mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
LEGISLATIVE PROGRAM
Steve Scalise (Republican, LA) \u2014 2022-1-13

. Madam , under President , when he created Operation Warp Speed, the one thing he did say is that we are going to move red tape so we can focus the entire scientific community, both the Federal agencies but also the private sector, in working together in removing the red tape so they can focus on getting a vaccine. He didn't say three, but he said let's at least get them the ability, all of these great companies, many that are American companies, to go put their innovation to work and get bureaucracy and red tape out of the way and follow science but expedite so that we can get there quicker when many scientists, including some who still testify at committees today, said it was going to take years to get a vaccine. prgtoken In less than a year, we had three. President inherited that when he walked in the door and took the oath of office. He had three proven vaccines. prgtoken I know the gentleman talks about statistics. Look at COVID deaths. During the campaign, President not only said he would crush the virus, but he said that anybody who presided over that many deaths-- that was months before the election--doesn't deserve to be President of the United States. I thought that was an inappropriate statement. prgtoken More people have died under President 's watch from COVID than under President 's. It was an unfair standard that President put in place when he was at one of the debates. If he is going to say things like he is going to crush the virus and going to have a plan, but then he comes out and obviously didn't crush the virus and tells Governors that there is no Federal plan, I do think that is a mixed message, at the least. That dereliction in his promise, at the worst, ought to be confronted. prgtoken What is the plan, if there is a plan? If there is not a plan, admit there is not a plan. But you campaigned saying there was going to be a plan, and clearly, there is not one. Those are other facts that we can put on the table. prgtoken Clearly, when you look at how President pushed the Federal Government to work and partner with the private sector to move red tape so we can expedite the research and the trials, more tests than were ever done maybe on any other attempt for a vaccine, and come up in less than a year with vaccines when many said it would take years, it was clearly a remarkable achievement that we all worked on. President led the effort, and we funded it in a very bipartisan way, and it was very effective. prgtoken Obviously, this is a challenge for every country. There were other things said that ought to be put out there, and let's at least try to all be saying the same thing and focusing on the same thing. prgtoken When scientific experts say that this is what we anticipate happening--if you are going to reject that science, at least hold people accountable who were part of the discussions to reject that science, as I referred to the October reje
NASA ENHANCED USE LEASING EXTENSION ACT OF 2021
Daniel Meuser (Republican, PA) \u2014 2022-1-13

I thank my good friend Mr. Davis of Illinois for yielding. prgtoken , have a scheme to take over elections, and it has taken a very disturbing turn. The Federal takeover of elections bill is masquerading as what was a noncontroversial NASA bill. prgtoken The Constitution, , is clear: State legislators alone determine the time, place, and manner of elections, period. prgtoken Voter participation, , over the past 20 years has enormously increased; it is well over 70 percent at this point because States have implemented policies assuring easy access while maintaining voter integrity to the best of their ability. prgtoken Nevertheless, want a Federal takeover of all elections. This plan legalizes ballot harvesting nationwide, bans voter ID laws. Does America hear that? Prohibits the ability to ask for an ID to vote. Somehow that is in the interest of our election integrity. I don't think so. prgtoken It allows noncitizens to vote, , and imposes new mandates on all precincts, regardless of their size or resources. Perhaps most egregiously, they want to provide millions of dollars in taxpayer funding for campaigns. prgtoken Under this new taxpayer scheme, the American taxpayer would give our of the House $22 million and a whopping $44 million to Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer for his campaign. prgtoken Americans can't get COVID tests, hospitals are being overwhelmed, businesses can't find workers, and this is the focus, to blow up the Senate filibuster and seize control of all elections to secure future majorities. prgtoken Let's vote ``no.''
HONORING THE LIFE OF CLARENCE MORGAN
Earl L. "Buddy" Carter (Republican, GA) \u2014 2022-1-13

