mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
Research and Development (Executive Calendar)
Maria Cantwell (Democrat, WA) \u2014 2022-2-2

I come to the floor because this week, hopefully, our House colleagues will be taking up legislation that they have named America COMPETES. My colleague was just here on the Senate floor talking about the legislation we passed last year, and we are glad our colleagues are finally addressing this in the House of Representatives. prgtoken I said ``glad'' they are ``addressing''--we are happy about that because, between 1996 and 2015, federally funded research led to over $1 trillion in economic growth and millions of new jobs. So we know that when we invest, we see a big return in our economy. prgtoken What we know, however, is that R&D investment is at its lowest point in nearly 45 years, as measured as a percentage of GDP. That is where we have been going. And the rest of the world isn't waiting. prgtoken Overall, U.S. R&D spending places us ninth globally, behind advanced economies like South Korea, Japan, and Germany, and far below the fifth place ranking that we held in the 1990s. prgtoken So this is why we need to do something, and that is why we passed what was called the United States Innovation and Competition Act last year and why we encouraged our colleagues to take it up. There is a competition for global leadership in technology in a range of areas-- semiconductors, manufacturing, artificial intelligence, low-Earth orbit satellites. And there are countries that are very eager to make investments to try to capture those jobs that I mentioned that come as a result of investment in technology. prgtoken We know that we tried to solve this problem before; that is, to stay competitive. We passed an America COMPETES Act in 2007, and we passed one in 2010. And we were trying to stay competitive with changing economies and the information age that we now are in. These acts were intended to double the key research accounts at the National Science Foundation and the Department of Energy, but, unfortunately, the appropriations authorized did not materialize. In large part, we had a 2008 recession and subsequent fiscal sequestration, and we reduced the NSF and DOE budgets. prgtoken So we had the right idea. We had a year or so of activity that really tried to get us on the right track, and then fiscal issues put us behind. prgtoken So job openings today and the opportunities for us to grow our economy by making this investment are just monumental. And that is why we hope that this is a bipartisan effort by the Senate and, ultimately, a bipartisan effort by the House to come together to make the investments to help fill these jobs of the future. prgtoken Job openings in computer science occupations are expected to exceed 1 million in the next few years, nearly 400,000 just in the area of cyber security alone. prgtoken The Wall Street Journal reported that planned growth in the U.S. semiconductor industry will require up to 90,000 more workers by 2025-- 90,000 more workers just in that 1 sector. And the
Unanimous Consent Request (Executive Calendar)
Ron Wyden (Democrat, OR) \u2014 2022-2-2

. As if in legislative session, I ask unanimous consent that if the Senate receives a message from the House of Representatives that the House has passed a bill that is identical to the text of the Wyden bill that is at the desk to extend and modify the special rules for the child tax credit and the advanced payments of the child tax credit for 1 year, that the bill be considered read a third time and passed and that the motion to reconsider be considered made and laid upon the table without intervening action or debate.
ECONOMIC OUTLOOK OF THE VIRGIN ISLANDS
Stacey E. Plaskett (Democrat, VI) \u2014 2022-2-2

the 2020 election brought with it tremendous opportunities for the territories, particularly, after the devastation of unprecedented natural disasters in our global pandemic. prgtoken The American Rescue Plan of 2021 offered tremendous promise of full, robust recovery for our islands. Our island governments will now receive full Federal funding for important workforce development tax credits, like the earned income tax credit, child tax credit, and the child dependent care tax credit. This will be significant relief to budget and revenue offices in the territories. prgtoken In the Virgin Islands, my home, the earned income tax credit alone accounts for almost 40 percent of our tax returns in any given year. In addition, each of the territories have received at least $500 million in State and local government fiscal aid. These funds have broad eligibility, including to provide services threatened by declining revenue; make investments in water, sewer, or broadband infrastructure; support public entities involved in transport of passengers or cargo; special purpose units of local government, or nonprofits that aid the homeless. prgtoken The Virgin Islands will also receive investments from the bold Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act that became law in November. The EPA, FAA, prgtoken and the Army Corps of Engineers are agencies providing substantial support. prgtoken Much of this funding will take us far, however, aside from supplemental funds made available in the act, in the area of primary formula funds for traditional infrastructure, surface roads and highways, I am afraid the territories remain significantly underfunded or under-included. prgtoken The territories have endured severe infrastructure funding cuts since 1998, when the preexisting set-aside formula for the Territorial Highway Program funding was scrapped. Since then, the territorial share of overall Federal highway program funding has progressively declined by 50 percent. These severe cuts have negatively impacted everything from safety to emergency response, law enforcement capabilities, to commerce, to disaster relief management. prgtoken The Build Back Better Act would restore the significant equity investment in infrastructure for the territories in the House-passed bill. It contained $320 million in supplemental funding for the Territorial Highway Program in order to restore the investment in the territories to a similar share of overall Federal highway funding that they once received before 1998. We must continue to fight for those objectives. prgtoken The territories will have a hard time competing for any of the billions in funding set up in the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act for projects of national significance, or the Rural Surface Transportation Grant program because project eligibility under these new programs is mostly tied to States or projects connected to the National Highway System, which by definition, does not
BIOECONOMY RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT ACT OF 2021
Sheila Jackson Lee (Democrat, TX) \u2014 2022-2-2

