mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
Coronavirus (Executive Calendar)
John Hoeven (Republican, ND) \u2014 2021-3-2

I rise today to discuss the $1.9 trillion spending bill that we expect we will be considering probably starting tomorrow. prgtoken The COVID-19 pandemic has deeply impacted our communities, causing heartbreak and grief for hundreds of thousands of families who have lost loved ones. At the same time, it has turned our economy upside down, and it has shuttered small business, as well as schools and churches. prgtoken Without a doubt, it is during a pandemic that we here in Congress should be coming together and working to provide relief for those who are struggling, and it is for that very reason that I am proud that s and have worked together. We worked together over the past year on a very bipartisan basis--a bipartisan basis--to pass five different pieces of legislation to address the pandemic. prgtoken In March of 2020, we passed the Coronavirus Preparedness and Response Supplemental Appropriations Act by a vote of 96 to 1. We passed the Families First Coronavirus Response Act by a vote of 90 to 8, and the landmark Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act, or the CARES Act, which is the one I think most people are very familiar with. That provided $2.2 trillion in relief, and it passed the Senate unanimously. It got every and every ic vote. prgtoken Last summer, we unanimously passed legislation making adjustments to the Paycheck Protection Program, providing further support for our small businesses and additional funding for hospitals, for healthcare providers, as well as for COVID-19 testing. We passed it unanimously. prgtoken In late December, just over 2 months ago, we provided an additional $900 billion in relief, including direct payments to individuals, $120 billion in additional unemployment insurance, $25 billion in rental assistance, $25 billion in nutrition and ag assistance for our farmers, and $325 billion in additional support for small businesses--again, with an overwhelming bipartisan vote--bipartisan. All five of these were passed with big bipartisan votes--some of them unanimously--and much of that money has yet to be spent. prgtoken Now in Congress and the administration want to pass, on a partisan basis with only ic votes, a massive $1.9 trillion bill with no input from s, unlike the previous COVID-19 relief bills that we worked together on to pass to respond to this COVID epidemic. prgtoken In the House, the bill passed. It didn't get any votes, and it didn't even get all the ic votes. It was passed solely with ic votes, no votes, and some voting against it as well. And, again, we haven't even spent the $900 billion we just passed on a bipartisan basis in December. prgtoken Also, the bill includes billions in spending for nonpandemic-related programs, including $480 million for the National Endowment for the Arts, the National Endowment for Humanities,
Coronavirus (Executive Calendar)
Todd Young (Republican, IN) \u2014 2021-3-2

. I don't rise today, , in opposition to COVID relief, nor do I rise today to oppose money for vaccine distribution and testing, nor do I rise to oppose stimulus spending for those who really need it--our hard-hit businesses, rank-and-file fellow Americans--and I certainly don't rise to oppose additional grants and loans for other enterprises out there that just aren't going to be able to make it through this, like our not-for-profits that are essential to all of our communities. But I rise today, instead, to oppose this partisan, pork-filled American Rescue Plan. prgtoken You know, I am not known for histrionics in this body, and I am not engaging in them. This is a partisan bill full of a liberal wish list of items that, frankly, aren't popular with Hoosiers, and they won't be popular with the American people the more they get to know about what is loaded up in this $1.9 trillion package of goodies. prgtoken In the last year, during a time of political division and strife, this Congress came together around COVID relief. We rose to the challenge presented to us by this global pandemic. We didn't bring it on. By most accounts, it came from China. But we came together to address this foreign threat that came to our shores that has decimated our economy, that has threatened lives and livelihoods, and we passed 5 relief measures with well more than 90 votes in every instance. prgtoken The total, nearly $3.5 trillion--and I make no apologies for those investments. Those were investments in public health. Those were investments in our communities. Those were investments in our employers. Those were investments in our loved ones, to provide them safety and security and a measure of comfort but to save their very lives. These are investments in our frontline workers. We did all of that in a bipartisan fashion with very little opposition--very little opposition. prgtoken Unity, that is what this country needs. I heard that coming from the lips of s and alike at the highest levels weeks ago, and that is what I pine for. I want our country to be unified. I believe we can be unified. But this is not a step in the right direction. prgtoken Even though much of the money that we have allocated to address the many consequences of this global pandemic has not been spent yet, we s have tried to work with the administration on a sixth relief package over the past month. In fact, I was 1 of 10 s who--I say this commendably toward the administration; specifically, I commend the President for inviting myself and nine other s into the Oval Office to discuss our counterproposal. prgtoken And I have to say, the $600 billion proposal that we were providing was, for this U.S. Senator, a bit of a stretch. You know, so much money was still in the pipeline, it wasn't even clear that that much was needed. But we certainly did not need $1.9 trillion, and we all agreed
FOR THE PEOPLE ACT OF 2021
Claudia Tenney (Republican, NY) \u2014 2021-3-2

