mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
BUILD BACK BETTER ACT
Sheila Jackson Lee (Democrat, TX) \u2014 2021-11-18

. Madam , I thank the chairman for his great leadership. prgtoken This bill is about people; people who are working, people who need help. It is about people; the American people. prgtoken I am very happy that this bill really focuses on the needs of people in Texas. In Texas, people are paying $9,428 for a toddler, but we are now going to provide them with childcare for 3- and 4-year olds, and free childcare. We are going to provide it for 2 million-plus children in the State of Texas. We are, in essence, going to make sure that these children are learning. prgtoken You want to ask about inflation? That is corporate greed. Everyone knows when corporations raise the price of goods, there is inflation. But economists know that that is not going to exist because we are putting money in the pockets of working men and women, giving them a child tax cut. prgtoken We are also providing students to be able to go to community college, HBCUs, 4-year colleges with $550 in Pell Grants. That is what this bill is about, helping people; helping people with their childcare, helping people go to school. prgtoken It is also about making sure that the hungry children in Texas are able to eat. 1,642,000 students will be able to receive food. That is what this is about; putting money where people are having the need. prgtoken And yes, making sure that uninsured people, 766,000 in Texas without any insurance, suffering through the pandemic, now have insurance. prgtoken And we know that there has been an increase in violence; $2.5 billion in preventing violence. prgtoken This is about people; people who will have housing. It is about people. Vote for the Build Back Better Act. I thank President . prgtoken Madam , as a senior member of the Committees on the Judiciary, on Homeland Security, and on the Budget, I rise in strong support of the Build Back Better Act (RCP 117-18, H.R. 5376), and am proud to have this opportunity to explain why this $1.75 billion package, conceived and advanced by President and House , makes visionary and transformative investments to change for the better the health, well-being, and financial security of America's workers and families. prgtoken Today we are completing the job we began with the passage of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Framework, which I witnessed President sign on the South Lawn of the White House. prgtoken To put it all in perspective, Madam , we have before us a once in a century opportunity to make gigantic progress in making ours a more perfect union, and to do it in a single bound with enactment of the Build Back Better Act, the most transformative legislation passed by this Congress since the Great Society and the New Deal. prgtoken I would urge my colleagues to heed the words of Governor Jim Justice of West Virginia who said colorfully earlier this year: ``At this point in time in this nation, we need to go big. We need to quit counting the e
INVESTING IN OUR NATION'S FUTURE
David N. Cicilline (Democrat, RI) \u2014 2021-11-18

. Madam , we are at critical crossroads as we work to recover after the health and economic crises caused by the COVID-19 pandemic here at home and around the world. prgtoken As we look to our future, we are going to build back better to create an economy that works for every American and all families that leaves no one behind. This is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to transform the lives of millions of Americans by reducing costs for everything from prescription drugs to childcare; creating good-paying union jobs by addressing the urgency of the climate crisis; cutting taxes for working families; and making sure that none of these investments add to the deficit by making the wealthiest individuals and largest corporations pay their fair share in taxes. prgtoken Madam , I urge all of my colleagues to support this investment in our Nation's future.
BUILD BACK BETTER ACT
John A. Yarmuth (Democrat, KY) \u2014 2021-11-18

. Madam , such time as I may consume. prgtoken That is another thing we are going to hear continuously throughout the day, and that is that these are socialist programs; just as we heard last week that building infrastructure in this country was a socialist activity. And now childcare is socialist. Public education is socialist. Caring for our seniors is socialist. Dealing with climate change is socialist. prgtoken I would like to get a definition from my colleagues about what socialism is because the American people see this very differently; and virtually every poll on this piece of legislation has shown overwhelming support for each the elements that we are proposing. prgtoken Madam , I am proud to yield 1\1/2\ minutes to the gentlewoman from Texas (Ms. Jackson Lee), a distinguished member of the Budget Committee.
CELEBRATING THE UPPER EAST SIDE ICE CREAM SHOP'S 4TH ANNIVERSARY
Carolyn B. Maloney (Democrat, NY) \u2014 2021-11-19

