mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
Biden Administration (Executive Calendar)
John Barrasso (Republican, WY) \u2014 2022-1-4

I come to the floor today to talk about the ' agenda for the new year. prgtoken The American people have just come back from the most expensive Christmas in our Nation's history, coronavirus cases are breaking records all around the country, and many Americans spent their Christmas with their travel plans canceled. prgtoken now enters his second year in office with record-high inflation, record-high coronavirus cases, and a record-low approval rating. Now, is breaking all kinds of records, and each of these records reflects an America that is heading in the wrong direction. prgtoken The American people have two major concerns right now: coronavirus and what it costs to live their daily lives. Yet these two issues are not even on the radar of in Washington, DC. prgtoken In fact, have only made these problems worse. First, have unquestionably driven up the cost of living on American families. Inflation shot up after put $2 trillion on America's credit card this spring. prgtoken told us inflation was transitory. They said it month after month after month. On the day after Christmas, Margaret Brennan of CBS News asked the Vice President a very basic question. She asked: Was it wrong to consider inflation transitory? prgtoken It is not a gotcha question. It is a question American families have asked themselves month after month after month, as they heard say it was transitory. Well, to the American people the answer is very clear. It is obvious. Of course, it was wrong by the administration, by the President, by the Vice President to try to mislead the American people by claiming that inflation was transitory. prgtoken So what did we hear from the Vice President in response to this question that has been of great concern to the American people? prgtoken What we heard was 118 words of incoherent rambling. She was like a deer in headlights on a basic question on the top issue of the day. Either the Vice President is out of touch with the needs of the American people or she just didn't want to admit that the administration had been wrong month after month after month, until the inflation numbers hit a 4-year high. prgtoken It has gone on now for 9 months and, you know, it is only going to get worse. That is what the experts are telling us. In October, we saw the worst inflation in 30 years, and, in November, it became the worst inflation in 40 years. prgtoken Prices have gone up faster than wages. This means the average American family can purchase a lot less today than they could when took office. prgtoken And the biggest price increases, of course, have been in energy. In November, we saw the biggest energy price increase in 10 years. CNBC reports that one-fifth of American families couldn't afford to pay an energy bill this past year. Roughly the same percentage have kept their home at an unhealthy tem
Remembering Harry Reid (Executive Session)
Richard J. Durbin (Democrat, IL) \u2014 2022-1-4

Mark Twain said that ``the two most important days in your life are the day you were born and the day you find out why.'' prgtoken Harry Reid grew up in the tiny mining town of Searchlight, NV. This politician class, which I am part of, likes to try to trace their roots to some humble beginning, some log cabin experience that they have overcome to reach public office. Harry didn't have to fake it. He was the third of four boys born in the Great Depression to a very poor family. His father was a hard-rock miner who battled alcoholism and was tortured by depression. His father took his own life. Harry came to the floor so many times, I can remember, and spoke of this issue of suicide and what it had meant to him as a boy growing up and what it meant to so many people across America. prgtoken His mother, a sweet, humble woman, helped to feed the family by doing laundry. The family home was a sight to behold--a tin-roofed, wooden cabin with no indoor plumbing, no hot water, and no telephone. prgtoken The day Harry came into this world was December 2, 1939. The day he had his Mark Twain moment and learned why he was put here happened 30 years later. prgtoken Against all odds, Harry had escaped the poverty of his childhood. He had put himself through law school at George Washington University here in Washington, DC, and he worked as a Capitol Police officer in this building to pay for his law school. After graduating, he returned to Nevada as a young lawyer and got involved in local politics. prgtoken Then came that Mark Twain moment. Harry attended a speech at the University of Nevada in Reno by a writer named Alex Haley. Haley's masterwork, ``Roots,'' traced the story of one American family's triumphant rise over several generations from the horrors of slavery to freedom. Something that Alex Haley said that night hit Harry Reid like a thunderbolt. Haley said: ``Be proud of who you are. You can't escape who you are.'' prgtoken Harry Reid recalled that moment in his farewell address to the Senate a little over 4 years ago. Harry said: ``I walked out of that event that night a different person, a new man. From that day forward, I would always be Harry Reid from Searchlight.'' prgtoken As his favorite author, Mark Twain, might say, that was the day Harry Reid found out why he was born. He spent the rest of his life after that Alex Haley experience--almost half a century--climbing the political ladder in America to one of its highest rungs but using that power to help underdogs like the little boy from Searchlight, people like his parents, who struggled to feed their children, and others who felt the crushing hand of fate. prgtoken Harry Reid believed that the American family could come together as a government and make life better for one another. He believed that wise government decisions gave people an opportunity to overcome adversity. Some who grew up in poverty and hardship and escaped it are so seare
ADDITIONAL STATEMENTS
Jeanne Shaheen (Democrat, NH) \u2014 2022-1-4

