mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
Government Spending (Executive Session)
Jerry Moran (Republican, KS) \u2014 2021-10-28

$28 trillion, $9,700 per person. It is common for Members of this Senate to stand on the Senate floor and debate the pricetag of spending bills and legislation that costs millions, billions, and even trillions of dollars. These numbers are so large that for many people--perhaps even for us--it is incomprehensible and unrelatable. prgtoken Today, I would like to take a moment to talk about dollars and cents. In Kansas, the current average price for a gallon of gas is $3.09. Last year, the average cost per gallon of gas in Kansas was $1.93. This means filling up a 15-gallon tank will cost you an extra $17 every time you fill up your car at the pump. If you fill up your vehicle once a week, that is an additional $904 you spent on gas this year as opposed to just last year. prgtoken Electricity prices are up 5.2 percent this year. The average monthly electric bill for a residence in Kansas last year was $113.52. A 5- percent increase is an additional $68 per family. prgtoken This winter is going to be expensive for American families, particularly in the Midwest, as households are expected to see their heating bills jump as much as 54 percent compared to last winter, making it the most expensive winter since 2008. prgtoken Thanks to inflation, the price of eggs is up 9.9 percent. A used car is going to be about 24 percent more expensive. Chicken has a 7.2- percent increase in cost, in price. prgtoken In fact, these realities are being reflected by media across the country. prgtoken Newsweek's headline: ``Your Thanksgiving Turkey Could Be the Most Expensive Ever.'' prgtoken MSNBC: ``Thanksgiving is now less than a month away and it's shaping up to be the most expensive meal in the history of the holiday.'' prgtoken CBS News: ``On the table for Thanksgiving this year? Higher food prices.'' prgtoken NBC News: ``This Thanksgiving, be prepared to fork over more dough for your feast.'' prgtoken And The New York Times: ``This Year's Thanksgiving Feast Will Wallop the Wallet.'' prgtoken This is horrible news for almost every Kansan and for every American, and it is especially damaging to those who are already struggling to pay the bills because their hard-earned dollars just don't go far enough now. prgtoken An extra $17 at the gas pump or $68 on an electric bill and an extra 50 cents here or there is quickly adding up, for middle-class and low- income families, to be a major challenge. prgtoken These dollars add up to tough decisions, like: Will we be able to make our mortgage payment this month? Do we forgo a Thanksgiving meal this year so we can keep the heat on? Can we afford to make the drive across the country to see the grandparents for the holidays? prgtoken The current trajectory for inflation doesn't look good either. Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen said on Sunday that the United States hasn't experienced the recent inflation levels in a ``long time'' and expects higher inflation to continue into 2022. prgtoken
GENEVA CONSENSUS DECLARATION
Steve Daines (Republican, MT) \u2014 2021-10-28

this month marks the first anniversary of the Geneva Consensus Declaration on Promoting Women's Health and Strengthening the Family. The historic coalition that issued this declaration was formed by a diverse group of countries committed to advancing women's health, protecting life at every stage while affirming that there is no international right to abortion, upholding the importance of the family as foundational to society, and defending the sovereign right of Nations to make their own laws to advance these core values, without external pressure. The Geneva Consensus Declaration was signed on October 22, 2020, by 32 countries from every region of the world, representing more than 1,600,000,000 people, which committed to working together on the core pillars enshrined in the declaration, and five countries have subsequently signed. Although President removed the United States as a signatory to the Geneva Consensus Declaration earlier this year, at least temporarily, the coalition is alive and growing, currently consisting of 36 countries. prgtoken I ask unanimous consent to have printed in the Record the text of this landmark document and the names of the 36 signatory countries.
EXECUTIVE CALENDAR
Mike Lee (Republican, UT) \u2014 2021-10-28

