mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
RECOGNIZING BELLE HALL ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
Nancy Mace (Republican, SC) \u2014 2021-10-26

. Madam , I rise today to thank Truist Bank and Trident Technical College for working together to create a new CDL training program this summer in north Charleston. prgtoken There is an acute need for truck drivers right now, particularly given the supply chain shortages and the issues we are seeing across the country from COVID-19. prgtoken This CDL program will enable students to obtain their certificate in as short as 9 weeks. Trident Technical College will have day and evening sessions for students, and these programs will start about every 3 weeks. I have heard there is already a wait list for the program, and I couldn't be happier to hear it. prgtoken I commend Truist Transportation and Logistics Center and Trident Technical College and Mary Thornely for their collaborative effort to fill a much-needed void and gap in our supply chains and for bringing the Lowcountry to the forefront of innovation and problem solving in the private sector during COVID-19. Breast Cancer Awareness Month
ADDITIONAL STATEMENTS
Marsha Blackburn (Republican, TN) \u2014 2021-10-26

I think I speak for all Tennesseans when I confess that, during the COVID-19 pandemic lockdowns, I craved the comfort of familiarity. I laid newer books and albums aside in favor of well-worn classics so close to my heart that they, in and of themselves, were cherished memories. We lost so much during that lonely time, but through it all, at least one thing remained constant. prgtoken Every Saturday night, when I tuned my radio to 650 AM WSM, I heard the fiddles and steel guitars that have welcomed music lovers into the Grand Ol' Opry's circle of friends for the past 95 years. prgtoken On October 30, 2021, the Grand Ol' Opry will celebrate its historic 5000th Saturday night broadcast. As most country music lovers will tell you, Saturday at the Opry is more than just an ``experience;'' it is the foundation of the format's legacy and the endgame for those who come to Nashville, TN, seeking their place within the ranks of country music's legends. The Saturday broadcast has been on the airwaves longer than any other broadcast program of any medium anywhere in the world. It thrived through its expansion from radio to television and then to digital streaming platforms. It has survived the Great Depression, World War II, multiple global conflicts, civil unrest, devastating natural disasters, and, now, a once-in-a-lifetime global pandemic. prgtoken For 7 months during the spring, summer, and fall of 2020, while life outside the Grand Ol' Opry House ground to a halt, a dedicated skeleton crew of producers, stagehands, and performers came together to create a socially distanced broadcast that was just as welcoming and heartfelt as anything a live audience would expect to see. Today, thankfully, the fans are back in their seats, and those who don't make the pilgrimage to Music City tune in from home with a newfound appreciation for the gift of live music. prgtoken It is my privilege to memorialize the Opry's ongoing commitment to artistry and entertainment and to honor every single person who worked so hard, against such odds, to bring country music into our homes when we could not seek it out for ourselves. On behalf of the entire Tennessee congressional delegation, I thank you for helping us maintain our bond with the past, our hope for the future, and our belief in the power of music to comfort and inspire when all else seems lost.
CONFIDENTIALITY OPPORTUNITIES FOR PEER SUPPORT COUNSELING ACT
Guy Reschenthaler (Republican, PA) \u2014 2021-10-27

I want to thank my good friend and colleague, Congressman Bentz, for yielding me the time. prgtoken , I am very proud to speak in support of the COPS Counseling Act. It is a piece of bipartisan legislation that I introduced with my good friend, David Trone from Maryland. Congressman Trone has been an incredible partner. I am really grateful for all of his hard work, and as everybody in this body knows, no one works harder than David Trone when he is pushing a bill. It is quite amazing to see and watch. prgtoken , every day, our Nation's law enforcement officers put their own lives at risk to keep us safe. That service does not come without sacrifice. prgtoken Last year, 178 current or Active-Duty law enforcement officers died by suicide. Just this year, 121 officers have already taken their own lives. prgtoken S. 1502 seeks to alleviate the stressors law enforcement experiences by establishing clear confidentiality standards for peer-to-peer counseling. prgtoken A Fraternal Order of Police survey showed that 73 percent of surveyed officers found peer-to-peer support counseling to be the most helpful mental health resource offered by police departments. Unfortunately, an officer's peer support communications can be discoverable on public record; it can be used in court proceedings; and worse, it can even impact and affect their employment. prgtoken By creating clear standards for confidentiality, the COPS Counseling Act would provide officers with peace of mind that their privacy is protected when they seek peer support services. prgtoken This legislation also encourages State and local first responder agencies to adopt peer counseling programs so more officers can take advantage of this important mental health resource. prgtoken , I urge my colleagues to support our Nation's law enforcement officers by voting for this legislation.
TRIBUTE TO DANIEL HUTCHINSON
Steve Daines (Republican, MT) \u2014 2021-10-27

