mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
SENATE RESOLUTION 123--DESIGNATING MARCH 2021 AS ``NATIONAL WOMEN'S HISTORY MONTH''
Dianne Feinstein (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2021-3-18

I rise today in honor of Women's History Month to recognize the extraordinary achievements of past generations of women, and to pay tribute to the vital role they have played in the political, economic, and social development of this nation. prgtoken Women's History Month provides a special opportunity to reflect upon women's countless accomplishments that touch all aspects of our society--from government, to business, the arts and sciences, the military and much more. I look upon the courage our predecessors displayed with great admiration, and I continue to be inspired by those who blazed the trail for women like me. prgtoken In December of this past year, I was incredibly proud to see the Smithsonian Women's History Museum Act, which I co-led with Senator Susan Collins, enacted into law. This law will create a long overdue, permanent museum to collect, study, and create programs that celebrate women's experiences and contributions. prgtoken However, the last year also brought with it the loss of a number of pioneering women, including Justice Ruth Bader Ginsberg, NASA mathematician Katherine Johnson, and the brave Civil Rights Movement champion Lucille Bridges. Though these icons are no longer with us, their contributions will live on and their accomplishments have shattered glass ceilings for future generations of women. May we honor their work and memory with a commitment to elevate and support future women leaders. prgtoken This past election year marked a new high water mark for women in politics, as more women ran for and were elected to office in 2020 than ever before. Of the many notable wins, I was overjoyed to see my friend and former Senate colleague, Vice President , elected to the nation's second-highest office. The election of more women to places of power is crucial for our continued progress. prgtoken I am eager to work with Vice President and the 144 women serving in Congress in 2021 to address the challenges before us. prgtoken One of our first priorities must be to address the ongoing pandemic, which prgtoken has had devastating consequences for the health of our country and economy. The pandemic has also uniquely harmed women and girls-- especially women of color. A disproportionate number of women have lost their jobs as a result of the pandemic, and are often unable to maintain work commitments with children learning from home while schools are closed. As far as we have come, this unequal harm borne by women during the pandemic reminds us of the work toward equality that is yet to be done. We must continue our work to ensure fairness and equity for women everywhere. prgtoken As we undertake to celebrate Women's History Month, I ask my colleagues to celebrate with me how far we have come and to continue the fight for the progress of all women--especially those who are struggling during these trying times. prgtoken Thank you and I yield the flo
PROTECT DEMOCRACY IN BURMA ACT OF 2021
Gregory W. Meeks (Democrat, NY) \u2014 2021-3-18

. Madam , such time as I may consume. prgtoken Madam , I want to start by thanking Mr. Connolly for this important bill before us today. prgtoken The Protect Democracy in Burma Act of 2021 is a timely measure that ensures the United States is not silent when a military coup supplants democracy. It also directs strong U.S. engagement with our partners at the U.N. and ASEAN because we are always stronger when we are united. prgtoken In 2015, decades of brutal military rule gave way to what many hoped would be a new era of reform and democratization in Burma. That hope was short-lived, and the Tatmadaw began to show its true colors as it engaged in a genocide of the Rohingya Muslim minority. prgtoken Now, a little more than 5 years after the democratic opening that it helped usher in, the military has halted Burma's democratic experiment. prgtoken By all accounts, Burma's November 2020 parliamentary elections were credible, and claims of widespread fraud have been debunked by election-monitoring authorities. The United States condemns, in the strongest possible terms, the actions of the Burmese military and its violent crackdown and killing of protesters. But we cannot stand alone. prgtoken To be most effective, the United States must work with our partners in the region in condemning the Tatmadaw's brutal actions in supporting democracy and respect for the election outcome. prgtoken Madam , that is exactly what this bill sets out to do. It makes clear where the U.S. stands. It promotes multilateral cooperation as we work to hold the Burmese military accountable and call for a return to Burma's democratic transition. It also ensures reporting to Congress so that we can properly review U.S. policy. prgtoken Madam , this is a very important bill that sends a message to the people of Burma and to the entire world, and I urge my colleagues to support this measure. prgtoken Madam , .
Nomination of Xavier Becerra (Executive Session)
Debbie Stabenow (Democrat, MI) \u2014 2021-3-18

