mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
BUILD BACK BETTER ACT
Richard E. Neal (Democrat, MA) \u2014 2022-8-12

. Madam , the bill we are considering in the House today, the Inflation Reduction Act, started in the House of Representatives as the Build Back Better Act. prgtoken Three years ago, all ic Members of the Ways and Means Committee introduced the GREEN Act as the Committee's consensus legislation for tax priorities relating to climate, clean energy, and energy efficiency. The GREEN Act was reintroduced, again with all Ways and Means , in the 117th Congress. prgtoken The GREEN Act formed the base of the climate and energy subtitle of the Build Back Better Act, which the Ways and Means Committee marked up in September 2021 and passed out of the House, following significant input from the Senate, in November 2021. Many provisions of Subtitle D of the Inflation Reduction Act remain substantially similar to those that the House developed and passed. prgtoken As the Chairman of the Ways and Means Committee, I wish to offer additional detail on the legislative intent behind certain provisions included in this legislation. prgtoken This legislation provides long-term extensions of tax credits for renewable technologies such as solar, wind, geothermal, and hydropower by extending section 45 and section 48 and enacting their successor credits under sec. 45Y and section 48E. These provisions were drafted with the goal of unleashing clean energy deployment, in line with President 's pledge of a 50-52 percent reduction from 2005 levels in economy-wide net greenhouse gas pollution in 2030. Additionally, this legislation provides enhanced credit amounts for projects additional goals, such as those meeting domestic content requirements or located in energy communities. prgtoken Currently, these renewable energy tax credits often remain out of reach for low-income communities, which disproportionately bear the burden of pollution. The Committee believes that our renewable energy deployment should align with President 's Justice40 initiative, which aims to deliver 40 percent of the overall benefits of federal investments in climate and clean energy to disadvantaged communities. To achieve these goals, we must bring all resources to bear across all agencies--the Department of the Treasury, the Department of Energy, the Environmental Protection Agency, the White House Council on Environmental Quality, and more. For example, the Council on Environmental Quality has developed a tool to assist federal agencies with best targeting resources towards disadvantaged communities. prgtoken This goal is closely aligned with a provision that I am proud to have worked with Rep. Danny Davis to include in this legislation. H.R. 5183, provides an enhanced investment tax credit for projects in connection with low-income communities, and is included in new section 45(e) and section 48E(h) in this legislation. It draws on the success in California of a clean energy program that helps hundreds of thousands of low-income resi
PROVIDING FOR CONSIDERATION OF SENATE AMENDMENT TO H.R. 5376, BUILD BACK BETTER ACT
Maxine Waters (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2022-8-12

I rise in recognition of the very long and difficult negotiations that have taken place following the Build Back Better Act, led by President and the . I applaud all the beneficiaries of the reconciliation bill in what is now the Inflation Reduction Act. prgtoken This act includes historic climate change legislation. It will lower prescription drug costs, reduce the cost of Medicare, and, hopefully, force major corporations to pay their fair share of taxes. prgtoken However, as chairwoman of the Financial Services Committee, I have worked with members of my committee and many Members of Congress to confront the housing crisis in this country. We organized a request for $150 billion in the Build Back Better Act, which included rental assistance with Section 8 vouchers, development of more affordable housing units, support for first-generation home buyers, repairs to fix deteriorating public housing, and fair housing enforcement to eliminate discrimination and unlawful evictions. prgtoken However, there is not one nickel, not one dime, not one dollar, for the development of housing in this bill. We can no longer afford to have housing as an afterthought, a ``nice to have,'' or simply something that can wait until later. It is foundational to the prosperity of families, key to a healthy economy, and crucial to fighting inflation. prgtoken Yes, I am disappointed. I am going to vote for this bill because so many people are going to benefit in different ways, but I am disappointed that housing does not show up anywhere in this legislation.
BUILD BACK BETTER ACT
Al Green (Democrat, TX) \u2014 2022-8-12

to my friends across the aisle: Where were you when your twice impeached President was putting billions of dollars in the pockets of the wealthy? prgtoken You complain about drug prices being reduced for seniors, complain about them having out-of-pocket costs capped at $2,000? prgtoken I refuse to allow a bill that is good to be defeated by a perfect bill that we won't get. I will support this bill, and I ask my colleagues to do so as well. It is time to take care of our seniors.
TRIBUTE TO WILLIE B. OWENS, SR.
James E. Clyburn (Democrat, SC) \u2014 2022-8-12

