mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled,
Pramila Jayapal (Democrat, WA) \u2014 2021-2-26

I rise in memory of the 500,000 lives lost from COVID. prgtoken I rise for the 24 million Americans going hungry, 40 million Americans struggling to stay in their homes, and more than 8 million families who have been pushed into poverty. prgtoken I rise to support survival checks that put money in the pockets of tens of millions of poor and working people so that they can withstand this devastating crisis. prgtoken I rise to support childcare providers and housing assistance, small business relief, unemployment assistance, and tax credits for children so families can have hope again. prgtoken I rise to support a pay raise to $15 an hour for 27 million workers across this country who so desperately need our help, lifting 1 million people out of poverty and strengthening all of our communities. prgtoken Tonight I vote ``yes'' on this American rescue package. America, know that help is on the way. We are with you, and we will get through this together.
COLORADO WILDERNESS ACT OF 2021
William R. Keating (Democrat, MA) \u2014 2021-2-26

I rise in support of my amendment to H.R. 803, Protecting America's Wilderness and Public Lands Act, which will reauthorize the Cape Cod National Seashore Advisory Commission until the year 2028. prgtoken The park that would eventually become the Cape Cod National Seashore was first conceived as a way to protect one of the last truly unspoiled barrier beaches in New England. From Chatham in the south to Provincetown in the north, the seashore resides within the six towns that form the outer Cape Cod area. prgtoken And since the creation of the seashore, the fate of that outer cape community has been uniquely intertwined with the success of the national seashore. prgtoken Today, more than 4 million visitors from around the world come every year to experience the natural beauty and recreational opportunities that the seashore provides. In this way, the seashore is a crucial, pivotal point to local businesses that depend on the cape's tourism industry for their own livelihoods and those that reside there. prgtoken Last year, the Great American Outdoors Act was signed into law. Our landmark conservation legislation will bring millions of dollars to rebuild and protect the national seashore in the coming years.
COVID RELIEF
Lucy McBath (Democrat, GA) \u2014 2021-2-26

I rise today in support of the American Rescue Plan Act. This week, we hit another tragic milestone, and our Nation has now lost over half a million people to this virus. It is difficult to comprehend the sheer magnitude of those we have lost, but we cannot become numb to the sorrow so many now feel. Each person leaves behind their story of life, love, and humanity. Each human being leaves behind a family grieving the loss of a parent, a sibling, or a spouse. prgtoken This is why we must pass the American Rescue Plan, a bill that accelerated our ability to deliver lifesaving vaccines and put an end to this pandemic, a bill that invests in our schools allowing our children and teachers to safely return to in-person learning, and a bill that provides vital economic relief to American families who need our support. prgtoken , I urge our colleagues to vote ``yes.''
PROVIDING FOR CONSIDERATION OF H.R. 1319, AMERICAN RESCUE PLAN ACT OF 2021
Stacey E. Plaskett (Democrat, VI) \u2014 2021-2-26

. Madam , the time for bold and decisive action is now. This American Rescue Plan Act will crush the virus, return children safely to school, support vaccinations, put dollars in families' pockets, and put people back to work. The plan will mount a national vaccination program that sets up community vaccination sites nationwide. prgtoken In the Virgin Islands, the loss of cruise ships, along with air travel tourists, have cut the heart of our economy, causing loss of jobs, closure of businesses, and lost revenues for government operations. prgtoken Additionally, we have yet to understand the long-term impact the pandemic will have on our children. In the Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico, our children are already overwhelmed and severely compromised due to facilities and the school year loss that they had from the 2017 hurricanes. prgtoken Lastly, I am proud to note provisions in this bill for the U.S. territories that I have been fighting for. This plan creates equality in the child tax credit and earned income tax credit. prgtoken Madam , I urge my colleagues to please support this bill.
INTRODUCTION OF THE PUBLIC BUILDINGS RENEWAL ACT OF 2021
Earl Blumenauer (Democrat, OR) \u2014 2021-2-26

. Madam , today I introduced the Public Buildings Renewal Act of 2021. This legislation will spur private investment in public building infrastructure throughout the United States by creating $5 billion in Private Activity Bonds for the development of government-owned public buildings. Critically, this legislation intends that these bonds are compliant with Davis-Bacon labor standards. prgtoken In every American community, there are serious concerns about the condition of our schools, public hospitals, justice facilities, universities, and libraries. With state and local budgets becoming increasingly strained, officials have chosen to save money by steadily reducing capital investment in public buildings. But years of underinvestment have led to facilities that are inadequately maintained, fail to comply with current codes or disability requirements, and do not have adequate security--endangering the public. Throughout the country, the average public school building is at least 40 years old, and the current backlog of maintenance and repair projects adds up to more than $45 billion annually in unmet funding needs. It is past time that we upgrade our public buildings to provide a safe, modern, and efficient experience from coast to coast. prgtoken Presently, the use of public-private partnerships to develop government owned public buildings is restricted because, unlike transportation projects, public buildings are not currently eligible for Private Activity Bonds. This unnecessary impediment prevents public building from combining tax-exempt financing with private, taxable financing, resulting in lower project costs for our state and local governments. The Public Buildings Renewal Act adds public buildings as a new class of projects eligible for financing with Private Activity Bonds, allowing state and local governments to invest in public building infrastructure projects more easily. Once enacted, state and local governments would be able to enter long-term contracts with a private sector company to design, build, finance, and/or operate and maintain the building for a defined period. This legislation is intended to provide an additional financing option to state and local governments looking to improve their public buildings, not be a panacea for all projects. prgtoken We can no longer accept schools and hospitals in disrepair, deferred maintenance, and delayed capital investment. I look forward to working with my colleagues in the House and Senate to include this legislation in an infrastructure investment package.
PROVIDING FOR CONSIDERATION OF H.R. 1319, AMERICAN RESCUE PLAN ACT OF 2021
Jimmy Gomez (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2021-2-26

