mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
CELEBRATING 50 YEAR RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN QATAR AND THE U.S.
Joe Wilson (Republican, SC) \u2014 2022-5-17

. Madam , it is my honor to commemorate the 50-year relationship between the United States and Qatar. prgtoken In addition to serving as the Co-Chair of the Congressional Caucus on Qatar, I serve on both the House Foreign Affairs Committee and the House Armed Services Committee. I am grateful for the opportunity to work closely with Qatar both diplomatically and strategically. prgtoken The United States established diplomatic relations with Qatar following its independence from the United Kingdom in 1971. Officially, the beginning of diplomatic relations took place on March 19, 1972, when American diplomat William Stoltzfus met with Qatari government officials and submitted his credentials. Bilateral relations between the two countries expanded when the U.S. opened its embassy in Doha in March 1973; and when the first resident U.S. Ambassador, Robert Peter Paganelli, arrived in July 1974. prgtoken The United States and Qatar cooperate militarily and strategically on security in the region. One of the earliest and most notable military cooperation's between the U.S. and Qatar was in 1991, when joint military operations were conducted against Saddam Hussein's Iraq during Operation Desert Storm. In the aftermath, both nations agreed upon the need for a Defense Cooperation Agreement. This pact, which has subsequently been expanded, has served as the basis for our military collaboration. prgtoken In 1996, Qatar built Al Udeid Air Base to further security ties between our countries. In 1999, then Emir of Qatar, Sheikh Hamad, told U.S. officials that he ``would like to see as many as 10,000 U.S. servicemen permanently stationed at Al Udeid.'' The U.S. first used the then-secret base in late September 2001, when the Air Force needed to get aircraft in position for its operations in Afghanistan. In April 2003, the U.S. Combat Air Operations Center for the Middle East moved from Prince Sultan Air Base in Saudi Arabia to Qatar, underscoring the importance of Qatar to the American presence and objectives in the region. prgtoken Al Udeid is now home to the largest U.S. military base in the Middle East and more notably Qatar is not only allowing expansion of Al Udeid, but also funding it and managing the construction. In fact, the Qatari government has provided over $8 billion in funding for Al Udeid Air Base since 2003. After renovations and expansions, Al Udeid will be able to accommodate up to 120 aircraft and 10,000 troops, just like then Emir of Qatar, Sheikh Hamad had wished for. prgtoken Personally, I am grateful that the U.S. Air Forces Central Command is headquartered at Shaw Air Force Base, South Carolina and has a forward headquarters in Qatar. As the air component of CENTCOM, AFCENT is responsible for air operations, either unilaterally or in concert with coalition partners, and for developing contingency plans in support of national objectives for CENTCOM's 20-nation area of responsibility. prgtoken Qatar has be
Michael C. Burgess (Republican, TX) \u2014 2022-5-17

such time as I may consume. prgtoken , if we defeat the previous question, s will amend the rule to consider H.R. 6858, the American Energy Independence from Russia Act, introduced by Ranking Members McMorris Rodgers and Westerman. prgtoken In the past 2 months, have denied consideration of this essential bill five times, choosing instead to continue their assault on domestic energy production through drilling and export restrictions and massive tax increases on producers. prgtoken s remain committed to America's energy independence by approving the Keystone XL pipeline, by removing restrictions on the United States liquefied natural gas exports, by restarting oil and natural gas leasing, and protecting energy and mineral development. prgtoken , I ask unanimous consent to insert the text of my amendment into the Record, along with extraneous material, immediately prior to the vote on the previous question.
FEELING THE IMPACTS IN TEXAS
Scott Perry (Republican, PA) \u2014 2022-5-17

. Right. That is a problem. But $40 billion, no problem. prgtoken Meanwhile, our citizens, the citizens that I represent, they are having a hard time figuring out, do they pay their insurance, do they pay their mortgage? I talk to people on a regular basis that say they put their bills on their table, and they put a date on them when they are due and when they think they will be able to pay for them. They say, I have never had to do that before. I am selling stuff to pay my bills because I can't afford what is happening in my country right now. Meanwhile, we can't talk for 15 minutes, 20 minutes, an hour about $40 billion to some other country. Meanwhile, we just gave a blank check 2 weeks before to let the President spend any amount of money for any amount of time on the same country. We didn't declare war.
THE ECONOMY
Mitch McConnell (Republican, KY) \u2014 2022-5-17

