mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
LEGISLATIVE SESSION
Jeanne Shaheen (Democrat, NH) \u2014 2022-1-13

I come to the floor today to speak in opposition to S. 3436, which is the Nord Stream 2's sanctions bill sponsored by Senator Cruz. prgtoken I certainly share the concerns that have been expressed just a few minutes ago by Senator McConnell about the threat that Russia poses to Ukraine and to Eastern Europe and the role that Nord Stream 2 plays in that critical issue. prgtoken I have been a strong and longstanding opponent of Nord Stream 2. I believe now what I believed at the time that I originally cosponsored the Nord Stream 2 sanctions bill with Senator Cruz; that the Nord Stream 2 Pipeline is a long-term threat to the energy security of Europe. prgtoken But right now we are in a different place on this, and while Senator Cruz and I worked together on sanctions legislation to stop this pipeline, my disagreement now with Senator Cruz is in his approach to what we need to do to address what is right now a much more serious threat to Europe, to NATO, to the transatlantic alliance, and that is Russia's threat against Ukraine. prgtoken And what Senator Cruz's bill would do is not stop Nord Stream 2; it would undermine the current diplomatic situation that is absolutely critical if we are going to respond to the Russian threat. prgtoken His bill is a vote--supporting his bill would be a vote to compromise the transatlantic community. It is a vote that breaks the message of bipartisan support in the face of Russian aggression and, furthermore, not just bipartisan support but allied support with the United States and Germany and Western Europe against the threat that Russia poses to Ukraine and really to Eastern Germany if they take this action. prgtoken The dynamics on Nord Stream 2 have changed since Senator Cruz and I fought for the passage of legislation to prevent the completion of that pipeline. At the time, we worked together to provide the administration with critical tools to sanction this pipeline, and we did that because there were some members of the administration who came to us and said: We need this legislation because the administration has not acted. prgtoken And the fact is, 95 percent of the construction of the Nord Stream 2 Pipeline was completed during the years. Unfortunately, the administration, even after we passed that sanctions legislation, sat on those sanctions. prgtoken They waited until literally the last day of the administration to sanction just one entity, just one entity in 4 years. And so what we saw is what I just said; that 95 percent of that pipeline was completed during the years. prgtoken Now, we are in a very different situation right now, unfortunately, because we are in a situation where Russia is threatening Ukraine, and we need to work closely with our European allies to present a united front against Russia. prgtoken We have strengthened our relationship with our German allies. The administration has restored a diplo
LEGISLATIVE PROGRAM
Steny H. Hoyer (Democrat, MD) \u2014 2022-1-13

. Madam , I thank Mr. Scalise for yielding. prgtoken Madam , on Tuesday the House will meet at 12 p.m. for morning hour and 2 p.m. for legislative business with votes postponed, as usual, until 6:30 p.m. prgtoken On Wednesday and Thursday, the House will meet at 10 a.m. for morning hour and 12 p.m. for legislative business. prgtoken And again, as usual, on Friday the House will meet at 9 a.m. for legislative business. prgtoken The House, Madam , will consider Senate 2959, the Supplemental Impact Aid Flexibility Act under suspension of the rules. This bill passed the Senate unanimously. It is on suspension in the House. It is coauthored by Representative Joe Courtney of the House. prgtoken This bipartisan legislation allows local educational agencies participating in the Impact Aid Program to use the student count or Federal property valuation data from their fiscal year 2022 program applications for their fiscal year 2023 applications. prgtoken This, Madam , will prevent schools from losing substantial funding upon which they have relied to address COVID-19 learning loss by giving them more flexibility to use prepandemic data to calculate funding needs. prgtoken The House may consider other bills under suspension of the rules. The complete list of suspension bills will be announced by the close of business tomorrow. prgtoken The House will also consider H.R. 4673, the EVEST Act sponsored by Chairman Mark Takano of the Veterans' Affairs Committee, the rule for which we adopted this week. prgtoken This legislation would automatically enroll eligible veterans into the VA healthcare system so that no veterans are left behind when it comes to receiving quality, affordable healthcare. prgtoken Lastly, Madam , the House stands ready to act on the Build Back Better Act, as well as the Freedom to Vote: John R. Lewis Act should the Senate amend them and send them back to us. prgtoken Additional legislative items, of course, are possible.
NASA ENHANCED USE LEASING EXTENSION ACT OF 2021
Al Green (Democrat, TX) \u2014 2022-1-13