. Madam , I rise today to honor the life of Clarence Morgan the longtime county recreation director for Effingham County. prgtoken Clarence started with the department in 1980 and worked until he was promoted to director in 2001. His passion for health and wellness, including promoting an active lifestyle for community members, culminated in his development of the Effingham County Recreation Department. prgtoken With limited resources and hard work, Clarence managed to grow the program into one of the top programs in the State. In 2020, the brand new, state-of-the-art gym was opened and named in his honor. prgtoken Known by all for his integrity and great strength of character, Clarence dedicated his life to ensuring a brighter, healthier future for Effingham County residents. The department that he re-ignited is a testament to his life's work. Our State and our community will forever remember the life and legacy of Clarence Morgan. prgtoken My thoughts and prayers are with his family and his friends as we mourn the loss of this great Georgian.
NASA ENHANCED USE LEASING EXTENSION ACT OF 2021
Bryan Steil (Republican, WI) \u2014 2022-1-13

it may be a new year, but the are up to the same tricks, providing text of this legislation last night for a vote in the morning. prgtoken They want to gut key voter integrity provisions, and they want to bust the Senate's filibuster in the process to do it. prgtoken But I think it is important the American people understand some of the key and most egregious provisions in this bill. Let me just highlight the top four. prgtoken This bill guts voter ID laws. And the irony shouldn't be lost that these are the same that want you to show an ID and a vaccine card to be able to have dinner in cities like Washington, D.C or New York. prgtoken This bill puts Federal dollars into politicians' reelection campaigns. I have heard a lot of complaints about elections in my time. I have never had one person tell me our elections don't have enough money. prgtoken This bill restricts States' ability to maintain their voter rolls, voter rolls that are essential so we know who is eligible to vote. prgtoken And this bill mandates that ballots can be counted 7 days after the end of the election, delaying the final results. Delaying the final results does not instill confidence in our elections. prgtoken Instead, by working to remove key voter integrity provisions in our elections, Americans will have less confidence in our elections. My priority is to make it easy to vote and hard to cheat. This bill fails that test, and I urge my colleagues to vote ``no.''
HONORING THE 50TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE PASSING OF VICE ADMIRAL PAUL FREDERICK FOSTER, USN
Ron Estes (Republican, KS) \u2014 2022-1-13

. Madam , I rise today to honor the 50th anniversary of the passing of Vice Admiral Paul Frederick Foster, USN. Over his distinguished 23-year career in the United States Navy, Vice Admiral Foster became the first naval officer to be awarded the Navy Cross, the Distinguished Service Medal, and our Nation's highest military distinction, the Medal of Honor. prgtoken Born in Wichita, Kansas, the son of a Congregationalist minister, he spent his early years traveling the west with his father, living in Kansas, Utah, Oklahoma, and Idaho before his appointment to the United States Naval Academy. At the academy, he reached the rank of cadet commander and served as commander of the Midshipmen Battalion. Upon graduation in 1911, he was assigned to various postings in the Caribbean Sea. In 1914, then-Ensign Foster took part in the Battle of Veracruz during the United States' intervention against Mexican dictator Victoriano Huerta. At the head of his company, he led his sailors ashore during the fighting on April 21 and 22, 1914. He was awarded the Medal of Honor for his leadership, heroism, and courage under enemy fire. His commendation cites that ``Ens. Foster was eminent and conspicuous in his conduct, leading his men with skill and courage''. prgtoken Upon his return to the United States in 1915, Vice Admiral Foster became one of the first American naval officers to undergo submarine instruction. He served as executive officer on the experimental submarine G-4 and participated in maneuvers along the Eastern Seaboard. When the United States joined the Allies in World War I, Vice Admiral Foster was sent to England and served on U.S. Submarine L-2. In 1918, he was awarded the Navy Distinguished Service Medal for his part in sinking one of the three enemy submarines sunk during the war. prgtoken After World War I, he returned to peacetime duty back in the United States. In 1924, during a training accident on the USS Trenton, with total disregard for his safety, Vice Admiral Foster entered a burning gun turret and extinguished the fire both inside the turret and on the clothing of the crew members, saving their lives. For this act of valor, he was decorated with the Navy Cross. He retired from active duty in 1929 but remained a member of the Navy Reserve. prgtoken Vice Admiral Foster was recalled to active duty in 1941 following the attack on Pearl Harbor. President Franklin D. Roosevelt directly tasked him to conduct special naval inspections worldwide during the Second World War. As Assistant Inspector General of the Navy, Vice Admiral Foster examined bases across the globe, overseeing operations and ensuring the security, effectiveness, and safety of U.S. naval operations in North America, Europe, and the Pacific. He received the Legion of Merit and Navy Commendation Medal for his essential service. He retired from the Navy fully in October 1946 with the rank of vice admiral. prgtoken The end of his military service
TRIBUTE TO ANDY BRUNELLE
Mike Crapo (Republican, ID) \u2014 2022-1-13

