mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
HONORING THE LIFE OF RODRIGO ``ROD'' GARCIA
Grace F. Napolitano (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2022-7-15

. Madam , I rise today to honor the life, achievements, and legacy of Rodrigo ``Rod'' Garcia, a respected visionary, leader, and advocate, for his lifelong dedication to empowering the Hispanic community to achieve educational excellence, economic opportunity, and social equity. prgtoken Rodrigo ``Rod'' Garcia was born on March 29, 1943, in Los Angeles, California to Genevieve Hernandez and Rodrigo Garcia. He earned an Associate's Degree in Engineering from East Los Angeles College, and a Bachelor's Degree of Science in Engineering from California State University, Los Angeles. prgtoken Rod served as a civil engineer for the City of Los Angeles and worked in Public Works, Building and Safety, and at the Port of Los Angeles. Additionally, Rod Chaired the City of Monterey Park Planning Commission, and served on the Advisory Board for the Dean of Engineering at California State University. prgtoken Rod was one of the few Hispanic engineers amidst a tech boom in California in the early seventies. Despite being in the minority in the Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) field, he gathered a cohort of fellow Hispanic engineers determined to contribute and diversify the STEM industry. prgtoken In 1974, Rod founded and incorporated the Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers (SHPE) with the mission of ensuring networking and education opportunities for Hispanic students and professionals in the Southern California region. Not too long after and with the collaboration of Administrators, professors, and students at California State University, East Los Angeles College, and the University of Southern California, the Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers established its first collegiate chapters. prgtoken The result of five decades of Rod's high-spirited and fearless leadership propelled the Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers to reach 13,000 members and 286 chapters nationwide. His unique ability of uniting community partners and leaders around the country will serve as evidence that closing the STEM education gap and increasing the number of Hispanics in STEM can and will be done. prgtoken Rod is remembered by his colleagues and thousands of current and former SHPE students and professionals for his devotion and service to expanding awareness, access, support, and development opportunities to Hispanics in STEM to realize their fullest potential and positively impact society. His legacy of empowering the Hispanic community to achieve educational excellence, economic opportunity, and social equity will guide many generations to come. prgtoken Mr. Garcia is survived by his wife, Cynthia Cathy Wong, and his children Marlene Tomasina Zamora, Marianne Pilar Garcia, and Rodrick Fitzgerald Garcia. prgtoken Madam , I extend my deepest sympathies to the family, colleagues, and friends of Rodrigo ``Rod'' Garcia, and I urge all my colleagues to join me in recognizing his incredibly life of service for oth
WOMEN'S HEALTH PROTECTION ACT OF 2022
Yvette D. Clarke (Democrat, NY) \u2014 2022-7-15

. Madam , I rise today to stand against the vile war for reproductive rights of the women in America. prgtoken Just under 50 years ago, Roe v. Wade established that every woman holds autonomy over her own body and her reproductive choices. To reject this critical ruling one-half century later at a time when America's maternal healthcare standards are so disgracefully abysmal, particularly for Black and Brown women, is as hateful as it is cruel. prgtoken We will not stand for this blatant and brazen attempt to control women. We will not stand for yet another assault that diminishes women by taking away their autonomy of their bodies. We will not stand by and watch extremists erase us from our Constitutional protections. prgtoken No. We will not stand for it today. I and my ic colleagues will pass the Women's Health Protection Act of 2022 and the Ensuring Women's Right to Reproductive Freedom Act of 2022. prgtoken Madam , I urge our Senators to find the compassion, courage, and their humanity for the women of America by doing the same.
WOMEN'S HEALTH PROTECTION ACT OF 2022
Judy Chu (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2022-7-15