. Madam , I rise in celebration of the Upper East Side Ice Cream Shop's 4th anniversary of operation in my District. prgtoken At the entrance, you will find yourself frozen with intrigue at the pink exterior of the shop, enticing customers in from a scorching summer day. Once you enter, you will be greeted by the sweet smells of waffle cones, the soft hum of freezers preserving their precious creamy contents, and of course the modern decor that characterizes many of New York's most famous establishments. prgtoken The Upper East Side Ice Cream Shop is also home to a special hidden treasure--a small speakeasy in the back of the shop. Where the front of the store is modern-day in its design and decor, the back is a tasteful prgtoken mishmash of 20th century style and dining booths. It truly has everything for all ages and all tastes. prgtoken The Upper East Side Ice Cream Shop represents perhaps one of the most enduring and important characteristics of New York City: that even the smallest players can play a big role in an even bigger city. The COVID- 19 pandemic has frozen out many businesses in New York City, with many neighborhood favorites still slowly thawing thanks to President 's American Rescue Plan. prgtoken I am pleased that the Upper East Side Ice Cream Shop is one of the small businesses that survived the COVID-19 pandemic and continues to thrive even as the weather turns cold. prgtoken I wish them all the best and I look forward to visiting them at their establishment for many more years to come.
UNITED NATIONS CLIMATE CHANGE CONFERENCE
Benjamin L. Cardin (Democrat, MD) \u2014 2021-11-19

I would like to reflect on my trip to Glasgow, Scotland, for COP26, the 2021 United Nations Climate Change Conference. I was fortunate to have 18 Senate colleagues join me to bolster President 's agenda and the United States' leadership role on the world stage. prgtoken Six years ago, I had the privilege of leading a congressional delegation to COP21, which produced the Paris Agreement in 2015. Countries from all across the globe collectively agreed that the threats and effects of climate change were too damaging to ignore. Unfortunately, the previous administration's fraught decision to withdraw the United States from the Paris Agreement jeopardized our credibility. prgtoken The global effort suffered another setback last year, when the UN Climate Change Conference was postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic and it was not safe to gather. These major setbacks were costly, but this time, we went to Glasgow resolved to make up for lost time. One of President 's first actions when he took the oath of office was to rejoin the Paris Agreement. Since then, President has brought the United States back to the negotiating table and made unprecedented commitments and investments to tackle the climate crisis. prgtoken The overarching goal of this year's UN climate conference was to rally countries toward action that would reduce emissions enough to keep the goal to limit global temperature rise to 1.5 degrees Celsius within reach. prgtoken Without a doubt, Glasgow raised ambition. Ninety percent of the world's GDP now has net zero commitments, and 154 countries put forward new climate action plans to cut emissions. The Glasgow Climate Pact established a clear consensus that all nations need to do much more, immediately, to prevent a catastrophic rise in global temperatures. prgtoken In April, President announced our Nationally Determined Commitment--NDC--will target reducing emissions by 50-52 percent by 2030, compared to 2005 level, consistent with achieving net zero greenhouse gas emissions by no later than 2050. The combined impact of the Senate's Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act that President signed into law on Monday and the Build Back Better Act framework announced last month will put U.S. emissions on a path to meeting the new target. The target is consistent with President 's goal of achieving net zero greenhouse gas emissions by no later than 2050 and of limiting global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius. Time is not slowing down. According to NOAA, last month was the fourth warmest October in 142 years of recorded measurements. prgtoken Scientists have sounded the alarm that, if we fail to act a catastrophic rise in global temperatures will result, and some of the changes in the climate will be irreversible. Recognizing the urgency, the Glasgow Decision asks world leaders to submit stronger NDCs to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by the end of next year, inste
INTRODUCING THE WILDLIFE CONSERVATION AND ANTI-TRAFFICKING ACT OF 2021
John Garamendi (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2021-11-19

. Madam , today I reintroduce the Wildlife Conservation and Anti-Trafficking Act with Congressman Don Young (R- AK), the Dean of House. I wish to thank Congressman Young for his support as my co-lead on this bill, the bipartisan group of 85 other Members who cosponsored this bill in the 116th Congress, and our former colleague Congresswoman Madeleine Bordallo (D-GU) for sponsoring this legislation in the 115th Congress. prgtoken Transnational organized crime can take many forms, including poaching, wildlife trafficking, and illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing. These activities often go hand-in-hand with even more heinous crimes like human trafficking and forced labor, and weapons and drug trafficking. Our bill would recognize this reality and allow serious wildlife trafficking violations to qualify as predicate offenses under federal racketeering and anti-organized crime laws (RICO and Travel Acts). prgtoken To help bring down these global wildlife trafficking rings, our bill provides monetary incentives for whistleblowers who provide actionable intelligence on these crimes, as well authorizes the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to station law enforcement officials and agents, embedded in American embassies and consulates, in countries designated as high-intensity wildlife trafficking areas. The funding for these rewards and law enforcement activities would be provided at no cost to taxpayers and instead come out of the penalties, fines, forfeitures, and restitution paid to the U.S. government. The rest of the money from these penalties and forfeitures would be redirected back into wildlife conservation efforts. These changes will allow the United States to provide dedicated funding to stamp out wildlife trafficking in the areas where it most prevalent. prgtoken Madam , our fishermen deserve to compete in a fair seafood market, uncompromised by fraudulent seafood harvested with slave labor. Our wildlife conservation efforts deserve a dedicated funding source at cost to U.S. taxpayers. Our law enforcement officers deserve the fiscal support and access to every available tool to fight against transnational criminal organizations. This bill introduced today would accomplish all of those goals, and I want to thank my bipartisan group of cosponsors again for their support on this important legislation. I urge all Members to join us in cosponsoring the Wildlife Conservation and Anti-Trafficking Act.
BUILD BACK BETTER ACT
Christopher H. Smith (Republican, NJ) \u2014 2021-11-19

