mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
RECOGNIZING THE 150TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE GAZETTE
Doug Lamborn (Republican, CO) \u2014 2022-3-9

. Madam , I rise today to recognize the 150th anniversary of The Gazette, the largest publication and hometown paper of Colorado's 5th Congressional District. prgtoken On March 23, 1872, just a year after William Jackson Palmer founded the city, the publication began as `Out West.' The paper relaunched as `The Colorado Springs Gazette' in 1873, was known decades later as the Colorado Springs Gazette Telegraph or just the GT, and then as `The Gazette' starting in 1997. Over time, The Gazette and the city of Colorado Springs have risen and fallen and then risen again, victoriously. prgtoken The paper had humble beginnings, opening in a two-story frame house on the northeast corner of Tejon Street and Colorado Avenue. In that simpler era, the newly minted city had just over 2,000 residents, and a subscription to the four-page weekly paper cost $3 annually. prgtoken In its 150-year history, The Gazette's size and structure have reflected the community in which it serves. When the city was small, The Gazette was small. When the city grew, so did The Gazette. During World War II, the Pikes Peak region military bases had a massive influx of troops and construction, which breathed new life into the local economy and The Gazette. With business booming, The Gazette merged with its competitor, the Telegraph, in 1947. prgtoken Years later, in 1990, The Gazette was awarded its first Pulitzer Prize for feature writing. prgtoken In 2012, The Gazette was purchased by Clarity Media Group, a wholly- owned subsidiary of the Anschutz Corporation. prgtoken Soon after, The Gazette won its second Pulitzer Prize in 2014 for national reporting on combat veterans who were discharged ``other than honorably.'' prgtoken Over the past decade, The Gazette has expanded its reach and launched into the digital future. In 2020, The Gazette expanded north into the Denver news market, with the launch of the Denver Gazette. prgtoken The Gazette is more than a newspaper for those living in Colorado's 5th Congressional District. It is a source of meaningful, well-composed news and information that reaches multiple generations of our community. For decades, The Gazette's staff and editorial board have told Southern Colorado's stories, shaped public opinion, and given readers something to think about. prgtoken Madam , I ask that my colleagues in the House of Representatives join me in recognizing The Gazette for its legacy of delivering the news to its patrons and setting the bar high when it comes to quality and content. prgtoken I commend Philip and Christian Anschutz and the entire team at The Gazette for their hard work and contributions to the Pikes Peak region, which have made Colorado Springs a wonderful place for families to live and businesses to grow. Here is to another 150 years.
SUSPENDING ENERGY IMPORTS FROM RUSSIA ACT
Young Kim (Republican, CA) \u2014 2022-3-9

I share concerns that others have raised on the process of our getting here, but I rise today in favor of banning Russian energy imports. And I urge the administration to work on an all-of-the-above domestic energy strategy. prgtoken While I am glad that we are stopping the flow of U.S. capital to the Kremlin, I am concerned that prices will rise without a plan to support domestic energy production. Our national security will also continue to be at risk as the administration looks to countries like Iran and Venezuela to fuel our communities. prgtoken The more we rely on authoritarian regimes, the more we hurt our economy, national security, and environment. prgtoken Energy security is national security. We need responsible energy solutions to expand domestic energy supply chains and lower costs for consumers.
SUSPENDING ENERGY IMPORTS FROM RUSSIA ACT
Jodey C. Arrington (Republican, TX) \u2014 2022-3-9

unfortunately President continues to be inexcusably feckless in his response to global threats from our adversaries. prgtoken Now, in the moment of truth, when America can send a clear and unequivocal message to dictators and democracies alike by banning Russian oil imports to the United States, the President has failed once again to rise to the occasion. prgtoken This anemic response would remove the commonsense conditions for lifting the ban like Russia's full and immediate withdrawal from Ukraine and their ceasing to threaten other NATO countries. prgtoken The most egregious aspect of this proposal is that the President and the leadership refused to revoke Russia's permanent normal trade relation status, which will continue to allow them low-tariff access to the United States market--a privilege only allies of freedom should receive. prgtoken Consistent with 's timid response, I fear that these half- measures will not only fail to deter Vladimir Putin, but will invite other tyrants around the world to follow suit. prgtoken , we must unload the full arsenal, the full force of America's economic arsenal on the Russian Federation and their rogue leader.
CELEBRATING WOMEN'S HISTORY MONTH
Frank J. Mrvan (Democrat, IN) \u2014 2022-3-9

