mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
THREE CRITICAL PIECES OF LEGISLATION
Vicente Gonzalez (Democrat, TX) \u2014 2022-5-12

. Madam , I rise today in support of three critical pieces of legislation that are in the House this week. I proudly endorsed and cosponsored all three of them to keep our promise to essential workers and support communities across the country. It is time for Congress to start delivering the results that we have promised to the American people. prgtoken First, I will begin by praising the passage of H.R. 2499, the Federal Firefighters Fairness Act of 2022. There are over 15,000 firefighters employed by the Federal Government. Each of them is at greater risk of developing illnesses due to their job. These hazards include diesel emissions, carbon monoxide, and other cancer-causing chemicals released by fires that they combat on a regular basis. prgtoken Madam , 48 States have compensation laws that provide firefighters with a presumption that certain diseases were contracted on the job. However, no such rule applies so far to Federal firefighters, and it is time we correct this wrong and stand behind the brave men and women who protect us. prgtoken I also urge the passage of H.R. 903, the Rights for the Transportation Security Administration Workforce Act. 365 days a year, TSA agents across the country ensure safe travel to all of us. Despite working through the COVID-19 pandemic and government shutdowns, agents face stagnant pay. prgtoken These brave men and women deserve better, which is why I am a proud cosponsor of H.R. 903. This legislation will put TSA agents on a level playing field with other Federal employees, and we need to do this today. prgtoken Finally, Madam , I urge the passage of H.R. 5129, the Community Services Block Grant Modernization Act of 2022. This bill reauthorizes the community services block grants for the next 10 years that improve the lives of Americans across the country and have done so much in my district. Just this year, over $3 million of these grants helped improve the lives of communities in south Texas in my district. prgtoken This is a product of the War on Poverty. These grants support poverty reduction, increase in health access, and many other benefits. I urge my colleagues to vote ``yes'' on this legislation and continue the program for south Texans and Americans across this country. prgtoken I urge the House to pass these bipartisan pieces of legislation so we can get them to the President's desk.
Ukraine (Executive Calendar)
Richard Blumenthal (Democrat, CT) \u2014 2022-5-12

. I want to thank my friend and colleague who has been such a leader of this bipartisan effort, Senator Graham, for the question and for his powerful and passionate remarks just now. prgtoken Very simply, the reason for this bipartisan initiative to designate Russia a state sponsor of terrorism is because of what the American people and the world have seen day after day after day, not only this assault on Ukraine, trying to deprive it of its freedom and independence, but also the mass atrocities that its soldiers have committed at the direction, potentially, of Vladimir Putin: holding women and children hostage when bombs are falling, tying people's hands behind their backs and shooting them in their heads, raping and torturing innocent civilians, making them the targets of warfare in a purposeful and direct way, in a reign of terror. Make Russia a state sponsor of terrorism in the same way that Iran and Syria and Cuba have been. Vladimir Putin should be part of that club. prgtoken It will give individuals who are victims rights of action. But equally important, it will impose additional support controls and sanctions and other kinds of measures and send the world a message that, literally, anybody who deals with Russia is dealing with a terrorist cabal, a terrorist organization that is beyond the pale, that is to be treated as a pariah and is a member of a club that no one should want to be a part of. prgtoken It costs nothing to give Russia this well-merited label. It also works very much in favor of not only Ukraine but American taxpayers and our NATO allies to have the Asset Seizure for Ukraine Reconstruction Act, a bipartisan initiative, that will enable not only seizure but also sale of Russian oligarch assets as a part of this package. prgtoken I am disappointed that it wasn't included, but I am very optimistic that we will move forward because people have seen on their TVs, day after day, the seizure of the superyachts. We have seen those pictures--the mansions, the prgtoken jets, the fine art, other ill-gotten gains. They have bought these items with money they have stolen from the people of Russia and elsewhere around the world. Those ill-gotten gains are sometimes in bank accounts that can be seized, and they should be used for Ukraine's defense against this invasion and for reconstruction of Ukraine. prgtoken Their use should be humanitarian reconstruction efforts, as well as the ongoing fight. They are resources that Putin has, in effect, enabled his oligarchs to take in this kleptocracy known as the Russian regime. We should be cracking down on those beneficiaries of ill-gotten gains and enablers of Putin's cruel and kleptocratic regime. prgtoken Let's be clear. Once enacted, this measure would enable law enforcement agents from around the world to seize those oligarch assets and enable them to liquidate--that is to say, sell those assets--to be used immediately to provide more weapons for the brave
IT IS TIME TO ACT ON SOCIAL SECURITY
John B. Larson (Democrat, CT) \u2014 2022-5-12

