mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
GLOBAL FOOD SECURITY REAUTHORIZATION ACT OF 2022
Sheila Jackson Lee (Democrat, TX) \u2014 2022-9-28

. Madam , I thank the gentleman from Texas for participating in the Congressional Children's Caucus hearing this past Monday on the Uvalde murder of children. prgtoken I rise to join my colleagues in supporting the Global Food Security Reauthorization Act of 2022 and compliment Representative McCollum and others who have strongly supported this legislation over the years. prgtoken It is particularly timely because I have just finished meeting with the Foreign Minister of Pakistan and was able to visit in Pakistan in early September after the catastrophic and momentous floods of biblical proportion that went on. prgtoken What we saw was the potential of extreme starvation of families and children. Thirty-three million people were displaced. The families in the region had lost their wheat, their cotton, and their livestock.
MAXIMIZING OUTCOMES THROUGH BETTER INVESTMENTS IN LIFESAVING EQUIPMENT FOR (MOBILE) HEALTH CARE ACT
Susie Lee (Democrat, NV) \u2014 2022-9-28

I thank the chairman for his leadership, as well as my cosponsors: Representatives Hudson, Herrera Beutler, and Ruiz for their hard work in supporting this piece of legislation. prgtoken I rise today in strong support of my bipartisan legislation, the MOBILE Health Care Act, which will help more Americans access the quality healthcare they need and deserve. prgtoken In my State of Nevada, more than two-thirds of residents live in a primary care health professional shortage area. In our rural communities, that number goes to 82 percent. prgtoken Needless to say, the situation is dire, and that is why expanding access to quality healthcare has been a priority of mine since I have been a Member of Congress. prgtoken Expanding the capabilities of Federally Qualified Health Centers, commonly known as FQHCs, has been a top prgtoken focus of mine when it comes to expanding access to healthcare. That is because FQHCs lead the Nation in driving quality improvement, while reducing healthcare costs. prgtoken Across this country, 1 in 11 Americans, including 400,000 veterans, and nearly 9 million children, rely on FQHCs for their primary healthcare. They have been a huge success in expanding quality care, but the reality is, smaller, rural communities do not have the population base to support full-time health centers. prgtoken There are also many Americans, in both rural and urban areas, who lack transportation to access their closest FQHC, and that is exactly where mobile health units come in. Mobile health units have the capability to bring high-quality healthcare to all Americans, especially those in underserved areas. prgtoken My bill will allow FQHCs this important flexibility to use their Federal New Access Point grants to establish mobile health units. This will allow health centers to better serve their communities, especially communities that have traditionally been hard to reach; and this does so at no additional cost to the taxpayer. prgtoken In my district, we have seen the difference these mobile units make. For example, the Nevada Health Centers currently runs three mobile health units: The Children's Mobile Medical Unit, the Ronald McDonald Care Mobile Unit, and the Mammovan. prgtoken The Mammovan is a mobile mammography unit that travels to underserved areas of our State, providing mammograms to women in geographically isolated areas and those who may not otherwise seek this important preventative care that will allow for early detection and simply will save lives. prgtoken The First Person Care Clinic in Nevada also has a mobile health unit and is in the process of setting up a second one, which will expand access to primary care to more patients from Las Vegas, to Henderson, to Laughlin. prgtoken Recently, I had the opportunity to see firsthand the Mammovan in action, and I am proud of all of Nevada's health centers and the southern Nevada Health District who are leading the way in providing lifesaving mobi
PROVIDING FOR CONSIDERATION OF H.R. 3843, MERGER FILING FEE MODERNIZATION ACT OF 2022; PROVIDING FOR CONSIDERATION OF H.R. 7780, MENTAL HEALTH MATTERS ACT; AND PROVIDING FOR CONSIDERATION OF S...
Mark DeSaulnier (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2022-9-28

such time as I may consume. prgtoken I appreciate the comments from my friend. prgtoken Just on the mental health part, we did have hearings in the subcommittee I am proud to chair, the Subcommittee on Health, Employment, Labor, and Pensions. We have had ongoing discussions with both the ranking member of that subcommittee and the ranking member of the full committee, so I think this is to be continued. prgtoken I would say on the mental health part of the rule, the urgency is right now, as I outlined in my opening comments. It is something we will have to continue to work with and hopefully will in good faith because all of these issues are on mental health, particularly for young people. I have agreed in my conversations with my friends, the ranking members, Ms. Foxx and Mr. Allen, and I look forward to continuing that. I think there is a real urgency on that. prgtoken On the trust, I respectfully disagree. Given the level of inequality in this country right now, I think it is really important that we support competition in the marketplace, and the Federal Trade Commission needs the resources to make sure that that happens. prgtoken The PAVA bill obviously has bipartisan support. prgtoken On all of these bills, I am anxious to get them off the floor today as a rule and look forward to seeing the continued debate tomorrow on the specific bills and the outcome of those bills. prgtoken , .
SERGEANT GERALD T. ``JERRY'' DONNELLAN POST OFFICE
Mondaire Jones (Democrat, NY) \u2014 2022-9-28