. Madam , I rise today in strong support of my bill, the Women's Health Protection Act, or WHPA. prgtoken WHPA is the bill that will protect the right to access abortion after the tragic fall of Roe v. Wade. It ensures in Federal law the right to abortion care for every woman in every State and ensures States may not erode that right. prgtoken You will hear s say our bill goes too far, but that is simply not true. Our bill preserves the protections of Roe that we have lived with for 50 years, affirmed through decades of subsequent court decisions. WHPA prohibits the bans and restrictions that violate the spirit of Roe, from outright bans to laws forcing women to undergo invasive ultrasounds, unnecessary waiting periods, or forcing doctors to give patients medically inaccurate information. prgtoken You will hear s repeat over and over again that are voting for abortion up until the moment of birth. Actually, for 50 years the Court had the provision of an exception for late-term abortion in Roe to preserve the life or the health of the mother. It is because they valued the life of the mother. prgtoken Do s actually believe the mother's life is expendable? prgtoken Apparently so. prgtoken What you will not hear is s say that the vast majority of Americans do not want Roe to be overturned. prgtoken You will not hear an apology to the 10-year-old who was raped and had to travel to Indiana for an abortion because it was prohibited in her home State. prgtoken You will not hear an acknowledgment that women are capable of deciding for themselves whether to terminate a pregnancy. prgtoken This bill respects our right to make our own decisions about our bodies. It is time to put control of our bodies back in our hands. Now is the time to pass the Women's Health Protection Act.
PERSONAL EXPLANATION
Doris O. Matsui (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2022-7-15

. Madam , on the evening of Thursday, July 14, 2022, I was unavoidably detained and failed to record my vote on Roll Call No. 346, DeGette of Colorado Part A Amendment No. 456 to H.R. 7900; Roll Call No. 347, Evans of Pennsylvania Part A Amendment No. 461 to H.R. 7900; and Roll Call No. 348, Connolly of Virginia Part A Amendment No. 495 to H.R. 7900. prgtoken Had I been present, I would have voted YEA on Roll Call No. 346, YEA on Roll Call No. 347, and YEA on Roll Call No. 348.
FIGHTING FOR REPRODUCTIVE RIGHTS
Julia Brownley (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2022-7-15

. Madam , recently the Supreme Court took an unprecedented, deeply disappointing, and ideologically driven action to overturn Roe v. Wade. prgtoken This is a targeted attack on Americans' rights to make decisions for their bodies, their lives, and their future. prgtoken This decision sets a very dangerous precedent for our Nation's highest court and is the result of a premeditated agenda from radical conservatives to dismantle access to comprehensive reproductive care. prgtoken The decision to have an abortion is a deeply personal one, one that should be made between a patient and their doctor, not by politically motivated judges or politicians. prgtoken Roe offered Americans protections from the unsolicited belief systems and the ideologies of others being imposed on them and their personal healthcare decisions. prgtoken I am committed to continuing to work alongside House and President in the fight for reproductive freedom and reproductive justice and the right to abortion across the United States.
PURSUING COMMON GROUND
Dean Phillips (Democrat, MN) \u2014 2022-7-15

. Madam , I am hearing from Minnesotans who want their leaders to reach across the aisle and pursue common ground. prgtoken From fighting inflation to fighting crime, I work to build consensus on our biggest challenges as vice chair of the bipartisan Problem Solvers Caucus, and I am proud of everything that we have accomplished so far. prgtoken There is hard work ahead, but Minnesotans know that we are stronger when everyone is at the table, and that is why I created Common Ground Workshops and why I will continue to pursue commonsense solutions.
RECOGNIZING THE SERVICE OF WILL WOODWORTH TO THE PEOPLE OF MAINE
Jared F. Golden (Democrat, ME) \u2014 2022-7-15

. Madam , I rise today to honor a member of my staff, Will Woodworth, as he prepares to depart Capitol Hill after nearly ten years of service to take a position at the Department of Homeland Security. prgtoken Will hails from Yarmouth, Maine and has been working on behalf of the people of our state for the better part of the last decade. He first entered Maine politics after graduating from college, joining the staff of then-Governor Angus King in his run for the U.S. Senate in 2012. He then joined Senator King's staff in Washington, handling constituent correspondence and advising the senator on issues like broadband and technology. prgtoken In 2019, my office was lucky enough to convince Will to abandon the comforts of the Senate for the more rough-and-tumble nature of the House. In joining my team, Will took on a senior policy role, advising me on a wide range of issues, from my work on the House Small Business Committee to healthcare and economic policy. Despite the often insurmountable volume of work, Will has been a steady, dedicated, and thoughtful staffer who has helped me execute on key legislative priorities while also doing the time-intensive work of directly helping constituents across Maine's Second District understand my positions on policy issues and helping solve the problems they have faced with federal agencies. prgtoken People like Will are what make this place run, and he represents the best of public service--quietly and steadily keeping the wheels of government working and never seeking attention or accolades for his efforts. Mainers have been fortunate to have had Will Woodworth on their side in Washington, as have I. We all wish him the very best on this next professional adventure and give him our profound thanks for his service to Maine and the country.
FORMULA ACT
Jamie Raskin (Democrat, MD) \u2014 2022-7-15

