mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
Ocean Shipping Reform Act (Executive Session)
John Thune (Republican, SD) \u2014 2022-3-30

American families are currently struggling with the worst inflation in 40 years--40 years. Food prices, gas prices, used car prices--everywhere Americans look, they are paying more. Wages increased on average last year, but inflation outstripped wage growth, which means that, instead of a wage increase, a lot of Americans got a de facto pay cut. And there is no clear end in sight. prgtoken It is no wonder that nearly two-thirds of the American people disapprove of President 's handling of the economy, and they are right to do so because bear a substantial part of the responsibility for this inflation crisis. While it is true that supply chain issues and the reopening of economies after COVID shutdowns contributed somewhat to inflationary pressures, a big part of the reason for our current inflation crisis is the ' decision to pass the American Rescue Plan last March. prgtoken The very definition of ``inflation'' is too many dollars chasing too few goods and services, and that is exactly the situation that helped create with their so-called American Rescue Plan. took control mere weeks after Congress had passed a fifth-- fifth--bipartisan COVID relief bill totaling more than $900 billion and meeting essentially all current, pressing COVID needs. prgtoken It was abundantly clear that we were not in immediate need of trillions more in government spending, but that didn't stop . Now that they were in charge, they were eager to take advantage of the COVID crisis to begin implementing their Big Government vision. prgtoken So, in the name of COVID relief, they pushed through a massive, partisan, $1.9 trillion piece of legislation filled with unnecessary spending and handouts to interest groups, and the outcome was entirely predictable. flooded the economy with unnecessary government money, and the economy overheated as a result. prgtoken Unfortunately, there is no going back and undoing the American Rescue Plan Act; although, given the inflation crisis it helped create, I wonder if some wish they could go back and undo it. prgtoken There is no easy fix for ' self-inflicted inflation crisis, but there are things that we can do to at least lessen its effects, starting with legislation to help ease supply chain woes. prgtoken Last week, the Senate Commerce Committee reported my bipartisan shipping legislation out of committee by voice vote. The Ocean Shipping Reform Act, which I introduced with Senator Klobuchar, would help ease supply chain pressures by improving the fluidity of the supply chain. prgtoken For some time now, I have been hearing reports of ocean carriers refusing to transport certain goods, often American agricultural products. This would be a difficult situation at any time, as export markets around the world are critically important to American producers, but it is particularly painful at a time when inf
REMEMBERING DON YOUNG
Glenn Thompson (Republican, PA) \u2014 2022-3-30

. Madam , I rise today to remember the life and legacy of the gentleman from Alaska, Representative Don Young, the dean of the House. prgtoken Don was a dear colleague, friend, and brother in the Lord. He loved Alaska and respected the institution of the House, where he represented his constituents for five decades. As dean of the House, he was the longest-serving in the U.S. House of Representatives' history. prgtoken He was a tireless fighter for Alaska and an unparalleled public servant. It has been a privilege to serve with such a strong longstanding Member, who was truly a force of nature. My closest moments with Don were shared on the House floor at our weekly Bible study where we discussed the promises of God's Word. prgtoken While we mourn his passing and lift his family in prayer, I will be celebrating a life well-lived. prgtoken Madam , Scriptures in 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18 instructs us with these words: ``Brothers and sisters, we do not want you to be uninformed about those who sleep in death, so that you do not grieve like the rest of mankind, who have no hope.'' prgtoken Don Young had hope. prgtoken Well done, good and faithful servant.
Tribute to Steve A. Scott (Executive Calendar)
Jerry Moran (Republican, KS) \u2014 2022-3-30

