mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
Unanimous Consent Request--Executive Calendar (Executive Calendar)
Thomas R. Carper (Democrat, DE) \u2014 2022-7-19

today, I rise in support of the nomination of Rita Landgraf for the position of Assistant Secretary for Aging and Administrator of the Administration for Community Living at the Department of Health and Human Services. I have been privileged to know Rita Landgraf for over two decades and to have worked with her when I was Governor of Delaware and in the years since then. prgtoken She is a longtime Delaware community leader who previously served as cabinet secretary of the Delaware Department of Health and Social Services, which may be the most challenging job of any cabinet secretary in the State government of Delaware. There, she oversaw State implementation of the Older Americans Act, Medicaid, home- and community-based services, and disability services as well. She also had leadership roles with the State offices of AARP, the ARC, and the National Alliance on Mental Illness, which are key national partners for initiatives within the Administration for Community Living. prgtoken Rita's career has been inspired by her relationships with the elderly and those with disabilities, including her stepson. In addition to her extensive expertise, she will bring a personal passion to her work as Assistant Secretary. Rita's experience in leading organizations focused on advocating for people with disabilities and seniors, along with her time in State government, makes her an excellent--an excellent--choice to serve as Assistant Secretary of Aging. I applaud President for nominating her to serve in this role. prgtoken The Administration for Community Living does critically important work ensuring older Americans of all ages with disabilities are able to live where they choose, with the people they choose, and with the ability to participate fully in their communities. The Administration for Community Living works through community-based organizations and invests in research, education, and innovation that help make this priority a reality for millions of older Americans and people with disabilities. prgtoken Rita Landgraf is the right person for this job. As secretary of Delaware's Department of Health and Social Services, Rita Landgraf successfully led one of the State's largest cabinet agencies and expanded community-based services aimed at helping older Americans age in place and people with disabilities live, work, and participate in their communities--exactly the type of work the Administration for Community Living supports. prgtoken Rita is a powerful advocate and a convener of stakeholders and partners. She will bring partners together to further the mission of the Administration for Community Living and bring new and innovative insight to address priorities on aging that we can all agree upon. prgtoken Rita wants older Americans to age in place. She believes in the strength and value of home- and community-based services for both the elderly and the disabled, especially in light of the COVID
TRANSPORTATION, HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT, AND RELATED AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS ACT, 2023
Rosa L. DeLauro (Democrat, CT) \u2014 2022-7-19

in closing, I just remind my colleagues, this body has rejected this amendment on a bipartisan basis time and time again. prgtoken Speaking about inflation, we know that wages have not kept up with inflation, and working people are struggling, living paycheck to paycheck. Why are we dealing with an amendment that would try to curtail wages and prevailing wages for workers every day who go on a job and put forth all of their efforts to be able to get a decent wage to take care of their children, to be able to deal with inflation? prgtoken It speaks loudly of my colleagues who refuse to believe that we need to have wages increase to help people fight inflation. prgtoken , .
INTRODUCTION OF THE BICYCLES FOR RURAL AFRICAN TRANSPORT ACT
Earl Blumenauer (Democrat, OR) \u2014 2022-7-19

. Madam , today I introduced the Bicycles for Rural African Transport Act. Transportation access in the developing world is limited. In sub-Saharan Africa, more than seventy percent of people rely on walking as their primary mode of transportation. For these individuals access to a bicycle is revolutionary. prgtoken Bicycles can be impactful tools for effective foreign aid and international economic development. prgtoken Low-cost, high-impact investments in bicycles will allow us to use existing foreign aid more effectively. Many developing-world rural populations suffer from time poverty, which limits opportunities to access education, healthcare, employment and job training opportunities, and markets. By reducing time poverty, bicycle access significantly improves school attendance for rural girls. In one trial, girls with bicycles were 19 percent less likely to drop out of school. prgtoken In recent years, USAID has conducted a small rural mobility program to study the bicycle's development impacts. In Tanzania in 2019, USAID donated 2,160 bicycles to health care workers as part of AIDS treatment efforts, allowing the workers to reach more patients and reducing AIDS transmission in the area. In Malawi in 2020, USAID established a revolving loan fund to finance bicycles for workers on a sugar cane cooperative, reducing their commute times and increasing productivity. prgtoken USAID's work on this program has clearly demonstrated the value of bicycles for rural transportation in developing nations. This legislation authorizes a permanent rural mobility program at USAID which will promote rural, sub-Saharan communities' access to services and opportunities through affordable, fit-for-purpose bicycles. This more systematic approach will allow USAID to maximize the potential impact of bicycle projects and ensure the United States continues utilizing this simple, revolutionary development tool.
Unanimous Consent Request--Executive Calendar (Executive Calendar)
Ron Wyden (Democrat, OR) \u2014 2022-7-19