I rise in strong support of my bill, H.R. 6267, to designate the post office located at 15 Chestnut Street in Suffern, New York, as the Sergeant Gerald T. ``Jerry'' Donnellan Post Office. prgtoken I am humbled to honor the late Sergeant Jerry Donnellan, whose memory brings great pride to all of us in New York's 17th Congressional District. prgtoken Mr. Donnellan was a Valley Cottage native and a three-time Purple Heart recipient who served in Vietnam as a U.S. Army sergeant. During an ambush, he was wounded and lost his lower right leg to a grenade. He underwent countless surgeries and extensive physical therapy before returning home to Rockland County in 1970. prgtoken Against all odds, Mr. Donnellan persevered. He learned to walk again alongside his newborn son. He even pursued his passion for theater and built a successful career as a stage manager for nearly two decades, including for Frank Sinatra. prgtoken But he never lost his love for public service. In 1986, when he learned of high rates of servicemember and veteran suicides, Mr. Donnellan was moved. He became a veterans counselor at Rockland County's Veterans Agency Office. prgtoken In 1992, he was appointed Rockland County's commissioner of veterans affairs. During his tenure, Sergeant Donnellan created local Chapter 333 of the Vietnam Veterans of America and started a veterans' health clinic. He helped create Camp Shanks Museum in the town of Orangetown and established the Rockland County Buffalo Soldiers Award to recognize the contributions of Black veterans. prgtoken He helped to start the Memorial Day watchfires in 1987, the year I was born, and established the Rockland County Public Service Medal to honor those who served in Afghanistan and Iraq. prgtoken Sergeant Donnellan never relented in his advocacy for our veterans and their families. He embodied selflessness as a soldier and civilian, treating every veteran and every person with the respect and dignity they deserve. prgtoken Today, we honor Sergeant Donnellan's life and his legacy. His commitment to serving our country and our fellow Americans should inspire us all.
INTRODUCTION OF THE PROMOTING NATIONAL SERVICE AND REDUCING YOUTH UNEMPLOYMENT ACT
Eleanor Holmes Norton (Democrat, DC) \u2014 2022-9-28

. Madam , I rise today to introduce the Promoting National Service and Reducing Youth Unemployment Act to address one of the greatest workforce tragedies--our unemployed young people--while filling the employment gap the public sector is facing as more workers choose the private sector. Youth unemployment is harming our young people and costing our country billions of dollars each year in lost productivity and tax revenue, among other costs. Although the total unemployment rate has reached a relative low (3.7 percent), the youth unemployment rate is nearly 7.9 percent. These young people have not had a fair chance to use the high school or college education we strongly urged them to obtain. prgtoken What is particularly disappointing, especially in today's low unemployment economy, is the high unemployment rate for young people who heeded our advice to graduate from high school and college. The unemployment rate is currently 7.9 percent for people 16 to 24 years old, which is 4.2 percentage points higher than the total unemployment rate, and hundreds of thousands of them now compete for unpaid internships wherever they can find them. prgtoken By significantly adding 500,000 new members to AmeriCorps, my bill would need no new administrative structure or bureaucracy but would allow unemployed youth to earn a stipend, obtain work experience and develop a good work history to help secure future employment. The bill would significantly expand job opportunities for young people who have done what they could to get a job, but, despite their best efforts, remain unemployed. AmeriCorps participants receive a living allowance and are also eligible for an education award equal to the value of a Pell grant, school-loan forbearance, health care benefits and childcare assistance. By expanding AmeriCorps, we would reduce the number of unemployed young people, provide them work skills and experience and help understaffed state and local governments provide services. prgtoken My bill would also establish that the minimum wage for any AmeriCorps State & National member would be 200 percent of the federal poverty line, and would not allow for a decrease in that amount, as is allowed under current law. AmeriCorps members serve their country and gain skills, but we should increase the minimum wage for everybody, including national service members. prgtoken For some time, it has been clear that policies to address the most stubborn forms of unemployment need to be targeted in order to be effective. Without significant targeting, many young people will continue to face their first years as adults without jobs and with no way to acquire necessary work experience. They deserve a better start in life as adults. prgtoken I ask my colleagues to support this urgently needed, targeted assistance for our unemployed youth.
AFFORDABLE INSULIN NOW ACT--MOTION TO PROCEED--Continued
Tim Kaine (Democrat, VA) \u2014 2022-9-28