along with my colleagues Senator Jim Risch, Representative Mike Simpson, and Representative Russ Fulcher, I congratulate Andy Brunelle on his remarkable career in government service. Andy is retiring on January 31, 2022, after 27 years with the U.S. Forest Service. prgtoken For more than 20 years, Andy has worked with our offices in his position as the Capitol City Coordinator for the U.S. Forest Service. In this position, he has represented both the U.S. Forest Service Region 1 and Region 4 and the seven National Forests in Idaho as he has served as a liaison working with State and local government officials, agency directors, Idaho's Congressional Delegation and interest groups in Idaho on issues of statewide concern. Given the importance of the natural resources and species habitat on the more than 20 million acres of federal forested land in Idaho he has acted on behalf of, Andy has worked on many challenging issues over the years. This includes working closely with our delegation concerning improving and extending the Secure Rural Schools program, a vital resource for Idahoans. We thank him for his thoughtful, helpful, and pragmatic work for the betterment of our great State and country. prgtoken Andy began working for the U.S. Forest Service in 1995 after serving as Special Assistant for Natural Resources in the Office of Idaho Governor Cecil D. Andrus. From 1988 to 1995, he was the Governor's key staff person on a wide variety of natural resource issues, including challenging issues such as water quality, federal lands management, and protection of Snake River salmon. Additionally, he served on the Northwest Power Planning Council; Boise City Planning and Zoning Commission; and City of Boise advisory committees. Andy also dedicates considerable time to serving on boards of nonprofit organizations, including the Boise WaterShed Exhibits Environmental Education Center; Idaho Environmental Forum; Ted Trueblood Chapter of Trout Unlimited; and Ranch Wildlife Mitigation Association. prgtoken As we wish Andy well in his well-earned retirement, we express our deep gratitude for dedicating so much of his time and talents to enhancing, sustaining, and conserving such an essential part of our State's treasures. Thank you, Andy, for your decades of dedicated work and skilled problem-solving on behalf of Idahoans, and congratulations on your retirement.
NASA ENHANCED USE LEASING EXTENSION ACT OF 2021
Rodney Davis (Republican, IL) \u2014 2022-1-13

. The gentleman is also my friend. I appreciate it. I enjoyed the debate and, Madam , I am prepared to close, if I may. prgtoken Madam , the balance of my time. prgtoken It is friendships like this with Mr. Butterfield, that I look around this Chamber and I think we, as Americans, should be celebrating what America is doing right. Look at the diversity of who serves here in the U.S. House of Representatives. prgtoken The Voting Rights Act of 1965 was necessary to stop discrimination, and it has worked. prgtoken But make no mistake, today's bill is not a voting rights bill. Today's bill, unfortunately, is a bill that leads to lining your own campaign coffers with public funds. prgtoken Now, Pelosi, the of the House, was here on the floor today. And no matter how many times she says it, that there are no taxpayer funds, it doesn't make it true. prgtoken Let me go through it. What happened is, the original H.R. 1 when proposed last Congress did have taxpayer funding of political campaigns, our own campaigns. But now they take the first ever corporate money, through corporate fines. They put it into the Department of the Treasury's laundering machine, and it comes out as part of the Department of the Treasury. Those are not public funds. prgtoken Does that mean when you send your check to pay your taxes and it goes to the Department of the Treasury, that those aren't public funds? prgtoken Every single person who votes ``yes'' for this bill that is not a voting rights bill is voting to line their own campaign pockets. That is not what the American people want. prgtoken Ninety-four percent of Americans said it is easy to vote. We have asked, time and time again, give me one person to show up at a hearing that said that they wanted to vote in the last election and couldn't, not one person has walked through that door. Not one person has showed up on a Zoom call, not one person. prgtoken Why in the world do we continue to try to gaslight the American people into thinking that this is about voting rights? This is not about voting rights. This about lining your own campaign coffers. prgtoken This is about breaking a tradition in the Senate. This is about taking over and winning elections for one side over the other. prgtoken Vote ``no'' on this bill. prgtoken .
NASA ENHANCED USE LEASING EXTENSION ACT OF 2021
Scott Fitzgerald (Republican, WI) \u2014 2022-1-13