. Madam , President 's massive new multitrillion dollar tax and spend bill, the so-called Build back Better Act will cost at least $4 trillion according to the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. prgtoken According to the Chamber, the Build Back Better Act will significantly increase inflation and lead to up to 3 million people losing their employer sponsored health insurance plans. prgtoken Astonishingly, as we debate this legislation on the floor of the House today, there is still no detailed cost analysis by the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office. prgtoken Among the bill's most egregious provisions, it: prgtoken Effectively bans Catholic and other faith-based schools from participating in the expanded child care program; prgtoken Dramatically raises taxes on businesses and individuals; prgtoken Grants more power to the IRS to target taxpayers by removing taxpayer protection requirements and hiring 87,000 additional agents; prgtoken Permits taxpayer money to go to entities involved China's genocide against the Uyghur Muslims; prgtoken Institutes price controls on prescription drugs and subjects companies that refuse to comply to a massive excise tax, which would cripple innovation and could cause the removal of life-saving drugs from the U.S. market. prgtoken And, shockingly, the legislation forces taxpayers to pay for abortion on demand in several new and expanded programs. prgtoken Taxpayers should not be forced to subsidize or facilitate the killing of an unborn child. prgtoken The so-called Build Back Better Act: prgtoken Gives states $30 billion over three years to create reinsurance programs for health insurance issuers. There are no protections whatsoever to prevent subsidization of plans covering elective abortion, prgtoken Extends to January 1, 2027 the increases to premium tax credits available for consumers through the Affordable Care Act (ACA). Premium tax credits allow taxpayer funding to subsidize ACA plans that provide elective abortion; prgtoken Provides $10 billion worth of public health funding grants that aren't Hyde Amendment protected, prgtoken Makes permanent the Health Coverage Tax Credit without Hyde protection to prevent taxpayer funds in this program from paying for health plans that include elective abortion; prgtoken Mandates abortion coverage in the Affordable Care Act (ACA); prgtoken And more. prgtoken The National Right to Life Committee strongly opposes this legislation and pointed out that: ``The 2010 care law as would the Build Back Better (BBB) created multiple new streams of federal funding that are ``self-appropriated'' flowing outside regular appropriations. ``That said, the care law contains a provision that specifically permitted states to ban elective abortion coverage in their exchanges, and 25 states passed legislation doing so. The BBB, starting in 2024, would explicitly override the laws of 11 of these states--states that did not expand their Medicaid programs. One addi
NATIONAL DEFENSE AUTHORIZATION ACT FOR FISCAL YEAR 2022--Continued
Roger Marshall (Republican, KS) \u2014 2021-11-19