. Madam , and still I rise. Our country has a history of discriminating against people of color and women when it comes to the right to vote. prgtoken But that all changed in 1965, when President Lyndon Johnson signed the 1965 Voting Rights Act because, you see, prior to his signing that act, in 1965, there were four Asian Members of Congress. In 2021, there were 21 Members. prgtoken There were four Latino Members of Congress. In 2021, 54. prgtoken There were six Black Members of Congress. In 2021, 60. prgtoken And there were 18 women in Congress in 1965, and in 2021, there were 147. prgtoken We must restore the Voting Rights Act and protect democracy.
NASA ENHANCED USE LEASING EXTENSION ACT OF 2021
Mondaire Jones (Democrat, NY) \u2014 2022-1-13

. Madam , my colleagues across the aisle have asked why we are voting today to protect our democracy. prgtoken The answer is as clear to me as it is unimaginable to them: for the people. This one is for the people who made today possible, for the young people who cast their first votes in 2020 and for the seniors who cast their first votes in 1966 after the passage of the original Voting Rights Act. prgtoken It is for the people who, like John Lewis, put their lives on the line on Bloody Sunday and for the people who risked their lives to overcome racist voter suppression at the height of this pandemic. prgtoken It is for people like my mentor and professor, the late Lani Guinier, mother of the 1982 amendments to the Voting Rights Act. prgtoken It is for the people who don't have a vote but who do have a voice. prgtoken Voting rights are preservative of all other rights. But time is running out. We can still have a democracy, Madam , but only if we pass this legislation.
VOTING RIGHTS
Charles E. Schumer (Democrat, NY) \u2014 2022-1-13

. Finally, as we continue this important conversation about the future of our democracy, I ask my ic colleagues to consider the following: If the right to vote is the cornerstone of our democracy, then how can we in good conscience allow for a situation in which the Party can debate and pass voter suppression laws at the State level with only a simple majority vote but not allow the United States to do the same? prgtoken Let me repeat that. prgtoken If the right to vote is the cornerstone of our democracy, then how can we in good conscience allow for a situation in which the Party can debate and pass voter suppression laws at the State level with only a simple majority vote but not allow the U.S. Senate to do the same? prgtoken In the coming days, we will confront this sobering question. prgtoken . prgtoken .
LEGISLATIVE SESSION
Christopher Murphy (Democrat, CT) \u2014 2022-1-13

. I would. prgtoken If you don't mind, Senator Shaheen, I will just go through the timeline once again because I think it is important. prgtoken In December of 2019, Congress passed the sanctions bill that you and Senator Cruz championed. That stops Allseas, the private company, from constructing the pipeline. prgtoken They pull back, but immediately Russia starts retrofitting their own ships, and we knew it. We saw it. This wasn't secret. That happens from the beginning of 2020, and by May of 2020, those ships are on their way. prgtoken From May until October, they are caught up in permitting, but it is just a matter of time. Everybody knows those ships are eventually going to start laying down pipe. prgtoken By October of 2020, before is elected President, those ships are back doing construction. prgtoken In October, November, December, all throughout the end of 2020, those ships are back rebuilding the pipeline, such that on January 19, the last day of 's Presidency, 95 percent of the pipeline--somewhere around 95 percent of the pipeline--is done. prgtoken Then literally walking out the door, lays down a sanction on one company and one ship that the company owns. prgtoken All through 2020, there was no blockade of State Department nominees, no grinding to a halt of Senate nominations business to try to prompt the President to change his mind. All of that magically starts happening when is President, when 95 percent of the pipeline is done. prgtoken I hope, Senator Shaheen--and I will let you wrap up--I hope that we can find a way to get on the same page here because we have been for much of the last several years, and you have led that effort. prgtoken I think Senator Menendez's legislation, which is all about the right set of incentives and disincentives for Russian behavior, is perhaps the means that we can sort of elevate this above the question of who is President and get back to fighting for the interests of our Nation and the interests of our partners in Ukraine.
THOSE WHO CANNOT REMEMBER HISTORY ARE CONDEMNED TO REPEAT IT
James E. Clyburn (Democrat, SC) \u2014 2022-1-13