I come to the floor to pay tribute to John Victor Amrol, Jr a long-time New Hampshire resident, State employee, and labor advocate who passed away recently at the age of 85. Born in our State capital of Concord, John was in many ways a quintessential Granite Stater. He had a warm personality, an exceptional work ethic, and a passion prgtoken for service that enriched his community and improved the quality of life for so many across our great State. prgtoken After graduating from nearby St. John's High School in 1953, John took a job with the State of New Hampshire in our department of transportation, DOT. It was the start of a 44-year career in highway road design. Throughout his long tenure with DOT, John played a role in ensuring that our roadways were developed in a safe and efficient manner. He also served his community and State as a member of the Army National Guard from 1953 to 1978. He retired as a master sergeant, and he was a proud member of American Legion Post 21 for 26 years. prgtoken John achieved so much with the department of transportation; yet as a longtime member of the State Employees Association (SEA)/Service Employees International Union (SEIU) Local 1984 and its president from 1991-2000, his true impact transcends all that he accomplished in his decades of work with the DOT. John was a pillar of the SEA/SEIU, serving on nearly every committee and always diving deep into the issues that affected working people and their families. The union represents a wide range of occupations in the public and private sector workforce that provides critical services to our State. Each and every member owes a debt of gratitude to John. He was a force in fighting for their well-being, dignity, and fair treatment. As a negotiator, John was as tough as New Hampshire granite. In fact, his wisdom and judgment at the negotiating table earned him the nickname ``The Father of Collective Bargaining for State Employees'' among his SEA colleagues. They also paid tribute to John by dedicating their office building on North State Street in Concord in his name. prgtoken John was the president of SEA/SEIU Local 1984 when I was elected Governor. We shared a vision of a strong, secure middle class in New Hampshire where hard-working Granite Staters get a fair shot and their fair share, and we knew that unions play an important role in achieving that vision. I could always count on him for a fair, honest, and informed assessment of labor issues. prgtoken The Granite State and the many people John served are grateful for his many gifts and powerful advocacy. In the last couple of weeks, family and friends have gathered to share and cherish their many fond memories of him. I am with them in spirit as they reflect on the life of this good and generous man.
VOTE EXPLANATION
Elizabeth Warren (Democrat, MA) \u2014 2022-1-4

had there been a recorded vote, I would have voted no on the confirmation of Executive Calendar No. 453, David L. Cohen, of Pennsylvania, to be Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the United States of America to Canada. prgtoken , had there been a recorded vote, I would have voted no on the confirmation of Executive Calendar No. 454, Mark Gitenstein, of Washington, to be Representative of the United States of America to the European Union, with the rank and status of Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary. prgtoken , had there been a recorded vote, I would have voted no on the confirmation of Executive Calendar No. 521, Jonathan Eric Kaplan, of California, to be Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the United States of America to the Republic of Singapore. prgtoken , had there been a recorded vote, I would have voted no on the confirmation of Executive Calendar No. 617, Jamie L. Harpootlian, of South Carolina, to be Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the United States of America to the Republic of Slovenia. prgtoken , had there been a recorded vote, I would have voted no on the confirmation of Executive Calendar No. 621, Scott Miller, of Colorado, to be Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the United States of America to the Swiss Confederation, and to serve concurrently and without additional compensation as Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the United States of America to the Principality of Liechtenstein. prgtoken , had there been a recorded vote, I would have voted no on the confirmation of Executive Calendar No. 623, Michael M. Adler, of Florida, to be Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the United States of America to the Kingdom of Belgium.
China (Executive Calendar)
Jeff Merkley (Democrat, OR) \u2014 2022-1-4

