mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
Energy Policies (Executive Calendar)
John Cornyn (Republican, TX) \u2014 2021-10-26

after failing to pass any radical climate proposals this year, it appears our colleagues across the aisle are in a panic mode. The reason is, later this week, President will be traveling to Glasgow, along with a dozen or more U.S. officials and Members of Congress, for a U.N. climate summit, and it looks like they are going to show up empty-handed. prgtoken The President has talked a big game when it comes to climate change. On the campaign trail, he promised that the electric sector would be carbon pollution-free by 2035. He committed to building 1.5 million energy-efficient homes and public housing units, and he said the United States would transition from oil and gas. prgtoken Of course, he will be long gone from office, so he will never be held accountable for these projections, even if they miss by a mile, which I predict they will. But the fact is he has failed to make good on his promises to fundamentally transform the energy landscape in America, and I would suggest that that is for a very good reason. prgtoken Policies that drive up costs for the American people, hurt our energy security, and enrich our adversaries don't typically get a lot of traction here in the U.S. Congress. prgtoken Two-and-a-half years ago, we saw a great example of how unpopular these policies were when the pie-in-the-sky Green New Deal came to the Senate floor for a vote. Not a single Senator voted for that bill. Even the Members who introduced it were too afraid to vote yes because of the blowback. prgtoken But now that our ic colleagues control all levers of the Federal Government, afraid of their radical base, their calculus seems to have changed, so they are trying to jam these radical policies into the multitrillion-dollar tax-and-spending spree bill, otherwise known as reconciliation. prgtoken Despite working on this bill for months and only needing support to get it to the President's desk, our ic colleagues are still struggling to reach an agreement among themselves. But now that President has a deadline and he wants to look good in front of other world leaders in Glasgow, it is, apparently, crunch time. prgtoken But they have a problem: no bill has even been written or even seen the light of day. There is a steady stream of reporting about which outrageous policies are in and which are out, but none of us have seen a bill--we haven't seen it in writing--if it exists at all. prgtoken Based on reporting, though, massive tax hikes on the energy sector appear to be in the mix. Energy companies would pay higher taxes on income earned in the global marketplace and be subjected to the double taxation of their foreign incomes. And we know that when producers have higher overhead because of the higher tax burden, they don't absorb that; they pass it along to consumers in terms of higher prices. prgtoken Our ic colleagues want to also add a Superfund excise tax, which would
Afghanistan (Executive Calendar)
Jerry Moran (Republican, KS) \u2014 2021-10-26

I speak today to recognize the 3 million men and women, Americans, who have served our Nation in the two decades since September 11, 2001, in what has become known as the Global War on Terrorism. prgtoken The days during--in just the last month--during this botched and chaotic withdrawal from Afghanistan, were a terrible time of reckoning for our Nation. I am angry, discouraged, and concerned about the way and the manner by which the United States of America departed. prgtoken President 's announcement in April to completely withdraw American troops by September 11 without taking appropriate security precautions, including preparation for a return of the Taliban to Kabul, was irresponsible and will damage America's interest for years to come and endanger the lives of thousands of women and children in Afghanistan. prgtoken Additionally, the lack of urgency to do right by the thousands of Afghans who worked alongside Americans will forever be a source of shame for this administration. But as I said many times before, the withdrawal from Afghanistan was not the fault of the men and women in uniform. prgtoken In the days following September 11, 2001, the call to service was answered by thousands--thousands--of Americans who sought to defend the United States. These men and women left behind their families and careers to serve a greater good. I cannot think of anything more honorable than stepping up to defend our homeland from a threat that was, at the time, relatively unknown. prgtoken For most of our men and women in uniform, the Global War on Terrorism has been the primary mission of their entire careers. I run into people regularly who tell me about their service, and they saw what happened on 9/11 in New York City at Ground Zero. They saw what happened in the fields of Pennsylvania and what happened at the Pentagon. They decided it was their moment to step forward and defend and protect their Nation, to make sure that freedom and liberty remained the hallmark of who we are. And all of the sacrifices they and their families have made were in support of that effort and it was an effort they believed in and I certainly hope they still do. prgtoken Those who stepped forward to serve, eradicated vast networks of terrorists who wished to do America harm, making it absolutely clear that no one can harm Americans without our swift and certain retribution. They also brought Osama bin Laden to justice, destroyed the ISIS caliphate, and eliminated its founder. prgtoken In Afghanistan, our men and women serving in the military brought hope to a brutalized, war-torn country for the first time in decades. Incredibly, an entire generation in Afghanistan came to age knowing what it feels like to see freedom and to feel freedom. prgtoken Tragically, we saw Afghanistan quickly fall to the Taliban. It happened because of a haphazard and unorganized withdrawal process that has made our country and our world a
Nominations (Executive Calendar)
Mike Lee (Republican, UT) \u2014 2021-10-26