. Madam , Had I been present I would have voted ``yea'' on rollcall No. 363. Members Recorded Pursuant to House Resolution 8, 117th Congress Allred (Neguse) Armstrong (Johnson (SD)) Barr (McHenry) Barragan (Correa) Bass (Correa) Bentz (Obernolte) Bergman (McClain) Brown (MD) (Trone) Buchanan (Waltz) Carter (TX) (Nehls) Castro (TX) (Neguse) Cohen (Beyer) Comer (Fleischmann) Crist (Stevens) Curtis (Owens) Davis, Danny K. (Neguse) Deutch (Stevens) Dingell (Kuster) Doggett (Beyer) Doyle, Michael F. (Pallone) Dunn (Cammack) Evans (Neguse) Fallon (Carl) Gibbs (Bucshon) Hartzler (Bacon) Hern (Bice (OK)) Herrera Beutler (Moore (UT)) Jackson (Carl) Jackson Lee (Cicilline) Johnson (TX) (Jeffries) Kahele (Correa) Katko (Meijer) Kelly (IL) (Kuster) Khanna (Kim (NJ)) Kirkpatrick (Pallone) LaHood (Miller (WV)) Lawrence (Stevens) Lawson (FL) (Soto) Leger Fernandez (Kuster) Lieu (Beyer) Lynch (Langevin) McEachin (Jeffries) Meeks (Jeffries) Moore (WI) (Beyer) Moulton (Stevens) Neal (Beyer) Newman (Beyer) Panetta (Beyer) Pappas (Kuster) Pascrell (Pallone) Payne (Pallone) Pingree (Kuster) Porter (Neguse) Pressley (Neguse) Rice (SC) (Meijer) Ryan (Beyer) Salazar (Cammack) Sewell (Cicilline) Sires (Pallone) Smucker (Joyce (PA)) Stauber (Bacon) Stewart (Owens) Suozzi (Correa) Swalwell (Correa) Taylor (McHenry) Timmons (Mace) Trahan (Stevens) Upton (Meijer) Veasey (Neguse) Wagner (McHenry) Walorski (Baird) Wasserman Schultz (Stevens) Wilson (SC) (Lamborn)
Inflation (Executive Session)
Chuck Grassley (Republican, IA) \u2014 2022-7-18

at each of my 99 county meetings and in conversations with Iowans generally, the record cost of living is top of mind as Iowa families feel the impact of 9.1 percent inflation. They feel that on their family budgets, for sure. prgtoken Due to rampant inflation spurred by reckless government spending, consumer prices are escalating at a historic pace. Middle-class Americans are paying more for everything from gasoline, food, and shelter, to home furnishings, prescription drugs, and clothing. prgtoken Since President took office January 2021, consumer prices have increased, on average, 12 percent nationally. As a result, the average Iowa household has seen its monthly living expenses increase to $670 a month. The rising cost of transportation, energy, and food has hit household budgets particularly hard. prgtoken Since January 2021, Americans on average are paying an extra $206 a month on energy, $334 a month on transportation and gas, and an additional $76 a month for food. It is no wonder inflation is the No. 1 concern that I hear about as I tour Iowa's 99 counties. prgtoken Rising wages have helped some Iowans manage the rising cost of living. However, for most, rising prices have far outpaced the wage gains. While trying to make up an extra $600 a month is hard enough for wage earners, it is next to impossible for senior prgtoken citizens who are on fixed incomes. For senior citizens, there is no prospect of getting a raise like you might get if you have a job. They must make do by stretching their Social Security checks, their pensions, or investment income, if they have that. They must count on just stretching that as far as they can. prgtoken While there is an annual cost of living adjustment intended to maintain the purchasing power of Social Security benefits, this adjustment lags inflation increases. The 5.9 percent COLA for 2022 was the largest increase since 1982, the last time we had this out-of- control inflation. However, that is far below the 9.1 percent annual inflation rate reported for June. So just like wages go up 5.5, they can't keep up with a 9.1 percent increase inflation. prgtoken So you get a 5.9 percent increase in your COLA for Social Security; that is far below the 9.1 percent increase in inflation. Now, the Social Security Administration reports the 2023 COLA will be between 7.3 percent and 10.8 percent. Well, that might help. But will it make up for what inflation is? prgtoken Unfortunately, seniors have another 6 months until they see this relief in their benefit payments. prgtoken The current turmoil in the stock market has made it even harder for seniors to keep their heads above water. They are seeing their retirement savings in 401(k)s, their IRAs, and their non-tax-advantaged accounts eroded by stock market declines, by inflation, and by taxes. prgtoken Seniors are understandably looking to the administration and to this very Congress to take action to address
CLOTURE MOTION
Rick Scott (Republican, FL) \u2014 2022-7-18

