mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
FOLLOW THE SCIENCE
Gregory F. Murphy (Republican, NC) \u2014 2021-5-14

. Madam , as we all know, the CDC finally altered the mask mandates to reflect the science that we have known for months. People who are vaccinated do not need to wear masks indoors, outdoors in most settings. Follow the science. prgtoken As a physician of 30 years, I believe that people should get vaccinated, but at the end of the day it is a personal choice and a decision that should be made between patient and doctor, not person and . prgtoken At this point practically everyone has had the opportunity to get vaccinated if they want it. The infinite majority of the at-risk population in the United States has been vaccinated. I have been vaccinated for months now, but when I get done with this speech, I have to put my mask back on despite what the science says because the mandates it. That is not the doctor-patient relationship. prgtoken Back in North Carolina, my constituents will still be required to wear a mask in grocery stores because Governor Cooper mandates it. Again, not the doctor-patient relationship. prgtoken So much for following the science.
UPDATED CDC GUIDELINES
Mariannette Miller-Meeks (Republican, IA) \u2014 2021-5-14

I rise today to speak on an issue critical to this Chamber setting an example for the rest of the country. prgtoken Yesterday, the CDC issued guidance that fully vaccinated individuals can resume indoor activities without wearing a mask or physically distancing. prgtoken I am pleased to see the Centers for Disease Control following the science and recommending that fully vaccinated individuals can go without masks indoors. prgtoken As Members of Congress, we should not only encourage constituents to get vaccinated, we should be showing them what a return to normal looks like and follow the science. prgtoken According to the , roughly 75 percent of our Members have received COVID-19 vaccinations, and, therefore, should have the choice to go without masks. Americans are looking for hope, and we are not showing it. Just as I implored on April 22, I am, again, calling on the and Attending Physician to lift the rules and fines that require fully vaccinated Members of Congress to wear masks in the House Chamber. prgtoken Even The New York Times today said that the Centers for Disease Control is prgtoken finally catching up to the science and so should the House. We must be the leaders we were elected to be, follow the science, and have the choice to go without a mask. prgtoken I am going to be that leader, and I choose no mask.
HONORING LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICERS
Beth Van Duyne (Republican, TX) \u2014 2021-5-14

. Madam , I rise today to honor and recognize our men and women in uniform who dedicate their lives to keeping communities across our Nation safe. prgtoken This past year was the deadliest year for police officers in decades; 264 law enforcement officers died in the line of duty. prgtoken As mayor or Irving, I was a proud advocate of our local police department. And as the Representative of the 24th District in Texas, I will continue to stand with our law enforcement. prgtoken Rather than defunding and devaluing those in uniform, I know from experience that community policing works and community policing only exists with the support of our officers, higher retention, and improved recruitment. prgtoken I thank our police officers, first responders, and their families. Getting up every morning and putting on the badge is a level of courage few will ever understand. prgtoken We join you in respecting, honoring, and remembering your fallen brothers and sisters in blue.
PREGNANT WORKERS FAIRNESS ACT
Julia Letlow (Republican, LA) \u2014 2021-5-14

I rise today in opposition to H.R. 1065. prgtoken As a working mother who has two beautiful children, I support reasonable accommodations for pregnant workers. Many of the provisions in the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act are admirable. However, it is equally important to protect First Amendment rights of our religious organizations, hospitals, and schools, including those located in the Fifth District of Louisiana. prgtoken Under this bill, organizations could be forced to make employment- related decisions that conflict with their faith and sacrifice their religious rights. For example, a faith-based employer could be deemed in violation of this bill if it does not accommodate an employee's request for paid time off to undergo an abortion. prgtoken Also, if signed into law, this bill allows an independent and uncontrollable Federal agency to make additional rules and regulations that could further erode religious liberties. It leaves decisionmaking in the hands of unelected government bureaucrats. prgtoken Therefore, Congress must include a religious freedom exemption in the base text of this bill. When it comes to religious freedom and pro-life issues, we should not allow bureaucrats and potentially the judicial system to make decisions by reading between the lines. We must send a clear message that religious freedom is nonnegotiable.
PROTECTING ISRAEL IS DUTY OF UNITED STATES
Madison Cawthorn (Republican, NC) \u2014 2021-5-14

