mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
TRIBUTE TO LEVI GOODAN AND MAURGAN McGRATH
Margaret Wood Hassan (Democrat, NH) \u2014 2021-11-2

I am proud to recognize Levi Goodan of Meriden and Maurgan McGrath of Hopkinton as October's Granite Staters of the Month. Levi and Maurgan both separately started initiatives to donate toys and other goods to patients at the Children's Hospital at Dartmouth--CHaD--to help provide comfort to young patients with serious illnesses. prgtoken At the age of 8, Levi was treated at the Children's Hospital at Dartmouth for multiple broken bones over the course of 1 year. Following his treatment, Levi decided to donate his birthday and Christmas gifts to CHaD, since he knew how difficult spending nights at the hospital could be and wanted to lift peoples' spirits. He was inspired by his late grandfather, who used to tell him stories about receiving treatment for polio when he was a child at Boston Children's Hospital. His grandfather would frequently emphasize to Levi the importance of staying strong, hopeful, and positive in difficult circumstances. prgtoken Since then, Levi continues to donate to CHaD. He most enjoys donating Legos, Play-Doh, fidget spinners, and projects such as kits to grow at- home crystals. prgtoken Maurgan was born with a prenatal condition called malrotation, which results in problems in the normal formation of the fetal intestines, and as a result, she underwent various surgeries at ChaD while growing up. She remembers how lonely her experience was at times and did not want other children to feel the same way. As part of her senior year project, Maurgan began collecting books, games, and pajamas for children at CHaD to help them regain a sense of hope. prgtoken Levi and Maurgan exemplify the Granite State spirit, taking a difficult time in their lives and using the experience as a source of strength. In both their cases, they helped bring joy to other young people who are facing similar challenges. Their commitment to helping other children navigating the often lonely, scary world of hospital visits should inspire all of us to give back and become more involved in our communities. I am honored to name them as Granite Staters of the Month, and I know that they will continue to make a positive difference in their communities for years to come.
Unanimous Consent Requests--Executive Calendar (Executive Calendar)
Robert Menendez (Democrat, NJ) \u2014 2021-11-2

with that hope, I ask unanimous consent that the Senate proceed to the consideration of the following nomination: Calendar No. 239, Michele Jeanne Sison, of Maryland, a Career Member of the Senior Foreign Service, Class of Career Ambassador, to be an Assistant Secretary of State (International Organization Affairs); that the nomination be confirmed; the motion to reconsider be considered made and laid upon the table with no intervening action or debate; that no further motions be in order to the nomination; and that the President be immediately notified of the Senate's action.
RECOGNIZING THE AFGHAN COALITION
Eric Swalwell (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2021-11-2

. Madam , I rise to recognize the Afghan Coalition for its outstanding service to the Afghan-American population in the San Francisco Bay Area, particularly during the humanitarian and immigration crisis related to the end of the 20-year U.S. military mission in Afghanistan. prgtoken The City of Fremont, partially within the 15th Congressional District, is the heart of the Afghan diaspora in America, the center of the largest Afghan American community in the United States. Many local families have struggled to help their loved ones escape Afghanistan this year as the Taliban resurged. prgtoken Founded in 1996, the Afghan Coalition long has been the voice for various under-served groups in the Afghan American community, providing a range of programs including, youth counseling and education, food banking, mental health advocacy, and direct assistance to immigrants and refugees who settle here after fleeing violence and instability. prgtoken In recent months, the coalition has hosted a series of town hall events with local elected officials, immigration and mental health experts, and other community leaders in order to keep the Afghan American community informed, comforted, and tied in with community resources during these difficult times. prgtoken Through the tireless service of Executive Director Rona Popal, the coalition's board of directors, and its staff and volunteers, the Afghan Coalition has supported and championed countless families in their time of need while also providing important public information to keep the Afghan people's plight front and center in our civic discourse. Their advocacy comes from a place of strength and love, and inspires us all to do more to help those who helped our troops during America's longest war. prgtoken I thank the Afghan Coalition for its continued work to improve lives in the Bay Area and around the world.
ORDERS FOR WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 3, 2021
Gary C. Peters (Democrat, MI) \u2014 2021-11-2

