mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
RESTAURANT REVITALIZATION FUND REPLENISHMENT ACT OF 2021
Earl Blumenauer (Democrat, OR) \u2014 2022-4-7

I appreciate the gentlewoman's courtesy, as I appreciate her tireless leadership on this issue. Her committee has performed admirably. I am excited about the wide range of areas that you have enacted to be able to help the recovery that we have seen around the country, one of the reasons that we have had the largest increase in employment this last year in American history. I think what we have today is another chapter in that story. prgtoken Over 2 years ago, I received countless late-night texts and phone calls from the independent restaurants in my community. Portland, Oregon is known for its restaurant scene. We set to work listening to them to come up with an approach that would meet their needs. The so- called Paycheck Protection Program was not adequate. They didn't even know if they were going to be in business, let alone paying back a loan. prgtoken We developed this grant program after consulting with independent restaurants all across the country. The neighborhood bars and restaurants were the hardest hit since the beginning of the pandemic. They were the first to shut down in March of 2020, and they accounted for a quarter of the job losses; 5\1/2\ million workers in April 2020 alone. And they have been the slowest to reopen. prgtoken Yes, they can pivot and adapt, but frankly, the unemployment in the industry remains stubbornly slow to recover. Approximately 90,000 restaurants have already closed permanently since the start of the pandemic, and there are a number of others that are just hanging on by their fingertips, encouraged, in part, by the hope of the Restaurant Revitalization Fund being replenished. prgtoken Restaurants are the cornerstone of a livable community. They have employed nearly 60 percent of Americans at some point in their career, myself included, and I know a number of people in this Chamber identify with that. prgtoken They are a major source of employment for people of color. And they support a trillion-dollar supply chain all across America. prgtoken The Federal Government has provided some help to them through the Restaurant Revitalization Fund, based on my RESTAURANTS Act that I first introduced in June of 2020. prgtoken But the program fell short. It did not have enough money to meet all the applicants. There were 100,000 grants that were life-changing for a number of them, but 177,000 hanging in the balance. prgtoken The Relief for Restaurants and other Hard Hit Small Businesses Act finishes the job and completes the promise. prgtoken This legislation is simple: It funds restaurants that did not receive awards that they were otherwise entitled to; it helps other battered industries, like live events, travel, hospitality, and fitness; and supports shuttered venues. And it will be paid for with the fraudulent pandemic relief funds yet to be recovered. prgtoken Now, while the COVID case numbers are low and the American public is ready to move beyond the pandemic, our small, i
STATEMENTS ON INTRODUCED BILLS AND JOINT RESOLUTIONS
Tim Kaine (Democrat, VA) \u2014 2022-4-7

the United States places special trust and confidence in the integrity, judgement, and abilities of those men and women chosen to represent the United States abroad as an Ambassador. The Constitution balances the President's need to have officials overseas able to execute U.S. foreign policy as directed by the President, with Congress' interest in ensuring that these officials will serve honorably and ably in the positions for which they are nominated. Apart from the Foreign Service Act of 1980, the Ambassador nomination process has changed very little since our Nation was founded. However, it is fair to say that Presidents of all parties have on occasion appointed individuals Ambassadors whose profiles indicate political closeness with the President more than deep substantive experience in a particular foreign country. prgtoken Historically, the majority of Ambassadors are selected from the career ranks of the State Department. Roughly 30 percent of Ambassadors are typically selected outside of those ranks, including from among political supporters of the President. This is not categorically problematic--Ambassadors who are not professional diplomats have long served our country admirably, from Benjamin Franklin in France to former Senate Majority Leader Mike Mansfield in Japan. A foreign country may benefit from having a U.S. Ambassador who has a close relationship with the President and the prgtoken ability to elevate issues to the highest levels or the independent gravitas to bring substantial public attention to that country's needs. That said, I do believe it is appropriate to ask Presidents and their Secretaries of State to explain their rationale for choosing Ambassador nominees outside of the Foreign and Civil Services so that the public can understand the rationale for these appointments. This would give both the U.S. public and foreign publics the assurance that the White House is not merely doling out political sinecures but is devoting meaningful thought to these selections. prgtoken The legislation I am introducing today with Senator Booker would not constrain the President's discretion to choose appointees but would require him or her to justify these selections and explain to Congress why someone from outside the State Department is the optimal choice to represent America's interests abroad. I am proud to introduce this bill to ensure that U.S. foreign policy and our national security interests are advanced by the most qualified Americans, and I look forward to working with my colleagues to ensure that this legislation is swiftly considered by the Senate.
RESTAURANT REVITALIZATION FUND REPLENISHMENT ACT OF 2021
Sheila Jackson Lee (Democrat, TX) \u2014 2022-4-7