. Madam , I rise today to pay tribute to a dedicated public servant, highly respected educator and a longtime personal friend. Recently retired Orangeburg County Councilman Willie B. Owens, Sr. transitioned from this life on August 5, 2022. He has left an indelible mark on his community and all of those who were fortunate to know him. prgtoken Willie B. Owens, Sr. was born on November 8, 1938, in Branchville, South Carolina to the late Bennie C. Owens and Lillie Ruth Warren Owens. Willie B as he was always affectionately known, graduated from Wilkinson High School in 1956. He earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Agriculture in 1960 and a Master of Education Degree in 1966 from South Carolina State College. He went on to earn his E.D. from the Citadel and did further study at Clemson University and the University of South Carolina. prgtoken I knew Willie B. from our days together on the campus of South Carolina State where we both were active as students in campus activities and civil rights protests in Orangeburg County. He continued his activism throughout his life participating in voter registration drives and taking people to the polls to vote. He was also a Life Member of the NAACP, and always stood up against injustices. prgtoken Willie B. spent his professional career working in education. He began in the public schools serving as an agriculture teacher at Richard Carroll High School and Bamberg-Ehrhardt High School. He served as Bamberg-Ehrhardt High School's Director of Transportation and then Principal. He also had a stint as Director of the Future Farmers of America Camp in Orangeburg, and as Director of Vocational Programs for Bamberg School District One. prgtoken Willie B. went on to work in higher education. He held two different positions at Voorhees College, Assistant Vice President for Academic Affairs and Executive Director of the South Carolina Regional Community Development Corporation on the Denmark campus. He also served as Assistant Vice President for Academic Administration and Director for Professional and Continuing Studies at Claflin University . prgtoken In 2007, Willie B. was elected to the Orangeburg County Council to represent the citizens of District 7, a position he held for 15 years. He stepped down in June 2022, due to health concerns. Willie B. was a leader on the Council and an outspoken advocate for the people. His outstanding accomplishments were numerous. He led the effort to create a Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. monument outside the Orangeburg County Courthouse. The monument serves to honor the great civil rights leader and County residents that have distinguished themselves in the areas of justice, community, government and first responders. The distinctive monument was unveiled in 2021 and was constructed using Capital Project Sales Tax funds. He also spearheaded the building of Whittaker Community Center, which was dedicated just 2-days before he retired f
BUILD BACK BETTER ACT
Pramila Jayapal (Democrat, WA) \u2014 2022-8-12

today, will take unprecedented and urgent action when we pass the Inflation Reduction Act. prgtoken Today, we make good on our promise to take on climate change and climate justice with historic investments in green technologies that will cut carbon emissions by 40 percent by 2030, create over 9 million good jobs, put $60 billion into environmental justice, and cut energy costs for the average American family by almost $1,000 a year. prgtoken Also, for the first time, we take on Big Pharma's price gouging, finally allowing Medicare to negotiate lower prescription drug prices, capping the cost of insulin, and continuing to make healthcare more affordable. All of it is paid for with taxes on the largest corporations and the wealthiest. prgtoken We have more to do to complete the rest of the President's agenda on childcare, senior care, expanding Medicare, and investing in housing. With a few more in the Senate, we will get that done, too. prgtoken Today, let's celebrate this massive investment for the people. People over politics. Let's pass this bill.
BUILD BACK BETTER ACT
Judy Chu (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2022-8-12