today I have the distinct honor of recognizing Daniel Hutchinson of Roosevelt County as Montanan of the Month for his acts of heroism and leadership following the tragic Amtrak derailment that occurred in Joplin, MT, last month. prgtoken Daniel and his son Joshua were two of the 141 passengers on board the Empire Builder train headed to Seattle on September 25, 2021. That afternoon, tragedy struck. The train derailed in rural Montana between Joplin and Chester. After the crash, Daniel didn't hesitate to jump into action and help fellow passengers aboard the train. prgtoken His years of military training prepared him to act swiftly and selflessly to identify injured passengers and help others off the train. Daniel immediately took control of the situation, making his way through the train and calling out to locate trapped or injured passengers. prgtoken After the accident, Daniel stated that he said a prayer thanking the Lord for putting him in the right place at the right time. He did everything he could to get others out of harm's way, and I believe the passengers Daniel helped are also saying a prayer of thanks for his heroic actions. prgtoken His kindness and leadership extend far beyond that fateful day. Daniel's son, Joshua, describes him as a good neighbor, an avid outdoorsman, and an advocate for veterans. Joshua says his dad is a true Montanan in every sense of the word, and I couldn't agree more. prgtoken It is my honor to recognize Daniel for his quick and decisive actions on the day of that horrific accident and for his everyday acts of service that make Montana a better place.
CONTINUED STATE FLEXIBILITY TO ASSIST OLDER FOSTER YOUTH
Don Bacon (Republican, NE) \u2014 2021-10-27

I appreciate my colleagues from Indiana and Illinois. prgtoken , I rise today in support of H.R. 5661, the Continued State Flexibility To Assist Older Foster Youth Act. prgtoken We can all agree that our children and youth have suffered tremendously during this pandemic. Foster youth prgtoken that aged out of the system are hurting and feel forgotten. We can come together to support these youth through continuing States' flexibility with the Chafee funds to assist older foster youth. prgtoken The act will allow the emergency Chafee funds flexibilities that we implemented during the pandemic to continue through fiscal year 2022. It will give youth the option to reenter foster care that aged out during the pandemic, remove the living expenses cap, and expand the educational training funds to assist them. prgtoken We hear more and more from youth that need our help. As a foster-to- adopt parent, I know that our foster youth need our help, and we need to make sure that we hold to our responsibility to fully support them during this crisis. Young adults who have aged out of foster care are the number one risk for homelessness in that age group. prgtoken , we have the opportunity here to make a difference.
Biden Administration (Executive Calendar)
Deb Fischer (Republican, NE) \u2014 2021-10-27

