mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
POSTAL SERVICE REFORM ACT OF 2021
Brian K. Fitzpatrick (Republican, PA) \u2014 2022-2-8

. Madam , I rise today in strong support of the Postal Service Reform Act. prgtoken As my colleagues have pointed out here, this is a long-overdue reform measure that will ensure 6-day delivery, eliminate the prefund mandate which, by the way, applies only to the U.S. Postal Service. Not a single other government agency across this Nation prgtoken has been subject to this wildly outrageous provision that has significantly undermined the financial stability of the post office. prgtoken Madam , the very first Postmaster General was someone from my hometown of Philadelphia, a man by the name of Ben Franklin. His annual salary was $1,000 a year. And you look at the history of the U.S. Postal Service, all the way up to and including the time of the COVID- 19 pandemic where they were up there on the front lines serving our communities, serving our constituents, making sure that our country continued to run. We owe them this support to reform these measures and ensure the stability and strength of our hero letter carriers and postal workers across our Nation.
POSTAL SERVICE REFORM ACT OF 2021
James Comer (Republican, KY) \u2014 2022-2-8

. Madam , such time as I may consume. prgtoken Madam , Americans hold the United States Postal Service in extremely high regard, and that is for good reason. All rely on it for our paychecks, medications, news, magazines, and correspondence with loved ones. And now, more than ever, Americans enjoy the conveniences of e-commerce no matter where they live in this great Nation. prgtoken The United States Postal Service is truly one of our prized national assets. But, as we know, the Postal Service has faced financial trouble for many years. Service delays stemming from an unreliable and outdated delivery network, a drastic historical decrease in mail revenue, and a sustained surge in labor-intensive packages, have all contributed to the organization's struggles. prgtoken The rise and dominance of the internet has completely changed the way people shop, pay bills, and generally communicate. It has changed in ways that could not have even been envisioned in the 1970s, when Congress established today's independently operated Postal Service. prgtoken We need to face the music. The days of letters alone driving the Postal Service's revenue are not coming back. And with this national pandemic, we have seen what happens when the Postal Service is stressed to its operational limits. prgtoken The dual challenges of workforce shortages and a surge in package volume across its delivery network plainly exposed the inability for the Postal Service to adapt to modern challenges. prgtoken I stand here today, after more than a year of bipartisan work with my colleague, Chairwoman Maloney, to call for the House to pass the bipartisan Postal Service Reform Act of 2022. This targeted bill addresses the immediate needs of the Postal Service to help it succeed into the 21st century. prgtoken H.R. 3076 bolsters Postal Service-led operational reforms that are already showing success with better revenue and delivery performance. prgtoken For example, the Postal Service saw one of the busiest holiday seasons ever this past year. And even this current White House could not ignore the fact that nearly 99 percent of consumers received their packages on time or with minimal delays. prgtoken This was done under the leadership of Postmaster General DeJoy, and in the face of constant challenges brought about by the pandemic and the current political climate. prgtoken Coupled with the Postmaster General's ambitious and comprehensive 10- year reform plan are two legislative requests impacting the Postal Service's ability to operate profitably in the years to come. prgtoken First, the well-intentioned 2006 legislative requirement that the Postal Service prefund the retiree health benefits of all future potential costs has proven unworkable and counterproductive. prgtoken H.R. 3076 repeals this requirement, while continuing to require annual payments for what is owed to postal retirees. This helps alleviate immediate financial stresses, while st
Inflation (Executive Session)
John Thune (Republican, SD) \u2014 2022-2-8

I don't need to tell anyone--except perhaps the ic Party here in Congress--that our country has a major inflation problem. The first year of the administration has been characterized by a huge increase in inflation. Inflation is currently at a 40-year high. Let me just repeat that. Inflation is currently at a 40-year high. The last time inflation was this bad, ``E.T.'' was just premiering in movie theaters and ``Return of the Jedi'' hadn't even come out yet. prgtoken Inflation is so bad that despite wage increases in 2021, Americans saw a de facto pay cut. A December survey by the New York Times found that just 17 percent of Americans said their wages had kept up with inflation. prgtoken The White House Chief of Staff may think inflation is ``a high-class problem,'' but for the mom at the grocery store wondering if she can afford to buy ground beef this week or for the young worker just starting out who is wondering if she can afford to fill up her car, inflation is a very real problem. prgtoken Americans are struggling. They are facing huge price increases at the grocery store; huge price increases at the gas pump; big increases in the cost of household goods, like furniture and bedding and laundry equipment; massive increases in the cost of fuel oil and gas service; higher electric bills; and on and on. prgtoken Inflation is weighing down businesses, too, from larger businesses to family farms and ranches. A recent survey from the National Federation of Independent Business found that 22 percent of small businesses consider inflation to be the biggest challenge facing their business, a 20-point increase from the beginning of 2021--a 20-point increase. prgtoken It is no wonder that 69 percent of Americans disapprove of the President's handling of inflation and 56 percent disapprove of his handling of the economy. prgtoken Inflation is a major burden for American families and businesses--a fact that seems utterly lost on members of the ic Party. While American families struggle, ' focus is on anything but inflation. prgtoken What is worse, many are still hoping to pass elements of their reckless tax-and-spending spree, the so-called Build Back Better plan, despite the fact that it was a bloated spending spree that helped get us into this inflation mess in the first place. Yes, while the pandemic created inflationary pressures, a big reason we are in our current inflation mess is because of ' decision to push through an unnecessary and partisan $2 trillion spending bill last March. prgtoken When took office last January, inflation was well within an acceptable range, what is known as the target inflation rate. It might have stayed there had not decided that they needed to pass a massive government spending spree under the guise of COVID relief and, I might add, mere weeks after Congress had already passed a major COVID
RECOGNIZING THE SERVICE OF JOHN BREHM
Adrian Smith (Republican, NE) \u2014 2022-2-8