. Madam , I rise today in strong support of the Inflation Reduction Act. prgtoken This historic legislation will make real, tangible differences in the lives and livelihoods of people back home in southern California and across the Nation. It is imperative we pass this once-in-a-generation bill today. prgtoken The American people are struggling to afford medications, health insurance, and their energy expenses, all while battling the impacts of climate change every day. They are desperate for Congress to take action to address the real challenges they are facing in their everyday lives. prgtoken This is exactly what this bill does. It lowers the costs of prescription drugs for seniors to no more than $2,000 yearly. It curbs the rising costs of utilities prgtoken and creates good-paying jobs nationwide in the process. It makes healthcare more affordable for millions of Americans by shoring up the Affordable Care Act. prgtoken Today, we are going to combat climate change, ensure corporations pay their fair share, and reduce prices for workers and families. In fact, we are making the largest and most ambitious investment in clean and renewable energy in our Nation's history, finally reversing years of underinvestment at the IRS and building a fairer tax system that will invest in workers without raising taxes on families and small businesses. prgtoken Today, we are delivering on a promise made to Americans by passing this critical bill. We must commit to putting people over politics. Madam , I urge a ``yes'' vote on this bill.
BUILD BACK BETTER ACT
Raul Ruiz (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2022-8-12

. Madam , as a doctor, I have taken care of many patients who put their lives and health at risk because they couldn't afford their medication, patients who either ration their medicine or didn't get a prescription filled at all. prgtoken I will never forget one woman who was so proud to tell me that she was able to make her insulin last longer because she would only take half a dose at a time in order to make it last. This is unacceptable. prgtoken No one should have to choose between whether to take their medicine and put food on their table or between their health and not being able to pay their bills. prgtoken That is why I support the Inflation Reduction Act, which will give seniors the relief that they need from skyrocketing drug costs. It ensures that people on Medicare with diabetes won't have to pay more than $35 a month for their insulin. It requires the Secretary of HHS to negotiate drug prices for expensive Medicare drugs, lowering costs for seniors and people with disabilities, and it caps out-of-pocket spending at $2,000 per year for Medicare part D. prgtoken These important steps will help ensure that all seniors have access to lifesaving and health-saving medications, regardless of how much money they have. prgtoken That is not all this bill does. This bill will make transformational investments to combat climate change and reduce our carbon emissions. It will push automakers to make their electric vehicle batteries with domestic materials, like the lithium we are extracting at the southern end of the Salton Sea in Imperial County. prgtoken With this bill and the lithium in my district, we can power our clean energy future here in America with American materials.
BUILD BACK BETTER ACT
Jerrold Nadler (Democrat, NY) \u2014 2022-8-12

. Madam , today, I rise in strong support of the Inflation Reduction Act--landmark legislation that will have a lasting impact on our planet and help lower costs for Americans in New York City and across our country. From lowering prescription drug prices and health care costs for working families to including the most significant climate investment in our nation's history, the Inflation Reduction Act includes policies I have long fought for. prgtoken With this legislation, our nation can finally rise to the seriousness of the moment in our fight against climate change by making the large- scale investments needed to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 40 percent by 2030, lower energy costs for families, and create millions of good-paying clean energy jobs across our country. prgtoken I am thrilled that with this legislation, our government will finally be able to negotiate the prices of some of our nation's costliest prescription drugs--drugs that have been on the market for years and reap billions of dollars in sales from Medicare alone. I am proud that the Inflation Reduction Act will bring down health care costs for over 3.7 million New Yorkers and will result in enormous savings for taxpayers. prgtoken With the passage of this bill, are showing American families that our federal government can deliver for the people, not just special corporate interests. prgtoken I look forward to voting to pass this historic legislation. prgtoken Mr. DAVID Scott of Georgia. Madam , the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 before us today makes historic investments in climate change mitigation, our critical forestry and conservation programs, rural communities, and energy and biofuels infrastructure. prgtoken This package makes important investments in our oversubscribed farm bill conservation programs. By expanding participation in these programs and providing increased technical assistance funding, farmers will more readily be able to employ proven conservation practices on their land, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and sequester carbon. I have always believed that agriculture should be the tip of the spear in addressing the harmful effects of climate change. This legislation helps make that a reality. prgtoken My colleagues may complain about the steps we had to take to ensure this additional funding for our farm bill conservation programs, I would note that our colleagues on the other side have similarly extended the authorization of farm bill authorizations, but in those cases, it was to cut funding from them. In this exercise, we are including additional funding, which will be beneficial as we look to writing the 2023 Farm Bill. prgtoken Major investments in forestry will also help to combat climate change, reduce risk of catastrophic wildfire, and ensure that our public and private lands have the tools they need to continue to serve as our largest carbon sinks. In addition to the carbon benefits, this bill helps
BUILD BACK BETTER ACT
Danny K. Davis (Democrat, IL) \u2014 2022-8-12