. Madam , the deadly conflict plaguing Israel becomes worse and worse each day. prgtoken Since Monday, the vile and despicable terrorist organization Hamas has launched over 1,000 rockets from Gaza into Israeli population centers. prgtoken The fact that Members of this body are speaking out in support of these terrorists leaves me sickened. The differences between these two sides are shocking. There is no debate that if Israel were to lay down their arms entirely, there would be a genocide. But if Hamas were to lay down their arms, there would be nothing but peace. prgtoken The fact that Representatives here in this Chamber would side with violent extremists is mind-boggling. I encourage these Members to go to Gaza, see how they murder members of the LGBTQ community, see how they marginalize and abuse women, how they treat those of different faiths. prgtoken Let me be clear: There is no moral equivalency between these two sides. It is our duty to protect Israel, and if anyone is to ever invade Israel, I promise you that there is no crevice on Earth that will conceal you from the wrath of God. prgtoken I would also be remiss to not recognize that some Members of this body in the majority party have spoken out against Hamas, and for that, I thank you.
ESCALATING ATTACKS ON ISRAEL
Doug LaMalfa (Republican, CA) \u2014 2021-5-14

. Madam , I rise today with deep concern over the escalating attacks on the Israeli people by Palestinian terror groups like Hamas. prgtoken After a period of relative stability in the region, these attacks threaten to create an all-out war that will endanger millions. This is an avoidable outcome born of inattention and incompetence. prgtoken It is no coincidence that this violence has erupted as the administration has pivoted away from the Middle East. The leadership vacuum created by this absence can only allow radical elements who would harm us and our allies. It is maddening to see the progress made under the administration toward stabilizing the Middle East undone. prgtoken It was less than a year ago that the Abraham Accords, perhaps the most significant move toward peace in the region in over a decade or longer, were signed. We cannot let these gains be wasted. prgtoken The American people stand firmly behind the people of Israel. They have every right to defend themselves. Their existence depends on it. prgtoken The administration must abandon its retreat and reengage on the previous successful peace process in the prgtoken Middle East. We cannot abandon our strong ally in Israel by our indifference or inaction, especially when they need us most.
PREGNANT WORKERS FAIRNESS ACT
John Katko (Republican, NY) \u2014 2021-5-14

I rise in strong support of the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act. prgtoken I was proud to join Chairman Nadler and Representatives Herrera Beutler, McBath, and Scott in introducing this important bipartisan bill. prgtoken This legislation addresses a seemingly simple issue that I have no doubt everyone in this Chamber agrees with. No mother or mother-to-be should have to choose between being a parent and keeping their job. prgtoken This commonsense notion is, unfortunately, not the reality in many places in the United States. prgtoken Before my home State of New York passed a law prohibiting discrimination against pregnant workers, I heard far too many stories of pregnant women facing discrimination in the workforce and having to choose between a healthy pregnancy and a paycheck. prgtoken There was Yvette, a single mother of three, who worked in the same grocery store for 11 years. Having suffered miscarriages in the past, she knew her pregnancy was high risk, and she gave her employer a doctor's note with a lifting restriction. prgtoken Instead, she was fired, despite the fact that an employee with a shoulder injury had been accommodated with lighter work. prgtoken She lost her health insurance and had to go on Medicaid. She and her family survived on food stamps and savings. prgtoken Then there was Hilda, an employee at a Dollar Tree who worked there for 3 years when she became pregnant. As her pregnancy progressed, it became painful to stand at the cash register for 8 hours to 10 hours at a time. Denied her request for a stool, she began to experience severe complications, including bleeding and premature labor pains, and was put on bed rest. With no paid leave, she and her family struggled to make ends meet. prgtoken These women and others who have been subject to similar discrimination in the workforce suffered an unthinkable physical and financial toll. The Pregnant Workers Fairness Act ensures that going forward, no woman will face this type of discrimination. prgtoken This bipartisan bill provides pregnant workers with an affirmative right to reasonable--and I stress the word ``reasonable''-- accommodations in the workplace while creating a clear and navigable standard for employers to follow. These accommodations are minor, as simple as providing an employee with extra restroom breaks or a stool to sit on. prgtoken This bill is not a hiring statute and does not amend or eliminate existing religious freedom protections. The arguments against this bill made by prgtoken some Members of my own party are based on inaccuracies or wrongfully detract from the importance of this commonsense policy. prgtoken This bill is a product of extensive bipartisan negotiation and collaboration with advocates and the business community. Reflecting the widespread support for this legislation, the bill has received numerous endorsements from the business community, including the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, as well as over 180 women's
IN RECOGNITION OF STUCKEY AUTOMOTIVE
John Joyce (Republican, PA) \u2014 2021-5-14