. Madam , I rise today in opposition to H.R. 1, the so-called For the People Act. prgtoken My colleagues on the other side of the aisle are touting this sweeping legislation as a win for transparency and election integrity. Nothing could be further from the truth. prgtoken This bill is an attempt to destroy democracy by federalizing aspects of U.S. elections constitutionally delegated to the States. It would prohibit commonsense voter ID rules, encourage ballot harvesting, require no-excuse absentee and early voting, permit felons and noncitizens to vote, and make colleges and universities trusted voter registration agencies. prgtoken I know firsthand the need for election reform and the consequences of prgtoken elections run without transparency and oversight. I was sworn into office over 30 days late, after an exhaustive 100-day postelection count in the race for New York's 22nd Congressional District. In the run-up to the 2020 election, New York Governor Andrew Cuomo rushed through a series of executive orders that mirrored many of the policies the are now proposing in H.R. 1. The result was one of the most poorly run elections in the entire Nation. It was a disgrace to our system of government. prgtoken If H.R. 1 had become law, I can confidently say it would have been virtually impossible to conduct a fair and transparent race. New York's election debacle reveals H.R. 1's real-world consequences. prgtoken If this legislation had been adopted, the errors exposed in my race wouldn't be the exception. It would have been bureaucratic chaos and that would have been the norm.
Coronavirus (Executive Session)
John Thune (Republican, SD) \u2014 2021-3-2

continue to push forward with their partisan COVID legislation. The House of Representatives passed the ' $1.9 trillion partisan wish list on Saturday, and the Senate is expected to take it up later this week. prgtoken Just weeks after the President expressed his commitment to unity at his inauguration, he and his party are forcing through exclusively partisan legislation despite s' clear willingness to negotiate. When it comes to ' COVID bill, President keeps asking, ``What would you have me cut?''--as if there is no way anyone could dispute the necessity of anything in this legislation. prgtoken Well, as I said last week, I have some suggestions because this bill is rife with unnecessary and problematic provisions. are presenting this as a COVID relief bill, but a lot of this bill has little to do with responding to the pandemic. In fact, less than 10 percent of the bill is directly related to combating the COVID health crisis. prgtoken If President would like to know what to cut, let me suggest starting with the bill's $350 billion slush fund for States. Now, there is no question that COVID has placed additional pressure on States, which is why s supported targeted funding for States in previous COVID legislation. But at this point, the vast majority of States are not in crisis. prgtoken A number of States actually saw higher tax revenues in 2020. The majority of States, including my home State of South Dakota, have the resources they need to weather the rest of the pandemic. Even if the Federal Government bailed out those States that are still struggling-- some, at least partially, because of their own mismanagement--$350 billion far exceeds the amount that would be needed. are simply providing a large and unnecessary giveaway to States with the distribution formula heavily weighted in favor of blue States. prgtoken Then there is the bill's funding for schools. Now, s are committed to getting schools reopened so our kids can get back to the in-person learning that they need. It is why we voted for $68 billion in COVID funding for K-12 schools last year. But right now, schools don't need additional funding. So far K-12 schools have spent just $5 billion of the $68 billion that we provided them. Yet the ' bill would provide nearly $129 billion in additional funding. And despite all that additional and unnecessary money, nothing--nothing--in the bill would require schools to actually reopen. Schools could collect this money while still depriving students of the benefits of in-person learning. prgtoken And another thing, are billing this legislation as a COVID relief bill and suggesting that it is providing urgently needed funding. Yet 95 percent of the funding for schools--95 percent--would be spent after this year. That is right. Just 5 percent of this ``emergency funding'' would be spe
CORONAVIRUS
Mitch McConnell (Republican, KY) \u2014 2021-3-2