I rise to discuss where things stand after 9 months under President . prgtoken To start, American citizens are still left behind enemy lines in Afghanistan, even though the President said in August that he would get every single American home safe before pulling out our troops. prgtoken And the numbers are much worse than the administration has led us to believe. As of this week, the State Department is in touch with more than 400 Americans who are still in Afghanistan. About half of those-- at least 196 American citizens--want to leave, but they have been unable to do so. prgtoken Leaving even one American citizen who wants to come home at the mercy of the Taliban is a failure in leadership. It should never have been an option. But it has been 2 months, and there are still 196 Americans in Afghanistan who want out. That is unconscionable. prgtoken President should have done what was needed to bring every last American home, like he promised he would do in August. That is his No. 1 responsibility as President, to ensure the safety of the American people. prgtoken But maybe we shouldn't be surprised, since he hasn't been able to secure our own border. In fact, he doesn't even try to secure our southern border. prgtoken Customs and Border Protection reported recently that they apprehended more than 1.7 million migrants attempting to cross our southern border illegally over the span of just 12 months. That is the highest total ever recorded in a single fiscal year. And if border agents encountered 1.7 illegal migrants, imagine how many were able to cross into our country undetected. prgtoken CBP encountered nearly 200,000 illegal migrants last month alone, meaning that apprehensions were up by more than 230 percent in September 2021 compared to September of 2020. prgtoken If you want to know why we have this crisis at the border, ask the migrants themselves. Many have been very honest about why they risk their lives to travel thousands of miles to the United States. If you ask them why--ask them why they are here--their answer is simple: The President promised to let us in. prgtoken We are a nation of immigrants, but we cannot have effective legal immigration if illegal immigration is spiraling out of control. prgtoken Illegal immigration means cutting in front of millions of people who have been waiting years to come to the United States the right way. Our message as a nation needs to be that if you want to come here, you have to follow our laws. You cannot just walk across the border. prgtoken President said it well a few weeks ago in an interview on ABC News. He said: And we see tragedy and hardship and families that are desperately trying to get here so that their kids are safe, and they're in some cases fleeing violence or catastrophe. At the same time, we're a nation state. We have borders. The idea that we can just have open borders is something that . .
TRIBUTE TO THE OAK RIDGE 85, THE CLINTON 12, AND REVEREND PAUL TURNER
Marsha Blackburn (Republican, TN) \u2014 2021-10-27

it is my privilege to honor an esteemed group of Americans for their courageous stand against the horrors of segregation. prgtoken It has been said that those about to make history can't possibly comprehend the impact their actions will have on the world; but I think that in this case, the opposite was true. The heroes I honor today weren't fighting to cross a threshold, but for something far more fundamental: the dignity and freedom granted by our Lord God to all men, women, and children. It was a moment of hope and profound consequence that rippled across the country and embraced the potential of future generations. prgtoken On behalf of the entire Tennessee congressional delegation, I would like to thank the following Tennesseans for their tremendous contribution to the fight against hatred: Jo Ann Crozier Allen Boyce, Bobby Cain, Anna Theresser Caswell, Ronald Gordon ``Poochie'' Hayden, Minnie Ann Dickie Jones, William R. Latham, Alvah Jay McSwain, Regina Turner Smith, Maurice Soles, Robert Thacker, Gail Ann Epps Upton, and Alfred Williams, who comprise the ``Clinton 12''; Dr. Ahmed Alhamisi (Lawrence Graham), Rufus Graham, L.C. Gipson, Emma McCaskill, Ernestine Avery, Margaret Strickland Guinn, Eugene Hawkins, Mary Mahone Bohanon, Ethel Davidson Sykes, Monroe Jones, Leroy Justice, Maxine Officer, Alma McKinney Stevens, Archie Lee, Dorothy Kirk Lewis, Eloise Mitchell, Edward Lewis Threat, Charles Walker, Shirley Hawkins Lawrence, Barbara Jean Sims Thomas, Jessie McClanahan, Webster Jackson, John D. Ghosten, Jr Evindies Copeland, Mattie L. Scales, and Joe West, Jr who comprise the living membership of the ``Oak Ridge 85''; and the late Reverend Paul Turner, whose bravery and defiance on December 4, 1956, advanced the cause of integration on behalf of countless generations of young Black Americans. prgtoken I pray the American people will hold close the example set by these freedom fighters. I thank them for their bravery, their sacrifice, and above all their belief that love can overcome irredeemable evil, if only we have the courage to welcome it in.
CLOTURE MOTION
John Barrasso (Republican, WY) \u2014 2021-10-27

