mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
Introductory Statement on S. 4060
Jack Reed (Democrat, RI) \u2014 2022-4-7

today I am introducing the Food and Fuel Family Savings Act, FFFSA, along with Senator Whitehouse, Senator Feinstein, and Senator Merkley. Price increases, particularly for basic necessities like food and gas, are weakening household buying power and cutting family budgets across the country. Americans are struggling, and it is critically important that we both address the long-term factors driving inflation and support the millions of families facing higher prices right now. That is why we are introducing this legislation, which would provide eligible individuals and families with debit cards to cover higher food and fuel prices in the short term and help tame inflation in the medium and long term. prgtoken A number of factors are driving our current bout of inflation. Pandemic-driven supply chain snarls, a surge and shift in demand towards goods, and corporate consolidation have created an imbalance between supply and demand. Energy prices have risen particularly quickly, as OPEC limits output and oil companies refuse to invest in domestic production to meet growing demand. Russia's invasion of Ukraine has also decreased global oil, fertilizer, and wheat supplies, moving prices higher for food and energy. These wide-ranging pressures pushed the Consumer Price Index up 7.9 percent in February--its fastest increase in 40 years. prgtoken Hard-working Americans are not at fault for these global price pressures. Yet, these households, which often put a large share of their income towards basic necessities, are being forced to bear the burden of higher costs. Indeed, U.S. grocery prices rose 8.6 percent in February, the largest annual increase in over 40 years, and U.S. gas prices were up a whopping 38 percent. While the wealthiest Americans can afford more expensive everyday goods, higher prices erode working families' buying power and can force them to delay or reduce critically needed purchases. We need to help them. prgtoken Our bill would take the burden off the shoulders of working Americans by providing targeted relief to low- and moderate-income individuals and families. It would provide eligible households with debit cards loaded with $600 per family member that work exclusively at grocery stores and gas pumps. The average American household would receive $1,500. Using estimates from Bloomberg economists, this payment should cover the additional $183 the average family will spend each month on food and fuel for the rest of 2022. In other words, our legislation would ensure households can put food on the table and gas in the car this year. prgtoken Importantly, this fiscally responsible legislation is fully paid for. In fact, offsets would pay for the cost of the debit cards and slash the deficit by hundreds of billions of dollars. More than that, it would tamp down inflation in the medium and long term. Indeed, this bill would help families weather today's inflation while cooling price
Nomination of Ketanji Brown Jackson (Executive Session)
Margaret Wood Hassan (Democrat, NH) \u2014 2022-4-7

while we all gather to acknowledge this historic day and prepare to vote to--in my case, at least--confirm Judge Jackson, I rise to bring up another issue. I rise today to urge my colleagues to pass into law commonsense legislation to bring down oil and gas costs for Americans. prgtoken As many of my colleagues have discussed on this floor, Americans across the country, including in my State of New Hampshire, are facing higher costs from the grocery store to the gas pump. As we work together to build a stronger, more resilient economy that strengthens our supply chains and invests in American manufacturing, we must also bring relief to American families right now, an issue that has become even more urgent in the wake of Russia's invasion of Ukraine, which has sent gas prices soaring. prgtoken As we continue to counter Putin's aggression and inflationary challenges facing our economy, we have an obligation to work together to bring down costs. prgtoken That is why I am working to hold Big Oil accountable for profiting off of the pain that Americans are experiencing at the pump. That is why I pushed the administration to release oil from the Strategic Petroleum Reserve, an action I was glad to see the administration take, again, just last week. As we look at all options to bring down costs, one clear way to provide immediate relief is by suspending the gas tax for the remainder of this year. prgtoken Earlier this year, my colleagues and I introduced a bill to do exactly that. The Gas Prices Relief Act will temporarily suspend the Federal gas tax through the end of the year, helping bring economic relief to families. prgtoken As in legislative session, I ask unanimous consent that the Finance Committee be discharged and the Senate proceed to the immediate consideration of S. 3609; that the bill be considered read a third time and passed and that the motions to reconsider be considered made and laid upon the table.
PASTOR DAVID SMITH AND LADY LINDA SMITH SELFLESSLY SERVE THEIR NEIGHBORHOOD
Sylvia R. Garcia (Democrat, TX) \u2014 2022-4-7

