mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
TRANSPORTATION, HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT, AND RELATED AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS ACT, 2023
Andy Levin (Democrat, MI) \u2014 2022-7-19

. Mr. Chair, I rise today in support of my amendment to ensure that funding is prioritized for the Rebuilding American Infrastructure with Sustainability and Equity (RAISE) discretionary grant program in H.R. 8294, the fiscal year 2023 Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, Agriculture, Rural Development, Energy and Water Development, Financial Services and General Government, Interior, Environment, Military Construction, and Veterans Affairs Appropriations Act. It is critical that RAISE grants include equipping our highways with electric vehicle charging equipment, as well as powering public buses and rail with electricity. I thank Chairs Rosa DeLauro and David Price for their support for my amendment. prgtoken Today, continued investments in outdated technology that contributes to our planet's disastrous overheating are not sustainable. Instead, we should be investing in projects that will decarbonize and electrify our public transportation sector and help the country achieve net-zero carbon emissions. We must also commit to funding projects that further the goal of equity and uplift our most vulnerable populations, as the effects of climate change have a disproportionate impact on communities of color. prgtoken Our planet and the future of younger Americans and future generations depend on our ability to act on climate change now, and take every opportunity to transition away from fossil fuel dependence. Madam , this is one of those critical opportunities. This is our opportunity to ensure that our infrastructure is sustainable and equitable; to make a strategic investment both in our nation's infrastructure and our environment; to invest in future generations, not just for our grandchildren but for their children and beyond. I urge my colleagues to support this amendment.
TRANSPORTATION, HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT, AND RELATED AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS ACT, 2023
Michael K. Simpson (Republican, ID) \u2014 2022-7-19

. Madam Chair, I thank the gentlewoman for yielding time. prgtoken Madam Chair, I rise today in opposition to H.R. 8294, the six-bill fiscal year 2023 appropriations package that includes the Energy and Water Development appropriations bill. prgtoken Unfortunately, these bills are based on funding levels that passed the House without any support--zero support. Like the President's budget request, the majority's Energy and Water bill overfunds certain nondefense programs and shortchanges our national security needs. prgtoken For example, the bill before us is below the budget request for weapons activities and naval reactors--a budget request that many of us considered insufficient to address the current global threats. prgtoken We must uphold our Nation's strong nuclear deterrence posture, and to do that, we must adequately fund the activities necessary to maintain a safe, reliable, and effective stockpile. Yet, the bill before us cuts some of these programs below last year, below the budget request, and leaves other items completely out. prgtoken On the other hand, the bill increases energy efficiency and renewable energy activities by more than 25 percent over last year's--and that is on top of the tens of billions--I repeat--tens of billions of dollars in the infrastructure bill programs that are in the early stages of implementation. prgtoken The bill includes funding for the President's proposal to use the Defense Production Act for nonemergency issues. For instance, even the Department of Energy has indicated that there is no supply shortage of insulation. Yet, the administration is claiming it is such an emergency that it justifies use of the Defense Production Act. prgtoken With inflation at the highest levels in 40 years, we need to be more judicious about how much and where we allocate our discretionary appropriations. prgtoken While s have concerns with the overall direction of this bill, I would note there are also programs that, if considered individually, House s could support. For example, strong support for the Army Corps of Engineers including specific Community Project Funding and additional programmatic funding that has long been a bipartisan priority. prgtoken Of great importance to me, of course, is the Department of Energy's Nuclear Energy program. I appreciate that the bill continues support for: prgtoken Work on microreactors, including the MARVEL program. prgtoken Work to ensure a supply of high-assay low-enriched uranium, which will be necessary for many of the next generation of reactors. prgtoken The Advanced Reactors Demonstration Program; and prgtoken The national laboratories infrastructure necessary to enable these other activities to succeed. prgtoken I would like to work with my colleagues as we move the bill forward to better support the Advanced Small Modular Reactors demonstration program. prgtoken The NuScale SMR is the first ever NRC-approved SMR
TRANSPORTATION, HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT, AND RELATED AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS ACT, 2023
John H. Rutherford (Republican, FL) \u2014 2022-7-19