. Madam , I am here this morning to talk about Social Security. prgtoken Madam , I include in the Record two articles: The first is entitled, ``It's time for U.S. Congress to debate Social Security reform in the light of day'' by The New York Times reporter Mark Miller. prgtoken The second is ``The Early Impact of COVID-19 on Job Losses among Black Women in the United States'' submitted by Michelle Holder. prgtoken It's Time For U.S. Congress to Debate Social Security Reform in the Light of Day (By Mark Miller, May 5, 2022) (Reuters).--Social Security has never failed to make its benefit payments since the mailing of monthly checks began in 1940, but most Americans these days are worried about the future of the program. Who can blame them? Social Security's two trust funds are projected to run dry in 2034, and the program would be able to pay only 80 percent of its obligations to retirees and disabled workers at that point. Politicians don't exactly generate confidence when they make irresponsible--and wrong-- comments claiming that Social Security is going bankrupt or running out of money. The result is public skepticism and concern. Forty-two percent of working Americans tell Pew Research Center pollsters that they doubt they will receive any benefits from Social Security. An equal share thinks they will receive a benefit, but at a reduced level. The Social Security trustees have been projecting this shortfall since the early 1990s, but the U.S. Congress has failed to act. What we need is a full, public debate on reform legislation--and an actual vote by lawmakers. The window is open for that to happen this year--the ic Party has developed an internal consensus on legislation that addresses the solvency problem, and also expands benefits modestly. It controls both legislative chambers--at least for now. The Social Security 2100 Act is supported by 202 House --in other words, nearly the entire party caucus. The bill probably cannot jump the hurdle of a filibuster in the U.S. Senate, but it is imperative to get everyone in Congress on the record with a vote on this issue. ``People have got to know where you stand,'' said U.S. Representative John Larson, a Connecticut and chief sponsor of the legislation.
U.S. Federal Reserve Nominations (Executive Calendar)
Sherrod Brown (Democrat, OH) \u2014 2022-5-12

since President took office, we have made tremendous economic progress as a country. Our economic growth last year exceeded that of China's for the first time in 20 years, and Federal Reserve nominees who have come before the Senate are crucial to continuing that progress. As Americans face rising prices caused by corporate greed, a global pandemic, and Putin's war, having a full Federal Reserve Board has never been more vital. prgtoken A few weeks ago, the Senate confirmed Lael Brainard to be Vice Chair of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System. Vice Chair Brainard has served as a member of the Federal Reserve since 2014, when she led bipartisan action to support families through the COVID-19 economic crisis and worked to create a better payments system that works for consumers and small banks. She has championed efforts to modernize and strengthen the Community Reinvestment Act, a landmark civil rights law to start to undo the dark legacy brought on by Jim Crow and, ultimately, redlining. We saw her tremendous efforts pay off. Last week, all three Federal banking Agencies moved forward with their new, historic CRA proposal. prgtoken Earlier this week, supported the historic nomination of Dr. Lisa Cook, who is a prominent economist with years of research and international experience on monetary policy, banking, and financial crises. She is the first Black woman to serve on the Board of Governors in the 109-year history of the Federal Reserve. She has seen how economic policy affects all kinds of people in different parts of the country, from the rural South where she grew up in Milledgeville, GA, to the industrial Midwest at Michigan State University--one of the great Midwestern State universities of this country--where she built her career. prgtoken Dr. Cook is a Spelman College alumna. She was a Marshall Scholar and a Truman Scholar. She studied at Oxford University. She earned her Ph.D. in economics at Berkeley. She is a tenured professor of economics and international relations at Michigan State. prgtoken Last night, the Senate confirmed Dr. Philip Jefferson, one of the country's leading thinkers on the economics of poverty. He will be a critical voice on the Fed. He is the vice president for academic affairs, dean of faculty, and Freeland professor of economics at Davidson College. He began his career as a Fed economist. He grew up, as he prgtoken says, in the shadow of RFK Stadium in the Southeast part of this city. He served as chair of the economics department at Swarthmore College, my daughter Emily's alma mater. Dr. Jefferson would be only the fourth Black man to serve as a Fed Governor. prgtoken Both Dr. Jefferson and Dr. Cook will bring important perspectives on poverty, inequality, and racial equity to the Fed--perspectives that have been missing for most of the last 109 years. prgtoken Today, we will vote on Jerome Powell, who has earned the opportuni
STANDING FOR THE AMERICAN WORKER
Frank J. Mrvan (Democrat, IN) \u2014 2022-5-12

