mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
LEGISLATIVE SESSION
Lisa Murkowski (Republican, AK) \u2014 2021-7-20

just about a month ago, I was on the floor. Senator Durbin from Illinois was here. We were on the floor at that time to ask for unanimous consent to pass legislation to fix a technical issue with the VOCA deposit. prgtoken As my colleagues will remember, VOCA is designed to help sustain the Crime Victims Fund Act, or that is the legislation that we had introduced at that time. Just to refresh memories, I would like to reiterate why this fix to the victims fund is so essential. prgtoken Effectively, what we are talking about here is stability; sustainability; and, really, certainty. prgtoken I had an opportunity in late June to host a roundtable with members from the victim services groups from around the State. We were focused on the impact of the VOCA deposit issue specific to Alaska and what it meant for those who provide the services for victims, whether these are the child advocacy centers, whether these are the domestic violence shelters and the centers, abused women networks. But I was really blown away by the testimony from so many in these organizations. They were facing a 36-percent cut to the VOCA funds in just this past fiscal year. prgtoken When you think about what the impact of cuts at 36 percent means to any organization, it is, obviously, very, very limiting. But for some of these organizations, we are talking about a quarter of their budget. A quarter of their annual budget could be lost just like that. prgtoken What they shared with me was that this was everything for them. This was the difference of being able to answer the phone from somebody who has been abused; is in an awful, tragic situation; doesn't know where to go, and they phone that number and there is nobody to take that call, nobody to respond, nobody to save those lives. prgtoken It is a matter of not just having the individual there to answer the phone, but, again, when we think about the types of services that are provided by these victim services organizations, they are there for, truly, the most vulnerable at an exceptionally vulnerable moment in their lives. prgtoken I was able to hear from those who were gathered at this roundtable, to hear firsthand on the increases in victimization that we have seen in my home State of Alaska during this past year, as we have seen this impact from COVID. But the impacts of this increase on our providers have really been astounding. prgtoken Alaska CARES, for example, saw a 173-percent increase in children hospitalized in the pediatric ICU for serious physical abuse and fatal neglect. prgtoken Think about that. They had a 173-percent increase in these kids who are being hospitalized, and they have said they were seeing significant brain trauma, significant brain injury. I heard about unprecedented increases that we are seeing in child torture, which our child advocacy centers are witnessing firsthand. Really, when you think about that, it has to just haunt you to the core. <|p|
CONSUMER PROTECTION AND RECOVERY ACT
Gus M. Bilirakis (Republican, FL) \u2014 2021-7-20

such time as I may consume. prgtoken , we need due process in this particular bill. I believe that this bill is incomplete. We do have to protect the honest small businesses in this country. As a matter of fact, I heard just yesterday, from over 100 small businesses, and they have real serious concerns, legitimate concerns about this particular bill. This bill is not ready for prime time at this particular time. As I said, it is incomplete. prgtoken , we must go after the bad actors. There must be restitution for our victims--there is no question--but it has to be fair, with a fair and reasonable legal standard. prgtoken , on that particular note, with regard to the legal standard, former head of the FTC Consumer Protection Bureau and committee witness, Dr. Howard Beales stated that a reasonable person standard was an appropriate standard to include in any restitution or disgorgement legislation. prgtoken He testified that this will ensure that the FTC focuses its efforts on bad actors, not honest small business people, but bad actors when using its limited resources to bring these claims. prgtoken , I yield the balance of my time to the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Rodney Davis).
CUBA
Marco Rubio (Republican, FL) \u2014 2021-7-20

