mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
Remembering Mike Enzi (Executive Session)
Patrick J. Leahy (Democrat, VT) \u2014 2021-7-27

I always consider it a privilege to open the U.S. Senate, be here for the pledge of allegiance, be here for the Chaplain's prayer. But I must admit this morning that I felt such a sense of sorrow that we were praying for my good friend Mike Enzi, whom I had the privilege to serve with during all the time he was in the U.S. Senate. prgtoken We used to spend time together. We would talk to each other on votes coming up. He was the old ``old school.'' He always kept his word; he knew I would mine. We worked on many things. prgtoken I did remember, through the tears this morning as I heard the news, of one day when I was chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee and Senator Enzi came to me and he said: You know, I know you are Italian American--which I am on my mother's side--and I am Italian American. And I have this nominee. He is one of us. He is Italian American. Please push him through. prgtoken Well, the nominee backed by Senator Enzi was, of course, well qualified anyway. We put him on the agenda and passed him. prgtoken A few weeks later, he came up to me, and he said: I have got another nominee. prgtoken I said: How many Italian Americans do you have in Wyoming? prgtoken He said: Oh, this is one of us. He is Irish. prgtoken I said: Mike, what do you mean ``he is Irish''? You are Italian. prgtoken He said: No, I am just like you, except in reverse. prgtoken He had an Italian father and an Irish mother. I had an Irish father and Italian mother. prgtoken So he said: He is one of us; you have got to get him through--of course, as only Mike could, in that gentle humor of his. prgtoken And we laughed. And, of course, he was well qualified, and we put the nominee through. prgtoken A couple of weeks later, he comes up to me on something else. I said: Do you have another nominee? prgtoken He said: No, but I am looking for a French Canadian, and now I am going to call your wife Marcelle and say: This is one of us. We have got to get him through. prgtoken But I tell that story only because it was typical of him. He would quietly meet with Senators on both sides of the aisle. We were different in our political philosophy, but he always worked at finding a way we could come together. And countless times he would bring and s together. It was never done with any fanfare. He didn't seek publicity. He wasn't running to the press to say: Look what I did; look what I accomplished. But he had the thankfulness of all of us. prgtoken He and his wife Diana and Marcelle and I have spent so many times together, and you felt this was somebody you could be having a backyard barbecue with, somebody you could just be prgtoken sitting together and watching a sporting event with or anything else. prgtoken I don't know the full details of the tragic accident he had, but I can almost see Mike out on his bicycle, in his beautiful State, and enjoying the day. I do mourn his passage, not only as a friend but as somebody w
PROVIDING FOR CONSIDERATION OF H.R. 4502, LABOR, HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES, EDUCATION, AGRICULTURE, RURAL DEVELOPMENT, ENERGY AND WATER DEVELOPMENT, FINANCIAL SERVICES AND GENERAL GOVERNMENT...
Lucille Roybal-Allard (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2021-7-27

. Madam , I support this rule and commend the chairs who worked diligently to produce funding bills that reflect our goal to ``Build Back Better'' for the American people. prgtoken As vice chair of the Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies, I am delighted that this bill lives up to its reputation as the ``People's Bill,'' thanks to the work and commitment of its chair, Rosa DeLauro. prgtoken The bill has strong outlays in job training and apprenticeship programs, increased funding for childcare and worker protections, transformative investments to help adults in all communities access post-secondary educational opportunities, and critical investments to ensure our children can return to school safely and receive high- quality education to overcome the pandemic setbacks. prgtoken The Labor, HHS, and Education bill has historic investments to strengthen our public health system and ensure the infrastructure and resources needed to address future public health challenges. prgtoken This includes increased investments in REACH, the Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Program, the Climate and Health Program, and the Chronic Disease Education and Awareness Program. prgtoken As co-chair of the Maternity Care Caucus, I am grateful for the strong investments in mothers and babies, like the large increases in the MCH block grant, the Healthy Start Program, and Safe Motherhood programs. I am also pleased the bill expands the capacity of the Maternal Mental Health Hotline, the SAMHSA Pregnant and Postpartum Women Program and midwifery education funding within the Scholarships for Disadvantaged Students. prgtoken Madam , President said: ``Don't tell me what you value. Show me your budget, and I will tell you what you value.'' prgtoken I thank all the subcommittee chairs for outlining our values so distinctly in their appropriation bills, and I urge passage of the rule and this minibus.
BIDEN POLICIES HURTING TENNESSEANS
Jim Costa (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2021-7-27