. Madam , I rise today to recognize Stuckey Automotive in Hollidaysburg, Pennsylvania for its commitment to the United States flag and our community. prgtoken Since 1985, Stuckey Ford has proudly flown a 50-foot American flag. This patriotic display has become a hallmark of the Hollidaysburg landscape. prgtoken This week, a flag-raising ceremony will mark the replacement of the original flagpole. I am proud to join the Stuckey Family and members of our community for this cherished event to witness the initial flag- raising. prgtoken As we commemorate this transition, I thank Matt Stuckey, President of Stuckey Automotive, and his team for their unwavering commitment to the flag. This longstanding tradition is an important part of our community fabric, and it showcases Blair County's great respect for our Nation's flag. prgtoken A leader in Blair County, Stuckey Automotive is a key part of our community and local economy. First founded as Replogle Motor Company, its history began before World War II. Will and Barbara Stuckey bought the business, which was incorporated as Will Stuckey Ford in 1959. For decades, Stuckey Automotive has grown in both size and workforce. Today, with nearly 300 employees, this family-owned business remains committed to its mission of delivering exemplary service to Pennsylvanians. prgtoken On behalf of the 13th District of Pennsylvania, I am honored to recognize Stuckey Automotive for its incredible commitment to our community and our nation, and I look forward to the continuation of this patriotic display.
PREGNANT WORKERS FAIRNESS ACT
Bob Good (Republican, VA) \u2014 2021-5-14

it amazes me that House are claiming to champion the cause of pregnant worker fairness when they are so radically anti-life. prgtoken How can claim to support fairness or champion pregnancy when they support taxpayer-funded abortion for any reason at any time on demand? prgtoken How can they claim this with a straight face when they minimize the sanctity of life and the family? prgtoken say they are pro-choice. So you would think they must at least be okay with the choice of some religious employers to object to helping their employees get an abortion and would provide an accommodation for religious reasons under this bill. prgtoken It would seem reasonable for someone who says they are pro-choice to support the notion that if someone gets an abortion, they can't force their employer to be part of this choice. prgtoken But refuse to allow language to protect religious freedom in this bill. The fact is, are only pro-choice when the choice is abortion, the taking of innocent human life. prgtoken Protections already exist for pregnant workers through the Pregnancy Discrimination Act and the Americans with Disabilities Act. prgtoken I oppose these additional heavy-handed regulations. I trust America's small business owners to treat their employees fairly. I honor the constitutional mandate that States should make their own healthcare policy.
CALIFORNIA DROUGHT
David G. Valadao (Republican, CA) \u2014 2021-5-14

I rise today to bring attention to the worsening drought conditions in California. prgtoken Farmers and producers in California grow more than one-third of the vegetables and two-thirds of the fruit and nuts produced in the U.S. Depriving our farmers of the water they need to grow our Nation's food ultimately increases the cost of food for every person in the United States. Still, the House majority has yet to take action to address this drought or consider legislation that will bring clean, reliable water to our struggling communities. prgtoken In February, I introduced H.R. 737, the RENEW WIIN Act, to allow the little water we have to be made available to the communities that feed our Nation. prgtoken While I am glad to see my persistent requests for a drought emergency declaration granted this week by California's Governor, this is only a step in the right direction. We need immediate action in Congress, and I implore my colleagues in the majority to advance legislation to confront this crisis, including my bill, the RENEW WIIN Act.
SUPPORTING EARLY-CAREER RESEARCHERS ACT
Peter Meijer (Republican, MI) \u2014 2021-5-17

I rise today to express my strong support for the bill on the floor this evening that will make substantial improvements in American research and development during a time when it is so badly needed. The COVID-19 pandemic has created unprecedented disruptions to our research enterprise and Congress must respond before our research community is irreparably harmed. prgtoken H.R. 144, the Supporting Early-Career Researchers Act, will address this crisis by providing funding to enable researchers to stay on their chosen research career track. This will help prevent further loss of critical talent from the U.S. STEM workforce and strengthen our Nation as we compete with China to invest in the future. prgtoken Within my district in West Michigan and across the State are some of the top-tier universities and research institutions our world has to offer. This bill will play a vital role in helping to restart any research they had to delay or postpone during the pandemic. prgtoken The pandemic has created these challenges, and our research and development fields have felt them. We must make a serious effort to increase productivity across STEM disciplines in order to remain globally competitive. prgtoken , I am proud to support H.R. 144, and I encourage my colleagues to vote with me in support of this bill.
RURAL STEM EDUCATION RESEARCH ACT
Frank D. Lucas (Republican, OK) \u2014 2021-5-17

I am prepared to close, and such time as I may consume. prgtoken , I, once again, thank Chairwoman Johnson for her support of this legislation. Whether you live in Dallas, Texas, or Cheyenne, Oklahoma, every student should have the opportunity to gain STEM skills and to compete for the jobs of the future. prgtoken The Rural STEM Education Research Act gives teachers better tools to teach science and math, leverages local resources to engage students in key subjects, and addresses the lack of broadband access in rural communities. This important legislation passed the House with strong bipartisan support last Congress. I hope it will do so again today. prgtoken , I encourage my colleagues to support this bill today, and .
ENDLESS FRONTIER ACT--MOTION TO PROCEED--Resumed
Tom Cotton (Republican, AR) \u2014 2021-5-17

