mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
CIVIL RIGHTS COLD CASE INVESTIGATIONS SUPPORT ACT OF 2022
Chuck Grassley (Republican, IA) \u2014 2022-9-28

home should be the safest place in the world for a child. It used to be that parents could breathe a little easier once they locked the front door, knowing that their child was safe on the inside. prgtoken For some reason or other, not anymore is that the case. Drug dealers have found ways into our homes through social media. Now, more and more children are dying alone at night in what should be the safest place for them, in their own bedrooms. prgtoken That is where Deric and Kathy Kidd found their son Sebastian, unresponsive, on the morning of July 30, 2021. He was slumped on his bed, still in his street clothes. prgtoken Sebastian was a high school senior in Des Moines, IA. He took half of what he thought was a pain pill. It was actually fentanyl. Sebastian's parents should have had the rest of their lives with him. Instead, they buried their 17-year-old son. prgtoken Congress has responded in the worst possible way to parents like the Kidd family. We have responded with inaction. I am disappointed that my colleagues have tried to block fentanyl analog scheduling. Under this -led Congress, the reauthorization periods of fentanyl analog scheduling keeps getting shorter and shorter, and bipartisan talks about permanent scheduling have all dropped. And if you don't have bipartisan talks, nothing happens in the U.S. Senate. That is what it takes to get things done in a body that takes a supermajority of 60 to stop debate to get to finality. prgtoken It doesn't matter if you are a rank-and-file or , fentanyl is a problem for all of us. It is time that we start treating it like the problem it is. We can't keep ignoring law enforcement's requests for fentanyl analog scheduling. Police are the folks responding to fentanyl poisoning. Police are the ones putting their lives on the line facing off with cartels, and police are asking us to extend classification of fentanyl analog as schedule I substances. prgtoken Who are we to deny the police when they say what they need? We all agreed that fentanyl analog scheduling was necessary in 2020 when we unanimously extended it by 15 months. Even career officials in the administration agreed that fentanyl analog scheduling was necessary when they asked Congress. The administration asked Congress to permanently schedule it. prgtoken But here we are on the brink of fentanyl analog scheduling--the expiration of it. Families and law enforcement alike are panicked that we let this authority disappear. Temporary fentanyl analog scheduling cannot lapse while we hash out more permanent solutions. prgtoken We have all voted this provision into law before. We have been warned that more parents will have to bury their children if we do not pass it. prgtoken So, I have this motion. prgtoken , I ask unanimous consent that the Senate proceed to the immediate consideration of Calendar No. 45, S. 1216; further, that the G
RECOGNIZING THE 38TH ANNIVERSARY OF ANTI-SIKH VIOLENCE IN INDIA
Patrick J. Toomey (Republican, PA) \u2014 2022-9-28

as a proud member of the American Sikh Congressional Caucus, I would like to join my Sikh friends in Pennsylvania's Sikh community and Sikhs around the world in recognizing the 38th anniversary of the November 1984 anti-Sikh violence in India. prgtoken For those of you who are not familiar, Sikhism traces its nearly 600- year history to the Punjab region of India. With nearly 30 million followers globally and 700,000 here in the U.S Sikhism is one of the world's major religions. prgtoken Historically, Sikhs have showcased a commitment to serving individuals from all religious, cultural, and ethnic backgrounds-- demonstrating their generosity and deep sense of community. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Sikh communities across Pennsylvania and the United States came together to deliver groceries, masks, and other supplies to tens of thousands of families in need no matter their race, gender, religion, or creed. In my many years serving the Commonwealth, I have personally witnessed the spirit of Sikhs and have come to better understand the Sikh tradition that is founded on equality, respect, and peace. It is clear that the presence and contributions of Sikh communities have thoroughly enriched their neighborhoods across the country. prgtoken 1984 marks one of the darkest years in modern Indian history. The world watched as several violent incidents broke out among ethnic groups in India, with several notably targeting the Sikh community. Today we are here to remember the tragedy that commenced on November 1, 1984, following decades of ethnic tension between Sikhs in the Punjab province and the central Indian Government. As so often in such cases, the official estimates likely do not tell the whole story, but it is estimated that over 30,000 Sikh men, women, and children were deliberately targeted, raped, slaughtered, and displaced by mobs across India. prgtoken To prevent future human rights abuses, we must recognize their past forms. We must remember the atrocities committed against Sikhs so that those responsible may be held accountable and that this type of tragedy is not repeated against the Sikh community or other communities across the globe.
CONCERNS ABOUT OUR STRATEGIC PETROLEUM RESERVE
Doug LaMalfa (Republican, CA) \u2014 2022-9-28