first, I have to say to my friend and our lead on the Finance Committee how grateful I am for his leadership. We have started out very strongly on the Finance Committee with really important topics. I so appreciated yesterday focusing on nursing homes and what has happened the day before, focusing on advanced manufacturing and jobs, and your efforts today. It is just issue after issue. It is wonderful to have you in this position.
FEDERALLY QUALIFIED HEALTH CENTERS
Brian Higgins (Democrat, NY) \u2014 2021-3-18

federally qualified health centers are located in neighborhoods, connecting to people where they live and where families today are struggling. prgtoken Health centers in my western New York community--Neighborhood Health Center, Community Health Center of Buffalo and Niagara Falls, Jericho Road Health Center, and Evergreen Health Services--are on the front lines in the fight against COVID-19 and the ongoing battle to end health disparities. prgtoken This week, I met with several of these health centers, hearing firsthand about the role that telehealth, primary care, outreach, education have in providing better health outcomes. prgtoken Today, I am pleased to announce over $3.5 million in resources to help Federal health centers in western New York continue to battle the pandemic and protect our neighborhoods. This funding, provided through the American Rescue Plan, will help support the health center workforce and deliver testing, treatment, and vaccines to help our communities and keep them safe.
Nomination of Martin Joseph Walsh (Executive Calendar)
Patty Murray (Democrat, WA) \u2014 2021-3-18

I come to the floor today to support the nomination of Mayor Marty Walsh to serve as Secretary of Labor. prgtoken Across the country, working families are really desperate for help. Even before this pandemic, the deck was stacked against workers and especially against women, workers of color, and workers with disabilities, thanks to an unlivable Federal minimum wage and subminimum wage for tipped workers and workers with disabilities that do leave millions of workers struggling to make ends meet; a pay gap that makes getting by even harder for women, in particular, women of color; a lack of a national paid family, sick, and medical leave policy and quality, affordable childcare for working families; a failure to protect workers from pandemics and workplace accidents and harassment and discrimination and more; and a wave of job loss and economic uncertainty that is upending the lives of workers and retirees across our country. prgtoken This pandemic has laid bare the painful fact that while our economy might work for the biggest corporations and wealthiest individuals, it isn't working for working families. And all of these challenges--unsafe workplaces, lost jobs, low wages--are even worse for people of color due to longstanding inequities that are rooted in systemic racism and are widening due to this pandemic. prgtoken Our country cannot fully recover from this crisis unless we begin to change that by rebuilding a stronger, fairer economy. And that starts by making sure we have a Secretary of Labor who will actually champion workers and working families. prgtoken As a union leader, a State representative, and as a mayor, Mayor Marty Walsh has done just that. He has a clear track record as a collaborative leader who worked across coalitions with labor groups and the business community to build up Boston's middle class. Under his leadership, 135,000 new jobs have been created in Boston. prgtoken He fought for a $15 minimum wage and paid leave policies to help ensure women, workers of color, and workers with disabilities can succeed in the workforce and get the pay they deserve. prgtoken During this pandemic, Mayor Walsh has continued to show a deep commitment to his frontline workers who have kept this country running by providing funding for emergency childcare and other resources his essential workers needed to weather the pandemic. prgtoken And he would bring an important perspective as the first union leader to head the Department in decades. prgtoken His unwavering commitment to put workers first was plain to see during our confirmation hearing. In his testimony Mayor Walsh spoke powerfully about the importance of protecting frontline workers who do so much to keep our communities and our country running and rooting out the inequities that have done so much damage to communities of color. Mayor Walsh made clear he will work with Congress to help ensure every worker has a fair, livable wage;
DISASTER AT OUR BORDER
Doug LaMalfa (Republican, CA) \u2014 2021-3-19