I rise today to pay tribute to a dedicated public servant and a strong, strong advocate for students in my home of Fresno, California, Carol Mills. prgtoken Carol Mills was passionate about everything she ever did. She was a 17-year trustee for the Fresno Unified School District, the third largest school district in California, and spent every moment of that time fighting for more and better opportunities for kids. prgtoken Early this year, Carol Mills was diagnosed with Lou Gehrig's disease. We all know it is a terrible disease, yet she continued to work throughout that courageous battle with Lou Gehrig's disease and served on the Fresno Unified School Board. Why? Because that was Carol. prgtoken During my time in Congress, I got to know and see firsthand her passion for helping students. Two months ago, I visited Carol at her home. We recounted efforts in the past. We laughed. We shared the challenges of the future because, over the years, she never lost sight that our country's future comes first when we prioritize the education, the quality education, of America's next generation. That is why Carol made a difference in everything she ever did. prgtoken Our community and the students of Fresno Unified School District were made better because of Carol Mills' passion and dedication to not only her service but to the quality of their education and the future of America. prgtoken She will be missed dearly by everyone who knew and loved her. My thoughts and prayers go to the family during this very, very difficult time. prgtoken Carol, we loved you. God bless.
ORDERS FOR WEDNESDAY, JULY 28, 2021
Sheldon Whitehouse (Democrat, RI) \u2014 2021-7-27

I ask unanimous consent that when the Senate completes its business today, it adjourn until 10:30 a.m Wednesday, July 28; that following the prayer and pledge, the morning hour be deemed expired, the Journal of proceedings be approved to date, the time for the two leaders be reserved for their use later in the day, and morning business be closed; that upon the conclusion of morning business, the Senate proceed to executive session to resume consideration of the Wilcox nomination; finally, that if any nominations are confirmed, the motions to reconsider be considered made and laid upon the table and the President be immediately notified of the Senate's action.
Coronavirus (Executive Calendar)
Richard J. Durbin (Democrat, IL) \u2014 2021-7-27

my wife and I received our COVID vaccinations, and we were grateful to the scientists, the doctors, the nurses, and everyone else who made those miracle medicines possible. prgtoken It is a relief to see vaccination numbers in this country picking up a little bit in the last few days after declining for months. prgtoken It is a relief to hear some of the loudest anti-vax quacks change their tune about the importance of getting vaccinated. While many of these charlatans and blowhards were dreaming up bizarre theories about the vaccines, the virus was not idle. In fact, months of confusion and quackery have given the virus a chance to mutate and, sadly, to again regain the upper hand. prgtoken This mutation, known as the Delta variant, is now in every State in the Union. COVID infections, hospitalizations, and deaths are on the rise again. Almost all--almost all--of those who are hospitalized and facing serious illness and even death are unvaccinated. We know that. prgtoken But this is a virus the world has never seen before, and the science is still evolving. What scientists don't know yet is whether people who are vaccinated against COVID can spread the Delta variant even if they experience few symptoms. prgtoken While unvaccinated people should wear a mask whenever out in public, the CDC is recommending that vaccinated people who live in high- transmission areas also wear masks in indoor public spaces for now. Further, vaccinated people who have vulnerable individuals in their households--young children or those who are immunocompromised--should wear masks in public places. And finally, the CDC is recommending universal masking for all teachers, staff members, and students in school, regardless of vaccination status. prgtoken No one--no one--wants to wear a face mask. We all hoped that those days were all behind us. But I am bringing this mask with me in my pocket to be ready to use it when needed; others should do the same. prgtoken If you want to protect yourself, your family, and your community, get the jab. It is free and safe. Until then, wear the mask when you must.
Remembering Mike Enzi (Executive Session)
Charles E. Schumer (Democrat, NY) \u2014 2021-7-27

I thank my good friend, the senior Senator from the great State of Vermont. prgtoken I, too, feel so badly about Senator Enzi's unfortunate passing. We received the very sad news this morning that Mike Enzi had passed away from injuries sustained on a bicycle accident. prgtoken He was only 7 months into his retirement, after four terms in the Senate and decades--decades--of service to his home State of Wyoming. prgtoken We will remember him as we remembered him upon his departure from this Chamber, as a kind and gentle man, as a practical legislator, someone who sought common ground and was willing to leave strained disagreements for another day. He was forceful, he was principled, but he was also gentle, a rare and unusual combination and much needed in this body. prgtoken He lived by a simple creed, given to him by his mother, that adorned his office, and he shared it with his staff: Do what you think is right; do your best; and treat others the way they wish to be treated. prgtoken Upon his retirement, those were the values he asked the Senate to remember him by. At the news of his unexpected passing, those are the values we will carry on in his memory. I offer my condolences to his wife Diana and to former Senator Enzi's entire family
LABOR, HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES, EDUCATION, AGRICULTURE, RURAL DEVELOPMENT, ENERGY AND WATER DEVELOPMENT, FINANCIAL SERVICES AND GENERAL GOVERNMENT, INTERIOR, ENVIRONMENT, MILITARY CONSTRUCTION...
Kaiali’i Kahele (Democrat, HI) \u2014 2021-7-27