in recent years, particularly those on the other side of the aisle have called for, declared, and demanded that we rebuild what they call trust in government. While I believe that Americans must have a healthy distrust of the idea of government and any expansion of the necessarily limited powers of the Federal Government, that does not exempt government from the obligation of being trustworthy. That is why I find the position that so many of my colleagues across the aisle are taking to be so confusing: trust, but verify; trust your neighbor, count the cards. prgtoken People need information with which to analyze the faithfulness of government and to accept the facts as they deem appropriate. Now they claim that Americans must be forced, coerced, prodded, cajoled, threatened into making the government-approved medical decision. But heaven forbid if someone resists, objects due to moral or religious beliefs, or opts out of being vaccinated due to specific unique health concerns, she is derided and ignored, and--if the current Presidential administration has its way--forced out of her job. prgtoken All of this is supposed to build a safer and more trusting society? prgtoken This argument is totalitarian, and it is wrong. The United States is an open society, and the only way by which government can build trust with the American people is to earn it. The government will earn that trust only through transparency. prgtoken I have come to the Senate floor now nine times to oppose President 's immoral, unwise, and damaging vaccine mandate. I am committed to keep this going for as long as it takes to beat the mandate. I have introduced, now, a dozen bills to counteract, restrict, or limit the mandate. I do all this because I have heard from over 300 Utahans from one end of the State to the other, who are at risk of losing their livelihoods due to this aggressive government overreach. prgtoken Overreach of the government is staggering in here. It is an overreach the likes of which we haven't seen in this country in a long time; the likes of which we arguably haven't seen since April 8, 1952, when President Harry Truman seized every steel mill in America in order to support the Korean war effort. Fortunately, within a couple of months, the Supreme Court of the United States acted and invalidated that maneuver as unlawful, unconstitutional, which, of course, it was. prgtoken In this instance, that hasn't happened because, with respect to the OSHA mandate, the employer mandate--one saying all employers with more than 99 employees have to comply, have to fire people who aren't vaccinated--there is nothing there because the authority doesn't exist. But, in the meantime, corporate America is picking up the slack and doing the President's dirty work for him. prgtoken But it is a government overreach, and it is an overreach that is harming good people, people who are not enemies of the United States. No, they
HONORING TROOPER TED BENDA
Ashley Hinson (Republican, IA) \u2014 2021-10-26

. Madam , I rise today to honor the life and the passing of a hero with deep roots in the tight-knit community of Waukon, Iowa, Iowa State Patrol Trooper Ted Benda. prgtoken On October 14, Trooper Benda was on duty, answering the calls of citizens in northeast Iowa, when he experienced a tragic accident. He later passed from his injuries on October 20. prgtoken This is the devastating loss of a father, a husband, a son, a friend, a mentor, a dedicated public servant who made it his life's mission to keep his community safe in Iowa. prgtoken This tragedy is a reminder that brave law enforcement officers often sacrifice for a purpose greater than themselves. So I join all Iowans in mourning the loss of Trooper Benda, and my heart is with his family, his friends, and fellow troopers during this very difficult time.
NATIONAL DISABILITY EMPLOYMENT AWARENESS MONTH
Richard Burr (Republican, NC) \u2014 2021-10-26

October is National Disability Employment Awareness Month. I would like to take a moment to honor IFB Solutions, headquartered in my hometown of Winston-Salem, NC. IFB Solutions has been operating in North Carolina for over 85 years and over that time has provided employment to thousands of blind and visually impaired individuals. prgtoken Over their many decades of operation, IFB has helped fill the needs of the Federal Government with high quality products, delivered on time, and at a fair market value. prgtoken As we celebrate National Disability Employment Awareness month, I applaud IFB Solutions for their commitment to offering employment opportunities for the blind and visually impaired. It is my hope that more employers will understand the value of having a diverse workforce and follow suit.
RECOGNIZING DAYSPRING
John Boozman (Republican, AR) \u2014 2021-10-26