as Hurricane Ian barrels toward the Florida coast, residents are boarding up their homes, packing up their families, and rushing to evacuate. prgtoken Across the State, FEMA is unloading barrels of fuel from our Strategic Petroleum Reserve on evacuation routes to help those leaving to fuel up. That is the correct intent of our Strategic Petroleum Reserves, to help people in the event of a severe weather event or other disaster. prgtoken But there is reason to be concerned now that the SPR, as it is known, is now at its lowest point since 1984 because of President 's policy. For nearly 2 years he has been halting leases for domestic oil and gas production, paused pipeline development, and launched a regulatory assault on U.S. energy development and financing, all while releasing our strategic reserves in order to combat rising prices-- thinking that amount is really going to do so. They have been shipped overseas in some cases. prgtoken This is unconscionable. We are in the middle of a hurricane season. What will we do when our reserves are eventually depleted and people are actually stranded? prgtoken In my district in northern California we don't have hurricanes, but we are too familiar with natural disasters. Each summer residents are forced to flee due to catastrophic wildfires, and this winter they were even trapped in their homes without electricity due to snowstorms. prgtoken We need plentiful electricity: natural gas and oil. It is a matter of life and death for many, and SPRs need to be used properly.
HONORING 82ND AIRBORNE HALL OF FAME INDUCTEE COLONEL BENJAMIN H. VANDERVOORT FOR HIS VALOROUS SERVICE AND SACRIFICE
Richard Hudson (Republican, NC) \u2014 2022-9-28

. Madam , I rise today to honor Colonel Benjamin H. Vandervoort for his induction into the 82nd Airborne Division's Hall of Fame on September 28, 2022. prgtoken The 82nd Airborne Division's Hall of Fame began in 2018 to honor the division's 101 years of legendary service and its members. It honors veteran paratroopers who are nominated for their service within the division, their commitment to the division's values, their contributions to their chosen field outside of their division, or any other valorous combat actions. prgtoken A brief look at Col. Vandervoort's career accomplishments only begins to adequately describe the importance of his military service. Col. Vandervoort was a member of the 505th Parachute Infantry Regiment, which was assigned to the 82nd Airborne in 1943, from 1940 to 1945 and held many important ranks over the course of World War II. Specifically, he served as the regiment's operations officer during the United States' invasion of Sicily and Salerno and as the commander of the regiment's 2nd Battalion during the invasion of Normandy in 1944 and the Battle of the Bulge later that year. In the latter, he led his battalion into the fray in the cities of Sainte-Mere-Eglise, Nijmegen, and Bastogne. Perhaps most impressively, he also orchestrated and performed an assault on the Waal bridge in the Netherlands during this conflict. On account of his courage, bravery, and spectacular leadership in this episode, he received Oak Leaf Clusters for his Distinguished Service Cross and two Oak Leaf Clusters for his Purple Heart. Although injuries from his time in the 2nd Battalion forced him to medically retire from the Army in 1946, he continued to work to bolster our national security in his capacity as a civilian by working for the CIA and U.S. Army staff. prgtoken In the words of the former commander of the 82nd Airborne Division, Gen. Erik Kurilla, ``the All American Hall of Fame is about preserving our legacy and paying homage to our All American Legends.'' Col. Vandervoort's selfless service could not be more deserving of such recognition. I know I speak for all in our community and Nation in thanking Col. Vandervoort for his committed service and leadership in the 82nd Airborne Division and our nation's military more broadly. prgtoken Madam , please join me today in honoring and congratulating Colonel Benjamin Vandervoort for his induction to the 82nd Airborne Division's Hall of Fame.
AFFORDABLE INSULIN ACT--MOTION TO PROCEED--Continued
Jerry Moran (Republican, KS) \u2014 2022-9-28