I rise today to recognize two Houston-area leaders, Pastor David Smith and his wife, Lady Linda Smith. prgtoken Many strong community leaders go unnoticed. They serve silently every day and draw very little attention to themselves, quietly doing their work. Yet through their service, they enrich and improve the lives of everyone around them. prgtoken Pastor Smith and Lady Smith are both quiet, everyday heroes who put smiles on faces across the district and particularly in the Eastex/ Jensen Freeway community. Through their faith-based work, they spread positivity and hope to countless Houstonians. prgtoken They are also very active in community activities and are the lead organizers of the Houston area's annual Jensen Jubilee Fall Festival. Pastor Smith is more like the mayor of the Eastex/Jensen Freeway area. prgtoken Pastor Smith and Lady Linda Smith embody the Houston spirit of service, compassion, and volunteerism. I am proud they are my constituents, and I thank them for their selfless community service.
RESTAURANT REVITALIZATION FUND REPLENISHMENT ACT OF 2021
Rosa L. DeLauro (Democrat, CT) \u2014 2022-4-7

. Madam , restaurants and small businesses are the heart and soul of our communities, but prgtoken the pandemic has cost them over $280 billion in sales, and approximately 90,000 were forced to close. prgtoken That is why we created the Restaurant Revitalization Fund, a historic investment to increase aid to restaurants and bars hit hardest by the pandemic. The funding has run out, and restaurants are still struggling. prgtoken In Connecticut, the restaurants have been one of the hardest hit sectors by the pandemic. Due to high demand, I heard from far too many of my constituents who applied on the very first day the RRF funds were available and were still unable to receive them. We must do more to ensure that small businesses receive the funding they need to survive and continue to serve our communities. prgtoken The bill before us does just that by providing $42 billion to replenish the fund and putting $13 billion toward other businesses impacted by the pandemic. This bill is the center of our efforts to help these small businesses survive and thrive. prgtoken Madam , I look forward to voting in favor of this bill, and I urge my colleagues to do the same.
THE FUTURE OF AMERICAN DIPLOMACY
James R. Langevin (Democrat, RI) \u2014 2022-4-7

. Madam , this is an important week for the future of American diplomacy, especially as it relates to cybersecurity. An open, interoperable, reliable, and secure internet is foundational to U.S. foreign policy and national security in the 21st century, but this vision for the global digital ecosystem faces greater challenges than ever before. prgtoken Cybersecurity absolutely must become a core foreign policy priority of the United States and, this week, we have taken a major step forward in that regard. prgtoken On Monday, the Department of State formally launched the Bureau of Cyberspace and Digital Policy. On the international stage, this bureau will lead U.S. efforts to uphold standards of responsible state behavior in cyberspace, shape digital standards that govern new technologies, and protect digital freedoms around the world. I congratulate Secretary Blinken and Deputy Secretary Sherman on this significant accomplishment. prgtoken I look forward to working with my colleagues to ensure that this new bureau receives the funding it needs to accomplish its critical mission. And beyond that, I also look forward to enshrining this new bureau in statute through the Cyber Diplomacy Act, a bipartisan bill, which will ensure its long-term viability and the preservation of cybersecurity as a key foreign policy priority for the coming decades.
Nomination of Ketanji Brown Jackson (Executive Session)
Jeanne Shaheen (Democrat, NH) \u2014 2022-4-7

it gives me tremendous honor and pride to offer remarks in recognition of this truly historic moment. I was first elected to the Senate in 2008 and came to Washington alongside our Nation's first African-American President. I remember the aura of historical significance that permeated the whole country during those early days of the administration. In particular, I remember the awe and joy surrounding the inauguration, with Americans lining our streets, packed on the National Mall and glued to television screens in New Hampshire and across our country. I have thought a lot about this recently because I see that same excitement, anticipation, and recognition of history unfolding before our eyes as we as a nation are on the cusp of elevating our first female African-American Justice to the highest Court in our land. prgtoken Our Constitution has served as a model for modern democracies around the world. Important pillars of our society like equality under the law, freedom of speech, press, and religion and the separation of powers are all innovations that have made America a beacon of democracy around the world. What makes our Constitution particularly exceptional is its ability to be adjusted and adapted to more faithfully reflect the interests and values of our diverse citizenry which it serves. Important amendments have expanded rights for women and communities of color, making our society more inclusive and pushing the needle toward justice. The Constitution guards our basic rights and freedoms, and the Justices of the Supreme Court serve as the guardians of that Constitution. prgtoken It is precisely because of the importance of this Court and each of its nine precious seats that the seating of a new Justice is such a momentous occasion. And in this instance, the significance of the moment has been met by a singular nominee whose achievements, experience and integrity are fully worthy of the history books. In addition, for the first time in history, a former public defender will soon serve on the highest Court in the land. Judge Jackson has already--truly--rendered outstanding service to her country. prgtoken Judge Jackson's lived experiences as a Black woman and a mother will bring essential insights to the Supreme Court which, for the first time in 232 years, will approach gender parity. While I fully believe Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg would have loved seeing Justice Jackson ascend to her beloved Court, we still have a long way to go before we get to Justice Ginsburg's vision of nine female Justices. But one step at a time, we are building a better, more inclusive country. More succinctly put: We are building democratic institutions that represent the public they serve. Justice Jackson will make history and bring the full bounty of her rich and diverse personal history to the Court, just as Louis Brandeis, Thurgood Marshall, Sandra Day O'Connor, and Sonia Sotomayor did before
UKRAINE INVASION WAR CRIMES DETERRENCE AND ACCOUNTABILITY ACT
Nancy Pelosi (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2022-4-7

