mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
Georgia (Executive Calendar)
Richard J. Durbin (Democrat, IL) \u2014 2021-4-13

over the past several weeks, all eyes have been on Georgia and the State legislation that is being considered on voting rights of Georgia's citizens. In response to the new voting restrictions the State's Governor signed into law last month, American leaders from many walks of life responded. It has really brought the issue of voter suppression to the forefront at the beginning of a national debate. prgtoken We are told that hundreds--hundreds--of bill changes and amendments are being offered in State legislatures across the country, all modeled after the Georgia goal, the Georgia outline, of reducing the opportunity to vote in America. prgtoken If you have a functioning democracy where people actually count votes, the number of people who show up is as important as how they vote, and I think the people in Georgia have realized that with this new approach they are taking. There has been a broad condemnation of the Georgia voting law, and it has inspired a display of unity in support of our fundamental right to vote across America. It seems that some of my colleagues would rather silence the law's critics than address the very real issues that the law creates. prgtoken Over the recess, the minority leader, Senator McConnell, issued a warning to the leaders of corporations who were voicing their opposition to the Georgia law. He said to them: You stay out of politics. He apparently did not say ``Keep your money out of politics'' because he has been a fan of the Citizens United decision, which gives those same corporations not only the opportunity but the experience of spending millions of dollars in every election cycle to affect the outcome. prgtoken I appreciate the leader's newfound passion for addressing the influence of big corporations, but rather than silencing leaders in the private sector from speaking their minds, which is their constitutional right, I would invite my colleagues to join in taking more meaningful steps to protect our political system from corporate overreach. prgtoken They can join us if they wish in supporting the For the People Act, the democracy defense bill. The For the People Act would limit the influence of dark money and special interests in our politics, require big money contributors and special interests to actually drop the veil and show us who they are, and tighten the rules that affect the super PACs. It is a commonsense solution for protecting every American's First Amendment right to free speech, and it would level the playing field of the political system so that everybody has an equal say. prgtoken I would also invite my colleagues to revive the bipartisan spirit of the Voting Rights Act. I can remember a time when renewal of the Voting Rights Act was a virtually unanimous bipartisan effort. Unfortunately, that changed, and the Supreme Court decision didn't make it any easier. So we are trying with
PREVENTING PAYGO SEQUESTRATION
Sheila Jackson Lee (Democrat, TX) \u2014 2021-4-13

. Madam , I thank the chairman very much for yielding, and I rise in support of the Senate amendment to H.R. 1868, an act to prevent direct across-the-board spending cuts, which would include protecting Medicare. prgtoken Madam , one of the happiest days of my life as a Member of the United States Congress--and I have passed many legislative initiatives--is the passing of the American Rescue Act. Just in the time that I was in the district in the work recess, I was able to see the smiles of so many--such as our Federally qualified health clinics getting almost 50 million to provide vaccinations to well-deserved communities--smiling faces about the American Rescue Act. prgtoken And so the reason why this is an important initiative is because it retains language included by Congress in the CARES Act and subsequent legislation to address the COVID-19 pandemic. prgtoken Medicare plans and providers are receiving payment rates at approximately 2 percent higher than what they otherwise could have received during this time. The pause in the operability of the sequestration was slated to expire on March 31, 2021, but H.R. 1868 extended the suspension to December 30, 2021. We do not want any cuts from Medicare, and will not have any cuts in Medicare. prgtoken The Senate amendment to that legislation reduced that time to the end of the fiscal year 2021--September 30--but I know that even though it has been reduced to that, we will extend it because we will not have any cuts. I believe the American Rescue Plan was desperately needed-- $20 billion in vaccinations; contact tracing and testing; billions of dollars for our schools and our teachers; dollars that would help ensure that our unemployment is extended, and the $1,400. Vaccines in the arms; money in people's pocket.
RECOGNIZING THE SERVICE OF REP. JAMIE RASKIN
Dean Phillips (Democrat, MN) \u2014 2021-4-13