. Madam , I first got interested in and started studying history as an 8-year-old. I grew up in a parsonage where my brothers and I were required, every morning before breakfast, to recite a Bible verse and, every evening before retiring to bed, we had to share with our parents a current event. prgtoken We didn't have television. Therefore, in order to carry out that rule, we had to read the newspapers. It was delivered to our home every afternoon. Today, those who are living down in my hometown of Sumter, you get the Sumter Daily Item in the morning. Back then it was an afternoon paper. prgtoken It was my interest in the Presidential campaign of Harry Truman that attracted me to politics. Harry Truman ascended to the Presidency from the Vice Presidency. Of course, no one gave him a chance to get elected on his own. He did not have, according to conventional wisdom, what it took, and he was going to be up against this scion, this big-time prosecutor from New York, Thomas Dewey. prgtoken In fact, one Chicago newspaper was so assured of the outcome, they didn't bother to wait on the results to write the headlines for their newspapers the day after the election. All of us remember that headline: ``Dewey Wins.'' When the votes were counted, all the votes were counted, Truman had been elected President. prgtoken That always intrigued me, this man of limited educational background, a disability, without any of all of the trappings of what would make one a big-time leader. Of course, when Truman left office, he was not very popular with a lot of people. In fact, his popularity was pretty low. prgtoken But as we look back on history, and people continue to write about history, they keep upgrading Truman. Most places I see now, he is in the top ten. In my opinion, he is in the top five. I consider myself, to this day, a Truman . prgtoken After studying history, I went on to teach it. I became a firm believer in George Santayana's admonition that those who cannot remember history--of course, he said ``the past''--are condemned to repeat it. That is what brings me to this floor today. prgtoken It has been a long, long time since I have stayed here on what we call getaway day to address this body during what we call Special Orders. prgtoken I listened intently today as we debated the legislation that was a vehicle by which we would send two pieces of legislation: The Freedom to Vote Act, a bill that was proposed by Senator Joe Manchin, and the John R. Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act, a bill that this body approved and sent over to the Senate as H.R. 4. Upon John Lewis' death, I came to this floor and asked and received unanimous consent to change the name of H.R. 4, to rename it in honor of John Lewis, and this body granted unanimous consent for that to happen. prgtoken Now, John Lewis and I first met as 19-year-old college students. I was in Orangeburg, South Carolina. He was down in Nashville, Tennessee. We met
NASA ENHANCED USE LEASING EXTENSION ACT OF 2021
John P. Sarbanes (Democrat, MD) \u2014 2022-1-13

. Madam , I include in the Record the following letters of support for the Senate Amendment to H.R. 5746. Declaration for American Democracy, January 13, 2022. Dear Representative: I write on behalf of the Declaration for American Democracy, a coalition of over 240 organizations, to express our strong support of the House Amendment to the Senate Amendment to H.R. 5746, the Freedom to Vote: John R. Lewis Act, which will ensure that voters can safely and freely cast their ballots, protect against election sabotage, stop partisan gerrymandering, and limit the influence of dark money in politics so that billionaires can't buy elections. Nineteen states enacted 34 new laws that restrict access to the ballot box in 2021 alone and more are under consideration today. Candidates are running for top election offices peddling the Big Lie. States are passing racially- gerrymandered maps that dilute the power of Black and Brown voters. This legislation would fight back against all these attacks and ensure the ability of every American to participate in safe, accessible, and transparent elections. Our organization fully endorses this bill and urges you to support this legislation. Sincerely, Jana Morgan, Director, Declaration for American Democracy.
NASA ENHANCED USE LEASING EXTENSION ACT OF 2021
Joyce Beatty (Democrat, OH) \u2014 2022-1-13