this evening, I want to highlight a community in my State of Kansas that is a model for rural towns across our State and around the country. It is timely because, just yesterday, the New York City mayor joked that my home State of Kansas has ``no brand'' and then chuckled at his joke. I had planned to give this floor speech before the mayor of New York City used Kansas as a punch line, but now it seems a little more fitting and means even more. prgtoken Located in Allen County, KS, Humboldt is the home to about 2,000 residents. Like many small communities in rural America, Humboldt was facing declining population numbers as businesses moved away and buildings on Main Street were abandoned. Even the locally owned newspaper, which began business in 1864 and was the State's longest continuously running paper, the Humboldt Union, had to close its doors. prgtoken However, in the last couple of years, Humboldt has defied the odds. The vacant buildings on Main Street now boast thriving businesses and welcoming storefronts. Since 2020, Humboldt has gained a coffee shop, a variety of bars and restaurants, a fitness center, a microbrewery, a grocery store, a hotel, and the Humboldt Union has been reestablished. Even as the pandemic created new challenges for many small businesses, Humboldt's businesses were able to persevere. prgtoken In January, the travel desk of the New York Times selected Humboldt as a top destination in the world, alongside places like Greece, Australia, and Argentina--pretty ironic now. prgtoken The majority of growth and economic development in the community can be attributed to a civic organization called A Bolder Humboldt. This group was formed a few years ago by leaders like Paul Cloutier and is still going strong today. prgtoken Paul recently took me on a tour of downtown with the mayor, Mayor Nobby Davis, to see firsthand the renovations being done and to meet the owners of small businesses that are reshaping the town square. prgtoken Paul said: I've lived in a lot of big cities, and the thing I loved about them was that they had complete neighborhoods, with a grocery store and a dry cleaner's and a bar and little restaurants, which is basically what a small town is or used to be. prgtoken A Bolder Humboldt is working to rebuild that ideal--that ideal American small town--for the 21st century. prgtoken I visited a cafe and a coffee shop owned by Josh Works, who is also involved in A Bolder Humboldt. His father owns B&W Trailer Hitches, and he set a standard during the recession in 2008 to prioritize and care for his staff and his community. prgtoken In addition, the community has rebuilt 10 blocks of the downtown streetscape with the help from a local business, Monarch Cement Company. Owned and run by Walter Wulf, this is a 110-year-old business, and it is a staple of this community. prgtoken The city has also developed Southwind Industrial Park, with the
PROVIDING FOR CONSIDERATION OF H.R. 3843, MERGER FILING FEE MODERNIZATION ACT OF 2022; PROVIDING FOR CONSIDERATION OF H.R. 7780, MENTAL HEALTH MATTERS ACT; AND PROVIDING FOR CONSIDERATION OF S...
H. Morgan Griffith (Republican, VA) \u2014 2022-9-28