first, let me commend my colleague, the former Governor of North Dakota and now the senior Senator from North Dakota, for his very thoughtful comments with which I agree. prgtoken I come to the floor today, as well, to talk about energy prices, which we know are spiking all across the country. As the President is soaring off to a climate conference in Scotland, energy prices are soaring here at home. prgtoken This year alone, we have seen energy costs spiking for families all across this country. Energy prices have gone up not just a little; they have gone up a lot. The cost of filling your tank with gas is up about $1 a gallon today as compared to the day that was sworn into office. As a result, my constituents in Wyoming are paying about $25 to $30 more per tank every time they fill up--every time they go to the pump--than they would have done in January, when was sworn in. prgtoken It is not just gasoline prices that are up in our cars and trucks; it is natural gas prices that are way up--a 7-year high for gas at the pump and a 7-year high for natural gas. And all of these things are impacting people, especially as winter is coming. People use natural gas to heat their homes and cool their homes, and they use natural gas to cook. prgtoken Well, you know, it really shouldn't be this way wherein we see these skyrocketing prices because, in America, we have the largest energy resources in the world. Many of them are in my home State of Wyoming. prgtoken Under the last Presidential administration, America became the largest producer of oil and natural gas in the world, yet, in what we saw on the first day of his administration, President declared war on American energy, on energy produced here at home in America. prgtoken On that very first day in office, he killed the Keystone XL Pipeline. That action immediately ended the jobs of thousands of individuals at the height of a pandemic. prgtoken President didn't stop there. He went further when he shut down the exploration of oil and gas in the Arctic. He banned oil and gas leasing on Federal lands and in Federal waters. It was ruled illegal, and he did it anyway. prgtoken President 's radical, anti-American energy agenda is hurting our economy, and people in every State of the Union are paying the price and feeling the pain today. They are feeling it with higher energy bills. Anytime they pay an energy bill, they are paying more. prgtoken So what do the want to do about this? prgtoken Well, it is pretty obvious they want to make it worse. Nancy Pelosi and Chuck Schumer are pushing a $3.5 trillion reckless tax-and-spending spree. prgtoken Last month, in the Energy Committee, of which I am the ranking member, one Commissioner of the FERC--the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission--had something to say about this $3.5 trillion spending bill. He said it would be like an ``H bomb''--an ``H bomb''--on America's
PRESIDENT BIDEN MUST ACT TO AVERT AN IMPENDING ENERGY CRISIS
John W. Rose (Republican, TN) \u2014 2021-10-27

this fall along with the cooler temperatures that autumn always brings, Tennesseans and Americans all across the country will be subjected to record-breaking prices to heat our homes. prgtoken Under the administration, costs for natural gas, the most common resource for heating our homes, has skyrocketed. prgtoken With inflation at a 30-year high, families are already stretched thin as they pay more at the grocery store and at the gas pump, but it doesn't stop there. prgtoken Families are now expected to pay more in energy costs to heat their homes; as much as 54 percent for some households for the fall and winter months. prgtoken Rather than confronting this burgeoning energy crisis before it is too late, President and are proposing disastrous energy policies that are bad for the economy, bad for the national security, and bad for Americans. prgtoken Included in their more than $5 trillion social spending agenda is a natural gas tax and bans on domestic energy and mineral production, which will cause us to obtain these vital resources from OPEC, Russia, and even China. prgtoken As continued to push their tax-and-spend agenda, it is middle- and low-income families who will be hit the hardest by far left energy policies. prgtoken President must act now to avert this impending energy crisis.
EXECUTIVES SESSION
Roger Marshall (Republican, KS) \u2014 2021-10-27

EcoHealth Alliance received hundreds of millions of dollars in taxpayer grants and contracts, including $65 million from USAID. This company and their research may well hold in their hands the smoking gun to getting to the bottom of COVID's origins, and millions of families who lost loved ones deserve closure. prgtoken Any Federal Agency that has given them money must be transparent and provide Congress all information on what EcoHealth used that money for. We asked for this information months ago. USAID has failed to do so, and that is why I am here to object to these two unanimous consent requests. prgtoken Therefore, I object.
CLOTURE MOTION
John Hoeven (Republican, ND) \u2014 2021-10-27