I rise today to offer my sincere congratulations to DaySpring on 50 years of sharing God's love through creativity and expression. prgtoken DaySpring, a Christian cards and e-cards, boxed cards, inspirational gifts, home decor, and art company, calls Siloam Springs, AR, home to its world headquarters. We are tremendously proud to host this faith- based industry in the Natural State and benefit from all the stirring and encouraging work it does. prgtoken The commitment and continued dedication DaySpring and its employees display in sharing their Christian faith through uplifting, inspirational, and prayerful formats is a testament to the role faith plays in their mission. In a time where deep divisions exist within our country, its hopeful messages are a powerful and effective reminder to choose kindness. The work it does brings Americans together and prompts us to recall that we are all created in God's image and loved by our Creator. I am so appreciative for its passion to spread God's love as well as the beauty and sincerity that characterizes the products it so thoughtfully creates to deliver that message. prgtoken We are very pleased to have witnessed what DaySpring has accomplished over the last five decades. Because of its hard, intentional work to reach people with God's word, I am certain more people are leading a life devoted to Christ. With a vision to ``see every person experience and express the life-changing message of God's love,'' the company has charted a path that has kept it focused, relevant, and undeniably impactful. prgtoken As Colossians 3:23 says, ``Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord.'' DaySpring's staff has certainly followed that admonition each and every day for 50 years. In the years ahead, I encourage them to continue inspiring us to look to our Heavenly Father, and to love and help one another along the way. prgtoken Americans, now more than ever, are in need of this hopeful and sincere message. I am confident the guidance and direction consistently provided by DaySpring will be instrumental as we continue teaching and sharing God's word in the years to come.
FAMILY VIOLENCE PREVENTION AND SERVICES IMPROVEMENT ACT OF 2021
Bob Good (Republican, VA) \u2014 2021-10-26

. Person , I rise today in strong opposition to H.R. 2119. prgtoken The other side of the aisle claims that this would help families, but instead, it would devastate them. The bill would coerce faith-based providers, as the gentlewoman from North Carolina has already said, to violate their deeply held beliefs or stop their work altogether. prgtoken This bill would redefine the definition of sex, and it inserts gender identity language into U.S. Code. Isn't that the objective of this administration, this majority, to force our faith-based providers out of business and to redefine sex and to change the identification of gender? prgtoken My colleagues on the other side claim they want to protect the family, but instead, they have chosen to attack the very bedrock of our country--the moral principles and the traditional family that hold our families and communities together. prgtoken In fact, nearly everything that plagues our society can be attributed to a failure to follow God's laws for morality and His rules for and definition of marriage and family. prgtoken The very name of this bill is steeped in irony--the Family Violence Prevention and Services Improvement Act--as it would truly inflict more violence on unborn babies' lives and force taxpayers to fund the murder of unborn life; again, consistent with the goals and objectives of this administration and this majority. prgtoken This would be a bad bill without its attack on the unborn. This would be a bad bill without its dangerous sexual orientation and gender identity provisions, or SOGI. This is a bad bill because it spends over a billion dollars more in expansive and intrusive government. Violence is already illegal. We s are against it in all forms. This is a matter for local and State law enforcement. prgtoken Madam , I urge my colleagues to vote against this bill, and I will be doing so.
SITUATION AT THE BORDER IS A COMPLETE AND TOTAL CRISIS
John H. Rutherford (Republican, FL) \u2014 2021-10-26

. Madam , I rise today to speak against the amnesty provisions included in the reconciliation bill. prgtoken The situation at the border is a complete and total crisis. Many folks look at what is happening there and they think it is incompetence by the - administration but, Madam , that is not true. Yes, there is a lot of incompetency in the - administration, but the southern border is not a failed policy. It is the policy. prgtoken The want illegal aliens to come to America as part of the socialist plan. In fact, the reconciliation bill is a plan that would give amnesty to over 8 million illegal aliens--over 8 million. There is no provision to actually secure the southern border or to fix the problem at the source. prgtoken This blanket amnesty for over 8 million illegal aliens rewards law- breakers, empowers cartels, and encourages more people to make a very dangerous journey to our border. Amnesty for over 8 million illegal aliens is an outrageous proposal and must be defeated. Congratulations to Fight Crime: Invest In Kids
HONORING THE LIFE OF DORIS WILZ
Mariannette Miller-Meeks (Republican, IA) \u2014 2021-10-26

. Madam , I rise today to honor the life of a mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, small business owner, and a dear friend to many in my hometown of Ottumwa. prgtoken On October 20, Doris Wilz passed away at the age of 93. Born and raised in Ottumwa, Doris was known by many as being the one who always went above and beyond for the betterment of the community. As a young widow, Doris met Karl Wilz, a small business owner and also recently widowed with four small children, the youngest of which was around three. They got married, and Doris went forward to help him conduct two small businesses in two towns 30 miles apart. prgtoken Whether it was through serving customers at one of the family's small businesses or volunteering at Ottumwa Regional Health Center, comforting patients and making cookies for the families at McCreery Cancer Center, Doris always loved to put a smile on the face of others. prgtoken But when asked what her greatest passion in life was, Doris would say her four children, 12 grandchildren, and seven great-grandchildren. prgtoken Doris' gentle smile, melodious laugh, and encouragement meant so much to so many and drew people to her, including myself, and I am honored she considered me a friend. prgtoken Madam , I thank Doris for contributing to our community, and I will keep her, her family, and her loved ones in my prayers.
HEAT YOUR HOME TAX
Stephanie I. Bice (Republican, OK) \u2014 2021-10-26