desperate attempts? Hijacking our voting rights? That is exactly what our colleagues are doing. prgtoken And why? Because when vote, win, and we provide for our children, our families, and our businesses. prgtoken I stand here today in support of the Freedom to Vote: John R. Lewis Act of 2022 because Black people representing the Congressional Black Caucus have stood in line, have been attacked by dogs, have put their lives on the line, and crossed the Edmund Pettus Bridge for us to have the right to vote. prgtoken America, watch what is happening today. Watch what s are trying to do: Take away your fundamental right to vote. prgtoken Let us restore our democracy. Let's stand up for what four Presidents in the past did. They reauthorized the Voting Rights Act. s are scared, and they are hijacking Americans' rights.
CELEBRATING KOREAN-AMERICAN DAY
Carolyn Bourdeaux (Democrat, GA) \u2014 2022-1-13

. Madam , I rise today to celebrate Korean- American Day, which marks the arrival of the first group of Korean immigrants to the United States in 1903. prgtoken I am proud to represent tens of thousands of Korean Americans in Georgia's Seventh District. These individuals are critical members of our community. From small business owners to healthcare workers, they continue to support us throughout the pandemic. prgtoken I would like to take this time to acknowledge Korean-American leaders in my district. Representative Sam Park is the grandson of refugees from the Korean war who became the first Asian American and openly gay person elected to the Georgia State House of Representatives. prgtoken Michelle Kang serves as president of the Korean-American Public Action Committee and is a tireless leader in the community. It is an honor to work with each of you. prgtoken Since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, we have been challenged with an increase in the number of anti-Asian hate crimes. This Korean- American Day, I am particularly grateful to all of those working to address and end anti-Asian hate in Georgia and across the country. I look forward to continuing this work in Congress.
RECOGNIZING MELISSA CONNOLLY AND HER SERVICE TO THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Jerrold Nadler (Democrat, NY) \u2014 2022-1-13

. Madam , I rise today to thank Melissa Connolly for over eight years of service to the constituents of New York's 10th Congressional District. prgtoken Melissa's career in the House began in 2009 as a Legislative Assistant to former Representative Jerry Costello following her graduation from Duke University's School of Public Policy and the University of Pennsylvania. After working with former Representative Shelley Berkley, Melissa joined my office in 2013, rising from Legislative Assistant to become my Legislative Director. prgtoken As Legislative Director, Melissa has been a trusted and valued advisor who helped set and manage my policy agenda. She also played a significant leadership role in my Washington DC office, serving as a mentor and a resource for junior staff, and I appreciate and have relied on her skill and experience in managing our team. Melissa also helped staff me in my role as Dean of the New York Delegation, which included coordinating meetings with the New York Delegation and other elected officials from the City and State. prgtoken Throughout her tenure in my office, Melissa established herself as an expert on issues relating to women and families and as a critical resource for other staff on Capitol Hill working on those issues. She worked tirelessly with the Education and Labor Committee, women's and labor rights organizations, and businesses to help pass the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act on the House floor with a strong bipartisan vote. Her countless hours of work building support for this legislation should pave the way for it to become law soon and to improve the lives of millions of Americans. prgtoken Melissa also worked closely with my Judiciary Committee staff on several important initiatives, including legislation extending the deadline to ratify the Equal Rights Amendment, which passed the House twice. She also helped lead the Judiciary Committee's work to protect women's fundamental right to abortion, springing into action after Texas enacted its abortion ban to help plan a hearing to spotlight the devastating impact of the law. She approaches the topic of reproductive freedom and health with the knowledge, passion, and energy that makes her an extremely effective policymaker. prgtoken In addition to these issues, Melissa has managed a broad portfolio over the course of her 13 years on the Hill. She worked to help pass and ensure effective implementation of the Affordable Care Act and helped fend off numerous attacks designed to repeal it. She has worked diligently with stakeholders to build support for the Living Donor Protection Act, which would protect living organ donors from high insurance premiums and remove barriers to organ donation. She has also long led my office's effort to increase funding for both Section 8 housing and Housing Opportunities for People with AIDS in the annual appropriations bills. Her efforts to build support for these programs has tr
HONORING THE LIFE AND LEGACY OF MR. JOHN McDONALD
Debbie Dingell (Democrat, MI) \u2014 2022-1-14