I am pleased to be here and follow my good friend, the Senator from the great State of Alaska, a State that produces an incredible amount of energy, as does my State of North Dakota. prgtoken And, of course, we are here to talk about how this administration's policies are harming America's energy producers and leading to skyrocketing energy prices. prgtoken Americans are paying more for energy, whether it is at the gas pump or their monthly utility bills. This week, the average price of a gallon of gasoline in my home State of North Dakota is $3.19. That is up from $2.27 in January. That is an increase of almost a dollar--about a 50-percent increase. Every consumer pays that when they pull up to the pump. Of course, that hits low-income people disproportionately. prgtoken North Dakotans are also facing higher home heating costs for this winter with the price of natural gas having almost tripled. Same thing: think about hard-working men and women who now are paying that higher utility bill as a result of these policies. Higher energy prices drive up the costs of everything we consume, and lower-income Americans, as I say, are disproportionately impacted when a larger share of their paycheck must go towards covering higher energy costs. prgtoken Last week, the President blamed OPEC for higher gas prices. prgtoken Why is our country a global energy powerhouse in this situation? prgtoken Just a decade ago, North Dakotans helped crack the code on domestic energy production in the Bakken, helping the United States become the world's largest oil and gas producer. We unleashed the potential of our abundant energy reserves and, as a result, our country became a net exporter of energy in 2019. prgtoken Americans benefited from our energy independence through record low energy prices, as well as strengthen economic and national security. Energy security is national security, yet, since January, President has been saying ``no'' to America's energy producers. prgtoken The President is blocking new energy leases on Federal lands, stifling the opportunity to harness our abundant taxpayer-owned energy reserves. The President also killed the Keystone XL Pipeline and is actively discouraging needed private-sector investment in new oil, gas, and coal production. prgtoken Yet this administration allowed completion of Russia's Nord Stream 2 Pipeline, which, of course, moves gas from Putin's Russia into Germany and Europe. And instead of supporting our own domestic energy workforce, the administration is asking Russia, Saudi Arabia, and the OPEC nations to pump more oil. prgtoken Why on Earth are we asking foreign countries with less stringent environmental practices to produce more energy when our own domestic producers are ready and willing to answer the call? prgtoken Despite this administration's failed policy and corresponding higher energy costs, the President and are doubling down on their Gree
Over-the-Counter Hearing Aids (Executive Calendar)
Chuck Grassley (Republican, IA) \u2014 2021-10-27

I hear from Iowans all the time about the high cost of hearing aids. The $5,000 or $6,000 or even $10,000 costs are often shocking for seniors who are on fixed incomes. prgtoken Thirty-eight million Americans, and, obviously, most of the time adults, have hearing loss. Hearing loss makes it harder to work, harder to socialize, and then easier to become isolated. prgtoken In 2016, I began a bipartisan effort with ic Senator Warren of Massachusetts to allow consumers to purchase over-the-counter hearing aids. If you can buy nonprescription reading glasses over the counter, it makes very good sense that you should be able to buy basic, safe hearing aids as well. prgtoken When Senator Warren and I began our efforts, our goal was simple: By making more products more easily available to consumers, this competition will increase and then lead to lower costs. prgtoken Despite every special interest, we passed in 2017 a bill that is entitled the ``Over-the-Counter Hearing Aid Act.'' Last week, the FDA, just now, released proposed regulations for over-the-counter hearing aids. This is very welcomed news, but it took the FDA bureaucracy more than 3 years to draft regulations. prgtoken Senator Warren and I pressed both the administration and now the administration to take action, get these regulations out so we can get these over-the-counter hearing aids on the market. I am glad that the FDA finally did its job. prgtoken Now the same Iowans who told me about the high cost of hearing aids can comment on the draft regulations. So everybody who wants to make such comments has until January 18 of next year to make comments on the draft regulations. prgtoken As long as the FDA bureaucracy acts--and I hope they will be listening--I expect Iowans can purchase over-the-counter hearing aids sometime in early 2022. prgtoken This is good news for Iowans and for Americans, generally. prgtoken .