. Madam , as we speak, the battle for liberty and democracy rages on in Ukraine. Congress and the Country are in awe of the heroism and determination of the Ukrainian people--as they defend democracy in their homeland and in the world. prgtoken Tragically, the Russian response to their courage and resilience has been nothing short of monstrous. Since Russia's unlawful and unprovoked invasion, we have heard deeply disturbing reports out of Ukraine: demolishing a maternity hospital; bombing civilians fleeing the fighting; and killing innocent children. prgtoken As the State Department concluded on March 23rd, based on the information available, these barbaric attacks amount to war crimes. prgtoken Just this week, the world saw shocking and horrifying images of mass executions in Bucha--with the bodies of hundreds of slain civilians strewn throughout the city. Sadly, as President Zelenskyy reported to the United Nations Security Council yesterday, we have reason to believe this is happening elsewhere, too. prgtoken Sadly, the Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said that the massacre the world saw wasn't real--but a performance by actors playing dead. prgtoken This reality is sickening and heart-wrenching--and we cannot stay silent in the face of these outrageous and unthinkable atrocities. prgtoken Today, the House takes another important step to hold Putin and the Russian government accountable for this cruel brutality. prgtoken With the Ukraine War Crimes Act, we will ensure that the United States is collecting, analyzing and preserving evidence of Russian war crimes: an essential step so that the perpetrators can be prosecuted. prgtoken In doing so, we can help deter future war crimes--making it clear to Russian forces that the free world is closely watching. prgtoken This action follows the leadership of President , who has: capably orchestrated the West's strong, unified response; and demonstrated extraordinary moral clarity, among the first to call these heinous attacks what they are: war crimes. prgtoken Let us salute Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Gregory Meeks and Ranking Member Michael McCaul, for their relentless leadership in introducing this strong legislation. prgtoken And I thank them for their commitment to bipartisanship: demonstrating our Nation's unity and resolve as we respond to Russia's aggression. prgtoken This legislation builds on ongoing, escalating efforts by the Congress, the Administration and our Allies to punish Putin for his crimes. prgtoken With historic speed and coordination with our allies abroad, America has led the world in isolating Russia and devastating its economy. prgtoken We have: cut off Russian banks and decimated its markets; choked off its access to technology; cracked down on the oligarchs funding this war--and much more. prgtoken The House has passed bold legislation to revoke normal trade relations from Russia and ban the import of Russian energy: two major ste
BRANDEN SISCA AND MARTIN MACK, III PROVIDED EXTRAORDINARY SERVICE TO THEIR COMMUNITIES
Madeleine Dean (Democrat, PA) \u2014 2022-4-7

Montgomery County, Philadelphia, and all of Pennsylvania mourn the tragic loss of two State troopers: Branden Sisca and Martin Mack, III; and a pedestrian, Mr. Reyes Rivera Oliveras, of Allentown. All three were killed by an alleged drunk driver on I-95 near Lincoln Financial Field on March 21. prgtoken I want to take a moment to remember State Troopers Branden Sisca and Martin Mack, and their extraordinary lives of service. prgtoken From an early age, they both had an incredible drive to serve and were examples of leadership. Branden Sisca, just 29, volunteered for the Trappe Fire Company from the age of 16 and rose to chief. He is survived by his wife, Brittany. They are expecting a baby girl in July. prgtoken Martin Mack, just 33, first served as a member of the National Guard. He was a devoted husband to his wife, Stephanie, and father to two daughters, Olivia and Rowan. prgtoken It is heartbreaking to lose such extraordinary men so tragically so young. I pray for their families. God bless them. May their memories be a blessing.
Confirmation Of Ketanji Brown Jackson (Executive Session)
Richard J. Durbin (Democrat, IL) \u2014 2022-4-7