. Madam Chair, had I been present, I would have voted ``aye'' on rollcall No. 371. members recorded pursuant to house resolution 8, 117th congress Barragan (Correa) Bowman (Neguse) Boyle, Brendan F. (Beyer) Brown (MD) (Evans) Carter (TX) (Weber (TX)) Castro (TX) (Correa) Cawthorn (Greene (GA)) Connolly (Beyer) Crist (Wasserman Schultz) DeFazio (Pallone) Demings (Kelly (IL)) Escobar (Garcia (TX)) Foster (Spanberger) Garcia (IL) (Takano) Gohmert (Weber (TX)) Gosar (Weber (TX)) Grijalva (Correa) Houlahan (Spanberger) Kahele (Correa) Kirkpatrick (Pallone) Lawson (FL) (Evans) Leger Fernandez (Correa) Meng (Kuster) Mfume (Evans) Moore (WI) (Beyer) Newman (Beyer) Pascrell (Pallone) Pingree (Kuster) Porter (Neguse) Reschenthaler (Keller) Rice (SC) (Meijer) Salazar (Waltz) San Nicolas (Takano) Sherrill (Pallone) Sires (Pallone) Smucker (Keller) Taylor (McHenry) Thompson (MS) (Bishop (GA)) Walorski (Fischbach) Williams (GA) (Neguse) Wilson (FL) (Evans) Wilson (SC) (Norman) Amendments En Bloc No. 6 Offered by Ms. DeLauro of Connecticut
TRANSPORTATION, HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT, AND RELATED AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS ACT, 2023
Kevin McCarthy (Republican, CA) \u2014 2022-7-19

I rise today in support of my amendment, which is in part of the en bloc package of amendments No. 7 that is designed to help protect our giant sequoias, which are native to my home State of California, from catastrophic wildfires. prgtoken Giant sequoias only grow one place in the world, in California. They live to 2,000, 3,000 years. Historically, they only die when they tumble over after living through so many thousands of years. prgtoken But right now, as I stand here, there are currently 1,500 firefighters on the ground working to contain the Washburn fire in Yosemite National Park. The fire is threatening more than 500 giant sequoias, including the world's largest and oldest, the Grizzly Giant. prgtoken On record prior, the only time in history that we had giant sequoias dying from fire was in 1297; but in the last 2 years, we have lost 20 percent of all the giant sequoias from fire. Think about that. In just 2 years, we have now lost 20 percent. As we speak and talk right now, 1,500 firefighters are trying to defend 500 giant sequoias, even the oldest one on record. prgtoken I led a bipartisan congressional delegation to see the giant sequoias impacted by fires in my district earlier this year. The devastation was shocking. These losses are a clarion call for not only the National Park Service and the U.S. Forest Service to act to remove hazardous fuel buildup so we can reduce the risk of high-intensity fires in these groves, but for Congress to make the critical management reforms and provide the resources necessary to protect these iconic trees. prgtoken It is interesting when we were there together in a bipartisan group to study it, there were people from other countries just to come see these majestic beauties. When you talk to the Forest Service that led us throughout, you would look at their badges. I don't know if anyone has ever taken the time, but these trees are so iconic, they are on the badge of our U.S. Forest Service. prgtoken But, again, in the last 2 years, 20 percent of them have been wiped out by fire. If we do nothing, they can all be taken away. prgtoken In a Congress as divided as ours today, these giant sequoias have actually united a bipartisan group of lawmakers who are committed to protecting these natural wonders. I have been proud to introduce the Save Our Sequoias Act with fellow California Congressman Scott Peters as well as Natural Resources Ranking Member Bruce Westerman, Congressman Panetta, Congressman McClintock, Congressman Costa, Congressman Valadao, and Congressman Garamendi. They have all taken the time to study what is before us right now. prgtoken The SOS Act will help save giant sequoias because it was declared an emergency so we can immediately reduce the risk of catastrophic fires in the giant sequoia groves by removing the hazardous fuel buildup, remove the barriers that prevent the Forest Service and local experts from taking action in advance to sa
CHIPS Act (Executive Calendar)
Rob Portman (Republican, OH) \u2014 2022-7-19