. Madam , today I rise to honor the career of Scotts Bluff County Veteran's Service Officer John Brehm. For nearly 50 years John has devoted his life to honoring and meeting the needs of American veterans and their families. Prior to this John served for three years in the United States Army, stationed near the 38th parallel in South Korea as well as Fort Carson, CO. His recent retirement marks a legacy of faithful service to others who sacrificed for our nation. prgtoken Despite his reluctance to assume credit for himself, the significance of John's impact is widely recognized. His accomplishments include restoring annual commencement of the local Veterans Day parade, partnering with the American Legion to organize County Government Day visits for high school students, and spearheading the establishment of Avenue of Flags displays as well as Veterans Memorial Park which now bears his name in my own hometown of Gering. prgtoken John has showed personal concern for each veteran he served, knowing full well the importance of going the extra mile. In addition to facilitating disability claims, his efforts fundraising for Disabled American Veterans vans have meant a great deal to veterans in need of transportation to health facilities in our sprawling, rural region. prgtoken John Brehm's dedication and patriotism are rare. His expertise will be missed, but we are grateful for his ongoing engagement as a citizen. Countless Nebraskans have been blessed by his care, and generations to come are indebted to his example.
Border Security (Executive Calendar)
John Boozman (Republican, AR) \u2014 2022-2-8

we have a true crisis at our southern border. Those in Washington who refuse to use the word ``crisis'' to describe the humanitarian and security challenges must accept the disastrous consequences of an open-border policy. prgtoken Just look at the numbers from the Department of Homeland Security. More than 2 million illegal immigrants were caught attempting to cross the border last year, and if the administration doesn't get serious about securing the border, we are on pace to repeat or exceed this troubling figure in 2022. In December, 178,840 illegal immigrants were apprehended attempting to cross along this stretch of the border, making it the highest total for that month in Department of Homeland Security history. prgtoken I have been here before describing this chaos, but the reality is, it continues to escalate while the administration refuses to take action to stop illegal immigration. prgtoken Unsurprisingly, we are seeing the tensions between the administration and Border Patrol officials boil over. These men and women have answered the call to protect and serve. They put their lives at risk to enforce the law and arrest people illegally crossing the border, only to have the administration approve the release of the very criminals the officers locked up. This betrayal by the administration is creating low morale, with some Border Patrol officers choosing to leave the job rather than support this lawlessness and insanity. prgtoken Instead of preventing illegal drugs from entering our country, border agents are spending time processing paperwork for illegal immigrants. prgtoken Do you know who else is seeing this paperwork? TSA agents. The Department of Homeland Security is allowing these lawbreakers to board airplanes using their Immigration and Customs Enforcement arrest warrants as identification at TSA checkpoints. This is totally absurd. It is a reckless policy that threatens the safety of air travelers and all citizens. The administration must end this practice. prgtoken The message coming from the White House is: Our southern borders are open. All are welcome. prgtoken This has been a green light for immigrants since day one. It started with migrant numbers increasing along the southern border as they awaited 's immigration action, and now we see the result. We have experienced record border crossings, overflowing detention centers, and the release of single adult migrants into the United States, among many other many problems. That is how it is going. prgtoken It is not just citizens from Central America and Mexico who are taking advantage of this foolish generosity; people from Syria, Turkey, Russia, Pakistan, Cuba, Haiti, and India are illegally entering the United States along the southern border. prgtoken I have been here before on the Senate floor sounding the alarm about the threat this dangerous and indefensible approach to immigration and border security is ha
Government Funding (Executive Calendar)
Deb Fischer (Republican, NE) \u2014 2022-2-8