on July 11, 2021, in an act of incredible bravery, thousands of freedom-loving people in Cuba collectively stood together to demand freedom from the oppressive Cuban dictatorship. prgtoken They stood outside the headquarters of the Cuban Communist Party demanding liberty. They shouted ``Patria y Vida,'' which means homeland and life. prgtoken In cities across the island, Cubans young and old showed they are not afraid of the regime. It was a sign that freedom, liberty, and human rights are not merely American ideals but universal rights given to all by God, not any government. prgtoken In response to the peaceful protest, the Cuban Communist Party, an illegitimate and brutally oppressive regime deployed a wave of terror throughout Cuba by unleashing its secret police and military forces on peaceful protesters and democracy leaders. prgtoken The regime's thugs and security forces unlawfully detained more than 1,400 demonstrators, including leaders from Cuban civil society groups such as UNPACU, the San Isidro Movement, the Ladies in White, and targeted religious and Afro-Cuban leaders. prgtoken In the aftermath of the demonstrations and the government crackdown, crowds of Cubans and supporters of the Cuban people gathered here in Washington urging to act. prgtoken They gathered in front of the White House. They protested in front of the Cuban Embassy. I heard their cries asking the American Government to show its support. I joined them in front of the White House and in front of the Capitol. prgtoken We know has the power to join the Cuban people to call for the Cuban Communist Party to change. But aside from a couple statements he made last year, has not taken one action to support the Cuban people and their fight for freedom. prgtoken He has done nothing to provide them with internet connections or to support the democracy movement on the island. prgtoken I want to be clear: The President of the United States is known both here and around the globe as the leader of the free world. Our President, regardless of who it is, has immense power to rally our democratic allies and the freedom-loving people of the world to put pressure on oppressive regimes like the one occupying Havana and throw the full support of the global community behind the Cuban people's movement for freedom. prgtoken Anyone who denies this is ignoring history. But hasn't done any of that. He hasn't even tried. Instead, he and his administration have bowed to the demands of Cuba's murderous Castro and Diaz-Canel regimes and chosen not to stand for democracy and human rights. prgtoken And just weeks ago, he chose to prop up the oppressive regime with pathetic appeasement policies and sanctions relief. These actions bring shame to the United States. They do nothing to help the people only help line the pockets of the regime, its thugs, and its evil partners in Russia, Iran, and communist China. <|p|
A NEW RECORD OF BORDER CROSSINGS
Glenn Grothman (Republican, WI) \u2014 2022-7-18

. Madam , in the midst of all the talking about the love affair the ic Party has for abortion and talking about Ukraine and making another vote there, I am afraid the press isn't going to pick up on the numbers that have just been released for border crossings of illegal immigrants or people we have not appropriately vetted for June of 2022. prgtoken It is a hot month in Mexico and a hot month on the border, so the numbers are not as great as the prior month, but compared to past Junes, we have once again set a record, and nothing is being done about it. prgtoken If you look at two Junes ago, June 2020, a total of about 11,000 people were allowed in this country. prgtoken Last June, we shot up from 11,000 to 79,000, and this year we are at 142,000. prgtoken Madam , that is 142,000 in one month; once again, a record in June of the number of people crossing the border, and all this body can talk about is Ukraine and abortion. It is time to talk a little bit about the future of the country and ask what the administration is doing to stop this invasion.
CLOTURE MOTION
John Thune (Republican, SD) \u2014 2022-7-18