just 4 short months ago, hopes were running high in the Middle East. ISIS was wiped off the map, the Iranian regime and its terrorist proxies were in retreat, and Israel was forging historic peace deals with its neighbors. All along the way, the United States was instrumental in this progress. prgtoken But in just a few months, the administration has dashed those hopes with its policy of weakness and appeasement. The forces of terror are again on the march. Pillars of smoke and fire are rising from Tel Aviv and the holy city of Jerusalem. The assault on Israel by terrorist groups like Hamas and the Palestinian Islamic Jihad is the latest and most concrete evidence yet that the Middle East is spiraling toward chaos. prgtoken But instead of standing firm with Israel, the administration's policy of endless accommodation is fanning the flames of conflict. The President should show strength. Instead, he is broadcasting indecision and weakness. Our greatest ally in the Middle East is under attack. Yet the ic Party refuses to say: We stand with Israel. The night sky over the Jewish State blazes with the starbursts of intercepted rockets, and the administration only offers muted calls for restraint. prgtoken Where are the righteous denunciations of the terrorists responsible for these repeated, premeditated, and unprovoked attacks? Where are the statements of solidarity with Israel? Please. From this administration and from this ic Party, we can't even get the President's spokeswoman to say that the United States would help resupply munitions for Iron Dome, Israel's lifesaving missile defense system. prgtoken So this afternoon, let me provide a little clarity that the President and his party appear incapable or unwilling to articulate. The fault for the death and destruction in the streets of Tel Aviv, Jerusalem, Gaza, and the West Bank lies not with the Israeli Government, much less with the Israeli people. The belligerents in this conflict aren't morally equivalent, the way it is often presented in supposedly enlightened circles. Put simply, there are good guys, and there are bad guys. Israel seeks peace. Terror groups seek death and destruction. Hamas and the Palestinian Islamic Jihad are not legitimate state actors. They don't speak for the Palestinian people and don't truly care about them. prgtoken These groups are terrorist organizations run by evil men who commit evil acts in pursuit of the evil dreams of an evil ideology. They purposely fire waves of unguided rockets at civilian targets, while they protect themselves from reprisal using babies, hospitals, schools, and dupes in the media as shields--what cowards, attacking innocent civilians while they hide behind women. prgtoken Of course, Hamas and the Islamic Jihad don't act alone. The Palestinian Authority supports, encourages, and funds terrorism in the form of so-called martyr payments--pensions paid
CORONAVIRUS
Mitch McConnell (Republican, KY) \u2014 2021-5-17

. On an entirely different matter, when the 117th Congress and President were sworn in back in January, our Nation had already turned the corner in our battle with the coronavirus. New cases and deaths had already peaked and actually started to plummet. The vaccines, made available in record time thanks to Operation Warp Speed, had already started to roll out nationwide at a rate which the administration inherited and sustained until April. The five bipartisan COVID packages that Congress passed in 2020 had the American economy packed with dry powder and primed for an epic comeback. prgtoken Economists across the spectrum agreed. One of President 's CEA chairmen said: ``We have no historic parallel with anything like this level of excess saving.'' Larry Summers, another top adviser and President Clinton's Treasury Secretary before that, said the bipartisan December package was already enough to elevate a measure of household income to ``abnormally high levels, unheard of during an economic downturn.'' We were already adding back jobs. prgtoken But instead of tailoring another bill to build on this momentum, they pushed ahead with the $2 trillion partisan plan that the far left wanted. s predicted it would hurt our recovery if Washington kept taxing working people so the government could pay others a bonus to stay home. I stood here in February and quoted an expert who said: In an expanding economy that is putting the virus behind it, paying people more in unemployment than they could receive from working is an act of substantial economic self- harm. It would keep workers on the sidelines, stop the unemployment rate from falling as rapidly as it otherwise would, and slow the overhaul recovery. prgtoken Well, we all knew what would happen, but insisted on continuing to pay people more not to work. prgtoken In April, as the President's policies took effect, we only added 266,000 jobs. That is nearly 800,000 under estimates, just as jobs openings soared to more than 8 million, the biggest number ever recorded. We are literally taxing the American workers who are back on the job for the sake of slowing down our economic recovery. prgtoken Instead of an agenda to reopen America, muscled through policies that would actually prolong parts of this crisis. And, of course, that is what happened. A record number of small businesses say they have open jobs they cannot fill. prgtoken Governors across America are having to take matters into their own hands and turn off these extra-generous benefits. In States like Arizona, Georgia, Montana, Ohio, and West Virginia, we have Governors having to clean up this mess, which at least one of their own Senators actually voted for. prgtoken The policies that we needed in March of 2020 are not the policies we need in May of 2021. That has been obvious to s, to economists, and to the American peo