first, I thank the appropriations chair, Ms. DeLauro, and Ranking Member Granger for their leadership in bringing these appropriations bills to the floor. prgtoken I rise before you today, , to speak on behalf of my bipartisan amendment co-led by Representatives Ferguson, Davis, Fitzpatrick, and Bergman. prgtoken For the last 10 years, some foreign airlines have sought to undermine international standards, the rights of U.S. workers, and to erode the competitiveness of our U.S. domestic airlines. These foreign airlines are unfairly using atypical business practices to register their airline away from its home country in more convenient locations to find countries with more permissive legal, regulatory, labor, and safety standards which creates a serious disadvantage for our U.S. workers and carriers, as well as undermines the safety standards the U.S. has worked so hard to cultivate. prgtoken Commercial aviation contributes over 5 percent to the U.S. GDP and supports hundreds of thousands of good-paying jobs. My bipartisan amendment seeks to prevent flags of convenience airlines from undercutting U.S. jobs by ensuring that no Federal funds can be used to approve a new foreign air carrier permit unless certain conditions are met, including evaluating if it is in the best public interest. prgtoken This commonsense amendment, , will enable the Department of Transportation to prevent foreign airlines that use atypical or flags of convenience business models from flying to and from the United States which will support American jobs, American workers, and the U.S. airline industry.
LABOR, HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES, EDUCATION, AGRICULTURE, RURAL DEVELOPMENT, ENERGY AND WATER DEVELOPMENT, FINANCIAL SERVICES AND GENERAL GOVERNMENT, INTERIOR, ENVIRONMENT, MILITARY CONSTRUCTION...
Eric Swalwell (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2021-7-27

I rise in support of my bipartisan amendment to Division E of H.R. 4502, offered with Congressmen Guy Reschenthaler and Vincente Gonzalez, number 183 and part of en bloc package number five, which would increase funds for the United States Geological Survey (USGS) by $2,000,000 and decrease funding for the Secretary of the Interior, Departmental Operations, by the same amount. prgtoken Since my first term in Congress I have worked diligently to decrease our reliance on foreign sources of elements and minerals critical for certain energy applications. These materials are especially important for our clean energy future, used in products like electric vehicles and wind turbines among many others. Legislation I introduced on this subject, the Securing Energy Critical Elements and American Jobs Act, was the basis for a robust domestic research and development program on energy critical materials signed into law as Sections 7001 and 7002 of the Energy Act of 2020 (Division Z of the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021 (Public Law 116-260)). prgtoken Sections 7001 and 7002 authorize a total of $208 million for this program in fiscal year 2022. Of that, $158 million is for Department of Energy (DOE) work. I want to thank the Energy and Water and Related Agencies Appropriations Subcommittee for providing the needed funds and for citing to Sections 7001 and 7002 of the Energy Act of 2020 in its committee report when describing what DOE is to do in this area. prgtoken The remainder, $50 million, essentially is for activities to be undertaken by or with the Department of Interior or USGS, and those activities are the subject of my amendment. I appreciate that the report from the Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies Appropriations Subcommittee references and directs funds to some work on critical minerals. However, it does not refer to specifically to Section 7002 of the Energy Act of 2020 or mention all aspects of the program that section of law creates. prgtoken My amendment thus serves two purposes. First, its passage is intended to reinforce congressional intent that the Department of Interior and USGS should use funds the bill gives to carry out all aspects Section 7002 of the Energy Act of 2020 that are applicable to each and as directed by that law. This includes developing and publishing a list of critical minerals, coordinating with the Department of Energy to establish and operate a Critical Materials Information Portal, and working with the Department of Labor on a relevant workforce challenges. prgtoken Second, my amendment adds $2,000,000 to the money USGS is already provided for efforts on critical minerals to improve its ability to do this vitally important work. This is the most that its budget could be increased in this area above what is already provided in the underlying bill within the confines of this appropriations legislation. prgtoken I urge all Members to support my amendment.
LABOR, HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES, EDUCATION, AGRICULTURE, RURAL DEVELOPMENT, ENERGY AND WATER DEVELOPMENT, FINANCIAL SERVICES AND GENERAL GOVERNMENT, INTERIOR, ENVIRONMENT, MILITARY CONSTRUCTION...
Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (Democrat, NY) \u2014 2021-7-27

such time as I may consume. prgtoken , with acknowledgment of that point, I think many of us have a shared outcome and a shared goal here, which is to help people who are hurting. prgtoken Right now, more than 40,000 people die in the United States of opioid overdoses annually. At least one in two PTSD patients cannot tolerate or do not respond adequately to existing treatment. We have promising indications that certain drugs that, frankly, are unjustly, in my opinion, placed on a schedule I list have promising outcomes for people who are suffering from PTSD, including our veterans. prgtoken We have to have the research in order to develop these holistic, whole person treatments. That research deserves to be in the realm of the public. That research deserves to be eligible for public funding. A blanket, vague ban that was borne out of fear and the paranoia of the war on drugs should not be defining the limits of our ability to act responsibly today. prgtoken , .
50TH ANNIVERSARY OF TAPATIO
Alex Padilla (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2021-7-27