. Madam , as the conference committee for the America COMPETES Act begins to meet, I rise today to encourage my colleagues to work in an urgent, bipartisan, diligent fashion on behalf of the American people. This legislation is critical to addressing our Nation's inflationary challenges and supply chain pressures. prgtoken Indiana's First Congressional District is home to an incredible manufacturing, steel, auto, and industrial complex. The America COMPETES Act will have a direct impact on their ability to compete and succeed in our global economy. prgtoken Of particular consequence, when there is a chip shortage and they stop making cars, it affects the automobile industry, the contractors, and the steel industry. Tens of thousands of workers are impacted within my district. prgtoken I want to make sure that today I stand up for the American worker, that I stand up for American manufacturing, and that I stand up for the national security issue. Today, I want to make sure that we look forward to the final product of the America COMPETES Act which will invest in American innovation and demonstrate the greatness of our Nation.
PRIVATE JACOB CRUZ POST OFFICE
Jimmy Gomez (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2022-5-12

Latino servicemembers have been vital to the defense of our country, including the thousands who have made the ultimate sacrifice. It is important that our communities and our government pay tribute to the diverse history of Latinos in the United States military, which is why I am proud that the House passed my bill, H.R. 5900, honoring World War II hero, Private Jacob Cruz, an Angeleno and Boyle Heights resident, and a United States Marine Corps Reserve private. prgtoken Private Cruz was 17 years old and a junior at Roosevelt High School when he asked his single immigrant mother, Gracia Cruz, a custodian at White Memorial Medical Center, for permission to enlist. After initial training, Private Cruz shipped off to the Pacific where he gave his life running ammunition boxes to gunners amid enemy fire during the Battle of Tarawa in 1943. prgtoken Private Cruz's heroic devotion to duty posthumously earned him the Silver Star and the Purple Heart. Unfortunately, his remains were not recovered after he was killed. During a storm in 2019, Mother Nature brushed away a house where the battle took place, and the remains of Mr. Cruz were found. In 2020 they were identified, and in 2021 they were finally returned to Private Cruz' family for a long-awaited proper burial with full military honors. prgtoken In recognition of Private Cruz' service and sacrifice, the House passed H.R. 5900 designating the Boyle Heights Post Office as the Marine Corps Reserve Private Jacob Cruz Post Office. prgtoken I take a moment to give thanks to Private Cruz' family, including his brother, Isaac; his sister, Ruth; his nephews, Mike and Isaac; and his niece, Alta, who have kept Private Cruz' legacy alive in Boyle Heights for almost eight decades and never gave up the fight to bring him home. prgtoken As we approach Memorial Day, I urge the Senate to pass H.R. 5900 to honor Private Cruz' sacrifice and those of other Latino military heroes, both fallen and alive, in Los Angeles and across the country for decades to come. prgtoken Roosevelt High School, where Private Cruz attended, has a long history, as well as Garfield High School, in giving up boys to go to fight the World Wars. There is a football game called the East L.A. Classic between Roosevelt and Garfield. The 4 years during World War II were the only years that they couldn't field a team on either side. This is an honor of Private Cruz, but it is also an honor of all the Latino men who gave their lives during our conflicts, especially during World War II.
IN RECOGNITION OF ROY E. BREWER
Doris O. Matsui (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2022-5-12