. Madam , I rise in strong support of H.R. 3807, the ``Relief for Restaurants and Other Hard Hit Small Businesses Act of 2022,'' which provides $70.6 billion in FY2022 for the Restaurant Revitalization Fund. prgtoken Madam , I am pleased that this Congress is reconsidering this critical piece of legislation for America's restaurant owners. The American Rescue Plan made great progress in providing the funding in an equitable manner, prioritizing women, veteran, and economically and socially disadvantaged restaurant owners. In addition, the majority of funds were reserved for restaurants whose gross receipts were no more than $1,500,000 dollars. prgtoken It is essential to promote equity through the Restaurant Revitalization Fund, Madam , considering that only 8 percent of restaurants are owned by blacks and 23.8 percent Asian owned businesses are restaurants. As legislators we must do everything we can to ensure their survival. prgtoken Unfortunately, the funds appropriated from last year's lifeline did not reach enough of those businesses the Administration prioritized. Due to the efforts of motivated court challenges, the prioritization program was ended just three weeks after it was enacted. prgtoken Records reviewed by The New York Times show that hundreds of the 24,000 grants made after the rule change went to applicants who were supposed to have been bumped to the end of the line. During that same period, the agency canceled at least 3,000 already-approved awards. prgtoken Additionally, more than 1,000 successful applicants filed their claims on or after May 19, the day after the agency said the fund had effectively run dry. prgtoken Countless black owned, veteran owned, and women owned restaurants were shuttered because of this heartless rule change, so it is essential we approve this new appropriation. prgtoken To further underscore the personal importance this funding holds to me, I would like to mention a widely loved black owned, and historic Third Ward restaurant: Cream Burger. prgtoken Cream Burger sits on the corner of Elgin and Scott and has been in operation for 60 years. It is a cash only restaurant that has only had two additions to the menu across the entirety of its existence: chili cheese fries and bacon. prgtoken The Greenwood family has been serving the residents of the Third Ward their delicious burgers and homemade ice cream for decades and has no plans of closing any time soon. prgtoken The original owners of the restaurant, Verna and Willie Greenwood, opened the restaurant to generate their own income and create generational wealth, which they certainly have done. Ever since their tragic passing, the business is now owned and operated by their daughters, Beverly and Sandra. prgtoken Beverly and Sandra hope to pass the business onto the next generation of children so they can, ``see it through. Maybe 100 years,'' Beverly said. prgtoken The restaurant sees a range of Third Ward cust
TRIBUTE TO THE NATIONAL CHAMPION USC WOMEN'S BASKETBALL TEAM
James E. Clyburn (Democrat, SC) \u2014 2022-4-7