. Madam , I associate myself with the remarks made by my colleagues relative to our tragic loss of Representative Walorski who was the ranking member of the subcommittee that I chair. prgtoken Madam , I rise in strong support of the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022. This is the most transformative piece of legislation that I have seen. It lowers family healthcare costs, reduces drug and energy costs, makes the largest investment in addressing climate change in the history of this country, and cuts carbon emissions by 40 percent. prgtoken This bill would create millions of good-paying, union jobs and stimulate economic growth and development across the Nation. It incentivizes manufacturing and reduces our reliance upon foreign-made products. prgtoken This bill does what we have been trying to do for years, and that is, it empowers Medicare to negotiate the price of prescription drugs. Millions of seniors and disabled individuals will benefit from this provision alone, not to mention what the monthly cap on the price of insulin would do for millions of others. prgtoken Madam , this bill would cut the deficit and lower inflation, will not cost the average taxpayer one additional cent, unless they earn $400,000 annually or more. One feature of this bill that I am especially proud of is the enhanced tax credit to bring solar and wind energy to low-income communities. This tax credit will assist these communities. prgtoken Madam , this is a great bill, and I urge its passage.
BUILD BACK BETTER ACT
Lisa Blunt Rochester (Democrat, DE) \u2014 2022-8-12

. Madam , today, I rise in support of the Inflation Reduction Act. prgtoken Oh, what a day in America. From lowering prescription drug prices for seniors, to closing tax loopholes on the wealthiest corporations, to making the largest investment in clean energy in history to tackle the climate crisis, the Inflation Reduction Act will help improve the lives of every single American. It will do it all while paying down the deficit. prgtoken I am particularly proud that the bill includes my climate smart ports provisions with my colleague, Ms. Barragan, which invests in ports across the Nation, like the Port of Wilmington, allowing them to upgrade their facilities, lower their carbon footprint, and create more good-paying union jobs. prgtoken Madam , in a session of Congress that has already seen remarkable landmark legislation passed, the Inflation Reduction Act is the capstone of our efforts to deliver. With this bill, we continue to put people over politics.
BUILD BACK BETTER ACT
Debbie Wasserman Schultz (Democrat, FL) \u2014 2022-8-12

I thank the gentleman for yielding. prgtoken , I proudly rise to support legislation that delivers relief to every kitchen table across the country, cuts healthcare and drug costs, and creates millions of good-paying jobs to save our planet for future generations. prgtoken In my home State of Florida, the Inflation Reduction Act hands security and peace of mind to millions of seniors in my State. It caps out-of-pocket prescription costs and monthly insulin costs for Medicare recipients, and finally allows Medicare to negotiate prescription drug prices. prgtoken Millions of Floridians will be healthier and more financially secure by lowering premiums for 13 million Americans with expanded financial help for the Affordable Care Act healthcare policies. It will slash energy costs and work to stop our warming planet from stealing their grandchildren's future. prgtoken This is our biggest shot ever to tackle climate change by speeding up clean energy transitions and cutting climate pollution 40 percent by 2030. prgtoken The Inflation Reduction Act does all this by making corporations pay their fair share, reducing the deficit, and ensuring no one who makes less than $400,000 will pay one penny more. prgtoken This is game-changing relief for our seniors, our climate, and anyone demanding tax fairness. prgtoken , I urge all of my colleagues to pass this lifesaving legislation.
BUILD BACK BETTER ACT
Anna G. Eshoo (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2022-8-12

. Madam , I first thank the chairman of the Energy and Commerce Committee, Mr. Pallone, for his leadership and all of my colleagues on the committee who have worked so hard. prgtoken I think today is a hallelujah day, and I say this because two of the greatest challenges facing our country are the following. prgtoken The climate crisis: This is the single largest investment to take on the climate crisis head-on. I hear from children as young as first graders in my district caring about this issue. Two years ago this time, I had 77,000 evacuees from the wildfires in my congressional district. Taking on the climate crisis is absolutely essential. prgtoken Seniors, the Medicare beneficiaries, we are changing their prescription drug prices today because Medicare will be able to directly negotiate and bring the prices down. prgtoken Cap insulin at $35 a month--Senate s sabotaged that cap on insulin for all Americans. I don't know how any politician can go home and brag about that. prgtoken The out-of-pocket costs for Medicare beneficiaries will not exceed $2,000 a year. prgtoken We are investing in the IRS. My constituents have been waiting for too prgtoken long for their refunds. Added staff is going to expedite the services that the IRS and the American people need from the IRS. prgtoken Finally, deficit reduction--yes, America, this is paid for. prgtoken This is truly a hallelujah day. This is a red, white, and blue bill. It is good for all Americans, and it will advance our collective future of America.
INTRODUCTION OF BILL TO PROVIDE SUPPLEMENTAL APPROPRIATIONS FOR THE EMERGENCY FOOD AND SHELTER PROGRAM TO PROVIDE HUMANITARIAN RELIEF FOR MIGRANTS
Eleanor Holmes Norton (Democrat, DC) \u2014 2022-8-16

. Madam , today, I rise to introduce a fiscal year 2022 supplemental appropriations bill to provide $50 million to the Federal Emergency Management Agency's Emergency Food and Shelter Program (EFSP) for humanitarian assistance for migrants. The funding would remain available until expended. prgtoken Since mid-April, the governors of Texas and Arizona have exploited and harmed approximately 4,500 vulnerable people fleeing desperate and dangerous situations in their home countries for political gain by busing them to the District of Columbia and New York. prgtoken In fiscal year 2022, Congress provided $150 million to the EFSP for humanitarian assistance for migrants. As of July 21, 2022, approximately $85 million of this funding remained available. However, the busing of migrants to D.C. and New York has increased funding requests and the EFSP may exhaust its funding. prgtoken Supplemental funding would ensure that the EFSP can continue to provide humanitarian assistance to migrants. I strongly urge my colleagues to support this bill.
HONORING LONNIE SMITH
Bennie G. Thompson (Democrat, MS) \u2014 2022-8-16

. Madam , I rise today to honor a remarkable servant, Mr. Lonnie Smith. prgtoken Lonnie is a native of Leland, Mississippi, and graduated from Leland High School in 1996. After high school, he joined the U.S. Marine Corps. He served 10 faithful years in the reserves with a final rank of Sergeant. During his time in the reserves, he matriculated at Delta State University to pursue a degree in Computer Information Systems. prgtoken Next, Lonnie joined the Greenville Fire Department in 2003. He rose through the ranks of the Department, and now serves as Chief of Training. He was recently recognized by the Department for an act of bravery by single-handedly rescuing someone from a house fire shortly before reporting for duty. prgtoken Lonnie founded Dynamic Technologies, LLC in 2008, and continued to build his knowledge of computers and technology by enrolling in Walden University and also obtaining various certifications. He is a CPR instructor for the American Heart Association and serves as board member for the MS River Marathon, the United Way Housing Initiative, and the YMCA. prgtoken Lonnie's servant heart, entrepreneurial spirit, and easy-going nature inspire all who come into contact with him. prgtoken Madam , I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Mr. Lonnie Smith for his passion and dedication to serving his community and this country.