. Madam , I rise today to honor the service of my friend and colleague, Rep. Jamie Raskin, in the face of tragedy and tremendously difficult circumstances, by offering a column written by one of my constituents, Kurtis Meyer. [From the St. Ansgar Enterprise Journal] (By Kurtis Meyer) Until recently, I hadn't paid much attention to Congressman Jamie Raskin from Maryland. I had seen him a few times on TV news programs, but the House of Representatives generally rewards seniority instead of ability. Since Congressman Raskin was first elected in 2016, he was lacking in the category that often earns Washington status and power. Several months ago, in late 2020, Congressman Raskin's world was altered suddenly and dramatically. His son, Tommy, a second-year law student at Harvard, one of three Raskin children, took his life, succumbing to depression. His burial was on January 5th. We all know what happened in Washington the next day, January 6th, when Congressman Raskin, his daughter and his son-in-law were in the Capitol, awaiting the historic moment when Electoral College results would be read. After literally fearing for their lives, in the aftermath of what--the uprising? the insurrection?-- Pelosi asked Jamie Raskin to serve as the House's lead impeachment manager, a process rooted in the events of January 6. I track closely on politics. It's has been an animating force in my life for four decades. While political campaigns are too long, too expensive, and too contentious, I engage in these battles, advocating on behalf of candidates I hope will serve our community, our state, and our nation with integrity. Today, however, I seek not to shed light on a political race, but rather to shine light on the human race, specifically, the strength, courage, and resilience of Congressman Jamie Raskin. Last New Year's Eve, he gained membership in a club no one ever hopes to join: those who experience the loss of a child. This tragedy grew out of perhaps the least understood cause of death, soul-crushing depression. I didn't know 25-year old Tommy Raskin but have read tributes to him by those who did, including his family. Here's an excerpt from their capture of this young man's life: Tommy entered the world like a blue-eyed cherub, a little angel (and) grew up as a strikingly beautiful curly-haired madcap boy beaming with laughter and charm, making mischief, kicking the soccer ball in the goal, acting out scenes from `To Kill A Mockingbird' with his little sister . . . teaching other children the names of all the Justices on the Supreme Court, hugging strangers on the street, teaching our dogs foreign languages, running up and down the aisle on ai
Nomination of Gary Gensler (Executive Calendar)
Sherrod Brown (Democrat, OH) \u2014 2021-4-13

I appreciate Senator Toomey's comments and the spirit in which they were delivered. prgtoken I rise to urge my colleagues to support President 's nominee to be Chairman of the Securities and Exchange Commission, Gary Gensler. prgtoken In March, Mr. Gensler appeared before the Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs Committee for his nomination hearing. The committee advanced him to the full Senate with a bipartisan vote. prgtoken Mr. Gensler is an experienced public servant with a strong record of holding Wall Street accountable. He will lead the SEC at a time when it has become more and more obvious to more and more people that the stock market is detached from the reality of working families' lives. Mr. Gensler will bring the SEC's focus back to the people who make this country work. He will push to ensure that markets are a way for families to save and invest for their children's education, for a downpayment on a home, for a secure retirement, not a game for hedge fund managers, where workers lose every single time. prgtoken Mr. Gensler, as Chair of the Commodity Futures Trading Commission, led the implementation of the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act to bring transparency and stability to more markets. He was tough on enforcement issues. He cracked down on big banks that had manipulated interest rates for years. prgtoken Mr. Gensler is an expert on finance and markets. He previously served as Secretary of the Treasury for Domestic Finance and Assistant Secretary of the Treasury for Financial Markets. prgtoken He will carry out the SEC's mission--the reason it was created--to ensure that U.S. capital markets deliver growth and investment opportunities that grow the real economy and give middle-class families the opportunity to build wealth. He understands we need to ensure confidence and stability in our markets as the foundation to grow American businesses and support the workers who make their companies successful. Mr. Gensler will listen to families saving for the future as well as professionals who manage workers' pensions and retirements. He will make sure that savers, large and small, can hold corporate executives accountable. prgtoken When it comes to enforcement, Mr. Gensler has shown the guts to take on bad actors, no matter how big and no matter how powerful they are, and he will hold them accountable. prgtoken The pandemic has reminded people just how rigged the Wall Street system can be. prgtoken About 2 months ago, I became chair of the committee that is called the Senate Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs. To most in this body, the committee is just referred to as the Banking Committee or Senate Banking. This is a committee where Wall Street--it has been all about Wall Street, little about housing, and damn near nothing about urban affairs. Those days are behind us. This committee will look out for small investors. That is why the SEC is so im
KENDRA DICKINSON
Ed Perlmutter (Democrat, CO) \u2014 2021-4-13

. Madam , I rise today to recognize and applaud Kendra Dickinson for receiving the Arvada Wheat Ridge Service Ambassadors for Youth award. prgtoken Kendra Dickinson is a student at Oberon Middle School and received this award because her determination and hard work have allowed her to overcome adversities. prgtoken The dedication demonstrated by Kendra Dickinson is exemplary of the type of achievement that can be attained with hard work and perseverance. It is essential students at all levels strive to make the most of their education and develop a work ethic which will guide them for the rest of their lives. prgtoken I extend my deepest congratulations to Kendra Dickinson for winning the Arvada Wheat Ridge Service Ambassador for Youth award. I have no doubt she will exhibit the same dedication and character in all of her future accomplishments.
STATEMENTS ON INTRODUCED BILLS AND JOINT RESOLUTIONS
Tim Kaine (Democrat, VA) \u2014 2021-4-13