I rise to oppose the previous question so that we can immediately consider my bill, H.R. 6184, the Halt All Lethal Trafficking of Fentanyl Act. prgtoken Every Member of this body knows someone who has been affected by the drug overdose epidemic plaguing our country. prgtoken Recent provisional data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention indicates that during 2021 there were more than 107,000 overdose deaths that occurred in the United States, an increase of nearly 15 percent from the previous year. prgtoken These record numbers are due in large part to the increasing presence of fentanyl and fentanyl analogues, which are approximately 100 times more potent than morphine and 50 times more potent than heroin. prgtoken Because fentanyl has a proven medical use, it is considered a schedule II narcotic. But illicit derivatives of fentanyl, also called fentanyl analogues or fentanyl-related substances, do not often demonstrate a medical value. Right now they are considered schedule I substances, but only because of a temporary scheduling order which expires on December 31. prgtoken My bill aims to curb overdose deaths by permanently scheduling fentanyl analogues as schedule I substances. This will strengthen law enforcement's ability to prosecute fentanyl traffickers and act as a deterrent. prgtoken The HALT Fentanyl Act also promotes research by removing barriers to that research. In the Energy and Commerce Committee, we heard there are as many as 4,800 analogues. Our experts at the NIH, the FDA, and other agencies have studied roughly 30 of these 4,800 analogues. prgtoken By encouraging research of schedule I substances like fentanyl analogues, we can better understand how these substances work and how we can prevent potentially harmful impacts in the future. prgtoken The problem is that if this law expires and doesn't become permanent, those 4,800 analogues are arguably legal--I would submit they are legal--and we have to pass a law on each one of them. The HALT Fentanyl Act makes it so we don't have to do that. prgtoken Should we discover that one of those 4,800 or maybe two have a legitimate medical purpose, then we can come back in and consider that, but it is a whole lot easier to figure out what we have already done research on when we have done research on 30 of 4,800 analogues than it is to say, wait a minute, we are going to make all of these legal, and then figure out which ones of them are the most dangerous to the American public. I would submit they are all dangerous and that Congress must pass the HALT Fentanyl Act now.
AFFORDABLE INSULIN ACT--MOTION TO PROCEED--Continued
Bill Cassidy (Republican, LA) \u2014 2022-9-28

I am constantly struggling that when people say there is no consensus in Washington, DC, there is often consensus. It is just a question of a different means by which to achieve the goals and consensus. If I were to say that we would want to have increased national security, lower global greenhouse gas emissions, a booming economy, and energy security, everybody would agree. The difference is how we achieve those means. And so what this process is, is to give the American people the opportunity to judge what is the best set of policies that will allow us to achieve that which we are speaking of. prgtoken Clearly, there is a nexus, a connection--you put them all together-- between energy security, national security, the economy of our country and the economy of a family, and whether or not a country is lowering or increasing its contribution to global greenhouse gas emissions. This talk will be about that nexus between energy security, national security, global greenhouse gas emissions--how do we decrease them--and the economy of our country and the economy of a family. prgtoken Now, I am from Louisiana--I think that is pretty well known; the senior Senator from Louisiana--and we are privileged to host many of the facilities of the Strategic Petroleum Reserve, that connection between energy security and national security. prgtoken The Strategic Petroleum Reserve, for those who do not know, is where we have salt domes full of oil, millions of barrels, so that if ever there is another embargo, like there was in 1973, where Middle Eastern countries were attempting to punish the United States, we would have enough in our Strategic Petroleum Reserve so that we could draw from and we could preserve our national security and our economic security-- again, that nexus between energy security, national security, and the economy of a country and the economy of a family. prgtoken President has decided to drain the Strategic Petroleum Reserve to lower the price of gasoline. I am all for lowering the price of gasoline, but if you think about it, drawing oil from a Strategic Petroleum Reserve is basically the same as pumping it out of the ground if it is in West Texas or off the coast of Louisiana. One is just oil that has been produced and put in a salt dome, and the other is being produced naturally. prgtoken So rather than increasing production on Federal lands, the President made the decision to just draw from our Strategic Petroleum Reserve. Unfortunately, we are now at the lowest level of reserves since 1984. To the degree--and it is a great degree--that our national security depends upon being energy independent, we have lowered our prgtoken Reserve to the lowest since 1984, which is to say that we are less secure in terms of energy and therefore less secure in terms of our economy and less secure in terms of our national security. prgtoken The President needs a plan to refill that from domestically
REMEMBERING P.J. O'ROURKE
Rob Portman (Republican, OH) \u2014 2022-9-28