earlier today, President announced his new, revised, supposedly curtailed, social spending plan for America. It seems that the depressing economic numbers, the soaring costs of goods, mounting data that government spending is to blame, or perhaps some more moderate voices within the ic conference forced him to walk this latest monstrosity back. prgtoken , who won control with the slimmest of majorities, feel that they have a mandate to change more about American society and spend more money than any group of elected officials in American history. prgtoken The White House Chief of Staff tweeted today, bragging that this deal is still twice as big as the New Deal in real dollars. prgtoken Be it at $3.5 trillion or a little less, we have lost almost all sense of what money means, at least when it comes to money being spent by Washington--by public officials who congratulate themselves, each other, and, in return, are congratulated by many in the media for spending other people's money or spending money we don't have, money that ends up, effectively, being printed. prgtoken Our Founding Fathers entrusted Congress with the power of the purse because they expected Congress, which is the branch of government most accountable to the people at the most regular intervals, to be most likely to jealously guard the funds of those who sent us here. prgtoken Understanding that as every Member of the House is required to stand for election every 2 years, and one-third of the Members of this body are required to stand for election every 2 years, that ought to have an effect. It ought to have precisely the effect that we remember: that it is not our money; it is the people's money, and that when we run out of it, we can't just pretend that we have more. When you do that, it causes problems--especially for the poor and the middle class. prgtoken The Framers assumed that Congress would be the most responsible branch in managing our Nation's finances--again, because we are the branch most accountable to the people. But in this respect we failed. We failed in every sense. We failed dismally, miserably. prgtoken Americans work for months out of every single year just to pay their Federal taxes. Yet our Nation is still barreling toward $30 trillion of national debt. We are now reaching devastating debt-to-GDP ratios that we have never contemplated during peacetime in America. And Americans are feeling the pain--real Americans, everyday Americans. prgtoken Inflation is at its highest rate in decades. Everything from gas to groceries, from housing to healthcare--it is all more expensive and getting more expensive every single day. We know from sad experience that this isn't going to go away anytime soon. Prices, once they go up, tend to stick. prgtoken Meanwhile, President , apparently, is not satisfied with only making things more expensive, but he is also making it harder and in some cases imposs
RECOGNIZING WORLD PSORIASIS DAY
John Joyce (Republican, PA) \u2014 2021-10-28

. Madam , tomorrow we will recognize World Psoriasis Day. Psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis are diseases that affect over 125 million people worldwide. prgtoken As a practicing dermatologist for 25 years, I have seen firsthand the toll that this condition can have on patients. This disease can often have serious and long-lasting consequences, including anxiety, depression, diabetes, and even cardiac issues. prgtoken In the past, we were often, unfortunately, unsuccessful in treating the symptoms that the men and women battling psoriasis face each and every day. prgtoken Recently, however, we are seeing new treatments and therapies that have dramatically improved our fight against psoriasis. prgtoken Finding new and more effective treatments or finding a cure to this disease will take all of us. It will take doctors, it will take legislators, researchers, patients, and advocates working together to find solutions. prgtoken It is my promise that I will continue working to address the disease of psoriasis.
INFRASTRUCTURE BILL
Rob Portman (Republican, OH) \u2014 2021-10-28