now on another matter, by early 2020, before the pandemic, policies had helped create one of the best economic moments for working Americans literally in our lifetimes. Unemployment was low, inflation was low, and real take-home pay was rising steadily. In fact, we had wages rising faster for the bottom 25 percent of the wage scale than for the top 25 percent. prgtoken The incoming all-ic government was handed a reopening economy and a million vaccines going into arms per day. The country was packed with optimism and primed for a comeback. But through their far-left policy choices, Washington have driven our economy right into the ground. Inflation is setting 40-year records in consecutive months; gas and diesel prices have set new all-time highs on consecutive days; and sticker shock continues to cause headaches for Americans buying household essentials. prgtoken One college student in California said that buying groceries has him ``taking extra loans to pay for my expenses. I'm maxing out my credit cards.'' A woman in Virginia reports she has taken to visiting three different food stores in one trip to make sure she is getting the best prices on everything she needs. A warehouse worker in New Jersey says she and her husband are spending more time hunting for coupons. It's not a lot, but I'm trying to buy healthy things that also fill us up. prgtoken Overall grocery prices have jumped 10 percent in the past year, just one part of why many Americans say the economy is not working for them. Fewer than one in four American consumers say the current economic conditions are even somewhat good, and fewer than one in five say the administration's policies have done anything to help. prgtoken made runaway reckless spending their new normal here in Washington. So historic, painful inflation has become the new normal for working families everywhere else.
LEGISLATIVE SESSION
John Cornyn (Republican, TX) \u2014 2022-5-17

well, as has since been reported in the news despite our efforts to keep word of our travel somewhat under wraps before it was accomplished, this last weekend, Senators Collins, Barrasso, and I had the honor of traveling to Ukraine with Senator McConnell on a trip where we visited not only President Zelenskyy in the Presidential palace but also visited two of what we hope will be the next members of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization, namely, Sweden and Finland. prgtoken As we all know, it has been nearly 3 months now since Russia invaded Ukraine. There is no telling what President Putin expected. Perhaps he expected to be able to occupy Ukraine without firing a shot. But the fact is that the Ukrainians' spirit and will to defend their country remain unbroken and undaunted, and Putin's plans have failed and failed miserably. prgtoken We saw this firsthand when we had a chance to visit Kyiv this weekend. Before the invasion, Kyiv was a cultural, religious, and economic hub for the great country of Ukraine. Despite being damaged by Russia's failed attempt to seize the city and occupy Ukraine, Kyiv still embodies the Ukrainian will to survive against all odds. prgtoken When we were there, we met, of course, with President Zelenskyy and his advisers. They have done what I think we all hope we would do in the face of an unprovoked invasion, and that is to remain steadfast in dedication to your people and your country. prgtoken President Zelenskyy's leadership has inspired free nations and free people around the world. His unwavering commitment to Ukraine and its sovereignty has helped rally the rest of the freedom-loving world to come to the aid of Ukraine in a number of different ways. President Zelenskyy, of course, is a product of Ukrainian culture that values strength, resilience, a love of homeland, and we know that the people of Ukraine are the same and certainly no different. prgtoken The Ukrainian people are determined not just to defend their country but to win in this fight against Russia, and that is what they have been doing. What they have asked of us is to give them the tools they need to fight their own fight. prgtoken Since the earliest days of this invasion, the United States has provided billions of dollars in military and humanitarian assistance, and we continue looking to President Zelenskyy so we can understand what more is needed. prgtoken This is not only a security crisis, this is a humanitarian crisis as well since Ukraine is known generally as the bread basket of Europe. He and his advisers warned us about the possibility of global food shortages caused by a Russian blockade of Ukrainian ports. This will lead to widespread famine not just in Europe but throughout Africa and spread the pain far afield from Europe. prgtoken When it comes to military aid, President Zelenskyy emphasized a message he has consistently shared with us: We need more, and we need it faster--more S
REMEMBERING MARK SWEENEY
Jon Tester (Democrat, MT) \u2014 2022-5-17