today I rise in objection to H.R. 5746, which is the latest attempt by my colleagues on the other side of the aisle to ignore the 10th Amendment and dump on the State legislatures of this Nation, basically telling them, ``You are incompetent,'' not to mention the clerks. prgtoken first tried to barge through the front door of election administration with H.R. 1. After that failed, they tried an overhaul on the backdoor functions. And this bill represents a full-blown takeover. prgtoken The supposedly slimmed-down bill would still override State laws by creating a Federal right to no-excuse mail-in voting and requires States to accept late-arriving ballots as long as they have timely postmarks. It is kind of a joke. prgtoken It would automatically give felons the right to vote. Great. prgtoken It would also override State voter ID requirements. Only a few months ago, , many of my colleagues on the other side of the aisle argued that voter ID laws suppressed voter turnout, only to flip-flop once they saw that the public overwhelmingly supports proof of identity before casting a ballot--80 percent in some States. prgtoken , I am proud to have implemented strong voter ID laws during my time in the Wisconsin legislature. Unfortunately, leading up to the 2020 election, I saw these protections steamrolled under the guise of the pandemic. prgtoken Let's talk about the Supreme Court. In 2013, a decision recognized that we are no longer living in the Jim Crow era. The original Voting Rights Act worked, and extreme policies like preclearance are no longer required. prgtoken Allegations that election integrity measures that have been adopted by States, such as Texas and Georgia, amount to anything close to Jim Crow-era restrictions is a slap in the face to those who endured real discrimination. prgtoken There is no voting rights crisis. This is not about ensuring access to the polls. This is about taking power from the State legislatures and concentrating our election systems in the hands of Federal bureaucrats.
NASA ENHANCED USE LEASING EXTENSION ACT OF 2021
Steven M. Palazzo (Republican, MS) \u2014 2022-1-13

today I rise in opposition to H.R. 5746. prgtoken Late last night, the hijacked a bipartisan piece of legislation that I helped draft to allow NASA to lease property and help fund their own budget shortfalls. This bill would have been vital to America's space program and Mississippi's Fourth District, with Stennis Space Center in our backyard. prgtoken To no one's surprise, socialists, hell-bent on minimizing the power of American voters, have jammed through their radical agenda to include this so-called voting rights legislation. prgtoken This legislation only does one thing: It ensures that remain in power by tipping the scales by limiting your First Amendment and slashing States' rights. prgtoken Why else would the spend so much time catering to noncitizens, giving them taxpayer benefits, allowing them to stay in our country, and now giving them the ability to unconstitutionally vote in American elections? prgtoken believe that behind every illegal immigrant is a voter only waiting for a bill like this to pass. prgtoken This legislation shreds our founding documents and bastardizes the sacred rights of American citizens only to appease a group of socialists. prgtoken We all know that need every advantage to give them any hope in November after seeing their Commander in Chief's gross incompetence and tanking approval ratings. They have the slimmest House majority in history and an even split in the Senate, stalemated by a few who refuse to bow to the demands of this socialist agenda. prgtoken know the American people reject their ridiculous policies, and we cannot allow them to cheat their way back into power with this bill. prgtoken I strongly urge my colleagues to vote ``no'' on this hijacked bill.
HONORING CABARRUS COUNTY LIBERTY BELL AWARD RECIPIENT TOM GRADY
Richard Hudson (Republican, NC) \u2014 2022-1-13