this evening, I want to take just a few moments to recognize Pittsburg State University President Steve Scott. His long tenure at PSU--over three decades in total--has shepherded the university through various challenges and a period of growth. prgtoken Since taking the helm as president in 2009, he has led through a recession, enrollment and recruitment challenges in a global pandemic. prgtoken Early on during the pandemic, as our world was shutting down, I hosted a Crawford County virtual check-in with area leaders. President Scott was on that Zoom call. It was one of the many Zoom calls we have made over the last several years. During that conversation, President Scott said that there were three things to do when leading during difficult times: One, tell the truth; two, give people hope; and three, tell people how they can help. That advice has stuck with me and has helped guide my work and my conversations with Kansans ever since, and it is good advice that we can follow yet today. prgtoken But President Scott's legacy is not only marked by challenges. Pittsburg State has seen tremendous growth and opportunity over the past decades: the Bicknell Family Center for the Arts, Block22, the expansion of the Overman Student Center, the Plaster Center, and many other positive developments. prgtoken These encouraging things highlight his emphasis on being a good community partner and his success in further integrating the university with the city of Pittsburg, Crawford County, and the region. prgtoken If you have ever been to Pittsburg on game day to cheer on the Gorilla's football team, it is clear how well the university pulls the community together. prgtoken I have always enjoyed walking through Gorilla Village with President Scott to visit with students and community members--with ``Welcome to the Jungle,'' of course, playing in the background. prgtoken It is during these events that it is clear how well he relates to students, how much he cares for them and enjoys hearing their goals and their dreams or, for graduates, what they have accomplished since leaving campus. prgtoken I am of the view that we change the world one soul, one student, one person at a time. Education is one of the most impactful ways we can do that, and I appreciate President Scott's dedication to serving students for the past 30 years. prgtoken I also appreciate how closely he has worked with me and my staff to advocate for Kansas higher education and identify ways the Federal Government can invest in the campus to move both Kansans and Kansas forward. prgtoken President Steve Scott will be celebrated this Friday in Pittsburg and step down from his position as president in June, but before he does so, I want him to know how grateful I am and Kansans are for his service. prgtoken He is a public servant through and through, and I look forward to seeing what he does next. Whatever it may be, I wish him and Cathy the very best. <|p|
BIDEN'S 2023 BUDGET PROPOSAL
Doug LaMalfa (Republican, CA) \u2014 2022-3-30

. Madam , with Americans facing higher prices everywhere--at the gas pump, the grocery store, car dealership, clothing stores, and even at hotels--Americans are paying more everywhere, thanks to incredible inflation brought on by President 's plan for spending. prgtoken Well, with the new budget now coming out, we are going to see an even bigger amount of deficit. American families are facing a $3,500 yearly inflation tax, the administration wants to spend $73 trillion over the next 10 years--just in the budget year, not new spending, not COVID spending. This is what normal budgets will start to look like, which was $8 trillion more than what the CBO is predicting for the same period of time. prgtoken Under this budget, can easily add $15 trillion more to the national debt, which would make it $45-$46 trillion by the year 2032. We can't manage this. If the price of interest goes up much more, it will completely eviscerate our ability to do anything besides mandatory spending in our budget. prgtoken More families are going to suffer and the things we care about in the budget that we can't control will suffer as well.
Nomination of Judith DelZoppo Pryor (Executive Session)
Patrick J. Toomey (Republican, PA) \u2014 2022-3-30