. Madam , I rise today to pay tribute to the NCAA Women's National Basketball Champions for 2022. The University of South Carolina Gamecocks have played with tremendous heart and skill throughout this season, earning the team its second national title. prgtoken The Gamecocks have been ranked number one the entire season and lost just two games by slim margins. During the NCAA tournament, they beat No. 8 seed Miami, No. 5 seed University of North Carolina, No. 10 seed Creighton and No. 1 seed Louisville, before taking on No. 2 seed and perennial powerhouse University of Connecticut (UConn). prgtoken UConn had been in the Final Four for 14 consecutive years. USC made the Sweet 16 every year since 2014. In 2017, USC claimed their first national championship. The next year, UConn eliminated USC when they met the last time in the tournament. The Gamecocks were in a prime position to win the tournament in 2020, but it was cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Last year, USC was eliminated in the Final Four. prgtoken Head Coach Dawn Staley and the USC players were determined that 2022 was going to be their year. They delivered with a 64-49 victory on April 3 in Minneapolis, delivering UConn their first ever loss in the championship game. prgtoken I can't say enough about the leadership of Coach Staley. The Philadelphia native, and former college, WNBA, and Olympic basketball stand-out, has led USC's team since 2008. She built the program from scratch, and by the 2013-2014 season, the team won the SEC Conference and was the top ranked team nationally. Under her leadership, the Gamecocks have won six SEC regular season and SEC tournament championships, made it to eight Sweet Sixteens and four Final Fours, and now, won two national championships. prgtoken Coach Staley achieved all of this while serving as the U.S. Women's National Olympic Team head coach from 2017 to 2021, leading that team to a perfect 45-0 record and winning a gold medal. This year she received the Naismith Award as the best coach in the Nation for the second time and has earned the distinction of being the first Black coach in men's or women's Division I basketball history to win more than one national championship. prgtoken Coach Staley led a remarkable team with the starting line-up of No. 1 Zia Cooke, a junior guard from Toledo, Ohio; No. 3 Destanni Henderson, a senior guard from Fort Myers, Florida; No. 4 Aliyah Boston, a junior forward from St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands; No. 5 Victaria Saxton, a senior forward from Rome, Georgia; and, No. 12 Brea Beal, a junior prgtoken guard from Rock Island, Illinois. This remarkable starting line-up was assisted by a talented bench of No. 0 Olivia Thompson, a junior guard from Lexington, South Carolina; No. 2 Eniya Russell, a sophomore guard from Baltimore, Maryland; No. 10 Kamilla Cardoso, a sophomore center from Montes Claros, Brazil; No. 11 Destiny Littleton, a senior guard from San Diego, California; No.
RESTAURANT REVITALIZATION FUND REPLENISHMENT ACT OF 2021
Dean Phillips (Democrat, MN) \u2014 2022-4-7

. Madam , the balance of my time to close. prgtoken By the way, to my friend across the aisle, I concur. I am eager for a return to regular order, and I hope we work towards that. prgtoken I want to thank Chairwoman Velazquez, the extraordinary staff of the Small Business Committee, my staff, and so many in the Capitol complex who have brought us to this day; Representatives Blumenauer and Quigley; my good friend, Brian Fitzpatrick, from across the aisle, and so many others. In fact, 300 and s are on bills right now to replenish the RRF, and I want to thank them all for getting us here today. prgtoken I am a small business owner myself. I have been listening to this debate with open ears and open eyes, a long business career, now I own a couple coffee shops. I used to have three, but we had to close one during the pandemic. prgtoken I know how hard it is, how hard it has been, and how hard it will be. But we didn't take PPP. We didn't take an IDA loan. We didn't take any of the government support programs. That is why I am here to advocate for the 177,000--177,000--small restaurants and cafes and millions of owners, operators, and employees all around the country in my district and yours who were approved for RRF funds and have been waiting for almost a full year for us to make good on a very simple promise. prgtoken I want to thank the thousands of other small entrepreneurs and enterprises in the fitness, live events, hospitality, and other hard- hit sectors who have been waiting so patiently--but desperately--for support. prgtoken A singular principle has guided me in this 8-month journey to get to today to see this bill become law, and it is the universal and core American principle of fairness. prgtoken We promised American entrepreneurs during the worst of COVID that we would be there for them. We promised that those who required financial support to survive that we would distribute it on a level playing field. We promised that there would be no program just for the wealthy or the well-connected, and we promised them that their government, the United States of America, would not pick winners and losers. It is a theme I hear constantly from my friends across the aisle, and I agree with it. prgtoken But lo and behold, what did we do? prgtoken We did just that. We picked winners and losers by woefully underfunding the RRF and all but ignoring other small businesses dependent on public gathering that were ravaged by the pandemic. Most of the 100,000 restaurants and cafes that received support weathered the storm because of that support. They kept their lights on and their people paid, and they are now returning to viability. I think we can all agree on that. But 177,000 restaurants and cafes, often next door to or across the street from those who received RRF support, got nothing. One restaurant on one side of the street got full support, and the other one applied, was approved,
Unanimous Consent Request--Executive Calendar (Executive Session)
Brian Schatz (Democrat, HI) \u2014 2022-4-7