we have heard more about Cuba in the last week than probably the 10 years that I have been here combined. prgtoken And yesterday we heard from the White House. The White House was having some sort of a meeting and conference call and came out and said that they are going to be looking at remittances and increasing and making it easier to get money to relatives in Cuba. prgtoken That is not surprising. The people in charge of Cuba policy at the White House, at the National Security Council, and at the State Department--the people in charge of Cuba policy have long been advocates for dialogue with the regime and an economic opening to the regime. They have been for getting rid of the embargo and that sort of thing. prgtoken I think it is important, given the fact that I recognize that most people in this country and in the Senate don't follow this issue on a regular basis, that we address that. Because the fundamental question being put to us is--so the people of Cuba are suffering. The people of Cuba are going through a difficult economic time. I would argue that they have done so for 62 years--why don't we get rid of the embargo? It would make life easier for them. prgtoken And I want to address it. I want to address it especially to those who are not as familiar with this issue. prgtoken First of all, let me begin by saying there are no American ships blockading Cuba, surrounding the island of Cuba. In fact, Cuba, frankly, does not have an embargo in the way people think. prgtoken Cuba trades with the whole world. For example, Cuba, every year, exports $1.2 billion, which doesn't sound like a lot, but it is a lot for an island of 11 million people. OK? prgtoken They export $461 million to China; $127 million to Spain; $65 million to the Netherlands; $64 million to Germany. This is not a country that is isolated. They trade with every country in the world. prgtoken They import $5.3 billion a year. With Spain alone, they export--they import, I am sorry, $1 billion from Spain; another $790 million from China; $327 million from Italy; $285 million from Canada and from Russia. prgtoken So they import 5--over $5 billion. They export over $1.2 billion. Cuba is not isolated. They trade with every country--this regime trades with virtually every country on the planet. prgtoken You know who else they trade with? The United States of America. Cuba trades with the United States of America. They import almost $280 million a year; almost as much as they do with Canada and Russia. And no one accuses Canada and Russia of having a blockade on Cuba. prgtoken Sixty-six percent of the chicken that is eaten in Cuba, which is the staple protein in Cuba, comes from the United States. Half their soybeans come from the United States. prgtoken There is only one blockade in Cuba, and it is the blockade that this regime has imposed upon its people prgtoken Now, yesterday, the President announced--or the White House announced they
TRANSPORTATION SECURITY PUBLIC HEALTH THREAT PREPAREDNESS ACT OF 2021
John Katko (Republican, NY) \u2014 2021-7-20

. Madam , such time as I may consume. prgtoken Madam , I rise today in strong support of H.R. 1895, the Transportation Security Public Health Threat Preparedness Act of 2021. prgtoken The COVID-19 pandemic tested every aspect of our Nation's infrastructure. The nature of a global pandemic has brought into focus the impact that transportation systems can have on the spread or control of such pandemics. prgtoken This legislation, sponsored by my friend and colleague, Mr. Gimenez, ensures that the risks of the COVID-19 pandemic are analyzed by TSA and that it takes the appropriate steps to be prepared should another public health emergency ever occur. prgtoken Given the importance of the transportation system in the economy and everyday life of this country, it is paramount that the Federal Government ensure better preparedness and resilience of the system. prgtoken Madam , I urge all Members to join me in support of H.R. 1895. prgtoken Madam , I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Florida (Mr. Gimenez).
BIDEN INFLATION TAX
Joe Wilson (Republican, SC) \u2014 2021-7-20

. Madam , inflation threatens American families due to the out-of-control spending by President . prgtoken inflation directly impacts the day-to-day well-being of American families. Inflation is currently rising at the fastest pace in 13 years. And has proposed an irresponsible $3.5 trillion deal that will increase taxes. prgtoken Last month, consumer prices jumped 5.4 percent. Gas prices are up a huge 45.1 percent, and milk is up 5.6 percent. What doesn't seem to realize is that these costs negatively affect the lower and middle class more than anyone else. Wasteful spending and taxes will only make matters worse. Inflation is taxation, and the American families deserve better. prgtoken In conclusion, God bless our troops, and we will never forget September the 11th in the global war on terrorism. God bless the courageous citizens of Cuba standing up for freedom and liberty from the failed socialist oppressors.
SUPPORTING CUBAN PEOPLE
Young Kim (Republican, CA) \u2014 2021-7-21

. Madam , Americans are seeing the impacts of inflation every day, with rising costs everywhere from the gas pump to the grocery store. California workers and families are bearing the brunt of this nationwide, 13-year inflation high. prgtoken Prices of everyday goods in my State are, in many cases, higher than the national average. For example, the average price of a gallon of regular gasoline in California's 39th District is more than $1 higher than the national average. prgtoken Additionally, these higher costs come in addition to high State and local taxes, cost of living, and astronomical housing costs. June statistics showed the median housing price in my district rose more than 20 percent, with the median price of a single-family home being more than $800,000. prgtoken That is why I am disappointed that instead of working with s to address inflation, get Americans back prgtoken to work, and support small businesses, are moving forward with trillions more in Federal spending on a partisan wish list that will cause increased Federal debt, an even higher cost of living, and more money out of the pockets of hardworking taxpayers. prgtoken We should be making life more affordable, not less.
STANDING WITH PEOPLE OF CUBA
Michelle Steel (Republican, CA) \u2014 2021-7-21

. Madam , I rise today to discuss the crisis on our southern border. As an immigrant to this country, I strongly support legal immigration and a system that is grounded in the rule of law. prgtoken The United States is a nation of immigrants. They add to the rich fabric of our country. However, we are also a nation of laws. The crisis on our southern border is not law and order. prgtoken As a Representative from California, a border State, I often hear from my constituents about their concerns with the chaos at our border created by the administration's policies. The security of our borders and enforcement of our immigration laws are vital to the safety and security of our Nation. prgtoken We must contain this crisis and make it clear to the people that to come to America, you must do it legally.
CLOTURE MOTION
Jerry Moran (Republican, KS) \u2014 2021-7-21