I am here on the floor tonight to talk about the growing epidemic of drug addiction and the issue that is occurring in my home State of Ohio and, really, all the States represented here in this Chamber and how we need to redouble our efforts. prgtoken It is a heartbreaking story because we were making so much progress prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, but, now, underneath the pandemic, we have this epidemic that is growing. prgtoken But before I get into that, I must talk first about what is going on this evening in the U.S. House of Representatives. Almost 3 months ago, at the beginning of August, we passed in this Chamber bipartisan legislation to finally address our infrastructure shortfalls in this country. Presidents of both parties had been proposing it for many years. Congress had talked about it a lot, but we had never been able to figure out a way forward. prgtoken So a group of 10 s and 10 got together and said: We are going to grow this from the middle out and figure out how to address our infrastructure challenges and do so in a bipartisan way. prgtoken We did that. The President of the United States, President , supported our effort, and we were able to get that legislation across the floor here in the U.S. Senate--not without some challenges and some changes and modifications. But we were able to do it because it was great for America, great for every State represented here, because it was repairing roads and bridges but also our ports, our waterways, our water infrastructure, our infrastructure that is considered digital, which would be high-speed internet, to make sure it is available to all of our citizens. prgtoken So there are a lot of things that people had talked about for a long time and said they were for, but finally we were able to actually put it into writing and get it done. And it passed this Chamber with a big vote: 69 votes. Rarely does something so significant pass this Chamber with that kind of bipartisan support. prgtoken Unfortunately, it has languished in the House of Representatives for almost 3 months, since early August. And the reason it has languished over there isn't because it doesn't have the votes. It is really more because people would like to use it as a hostage for something they want even more, and that is just wrong. prgtoken So, tonight, I urge my House colleagues, and alike, to put aside the partisanship and focus on the substance of the bill and pass it. It has been held political hostage to something that House , particularly progressives in the House, want even more. It is not that they are opposed to infrastructure. They know this is needed. They know it is good for their constituents and it is good for our country. It is because they want even more to pass a massive, new spending bill called sometimes the Build Back Better bill, sometimes the reconciliation bill, sometimes the $3.5 trillio
Vote on Prelogar Nomination (Executive Calendar)
John Thune (Republican, SD) \u2014 2021-10-28

. The following Senators are necessarily absent: the Senator from Wyoming (Mr. Barrasso), the Senator from North Carolina (Mr. Burr), the Senator from North Dakota (Mr. Cramer), the Senator from Wisconsin (Mr. Johnson), the Senator from Louisiana (Mr. Kennedy), the Senator from Kansas (Mr. Moran), the Senator from South Dakota (Mr. Rounds), the Senator from Florida (Mr. Scott), and the Senator from Indiana (Mr. Young). prgtoken Further, if present and voting, the Senator from Indiana (Mr. Young) would have noted ``nay.''
RECOGNIZING THE VETERANS AIRLIFT COMMAND
Jay Obernolte (Republican, CA) \u2014 2021-10-28

. Madam , I rise today to recognize the outstanding service of the Veteran Airlift Command, an organization which I've volunteered with for many years that has a dedicated network of volunteers working to support our nation's wounded warriors across the country. prgtoken The Veteran Airlift Command, founded by Vietnam War veteran Walter Fricke, has impacted the lives of countless wounded veterans by providing them and their families air transportation when they desperately need it. After being wounded while serving as a helicopter pilot in Vietnam, Walter, like countless other wounded veterans, had to face the challenges presented by everyday civilian life. He realized that despite commercial air travel constituting one of the most essential aspects of modern life, it was among the most inaccessible, especially for our wounded veterans. prgtoken As a military trained pilot with over 800 hours of combat flying, Walter was well equipped to remedy this issue. He had an idea for a national organization of volunteer pilots and aircraft that would fly wounded warriors and their families with dignity, respect, and gratitude, and so in 2006 he founded the Veteran Airlift Command. prgtoken Walter started the Veterans Airlift Command with his own personal finances, flying expertise, and aircraft, but today the Veterans Airlift Command has grown into substantial program that boasts a volunteer core of over 2,600 volunteer pilots and aircraft with over 18,000 passengers successfully flown. prgtoken The VAC has been and will continue to be an incredible and essential lifeline for wounded veterans and their families. Thanks to their work and that of thousands of volunteer pilots across the country, we can give back to our nation's wounded warriors and provide the dignity, respect, and comfort that our heroes deserve. I am honored to recognize the VAC today and proud to have the opportunity to volunteer with this organization and give back to those who have sacrificed part of themselves in the defense of this Nation.
IN RECOGNITION OF THE 100th ANNIVERSARY OF STATE THEATRE NEW JERSEY
Frank Pallone, Jr. (Democrat, NJ) \u2014 2021-10-28