there has been a lot of discussion about the ' decision to load up their partisan spending bill with liberal items that are completely unrelated to the pandemic. prgtoken We are at a key turning point in this crisis. The Nation has just endured a historically painful year. This virus has stolen half a million American lives. It has thrown millions of children out of classrooms and workers out of jobs. prgtoken But on every front there seem to be signs we are actually turning the tide. prgtoken New cases, hospitalizations, and deaths have been declining. The CDC reports that one in five adult Americans has already received at least one vaccine dose. That is 50-plus million people. One in 10 has gotten both shots. And the supply of vaccines is continuing to ramp up with yet another authorized just last weekend. prgtoken Meanwhile, science keeps confirming it is quite safe to get kids and teachers back in the classroom with simple precautions that we can accomplish right now. All indications suggest our economy is poised for a roaring comeback for workers and for families. prgtoken This crossroads should give Washington a golden opportunity. We could get together on a bipartisan basis like we did five times last year-- five times--and pass more targeted policies to help finish the fight and get the American people their jobs, their schools, their lives, and their country back. prgtoken A number of Senate s went to the White House just days after President was sworn in, proposing we continue the streak of overwhelming bipartisanship that has designed the COVID-19 response all this time. Our ic colleagues said no; they wanted to go it alone. And when you look at their partisan bill, you can certainly see why. prgtoken Less than 9 percent of their massive proposal would go to the core healthcare fight against COVID-19. Listen to this: Less than 1 percent goes to vaccinations. prgtoken You see, they had to leave room for all the completely unrelated, leftwing pet priorities, like sending $350 billion to bail out long- mismanaged State and local governments, multiple times the expert estimate of COVID needs; things like massive expansion and Care subsidies that would disproportionately benefit wealthier people; things like handcrafted tweaks to Medicare so it pays more money to just three States: Rhode Island, New Jersey, and the President's home State of Delaware. You might call it a special kickback for the Acela Corridor. prgtoken They had to make room to bankroll things like underground rail in Silicon Valley, upgrading a bridge from New York to Canada, and giving Planned Parenthood access to taxpayer money meant to rescue mom-and-pop Main Street businesses. prgtoken Sadly, the parts that actually do relate to the pandemic aren't much better. At the same time that refuse to follow the science on in-person schooling, they want to pass a massive new set of delu
FOR THE PEOPLE ACT OF 2021
Marjorie Taylor Greene (Republican, GA) \u2014 2021-3-2

I rise in opposition to H.R. 1. prgtoken While we are talking about voter suppression and long lines, I would like to point out that there is real voter suppression that happens right here in Congress. Many Members of Congress have to stand in long lines to enter the Chamber going through metal detectors, emptying our pockets, and being treated very disrespectfully. That is real voter suppression, and it is a shame that it happens right here on the House floor. prgtoken Standing in line to vote is not suppression. It is just part of the voting process, just like people stand in line to buy groceries in the grocery store.
Tribute to Donna Boley (Executive Calendar)
Shelley Moore Capito (Republican, WV) \u2014 2021-3-2

today I rise to speak on a couple of topics, but first, I want to take this opportunity to thank really an icon in our State, and that is West Virginia State Senate Pro Tempore Donna Boley. She is a good friend of mine, and she is now in her 10th term. She is the longest continuously serving member in our State's State senate. At one point in history, Donna Boley was the only . She was the ranking member on every single committee and the lead , as she was the only one in the early nineties. prgtoken I want to thank her for her service, for her service to our State, which began in 1985, and wish her all the best as she presides today-- she is presiding today--over the West Virginia State Senate. prgtoken So, Donna, way to go. Really proud of you. You are a role model for every woman who is watching and certainly young girls as well
FOR THE PEOPLE ACT OF 2021
Dan Crenshaw (Republican, TX) \u2014 2021-3-2