we have started a new year, 2022, filled with opportunities and possibilities. Yet, even as we contemplate new beginnings, many things remain the same, especially when it comes to the crimes and atrocities being carried out by the Chinese Communist Party. prgtoken The genocide against the Uighur Muslims is still ongoing--a million individuals enslaved. The attacks on democracy and the silencing of free speech in Hong Kong continue. In fact, it was just announced that one of Hong Kong's last remaining pro-democracy news outlets, Citizen News, is shutting its doors because it cannot continue operations under the current climate of repression under China's national security law. In spite of all that, just 31 days from today, leaders and athletes from across the world will gather in Beijing to celebrate the opening ceremonies of the 2022 Winter Olympic Games. prgtoken The Olympic Games are meant to inspire and to bring people together to build a better world, using sports to foster what the Olympic movement describes as a peaceful society, concerned with the preservation of human dignity, but China is not using these games to advance human dignity; it is using the games to polish its international image and hide its crimes and abuses. A peaceful society, concerned with the preservation of human dignity, would not idly stand by and allow its government to silence those who speak out for the rights of their fellow workers. Yet we see that happening time and time again in China. prgtoken This picture is of Fang Ran. He is a 26-year-old Ph.D. student in Hong Kong University's Sociology Department, where he studies Chinese labor relations and the Chinese labor movement. It is reported that Fang, while conducting fieldwork on his thesis about labor empowerment in China, in his hometown on the mainland last August, was taken into custody by the Chinese authorities under the phrase ``residential surveillance at a designated location.'' prgtoken What is ``residential surveillance at a designated location''? prgtoken It is a coercive measure that allows authorities to hold individuals for up to 6 months, with no access to lawyers and no access to family at all. prgtoken Apparently, his research, as well as frequent social media posts about workers' rights, sexual harassment, and the displacement of migrant workers, put him on Beijing's radar. prgtoken According to one article, this young man roamed the factory towns of southern China, immersing himself in workers' lives and supporting them while they tried to strike or seek compensation for work injuries. prgtoken Even the fact that he is a loyal member of the Communist Party did not save him from officials' ire. One of his friends said that, in the months leading up to his disappearance, Fang had repeatedly been asked to drink tea. ``Drink tea'' is a code word for being summoned for questioning and harassment by Chinese security services. It has now been 4 mon
EXECUTIVE CALENDAR--Continued
Brian Schatz (Democrat, HI) \u2014 2022-1-4

a year ago, there was an attempted overthrow of American democracy right here in this building. You know, we spend so much time here arguing about things that are unknowable-- about the future, about our ideology, about opinions--that we have become accustomed to treating floor speeches in the Senate as not primarily about facts. prgtoken But I was here. And by ``I was here,'' I don't mean I was here in the Capitol. I mean, I was right here at this desk. And so no one needs to characterize it prgtoken for me or pontificate about it or tell me what I think happened. I was right here. It wasn't theoretical. It wasn't a debate. It was a physical siege on the U.S. Capitol. prgtoken I was already angry that day. The idea that American--American-- democratically elected politicians would participate in a process so foul as to be worthy of our most autocratic adversaries had me in a sour mood. The electoral college certification is supposed to be the functional equivalent of a swearing-in. It is where the thing gets made official, but it is not like any decisions are supposed to be made that day. But Senators Hawley and Cruz and others, with their unlimited ambition, their big brains, and their supposed expertise in the Constitution, were dancing on the edge of overturning democracy itself. prgtoken But I actually had no idea how bad it was, that there was an ongoing organized conspiracy to steal the election for real, not in a ``Russian hacking'' kind of a way or not in a ``too many of the people I don't agree with voted'' kind of way--actually overturning the whole thing. prgtoken So no one needs to tell me how to interpret this. I was there when they yelled: ``Lock down, lock down.'' I was here when was ushered off the floor. I was here when Chuck Grassley and anyone else with a personal protection detail was rushed to safety, and the rest of us were just locked in here and told to stay in our seats. prgtoken I was here when Senator Todd Young made himself ready to physically confront the violent traitors. I was here when we were finally moved to an undisclosed location and Lindsey Graham yelled at the Capitol Police leadership for not having a plan to handle such a moment. prgtoken And I was here when Reverend Black pulled us together in unity. And I was here when all but a few of us decided enough is enough, and we were collectively determined to finish our work and finish the count that evening. prgtoken We were perilously close to losing everything that night. And some did. Police officers were maimed and killed. Custodial workers and Senate staffers were hiding, with zero protection. prgtoken The insurrectionists were explicit. They wanted to kill the of the House. prgtoken One year later should be a simple, solemn commemoration of what happened and a collective, unified determination to never let anything like that ever happen again. prgtoken But I am even more worried now because that mome
ORDERS FOR WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 5, 2022
Martin Heinrich (Democrat, NM) \u2014 2022-1-4

I ask unanimous consent that when the Senate completes its business today, it adjourn until 11 a.m Wednesday, January 5; that following the prayer and pledge, the morning hour be deemed expired, the Journal of proceedings be approved to date, the time for the two leaders be reserved for their use later in the day, and morning business be closed; that upon the conclusion of morning business, the Senate proceed to executive session and resume consideration of the Witkowsky nomination; finally, that if any nominations are confirmed during Wednesday's session, the motions to reconsider be considered made and laid upon the table and the President be immediately notified of the Senate's action.
Remembering Harry Reid (Executive Calendar)
Catherine Cortez Masto (Democrat, NV) \u2014 2022-1-4