. Madam , it is with great respect and admiration that I rise to celebrate Women's History Month and its 2022 theme-- Providing Healing, Promoting Hope. prgtoken Each year, the National Women's History Project selects a unifying theme to recognize and promote Women's History Month. Generations of women of every race, class, and ethnic background have worked tirelessly to make our Nation more resilient. This year's theme recognizes the relentless efforts of women during the COVID-19 pandemic, and the thousands of ways they have provided healing and hope throughout history. prgtoken Today, I would like to honor Sandra Noe, Executive Director of the Meals on Wheels in Northwest Indiana, who has notably brought healing and hope to Indiana's First Congressional District during the COVID-19 pandemic. Sandra has worked with Meals on Wheels for 36 years, and this organization is dedicated to combating senior isolation and hunger. prgtoken During the pandemic, Sandra was on the frontlines delivering hot meals and making at-home check-ins to seniors and other homebound individuals. As the demand for services increased over the past year, Meals on Wheels rose to the challenge. In 2021, they delivered over 1,700 meals daily, provided over 750,000 wellness checks, and celebrated its nine-millionth delivery. prgtoken Sandra is also a member of the Nutrition Fellow Leadership Institute, an Alumnus of Leadership Northwest Indiana, and serves on numerous local boards focused on improving the quality of life for the people of Northwest Indiana. prgtoken Madam , as we recognize Women's History Month, please join me in thanking Sandra and everyone at Meals on Wheels for the extraordinary services they provide to Northwest Indiana. prgtoken Let us recommit to continuing to support their invaluable work and recognize this month and every day the invaluable ways that women continue to provide healing and promote hope not just in caregiving, but in all aspects of our society.
SUSPENDING ENERGY IMPORTS FROM RUSSIA ACT
Earl Blumenauer (Democrat, OR) \u2014 2022-3-9

I rise in support of the underlying bill, but I want to acknowledge the comments from my colleagues about the bipartisan approach that we originally advanced. It is, I think, unfortunate that we are not stripping away the most-favored trade status from the Russians. I am convinced that we will be able to get there with the expression that we have had on both sides of the aisle. I think it is important that we can remain committed to advancing this in terms of tightening the economic noose around Russia. prgtoken , I am a little disappointed with the rhetoric that we have heard attacking the administration for not coming forth with fanciful efforts to increase domestic production. As has been documented on the floor repeatedly in the course of this debate, there are ample leases that are unused now, some 9,000 such leases. prgtoken Everything that my friends on the other side of the aisle are talking about is not going to produce one additional gallon of oil next year or two years afterwards. These are longer-term issues that relate to the mechanics of production, the economics of the industry. prgtoken Where our salvation is going to rise is taking advantage of the elements that the have advanced in terms of clean energy production. This is reliable, sustainable, and not subject to the whims of international global petrochemical arguments and disputes. prgtoken In the meantime, I strongly urge support of the legislation and renew my commitment to work on a bipartisan basis to be able to strip away the most-favored nation status, working together to accomplish this in as expeditious a fashion as possible. prgtoken , I appreciate the cooperation of the chairman of the committee being able to move and take advantage of the expressions of my friends on the other side of the aisle.
MATERNAL AND CHILD HEALTH STILLBIRTH PREVENTION ACT OF 2022
Alma S. Adams (Democrat, NC) \u2014 2022-3-9