. I will not yield. prgtoken Mr. Lowman is well-qualified for this job, and no one is disputing that. He is a Marine Corps veteran who spent nearly four decades working for the Army. He has the exact expertise necessary to help support our logistics chain and help to make sure that our military remains the best fighting force on the planet. It is time for Senator Hawley to release this hold and move the nomination forward. prgtoken This is preposterous. You can do a hold. Members do a hold. The Presiding Officer has done a hold. I have done a hold. I voted no on nominees. I retaliated against ic and administrations when I disagreed with policy. But a blanket hold on the Department of Defense and holding the person in charge of our logistics chain is absolutely inexcusable. prgtoken , I ask unanimous consent that the Senate consider the following nomination, Calendar No. 777, Christopher Joseph Lowman, of Virginia, to be an Assistant Secretary of Defense, and that the Senate vote on the nomination without intervening action or debate; that the motion to reconsider be considered made and laid upon the table, and statements related to the nomination be printed in the Record.
STATEMENTS ON INTRODUCED BILLS AND JOINT RESOLUTIONS
Alex Padilla (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2022-4-7

I rise to speak in support of the Hispanic Educational Resources and Empowerment Act of 2022, which I introduced today. prgtoken Hispanic-serving institutions provide incredible opportunities for millions of low-income and first-generation students. I am proud that my State of California is home to 174 HSls and 51 emerging HSls, the most in the country. That is why I launched the first-ever Senate HSI Caucus with my colleague, Senator Menendez--to spotlight and advocate for the 559 HSIs across our country. These critical institutions educate our future leaders and help to build a more diverse and inclusive workforce. prgtoken Over the last 2 years, the number of HSls in our country declined for the first time in two decades. A decrease in higher education enrollment among Latino students during the COVID-19 pandemic has led to the decrease in the number of HSls, illustrating the need to invest in Latino youth. That is why I am introducing the HERE Act. prgtoken If enacted, this bill would support Latino students throughout secondary and postsecondary education. Specifically, the HERE Act would provide $150 million for grants to create partnerships between HSls and K-12 school districts that serve large populations of Latino students. prgtoken Schools could use this funding to provide academic support that better prepares students for postsecondary education. They could create new programs to foster a college-going culture by exposing students and their families to postsecondary opportunities. And they could better support students through the college application and transition process. Additionally, schools could use grants to address non-academic needs that serve as barriers to college enrollment and completion--such as childcare, food insecurity, financial hardship, and more. prgtoken Latinos are the largest, youngest, and second fastest growing minority population in the United States. While making up 18 percent of our country's population, Latinos comprise 26 percent of prekindergarten through grade 12 enrollment. Latino students are going to college more than ever before, prgtoken but they still face lower educational outcomes, including lower grades, lower scores on standardized tests, and higher dropout rates. prgtoken As a Senator representing one of the most diverse States in the country, I am proud to work with my leagues to ensure the American dream is a reality for every student. prgtoken I want to thank Congressman Joaquin Castro for introducing this bill with me, and I hope our colleagues will join us in support of this effort to empower Latino youth.
NOMINATION OF KETANJI BROWN JACKSON
Charles E. Schumer (Democrat, NY) \u2014 2022-4-7