I ask unanimous consent that when the Senate completes its business today, it adjourn until 10 a.m Wednesday, November 3; that following the prayer and pledge, the morning hour be 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 proceed to executive session to resume consideration of the Santos nomination; further, that notwithstanding rule XXII, at 2:15 p.m the cloture motion on the motion to proceed to S. 4, the John R. Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act of 2021, ripen and the Senate vote on the motion to invoke cloture.
Unanimous Consent Requests--Executive Calendar (Executive Calendar)
Charles E. Schumer (Democrat, NY) \u2014 2021-11-2

thank you. I have some brief remarks, and I want to thank my friend, the Senator from New Jersey, who will move in a few moments to have this Chamber approve a number of critical nominees for our national security and is going to be, shamefully, blocked. prgtoken He has been a great fighter not only for these men and women, but on foreign policy in general, one of the great leaders. And his passion for this issue comes from a desire to have us have the greatest strength abroad diplomatically and geopolitically as well. So I cannot thank him enough. prgtoken , of all the mandates of the government, the most important is prgtoken protecting the American people from threats foreign or domestic. To do so, the President relies on an army of dedicated public servants--our expert Ambassadors, Diplomats, Under Secretaries, and Assistant Secretaries, who play a critical role in our government. prgtoken But for months, Senate s have gone to great lengths to place pointless holds on over 100 of these nominees. The consequence is scores of empty desks in the State Department and in our Embassies and the Department of the Treasury and other Agencies. prgtoken These nominees are not controversial. They are routinely confirmed by consent in this Chamber, until a few people decided that they wanted to make a big show of this for whatever reason. No one ever did this before. No one ever did this--maybe one individual nominee here or there, but not all of the nominees. It is so risky to the security of the United States. prgtoken By this point in the administration, for instance, both sides worked together to confirm 32 Ambassadors by voice vote. Most of us didn't like the administration or the people he was appointing, but we had enough integrity, enough faith in the future of this country and the strength of this country not to let politics enter into what had been routine decisions. prgtoken Right now, obstructionism has meant only four nominees have been agreed to. So the bottom line is--let me be clear-- s who are holding up these nominees are endangering our national security, making it harder for our country to respond to threats at home and abroad. prgtoken We hear a lot of talk about national security on the other side, but what it comes down to is that they are preventing 32 State Department nominees and 10 Defense Department nominees for quick confirmation. That is wrong, and I would hope that they would think about it and let these fine people go through the way that has been done under ic and administrations in the past. prgtoken , of all the mandates of government, the most important is protecting the American people from all threats, foreign and domestic. To do so, the President relies on an army of dedicated public servants: our expert diplomats, ambassadors, Under Secretaries, and Assistant Secretaries who play a
Veterans Day (Executive Calendar)
Richard J. Durbin (Democrat, IL) \u2014 2021-11-2

next week, our Nation will commemorate Veterans Day. It will be the first time in a generation that we will honor that day as a nation no longer at war. prgtoken With the conclusion of the war in Afghanistan--the longest war in our history--thousands of American troops finally came home. These heroes have returned to our shores, just as this Veterans Day stands as a reminder of everything we owe them, as well as every American who has served this Nation in uniform. More than 2,400 Americans perished in the war in Afghanistan. Thousands more return home with wounds--visible and invisible--that will stay with them for life. prgtoken Words are not enough to honor that sacrifice. We need to ensure that our veterans and families have access to the best healthcare in the world, affordable housing, programs that support them as civilians, whether it is students, employees or businessowners. prgtoken To serve our Nation in uniform takes a special measure of courage and devotion. For some members of our military, it also takes a great deal of persistence and determination. prgtoken Let me tell you about one. I am speaking, of course, of those members of our military who were born in other nations and want to serve America. Over the years, I have shared the story of one of these heroes--his name: Oscar Vasquez. prgtoken When Oscar was 12 years old, his family made the journey across the border from Mexico to America. They settled in Arizona. From the time he was a child, Oscar dreamed of serving America in the military. He studied hard in high school, even joined high school ROTC. prgtoken But during his junior here, he ran into a problem. He tried to sign up for basic training, but the recruiter informed him that he couldn't serve in the U.S. military without a U.S. birth certificate. It was a tough setback, but Oscar was determined. prgtoken He was awarded JROTC officer of the year by his high school, and he led a group of students in an underwater robotics competition. They squared off--these high school students--squared off against college students from schools like MIT. Guess what. They won. The victory led him to Arizona State University, where he earned a degree in mechanical engineering. prgtoken After graduating, Oscar got married and had a child, but his undocumented status still prevented him from reaching his full potential, so he moved back to Mexico--a country he hadn't lived in since he was a young boy--to apply for legal entry into the United States. He would have been barred from reentering the United States and separated from his family for 10 years without a special waiver, so he decided to call my office. prgtoken He reached out to us and said: ``Can you help me get a waiver?'' prgtoken When the Department of Homeland Security finally granted it, Oscar came home to America. prgtoken What was the first thing that he did? prgtoken He got his paperwork in order and enlisted in the U.S. Army. Withi
EARTH SCIENCE LESSON ON EVAPOTRANSPIRATION
Susie Lee (Democrat, NV) \u2014 2021-11-2