I rise to recognize the 50th anniversary of Tapatio, a family-run company from the great State of California that exemplifies the American Dream. prgtoken Jose-Luis Saavedra, the founder of Tapatio, immigrated to California from Guadalajara, Mexico. He started out working in the aerospace industry, and he often shared a delicious homemade salsa with his coworkers. In 1971, after a recession shut down the plant where he worked, Mr. Saavedra decided to try perfecting and selling his hot sauce. prgtoken Tapatio was born out of a small kitchen in Maywood, CA, and continues its operations to this day in Vernon, CA. With the hard work and innovation of Mr. Saavedra, his wife, and his children, Tapatio grew in popularity and size, spreading from small groceries in East Los Angeles to stores and restaurants around the country. prgtoken Today, Tapatio is known for introducing the flavors of Guadalajara around the world. It now produces about 200,000 bottles of Tapatio a day and exports globally to about 30 countries. The company has even developed single-serving packets of its signature hot sauce to meet the demand from American servicemembers stationed abroad and at least one U.S. Senator. prgtoken Tapatio has remained a family-run business for 50 years, employing three generations of the Saavedra family. It is more than an immigrant success story, Tapatio is an icon of cultural ambassadorship. According to Mr. Saavedra, the Smithsonian Institute displayed a bottle of Tapatio to showcase the brand's role in spreading positive images of Latino culture. prgtoken I congratulate Tapatio on reaching this historic milestone, serving as an important reminder of the cultural and economic contributions of immigrants to our country, and keeping the American dream alive for future generations.
LABOR, HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES, EDUCATION, AGRICULTURE, RURAL DEVELOPMENT, ENERGY AND WATER DEVELOPMENT, FINANCIAL SERVICES AND GENERAL GOVERNMENT, INTERIOR, ENVIRONMENT, MILITARY CONSTRUCTION...
Robert C. "Bobby" Scott (Democrat, VA) \u2014 2021-7-27

I rise today in support of my amendments to H.R. 4502, the Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, Agriculture, Rural Development, Energy and Water Development, Financial Services and General Government, Interior, Environment, Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, Transportation, and Housing and Urban Development Appropriations Act of 2022. prgtoken These three amendments, included in en bloc three, support essential funding for our National Labs. The first amendment, which I introduced with Reps. Wittman, Beyer, Luria, and Wexton of Virginia; Reps. Suozzi and Rice of New York; and Rep. Slotkin of Michigan, highlights the need for funding for Medium Energy Operations and Nuclear Physics within the Department of Energy's Office of Science. The funding level included in the President's Budget would advance our understanding of nuclear physics, study which enhances safety, quality of life, and even medical care. Scientists and researchers at Thomas Jefferson National Accelerator Facility (Jefferson Lab), located in the heart of my district in Newport News, train the next generation of scientists, advance lifesaving cancer radiation therapies, and have been awarded more than 150 patents. Insufficient funding for Nuclear Physics and Medium Energy research would jeopardize Jefferson Lab's run times, contributing to an increased backlog of experiments ultimately slowing innovation and decreasing the United States' scientific achievements. prgtoken Given the incredible work that Jefferson Lab does, I also submitted an amendment to encourage much needed investment in the Electron-Ion Collider, on which scientists at Jefferson National Laboratory and Brookhaven National Laboratory are collaborating. Again, the funding level included in the President's Budget Request is essential to moving this critical project forward. s Reps. Wittman, Beyer, Luria, Wexton, Suozzi, and Rice for their support of this effort. By supporting the development of the Electron-Ion Collider, we enable researchers to answer pressing physics questions about the world in which we live. prgtoken Lastly, I was pleased to see funding for the High Performance Data Facility to support real-time analysis for experiments across the National Laboratories included in the President's Budget. The proposed facility would meet the needs of increasingly complex research projects across the labs. Jefferson Lab, the first National Lab to deploy a graphics processing unit for scientific computing, is incredibly well- suited to house this facility on the East Coast. Establishing the facility at Jefferson Lab would not only increase the National Laboratories' computing capacity, it would also enhance their resilience and help Jefferson Lab achieve its vision for a diversified scientific mission moving forward. s Reps. Wittman, Beyer, Luria, and Wexton for their support of this amendment. prgtoken These amendments,