I would like to share a few words today to honor an outstanding leader and friend of mine who recently passed away. prgtoken Mark Sweeney was a State senator for Montana's 39th District and a candidate for the U.S. House of Representatives. Mark was the face of public service in Montana, with an unyielding commitment to make our State better for all of our kids and grandkids. prgtoken Born in Butte, raised in Miles City, and a longtime resident of Anaconda, Mark was a Montanan through and through. Mark worked for Montana Fish, Wildlife, and Parks for 32 years until he retired as a fisheries manager. prgtoken He started his political career as a commissioner in Anaconda-Deer Lodge and later successfully ran for a seat in Montana's State Legislature as a representative. He was elected to the State senate in 2020. prgtoken During his career, Mark was a tireless advocate for public lands and public access, working with sportsmen and women around Montana to protect our greatest treasures for future generations. When Mark talked about running for office, he focused on how he would improve the lives of his fellow citizens, and he worked with anyone and everyone, regardless of whether they agreed or disagreed with him. prgtoken Mark was a fierce advocate for working families across Montana. He believed in the power of public education to lift folks up and prioritized the creation of good-paying jobs, especially for young people, that would keep them living and working in Montana. prgtoken Mark was an effective policy-maker who made it a priority to balance conservation and responsible development in our communities. Mark's lifelong commitment to bettering our State and preserving our public lands for generations wasn't something he preached; it was something he lived every day. prgtoken I want to express my deepest sympathy to Mark's wife, Sue, his children, Shannon and Jordan, stepchildren, Carly and Brandi Johnson, and grandchildren, Wes and Brooks, as well as the rest of the Sweeney family. Those who knew Mark will remember him as not only a dedicated public servant, but as a family man and a dear friend. His friendly demeanor and sense of humor will be sorely missed. prgtoken Mark has left a lasting legacy on us all, but especially his family and friends, his colleagues in the State legislature, and those he represented in the State of Montana. He will not be forgotten.
JOSEPH WOODROW HATCHETT UNITED STATES COURTHOUSE AND FEDERAL BUILDING
Jared Huffman (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2022-5-17

. Madam , I thank the gentleman for yielding. prgtoken Madam , I rise in support of this bill, and s for their kind remarks about our friend and my predecessor, former Congresswoman Lynn Woolsey. prgtoken Lynn was a one-of-a-kind, barrier-breaking trailblazer and a lifelong advocate for women and working families. In her 20 years of service in this body, she was a passionate voice for progressive values, unflinching in her convictions and ahead of her time in so many ways. Pelosi often called Lynn the conscience of the Congress. prgtoken People who speak truth to power are often met with opposition and misunderstanding. Clearly, there are some Members of this body who don't share Lynn Woolsey's progressive values, and they tried to block efforts to recognize her work a few weeks ago. Today, we have a chance to right that wrong. prgtoken When this bill was first on the floor, my colleagues and I thoroughly covered Congresswoman Woolsey's extensive public service career and her many personal obstacles that she overcame to get to Congress where she became one of the leading progressive voices in either Chamber. She was co-chair of the Congressional Progressive Caucus, was chair of the Workforce Protections Subcommittee, wrote historic legislation to expand paid family leave, and fought tirelessly to end the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. prgtoken Lynn's work in Congress was all about fighting for children and families, and nothing made her prouder than her own children and family. Anyone who knows Lynn knows that she considers them her greatest achievement of all: her son Joe Critchett and his wife Kim; her son Ed, his wife Lisa and their children Teddy and Julia; her daughter Amy Critchett, Amy's husband Mark Pauline and their son Jake Eddie; and her son Michael Woolsey, his wife Sarah Grossi and their children Carlo and Luka. prgtoken My bill had widespread bipartisan support, including every prgtoken Member from California. Let's move past partisan pettiness tonight. I would ask my colleagues to please join me in honoring Congresswoman Lynn Woolsey's unique and exemplary career in public service by voting ``yes'' on this bill.
James P. McGovern (Democrat, MA) \u2014 2022-5-17

the bills included in this rule are beneficial measures that will improve the lives of many Americans. But I take a moment to highlight two provisions that I am glad to see here. prgtoken First is a resolution that I introduced with my colleague on the Rules Committee, Mr. Burgess, to urge schools to improve nutrition training for America's medical professionals. For far too long, our country has overlooked and undervalued the essential role diet and nutrition play in our health. prgtoken How do we know? Look at the data. U.S. medical schools devote an average of 19 hours to nutrition education over 4 years, with little of that related to diet and common health conditions. You heard that right: 19 hours on nutrition over 4 years. prgtoken All the while, more than 40 percent of American adults have been obese and 1 in 10 suffer from diabetes. Both are chronic health problems directly related to nutrition that cost Medicare and Medicaid millions and millions of dollars to treat. prgtoken We cannot continue to ignore the correlation between diet and health. It is time to make sure that our medical providers are equipped with the best knowledge and tools to help their patients. prgtoken I thank Mr. Burgess for his partnership on this important bipartisan effort. prgtoken Nutrition, food access, and health are not only directly connected to each other; they are directly connected to our progress as a Nation. It is time we treat them as such. prgtoken Second, I will touch briefly on an amendment that I am offering to the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act of 2022. prgtoken Massachusetts arts and cultural group MASSCreative first brought the idea behind this amendment to my attention. I thank them for all they do in support of the creative industry. prgtoken My amendment will help ensure workers with creative skill sets are better integrated into the workforce. We need people with creative skill sets to make art and write plays, but we also need them on construction sites and web design teams. People with creative skill sets belong everywhere work is being done, and that is what my amendment is about. prgtoken Creative workers have been some of the hardest hit over the course of the COVID-19 pandemic, and as we continue to make our way out of the pandemic, we have to support them in innovative and imaginative ways. prgtoken Yet too often, our narrow vision of what creative workers can or should do doesn't fit the needs or demands of today's workforce. This amendment is about supporting them, so they are better integrated into the workforce. prgtoken Not only will this study help assess how we can continue to help creative workers get back on their feet, but it will also illuminate how we can continue to meet the labor needs of the most in-demand industries.
WORKFORCE INNOVATION AND OPPORTUNITY ACT OF 2022
Adriano Espaillat (Democrat, NY) \u2014 2022-5-17