. Madam , I rise today to address the heat your home tax that are adding to the partisan reconciliation package during our country's crippling economic crisis. prgtoken Americans are paying the most for a gallon of gas in 7 years, and now the Federal Government is warning Americans that their home heating bills could cost 54 percent more this winter compared to last. prgtoken This harmful provision authorizes the EPA to assess a $1,500 tax per ton of methane emissions on energy producers, transmission, storage, processors, import and export, and pipelines. As a result, gas prices will continue to skyrocket, heating bills will increase up to $242 per year, and thousands of jobs could be eliminated in the economy. prgtoken Madam , Americans will physically feel the effects of ' senseless tax hike when choosing whether they can afford to heat their homes this winter. Instead of addressing our country's energy crisis at hand, are actively working to make it worse. prgtoken Madam , I urge my colleagues to consider these chilling effects and vote against the ' reckless reconciliation package.
FAMILY VIOLENCE PREVENTION AND SERVICES IMPROVEMENT ACT OF 2021
Virginia Foxx (Republican, NC) \u2014 2021-10-26

. Madam , the balance of my time. prgtoken Madam , this bill contains a number of provisions that are well-known poison pills for s. can't claim this is a bipartisan bill when it takes far-left positions on multiple social issues that are unrelated to FVPSA's purposes. prgtoken This bill was rejected on a party-line basis at a committee markup. ignored the long history of bipartisan reauthorizations and included poison pills and not moving forward. prgtoken The Senate was able to leave politics at the door, and there is no reason for the House not to do the same. prgtoken Madam , the majority of Americans oppose using their hard- earned money to pay for abortions. A Marist Poll conducted earlier this year showed that as many as 58 percent oppose using tax dollars to fund abortions. prgtoken We have repeatedly seen attack the lifesaving Hyde amendment. This, along with the removal of a longstanding prohibition on using FVPSA funding to reimburse for healthcare services, would risk forcing taxpayers to fund abortions under this program. prgtoken FVPSA dollars are meant to offer hope and healing to victims of domestic violence, not bring harm to innocent lives. prgtoken Madam , victims of domestic violence deserve access to the expertise and resources necessary to aid them in their time of crisis, free from political interference. The ' partisan proposal could harm the unborn and obstruct high-quality providers from offering services to domestic violence victims. prgtoken As I said before, FVPSA should not be an instrument for partisan policies, especially those that threaten religious liberties. prgtoken Committee s want to continue FVPSA's history of bipartisanship, yet have upended the previously bipartisan balance between prevention services and support for victims and children at the behest of special interest groups. This is shameful. prgtoken I encourage my colleagues to vote ``no'' on H.R. 2119, and .
TRIBUTE TO JUSTIN MITCHELL
Rand Paul (Republican, KY) \u2014 2021-10-26

we are all indebted to the special teachers we encountered during our formal education: those who made a subject come alive for us--perhaps for the very first time--and sparked a lifelong interest in a subject or in a field of study. Today, I want to recognize a Kentucky teacher who is doing just that: bringing history and civics education to life for students at Franklin-Simpson Middle School in Franklin, KY. prgtoken How many students are truly interested in history and civics in the seventh or eighth grade? But motivating his students to move beyond memorizing facts and dates is exactly what Justin Mitchell is known for. Ask his colleagues--or visit his social media sites--and you will find that he is wildly creative in his mission to make social studies education interesting, challenging, and relevant. prgtoken Justin Mitchell earned degrees in social studies and history at Western Kentucky University--in my hometown of Bowling Green--and is now a doctoral candidate there. He is a McConnell scholar who regularly participates in the McConnell Center's Civics Education Program, and he deploys his leadership skills outside of the classroom by mentoring students at his church. prgtoken While his fellow teachers, students, and their families have known for years that Justin is an exceptional teacher, this year, he was recognized by the Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History as Kentucky's History Teacher of the Year. I am pleased to congratulate Justin on this accomplishment, to thank him for the impact that he is making on his students, and to create this permanent tribute to him in the Congressional Record of the U.S. Senate.
CONGRATULATING BROOKE CHILDERS
Earl L. "Buddy" Carter (Republican, GA) \u2014 2021-10-26

I rise today to recognize the Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport for being awarded the number one airport in the country by 2021 Conde Nast Traveler Readers' Choice Awards. prgtoken More than 800,000 readers rated the Savannah airport as the number one destination that they cannot wait to return to. prgtoken Since opening their doors in 1929, the Savannah airport has helped shape the Savannah community into a world-renowned travel destination. prgtoken This distinguished award highlights the airport's exemplary customer service and dedication to safety and security. prgtoken Providing the Savannah community with countless jobs and tremendous service, Savannah's airport has contributed immensely to the economic success of Georgia's First Congressional District. prgtoken Much like the readers of Conde Nast Traveler, I believe the southern charm of Savannah's airport makes it a truly unforgettable experience. prgtoken I look forward to the continued success of the Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport.