mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
LEGISLATIVE SESSION
Debbie Stabenow (Democrat, MI) \u2014 2022-3-10

across America, our schools are open and our children are back in the classroom, and that is great news for everyone. prgtoken Unfortunately, providing our children healthy food has been a real challenge for schools thanks to supply chain challenges that are happening in many places and almost in every State. prgtoken This chart shows the supply chain disruptions across the country, with the red being almost 100 percent of the schools having supply chain challenges and disruptions. prgtoken Over 90 percent of the schools in the majority of the country are having challenges just buying the food they need for the children. That is why, during the pandemic, Congress made sure schools and meal providers had flexibility to continue to feed hungry children. prgtoken Ninety percent of our schools, from rural Alaska to downtown Louisville, are still relying on these flexibilities to keep their children fed. Extending these bipartisan tools in the omnibus package is essential to helping schools ease back into regular operations for our children. prgtoken Nutrition operations at schools are working hard. They are working as hard as they can to get back to normal, but it takes time, and the waivers help. When basic staples like chicken and whole grains cost double, waivers help schools in Caribou, MN, for instance, keep feeding kids. When supply chain limits available food options like ground beef or fruit, schools in Bismarck, ND, for instance, can use substitutions to put together healthy lunches. prgtoken Hunger doesn't go away just because school is out. Thanks to these waivers, communities from Michigan, to Kentucky, to Utah were able to feed more children over the summer, particularly in rural communities. prgtoken If schools or meal providers are unable to serve meals because of ongoing challenges, that hurts all of our children. Over 2,000 groups, from the School Nutrition Association, to Feeding America, to local school boards and superintendents and administrators, have all called on Congress to do what is right and extend these waivers. prgtoken , I ask unanimous consent to have these letters printed in the Record.
UKRAINE
Jacky Rosen (Democrat, NV) \u2014 2022-3-10

for weeks, the United States and the world have witnessed the horrors that are unfolding in Ukraine, the result of Russia's unprovoked and unjust attacks on a sovereign nation and its people. Innocent men, women, and children have lost their lives. Homes have been destroyed, neighborhoods and businesses obliterated. Families and communities have been torn apart, some never to be reunited again. prgtoken Let's be clear: The blame for this chaos and devastation falls directly on the shoulders of one tyrant--one tyrant--Vladimir Putin. And no amount of hollow justifications, false equivocations, false flag operations, or outright propaganda will change that. prgtoken Putin, you are responsible. Putin, you will not prevail. Justice is coming--coming for you and coming for your cronies. prgtoken And as appalling as the stories and videos of Russia's brutality have been, we have also seen incredible acts of heroism, kindness, and patriotism from Ukrainian leaders, the military, and, well, everyday citizens. The people of Ukraine have inspired the entire world with their resilience, with their courage, and with their determination to live in a free and democratic country. prgtoken This past week, I joined my colleagues in a call with President Zelenskyy, and I will say now what we said to him then. We are with you. And the people from Nevada, we are with you too. prgtoken From north to south, Nevadans have come together to voice their support for the Ukrainian people and their opposition to Russia's aggression and brutality. Nevadans agree that we can't sit idly by as Putin continues to terrorize--terrorize--the Ukrainian people. The horrific images that the world has seen, they require action. They require action. We cannot sit idly by and do nothing. prgtoken Here in Congress, we are working to give Ukraine more security assistance and to hold Putin accountable by crippling Russia's economy. And I call on every Senator in this body to vote yes on the omnibus package, which includes nearly $14 billion to aid Ukraine's fight against Putin's forces and to support the Ukrainian people. This bipartisan legislation builds on the work that Congress and the administration have been doing over the past several weeks to confront Vladimir Putin head-on. prgtoken I applaud the administration for so forcefully bringing together an international coalition of partners, a coalition that stands behind Ukraine's cause: the cause for freedom. But we must do more. We must do more to support Ukraine, to devastate Russia's economy, and to stop Putin's violent attacks. prgtoken President Zelenskyy made it clear in our call just this past weekend that Ukraine urgently needs fighter jets to defend itself. Let's heed his call and work closely together with our European partners that have these jets to provide Ukraine with the aircraft they desperately need and to find ways to compensate or backfill our allies' supplies. <|p
EB-5 REFORM AND INTEGRITY ACT OF 2022
Patty Murray (Democrat, WA) \u2014 2022-3-10

we have had this debate before many, many times. prgtoken Vaccines are safe; they are effective; and they are lifesaving. Because of our ability to get safe and effective vaccines out to Americans, nearly 100 percent of our schools are open again. More than 90 percent of people are in communities with low or medium levels of COVID, and people are finally getting back to a sense of normal in their everyday lives. Vaccines have helped to make that happen. prgtoken Here we are once again. It is hard to believe this isn't the first or even the second time that a few Senate s have decided they want to risk a damaging government shutdown in order to oppose steps that save lives. I hope, for the sake of the people of this country, it is the last time this happens. prgtoken There are problems real families want us to solve. They want us to bring down costs with steps like the have proposed. They want us to stand up for democracy and the people of Ukraine, who are facing a war and a humanitarian crisis. They want us to learn from this pandemic so we are better prepared for whatever is next. I am going to focus on finding steps that we can actually take to help families, and I believe that is what most of us want too. prgtoken I urge my colleagues to vote against this amendment, which risks derailing this important bipartisan bill, delaying needed aid to Ukraine, and causing a dangerous government shutdown.
POSTAL SERVICE REFORM ACT
Gary C. Peters (Democrat, MI) \u2014 2022-3-10

on Tuesday night, the Senate took a significant and historic vote to strengthen one of our Nation's oldest and most trusted institutions--the U.S. Postal Service. prgtoken For the past 15 years, this vital service that delivers to every single community in our country, no matter how remote, has faced unfair, burdensome requirements that have jeopardized its financial stability and its ability to provide reliable and timely delivery to Americans all across our country. prgtoken With 79 votes for the Postal Service Reform Act--one of the strongest bipartisan votes the Senate has delivered during this Congress--we passed significant reforms that will set the Postal Service on a more stable financial footing, preserve mail delivery for 6 days a week, and ensure greater transparency of delivery performance for the people who are counting on the Postal Service to bring them critical mail. prgtoken When our Nation's Founders enshrined the Postal Service in our Constitution, they could have never envisioned what a vital role this institution would play in the daily lives of Americans. Whether it is families who are receiving critical medications or connecting with loved ones, veterans and seniors who are relying on the mail for benefits and Social Security checks, or small businesses that are sending important financial documents and their products to customers, Americans are counting on the Postal Service to deliver. Over the past few years--especially during COVID-19--we have seen just how essential the Postal Service is to keeping our country connected. prgtoken The legislation that we passed earlier this week with overwhelming bipartisan support will help ensure that the Postal Service can continue its vital mission, and I am looking forward to seeing President sign it into law. prgtoken I am proud of our bipartisan efforts to protect this vital public service, and I would like to take just a few moments to thank the many people who made this possible. prgtoken First, I want to recognize my Senate colleague on this effort, Senator Rob Portman, who is the ranking member of the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee. prgtoken I am also grateful to Chairwoman Maloney and Ranking Member Comer on the House Committee on Oversight and Reform, who worked with me hand in hand, as well as with Senator Portman, to write and to build key support for this legislation. prgtoken Senator Carper, who is a former chairman of Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs and a stalwart advocate for the Postal Service, was an absolutely indispensable resource, a critical voice, and we worked together to advance this bill. prgtoken I would also like to recognize each of our Senate cosponsors: Senators Tillis, Sinema, and Burr, Chairman Wyden of the Senate Finance Committee, Senators Collins, Hassan, Daines, Rosen, Capito, Padilla, Sullivan, Manchin, Hawley, Schatz, Blunt, Rounds, Smith, Cramer, Reed, Murk
EB-5 REFORM AND INTEGRITY ACT OF 2022
Brian Schatz (Democrat, HI) \u2014 2022-3-10

I respect my colleagues' desires to take care of the people and the needs of their State, and I agree there is a need--not just in this State but for a number of States that have been impacted by disasters in recent years. prgtoken We must pass a disaster supplemental to provide funding for States fairly and based on need. We wish that the supplemental were in this bill, but it was not agreed to by s in the House and the Senate. Looking ahead, we ought to pass a bill to provide $2 billion and permanently authorize the CDBG-DR program. prgtoken As for pay-fors--this is an important point--the spectrum sale funds that my colleagues suggested as a pay-for are already spoken for. That has already been used as a pay-for in previous bills, so we can't double count; and so, unfortunately, I urge my colleagues to vote no. Thank you.
STATE OPIOID RESPONSE GRANT FUNDING
Margaret Wood Hassan (Democrat, NH) \u2014 2022-3-10

I do. The fiscal year 2021 joint explanatory statement accompanying the omnibus appropriations bill directed the Secretary to avoid significant funding cliffs between States with similar opioid mortality rates. For fiscal year 2022, the joint explanatory statement ``notes that large swings in funding between grant cycles can pose a significant challenge for States seeking to maintain programs that were instrumental in reducing drug overdose fatalities'' and directs the Assistant Secretary to award funds in a manner that avoids funding cliffs.
EB-5 REFORM AND INTEGRITY ACT OF 2022
Charles E. Schumer (Democrat, NY) \u2014 2022-3-10

before I do all of these things, let me just thank Senator Leahy, who was so diligent and so relentless from 3, 4, 5 months ago in warning our caucus of the dangers--of the very real dangers--of a CR, which wouldn't have been able to move the government forward. His hard work, his diligence, and his dedication has been amazing. prgtoken I join him in thanking the great staffs of the Appropriations Committee, who are second to none, as well as my staff, who worked very hard with them. Meghan Taira is another person of whom I might be able to say it wouldn't have happened without her. prgtoken It is a very good night for this country, a good bipartisan night, and I thank our Senator from Vermont--and our President pro tempore, of course. (Laughter.)
UNANIMOUS CONSENT REQUEST--S. 3811
Jon Tester (Democrat, MT) \u2014 2022-3-10

I want to reserve the right to object. prgtoken I have been listening to the arguments that are made here. Let's get to the facts. prgtoken The fact is, if we split this Ukrainian funding now, it is not going to get there quicker; it is going to get there slower. prgtoken The bottom line is, if you want to help the Ukrainian people out--and I believe the speakers want to help the Ukrainian people out--then pass the omnibus bill that is in front of us. prgtoken The Senator from Florida is proposing just to pass one portion of this omnibus appropriations bill, and that is the $13.5 billion in aid to Ukraine. prgtoken I want to be very, very clear on what this move would mean. If we don't pass the rest of the omnibus, the Pentagon is going to shut down at midnight on Friday. OK? prgtoken Now, all our eyes are on Ukraine, and they well should be, but don't forget for a second that China is a pacing threat to this world. We are going to shut the Pentagon down on Friday? I don't think that is a smart move. prgtoken Eleven days ago, all the Senators in this body had the opportunity to go to a classified briefing led by Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin. I asked him what he needed from Congress to respond to the Russian aggression. Do you know what he said? He said: We need a full-year appropriations bill. That is what we have in front of us today. prgtoken And yet, the Senator from Florida is effectively proposing to give the military less than 1 percent of what the Secretary of Defense says he needs to respond to threats around the world. That is $6.5 billion out of $744 billion. prgtoken And for the folks who say this $1.5 trillion package is a boondoggle, well, let me tell you, then you should stand up and say half of this bill is a boondoggle because half of it goes into defense to protect this country, to make the world a safer place. prgtoken I really don't understand what the Senator from Florida is trying to accomplish, but I want no part of it. prgtoken Congress should have passed this budget to cover the military needs and cover this country's needs over 6 months ago. prgtoken Passing a bill to cover 1 percent of our troops' funding needs is, once again, kicking the can down the road. It is 110 percent unacceptable to me and to every American who expects their government to keep them safe at home and around the world. prgtoken This is really, really, really a bad idea, and we should quit wasting time on these kinds of ideas and get to the point of voting on this omnibus bill, getting it out so that we can deal with the Ukraine situation. prgtoken And by the way, in the Defense bill, over and above the $13.5 billion, there is another $300 million for Ukraine. So it is time to get this ball rolling. It is time to get this bill passed in the U.S. Senate. prgtoken Quit dilly-dallying around. Let's get `er done. There is too much on the line today to keep fooling around. prgtoken I object. prgtoken I yield the fl
VOTE EXPLANATION
Raphael G. Warnock (Democrat, GA) \u2014 2022-3-10

I have a profound reverence for life and an abiding respect for choice. I believe a patient's room is too small a place for a patient, her doctor, and the Federal Government. Healthcare decisions should be made by a patient in consultation with their doctor. It is important to me that every person, no matter race, gender, creed, or socioeconomic status, has access to affordable healthcare. This includes family planning and reproductive services. Regretfully, I was unable to cast my vote on the motion to invoke cloture on the motion to proceed to Calendar No. 139, H.R. 3755, Women's Health Protection Act, on February 28, 2022. Had I been present, however, I would have proudly voted yes to invoke cloture on the motion to proceed to H.R. 3755.
STATE OPIOID RESPONSE GRANT FUNDING
Patrick J. Leahy (Democrat, VT) \u2014 2022-3-10

the State Opioid Response grant program has been critically important to communities that have been affected by the ongoing opioid epidemic. prgtoken Rates of substance use disorders have grown exponentially, particularly during the pandemic, taking lives across the country, and opioids are the main driver of drug overdose deaths. Congress developed the State Opioid Response grant program to enhance our response to the opioid epidemic. As a result of this funding, States have been able to expand access to lifesaving prevention, treatment, and recovery services to frontline communities prgtoken I know this funding has been important to Vermont in addressing the opioid crisis, and I ask the senior Senator from Washington if this has been her experience with the program as well.
ABORTION
Mazie K. Hirono (Democrat, HI) \u2014 2022-3-10