I was scheduled to come to the floor today to offer live UCs to bring up two nominees--very important nominees--to assume diplomatic posts in the Western Hemisphere. prgtoken Senator Scott of Florida was scheduled to be here to oppose my UCs and have a dialogue. The hurricane in Florida has pulled him away, and so he is unable to be here. I am left with the case where there is an objection, but the objector can't come for a reason that I understand. Senator Scott's team has indicated that he will likely be here tomorrow, and we might be able to repeat this tomorrow. prgtoken What I thought I would do, having the floor, is say a little bit about these two countries and these two nominees because I hope Senator Scott might watch this or his staff might give him the transcript because I think, if he does, he will see that they are both highly qualified individuals. I want to talk about both, but I will not make the motion at the end of my comments with respect to unanimous consent. prgtoken I would say that both Michelle Kwan, who was nominated by President to be our Ambassador to Belize, and Mari Carmen Aponte, who was nominated to be our Ambassador to Panama, are both highly qualified individuals, as I will describe. prgtoken But the countries are really important. Belize has not had an ambassador confirmed for more than 5 years. Panama has not had a confirmed ambassador for more than 4 years. And, sort prgtoken of, the theme for both of these is, Why punish good behavior? These are great allies of the United States, both Belize and Panama. They are both doing some really important work with us right now, and they deserve to have confirmed ambassadors. prgtoken If we won't confirm an ambassador for more than 4 years or more than 5 years, it has a way of sending a message to these countries like: Wow, we say you are great allies, but we clearly don't value you enough to have a confirmed ambassador. prgtoken Let me talk about Michelle Kwan, the nominee to be our Ambassador in Belize. prgtoken Belize is a critical partner in the Caribbean and Central America. This is a region of significant distress and instability. But Belize has been a bright spot in both relative stability and also closeness to the United States. As I mentioned, no U.S. ambassador has been confirmed there for more than 5 years. It is a stable democracy in a region facing significant threats from organized crime, irregular migration, human trafficking, as well as democratic backsliding in the region. prgtoken We worked hard to deepen our relationship with Prime Minister Briceno, and bilateral cooperation between the nations are increasing. Our ability to engage with Belize at this most senior level is crucial right now. prgtoken In particular with Belize, there is something fairly unique about this country. In this hemisphere that is very important to the United States, it is also of growing importance to China. We see Bei
SMALL PROJECT EFFICIENT AND EFFECTIVE DISASTER RECOVERY ACT
André Carson (Democrat, IN) \u2014 2022-9-28

such time as I may consume. prgtoken , I rise in support of H.R. 5641. This legislation will expedite the approval process for small projects applying for aid through FEMA's public assistance program, a program that helps communities remove debris, implement emergency protective measures, and repair damage to public infrastructure. prgtoken The House has already passed this once with overwhelming support, and the amendment we are considering today would solely add a reporting requirement to the language we previously supported. prgtoken Also, in the time since we first passed this bill, the administration has updated the small project threshold to $1 million via rulemaking. The $1 million threshold, , is currently expediting the post-disaster recovery process, cutting unnecessary red tape and helping communities get back on their feet. prgtoken , I urge my colleagues to support this bill, and .
HONORING IRIS PADILLA FOR HISPANIC HERITAGE MONTH
Darren Soto (Democrat, FL) \u2014 2022-9-28

. Madam , Iris Padilla immigrated to the United States from Venezuela at the age of 16. She is passionate about education and serving her community. In 2011, she fueled that passion by creating Kids Academy Learning Center. prgtoken Iris is the original founder of Kids Academy Learning Center and a co-owner of three additional facilities located in Haines City and Eagle Lake. The learning academies provide educational services for over 500 families and employment opportunities that boost the local economy. prgtoken She prides herself on the center's mission, ``staff will strive to provide the highest quality childcare and educational service that promotes and enhances each child's development while assuring our parent's peace of mind in the care and service we render.'' prgtoken Iris exemplifies the heart of a servant leader. She provides free notary services and is an active member of the Kiwanis Club, the Northeast Chamber, and the professional development for the Council for Professional Recognition, where she ensures that childcare specialists are trained and equipped to provide excellent service to children. She is also a member of the Latin Business Expo where she works to spread awareness of positivity throughout the community by highlighting, promoting, and educating the community about Hispanic culture and businesses. prgtoken Iris is honored to have the opportunity to positively impact the lives of so many families on a daily basis. She is the mother of 2 children and has 8 grandchildren.
ORDERS FOR THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 29, 2022
Charles E. Schumer (Democrat, NY) \u2014 2022-9-28

I ask unanimous consent that when the Senate completes its business today, it adjourn until 10 a.m. on Thursday, September 29, and that following the prayer and the pledge, the morning hour be prgtoken deemed expired, the Journal of proceedings be approved to date, the time for the two leaders be reserved for their use later in the day, and morning business be closed; that upon the conclusion of morning business, the Senate resume consideration of Calendar No. 389, H.R. 6833.
TRIBUTE TO DR. JOAN PHILLIPS
Joe Manchin, III (Democrat, WV) \u2014 2022-9-28

I rise today to honor the legacy of Dr. Joan Phillips for her many years of service dedicated to child well- being and to all people of West Virginia. prgtoken I have often said there is no greater accomplishment than to find yourself in a position to give back to the community you love. Dr. Phillips embodies giving, always willing to lend support and knowledge to those in need throughout her career. prgtoken Protecting and serving vulnerable people was her passion, one that motivated her throughout four decades of professional work. Dr. Phillips is viewed by her colleagues, and rightfully so, as an advocate for vulnerable children of West Virginia. Most recently serving as the co-medical director of Child Advocacy Center of Charleston Area Medical Center, her list of accomplishments is staggering, continuously pioneering child advocacy standards across the region. prgtoken As West Virginia's first ever board-certified child abuse pediatrician, Dr. Phillips has always been pivotable in ensuring that the children of our State receive the correct level of care. Over the course of her admirable career, Dr. Phillips has changed countless lives, both internally through the Child Advocacy Network and externally consulting through private practice. As a result of her efforts, she was in the first round of child abuse subspeciality recognized by the American Academy of Pediatrics. prgtoken Dr. Phillips always made time to consult on cases and never turned down the opportunity to assist regardless of location. Other physicians, law enforcement officers and child protective services workers regularly sought her expertise and advice. prgtoken Over the years, Dr. Phillips held many leadership roles, including president of the American Academy of Pediatrics, numerous boards of local and statewide organizations, community health agencies, family service agencies, as well as State and national committees related to issues regarding child well-being. prgtoken Not only did Dr. Philips fiercely dedicate her time to advancing child healthcare, but she also found time to pass her knowledge along to others. She regularly presented at conferences, mentored other child abuse medical providers and taught within medical and residency programs at West Virginia University and Marshall University. I know she has inspired many young leaders throughout her illustrious career, and I am confident they will carry the torch to ensure a brighter tomorrow. Truly, her legacy of dedication to health and childcare services is one we should all instill in ourselves. prgtoken With an unrivaled, strong spirit of optimism and innovation, her commitment to preventing and treating child abuse in our communities is something to admire. Her work has undoubtedly changed the quality of healthcare in the State of West Virginia. I will always be grateful to Dr. Phillips for her lifetime of influential work. prgtoken While she is retiring and everyone
CIVIL RIGHTS COLD CASE INVESTIGATIONS SUPPORT ACT OF 2022
Jon Ossoff (Democrat, GA) \u2014 2022-9-28

I rise this afternoon in pursuit of justice for the Black men and Black women abducted, beaten, and killed during the segregation era in the American South and in retaliation for their participation in the civil rights movement. prgtoken I rise today to ask that the Senate pass the Civil Rights Cold Case Investigations Support Act to secure justice and pursue truth for the victims of those atrocities, for the victims of civil rights cold cases, and for their families--justice for folks like Alphonso , a member of the SCLC who was murdered in Albany, GA, in 1966; justice for Ernest Hunter, who was killed in a physical altercation at the Camden County jail in St. Marys, GA, in 1958; justice for Caleb Hill, Jr who was dragged at night from a Wilkinson County jail in Middle, GA, in 1949 and shot to death by a lynch mob. prgtoken Decades may have passed, but the pursuit of justice cannot and will not end. I sat down in Wilkinson County a few months ago with Caleb Hill, Jr.'s descendants, and in his name, they demand justice. By passing the Civil Rights Cold Case Investigations Support Act and by doing it with the support of and s in the U.S. Senate, we will demonstrate that the United States will never rest in the pursuit of truth and justice for those who were lynched, abducted, beaten, killed, and assaulted in the segregation-era South and during the civil rights movement. prgtoken I thank Senator Cruz for his original cosponsorship of this bipartisan legislation, and all of my colleagues on both sides of the aisle, for bringing us now to a point where, after much work, I hope that we can pass this legislation with bipartisan support. prgtoken , I ask unanimous consent the Senate proceed to the immediate consideration of Calendar No. 451, S. 3655.
FOOD AND DRUG ADMINISTRATION USER FEE REAUTHORIZATION
Patty Murray (Democrat, WA) \u2014 2022-9-28

I ask unanimous consent to have printed in the Record a copy of the transmittal and commitment letters from the Secretary of Health and Human Services to the chair and ranking member of the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions of the Senate and the chair and ranking member of the Committee on Energy and Commerce of the House of Representatives regarding reauthorization of the Prescription Drug User Fee Act, Medical Device User Fee Amendments, Generic Drug User Fee Amendments, and Biosimilar User Fee Act.