. Madam , I rise today in opposition to H.R. 1. I have always found it interesting that elections are the one thing my colleagues on the other side don't want to strictly regulate. prgtoken You see, Madam , there is this mythology amongst that commonsense rules in an election are synonymous with voter suppression. They make it sound as if you have to go through an obstacle course to go vote. This isn't true. It is nonsense, and everybody knows it. prgtoken The truth is that four out of five Americans support voter ID laws, and countless Americans have expressed concern because they received mail-in ballots for other people addressed to their homes. They want this fixed, and they don't want the problem to get worse. But this bill makes elections less trustworthy, not more. prgtoken Trust is everything. When people can see the faults in the process, whether it is ballots at the wrong house or careless verification processes, they believe people are cheating. You can't just dismiss that, Madam . We have to fix it. But instead this bill makes permanent the problematic election practices that cause distrust. prgtoken For example, Madam , ballot harvesting creates serious chain of custody issues, and universal mail-in voting without safeguards creates the kind of chaos where your ballot ends up in someone else's hands, as does forcing States to disregard their own voter ID laws and use sworn statements instead of an ID. prgtoken The integrity of our elections must be self-evident, wherein the mere possibility of fraud is improbable because the process itself is airtight and secure. Many States today do not meet that standard. We should be working together to make elections more secure, not less. If that is indeed our mutual goal, and I pray that it is, then I implore my colleagues to work with us.
IN SUPPORT OF THE FOR THE PEOPLE ACT
Carolyn B. Maloney (Democrat, NY) \u2014 2021-3-2

I strongly support H.R. 1, the For the People Act. prgtoken Included in this important legislation is the Vote by Mail Tracking Act, legislation I introduced to ensure that all ballots in Federal elections have a Postal Service barcode. prgtoken This would enable election officials and the public to track the status of a ballot from when it is put in the mail to when it is delivered, reducing anxiety, increasing accuracy, transparency, and accountability for our ballots. prgtoken After an election year with record-breaking numbers of Americans voting by mail, it has never been more critical to provide election officials and the public peace of mind that every vote matters and is counted accurately. prgtoken I urge overwhelming support for H.R. 1, which includes reforms across our Government that are critically important, and it includes this important bill, too.
RIDGE HIGH SCHOOL THESPIAN TROUPE 7742 COLLECTS FOOD FOR COMMUNITY FOOD BANK
Tom Malinowski (Democrat, NJ) \u2014 2021-3-2

. Madam , today I rise to honor Ridge High School Thespian Troupe 7742. prgtoken As part of New Jersey Thespians' Trick or Treat so Kids Can Eat program, Troupe 7742 collected close to 170 pounds of food for the Somerset County Food Bank. Their donation efforts came at a critical time for many New Jerseyans who are utilizing community food banks now more than ever before. prgtoken Ridge High School Thespian Troupe 7742 is comprised of students who not only excel in the arts, but who also strive to make a difference in their own neighborhood. Their contributions here demonstrate just that. Thank you to Troupe 7742 for the work they do to enrich and give back to the Somerset County community.
FOR THE PEOPLE ACT OF 2021
Brenda L. Lawrence (Democrat, MI) \u2014 2021-3-2