I rise today as we continue to negotiate the Build Back Better Act. prgtoken When I ran for Congress, I promised my constituents that I would do everything to fight for lower drug prices. prgtoken Over and over again in townhalls, I hear from my constituents that they are so extremely worried about how they are going to pay for prescription drugs. In fact, one in five seniors reports not taking their medicines as prescribed because of the cost. I have even heard from constituents who say they skip meals so they can afford the prescriptions they need to stay healthy. prgtoken This is outrageous. I urge my colleagues to address this problem with the urgency it deserves. prgtoken With the Build Back Better agenda, we have a once-in-a-generation opportunity to change the status quo and make good on our promise that no one should have to choose between affording their prescription drugs, or putting food on the table, or paying rent. prgtoken We must enact legislation to lower the cost of prescription drugs. The time is now. Our constituents all over this country are counting on us.
INVESTING IN THE UNITED STATES
Brian Higgins (Democrat, NY) \u2014 2021-11-2

. Well, I think the point that is being made here is, despite perceptions to the contrary and the assertions of those who have now left perhaps because they can't defend this, clearly the American economy performs much more efficiently, much more effectively under ic administrations. prgtoken That is why the Build Back Better program invests not in wars that don't create any new roads and bridges in America, that don't pull any kids out of poverty, that don't provide childcare and child tax credits. Complete waste of money. Brown University just came out with a study that said Americans paid $6.2 trillion in the past two decades in three Middle East wars. prgtoken The Build Back Better program invests in America by rebuilding America, by investing in young America so that they become safer, have better nutrition, and have more economic activity at a very young age. prgtoken Every single study points to the same conclusion, that if you invest in kids, the child tax credit, pre-K, childcare, you produce a more productive citizen. University studies show that for every dollar that you spend, you produce in long-term economic benefits $7 to $8.
AUTHORITY FOR COMMITTEES TO MEET
Michael F. Bennet (Democrat, CO) \u2014 2021-11-2

I have 7 requests for committees to meet during today's session of the Senate. They have the approval of the Majority and Minority Leaders. prgtoken Pursuant to rule XXVI, paragraph 5(a), of the Standing Rules of the Senate, the following committees are authorized to meet during today's session of the Senate: committee on agriculture, nutrition, and forestry prgtoken The Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry is authorized to meet during the session of the Senate on Tuesday, November 2, 2021, at 10 a.m to conduct a hearing. committee on banking, housing, and urban affairs prgtoken The Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs is authorized to meet during the session of the Senate on Tuesday, November 2, 2021, at 10 a.m to conduct a hearing. committee on energy and natural resources prgtoken The Committee on Energy and Natural Resources is authorized to meet during the session of the Senate on Tuesday, November 2, 2021, at 10 a.m to conduct a business meeting on nominations. committee on foreign relations prgtoken The Committee on Foreign Relations is authorized to meet during the session of the Senate on Tuesday, November 2, 2021, at 10 a.m to conduct a hearing on nominations. committee on the judiciary prgtoken The Committee on the Judiciary is authorized to meet during the session of the Senate on Tuesday, November 2, 2021, at 10 a.m to conduct a hearing. select committee on intelligence prgtoken The Select Committee on Intelligence is authorized to meet during the session of the Senate on Tuesday, November 2, 2021, at 2:30 p.m to conduct a closed briefing. prgtoken subcommittee on state department and usaid management, international operations, and bilateral international development prgtoken The Subcommittee on State Department and USAID Management, International Operations, and Bilateral International Development of the Committee on Foreign Relations is authorized to meet during the session of the Senate on Tuesday, November 2, 2021, at 2:30 p.m to conduct a hearing.
BUILD BACK BETTER ACT
Susan Wild (Democrat, PA) \u2014 2021-11-2

we have been working hard on a transformative bill that will make a difference in so many people's lives, the Build Back Better Act. And yet, the who are behind this bill, who have worked on it so hard, have been under a barrage of attack and criticism for being in disarray, for being unable to get it done. prgtoken But let me say this: This is how it should be done. We are talking about historic unprecedented investments in our climate, in universal pre-K, in drug pricing, in housing policy. Why would anyone think that that is a bill that should come together quickly? prgtoken This is the legislative process. We craft. We read. We edit. We make changes. We read it again--all for the good of the American people. prgtoken , we will get this done and it will be a solid, well- thought-out, beautiful piece of legislation. It will make a real difference in people's lives. Keep the faith.
Nomination of Jeffrey M. Prieto (Executive Calendar)
Thomas R. Carper (Democrat, DE) \u2014 2021-11-2

I rise today in support of the confirmation of Jeffrey Prieto to serve as general counsel of the Environmental Protection Agency. Mr. Prieto was reported favorably from our committee, the Environment and Public Works Committee, on a bipartisan vote of 12 to 8. prgtoken Yesterday, I received an interesting letter from a bipartisan group of four former EPA general counsels representing the administration, the administration, and the administrations of and Bill Clinton. They were basically conveying the same message: They support the confirmation of Jeffrey Prieto to serve as general counsel of the Environmental Protection Agency. That doesn't happen every day. We get letters of support from nominees, different parties, different Agencies from time to time, but to have four former EPA general counsels from two administrations of late and two ic administrations all in support of the nomination of Jeffrey Prieto to serve in this important role--that got my attention, and I hope it gets the attention of all of my colleagues. prgtoken Those who wrote to us, the four who wrote to us, very correctly point out that Mr. Prieto is, and I quote--these are their words, not mine-- ``uniquely qualified for the position of General Counsel for the EPA. prgtoken They go on to say: Mr. Prieto has been a longstanding champion of human health and Environmental protection for all Americans. prgtoken The letter continues: He is fair, just, and ethical. He will make decisions strictly based on the facts, science, and the law. We expect he will [be] ready to serve on day one. prgtoken Not surprisingly, I completely agree with their sentiments. Having come to know Mr. Prieto following his nomination by President , I believe he will be an outstanding EPA general counsel. He comes from a patriotic Latino family with a proud history of military service. He has the intellect, temperament, and experience to serve in this important role. prgtoken Six years ago, this body saw fit to confirm Jeffrey Prieto unanimously for the same position, general counsel, at the Department of Agriculture. We should confirm him again today for this post. He was the right choice then; he is the right choice now. I encourage our colleagues to join me in supporting his nomination. prgtoken With that, .
INVESTING IN THE UNITED STATES
Paul Tonko (Democrat, NY) \u2014 2021-11-2

. Representative Cartwright mentioned, Madam , the strength of manufacturing and growing our manufacturing jobs. The pandemic alerted us to a supply chain crisis. The Build Back Better Act speaks to addressing the shortages that we had for manufacturing. Supply shortages. That is critical. prgtoken We also combined the efforts for manufacturing to be more profitable and provide more jobs by addressing retrofitting manufacturing, so it is energy-smarter as an outcome. prgtoken Now, we know we have a very robust plan, a goal that is very robust by the year 2050 to have net-zero greenhouse gas emissions. If we are going to achieve that, we have to reach to every sector of the economy in order to attain those goals; so we need to look to manufacturing. prgtoken Retrofitting manufacturing, making certain it is energy-smart, making certain it can compete in a global marketplace with all the tools at their fingertips is an important standard that is established in the Build Back Better Act. prgtoken So the President says we are at an inflection point. I couldn't agree more. We are now in a focus mode where we are going to determine the best outcomes by combining legislation and resources that will speak to the most forceful, sharpest competitive edge for our business community, for our manufacturing base to address our supply chain, to hold down energy costs, reduce costs, reduce the tax burden on households, and provide a vision that will get us to where we need to be. prgtoken It is about time that we had this sort of leadership; not just reducing programs, cutting down government, not seeing the effectiveness of sound government. Now we have a leader who understands the public-private partnership--business working with government--to address the needs of those businesses, their workers, worker training, and having the resources to be robustly competitive so that we grow a more fair, more just, more robust, and a more sustainable economy. It is a powerful opportunity.