an hour or so ago on the floor of the Senate was an amazing sight. It has been a long, long time since I have seen the Galleries full. COVID-19 kept us apart. I missed it. I didn't realize how much until those full Galleries were here to witness the vote on the nomination of Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson to the Supreme Court. prgtoken It was a time of great celebration for most Members of the Senate and I think for the Nation because we have achieved something which many doubted would occur. prgtoken It has been 50 years since the first African American--Thurgood Marshall--was appointed to be a member of the U.S. Supreme Court. It was another 50 years for us to wait for the opportunity to put a person, a woman of color, on the Court. And we did it today. prgtoken Soon, in the coming future, the President will be swearing in Judge, now-Justice Jackson. I am certain that she will be a credit to our Nation. She has already proven that in her lifetime of service. prgtoken Many Members of the Senate, of course, were excited and happy about it. I was one of them. I want to thank my colleagues for their kind words, but I also want to acknowledge the obvious. prgtoken All of the hard work that led up to this successful vote happened a lot behind the scenes. There were members of our staff who worked long hours--20-hour days--to prepare for this and to be ready to handle the important Judiciary Committee hearings. I would like to acknowledge the staff members on both sides of the aisle who worked tirelessly on Judge Jackson's nomination. prgtoken I have got quite a team on my side, and I am very proud of them. I want to recognize the following individuals who played an important part in this historic process: Pat Souders, my chief of staff; Joe Zogby, my Senate Judiciary Committee staff director; Dan Swanson, general counsel; Stephanie Trifone, deputy general counsel; Sally Brown-Shaklee, my deputy chief of staff; Maalik Simmons and Miriam Wheatley, my floor staff who are often sitting right in the back of this Chamber; Claire Reuschel and Riley Foti, my schedulers; my press staff, including Emily Hampsten, my communications director; Jenna Valle-Riestra; Maddie Carlos; Theresa Bordenave; and Laura Keller, and many others on my Judiciary team, including Phil Brest, who was my chief nominations counsel--he worked so hard on this, and he is so good--Sarah Bauer, who was right by his side working every minute; and Gabe Kader, as well; Ziya Smallens, speechwriter; Joe Charlet; Vaishalee Yeldandi; Maggie Hopkins; Anna Shepard; David Adeleye; Eric Chung; Eliza Lehner; Samir Sheth; David McCallum; Mady Reno; Katya Kazmin; Rachel Martinez, Yashi Gunawardena; Doug Miller; Chastidy Burns; Nicole Walton; Lane Giardina; and many, many others. prgtoken I also would like to recognize some members of Senator Grassley's staff. Now, he--for those who wouldn't know--is my counterpart. I chair a committee evenly
HONORING TOM GOODKIND
Jerrold Nadler (Democrat, NY) \u2014 2022-4-7

. Madam , I rise today to honor the life and legacy of Tom Goodkind, a true renaissance man and a beloved member of the Lower Manhattan community. prgtoken Mr. Goodkind, who passed away from a chronic degenerative illness in February 2019 at the age of 65, will be honored by the Church Street School for Music and Art for his contributions to the school and community on April 8, 2022. prgtoken An accountant by training, he moved to the Financial District in the late '80s and quickly became active in the Battery Park City community, Manhattan Community Board 1 (on which he served for decades) and local political clubs. Mr. Goodkind was a fierce advocate for expanding and retaining affordable housing in Lower Manhattan and produced comprehensive reports on rent stabilization and the neighborhood's affordable housing supply as the chair of Manhattan Community Board 1's Housing Task Force. He also advocated for the 5 World Trade Center site to include a fair number of affordable units, with set-asides for creative artists and September 11th survivors and responders. prgtoken In addition to his dedication for community activism, his passion for music was a guiding force throughout his life. Mr. Goodkind had stints as a punk rocker and a music venue promoter before co-founding the acclaimed band The Washington Squares, a neo-folk trio that received a Grammy nomination. After the September 11th terrorist attacks, Mr. Goodkind looked to the healing power of music to help rebuild Lower Manhattan. He founded and conducted the TriBattery Pops, the first NYC downtown all-volunteer community band in a century, that became an ever-present, animated staple at local community events. Mr. Goodkind remained an ardent supporter of local institutions that celebrated musical arts and strived to share the joy of music with New Yorkers and beyond. prgtoken Mr. Goodkind's chronic degenerative illness was linked to the exposure to toxic dust that hung over Manhattan in the aftermath of the September 11th attacks. The toll of the toxins and the subsequent illnesses they wrought to not only those who worked on the pile but also residents in my district like Mr. Goodkind who returned to their homes, cleaned up and revitalized this neighborhood laid bare the need for the federal government to provide survivors with quality health care and financial support. I was proud that after over a decade of fighting we passed the James Zadruga 9/11 Health and Compensation Act of 2010 and its reauthorization in 2015, and we created and fully funded the September 11th Victim Compensation Fund for survivors and responders. prgtoken Mr. Goodkind is survived by his wife Jill, and daughters Olivia and Nicole who continue to further his legacy through their advocacy work for affordable housing, September llth survivor issues and support for the arts. prgtoken Madam , I am proud to honor Tom Goodkind and his significant impacts on music and the lives of re