I rise today to discuss the nomination of Judith Pryor to serve as First Vice President of the Ex-Im Bank of the United States. Now, the Ex-Im Bank was established to help U.S. exporters by providing financing to foreign buyers of U.S. products. prgtoken I have always been very skeptical about the merits of this mission, and I remain skeptical to this day. Ex-Im claims that it only takes risks that private lenders are unable or unwilling to take. That is a central message of the Ex-Im Bank. prgtoken We should stop ourselves right there and ask ourselves a question: If private lenders are unwilling or unable to take a particular risk, why should taxpayers be forced to take that risk? prgtoken And, at the same time, Ex-Im also claims it only makes safe bets that is a complete contradiction. It is impossible to do both. Ex-Im can't only take transactions so risky that no one else will do them and, at the same time, only be doing safe transactions. It doesn't make any sense at all. prgtoken The fact is, Ex-Im wins business by systematically underpricing risk. That is why borrowers go to Ex-Im instead of any number of private institutions that wouldn't offer deals on the same terms that Ex-Im offers. That is why our largest banks go to Ex-Im for loan guarantees. The Ex-Im terms are too good to be true--at least too good to be true in the private sector. And that is evident by the kinds of transactions that Ex-Im approves. prgtoken Consider just last year: Ex-Im financed a deal guaranteeing an $82 million loan from JPMorgan to Qantas airline for the purpose of buying jets made by General Electric. Now, let's think about this. JPMorgan is the largest bank in America, one of the largest banks in the world. Qantas is the largest airline in Australia. And General Electric is one of the largest industrial companies in the world. prgtoken Why did these companies need the American taxpayer to subsidize a deal among the three of them? The obvious answer is they don't. These are some of the biggest, most sophisticated companies in the world, and they have complete access to global capital markets every day of the week. They didn't turn to Ex-Im because they were unable to secure private financing. They turned to Ex-Im because they got a better deal than they would get in a strictly private transaction. prgtoken Now, as if that isn't galling enough, Ex-Im has now decided that American markets can't meet our domestic financing needs--purely domestic. I remind you, the U.S. capital markets are the largest, deepest, most sophisticated capital markets in the world by far. Anyone with a bright idea and a business plan can raise capital in the United States. They do it every day. prgtoken According to the Securities and Exchange Commission's Office of Small Business Capital Formation report for fiscal year 2021--last year-- there were $2.2 trillion in private offerings of debt and equity and $1.7 trillio
HONORING THE LIFE AND PATRIOTIC SERVICE OF THOMAS E. COPPINGER
Pat Fallon (Republican, TX) \u2014 2022-3-30

. Madam , I rise today to honor and commemorate the life and service of Thomas Edwin Coppinger. Thomas honorably served in the United States Marine Corps during the Second World War and the United States Army during the Korean War. Today, he is survived by his brother Don Coppinger, his sisters Sandra Tate and Sharon Reilly, and many more nieces, nephews, and cousins. All of whom carry on the memory of this great American hero. prgtoken Thomas was born on March 22, 1922, in Greenville, TX to Thomas `Tom' Richard and Eula Belle Coppinger. He attended high school in Greenville and worked on his grandparents' farm and as a delivery man. Ultimately, in April of 1941 at the young age of nineteen, Thomas decided to enlist in the Marine Corps to serve his country in the Second World War. He saw combat during his missions in the Pacific theatre from early 1942 to 1944. Moreover, he served in Samoa, Hawaii, and the Gilbert Islands and was honorably discharged in December 1945. After returning home to Texas, Thomas again heeded the call for duty and reenlisted into the United States Army in 1948, where he valiantly served in the Second Armored Division to defend our Nation and allies. On September 1, 1950, Thomas tragically lost his life on a combat mission in Korea, and he posthumously received the Purple Heart for his service and bravery. prgtoken On July 27, 1951, Thomas Edwin Coppinger was laid to rest with full military honors in Wieland Cemetery, Greenville, TX. At the time of his death, Thomas was survived by his parents and 12 siblings. On March 22, 2022, we celebrate what would have been Thomas' 100th Birthday. I pray that the memory of this patriot will live on for yet another hundred years and beyond. prgtoken I have requested the United States flag be flown over our Nation's Capital to recognize Thomas Coppinger's patriotism and devotion to God, Family, and Country. Furthermore, Madam , I extend my personal condolences to the Coppinger family for the loss of such an extraordinary man of service and duty. May God rest the soul of this great American.
RECOGNIZING THE MONTH OF THE MILITARY CHILD
Cathy McMorris Rodgers (Republican, WA) \u2014 2022-3-30

. Madam , I rise today to recognize the month of April as the Month of the Military Child. prgtoken I have always said that when someone joins the military, it is not just a job; it is a family commitment to our country. This is especially true for the more than 1.6 million children who have a parent on Active Duty serving our Nation, including nearly 2,000 who call Fairchild Air Force Base in eastern Washington home. prgtoken Over the next few weeks, I urge my colleagues to join me in honoring the thousands of brave men and women who demonstrate their courage and commitment to freedom, selflessly serving our country around the world. Let us take this time to say thank you to those in uniform keeping us safe and remind them that while they are taking care of us, we are taking care of their children. prgtoken To all the children of Active-Duty servicemembers, we salute you. We recognize your commitment to our country. We share in your struggles of not seeing your mom and dad. We support you unconditionally. Just like your parents, you are a hero in your own way, and in April, we celebrate you. prgtoken Madam , I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing the incredible sacrifices of military children across the country and invite my fellow Americans to help us honor them with unwavering support and appreciation today and every day.
RECOGNIZING THE SERVICE OF CELESTE ``CLETE'' BOYKIN
Ralph Norman (Republican, SC) \u2014 2022-3-30