. Madam , after more than 2 years of instability during the pandemic, Congress must ensure that all Americans--all Americans--have resources to access the job market, especially those who are typically left behind. prgtoken Each year, 600,000 individuals are released from incarceration, and nearly half of them have repeat contact with the criminal justice system within a year. There is a critical need to invest in reentry programs. The Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act of 2022 does just that by guaranteeing the Department of Labor's Reentry Employment Opportunities program is authorized at $500 billion by 2028. prgtoken This investment will not only expand reentry employment assistance for adults, but also prevent in-school youth from dropping out of school, increase the employment rate of out-of-school youth, and reduce the involvement of youth in crime and violence. prgtoken Programs carried out through the reentry employment grant program recognize that youth can and will lead healthy and constructive lives. These resources can mean the difference between a revolving door of prison time or a life full of economic opportunities. prgtoken For those reasons, Madam , and all the other significant provisions in this bill, such as building community college capacity and strengthening industry and sector partnership, I urge all of my colleagues to support the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act of 2022.
ASIAN PACIFIC AMERICAN HERITAGE MONTH
Benjamin L. Cardin (Democrat, MD) \u2014 2022-5-17

I rise today in recognition of Asian Pacific American Heritage Month. This annual recognition offers the opportunity to celebrate the unique impact the Asian American and Pacific Islander community has made and continues to make in the United States. prgtoken On this heritage month, we reflect on the incredible achievements of this minority community and honor the unique combination of traditions and cultures that create the rich tapestry of the Asian American Pacific Islander diaspora and experience. We also use this time to educate ourselves on the nuances of the AAPI identity and better understand the challenges this community faces. prgtoken In 1977, then-Representative Frank Horton of New York introduced a resolution to designate the first 10 days in May as AAPI Heritage Week. The month of May was appropriate because of two key anniversaries that occurred in that month. On May 7, 1843, the first Japanese immigrants came to the United States. prgtoken On May 10, 1869, the first transcontinental railroad was completed, largely due to the backbreaking work of Chinese laborers, some of whom lost their lives in the construction. prgtoken Congress did not enact Representative Horton's initial resolution. The following year, however, with the persistent help of then- Representative Norman Mineta, Congress enacted a new resolution to designate the 7-day period beginning on May 4 as Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage Week. In 1992, Congress authorized the entire month of May as AAPI Heritage Month, which we now celebrate. prgtoken The presence and influence of the AAPI community in the United States has been growing steadily since the 19th century. The 1870 census classified approximately 63,000 individuals as Asian. By 1960, when the census allowed respondents to select their race, that number grew to 980,000. As of 2019, there are 22.4 million AAPI individuals in America, 475,000 of whom call Maryland home. prgtoken It is important to remember that the AAPI community is not a homogenous group. It is an incredibly diverse community, made up of a wide array of cultures spanning many countries and territories, which includes over 50 ethnicities, over 100 languages, and multiple religions. Each subset draws from a unique set of traditions, and we cannot assume they have one shared, uniform experience. We know that the AAPI community makes up about 7 percent of our total population, and this rich and diverse community has an outsized impact on every pillar of our society. We cannot forget the many barriers to success this community has overcome to reach such heights, which makes this community's successes all the more impressive. prgtoken To understand the profound influence the AAPI community has, we need not look further than Capitol Hill. This year, we mourned the passing of my good friend and former colleague, Norman Mineta. A passionate defender of justice, talented strategist, and exemplary