. Madam , last year Portland, Oregon, cut $16 million from their police budget. This has led to a twenty-fold increase, unfortunately, in deadly shootings. Mayor Wheeler has been forced to reverse course now and ask for more funding for police. prgtoken Similar to this, the administration is having to reverse course due to the crisis on the border. Now, many are getting hung up on using the word ``crisis,'' so FEMA is now involved, and they deal with disasters, hence, the border disaster. prgtoken Less than 2 months in, the border is worse than it has been in two decades. And now, has been forced to reverse course and ask Mexico to help control the flow of migrants once again, after previously dismantling the ``Remain in Mexico'' policy. prgtoken Also, on his first day in the administration, they issued a proclamation to halt all border construction, despite Congress funding it and demanding that it be built. Now, just yesterday, the administration has said it was moving forward with border wall construction. Good. prgtoken As they are learning in Portland, Seattle, and Minneapolis, the administration is learning law and order is also required on our border or you get a disaster.
IN RECOGNITION OF KARL PIETRZAK
John Joyce (Republican, PA) \u2014 2021-3-19

. Madam , I rise today to congratulate Karl Pietrzak on his new role as President and Chief Executive Officer of Destination Gettysburg. prgtoken Mr. Pietrzak was raised in Adams County and is returning to the region to assume this new position. Before joining Destination Gettysburg, he served as Vice President of Visit Pittsburgh. In that role, he helped Pittsburgh to generate over one $1 billion in direct spending revenue. Mr. Pietrzak has immense experience in the tourism and hospitality industries, and he will be a great addition to the Adams County community. prgtoken As visitors travel to Gettysburg and the Adams County region, Mr. Pietrzak will be an incredible partner to small businesses and the tourism community. I congratulate Karl Pietrzak on his new role and look forward to working alongside him to serve Adams County.
PREVENTING PAYGO SEQUESTRATION
Michael C. Burgess (Republican, TX) \u2014 2021-3-19

I thank the gentleman for yielding. prgtoken , I am going to speak in opposition to H.R. 1868, but I also feel obligated to point out that you may say that the inflation rate is zero, but if you bought a gallon of gas, purchased a two-by- four at Home Depot, or bought a sack of Quikrete at Lowe's, you would know that inflation is a real phenomenon. prgtoken But I do rise in opposition to H.R. 1868. There was no effort made on the part of the majority party to work with s on what should be a bipartisan priority, and that is provider relief. prgtoken I have heard from physicians and I have heard from hospitals in Texas that struggled financially throughout the pandemic. But the bill we have before us today is simply an excuse to wipe out the scorecard of the fiscal impact of this $1.9 trillion partisan package passed last week. prgtoken Last week, s warned that this would threaten cuts to Medicare, but those warnings were repeatedly ignored. If the House majority really cared, if the House really cared about meaningful healthcare provider relief, they would have worked to gain support, worked with us to build a bill from the ground up. Instead, this bill is coming toward us as a Hail Mary pass right before the Medicare sequester cuts go into effect in April. prgtoken As a physician, I have deep empathy for those whose medical practices have been impacted and are now struggling to stay open. I know I have helped many doctors, many clinics, navigate the Provider Relief Fund over this past year. We need targeted relief for the providers who are hurting, and some are hurting more than others. prgtoken I am a cosponsor of H.R. 1999, which is an alternative approach that adds over $12 billion to the Provider Relief Fund and ensures that dollars would flow to those doctors who have experienced lost revenue or increased cost. prgtoken This type of financial relief has already been proven successful. We passed the CARES Act on March 27 of last year. We know it's successful. prgtoken Additionally, this alternative bill ensures that the 4 percent cut to Medicare providers that was included in last week's reconciliation bill as a result of statutory paygo does not go into effect in 2022. prgtoken The American Rescue Plan Act gifted $350 billion to State and local governments that simply was not justified. Providers in our State and local communities are worthy of funding and they should specifically benefit from those State and local dollars that are not necessary to go where they are planned to go. That is why we would like to redirect the State and local funding toward provider relief. prgtoken Maintaining a strong healthcare workforce is critical to the health of this Nation during normal times, and it is especially critical during a public health emergency. prgtoken We should work together on the right policy solution to deliver this relief to ensure that it stands a chance of actually
RECOGNIZING MARY MARGARET BUTLER
Mariannette Miller-Meeks (Republican, IA) \u2014 2021-3-19