. Madam , I rise today to recognize Mr. Roy E. Brewer for his thirty-six years of dedication to the Sacramento Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce (Metro Chamber) and his contributions to the Greater Sacramento area. As the Metro Chamber celebrates fifty years of their Capitol-to-Capitol (Cap-to-Cap) program, I ask all my colleagues to stand with me to honor Mr. Brewer. prgtoken Mr. Brewer is a founding partner of Brewer Lofgren LLP Attorneys at Law. He received his Juris Doctor at the University of the Pacific, McGeorge School of Law in 1982; spending his early college years at the University of Florida where he earned both a Master of Arts and Bachelor of Arts in Political Science. Mr. Brewer applied his education as a land use attorney in the Sacramento area. Mr. Brewer is a trusted advocate at the local, state and federal levels on many public policy issues. prgtoken Mr. Brewer, the current Board Chair of KVIE-PBS for Northern California, has spent many decades in community engagement. He is a Senior Fellow of the American Leadership Forum, Mountain Valley Chapter, and was the Board Chair in 2010 through 2011. He has also been the Chair of the Capital Campaign for the Los Rios Community College District, the Chair of Leadership Sacramento, the President of the American River Natural History Association, and the President of the Northern California Rugby Football Union. prgtoken In 1990, Mr. Brewer served as President of the Sacramento Metro Chamber, lending his dedication and expertise to the organization. His leadership within the Metro Chamber has brought businesses together and has furthered economic prosperity throughout the Sacramento region. In 1991, he was honored as the Metro Chamber's Sacramentan of the Year, a much-deserved recognition. Today, he continues his commitment and enthusiasm through the annual Cap-to-Cap event in Washington, D.C. This event would not be what it is without his leadership. prgtoken Madam , as Members of the Sacramento Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce celebrate Mr. Brewer, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing his legacy of service to the Sacramento region.
Vote on Powell Nomination (Executive Calendar)
Robert Menendez (Democrat, NJ) \u2014 2022-5-12

I come to the floor today and will, in short order, seek unanimous consent for the passage of the Daniel Anderl Judicial Security and Privacy Act of 2021. This bill, which was reported out of the Senate Judiciary Committee last December with overwhelming bipartisan support, is named after Daniel Anderl, the 20- year-old son of U.S. District Court Judge Esther Salas. prgtoken , 1 year 9 months 23 days ago, Daniel was brutally murdered by a gunman who targeted Judge Salas for her gender, her ethnicity, and because he could not accept a judgment in a case that she reached in her court. prgtoken To carry out his horrific hate crime, the gunman used publicly available information, tracking down Judge Salas to her home in New Jersey and murdering Daniel in cold blood when he answered the door. And after that, her husband Mark also was shot and seriously wounded. prgtoken Every single day since July 19, 2020, Judge Salas and her husband Mark have been dealing with the immense grief of burying their only son. No parent should have to experience such a devastating loss. Yet, in the face of so much pain, Judge Salas has channeled it into purpose, embarking on a personal mission to increase the safety and privacy of her fellow judges and their families. prgtoken Now, I know Judge Salas well. Back in 2010, I was proud to recommend her to the Federal bench. A year later, when the Senate unanimously confirmed her by voice vote, she became the first Latina to serve on the district court of New Jersey. prgtoken After the horrific tragedy she suffered, I made a personal commitment to honor Daniel's legacy through action. I told her I would not rest until we enacted greater protections for those who serve on the Federal bench to prevent another judge from having to endure the senseless violence Judge Salas experienced. prgtoken The bipartisan bill I seek unanimous consent for is an effort I am proud to lead with 12 of my colleagues, including Senators Durbin, Grassley, Booker, Graham and Kennedy. Our bill would prevent potential assailants from using publicly available information to target judges or their families. It is a commonsense measure that would authorize the U.S. Marshal Service to monitor online threats and deter future attacks. prgtoken It is so common sense that it was voted out of the Judiciary Committee with strong bipartisan support--I am talking about a 21-to-0 vote in the affirmative. prgtoken It is so common sense, in fact, that just, I think, 2 days ago my colleagues led a similar measure to safeguard Supreme Court Justices and their families. prgtoken So if the Senate passed an important bill without hearings--without hearings--directly to the floor to support and protect Supreme Court Justices and their families, I think we should do it as well for Federal judges. Nobody made an effort to change that bill. prgtoken There is simply no explanation or justification to protect S
IN HONOR OF STATE REPRESENTATIVE CALVIN SMYRE
Sanford D. Bishop, Jr. (Democrat, GA) \u2014 2022-5-12