. Madam , first of all, I think it is important to say how great it is to have an opportunity to create jobs and promote human rights at the same time, while respecting our fellow Americans, Asian Pacific Americans. prgtoken I think it is important that we make that statement, that as we promote this very important legislation, Asian Pacific Islanders and others will also have the respect of this Nation because we do believe in human rights. prgtoken But I want to pause for a moment to be able to thank my friend, my colleague, the Honorable Eddie Bernice Johnson, for sticking to her higher values, her commitment to science for more than two decades, going on three decades. prgtoken As I watched her on the Science Committee, first as a member myself, and then as she proceeded to take the leadership reins, look where we are today, with an outstanding America COMPETES Act that builds on previous legislation, brings together 11 jurisdictional committees, and comes out on the side of creating jobs. We owe her a great debt of gratitude, and I am grateful to call her a Member of the United prgtoken States Congress, but I am even more grateful to call her a fellow Texan. prgtoken This legislation will answer the questions of those who are complaining about the supply chain because $45 billion will improve our Nation's supply chain and strengthen our economy and national security by preventing shortages of critical goods. prgtoken There is an outcry of inflation. There is an outcry of empty shelves, but I will tell you that the immediate signing of this bill will turn the corner for all Americans. I am grateful that we will be advancing the American scientific research technology and innovation. prgtoken Just the other day I was at the Ion Center sponsored by Rice, and looking at a number of technology companies in my 18th Congressional District. I was glad to talk to a former truck driver who was there in a program that dealt with training at-risk persons or persons who were changing careers. He was saying he could not do trucking anymore, but how glad he was to do this. prgtoken I am also very glad that legislation that I had is in this bill regarding STEM and also K-12 students by creating State and regional workshops to create jobs. This is a bill that will continue to create jobs and working with the National Science Foundation to ensure the diversity in STEM. prgtoken I will continue to work on these issues and create jobs. The COMPETES Act creates jobs. prgtoken Madam , as a senior member of the House and the Committee on Homeland Security, and as Chair of the Judiciary Subcommittee on Crime, Terrorism, and Homeland Security, I rise in strong support of Rules Committee Print 117-31 and H.R. 4521, the America Creating Opportunities for Manufacturing Pre-Eminence in Technology and Economic Strength or ``America COMPETES) Act of 2022,'' as well as the underlying legislation. prgtoken I particularly wish to thank my coll
Appropriations (Executive Session)
Richard J. Durbin (Democrat, IL) \u2014 2022-2-2

I want to follow up on the statement made by the Senate leader, and I agree with many of the things he said. We disagree with others. But there is a way for us to show our commitment not only to our troops but to the defense of causes that are important to America, and it is in his hands. It is known as the appropriations bill for the Department of Defense. It is known as the appropriations and budget for the United States of America. prgtoken Where are we now? We are on something called a continuing resolution. That means we haven't decided. We can't get an agreement from the leader to move forward on the spending bills for this fiscal year, which began October 1. We are spending at last year's levels when the administration has asked for more money for the Nation's defense, and who is stopping him? The leader. prgtoken So he can't have it both ways and argue we need to invest more in the defense of America and then stop us from an appropriations process that does just that. Let's get it done. This should have been done before last October 1, and his cooperation means it can be done now. prgtoken Now, let me say there is another aspect to it. Many speeches are given about the rise in crime in America. I know this personally, representing the State of Illinois and the great city of Chicago. The number of violent gun crimes in this last calendar year was just shocking. When you look at all of the people who have been hurt and killed with the use of guns in cities across America, it is clear that we need to invest in our police force and law enforcement. Hold them accountable for the right values and the right conduct, but put in their hands the resources to prgtoken protect us in our homes and our neighborhoods. prgtoken What is holding that up? The same decision by the leader not to bring any appropriations bills forward for approval by the Congress. This is just mindless. You can't preach on one hand that you want to fund the police and then stop the appropriations process, which the s in the Senate have done. prgtoken It is time to pass the Omnibus appropriations bill so the resources are going to ATF and to the U.S. Attorney's Offices and other law enforcement agencies that can help the State and local law enforcement efforts to try to suppress this violent crime. prgtoken So don't preach about the need for this money and then turn around and stop the effort here on Capitol Hill. Why aren't we voting on an Omnibus appropriations bill this week? Why? Why can't we get this done next week? It was supposed to be done last October, and it is time for us to do it.
REMEMBERING DR. SYED LATAFAT HUSAIN HAMZAVI
Haley M. Stevens (Democrat, MI) \u2014 2022-2-2

. Madam , I rise today to honor the incredible life of Dr. S. L. Husain Hamzavi, an influential resident of Michigan who passed away on January 15th. Dr. Hamzavi was proud to be the devoted husband of Aquela and loving father of Iltefat, Fasahat, and Asra. He will also be remembered by many as a caring healthcare provider, passionate academic, and noble servant to the community. prgtoken Syed Latafat Husain Hamzavi was born in Aurungabad, India in 1940. After earning a degree from Nizam College, Syed Hamzavi attended Liaquat Medical School in Hyderabad, Pakistan, and then continued his education at the University of Glasgow in Scotland. At the University of Glasgow, Dr. Hamzavi earned his PhD, researching the usage of Zinc for the treatment of leg ulcers, and was trained in dermatology. He fondly recalled his time in Glasgow, sharing memories of how the British dermatology community embraced him despite the prevailing ethnic biases of the time. prgtoken In 1969, Dr. Hamzavi married Aquela. In 1977, the family moved to Detroit as one of the first South Asian and Muslim physicians to become an American Board of Dermatology-certified physician, working with Dr. Herman Pinkus to develop the Contact Dermatitis Unit. Dr. Hamzavi began his full-time academic practice at Wayne State University in 1980, and his commitment to the education of aspiring medical professionals persisted for decades thereafter. He and his wife were also the founders of Hamzavi Dermatology, growing the practice to include dozens of healthcare providers, across many locations in Southeast Michigan over the course of their careers and inspiring their children to pursue a career in the medical field. Those who knew him say that he cared deeply about his patients and staff alike, following his beloved Aquela's lead in treating his staff like family. prgtoken Beyond the many significant contributions that Dr. Hamzavi made to the medical profession, he was also an active philanthropist and organization leader. His passion for education was further evidenced by his generous support of the Pinkus Chair and the Aronson lectureship at Wayne State University, The Henry Lim research Chair at Henry Ford Hospital, and multiple student scholarships at The University of Michigan, in addition to leading the weekend Islamic school activities at the IAGD mosque in Rochester, Michigan. Proud of his Indian and Pakistani heritage, Dr. Hamzavi served on the board of various cultural organizations such as APPNA, the Pakistani American Association, and was a member of the Indian medical group, AAPI. Dr. Hamzavi was a man of deep religious conviction who believed in an inclusive world. Leading by example, he was generous to all and always sought to improve himself. prgtoken Madam , Dr. Syed Latafat Husain Hamzavi will be truly missed by his family and all who knew him and benefitted from his many contributions to the community. His incredible legacy will continue
EXECUTIVE CALENDAR
Charles E. Schumer (Democrat, NY) \u2014 2022-2-2

I ask unanimous consent that the Senate consider the following nominations: Calendar Nos. 695 through 700 and all nominations on the Secretary's Desk in the Air Force, Army, Coast Guard, Marine Corps, and Navy; that the nominations be confirmed en bloc; that the motions to reconsider be considered made and laid upon the table with no intervening action or debate; that no further motions be in order to any of the nominations; and that the President be immediately notified of the Senate's action.
HELP FOR UKRAINE
Ami Bera (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2022-2-2