I rise today in support of my amendments, 26 and 27, to H.R. 1. The Postal Service has been an essential service for the American people for centuries, written into our Constitution. And as we take steps to expand voting by mail, we must ensure that the Postal Service is not weaponized to restrict its mission to promptly and effectively deliver mail. prgtoken My first amendment would require the Postal Service to appoint an election mail coordinator to assist election officials. My second amendment would prohibit the Postal Service from enacting any new operational change that would restrict the prompt delivery of mail materials 4 months before the election; specifically, targeting removal of the collection boxes and sorting boxes. prgtoken , I urge my colleagues to support these amendments as part of this en bloc.
FOR THE PEOPLE ACT OF 2021
Zoe Lofgren (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2021-3-2

such time as I may consume. prgtoken , this amendment would strike subtitle C of title III, the election security title in H.R. 1, which requires the President to produce a national strategy for protecting U.S. democratic institutions. It also creates a national commission to protect United States democratic institutions to counter threats. prgtoken In light of the evidence of foreign interference in the 2016, 2018, and 2020 Federal elections, the Federal Government needs a coordinated approach to protect and secure our democracy. While our election infrastructure officials have said that the 2020 election was the most secure in history, we know it is not because our foreign adversaries are no longer attempting to interfere in our elections. They will continue their efforts, and we must take steps to ensure our elections continue to be secure. prgtoken This provision in H.R. 1 is important to that endeavor. The national strategy will provide guidance on how to protect against cyberattacks, influence operations, disinformation campaigns, and other activities that could undermine the security and integrity of United States democratic institutions. prgtoken The purpose of the national commission to protect the United States democratic institutions is to counter efforts to undermine democratic institutions within the United States. The national strategy and commission will be important to protecting the integrity of our elections and preventing foreign interference in our democracy. prgtoken , we must stay vigilant. Our enemies are not resting, and neither are we. This provision is an important part of the bill. prgtoken , I urge my colleagues to vote ``no'' on the amendment from the gentleman from Illinois. .
Nominations (Executive Calendar)
Sherrod Brown (Democrat, OH) \u2014 2021-3-2

a month after Janet Yellen made history as the first woman to serve as Secretary of the Treasury, today we are about to confirm another woman to step into a leading role in our economy, Cecilia Rouse. prgtoken When she came before the Banking and Housing Committee, Dr. Rouse's knowledge of our economy and her passion for service and her commitment to the people who make this country work were obvious to all of us--to the Presiding Officer who is on the committee, to s, to alike. prgtoken After a year when Black Americans have endured so many painful reminders of the yawning gap between the promise of our founding ideals, it is meaningful that our committee's first nomination--our first nomination committee hearing in the Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs Committee--consider the nomination of two outstanding Black women who will take leading roles in our economic recovery: Dr. Rouse, and my Congresswoman, my Congresswoman in Cleveland, Marcia Fudge. prgtoken This matters on so many levels. It is important for our future that little girls, including Black and Brown girls, see themselves in our leaders, from the Vice President to our economic leaders. It matters because of the perspectives and the life experiences these two women-- these two Black women--bring to these jobs. prgtoken Dr. Rouse has family ties in my State, roots deep into the Mahoning Valley and Youngstown, and a real understanding of the people who make this country work--all people. prgtoken The Council of Economic Advisers will also play a key role both in helping our economy recover and in building a better economic system out of this pandemic. Dr. Rouse is exactly whom we need at the helm. She will help direct our Nation's economic policy to put Americans back to work at better jobs with higher wages. prgtoken Millions of Americans are still out of work. Those job losses have disproportionately fallen on low-wage workers, Black and Brown workers, and women. Three million women--three million women have been forced out of the paid labor force. At the same time, essential workers are risking their health to go to work, while corporations still refuse, in far too many cases, to pay them a living wage. prgtoken The minimum wage hasn't been raised in 14 years. Year after year-- year after year, s in this Senate and the White House profess to care about the working people in the heartland of this country, but they refuse to give them a raise while they funnel tax cuts to the CEOs. prgtoken My first speech in this body was in January 2007. Sitting in the chair that Senator Sinema now sits in was Illinois freshman , . He was not even running for President at that point. Since we last raised the minimum wage, he was President 8 years and out of office for more than 4. That is how long. So while s refuse to give raises, they funnel huge tax cuts to CEOs. prgtoken It is part of the