it goes without saying that each of the American athletes competing in the Olympics this year is the best in their event. Many of them have dedicated their entire lives to their sports in the hope that they might have this opportunity to represent the United States at the Olympic Games. They have earned their spots on Team USA, and I wish them the best as they compete against other athletes from around the world. prgtoken But make no mistake, Beijing 2022 is no ordinary Olympics. Just a 4- hour flight from where the Games are being held, China has imprisoned more than a million Uighur Muslims in concentration camps. These Chinese citizens are prisoners--political prisoners--in their own country. Their crime? Maintaining a vibrant Muslim culture that doesn't fit the mold that Beijing wants to impose on China's more than 1.4 billion people. The very same government that is hosting the Olympics this week is putting these innocent people in labor camps and subjecting them to forced sterilization, forced labor, and physical and psychological torture. prgtoken One of the few things that President and President agree on is that what China is doing to its Uighur population amounts to genocide. prgtoken Last November, one of the most famous athletes in China, Peng Shuai, posted on social media that a high-ranking politician in the Chinese Communist Party had sexually assaulted her. This wasn't just any politician; he was a member of the Politburo Standing Committee and the face of China's successful effort to land the 2022 Olympics. He even met with the president of the International Olympic Committee at least once. prgtoken Speaking out about someone like this is dangerous in a country like China. Peng Shuai knew that, but I don't think she expected what came next. Less than 20 minutes after she prgtoken posted her accusation, her existence had been scrubbed from the internet. Any mention of her name was restricted. For a while, the Communist Party banned discussion of hundreds of other key words, even words as general as ``tennis.'' She disappeared from the public eye for months, and the only appearances that she has been allowed to make since have been scripted and supervised by the CCP. prgtoken If this is how China treats its own people, I think it is fair to ask: What kind of risks are our athletes facing as they participate in the Olympic Games? prgtoken To protest China's miserable human rights record, the United States instituted a diplomatic boycott, and American officials will not be present for these Games; neither will officials representing many of our allies, like Canada or the United Kingdom. That is the right decision. We shouldn't pretend that everything is fine in China just because the IOC chose them to host the Olympics. prgtoken As far as the committee is concerned, they have made it very clear that China's money is worth more to them than the rights of the world's athlete
ADDITIONAL STATEMENTS
Mike Crapo (Republican, ID) \u2014 2022-2-8

along with my colleague Senator Jim Risch, we honor Idaho State Senator Patti Anne Lodge for her 22 years of service in the Idaho State Senate. prgtoken Senator Lodge, an educator for 35 years and agribusiness owner, is a dedicated servant of the community. Her determination and patience are hallmarks of her attentive problem solving. The list of committees, councils, task forces and boards she has led and devoted her time and talents to is extensive and diverse. They include her chairmanship of three senate committees: State affairs; judiciary and rules; and health and welfare. She has also cochaired the joint millennium fund committee and criminal justice reinvestment oversight committee, to name some of her many other leadership roles. prgtoken Her service stretches far beyond the State senate and well into the communities she represents, as she has served on the Boys & Girls Club Advisory Committee, Idaho Meth Project Advisory Board, Nampa Chamber of Commerce, Caldwell Chamber of Commerce, and so much more. She has led local s with distinction, serving as precinct chairman, Canyon County GOP chairman, president of the Idaho Federation of Women, on the board of the National Women, and more. prgtoken It is no surprise she has earned many awards and recognitions for her committed service. They include her recognition as the Idaho Senator of the Year in 2010 and Idaho Fraternal Order of Police Legislator of the Year in 2014, her induction into the Idaho Hall of Fame and so many more honors. prgtoken Throughout, Senator Lodge has worked hard to be a good steward of tax dollars, promoted jobs and educational opportunities, backed personal accountability and responsibility, and, overall, she has been a thoughtful, steadfast advocate for Canyon County residents, including the small family farmers and ranchers who call this wonderful part of our State home. prgtoken Thank you, Senator Lodge, for you decades of service on behalf of Idahoans. In addition, thank you to your friends and loved ones, especially your husband Edward J. Lodge; children Mary-Jeanne, Edward R. and Anne-Marie; and grandchildren, who have shared your time with our great State all these years. We congratulate you on your extraordinary career and wish you well.
CRISES FACING AMERICA
John W. Rose (Republican, TN) \u2014 2022-2-8