. Madam , I rise today to honor Tom Grady on receiving the Cabarrus County Bar Association Liberty Bell Award. prgtoken A native of Cabarrus County, Mr. Grady graduated from Wake Forest University School of Law before returning home to begin practicing law with Williams, Willeford, and Boger in 1966. He continued work for this firm and its successors for fifty-five years before retiring in 2020. prgtoken Mr. Grady quickly became well-known for his skill and success as a motorsports attorney. He provided exceptional legal services to many associated with NASCAR, and his leadership proved paramount in the 1990s and early 2000s when the motorsports industry underwent a significant period of advancement and growth. On account of his excellence as a legal professional and mentor, Mr. Grady had the honor of serving as the President of the Cabarrus County Bar Association and was inducted into the North Carolina Bar Association Hall of Fame. prgtoken The Liberty Bell Award is presented by the local bar to an individual who exhibits exemplary or distinguished accomplishments and contributions to the legal profession. Over the course of his career and service to Cabarrus County, Mr. Grady provided a strong and consistent source of legal knowledge to support and assist his clients and community. I know I speak for our entire community in wishing him and his family continued success and happiness going forward. prgtoken Madam , please join me today in congratulating Mr. Tom Grady as the Cabarrus County Bar Association Liberty Bell Award recipient and wish him well as he continues to enjoy retirement.
LEGISLATIVE SESSION
Ben Sasse (Republican, NE) \u2014 2022-1-13

first, I want to commend the senior Senator prgtoken from Arizona for an extraordinary stand of courage and just a great speech on the floor a few minutes ago. prgtoken I rise today to defend the filibuster again from the latest round of attacks. I did this repeatedly in the last administration, earning the ire and frustration of a President of my own party over and over again as I defended the Senate's purpose and the supermajority requirements that forge a consensus in a big, broad, diverse, continental nation. Today, I rise to defend the filibuster again when it is a President of the other party who has decided to go full demagogue. prgtoken For his entire career in the Senate--basically, served in this body as long as I have been alive, plus or minus a few years-- was a stalwart defender of the filibuster. He said that weakening the filibuster would ``eviscerate the Senate.'' But earlier this week, the President was pushed around by a bunch of rage-addicted 20- somethings on his staff and agreed to go down to Georgia and just read whatever nonsense they loaded into his teleprompter. It was shameful. It was sad. prgtoken The President of the United States called half of the country a bunch of racist bigots. Think about that--half the country a bunch of racist bigots. He doesn't believe that. This was a senile comment of a man who read whatever was loaded into his teleprompter. prgtoken His speechwriters puppet-mastered him into saying that anyone who disagrees with him is George Wallace, Bull Connor, Jefferson Davis. If you disagree with , you are Jefferson Davis. It is pretty breathtaking. Equating millions of Americans to some of the ugliest racists in all of American history isn't just overheated rhetoric; it is a disgusting smear. Does President really believe this in his heart of hearts? Based on the conversations I have had with him over the years, I don't think he believes this at all. prgtoken So let's go back to last year. Candidate ran for office, promising that he would unify the country. That is why the man was elected--because he said that the crap we went through the last 4 years was wrong. He said he was going to try to unify the country, but now he has decided to surrender to a tiny, little far-left group in the mistaken belief that the loudest voices on Twitter actually represent America. prgtoken It would be useful for us to pause and recognize that the overwhelming majority of all political tweets in America come from less than 1\1/2\ percent of Americans. Let's just say that again because there are a bunch of morons around this building who have decided to take their Twitter feed as reality. It is not reality. prgtoken What the President said in Georgia was nonsense, and , with his decades in the U.S. Senate, knows that. prgtoken The President will be coming to Capitol Hill in the next hour. If President really believes