The U.S. Infrastructure system is in critical need of an upgrade. In February 2021, the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) graded 11 of 17 infrastructure categories a D+ or worse. Systems across the Nation are in dire need of repair, including our bridges, public transit, roads, and schools. prgtoken A recent study by the Center of Education and the Workforce at Georgetown University estimated that a $1.5 trillion infrastructure investment would create 15 million new jobs. Nearly half of these would require training past the high school level. Even without a significant investment, though, infrastructure industries are already struggling to meet workforce demands. Though the need to invest in infrastructure goes back decades, there's renewed momentum today, especially as more than 10 million people remain unemployed across the country as a result of COVID-19, exacerbating the already historic inequities that have limited women and people of color from accessing these jobs. Investments in infrastructure skills training must serve people of color, women, and other communities who have historically been excluded from good careers in infrastructure. prgtoken Industry and sector partnerships are a proven strategy for helping workers prepare for jobs that lead to strong career pathways and helping businesses find skilled workers. Congress requires states and local areas to support the development of these partnerships under the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA), but no dedicated funding has been provided for these activities. prgtoken For workers, especially those underrepresented in infrastructure industries, support services like career counseling, child care, and transportation can often be the key to succeed in work-based learning programs. Providing these services may be outside the capacity of a business. Industry partnerships bring business together with community and human service organizations that can make these connections for workers and drastically improve their ability to succeed in training and meet business demand for skilled workers. prgtoken This is why I am pleased to introduce with my colleague, Senator Portman, the Building U.S. Infrastructure by Leveraging Demands for Skills Act, or BUILDS Act. The BUILDS Act creates a grant program that would support industry and sector partnerships working with local businesses, industry associations and organizations, labor organizations, state and local workforce boards, economic development agencies and other partners engaged in their communities to encourage industry growth, competitiveness and collaboration to improve worker training, retention and advancement in targeted infrastructure clusters. Additionally, businesses and education providers would be connected to develop classroom curriculum to complement on-the-job learning and workers would receive support services such as mentoring and career counseling to
VIOLENCE AGAINST ASIAN AMERICANS
Charles E. Schumer (Democrat, NY) \u2014 2021-4-13

over the past year, there has been a rising tide of violence and discrimination against Asian Americans, from shouted insults and racial slurs to outright physical assaults. prgtoken I have attended a whole bunch of rallies against Asian-American violence over the past few weeks. You would be heartsick--heartsick--to hear the stories shared, the fear in the voices of Asian-American citizens, and to listen to the way they change their daily lives to avoid the subway or stay indoors most of the day. prgtoken The surge in anti-Asian violence is revolting and, sadly, contains the echoes of dark chapters in our history when Asian Americans were subject to widespread bigotry and discrimination. prgtoken The poison of racism has always existed in America, but unfortunately, over the past 4 years, it seems to have found new life. There is no question that the former President fanned the flames of racial bias in our country and too often encouraged--let alone discouraged--the vicious slander that connected COVID-19 to the people of Asian descent. prgtoken Every day in America, in this 21st-century America, Asian Americans fear they might be insulted, assaulted, spat upon, or even worse. As Americans, we must stand up and do something about it. The foundation of our pluralistic society is that an attack on one group is an attack on all of us. So tomorrow the Senate will vote on whether to take up and debate Senator Hirono's anti-Asian hate crimes bill, sponsored by Representative Meng in the House. This bill is as unobjectionable as it could be. It would designate a point person at the Justice Department to identify hate crimes towards Asian Americans related to COVID-19, telling Federal law enforcement to make these hate crimes a top priority during the pandemic. prgtoken This isn't some kind of ``gotcha'' legislation. It is not some complex new program or appropriation. This is as straightforward as it gets. This is legislation our times demand. prgtoken Of course, we are open to strengthening the bill. I understand that there is an effort underway to add bipartisan legislation called the No Hate Act--sponsored by Senators Blumenthal and Moran, one and one --as an amendment, and I fully support that effort. prgtoken The Blumenthal-Moran bill would provide resources to State and local law enforcement to improve hate crimes reporting, increase training, while also improving education to root out the bias that fuels these despicable, despicable acts. That makes perfect sense as a bipartisan amendment to Senator Hirono's legislation, and I believe that combating hate against the Asian-American community should be thoroughly, if not unanimously, bipartisan. prgtoken Congress can send a strong signal in one loud, clear voice that these kinds of hate crimes will not be tolerated. The way to do it is for 60 Senators to vote to proceed to the bill tomorrow. I sure hope it will be more than 60. Th
PREVENTING PAYGO SEQUESTRATION
John A. Yarmuth (Democrat, KY) \u2014 2021-4-13