I rise today in tribute to P.J. O'Rourke, one of America's greatest humorists. P.J. passed away after a brief illness earlier this year, leaving behind his beloved wife Tina and his three children, as well as countless readers who will miss the laughter and delight he brought them over a career that spanned nearly half a century. prgtoken P.J. was born 74 years ago in Toledo, OH. We are proud to call him an Ohio native. His father owned a car dealership; his mother was a homemaker. P.J. was the product of Toledo's public schools, then of Miami University in southwest Ohio. One of his English professors, spotting a unique talent, arranged a scholarship that allowed him to continue in school and get his degree in English, with honors. prgtoken In the 1970s, P.J. moved to New York. There, he became editor of the legendary satirical magazine ``National Lampoon,'' then in its prime. After the Lampoon came stints at ``Rolling Stone,'' the ``Atlantic Monthly,'' and many other magazines, as well as 20 books known for their energy and wit. prgtoken Frequently, he turned his attention to American politics. Some here in Washington can still feel the sting. He even found humor in the world's trouble spots; He was in Beirut in the 1980s, Somalia and Afghanistan in the 1990s, Iraq in the 2000s. prgtoken One of my favorite P.J. O'Rourke quotes is: ``Politics is a necessary evil, a necessary annoyance, a necessary conundrum.'' His tone was always one of mischievous irreverence, tempered by an abiding sympathy for our common humanity. prgtoken And he was never far from Toledo or from Ohio. ``No Toledoan ever outgrows Toledo,'' he wrote several years ago, in a tribute to his hometown. He was clear-eyed about the charms of a Midwestern upbringing and blind to any imperfections. ``Toledo is better than exciting,'' he went on, ``it's happy. Nothing is more conducive to unhappiness than taking yourself seriously, and taking yourself seriously is difficult when your baseball team is called the Mud Hens.'' prgtoken In truth, P.J. O'Rourke, while not taking himself too seriously, achieved much success in life--best-selling books, packed lecture halls in America and Europe, a journalistic career that took him to every corner of the world. But he never forgot he was from Toledo, from Ohio, from the heart of the country. And the country's heart always beat within him. prgtoken My fellow Buckeyes join me in bidding farewell and offering our thanks to a treasured native son.
TRIBUTE TO ERNIE MANN
John Thune (Republican, SD) \u2014 2022-9-28

we are coming up now on 2 years of ic governance here in Washington, 2 years in which have controlled Congress and the White House, and the result of their 2 years in power is not encouraging. Economic insecurity is rampant; our energy security situation has worsened; and on the national security front, we are facing a raging crisis at our southern border, plus a disturbing increase in violent crime across the country. prgtoken If there has been one defining feature of governance over the past 20 months, it is inflation. When President took office, inflation was at 1.4 percent--well within the target inflation rate of 2 percent--but then decided to pass a massive $1.9 trillion spending spree, the so-called American Rescue Plan Act. The legislation flooded the economy with unnecessary government money, and the economy overheated as a result. Inflation quickly began climbing and then climbing some more and then some more after that. prgtoken We have now spent 6 straight months with inflation above 8 percent--6 straight months. The last time inflation was this bad, ``E.T.'' was about to prgtoken hit theaters, and we still had more than a year to wait for ``Return of the Jedi.'' For those who weren't around then, that was 40 years ago, in 1982. prgtoken Inflation, of course, has meant tremendous economic pain for the American people: huge grocery store bills, big utility bills, high prices at the pump. Americans are dipping into their savings to make ends meet. They are cutting back on essentials or putting basic living expenses on their credit cards. prgtoken In the month of August alone, inflation cost the average American household a staggering $715--$715, 1 month. Even if prices stopped increasing tomorrow, the inflation that we have already experienced will cost the average American household more than $8,500 over the next year--$8,500. That is a lot of money--a lot. That is a kid's braces, essential car repairs, essential home repairs. It is the difference between putting something away for the kids' college or leaving the education savings account empty. It is the difference between putting money away for retirement or spending every penny on necessities. And for too many families, that is the difference between breaking even or finding themselves in debt or worse. prgtoken Americans' economic security has taken a serious hit under control in Washington, and there is little evidence to suggest that things are going to get any better anytime soon. Our economy is weakening. We have posted negative economic growth for each of the past two quarters, and estimates for third-quarter growth are not promising. Major companies have announced job cuts, and the nonpartisan Conference Board is projecting a recession in the coming months. prgtoken Unfortunately, the bad news is not confined to inflation or slowdowns in economic growth, neither of which, I