I rise today to talk about a looming crisis that we see in Eastern Europe. prgtoken Last week, as a senior member of the Foreign Affairs Committee, I had a chance to accompany some of my colleagues on a bipartisan delegation to both Brussels and Ukraine. prgtoken What I saw when we were in Ukraine, as we met with their senior leaders and President Zelensky, was a country that has resolve. They reminded us that they have been at war with Russia for the last 8 years since Russia invaded Crimea and occupied the Donbas territories. So, this is a country that has been fighting Russia. They are prepared to defend themselves. prgtoken When I went out on the streets with my colleagues and talked to ordinary Ukrainian citizens, there is a resolve. They have no intention of living under Soviet rule. They have tasted freedom. prgtoken It is important for us as the United States of America to stand with this young democracy. We are the oldest democracy in the world. When I have been asked by the media why the United States should be concerned about what is happening in Eastern Europe, it is because we value the freedoms that we enjoy; we value the liberty; and we value the ability of individual citizens to choose their own path forward. That is what this is about. prgtoken When we went to Brussels, we had a chance to meet with our NATO allies, with other members of the European Union. Think about what we accomplished working with those countries in the 75-plus years post- World War II. We created peace on the European Continent after two world wars. We created thriving democracies. We created prosperity. That is what is at risk. prgtoken Think about what Mr. Putin wants to do. He wants to reestablish the Soviet Union. He is an autocrat. That is what is at risk in the 21st century. prgtoken It is not a given that democracy will win the 21st century. We have to fight for democracy. We have to fight for those liberties. We have to fight for those individuals to choose their path forward. prgtoken That is why this is important. That is why it is important for us to stand with the people of Ukraine. That is why it is important for us, along with our European allies and our NATO allies, to stand together and speak with one voice and tell Mr. Putin we are not going back to the Soviet era; we are going forward to a peaceful, prosperous 21st century for all people.
BIOECONOMY RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT ACT OF 2021
Sean Casten (Democrat, IL) \u2014 2022-2-2

. Madam , I rise today in support of the America COMPETES Act. And I am particularly proud of the House science legislation in this bill designed to ensure that the Department of Energy Office of Science, the National Science Foundation, and NIST are well-equipped to succeed in the 21st century. prgtoken It also invests in a STEM workforce for the future to ensure we have the talents to bring all these semiconductor, climate and manufacturing jobs back home where they belong. prgtoken And if I could just share a personal story. About 13 years ago, I was building a tree house in my backyard, and as I was starting, this 6- year-old neighborhood kid shows up behind me with a cute little hard hat and a tool belt and said, ``I'm here to help.'' And my 2009 summer intern, as it were, is now a sophomore at the University of Illinois studying nuclear engineering. prgtoken His opportunity was made possible, in part, by investments that were made decades ago in nuclear technology in a test reactor on that University of Illinois campus. That reactor has now hit the end of its life. It has been shut down, and there are few other States that have those kinds of opportunities. prgtoken That is why I look forward to the consideration of my National Nuclear University Research Infrastructure Reinvestment Act, in America COMPETES, with Congressman Foster, Congressman Gonzalez, and Congressman Meijer, that will enhance the research capabilities of nuclear science and engineering programs, meet the workforce needs of the U.S. nuclear industry, and accelerate the deployment of advanced nuclear technologies in Illinois and across the country. prgtoken I hope my colleagues will join me in supporting this bill as we develop new generations of advanced nuclear energy at our Nation's universities.
SPREADING GOOD NEWS
Matt Cartwright (Democrat, PA) \u2014 2022-2-2

. Madam , over the last 2 months since we passed the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs prgtoken Act, House have been spreading the good news. prgtoken In fact, we have had over 1,000 events across this Nation where House bring home to Americans what we have done with the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, strengthening our water systems and sewer systems, rebuilding our roads and our bridges. prgtoken We just had a catastrophic bridge failure in Pittsburgh that brings home the need to do these things. prgtoken Expanding broadband internet into the rural places that need them the most, this is a wonderful thing that is highlighting the fact that delivered with the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. prgtoken That is not the wonder, Madam . The wonder in all of this is that we had 200 House s voting no, voting against investing in America and helping our companies and our country compete with China, Europe, and places abroad. prgtoken They voted no. They voted against infrastructure, and they need to explain why.