I thank Vice Chairman Johnson for organizing this Special Order hour tonight and for yielding me time to speak. prgtoken , today, I rise to ring the alarm bell regarding the United States' current financial crisis caused by the administration and ' far-left policies and out-of-control spending. Just last week, the national debt eclipsed $30 trillion. prgtoken As our national debt balloons, American taxpayers will be left to foot the bill, not only for the billions and trillions of dollars we are spending annually but also on a dramatically increasing cost-- interest on the debt. prgtoken The Federal Government has continued to kick the can down the road, ignoring the explosive problems caused by our out-of-control spending and greatly diminishing our future generation's quality of life through no fault of their own. What a gutless and inexcusable thing to do. prgtoken Well, our time is running out, as we expect interest rates to rise in the immediate future. If interest rates rise to just 5.1 percent, as was the case in 2021, American taxpayers would suddenly be burdened with an annual interest payment on the national debt of $1.5 trillion, twice the budget for the Department of Defense, or almost 75 percent prgtoken of all income taxes collected in fiscal year 2021. prgtoken Put another way, three-quarters of the income taxes Americans pay would go toward nothing more than paying interest on the national debt, while only a quarter would be left to pay for much-needed programs and expenditures like the Justice Department, infrastructure, and defense. prgtoken Americans' pocketbooks are hurting. Whether at the gas pump, at the grocery store, or for the energy that heats your homes, prices are going up everywhere due to President and ' far-left policies and out-of-control spending. prgtoken Just last week, House doubled down on these disastrous decisions by ramming through their $325 billion America COMPETES Act-- more like America concedes to China act, if you ask me--which only will worsen America's economic crisis. prgtoken How can anyone sit here today and encourage this reckless and irresponsible behavior? I have two sons; Guy, who is 4 years old, and Sam, who is 10 months. They will have to make payments on this massive debt for their entire lives, and the generations that follow will do the same unless we act. We must rein in Washington's out-of-control government spending to prevent future generations from paying the price for our financial mistakes. prgtoken This ticking time bomb, otherwise known as our national debt, has been ignored for far too long. With rising interest rates on the horizon, now is the last time and the best time for President and Members of Congress to take a serious look in the mirror and ask ourselves if we really think the American people are okay with our country being steered off this fiscal cliff.
RECOGNIZING TEXAS TECH UNIVERSITY HEALTH SCIENCES CENTER
Jodey C. Arrington (Republican, TX) \u2014 2022-2-8

. Madam , I rise today to congratulate and wish Elvin Howell a happy 108th birthday. prgtoken Mr. Howell grew up in Snyder, Texas, before hitchhiking to Abilene, Texas, to attend Hardin-Simmons University, where he played football and ran track. prgtoken After graduating from HSU, Howell moved to Kermit, Texas, with his wife, Rena. prgtoken Following the attack on Pearl Harbor during World War II, Mr. Howell heroically enlisted in the United States Navy and served as a commander on a merchant marine ship guarding the United States from a foreign invasion. prgtoken Mr. Howell returned to west Texas after the war to raise his family and educate the next generation of west Texans as a teacher in Tulia, Texas. prgtoken Mr. Howell credits his impressive longevity to spending time outdoors, as when he celebrated his 103rd birthday ziplining in the Palo Duro Canyon. What a man. prgtoken Elvin Howell has lived a full life of service to his family, community, and his country. He is one of the 20 oldest living veterans in the United States. Elvin is an inspiring coach, a caring educator, and a true west Texan. prgtoken Elvin was married to his late wife, Rena, for 60 years. They have two sons, John and Fred, and three grandchildren. prgtoken On behalf of my colleagues in this great Chamber, we want to wish Mr. Howell a happy 108th birthday and many more to come. prgtoken God bless, and go west Texas.
TRIBUTE TO MELISSA MURPHY
David Rouzer (Republican, NC) \u2014 2022-2-8

. Madam , I rise today to recognize Melissa Murphy, my chief of staff, who recently moved on to a great opportunity working for Duke Energy of South Carolina. prgtoken After a decade and a half of service here in our Nation's capital, Melissa decided it was time to leave her work here in the U.S. House and head back home. Melissa started her career on Capitol Hill working for her home State of South Carolina in Congressman Joe Wilson's office. There, she worked her way up to deputy chief of staff before joining my team when I was elected to Congress in 2014. As my first hire and chief of staff, she helped me assemble an outstanding team, and she helped me build a culture for an office that has accomplished much. prgtoken Melissa has always been a trusted advisor and a great friend to many. Throughout her career on Capitol Hill, she served as a mentor and friend to many staffers far beyond my office. She is always there for her colleagues or anyone else searching for advice or assistance. prgtoken As every Member of Congress knows, nothing would get done in this place without the dedicated service of our staff who are always working behind the scenes. Melissa's advice, experience, and hard work have all played a large role in helping me to represent the 7th Congressional District in North Carolina to the very best of my ability. prgtoken I congratulate and thank Melissa for her many years of congressional service and for leading our team during my first three-and-a-half terms. May God always bless her path.