I come to the floor of the Senate today because we are poised to begin consideration of a really important piece of legislation. It is a plan to make America more competitive with China and a plan to bring good jobs back to America. I am talking about the bipartisan CHIPS Act, which includes reshoring semiconductor manufacturing to America and giving American workers and American companies the tools they need to compete and win. prgtoken Let me give some background on why this legislation is so badly needed. U.S. dominance in what is called semiconductor manufacturing has dwindled for decades, and it is an economic and a national security concern. The U.S. has always led the world in chip design. We prgtoken came up with this technology, but our share of the global chip manufacturing capacity over the past 30 years has gone from about 37 percent down to less than 12 percent today. prgtoken As a result, we rely more and more on foreign countries for these essential chips; and in the past few years, the supply chain has not been reliable. You know that if you tried to buy a car recently--maybe even a washing machine--that you had to wait forever. Why? Because of the lack of semiconductors. These chips are just not available. prgtoken We have all come to learn in recent years that semiconductors are the building blocks of everything--automobiles, cell phones, computers, household appliances, medical equipment, but also military systems and weaponry like the F-35. And in a more digital economy, by the way, that demand for these semiconductors, these chips, will only continue to grow. prgtoken Last year, this lack of semiconductors caused an estimated loss of $240 billion to the U.S. gross domestic product. So a $250-billion hit to our economy, according to the Department of Commerce, last year just because of these supply chain issues with semiconductors. prgtoken This is more complicated by the key role that our adversaries play in the production of these semiconductors and the fact that we rely on some very vulnerable nations for critical components of the supply chain. Neon gas, which is critical for the laser imprinting of the chips, comes largely from Ukraine. Taiwan is the No. 1 semiconductor fabricator in the world. By the way, 90 percent of the high-end chips are made in Taiwan; none are made here in America anymore--90 percent. Of course, Taiwan's proximity to China and the constant threat of invasion by China adds to the urgency of diversifying the semiconductor supply chain. prgtoken By incentivizing companies to make these critical components here in America, we can make our supply chains more resilient; we can protect our national security; and we can boost economies all across the country. That is why the CHIPS Act is so important and why we have been working in a bipartisan fashion in Congress through legislation like this and the broader USICA legislation. prgtoken This legislation wo
TRANSPORTATION, HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT, AND RELATED AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS ACT, 2023
Pete Stauber (Republican, MN) \u2014 2022-7-19

. Mr. Chair, I rise today in support of my amendment I introduced, which increases the Circuit Rider program. The modest increase of $418,000, offset entirely, means cleaner water for rural America. prgtoken Circuit riders travel from facility to facility across our small towns, lending expertise and technical assistance because each individual locality does not have the money to pay for their own. Many treatment facilities in rural America have a dozen or less employees, and these circuit riders save money for local budgets and taxpayers. prgtoken According to the National Rural Water Association, this minor increase allows for about 90 more circuit riders. That is 90 more experts traveling across rural America and rural Minnesota, lending their invaluable knowledge to our rural water treatment facilities. prgtoken In an industry losing expertise to retirement or other jobs, this funding can also be used to keep these mission-critical positions competitive. prgtoken Finally, this amendment brings funding for the Circuit Rider Program in line with a request I led along with 50 other bipartisan Members of Congress. prgtoken Let's allow rural America to have clean, sanitary water, free up local budgets, and ensure our rural operators get the technical assistance they so desperately need. prgtoken Mr. Chair, I urge adoption of my amendment.
ADDITIONAL STATEMENTS
John Boozman (Republican, AR) \u2014 2022-7-19

I rise today to recognize Kirkley Thomas who is retiring as vice president of governmental affairs for Arkansas Electric Cooperative Corporation. prgtoken Kirkley is a devoted Arkansan who has proudly served the State for more than 30 years. As a graduate of Arkansas State University, he earned a bachelor of science in journalism and public relations, and he continued his education at the Economic Development Institute of the University of Oklahoma. prgtoken He began his career working as a professional staff member in the U.S. Senate for former Arkansas Senator David Pryor in 1991. He continued his service to Arkansas in positions at the University of Arkansas System and the Arkansas Economic Development Commission. Kirkley has been a reliable leader at the Arkansas Electric Cooperative Corporation since 1998 and assumed the role of vice president of governmental affairs in 2014. prgtoken My team and I have worked closely with Kirkley during his tenure on a number of initiatives to help support policies to make energy more affordable and broadband more accessible. He prgtoken is a champion for rural Arkansas, and it has been rewarding to partner with him to strengthen infrastructure in these communities. prgtoken Kirkley's commitment to the State of Arkansas is an example others should aspire to emulate. Throughout his career, he has earned many well deserved accolades for his professional and civic involvement. I applaud Kirkley for his accomplished career and the leadership and perseverance he has demonstrated. I know that in whatever he does, he will always continue working to build a better Arkansas. prgtoken Our State will be forever appreciative of the contributions made by Kirkley Thomas. He deserves our thanks for dedicating his career to bettering so many communities and our entire State. It is an honor to call him a friend, and I wish him the best in his retirement, where I know he will be happy to spend more time with his son Jack and daughter-in-law Hailey.
Unanimous Consent Request--Executive Calendar (Executive Calendar)
Bill Hagerty (Republican, TN) \u2014 2022-7-19

reserving the right to object, since last year, I have been asking for a commitment from my colleagues that any future reconciliation legislation in this Congress will not incorporate policies that will reduce access to care in nonexpansion States such as Tennessee. Specifically, my concern is that this reconciliation legislation that the House of Representatives passed last fall included provisions that cut DSH and uncompensated care pool payments for nonexpansion States. This would result in less healthcare for vulnerable populations in my State, accelerate hospital closures in my State, and it would disadvantage rural communities in my State of Tennessee. These are places and populations for which we are trying to secure more quality healthcare, not less. prgtoken Because I have not received confirmation that these provisions will not be included in any future reconciliation bill, I cannot consent to expediting confirmation of this nominee, and I object.
TRANSPORTATION, HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT, AND RELATED AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS ACT, 2023
David G. Valadao (Republican, CA) \u2014 2022-7-19