. Madam , I rise today to recognize a local hero in my hometown of Ottumwa, Iowa. prgtoken This coming Wednesday, March 24, Mary Margaret Butler of Ottumwa will be recognized as a 2021 Hero of the Heartland by the American Red Cross. prgtoken Mary Margaret is being recognized for founding Whatsoever You Do, Inc a nonprofit that has worked tirelessly on creating shelters for the homeless in southeastern Iowa. For years now, Whatsoever You Do has helped hundreds with basic needs such as, food, clothing, and housing. prgtoken Across the country, the Red Cross works every day through programs and services related to disaster relief, the military, health and safety, and helping the homeless. The Hero of the Heartland award recognizes outstanding individuals who demonstrate courage, compassion, selflessness, and work to better help their neighbors and communities. prgtoken I am proud to not only represent Mary Margaret Butler in Congress, but proud to call her a neighbor. Thank you, Mary Margaret, for making Ottumwa a better place to live. prgtoken Additionally, I would like to wish a happy birthday to two other amazing women of integrity, selflessness, compassion, and courage, my chief of staff, Tracie Gibler, and my daughter, Taylor Miller-Meeks.
HONORING BURKE WALL
Earl L. "Buddy" Carter (Republican, GA) \u2014 2021-3-19

I rise today to remember and honor Burke Wall, who passed away on March 1, 2021, at the age of 76. prgtoken Burke was a lifelong Georgian who graduated from the University of Georgia with a degree in dairy production. Burke was an avid UGA football fan and an active sportsman. prgtoken Burke was also an enthusiastic deep-sea fisherman aboard his boat called Trashman, and his talents were recognized in numerous tournaments along the East Coast. prgtoken In 2019, Burke won the Edisto Beach South Carolina Governor's Cup Tournament and impressively put a 549-pound blue marlin on the dock at the Mid-Atlantic 500 the same year, earning him second place. prgtoken Burke owned Superior Sanitation Services, sold that company to Waste Management, and then founded Atlantic Waste Services in Pooler in 1999. prgtoken Although Burke grew up with humble beginnings on his family's dairy farm, he lived a life of immense influence through his involvement with the Chatham Club, the Rotary Club of Savannah, the Savannah Yacht Club, and several other professional organizations. prgtoken My thoughts and prayers go out to all who knew him during this most difficult time, especially his son, Ben.
PREVENTING PAYGO SEQUESTRATION
Brad R. Wenstrup (Republican, OH) \u2014 2021-3-19

the pandemic was a problem that led some healthcare providers to close their doors. In a bipartisan way, in the previous session of Congress, we made an effort to fix that problem. prgtoken Now, because of the ' irresponsible spending bill, healthcare providers who are struggling will see decreased payments, which is the last thing they need right now, and it is the last thing we need right now. prgtoken Medicare reimbursement rates are already low, only balanced out by non-Medicare payments. The better way is to target the funding to those who need it and are still working to come out of the pandemic. We can fill the gaps without adding to the deficit. prgtoken Wasn't the idea of a rescue to improve access to care? Yet, 9 percent of the $1.9 trillion really went to address the COVID crisis. prgtoken They bailed out failed pension funds without reform and ignored our doctors and healthcare providers on the front lines of the pandemic. They cut payments to caregivers. $1.9 trillion, yet cuts to healthcare providers during a pandemic. prgtoken What are trying to do today is ignore the negative consequences of the bill they passed earlier this month. The consequences of the bill passed 2 weeks ago means there will be payment cuts to providers. $1.9 trillion? Someone should be helped in this measure, but we can do better. We can do better, but we weren't talked to for our ideas. prgtoken , Members should ask themselves: What about all of this today? Will the next several generations of Americans look to us and say thank you as they get stuck with paying our bills?
RECOGNIZING COLORADO'S LIVESTOCK INDUSTRY
Ken Buck (Republican, CO) \u2014 2021-3-19