I have the privilege of representing Kansas in the U.S. Senate and Kansans and especially the opportunity, the privilege of representing farmers and ranchers. It is a huge component of our State's economy and a significant way that we live our lives. Agriculture has molded the nature of our State generation to generation. prgtoken In agriculture, farming and ranching is one of the few remaining professions where sons and daughters still can work alongside moms and dads. They can work alongside their grandparents. prgtoken I still remember a video that a farmer proudly showed me of him and three generations of his family, so four total--him and three other generations--cutting wheat in Kansas one July summer and how proud he was to look out and see that his son was in one combine, he was in another, his father in another, his grandfather in another. prgtoken Family farming and ranching is not just important for food production. We are productive in that family farm setting. It is not just important for food production for our country and for the rest of the world, but it also is important for us in preserving our values and principles which are passed down from generation to generation. prgtoken The love of life, respect for others, the joy of earning a living, the idea that what you do every day has a consequence in feeding the world--those characteristics of Kansas farmers need to be around for the country not only today but into the future. But unfortunately, the tax-and-spend spree, the ' tax proposal, is a direct assault on multigenerational farms and ranches in Kansas and across the country. These proposals threaten the ability of producers to be able to pass on their operations to that next generation. prgtoken I have watched farmers talk to their kids about where the future lies for them, and sometimes it is positive in the sense that there is hope for a bright future, and at other times, in difficult days in agriculture, it is the worry about whether or not the next generation can afford to be on that farm. prgtoken For the past century, this thing called stepped-up basis--so that the value of a piece of property for its inheritance tax purposes is valued at the date of the death of the person--the farmer in this case and rancher in this case. For this past century, stepped-up basis has been a cornerstone of our Tax Code, and it has protected family farms and ranches in their plan to transition to the next generation. prgtoken Farm- and ranchland have tripled in value since the late nineties, so even a second generation, somebody currently just now coming to the farm because of the death of a parent, could be devastatingly impacted. prgtoken For example, a 2,000-acre farm purchased in the midnineties in Kansas by a first-generation producer--kind of a typical-size farm, particularly in western Kansas. Even with a modest capital gains exemption, the inheriting farmer, the son or da
PERSONAL EXPLANATION
Austin Scott (Republican, GA) \u2014 2021-7-21

. Madam , on Roll Call No. 209 on the motion to suspend the rules and pass H.R. 826, I am not recorded because I was unavoidably detained. Had I been present, I would have voted YEA. prgtoken On Roll Call No. 210 on ordering the previous question of H. Res. 535, I am not recorded because I was unvoidably detained. Had I been present, I would have voted NAY. prgtoken On Roll Call No. 211 on agreeing to the resolution of H. Res. 535, I am not recorded because I was unavoidably detained. Had I been present, I would have voted NAY. prgtoken On Roll Call No. 212 on the motion to suspend the rules and pass certain bills and agree to certain resolutions, I am not recorded because I was unavoidably detained. Had I been present, I would have voted NAY. prgtoken On Roll Call No. 213 on the motion to recommit for H.R. 2668, I am not recorded because I was unavoidably detained. Had I been present, I would have voted YEA. prgtoken On Roll Call No. 214 on passage of H.R. 2668, I am not recorded because I was unavoidably detained. Had I been present, I would have voted NAY.
PFAS ACTION ACT OF 2021
Cathy McMorris Rodgers (Republican, WA) \u2014 2021-7-21