. Madam , I rise today to recognize Celeste ``Clete'' Boykin for her outstanding service to our state. prgtoken A native of Lancaster, Clete has selflessly served the state of South Carolina and Clemson University for decades. Throughout her time as an undergraduate student, she proudly played in the Tiger Band and graduated from Clemson University with a degree in horticulture in 1979. Since then, she has dedicated much of her life to Clemson University and its students. She currently serves on the Clemson Regional Board of Directors for the Baltimore/DC Clemson Club to ensure the Club is one of the best in the nation. Clete also serves as the Chairperson of the Board of Advisors for the Clemson Institute for Parks, which provides research, education, training, and outreach to enhance parks and protected areas. prgtoken In addition to her involvement with Clemson University, Clete has educated the South Carolina Delegation on numerous federal issues, including cybersecurity, trade, agriculture, industry, and transportation. Clete is a respected, dependable, and humble community leader. She has exceeded expectations in service to our nation, highlighted by her receipt of numerous honors and accolades. In 2014, Clete received the Lifetime Achievement Award at the Tin Cup Awards for her work in the Washington Government Relations Group (WGRG), one of the nation's oldest volunteer organizations for Black government employees. More recently, Clete received the Clemson Alumni Association's Distinguished Service Award, the highest honor the Association can bestow upon an alumnus or alumna. The Distinguished Service Award is given to alumni who have not only dedicated their life to professionalism and public service, but who have also continued a lifelong dedication to Clemson University. prgtoken On behalf of the 5th District of South Carolina, it is my most sincere pleasure to recognize Clete for her outstanding leadership and public service. I wish her the best of luck throughout her future endeavors, as I am confident she will continue to serve and find great success in all that she does.
Israel (Executive Session)
Mitch McConnell (Republican, KY) \u2014 2022-3-30

. Last night, five people were killed by a Palestinian gunman outside Tel Aviv. It was the fifth time in just 2 weeks that unprovoked violence has shattered lives on Israel's streets. Eleven innocent victims are now dead. They include people of different faiths. Several were Arab Israelis. prgtoken As Jews, Christians, and Muslims prepare for some of the holiest days of the year, families in Israel are in mourning. I know I speak for all of our colleagues in offering them the Senate's deepest sympathies. prgtoken America, like our Arab and Israeli friends, must remain clear-eyed. The war against terrorism will not fight itself. We cannot afford to be complacent; we must continue to invest in the common mission of security and peace; and we must always stand firmly with our ally Israel.
TRIBUTE TO OFFICER MARANDA GRAYSON
Rand Paul (Republican, KY) \u2014 2022-3-30

everyone sworn law enforcement officer knows full well that he or she is never truly off-duty. On February 27, 2022, Louisville Metro Department of Corrections officer, Maranda Grayson, was relaxing at home when she heard gunshots. She immediately retrieved her duty weapon, called for emergency services, and ran toward the gunfire outside, where she discovered a badly injured neighbor and saw a bleeding child being carried inside. Unable to locate the source of the gunfire, Officer Grayson focused her initial actions on the wounded child. A trained first responder, she applied a dressing to his hand and then returned outside, where she performed CPR on the adult victim until additional emergency services arrived. prgtoken These were moments of true heroism, which probably seemed like hours to Officer Grayson and the victims. For these actions, she has been recognized with her department's Award of Valor for ``bravery above and beyond the call of duty when facing grave and imminent danger to her own life.'' prgtoken Louisville Metro Department of Corrections director Dwayne Clark said that ``she represents the neighbor we all want.'' I couldn't agree more, and I am proud to honor Officer Grayson for her professionalism and tremendous bravery.
HONORING AIDAN SAMUEL HAMILTON
Scott Franklin (Republican, FL) \u2014 2022-3-30