. Madam , today, I proudly introduced the bipartisan and bicameral Maternal and Child Health Stillbirth Prevention Act of 2022, alongside Representative Hinson, Senator Merkley, and Senator Cassidy. prgtoken For too long, stillbirth has been a silent crisis. According to a recent study, nearly 1 in 4 stillbirths are potentially preventable. And the data comparing the United States to other countries informs that our nation can do more to prevent stillbirth. prgtoken In our nation, an alarming 23,500 babies are stillborn every year. This is greater than the number of babies that die during the first year of life and more than ten times the number of babies that die annually due to sudden infant death syndrome. prgtoken While the rate of stillbirth has declined since the 1940s due to improvements in maternity care, in recent years, the decline has slowed or halted. Stillbirths increase the risk of maternal mortality and morbidity and negatively impact parental mental health and family well- being. prgtoken Like many of the health crises in our country, disparities exist, and Black women are over two times more likely than White women to have a stillbirth. Stillbirth rates are also high for American Indian or Alaska Native women, who are almost 1.5 times as likely to have a stillbirth compared to White women. Hispanic women also experience higher rates. prgtoken Despite impacting families from all backgrounds and women with otherwise healthy pregnancies, stillbirth is more common for women who are 35 years or older, of lower socioeconomic status, for women who have multiple pregnancies, like twins or triplets, and women who have already experienced the loss of a pregnancy. prgtoken In addition, stillbirth also occurs more commonly amongst women who smoke while pregnant or are diagnosed with certain medical conditions like hypertension, diabetes, or obesity. prgtoken Further, women from less advantaged backgrounds and who are marginalized, continue to experience a greater burden of stillbirth. And these disadvantages are further impacted by the social determinants of health. For example, women in maternity care deserts and rural areas have fewer healthcare providers. Nationwide, approximately 10 percent of births take place in counties with limited access to maternity care. prgtoken According to The Lancet, in a 2016 study, the United States ranked number 48 out of 49 high-income countries in annual stillbirth rate reduction. Furthermore, in comparison with the prgtoken same group of countries, the United States stillbirth rate per 1,000 births was higher than 24 other countries. prgtoken All the available data suggests that further reduction in the incidence of stillbirth is possible. And the Maternal and Child Health Stillbirth Prevention Act will help reverse this shocking trend of stillbirths and maternal mortality in the United States. prgtoken My bill amends Title V, the Maternal and Child Health Services Block Grant
HONORING THE LIFE OF RENNY CUSHING
Chris Pappas (Democrat, NH) \u2014 2022-3-9

. Madam , I rise today to honor the life and legacy of a true New Hampshire original, a dedicated public servant, and a passionate advocate for the causes that he held dear. prgtoken Renny Cushing, the ic leader of the New Hampshire House of Representatives, passed away on Monday after a courageous battle with cancer. prgtoken I served with Renny in the State House and I saw firsthand his compassion, empathy, and good faith that he brought to every issue and every debate. He was guided by a strong moral compass and a sense of liberty and justice, right and wrong. prgtoken His loss leaves a hole in New Hampshire that can never be filled, and we should all take inspiration from the legacy that he leaves behind. We will miss our friend. New Hampshire will miss the tireless spirit of a man who spent his life in the arena striving to make people's lives better and striving to make hope and history rhyme. prgtoken My thoughts are with his family, his three daughters, and all who knew him and were touched by his example.
HAITI DEVELOPMENT, ACCOUNTABILITY, AND INSTITUTIONAL TRANSPARENCY INITIATIVE ACT
Betty McCollum (Democrat, MN) \u2014 2022-3-9

I rise in strong support of the Consolidated Appropriations Act for fiscal year 2022. prgtoken As chair of the Appropriations Subcommittee on Defense, I want to thank Ranking Member Calvert for his partnership and Chair DeLauro and Ranking Member Granger for their leadership. prgtoken For fiscal year 2022, the Defense bill provides a total of $728.5 billion. That is $32.5 billion above the 2021 level. The House bill that I wrote was a much lower number, but this is the number I was instructed to mark up to. prgtoken We prioritized critical investments and our most important national security asset, our servicemen and -women and their families. prgtoken Here are a few examples: a 2.7 percent pay raise for over 2 million uniformed servicemembers and 750,000 DOD civilian employees; an additional $167 million so all DOD personnel can earn at least a $15 minimum wage; an additional $397 million for basic housing and subsistence allowances so that our servicemembers can feed their children properly; $97 million to enact the Independent Review Commission on Sexual Assault in the Military; $37 billion for Defense Health and medical research programs, including $577 million for cancer research; historic levels of DOD investments in clean energy, climate adaptation, and facility resiliency; a $486 million increase of environmental restoration activities, including $210 million for PFOS/ PFOA cleanup; and an additional $686 million to respond to the Red Hill fuel spill in Hawaii. prgtoken This bill confronts Vladimir Putin's illegal and unjust invasion of Ukraine by providing robust funding for the Ukraine Security Initiative and NATO's partners and allies. prgtoken , this bill is long overdue. It is time for Congress to do our work to pass this omnibus bill and fund our government.
HAITI DEVELOPMENT, ACCOUNTABILITY, AND INSTITUTIONAL TRANSPARENCY INITIATIVE ACT
Mikie Sherrill (Democrat, NJ) \u2014 2022-3-9