let me move onto why I am here this afternoon. It is not an exaggeration to say that we are at a crisis point. legislatures all across the country are continuing to pass bills that control our bodies and, at the same time, Supreme Court nominees are closer than ever to overturning Roe v. Wade. prgtoken There are 26 States across the country that are likely, if not certain, to ban abortion if the Supreme Court overturns Roe v. Wade. There is no question that these restrictions that have been enacted by States all across the country have an incredibly discriminatory impact and will disproportionately harm those who are already facing far more obstacles when it comes to accessing healthcare, including women of color, women with low incomes, people with disabilities, LGBTQ+ individuals, rural women, and many more. prgtoken For over 50 years, Roe v. Wade enabled women to make the decision about whether or not they wanted to prgtoken start a family. But, today, because of new abortion care restrictions, 90 percent of counties in the United States do not have an abortion provider. Women are faced with impossible decisions and, as a result, will be forced to have babies they can't afford, didn't plan for, or are unable to care for, or faced to have babies under life-threatening conditions. And, tragically, women may also die because they lack the access or resources to safely end pregnancy. Abortion bans are a matter of life and death. prgtoken Women across the country are under attack and so, too, are the healthcare professionals who provide safe and legal abortions. Today is Abortion Provider Appreciation Day. This day was established to honor Dr. David Gunn, who was killed on March 10, 1993, outside his abortion clinic in Pensacola, FL, by a White supremacist, anti-abortion extremist. prgtoken Abortion providers are compassionate, credentialed, and highly trained professionals who allow women to actually make choices about their own bodies, their futures, and whether or not they want to start a family, and they do so without judgment and in the face of violence. prgtoken Tragically, Dr. Gunn's murder was just the first known instance of a murder of an abortion provider. Across the country, abortion providers experience intimidation, harassment, threats, and violence from anti- abortion extremists. prgtoken According to NARAL, between 1977 and 2015, there were over 7,200 acts of violence carried out against abortion providers by anti-choice extremists. These included 42 bombings, 185 arson attacks, and thousands of death threats, bioterrorism threats, and assaults. Every single day, even right here in DC, anti-choice extremists station outside of abortion clinics and harass staff and patients. prgtoken Fourteen States and the District of Columbia have needed to enact laws to protect abortion providers and patients, including laws that prohibit blocking the entrance to a clinic, threatenin
H.R. 2471
Ron Wyden (Democrat, OR) \u2014 2022-3-10

the Senate will soon vote on the nomination of Maria Pagan to serve as Deputy U.S. Trade Representative and our envoy to the World Trade Organization in Geneva. prgtoken This vote has been a long time coming; and in a moment, I am going to talk about Ms. Pagan's extensive qualifications and her long experience. But, first, and colleagues, there is a new urgency today for the Senate to confirm Ms. Pagan with strong bipartisan support. prgtoken The Russians' inhuman behavior means that they have forfeited the right to enjoy the fruits of the post-World War II international order. prgtoken The World Trade Organization is one of the key venues where the United States and our economic allies must hold Russia accountable for its illegal and unjustifiable war in Ukraine. It means the United States and our economic allies basically have to go to the World Trade Organization and tell Russia: Go fly a kite. prgtoken Now, here in the Congress, as the chairman of the Senate Finance Committee, I am working with the ranking member, Senator Mike Crapo; House Ways and Means Chairman Richie Neal; and Ranking Member Kevin Brady on legislation that would revoke Russia's permanent normal trade status with the United States. This is part of suspending Russia's benefits at the World Trade Organization and would mean Russia's exports to the United States would immediately be hit with significant tariffs. prgtoken Our country has led the effort to ratchet up sanctions against Russia to levels nobody has seen. prgtoken Russia's economy is in free fall, and there is no question that hitting Putin's tight circle of oligarchs who dominate Russia's largest industries will pay off. Taking away Russia's trade benefits is an essential next step that will help to freeze Russia out of key markets around the world. prgtoken As our Envoy to the World Trade Organization, Ms. Pagan would be our point person coordinating this effort. She will be the one coordinating with like-minded countries and intervening in support of Ukraine. That is why it is so important that she be confirmed today and why it is so important that she have strong backing from both sides of the aisle. prgtoken Now, her nomination won bipartisan support in the Senate Finance Committee. The Finance Committee approved her nomination by a vote of 27 to 1, so we are talking about near-unanimous support--certainly something of a rare sight in the Congress these days. She got that support because she is a highly experienced public servant who knows how to get the best possible deal for our workers and our farmers and our businesses. prgtoken Over three decades in government, she has served at both the Department of Commerce and at the Office of the USTR. She is an expert in a variety of fields. From trade in services to government procurement, she has litigated several disputes before the World Trade Organization. She now serves as deputy general counsel