today, I rise to pay tribute to Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, a champion for Nevada. He was one of the most powerful, dedicated, and effective advocates that my home State has ever seen. He worked for the benefit of Nevadans for almost 50 years in both State and national politics. Everyone living in the Silver State today has benefited from his wise and tenacious efforts. prgtoken But before Harry Reid was my Senator and the Senator for the State of Nevada, he was a neighbor to my family. He was a mentor and a friend. prgtoken Now, I grew up in Las Vegas, just down the street from the Reid family, and my sister and I attended public school with their oldest son, Rory. And the entire Cortez family and Masto family and I want to send our condolences to his beautiful wife Landra; his children, Lana Reid Barringer, Rory, Leif, Josh, and Key; and his 19 grandchildren and his great-grandchildren. prgtoken Harry Reid was irreplaceable, not just to them but to so many people, including me and many of my colleagues in this Chamber. He was unfailingly supportive of me throughout my entire time in public service. prgtoken You know, I remember when I first decided to run for the office of Nevada's attorney general. One of the first people I called was Senator Reid, and I asked him for advice. I asked him for advice on running for office because it was the first time I had ever run for any type of office, and I had chosen to take on a statewide campaign. Not only was he supportive, but he was candid in his comments--as only Harry can be--about campaigning, the types of individuals working in the campaign world, and what to beware of, of those working in that campaign world. His advice still rings true today. prgtoken When I was serving, and fortunate enough to be elected statewide as the attorney general, Senator Reid was always available for a call. And he never forgot about Nevada and working with everybody in Nevada from his seat here as a majority leader. prgtoken I remember one time, as the attorney general, I got a call from a Senator here in the U.S. Senate, and the Senator said to me: I was just talking to Senator Reid, and there is an issue that came up that I would like to focus on, but Senator Reid said: You better call my attorney general first in Nevada to make sure that she and the State of Nevada are supportive of it. And to this day, I now serve with that Senator. I will never forget getting a call from a U.S. Senator, as a sitting attorney general, to talk about an issue that was important for Nevada because Senator Reid knew what was important for him and his State. prgtoken He also had this uncanny ability to call you at just the right time, when you needed support or encouragement, when you needed advice or just someone to commiserate with. We all know prgtoken he didn't like to stay on the phone long, but he knew when you needed him, and he would be there. He was a compassionate and k
Tribute to Harry Reid (Executive Session)
Jacky Rosen (Democrat, NV) \u2014 2022-1-5

I rise today to honor the life and memory of former Senate Majority Leader Harry Mason Reid. To some in this Chamber, Senator Reid was a colleague, a mentor, a friend. To me and to so many Nevadans, he was also a source of inspiration and pride. His life, coming from the humblest of beginnings, is the definition of the American dream. prgtoken During his decades of public service, from the State assembly to the Lieutenant Governor's Office, to chairing the Nevada Gaming Commission, he became the most powerful leader in Congress. This former boxer from a tiny town called Searchlight always put Nevada first. prgtoken Senator Reid served five terms in this very Chamber, and what he accomplished during those decades here, particularly as majority leader, is remarkable. Senator Reid stopped Yucca Mountain. He made sure Nevada would not become the Nation's nuclear waste dump. He is the reason we passed the Affordable Care Act into law, providing quality, affordable healthcare to tens of millions of Americans. He did more than anyone to rescue Nevada's economy from the depths of the great recession. He passed crucial Wall Street reform to hold the big banks accountable for that economic crisis and prevent a future one. He established Nevada's first national park, Great Basin National Park. He saved Social Security from being privatized. He was a fearless champion for bold action to stop climate change, and he was a tireless fighter for comprehensive immigration reform and the Dream Act. prgtoken Because Senator Reid celebrated our State's diversity and recognized its importance, Nevada is an early State, the first in the West when it comes to choosing each party's nominee for the White House. No matter the issue, if it impacted Nevada, you can be sure Senator Reid would do anything to deliver for our State. He was a voice for all Nevadans, and if you ever went to an event for Senator Reid, he would remind you by making sure ``Home Means Nevada''--that is our State song--was sung in honor of our beloved State. prgtoken This is how he got things done. He was blunt. He was direct. He was a real straight shooter. He didn't mince words. When he identified a problem, he would work relentlessly to find a solution. As so many of us here know, you could try as hard as you wanted to, but you could never leave the conversation or hang up the phone before he did. He said what he needed to and was on to his next piece of work. prgtoken I want to share the best advice Senator Reid gave to me. He said this: Take every call. Listen to every person, whether you agree with them or not, and then tell them when you are with them and tell them when you are not. Be open and honest in your conversations. prgtoken These are words I try to live by here every day. They were things Senator Reid was respected for. prgtoken Senator Reid also knew that the constituent services, the work we do with our teams, literally saves lives and