I thank the gentlewoman for yielding. prgtoken I would like to engage in a colloquy with Chair DeLauro regarding the Strategic Long-Range Cannon. prgtoken I ask my friend from Connecticut, is it the intent of the committee that a portion of the funds provided under the Technology Maturation Initiatives line be used to invest in the development of the SLRC program, should the program supply a spend plan?
CONGRATULATING LORENZO FLORES OF BRIDGEPORT ON HIS VICTORY IN THE MLB JUNIOR HOME RUN DERBY
James A. Himes (Democrat, CT) \u2014 2022-3-9

. Madam , I rise today to recognize and congratulate Lorenzo Flores of Bridgeport, Connecticut on his victory in the MLB Junior Home Run Derby on November 1, 2021. The MLB Junior Home Run Derby is a free homerun hitting contest that allows young athletes from all over the world to practice skill and sportsmanship while competing for a chance to play in the MLB Little League World Series (LLWS). Over 40,000 players entered the competition last year, only 16 of whom qualified for the LLWS--Lorenzo Flores was one of those 16. He advanced through three levels of rigorous competition to clinch the title of 12U New England region champion and earn himself a trip to the Little League World Series. prgtoken Lorenzo's victory is well earned: he began playing baseball at the age of four and has excelled in both school and sport for the past eight years with the love and support of his family and community. A student at John Winthrop Elementary School in Bridgeport, Lorenzo plays for Bridgeport North End Little League and is a big fan of the New York Yankees. He possesses a strong work ethic and unshakeable passion that children and adults alike can aspire to. I am proud to represent a young man like Lorenzo. prgtoken Madam , I ask that you and my colleagues join me in congratulating Lorenzo on this immense accomplishment.
HAITI DEVELOPMENT, ACCOUNTABILITY, AND INSTITUTIONAL TRANSPARENCY INITIATIVE ACT
Anna G. Eshoo (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2022-3-9

I rise in full support of H.R. 2471, the fiscal year 2022 appropriations bill. prgtoken Every Member has met with countless constituents who have pleaded for Congress to do more to address diseases that are currently death sentences . . . pancreatic cancer, Alzheimer's disease, glioblastoma, ALS. prgtoken Today's legislation delivers for those constituents by providing $1 billion to create an independent Advanced Research Projects Agency for Health, ARPA-H. prgtoken ARPA-H will embody the nimble spirit of the esteemed Defense Advanced Research Project Agency to pursue large-scale, high-risk projects. It will break the mold for federal research agencies by being uniquely focused on solving the ``valley of death'' to deliver transformational cures. ARPA-H will correct the gap that currently exists between the basic research pursued by the National Institutes of Health and the development of commercial products by the private sector. With this mission, ARPA-H will drive scientific breakthroughs to improve our nation's health and will help fulfill President s promise to end cancer as we know it. prgtoken I'm proud to have championed this bipartisan investment in this year's budget. prgtoken Our work is not yet done. As Health Subcommittee Chairwoman, I look forward to passing my ARPA-H bill to provide the agency the full authorities it needs to be successful from Day One. prgtoken I've worked on this legislation over the past year after President convened a small group of bipartisan and bicameral members in the West Wing last March to describe his vision for the agency. prgtoken I came to Congress to solve problems and better the lives of the American people. It is with great pride and joy to vote for today's budget that will fund the beginning of ARPA-H. This is a momentous first step in creating an agency that will be a beacon of hope to the American people.
HAITI DEVELOPMENT, ACCOUNTABILITY, AND INSTITUTIONAL TRANSPARENCY INITIATIVE ACT
Sanford D. Bishop, Jr. (Democrat, GA) \u2014 2022-3-9