. Madam , I rise today to recognize the hard-working Coloradans who form the bedrock of my state's livestock industry. In Colorado's 4th District, the livestock and agriculture industries account for more than 11,000 jobs, which contributes to the $41 billion economic impact these industries have statewide. During last fiscal year, 82 percent of Colorado's agriculture sales came from Colorado's 4th District. Meat and poultry suppliers, as well as other agricultural producers, are essential to the communities across the Eastern Plains and are foundational to Colorado's economy. Despite the many supply chain disruptions imposed on Coloradans by the pandemic, the agriculture community has come together to focus on feeding Americans during these challenging times. prgtoken These dedicated men and women serve our communities in countless ways every day. Madam , I am honored to recognize their hard work and determination.
LAND BELONGING TO THE WINNEBAGO
Jeff Fortenberry (Republican, NE) \u2014 2021-3-19

. Madam , my district in Nebraska is home to many Native American Tribes, including the Winnebago in the northeast corner of the State. And it is nestled, Madam , along the Missouri River Bottoms at the beginning of the great plains in a beautiful setting of rolling hills. This Tribal land has been an integral part of Nebraska's history and culture. prgtoken But several decades ago, land belonging to the Winnebago was appropriated by the Army Corps of Engineers for development. In 1976, a Federal court found that the United States and the Corps lacked the authority to take this land through eminent domain. prgtoken It is time to make this right. So the Winnebago Land Transfer Act is an important bill to return to the Winnebago this piece of land. prgtoken Hunters will be able to continue to enjoy this prime spot along the Missouri River through the Winnebago Tribe, Wildlife, and Parks program. prgtoken I am appreciative of the bipartisan effort here of our colleagues, Darren Soto of Florida, Sharice Davids of Kansas, as well as Randy Feenstra of Iowa, to once again make this right.
DEFENDING OUR HOMELAND
Madison Cawthorn (Republican, NC) \u2014 2021-3-19

. Madam , there is nothing an American will not do to defend his country. I rise today in defense of my homeland. I am angry, not just for the destruction of American values perpetrated by those on the left, but I am angry because my colleagues simply do not seem to care. prgtoken They do not care that our border is non-existent, that 6,000 criminals cross into our country daily. They do not care that 64 percent of the Federal arrests are of illegal immigrants. They do not care that America's welfare and infrastructure system simply cannot handle this influx of criminal immigrants. They do not care because, to them, power is all that matters. prgtoken I have a message to the power-hungry and the partisan. Power corrupts, and absolute power corrupts absolutely. prgtoken It is in the nature of Americans to be kind. It is in our nature to be gentle and loving. But know this, when it comes to the matter of protecting our prgtoken friends, our family, and our heartland, do not trifle with this representative democracy. For we the people will not stop, we will never back down. We will give our everything to protect those dear to us. This is our country. This is our Republic. Finish the wall.
WHOLE MILK FOR HEALTHY KIDS
Glenn Thompson (Republican, PA) \u2014 2021-3-19

last week, I introduced the Whole Milk For Healthy Kids Act with Mr. Antonio Delgado. This bill addresses the importance of providing whole milk in school cafeterias. prgtoken It is proven that milk is the number one provider of nine essential nutrients, as well as a great deal of long-term health benefits, including better bone health, lower blood pressure, reduced risk of cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes. These benefits are crucial for the healthy development of our Nation's youth. prgtoken Over the years, milk has been unfairly demonized, leading to the loss of nearly an entire generation of milk drinkers. The goal of this bill is to give children a wide variety of milk options and bolster milk consumption, a win-win for growing healthy children and America's dairy farm families. prgtoken , it is time to follow the signs and allow whole milk back into the school cafeterias. With bipartisan support, it is my hope that we can bring this bill to the floor and pass this critical legislation to encourage the healthy development of our Nation's youth and support our dairy farm families across the country.