peak region. In 1954, the Air Force broke ground for the United States Air Force Academy to continue this military tradition. Today, Colorado Springs is home to major military installations, including Fort Carson, Peterson Air Force Base, the U.S. Space Command, NORAD (North American Aerospa
CONSIDER TEACHERS ACT OF 2021
Victoria Spartz (Republican, IN) \u2014 2021-7-26

such time as I may consume. prgtoken , I rise in support of the Consider Teachers Act. When created, the TEACH grant program was to support students interested in becoming teachers. Unfortunately, the grant program has run into administrative challenges brought on by clerical and paperwork issues. Because of these issues, approximately two-thirds of all TEACH grants are converting into Federal student loans. prgtoken To address these inadvertent errors, the Consider Teachers Act reforms the program to ensure that teachers are not indebted due to simple mistakes. First, the legislation gives grant recipients the ability to reverse a conversion and eases the timeline for when the grant recipients must certify their employment with the Department of Education. prgtoken Second, the bill also extends the time grant recipients have to fulfill their service obligation in response to the challenges posed by the pandemic. The pandemic upended all of our lives, and teachers who lost their job shouldn't be unfairly punished for circumstances outside of their control. prgtoken , with the TEACH grant program, the Federal Government made a commitment to future teachers, and the Consider Teachers Act fulfills the original promise of the program. I urge all Members to support this bill, and .
AUTHORITY FOR NATIONAL CYBER DIRECTOR TO ACCEPT DETAILS ON NONREIMBURSABLE BASIS
Fred Keller (Republican, PA) \u2014 2021-7-26

such time as I may consume. prgtoken , the National Cyber Director, or NCD, is a recently congressionally authorized position for coordinating our Nation's cyber infrastructure and activities located within the Executive Office of the President. According to the administration's statutory interpretation of the NCD's authorizing statute, Chris Inglis, the newly designated National Cyber Director, cannot staff his office with qualified talent on loan from other Federal agencies. prgtoken The administration has determined that the NCD's authorizing statute does not provide the necessary authority to accept nonreimbursable detailees from other Federal agencies. Congress intended the NCD to be able to use details to staff his office. prgtoken The NCD's authorizing statute gives power to the Director to utilize, with their consent, the services, personnel, and facilities of other Federal agencies, even voluntary and uncompensated services. But the administration is preventing the NCD from accepting Federal details while congressional appropriations are also pending. prgtoken S. 2382 will help clarify the NCD's authority to accept Federal details for a period not to exceed 3 years, and will help this new office properly staff itself in the immediate months ahead. prgtoken We recognize the importance of helping this new office stand up its operations during a time when the Nation deals with cyberattacks. .