this week's fantasy consideration of the NDAA was a gut punch to our servicemembers and one of the weakest displays we have seen during the Senate ' time in the majority. prgtoken Let's not forget there are 25 Senate Members serving on the Senate Armed Services Committee under the skillful leadership of Senators Reed and Inhofe. They cleared their version of the NDAA in July of this year--July of this year, months ago--but the majority leader dragged his feet all the way up until late--late--last night, bringing the NDAA to the floor at the third latest point in the year ever. prgtoken Considering China's military rise and the foreign policy disasters this White House has created, one would think delivering a paycheck to our servicemembers and providing funding to increase our military's lethality would be top of mind. prgtoken Instead, the majority leader remains focused on reckless taxing, reckless spending, and reckless borrowing that is pushing Americans further into debt, driving up inflation, putting our Nation at a disadvantage, and helping China. prgtoken While he pointed his finger at s who simply wanted the opportunity for additional amendments on important subjects, the majority leader is to blame for the fact that the other 75 Senators will not get to offer floor amendments and have an opportunity to help shape our military policy this year. But, regardless, the blame rests squarely on the shoulders of the majority leader. prgtoken The inclusion of a manager's amendment is standard operating procedure. It is actually the starting point and should not be where this process is stopped. Not allowing floor amendments breaks years of precedent. prgtoken What is also standard operating procedure is that the NDAA is a bill that is considered on the floor for multiple days and possibly multiple weeks, not one night. In fact, last year, the Senate debated the NDAA for nearly 3 weeks--3 weeks--starting in June. prgtoken This body should be able to vote on a myriad of amendments, such as ours, which would prevent dishonorable discharges for military men and women who are forced to separate from the military because of the COVID vaccine mandate. prgtoken Now, as a physician, I support the vaccine, but I also believe in the sanctity of the patient-physician relationship. And I support those who are defending our freedoms and have carefully weighed their decision with their doctor, their loved ones, their spouses, perhaps their chaplain, and decided this vaccine isn't right for them. prgtoken Once upon a time, I was that army doctor. And if a strapping, well- fit, 20-year-old Army Ranger or a 19-year-old Navy SEAL or a 22-year- old Air Force pilot walked into my office and said, ``Doc, tell me about this vaccine,'' I would have to say, ``Well, there are certainly benefits to the vaccine, certainly benefits to it, but the risk of having a career-ending complication from this vaccine-
MORNING BUSINESS
Josh Hawley (Republican, MO) \u2014 2021-11-19

had there been a recorded vote, I would have voted no on the nomination of Executive Calendar No. 332, Lee Satterfield, of South Carolina, to be an Assistant Secretary of State (Educational and Cultural Affairs). prgtoken , had there been a recorded vote, I would have voted no on the motion to proceed to Calendar No. 144, H.R. 4350, the National Defense Authorization Act.
RECOGNIZING CAROLYN RIEMER
Brian K. Fitzpatrick (Republican, PA) \u2014 2021-11-23

. Madam , I rise today to recognize an outstand constituent from my district, Ms. Carolyn Riemer. Ms. Riemer obtained her bachelor's degree in journalism from Temple University in 1983, and her law degree from the Villanova University Charles Widger School of Law in 1986. Shortly after graduating law school, Ms. Riemer entered government service with the Department of the Navy. Since then, she has worked tirelessly to support our nation's warfighters through her work as an attorney for the Department of the Navy and the Defense Logistics Agency. After more than 35 years of dedicated public service and professional leadership in the Department of Defense, Ms. prgtoken Riemer is entering retirement. I am proud to recognize and celebrate Ms. Riemer as an exceptional attorney who has provided outstanding legal support to the benefit of our nation's armed forces. Ms. Riemer retires as the Counsel for NAVSUP Weapon Systems Support, where she is widely respected for her accurate, strategic, and creative legal advice. She is recognized and respected as an expert in all areas of federal acquisition, whether it be competitive contracting or performance based logistics contracting. She has demonstrated an extraordinary ability to overcome complex challenges, including those innumerable legal challenges that have arisen because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Ms. Riemer's expert guidance and creative leadership have helped her clients face challenges and overcome adversity. Her dedicated and diligent work has contributed to keeping our fleet mission-ready. prgtoken We are incredibly grateful for the positive impact Ms. Riemer has had through her long career of public service, and we wish Ms. Riemer countless blessings during her retirement.
CELEBRATING THE 100TH ANNIVERSARY OF AMERICA LODGE NO. 77
Jenniffer González-Colón (Republican, PR) \u2014 2021-11-23

. Madam , I rise to recognize the work of the America Lodge No. 77 on its centennial celebration. prgtoken The America Lodge No. 77 was founded 100 years ago and continues to exercise its work ascribed to the Great Sovereign Lodge of Free and Accepted Freemasons of Puerto Rico. On June 19th of 1921, a group of eight distinguished masons celebrated a meeting presided over by the honorable Pedro Del Valle Atiles. In this meeting the new lodge was constituted with the name of Americas. prgtoken The Grand Master William E. Lippitt presided over the ceremony when the Great Lodge of Free and Accepted Freemason of Puerto Rico granted the Founding Charter to the America Lodge. With this the number 77 was assigned to the America Lodge and the new Officialdom was installed. prgtoken It is motive of pride for the America Lodge No. 77, the fact that their members are not limited to their masonic activities for the benefit of their lodge only. A great number of them have rendered valuable services to humanity like educational conferences about the Masonic history and providing resources to assist the victims of Hurricane Maria. Additionally, members of the Lodge have held positions of importance in different industries throughout the history of the Lodge having a great impact in their communities. prgtoken I'm honored to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the America Lodge No. 77, recognizing the uninterrupted work that their members continue to perform.