. Madam , I rise today to congratulate Aidan Samuel Hamilton for earning the rank of Eagle Scout in Troop 89 of Brandon, FL. prgtoken Only four percent of Boy Scouts reach the highest honor of Eagle Scout. This special recognition requires years of effort to develop leadership, outdoor, and service skills. To earn it, Aidan led his Troop to construct a large landscape planter at a local high school. Aidan has also volunteered at a local ministry to feed the homeless in the Tampa area and worked to raise funds for ZooTampa at Lowry Park. prgtoken Friends and fellow Scouts have described Aidan as a hard-working and dedicated member of his local community. On behalf of the Fifteenth Congressional District of Florida, congratulations again to Aidan Samuel Hamilton on earning the rank of Eagle Scout. We are proud of his continued success and appreciate his dedication to making our community a better place.
ADDITIONAL STATEMENTS
Roy Blunt (Republican, MO) \u2014 2022-3-30

I rise today to honor a St. Louis, MO, resident whose name and family are synonymous with supermarkets across the Midwest. Todd Schnuck, a dedicated community and business leader, is being honored with the Glen Woodard Award for Outstanding Leadership in Public Affairs by the Food Industry Association. prgtoken Todd Schnuck is the third family member of the third generation of Schnucks to be CEO and chairman of Schnucks Markets, Inc and has been a community and industry advocate since entering the family business in the late 1980s. During the next 30 years, his leadership built Schnucks into the food industry leader it is today. prgtoken Todd joined the family business after college in 1987 to help facilitate new acquisitions for the company. Over the next two decades, he would help Schnucks build its footprint throughout the Midwest through acquisitions and expansion. Schnucks has over 100 stores today and employs 15,000 associates spanning five States. In 2014, Todd was named CEO and chairman of Schnuck Markets, Inc holding the same position his grandfather did when he started the company in 1939. prgtoken Along with the terrific work Todd has done for the business of Schnucks, he has been an even greater community leader. Todd has not only made Schnucks an employer of choice in the State of Missouri, but has worked closely with the United Way of Greater St. Louis. He is also currently chairman of the Donald Danforth Plant Science Center and holds board seats with the Opportunity Trust and the Arch to Park Equity Fund. prgtoken I know firsthand what a strong advocate Todd is for the food industry. He is in a unique position to be a credible voice for the supermarket industry, spending his career leading and growing the family business. I congratulate Todd on the Glen Woodard Award for Outstanding Leadership in Public Affairs.
FEMA CASEWORKER ACCOUNTABILITY ACT
Tom Rice (Republican, SC) \u2014 2022-3-30

. Madam , I rise today in support of my bill, H.R. 5343, the FEMA Caseworker Accountability Act. prgtoken South Carolina's Seventh District is still recuperating from disaster after disaster. We experienced four flooding events in 8 years. prgtoken Over the years, I have learned some tough lessons. We have continuously heard and seen how case management staff turnover rates at FEMA have extended the process for our communities to receive the assistance they need after a disaster. prgtoken Sometimes it takes 4 or 5 years for FEMA to get people back in their homes, and it is far too long because, unfortunately, the people who are disproportionately affected by these disasters are people of low income and minorities. They lose everything that they had, what little they had, and they can't wait for 5 years for the government to respond. prgtoken I have heard complaints from disaster victims to local officials about the lack of coordination due to the high turnover rates at FEMA. This disorganization causes significant delays in processing claims and reimbursement of essential funds. prgtoken This bill will increase the transparency at FEMA following a disaster by requiring a report on their employees' turnover rate. It also requires a report to include the average length of employment for staff who are assigned to work on disaster recoveries. prgtoken FEMA must be held accountable to our communities and our taxpayers who rely on them following a disaster. prgtoken I thank Representative Mace and Resident Commissioner Gonzalez-Colon for their support on this legislation. prgtoken Madam , I urge my colleagues to vote in favor of this bill.