. Madam , such time as I may consume. prgtoken Madam , we all believe that we must have clean water. Unfortunately, this is not a thoughtful or scientific approach. prgtoken H.R. 2467 is opposed by a broad diverse, collection of interests that are concerned about its aggressive, over-the-top, unforgiving, and simultaneous mandates, obligations, and expenses. prgtoken These include: The United States Conference of Mayors; National League of Cities; National Association of Counties; American Water Works Association; Association of Metropolitan Water Agencies; National Association of Water Companies; National Association of Clean Water Agencies; National Rural Water Association; Association of California Water Agencies; The Water Environment Federation; American Chemistry Council; American Coatings Association; American Forest and Paper Association; American Fuel and Petrochemical Manufacturers; American Petroleum Institute; Flexible Packaging Association; National Association of Chemical Distributors; National Association for Surface Finishing; National Council of Textile Organizations; National Electrical Manufacturers Association; National Association of Surface Finishing; National Association of Printing Ink Manufacturers; Plastics Industry Association; United States Chamber of Commerce. prgtoken Madam , I include these letters in the Record. July 21, 2021. Re Opposition to H.R. 2467, the PFAS Action Act of 2021. Dear Representative: On behalf of organizations representing the nation's municipal governments and drinking water and wastewater systems, we write in opposition to H.R. 2467, the PFAS Action Act of 2021. While we support taking action to reduce the prevalence of PFAS in the environment, the legislation would run counter to the important ``polluter pays'' principle that guides Superfund site cleanups under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA), and would step back from the transparent, science-based process of regulating drinking water contaminants under the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA) and clean water operations under the Clean Water Act (CWA). We urge you to vote against this legislation in its current form. H.R. 2467 would require EPA to designate PFOA and PFOS as hazardous substances under CERCLA within one year, and to make a determination on designating all remaining PFAS within five years. These hazardous substance designations are intended to make sure polluters are held responsible for paying for the cleanup of contaminated Superfund sites, which we support. But the bill as currently structured would also mean that municipal drinking water and wastewater utility ratepayers could face staggering financial liability to clean up PFAS that was legally
SUPPORTING CUBAN PEOPLE
James R. Baird (Republican, IN) \u2014 2021-7-21

. Madam , today I rise to express my support for the Cuban people. prgtoken After decades of enduring an oppressive Communist regime, the people of Cuba deserve freedom. prgtoken Last week, we watched as Cubans proudly waved the American flag through the streets and peacefully advocated for the freedom our flag represents. prgtoken Unfortunately, as Cubans marched, many of my colleagues across the aisle have remained silent or, worse, they have wrongfully blamed the United States or even suggested these protests were in response to COVID-19. prgtoken Let me be clear: The embargo isn't responsible for young children who have been forced into joining the police force. The embargo isn't responsible for cutting off internet access. It is the failed Communist system, a system so full of corruption and greed that medicine, food, and gas shortages are sadly the norm. prgtoken Crowds chanting ``Freedom'' and ``Down with the dictatorship'' are clear cries for relief from six decades of suffering. prgtoken History has shown us that communism has always failed, leaving those who must live under its restrictive rule to suffer. prgtoken I have witnessed these atrocities and failure of communism firsthand, and I have dedicated my life to fighting against it. prgtoken I am proud to stand in solidarity with the people of Cuba as they fight to end the Communist rule that has ruined their nation. I hope my colleagues will consider doing the same.
CLOTURE MOTION
John Boozman (Republican, AR) \u2014 2021-7-21

America's family farmers and ranchers have faced unprecedented challenges in recent years. They have been caught in the middle of trade wars, repeatedly lost harvests and livestock to one catastrophic natural disaster after another, and faced a whole new set of unparalleled complications when COVID-19 took hold. prgtoken Now a new threat to their future looms, the ' reckless tax- and-spend agenda for which family farmers and ranchers are being told to foot the bill. prgtoken The are proposing changes to capital gains tax rates, stepped-up basis, and the use of like-kind exchanges that put the future of our family farms and ranches at risk. The next generation of family farmers will face devastating consequences if the have their way, as their proposed changes put the future of nearly 2 million family-owned farm operations at risk. prgtoken The President and his allies in Congress will tell you that family farms and ranches will not be impacted by their proposed changes. In fact, they make a very specific claim that 98 percent of farms will not be impacted. Yet they have provided no evidence to support that claim, and they have been asked to provide that directly by myself and a majority of the side of the Ag Committee. prgtoken We essentially asked USDA to show its math. That request has gone unanswered. It seems unlikely that we will ever get a response, so we took it upon ourselves to find out if there was any legitimacy to their claim. prgtoken We asked the highly respected team at the Agricultural and Food Policy Center at Texas A&M University to conduct a study on the legislation that mirrors tax increases President and congressional have floated to pay for their massive human infrastructure plan. prgtoken The results confirm exactly what we expected. These proposed changes are going to crush rural America. prgtoken Remember the administration's claim that 98 percent of family farms and ranches will be protected? Well, AFPC's research showed just the opposite when it comes to changes to stepped-up basis, which allows the tax basis of an inherited asset to be stepped up at death to the fair market value as of the date of death. prgtoken If these changes were to be implemented, 92 of AFPC's 94 representative farms would be impacted with an average additional tax liability of more than $720,000 per farm. That means 98 percent of family farms included in AFPC's study are hurt by these tax increases, not protected by them. prgtoken And as you can see on this map, this chart, those changes hit rural America very, very hard. We are looking at over half a million dollars in additional tax liabilities per farm in the Southwest and in the Southeast, which includes my home State of Arkansas. In fact, the average tax liability for the five Arkansas farms represented in the study is over $800,000. In the Northeast and out West, these changes would re