in a few minutes, I am going to put forward a request for the Senate to confirm the nomination of Rebecca Jones Gaston to serve as Commissioner on Children, Youth, and Families within the Department of Health and Human Services. I briefly want to talk about why her confirmation is so important and what makes her the right person for the job. prgtoken The Administration on Children, Youth, and Families may not grab national headlines every day, but its work is essential to the well- being of millions of young people and families across the land. That is particularly true for vulnerable children, including those in the child welfare system. prgtoken One of its big jobs over the last few years has been the implementation of the Family First Prevention Services Act. The landmark reform of the child welfare system was written by the Finance Committee on a bipartisan basis. And for colleagues who remember the late Orrin Hatch, who cared so much about children and particularly welfare reform, this and the extension of the Children's Health Insurance Program for 10 years--the longest extension ever--were the two bills for children that Chairman Hatch really felt strongly about. prgtoken The underlying goal of the legislation, which I was proud to cosponsor with him, was simple. The foster care system was breaking families up too often. We designed the Family First Act to keep families together whenever it was safe and possible to do so. Maybe a grandparent is the right person to step in as a caretaker for their grandkids. I have been particularly involved in having grandparents play a bigger role in our human services programs. It is known as kinship care. We have been working on it for well over a decade. Chairman Hatch helped us expand it. Maybe all that is needed for a prgtoken family to thrive is to help with mental healthcare for mom or dad. And with a little more flexibility in the program, a little more support, more families stay together and get ahead. prgtoken The underlying goal that Chairman Hatch and I had was simple, but implementation has certainly been a challenge. It has required a lot of close collaboration between the Department of Health and Human Services, the Finance Committee, and State and local agencies. prgtoken My view is, when you are talking about reforms dealing with the well- being of our youngest, particularly most vulnerable kids, it is just critical to get it right. That is why Rebecca Jones Gaston is the right person to lead the Administration on Children, Youth, and Families. She serves as the child welfare director for Oregon's Department of Human Services. She is showing herself to be an effective leader and a strong advocate for the vulnerable. She served in a similar role in the State of Maryland under a Governor. So this is somebody who shows up every single day, willing to work with elected officials on both sides of the aisle. All in all, she brings ne
RESPECT FOR MARRIAGE ACT
David N. Cicilline (Democrat, RI) \u2014 2022-7-19

today's vote is about love. The love that couples have for each other and the government's role in respecting that love regardless of their sex or race. Same-sex couples and interracial couples get married for the same reason others get married: to make a lifelong commitment to the person they love. prgtoken Yet, for too long, our government has rejected that love. They told these couples they were less than--that their marriages weren't valid; that they didn't deserve the affirmation or protections that come with legal recognition. prgtoken The Supreme Court made clear in Loving, Windsor, and Obergefell that this rejection of interracial and same-sex couples and their commitment to one another was unconstitutional. Today, we have the opportunity to send a clear message to worried couples that the Federal Government will continue to recognize same-sex and interracial marriages, no matter what the future holds. prgtoken To Mr. Jordan's suggestion that this is not necessary--tell it to the millions of LGBTQ families that are worried about the Supreme Court's intention to rip away more freedoms. They have taken away the freedom to reproductive care. They have hinted at taking away contraception. Justice Thomas urged them to look at marriage equality. This is real for families. prgtoken When you talk about inflation, all families are dealing with the cost of fuel and food, but we don't have to layer on top of that another fear about the sanctity of your marriage. This is about a fundamental fairness in our system, ensuring that people can marry the person they love. prgtoken If it is not necessary, then vote for it. If you are right that we are worried and we shouldn't be, reaffirm it. But don't hide behind that to justify your refusal to vote for marriage equality in this country, that every single American has the right to marry the person they love.
TRANSPORTATION, HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT, AND RELATED AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS ACT, 2023
Sheila Jackson Lee (Democrat, TX) \u2014 2022-7-19