. Mr. Chair, thank you for allowing me this time to talk about the importance of the three amendments I submitted to this bill that, unfortunately, we won't be voting on today. prgtoken The severe drought throughout the American West has been negatively impacting my constituents and local community for years. prgtoken In the Central Valley, our farmers have had to turn to pumping groundwater to protect their high-value crops. Towns have been forced to pump more and more groundwater to meet their communities' needs. As a result, these communities have experienced land subsidence at the expense of critical water infrastructure. prgtoken In the worst cases, farmers are forced to fallow their fields and dry out valuable orchards due to access to little or no water. prgtoken My constituents are farmers who feed the world, and with record-high food prices, the inability for our domestic farmers to grow food is going to impact the entire country. The situation is dire and only getting worse. prgtoken We can't produce more water, but we can work with the water we already have and apply commonsense solutions to make this water available to our agricultural communities. prgtoken My first amendment would have addressed water storage capacity issues by extending the storage provision of subtitle J of the WIIN Act. It would have also created a program to assist in funding the repairs to damaged canal facilities. prgtoken Unless these canals are completely restored, the issue of subsidence and resulting unnecessary water loss will continue and conditions will worsen. prgtoken My second amendment would codify the 2019 biological opinions that were independently peer-reviewed and informed by the most accurate and best-available science. prgtoken Unfortunately, the administration's Bureau of Reclamation has ignored science and reinitiated consultation with the BiOps with no explanation. Codifying the 2019 BiOps would put an end to senseless litigation and provide operational certainty for Valley farmers. prgtoken My third amendment was one focused on transparency and would direct the Bureau of Reclamation to provide the Committee on Appropriations with a justification on their decision to reinitiate consultation of 2019 biological opinions. We need to stop playing politics with a resource that the Central Valley is so reliant on. prgtoken It is extremely disappointing that the majority rejected each one of these amendments that would bring more water to the communities throughout the Central Valley who are doing everything they possibly can to survive these conditions and provide food for our Nation.
Inflation (Executive Session)
Mitch McConnell (Republican, KY) \u2014 2022-7-19

a year ago today, with prices already rising, President said that high inflation was ``expected to be temporary.'' One year later, after 9 straight months of inflation over 6 percent, the prices are now rising at their fastest rate in over 40 years. prgtoken Last week's inflation report confirmed on paper what working families have been feeling for a year: President 's prediction was dead wrong. Instead, prices are skyrocketing, and paychecks aren't keeping up. Real hourly wages are declining at breakneck speeds, dropping a full 1 percent last month alone. The average American worker got a full 1-percent pay cut just last month alone due to inflation. prgtoken The administration has tried to claim that we are ``stronger economically than we have been in history.'' That is what the White House Press Secretary told reporters earlier this month. Kentuckians know that is utterly absurd. They know the opposite is true. In my home State, the average household now spends over $600 more--$600 more-- every month compared to the day President took his oath of office. That comes out to more than $7,300 a year. prgtoken Inflation is pushing Kentucky families to the brink. As a result, food bank prgtoken demand is rising, and shelves are running low. A soup kitchen in Campbell County put out an urgent call for volunteers as surging visitors threaten to overwhelm its limited staff. As the executive director said in an interview, with ``inflation and milk [at] $4 a gallon,'' they see people who have ``never needed help before.'' prgtoken I have received messages from constituents all over the Commonwealth facing the same crisis: Prices are rising while real wages fall. prgtoken A 59-year-old from Louisville tells me she has worked two jobs since she graduated from college in 1987 to save for retirement. Now she is afraid she will ``lose [her] hard-earned money . . . due to this inflation.'' prgtoken Another constituent in Hopkins County tells me he worked 60 hours a week for years to afford the home he bought recently. Now, with rising prices, he ``can't even support [his] family anymore'' and might lose his new house as well. prgtoken A couple in Lexington in their late seventies spends almost all of their fixed income on rent, utilities, and medical bills. They are struggling to find enough left over for food. ``What are we suppose[d] to do?'' they ask. prgtoken Families across Kentucky are asking themselves the same question every day. The answer from Washington is alarming but not surprising. After spending us into inflation, they now want to tax us into recession. I can't think of a more reckless response for struggling Kentuckians.