. Madam , such time as I may consume. prgtoken Madam , today, the House meets on the heels of huge milestones for our country: more than 180 million vaccine shots in Americans' arms and more than 150 million rescue checks in Americans' bank accounts. prgtoken As the resources included in the American Rescue Plan continue to strengthen our Nation's fight against COVID-19 and deliver critical relief to American families, today's legislation will ensure our healthcare providers--who have been on the front lines of this pandemic--are supported during this difficult time. prgtoken Early in the COVID-19 pandemic, Congress came together to provide financial support to healthcare providers by temporarily pausing the sequestration of the Medicare program created by the Budget Control Act of 2011. This pause, originally enacted in the CARES Act and then further extended in the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2021, was slated to expire on March 31, 2021. Today's legislation will extend the suspension through the end of this year. prgtoken Madam , I am pleased that this bill received bipartisan support in the Senate, and it is my hope that it will receive broad bipartisan support in this Chamber as well. prgtoken However, I would be remiss if I did not state my disappointment that the needed legislative fix to exclude the American Rescue Plan from the statutory paygo scorecard was dropped from this measure. prgtoken Many of my House colleagues supported this bill in its original form, which would essentially put the American Rescue Plan on equal footing with our other COVID relief packages and ensure it is treated the same as the previous reconciliation bill passed by Congress. prgtoken So while today's action is an important step, our work is not done. Next, we must enact an additional legislative fix to prevent a separate paygo sequester and avert painful and indiscriminate cuts to Medicare, farm supports, social services, resources for students and individuals with disabilities, and other programs Americans rely on. prgtoken I am committed to passing this bill today, and enacting a second sequester fix before the end of this session of Congress. I invite all my colleagues to join me in these important efforts. prgtoken Madam , .
LEGISLATIVE SESSION
Rick Scott (Republican, FL) \u2014 2021-4-14

the United States is a beacon of democracy in the world, and our Nation was founded on free and fair elections, but if the American people don't have confidence in our elections, we don't have a sustainable democracy. prgtoken What we saw this past election was confusion and chaos caused by inconsistent standards and last-minute changes to established election laws by State officials and activist judges. Yet it is not just the chaos from this past election that troubles Americans across the country. For more than a decade, growing numbers of Americans have become less confident that their votes were accurately cast and counted. If we want to continue as a thriving democracy, we have to reverse this trend and take action so Americans trust in free and fair elections. There is no other option. prgtoken That is why I have joined my colleagues in introducing the Save Democracy Act to restore faith in our Federal elections and guarantee that voters decide the outcomes of elections, not the courts, and that is why I am here today to ask my colleagues to join me in passing one specific section of the Save Democracy Act--the Promoting Election Integrity by Proving Voter Identity Act--to require voter ID. prgtoken It is pretty simple. If you want to vote in person, you will need to bring your current and valid ID. If you want to vote by mail, you will need to provide a copy of your ID. Like I said, it is pretty simple and straightforward. We want 100 percent participation in our elections and zero percent fraud. We want it to be easy to vote and hard to cheat. Voter ID helps us to meet that goal. prgtoken Of course, the will do anything to fight against these commonsense reforms. It is absurd. You have to have ID to drive a car, board a plane, open a bank account, and pick up a prescription. Do they object to that? Of course not. These are much needed, commonsense reforms to our election systems. prgtoken Just look at what is happening in Georgia. Two recent news articles show that President and the spread lies to pressure companies to boycott Georgia over commonsense voting laws even though the Washington Post gave President four Pinocchios for his lies about the Georgia law. prgtoken I ask unanimous consent to have printed in the Record the two articles I have with me today which outline how much the have been grossly misleading the public
WELCOMING THE HONORABLE JULIA LETLOW TO THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Steve Scalise (Republican, LA) \u2014 2021-4-14

. Madam , it is with great honor that on behalf of the entire Louisiana delegation and on behalf of all of my colleagues, we welcome Julia Letlow to Congress. prgtoken It has been quite a journey, and it is not a journey that she walks alone. This has been Julia and Luke Letlow's journey for over a year, and we all still grieve for the loss of Luke, who tragically died just days before he would have been sworn into Congress. But Julia never backed down, never looked back. She moved forward, and she said we are going to continue this journey with her beautiful family. prgtoken Madam , up in the balcony, we have her 3-year-old son, Jeremiah, and her 1-year-old daughter, Jacqueline. We welcome them, as well as both Julia's and Luke's families, who are in the balcony. prgtoken There are so many great attributes that Julia is going to bring to this Congress. She graduated from the University of Louisiana Monroe. She has been in higher education her entire life and truly dedicated her life to serving others. She will be serving on the Education and Labor Committee, as well as on the Agriculture Committee, two important committees that enrich this country, as well as her district. prgtoken She has a great record of service. We are so excited to have her in our delegation. We are especially proud that Julia becomes, today, the first woman ever elected to Congress from Louisiana. prgtoken Madam , let me welcome our newest Member of Congress, Julia Letlow.