. Madam , I rise today to honor and commend a distinguished public servant, principled business leader, trailblazer, and friend of longstanding, State Representative Calvin Smyre of Columbus, Georgia. prgtoken Representative Smyre is completing a long and stellar career, spanning 48 years as a member of the Georgia State House of Representatives, where he is the longest serving member in the Georgia legislature. His leadership and political savvy have contributed to a great legacy of service to his community, the State of Georgia, and our nation, and tonight, he will be honored by the Greater Columbus, Georgia Chamber of Commerce in recognition of his tremendous career in public service. prgtoken Calvin Smyre was born in Columbus, Georgia on May 17, 1947, to Chief Warrant Officer Ill Carter Smyre, Jr. and the late Mildred Bass Smyre. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree from Fort Valley State University in Business Administration with a minor in Accounting. prgtoken His career path has taken him from being a community organizer in the ``War on Poverty'' to corporate executive for a Fortune 500 company and a trailblazing national political leader. prgtoken Starting in 1976, as a management trainee at the Columbus Bank and Trust Company, the Columbus-based division of Synovus Financial Corporation, he rose through the ranks to become Vice President of Corporate and External Affairs, President of the Synovus Foundation, and ultimately Senior Vice President and Assistant to the Chairman for Community Affairs. prgtoken In 1974, at the age of 26, Calvin Smyre was elected to the Georgia State House of Representatives as its youngest member. In 1984, he was the first African American from Georgia elected to the ic National Committee. prgtoken In 1979, he was elected Chairman of the Georgia Legislative Black Caucus. In 1982, he was elected President of the Georgia Association of Black Elected Officials. In 1983, he was appointed by Georgia Governor Joe Frank as Assistant Floor Leader, and in 1985, as the first African American Floor Leader. He has served as President of the National Black Caucus of State Legislators, Chairman of the Georgia House Minority Caucus, and Chairman of the ic Party of Georgia--these last two being firsts for an African American. prgtoken He has received numerous legislative awards and his legislative record includes authoring the bill making Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.'s birthday a state holiday; creating the historic Georgia Dome, home of the Atlanta Falcons; and construction of the $62 million Columbus River Center. prgtoken He has served on numerous boards, including the Board of Trustees of the Morehouse School of Medicine; the Medical College of Georgia Foundation; the Columbus Museum; and as Chair of the Fort Valley State University Foundation. He was the catalyst for the annual Fountain City Classic football weekend, which brings 20,000 fans to Columbus, Georgia
CALLING FOR JUSTICE THOMAS' RECUSAL
Donald M. Payne, Jr. (Democrat, NJ) \u2014 2022-5-12

. Madam , I rise today to address a serious problem on the U.S. Supreme Court. Justice Clarence Thomas refuses to recuse himself from cases where he has a clear conflict of interest. prgtoken Thomas' wife, Ginni Thomas, is a conservative, rightwing, zealot activist, and she is reported to have worked to stop the legitimate election of President . Now, Justice Thomas will rule on cases that protect our elections and strengthen our democracy, the same democracy that his wife wants to overthrow. prgtoken Unfortunately, the Constitution was not written for such conflicts of interest. It was written by men who never imagined the Justices would put personal interests over the interests of our Nation. prgtoken So, I ask Justice Thomas to make the patriotic decision to recuse himself from cases involving the January 6 criminal insurrection, the 2020 election, and topics that conflict with his wife's far-right personal work. Every day he refuses lowers the credibility of the Court for more and more Americans.