. The following Senators are necessarily absent: the Senator from Wyoming (Mr. Barrasso), the Senator from Nebraska (Mrs. Fischer), the Senator from South Carolina (Mr. Graham), the Senator from North Dakota (Mr. Hoeven), the Senator from Louisiana (Mr. Kennedy), the Senator from Kansas (Mr. Moran), the Senator from Alabama (Mr. Shelby), the Senator from Pennsylvania (Mr. Toomey), and the Senator from Alabama (Mr. Tuberville). prgtoken Further, if present and voting, the Senator from North Dakota (Mr. Hoeven) would have voted ``nay''.
RECOGNIZING TOM LANIER
Virginia Foxx (Republican, NC) \u2014 2022-7-18

I rise to recognize a very soothing, informed, and familiar voice in the High Country in North Carolina: Tom Lanier. prgtoken On July 23, Tom will be celebrating his 50th year on the air at WATA in Boone--a monumental milestone. prgtoken In both Boone and surrounding areas, he is highly regarded as a true staple as he continues his early morning radio program without fanfare. With half a century of serving the High Country, you would be hard- pressed to find someone who does not know of Tom and his commitment to keeping people informed. prgtoken Tom, the service you continue to provide to our community is invaluable, and it is a testament to the caliber of person you are. prgtoken Congratulations, and here is to many more years on the air.
Semiconductors (Executive Session)
John Cornyn (Republican, TX) \u2014 2022-7-18

it has been more than a year since the U.S. Senate passed the bipartisan U.S. Innovation and Competition Act, commonly known as USICA. It includes an important provision that Senator Mark Warner, the Senator from Virginia, and I introduced more than 2 years ago called the CHIPS Act, which is designed to shore up a dangerously vulnerable supply chain of high-end semiconductors from Asia to the United States. prgtoken The fact is that the United States makes zero percent of those advanced semiconductors that are necessary for everything from your iPhone to fifth-generation Joint Strike Fighters like the F-35. prgtoken Unfortunately, after we passed the bipartisan bill in the Senate, the House decided to go the partisan route and prgtoken add additional, unrelated pieces of their wish list, everything from handouts to labor bosses to money for a U.N. climate slush fund. prgtoken We were in the process of stripping out these partisan provisions through the conference committee that was appointed by the House and the Senate when Senator Schumer made a big decision. He said that were likely to bring to the floor another reckless tax-and- spending bill like Build Back Better, although in a different version. Our ic colleagues got the bright idea that they wanted to revive something like the Green New Deal, increase taxes on working families, and give runaway inflation even more staying power. prgtoken Well, Senator McConnell, the leader, and Members of the conference thought that was a bad idea and said that there would not be a bipartisan conference bill and a partisan, reckless tax- and-spending spree bill. It wasn't a threat; it was just a statement of fact. There is no such thing as negotiating with our Senate colleagues on the ic side while they sit on the sidelines drafting partisan legislation. prgtoken The provisions negotiated out of the bipartisan bill wouldn't land in the trash; they would simply be recycled through a partisan reconciliation bill. But Senator Manchin, the Senator from West Virginia, put an end to that last week when he killed the bill that would increase taxes on families and small businesses and implement costly Green New Deal climate policies. In my book, that is a big win for the American people, who are already facing high prices at grocery stores and at the filling station. prgtoken With this reckless tax-and-spending spree reconciliation bill dead and buried, there is now an opening to do something that we can agree upon on a bipartisan basis. I spent the weekend talking with a number of our colleagues, both s and , and I am cautiously optimistic that we can now proceed to a vote on the USICA bill or some version of it. Based on our discussions, it sounds like the majority leader will bring a narrower bill to the floor that focuses on chips funding--again, something that has been pending now for more than
PERSONAL EXPLANATION
Jaime Herrera Beutler (Republican, WA) \u2014 2022-7-18

. Madam , on Wednesday, July 13, 2022 on H.R. 6538, the legislation to require a designated officer of the Department of Justice to act as the national coordinator of an Active Shooter Alert Communications Network regarding an emergency involving an active shooter that was voted on, I was incorrectly recorded on final passage during a long 22 vote series. I intended to support the final passage of H.R. 6538. On June 22, 2022, I voted ``aye'' on H.R. 6538 when the legislation was brought to the floor under suspension.