. Mr. Chair, I thank the gentlewoman for her graciousness. prgtoken That is an ongoing issue that we have in our community, where the communities are not taken into consideration when the houses are leveled and when the flooding is increased by an infrastructure project that we now have a title VI proceeding under that is funded by Federal dollars. prgtoken Let me also express my appreciation for amendments dealing with the Federal Railroad Administration. Everyone that knows it has trains. We know that it provides part of the supply chain. But in our communities, there are the crossings, there are the sounds, and there are the horns. All we want to do is work harmoniously in the oversight over the Federal Railroad Administration to deal with safety and operations in our communities. That is particularly important. prgtoken I also want to express appreciation for the work my amendments will do and that they have been accepted dealing with the issue of historic preservation, which will include places like Freedmen's Town, Independence Heights, and, of course, the historic Third Ward where Emancipation Park is. prgtoken Again, the underlying bill is a bill that will invest in America. I support this legislation and the good work of the Appropriations Committee. prgtoken Mr. Chair, I ask everyone to support that and the amendments included in the en bloc. prgtoken Mr. Chair, I rise to speak in a strong support of H.R. 8294, the Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, Agriculture, Rural Development, Energy and Water Development, Financial Services and General Government, Interior, Environment, Military Construction, and Veterans Affairs Appropriations Act. prgtoken H.R. 8294 makes key investments in rebuilding our nation's infrastructure, expanding research innovation, combating climate change, and honoring the sacrifice and commitment of our nation's veterans. prgtoken The diligent work that produced this comprehensive legislation will make a very positive impact on so many sectors and activities throughout American society. prgtoken Mr. Chair, I also want to voice my strong support for En Bloc Amendments No. 2, 3, 6, and 7, which incorporates Jackson Lee Amendments. prgtoken I thank the Rules Committee and Chairman McGovern for making these amendments in order and the Appropriations Committee and Chairwoman DeLauro for including it in this En Bloc Amendment. prgtoken The Jackson Lee amendments are in the following Divisions of the bill: prgtoken Division A--Transportation, Housing and Urban Development prgtoken Division B--Agriculture prgtoken Division E--Interior and the Environment en bloc #2 prgtoken Jackson Lee Amendment #46 supports the work of the National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) by making a $2,000,000 increase in funding to that office for the purpose of supporting agriculture research programs particularly at 1890s Institutions, which are land grant colleges a
Nomination of Julianna Michelle Childs (Executive Calendar)
Richard J. Durbin (Democrat, IL) \u2014 2022-7-19

this week, the Senate continues its work confirming experienced and fair-minded nominees to the Federal judiciary. prgtoken Today, we will vote to confirm Judge Julianna Michelle Childs to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit. With over 15 years of experience as a judge, Judge Childs is exceptionally qualified to serve on the D.C. Circuit. As a district court judge for the District of South Carolina since 2010, Judge Childs has presided over almost 5,000 civil and criminal matters, prgtoken including 50 jury trials and 11 bench trials. During this time, she has been reversed or vacated on appeal in fewer than 1 percent of her cases, an impressive record for any District Court Judge. prgtoken Before joining the Federal bench, Judge Childs served for 4 years as a circuit court judge for the South Carolina Judicial Department, where she presided over thousands of State court matters. Judge Childs also served as a commissioner on the South Carolina Workers' Compensation Commission, adjudicating administrative decisions and reviewing administrative appeals. prgtoken Prior to her judicial service, Judge Childs served South Carolina as the deputy director of the division of labor for the South Carolina Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation. In this position, she administered State and Federal programs. Given that the D.C. Circuit hears more cases involving administrative law than any other circuit court, this practical experience with administrative law will be an asset to the court. prgtoken Before her time in public service, Judge Childs worked in private practice as a civil litigator, and she ultimately became the first Black woman in South Carolina to become a partner in a large law firm-- only 8 years after joining her firm. prgtoken Judge Childs is also the first member of her family to go to college, and she graduated with her B.S. cum laude from the University of South Florida Honors College. She then received her J.D. and M.A. at the University of South Carolina. While serving as a district court judge, Judge Childs also earned her LL.M. at Duke University School of Law. prgtoken The American Bar Association has unanimously rated Judge Childs as ``well qualified'' to serve on the D.C. Circuit. Her outstanding qualifications make it no surprise that she has received strong, bipartisan support from her home State's delegation, most notably from Congressman and Majority Whip Clyburn and my colleague on the Senate Judiciary Committee, Senator Graham. prgtoken With her extensive judicial service at the State and Federal level, her experience administering State and Federal programs, and her historic career in private practice, Judge Childs will be ready to serve the D.C. Circuit with distinction on day one.
CHIPS Act (Executive Calendar)
Charles E. Schumer (Democrat, NY) \u2014 2022-7-19