. Madam , it is my pleasure to recognize State Theatre New Jersey on its 100th anniversary and join its leadership, staff, and Board of Trustees in celebrating its reopening ribbon cutting and marquee lighting. prgtoken Opened in 1921 by Walter Reade, State Theatre New Jersey, then known as Reade's State Theatre, continues to bring exceptional arts- programming, culture, and vitality to the greater New Brunswick community. State Theatre New Jersey is a premier regional venue, providing an outstanding educational and entertainment resource for Central Jersey and beyond, attracting visitors as far as Canada and England. Its efforts to introduce the theatrical arts to the general public, including underserved populations, enriches the lives of the diverse local community and provides a valuable impact on cultural and economic landscape of the area. prgtoken Begun as a silent film and vaudeville theater, the theater was a popular entertainment destination for residents of central New Jersey throughout the 1920s. As films with sound evolved, Radio-Keith-Orpheum (RKO) took over operation of the facility and transformed the theater to accommodate and enhance the movie experience, including soundproofing and measures to darken the interior. For about 30 years, RKO State Theatre remained well-attended by residents until many began migrating into the suburbs and television became prgtoken mainstream. Efforts by Johnson & Johnson, the New Brunswick Development Corporation and the New Brunswick Cultural Center revitalized the theater in the 1980s and in 1988 it reopened as State Theatre New Jersey. Under the direction of its current President and CEO, Sarah Chaplin, State Theatre New Jersey continues to honor and preserve its history while improving safety, accessibility, and efficiency to bring the theater into the next century. prgtoken Once again, I sincerely hope my colleagues will join me in congratulating State Theatre New Jersey on its 100th anniversary. State Theatre New Jersey's commitment to promoting the arts has contributed to the thriving cultural landscape of the community and is truly deserving of this body's recognition.
30TH ANNIVERSARY OF OSCE'S OFFICE OF DEMOCRATIC INSTITUTIONS AND HUMAN RIGHTS
Benjamin L. Cardin (Democrat, MD) \u2014 2021-10-28

I rise to commemorate the 30th anniversary of the creation of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe's--OSCE--Office of ic Institutions and Human Rights-- ODIHR--one of the world's most preeminent and comprehensive human rights protection bodies. prgtoken In 1990-1991, during the signing of the Charter of Paris for a New Europe that created ODIHR, a spirit of ``profound change and historic expectations'' prevailed among the United States, nations of Europe, and the Soviet Union. prgtoken Revolutionary for their time, heads of state and governments resolved to ``build, consolidate and strengthen democracy as the only system of government of our nations.'' Further, by affirming that government's first responsibility is to ensure the ``protection and promotion of human rights,'' they explicitly linked the full attainment of those rights with ``the foundation of freedom, justice and peace'' and set the standard for relations and security within and among nations. prgtoken Now, 30 years later, I am deeply concerned that the fundamental freedoms that ODIHR was founded to safeguard are in peril. prgtoken Authoritarianism is on the rise in Europe. Credible reports allege there are more than 750 political prisoners in Belarus, many detained for participating peacefully in protest of the fraudulent elections of August 2020 and the brutal government crackdown that followed. In Hungary, Viktor Orban's administration continues its unprecedented consolidation of Hungary's media, even as opposition figures organize to resist him. In many countries across the OSCE area, we have witnessed an alarming rise in anti-Semitism, racism, religious and other intolerance, and violence against women. These scourges have worsened the conditions imposed by the COVID-19 pandemic that disproportionately affect the most vulnerable in our communities. prgtoken With these and other challenges in mind, ODIHR's valuable work to assist nations to live up to their commitments is more relevant and more needed than ever. prgtoken ODIHR is empowered by states to ensure respect for human rights, fundamental freedoms and the rule of law, and to promote and strengthen democratic institutions and tolerance. ODIHR actively partners with OSCE's 57 participating states, civil society, and international organizations to support human rights defenders, enhance the independence of judiciaries, and promote human-rights-based policing. It offers legislative reviews and develops tools to support local government officials, including the Words into Action project, which enhances social inclusion within local communities and for which I proudly help secure funding. prgtoken The most visible demonstration of ODIHR's collaboration with the United States is perhaps in the field of election observation, where its methodology is rightly seen as the gold standard in international election observation. Since its founding, ODIHR, the D
THE COURTS SPORTS COMPLEX
Ed Perlmutter (Democrat, CO) \u2014 2021-10-28