. Now, , the Senate gavels in this morning for a joyous, momentous, groundbreaking day. This morning, we will vote to end debate on the nomination of Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson to be a Justice on the U.S. Supreme Court, and, later this afternoon, the Senate will fulfill its constitutional duty to finally confirm this remarkable and groundbreaking jurist. prgtoken The cloture vote is scheduled to take place at approximately 11 a.m and we will aim to vote on final confirmation in the afternoon, the time depending on how many Members wish to speak. prgtoken Today is a culmination--a culmination for more than 6 weeks where this Chamber has examined and debated and questioned Judge Jackson on her record and her qualifications. Every step of the way the judge has proved herself exceptionally qualified, thoughtful, and prepared to serve on the Court. As I said, she encapsulates the three b's: brilliant, beloved, and belongs. She belongs on the Supreme Court. It is now up to us to finish the work that the President entrusted us to do. prgtoken So today is also a joyous celebration in another way. In the 233-year history of the Supreme Court, never, never has a Black woman held the title of Justice. Ketanji Brown Jackson will be the first, and I believe the first of more to come. prgtoken This milestone should have happened generations ago--generations ago--but we are always trodding on a path toward a more perfect Union. Nevertheless, America today is taking a giant step toward making our Union more perfect. prgtoken People sometimes talk about standing on the shoulder of giants. Well, Judge Jackson will go down in history as an American giant upon whose shoulders others will stand tall, and our democracy will be better off for it. prgtoken I will have more to say later this afternoon, prior to the final vote on the confirmation, but for now I want to thank Chairman Durbin of the Senate Judiciary Committee for beautifully executing the nomination, all the members of the Judiciary Committee for their thoughtful and respectful--all my ic colleagues on the Judiciary Committee for their thoughtful and insightful examination of the judge's record, and I want to thank those Senators who chose to take this process seriously. prgtoken So it is truly a joyous day; joyous for the Senate, joyous for the Court, joyous for America. prgtoken Let us finish the work today of confirming Judge Jackson, finally, to the Supreme Court of the United States.
RESTAURANT REVITALIZATION FUND REPLENISHMENT ACT OF 2021
Judy Chu (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2022-4-7

I rise in strong support of this legislation to fulfill our commitment to the small businesses hardest hit by the pandemic, like the many in my Los Angeles-area district. prgtoken The Restaurant Revitalization Fund and the Shuttered Venue Operators Grant program have been crucial interventions to protect the industries most reliant on in-person, indoor crowds. These were some of the first businesses to close and among the last to return to full capacity. prgtoken That is why we must pass this legislation to fund $42 billion in pending restaurant applications, give live venues and theaters more time and flexibility to use their funds, and create a new program for the hardest hit small businesses that still need help to keep their doors open. prgtoken This bill would be paid for by going after funds stolen by fraudsters, showing the American public that the U.S. will not tolerate those who use the pandemic to take advantage of small businesses in their most dire time of need.
RUSSIA SANCTIONS
Marcy Kaptur (Democrat, OH) \u2014 2022-4-7

. Madam , I rise today to support Congress' bipartisan approval of harsher sanctions on Vladimir Putin and his vicious Russian enablers. We all support suspending normal trade relations and support destabilizing the Russian economy as the price of their savageness. prgtoken The nations of the free world and all freedom-loving people have an obligation to stand up resolutely against the tyranny and murder being unleashed against Ukraine. prgtoken Let liberty lovers continue arming Ukraine's brave defenders. Let free nations send them the lethal and defensive equipment they need. And let civil nations continue to isolate this rogue and criminal state from all that it needs to function. prgtoken The murder of innocent, men, women, and children simply cannot be tolerated.