in a few moments, the Senate will take the first procedural vote on the chips bill that will fight inflation, boost American manufacturing, ease our supply chains, and protect American security interests. prgtoken This is one of the important votes that we will take this session, because advancing this bill is crucial for lowering costs, solving our Nation's chip shortage, and making sure America remains competitive in the 21st century. prgtoken America will fall behind in so many areas if we don't pass this bill, and we could very well lose our ranking as the No. 1 economy and innovator in the world if we can't pass this. prgtoken Lower costs, more jobs, a stronger economy--that is the recipe behind this bill, and it spells good news for the American people today and for decades to come. prgtoken I want to thank both my ic and colleagues for working together for more than a year on these policies. I want to thank Senator Cantwell, our very able, dedicated, and hard-working committee chair, as well as Senators Wicker and Cornyn and Warner and Kelly and Sinema, as well as our conference members, as well as the many individual Senators on both sides who contributed to this legislation. This has been bipartisan work in the Senate at its best-- something we have done on several pieces of legislation this year--and I hope we can do more and do it more often. prgtoken Now, on the procedure, Members should know this vote will be a test vote, and a favorable outcome will allow the science portion of USICA to be included in this bill. prgtoken Let me explain. This vote will be a motion to proceed on a House message, which we will use as a vehicle to pass our chips legislation. It only requires 50 votes to proceed, but if we can get enough votes to comfortably withstand a filibuster, I will amend this chips, ITC, and ORAN bill to include the science provisions that so many of my colleagues, led by Senators Cantwell and Wicker, have worked on so hard to secure. prgtoken I want everyone to understand, a ``yes'' vote on this motion to proceed indicates Members will vote yes on cloture on a package that includes chips, ITC, ORAN, and the science provision. prgtoken As you all know, I am a strong supporter of the science provisions. I was the original author, along with Senator Young, of many of these policies under the Endless Frontier Act. prgtoken I urge my colleagues to vote yes on this vote, and I thank Senator Young for his 2-year partnership on this legislation. However, folks, if this vote doesn't produce enough votes to comfortably withstand a filibuster, we will move forward with the chips, ORAN, and ITC provisions here on the floor. It is my preference for the Senate to include the science provisions in this bill because they are so important for the future of our country. prgtoken I am very optimistic we will see a strong bipartisan vote later today.
HONORING NORMAN MINETA
Judy Chu (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2022-7-19

. Madam , I rise today to honor the life of Secretary Norman Mineta, who passed away on May 3, 2022, at the age of 90. Norm was a pioneer of Asian American representation in politics and was an exemplary patriot. prgtoken Norm was born in San Jose, California on November 12, 1931, to Japanese immigrant parents. In 1942, when he was just ten years old, Norm and his family were forcibly relocated from California to Heart Mountain War Relocation Center in Wyoming, where they were imprisoned at a Japanese internment camp during World War II. After 18 months of incarceration, Norm and his family moved to the Chicago area, where his father, an insurance agent, volunteered to teach Japanese language courses to soldiers in the U.S. Army. Only when Norm was a teenager were he and his family finally able to return to San Jose. prgtoken After graduating from the University of California at Berkeley in 1953 with a degree in business administration, Norm served as an intelligence officer for the Army for three years and later took over his father's Mineta Insurance Agency. After serving on the San Jose Human Relations Commission, Norm was asked by San Jose's then-mayor to fill a city council vacancy in 1967. Following four successful years as a city councilmember, Norm was elected to be San Jose's mayor, making him the first Asian American to serve as mayor of a major American city. prgtoken With a staunch belief that local officials should have more authority over how federal funding is used to improve roads and railways, Norm decided to run for Congress, promising to address these very issues. And he did just that. Elected to the U.S. House of Representatives in 1974, Norm went on to serve for ten terms from 1975 to 1995. prgtoken In Congress, Norm successfully fought to strengthen civil rights for the Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) community. He spearheaded efforts to pass the Civil Liberties Act of 1988, which granted reparations to Japanese Americans incarcerated during WWII or their surviving family members. In 1994, he co-founded the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus to ensure that AAPIs have a voice in Congress and served as the Caucus' first chair. Seeing the need to increase the AAPI public service pipeline in Washington, D.C Norm also founded the Asian Pacific American Institute for Congressional Studies (APAICS) in 1994. Since then, APAICS has played a critical role in cultivating future AAPI leaders through internships and fellowships, and many alumni have gone on to such remarkable positions, including within the White House and Capitol Hill. prgtoken Following his Congressional tenure, Norm was appointed to serve as Secretary of Commerce for the last six months of President Bill Clinton's term, making him the first Asian American member of a Presidential Cabinet. Then, under President , Norm became the first Cabinet Secretary to switch directly from a ic to Rep