. Madam , I rise today to recognize The Courts Sports Complex of Northglenn, Colorado for receiving the City of Northglenn Investment Award. prgtoken The Northglenn Investment award is given to a Northglenn business that has made significant investments to improve their business or in the community. This year, the award is being presented to The Courts Sports Complex. This state-of-the-art, multipurpose sports facility is a welcomed addition to the Northglenn community. It hosts thousands of eager spectators and athletes alike each year. The massive 32,000 square foot complex can host basketball, volleyball, and several other sports to create Colorado's next great athletes. prgtoken I would like to extend a personal congratulations to the team over at The Courts Sports Complex for receiving this award. They are certainly deserving of all this recognition and more. I would also like to thank them for being such outstanding leaders in the community, and for helping to bring recreation and jobs to Northglenn. I wish The Courts Sports Complex nothing but the best in the future, as they continue to be a favorite spot for athletes of all ages.
AMERICAN PEOPLE ARE ON THE MOVE
Sheila Jackson Lee (Democrat, TX) \u2014 2021-10-28

this morning President Joseph was brilliant. He gathered together the members of the ic Caucus, and he spoke to the American people about the brilliance of a seismic, monumental effort to change the lives of generations of Americans. prgtoken We as stood united behind the framework of Build Back Better, realizing that we will change the lives of kindergartners and children across the land and change the world. With universal preschool for 3- and 4-year-olds; affordable, high-quality childcare; affordable, high-quality care for hundreds of thousands of those older Americans in the latter part of their lives, allowing them to live at home in dignity--expanded child tax cut, is what I would like to call it--we stood unified. prgtoken For all the chattering about friends on the other side of the aisle, name one good deed that they have done to change generations of Americans. prgtoken , I am proud to stand with , the President of the United States. When he leaves and goes to the G20, he will be able to say that he has a united Caucus that believes in climate change, that believes in humanity and the human infrastructure that Build Back Better is. prgtoken We are on the move. We are on the road. We are going to pass both bills. And we are going to change Americans' lives forever and ever and ever. I am proud to be a and to stand in this monumental era of our time. prgtoken , tell the American people we are on the move.
Affordable Housing (Executive Calendar)
Maria Cantwell (Democrat, WA) \u2014 2021-10-28

I come to the floor this afternoon to talk about the affordable housing crisis in the USA. prgtoken , I ask unanimous consent to have this letter printed in the Record. It is from 44 different mayors representing 20 different States and the District of Columbia, talking about those housing priorities that we need to see in legislation that we will be voting on, including, No. 1, strengthening and expanding the low-income housing tax credit.
EXECUTIVE CALENDAR (Executive Session)
Tim Kaine (Democrat, VA) \u2014 2021-10-28

I ask unanimous consent that the Senate proceed to executive session to consider the following nominations: Calendar Nos. 499, 500, 502, 503, and all nominations on the Secretary's desk in the 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; that the President be immediately notified of the Senate's action; and that the Senate then resume legislative session.
EXECUTIVE CALENDAR
Charles E. Schumer (Democrat, NY) \u2014 2021-10-28

I ask unanimous consent that the Senate consider the following nominations: Calendar Nos. 467, 478, and 479, and all nominations on the Secretary's Desk in the Air Force, Army, Coast Guard, Foreign Service, Marine Corps, and Space Force 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.