I rise in support of this bill. As Chairman of the Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies subcommittee I am pleased to highlight the national priorities funded in our division which impacts the lives of all Americans from heartland to coast, farms to cities, and everything in between. prgtoken First, our bill makes important, USDA-wide investments to ensure equitable participation in USDA programs, address the impacts of climate change, and support staff and leadership offices at USDA. prgtoken The bill includes over $550 million for the expansion of broadband service, including $450 million for the Reconnect program. prgtoken Our bill fully funds all the domestic nutrition programs and includes a significant investment to increase the amounts of fruits and vegetables offered in the WIC program. Additionally, there is $2 billion for international food aid. prgtoken The bill provides $1.87 billion for farm programs, including $61 million in loan authority to address heirs property issues. prgtoken The bill includes $3.5 billion for agriculture research programs, including the Agricultural Research Service and the National Institute of Food and Agriculture to keep American agriculture the best and most bountiful in the world. prgtoken The bill includes a total of $3.3 billion for FDA and provides targeted increases to ensure Americans have access to the safest food and medicine. prgtoken This is a good bill and I urge my colleagues to support it. prgtoken I want to thank our Ranking Member, Andy , and the majority and minority committee staff. prgtoken I also want to thank Chair DeLauro and Ranking Member Granger for their leadership through this process.
COST ESTIMATE FOR H.R. 4374, BROADBAND INTERNET CONNECTIONS FOR RURAL AMERICA ACT
David Scott (Democrat, GA) \u2014 2022-3-9

. Madam , I include in the Record the cost estimate prepared by the Congressional Budget Office for H.R. 4374, the Broadband Internet Connections for Rural America Act. The cost estimate was not available at the time of the Committee report filing. U.S. Congress, Congressional Budget Office, Washington, DC, November 29, 2021. Hon. David Scott, Chairman, Committee on Agriculture, House of Representatives, Washington, DC. Dear : The Congressional Budget Office has prepared the enclosed cost estimate for H.R. 4374, the Broadband Internet Connections for Rural America Act. If you wish further details on this estimate, we will be pleased to provide them. The CBO staff contact is Jon Sperl. Sincerely, Phillip L. Swagel, Director. Enclosure.
SUSPENDING TRADE RELATIONS FOR RUSSIA BELARUS ACT
Bill Pascrell, Jr. (Democrat, NJ) \u2014 2022-3-9

. Madam , this weekend, I heard direct pleas for help from President Zelenskyy. prgtoken He asked for defense resources and supplies. prgtoken He asked us to cripple Russia's economy. prgtoken We heard his pleas and are acting with urgency. prgtoken Russia must be removed from the World Trade Organization for its unprovoked invasion of Ukraine. prgtoken There is no good reason for Russia to be part of our international and trade communities. prgtoken Good neighbors don't invade sovereign nations. prgtoken We are using America's economic might to isolate Russia as a pariah to the whole world. prgtoken Today, we take an essential step to weaken Putin and cripple his ability to save Russia's teetering economy. prgtoken In 2019, our former President withheld military aid from Ukraine to extort President Zelenskyy. prgtoken Then, 100 percent of House s turned their backs on Ukraine. But I hope s will support Ukrainians in their hour of need today.
OLATHE EAST HIGH SCHOOL SHOOTING
Sharice Davids (Democrat, KS) \u2014 2022-3-9

. Madam , last Friday a student brought a gun into Olathe East High School. By noon, three people, an assistant principal, a school resource officer, and a student were on their way to the Overland Park Regional Medical Center with gunshot wounds. prgtoken Students hid in classrooms sending texts that every parent dreads receiving: Someone is shooting inside the school. Thanks to the actions of Officer Erik Clark and the assistant principal Kaleb Stoppel, those parents were able to reunite with their students safely on Friday afternoon. prgtoken We are all grateful and hoping for their full recovery. I know I am not alone in thinking that things could have been much worse were it not for their intervention. prgtoken I would also like to commend the Olathe Police Department, fire department, and Johnson County MED-ACT for their exemplary response. Thank you for helping keep our community safe. These are the headlines that every American is tired of reading, that everyone fears will come to their doorstep. prgtoken We must step up mental health support in schools--not just in the aftermath of trauma, but permanently. I stand with every parent, educator, student, and Kansan who has come together to call for commonsense gun safety. We have to be brave enough to put our kids' lives first.