. Madam , I rise today to recognize the life and legacy of John McDonald, Local 1650 president and emeritus faculty member at Henry Ford College in Dearborn, Michigan. His significant contributions to Henry Ford College, the greater Dearborn community, and beyond are worthy of commendation. prgtoken After graduating from Detroit Catholic Central High School, Mr. McDonald attended Henry Ford College and then the University of Michigan--Ann Arbor, where he earned bachelor's and master's degrees in English. He began teaching 19th century American literature and English composition at the college in 1969. After gaining tenure in 1971, he became involved in Henry Ford Community College American Federation of Teachers' Local 1650 and soon became a trusted leader prgtoken among his peers. Under his leadership, Mr. McDonald was the master negotiator and Local 1650 was a force to be reckoned with. They negotiated strong contracts featuring shared governance, community service, wages, post tenure review, distance education, intellectual property, and professional development. His leadership brought recognition to the union on a national level, where Mr. McDonald served as the American Federation of Teachers National Vice President. To celebrate his 40th anniversary as president of Local 1650, his fellow officers dedicated the Library of Labor Studies at Henry Ford College in his honor. prgtoken A fixture at Henry Ford College and in Dearborn, Mr. McDonald was an advocate for education and for his community. As he often said, ``Henry Ford College is Dearborn's College.'' He knew that this school opened doors for its students and relished in uplifting all who crossed his path. The ultimate educator, the world was his classroom. Those who knew him know of his tenacity, compassion, and sharp wit. prgtoken Madam , I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring the life of John McDonald, we are all thankful for his dedication to education and the labor movement. A trusted friend and confidante of mine and a giant in our community, our thoughts are with his wife, Denise, and his family at this time. We are forever grateful for his lifetime of work and know that his legacy will live on in those who he touched at Henry Ford College.
NASA ENHANCED USE LEASING EXTENSION ACT OF 2021
Teresa Leger Fernandez (Democrat, NM) \u2014 2022-1-14

. Madam , I include in the Record the following letters of support for the Senate Amendment to H.R. 5746. Friends of the Earth, January 13, 2022. Dear Representative: On behalf of Friends of the Earth's millions of members and supporters, we write in strong support of the House Amendment to the Senate Amendment to H.R. 5746, the Freedom to Vote: John R. Lewis Act, which will ensure that voters can safely and freely cast their ballots, protect against election sabotage, stop partisan gerrymandering, and limit the influence of dark money in politics so that billionaires can't buy elections. Guaranteeing a strong and functioning democracy, including the right to vote, is critical to ensuring that our government can adequately address the many environmental challenges our country faces, from climate change to environmental justice. The Freedom to Vote: John R. Lewis Act will ensure that voters can safely and freely cast their ballots, protect against election sabotage, stop partisan gerrymandering, and limit the influence of dark money in politics so that billionaires can't buy elections. Nineteen states enacted 34 new laws that restrict access to the ballot box in 2021 alone and more are under consideration today. Candidates are running for top election offices peddling the Big Lie. States are passing racially- gerrymandered maps that dilute the power of Black and Brown voters. This legislation would fight back against all these attacks and ensure the ability for every American to participate in safe, accessible, and transparent elections. Our organization fully endorses this bill and urges you to support this legislation. Sincerely, Michelle Chan, Vice President of Programs, Friends of the Earth--United States.