. Madam , we don't have any time to waste. By the time I am done with this 1-minute speech, roughly 10 people in L.A. County, home to my district, will have tested positive for COVID-19. And in another 5 minutes, someone in my county will die of COVID-19. prgtoken And while I am sure our healthcare heroes and frontline workers appreciate our thanks, words alone are not enough. prgtoken Our gratitude needs to be expressed with funding and resources. Our appreciation needs to be in the form of benefits and assistance. prgtoken Our Black and Brown communities, those being disproportionately impacted by this pandemic, aren't going to get through this crisis with platitudes. They need action. They need access to vaccines, money in their pockets to pay their bills, help getting their kids back in the classrooms, and support putting food on their tables. prgtoken Madam , that is why I am going to vote to pass the American Rescue Plan, and I encourage my colleagues to do the same. prgtoken This is our chance to stop the spread of this virus, rebuild our economy, and give every American, regardless of their background or ZIP Code, the opportunity to turn the page on this dark chapter of our country's history and come out stronger in the end.
COLORADO WILDERNESS ACT OF 2021
Greg Stanton (Democrat, AZ) \u2014 2021-2-26

I thank the gentleman and I also thank the chairman of the Committee on Natural Resources and my fellow Arizonan, dean of our delegation, Congressman Raul Grijalva, for their leadership. prgtoken , when people think of Arizona, they think of our Grand Canyon--perfectly chiseled over millions of years by the Colorado River. Its beauty and scale are humbling. But to us, it represents so much more than a natural wonder. prgtoken The Grand Canyon National Park welcomes 6 million visitors a year. It is the cornerstone of our State's tourism industry, directly supporting almost 10,000 jobs. Though it is special to all, it is sacred to the indigenous communities who call it home and who know better than anyone how critical it is to protect. prgtoken It is simple: This is no place for uranium mining. We can't risk the health of the communities that rely on this land and water or the delicate ecosystems it contains. We cannot improve upon this wonder, and we should not play a part in its destruction. prgtoken , I support protecting the Grand Canyon, and I am proud of the vote we will take later today to safeguard it for future generations.
PROVIDING FOR CONSIDERATION OF H.R. 1319, AMERICAN RESCUE PLAN ACT OF 2021
Gregory W. Meeks (Democrat, NY) \u2014 2021-2-26

. Madam , as chair of the House Committee on Foreign Affairs, I speak in strong support of the international provisions of the American Rescue package. With a total of $10 billion, this is a relatively small yet critical investment in fighting COVID and its effects around the world. prgtoken Pandemics do not respect international borders. To control this pandemic, we need to mitigate its global spread. This provision puts global health front and center, supporting efforts to relieve overburdened health systems and medical workers and help governments develop and distribute vaccines. prgtoken To address the humanitarian crises that have been exacerbated by this pandemic, this provision will provide funding for the most immediate lifesaving assistance, including shelter, food, clean water, basic medical care. Additionally, it provides COVID-related relief for vulnerable refugees who are already vulnerable. prgtoken Madam , this provision would also provide flexible funding for economic support to help ensure that even more need isn't created as a result of the economic impacts of COVID, which are already severe.
COLORADO WILDERNESS ACT OF 2021
Julia Brownley (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2021-2-26

in Ventura County, my constituents and I are so fortunate to be surrounded by beautiful public spaces. The public lands provisions in this bill will strengthen our region's commitment to sound environmental stewardship and preserve an important part of our natural heritage for future generations to enjoy. prgtoken I know we all agree on the importance of being good stewards of our country's natural lands. For these reasons, I urge my colleagues to vote ``yes'' on H.R. 803.
COLORADO WILDERNESS ACT OF 2021
Joe Courtney (Democrat, CT) \u2014 2021-2-26

I rise in support of the amendment from Mr. Tonko and Mr. McKinley to reauthorize and standardize the management of the National Heritage Areas, and salute them for their commitment across multiple sessions of Congress to institute critical, lasting protections for our nation's National Heritage Areas. prgtoken This amendment would address the haphazard and confusing patchwork of authorizations for National Heritage Areas across the country, with two right here in my neck of the woods, by instituting a universal timeline to ensure these natural treasures are not subject to arbitrary lapses in authorization. These heritage areas create jobs, establish destinations that people want to visit and vacation to, and are a smart investment in both the economy and the natural environment. prgtoken Support from the federal government is what provides these areas with the foundation needed to preserve and protect these natural spaces, but the work just starts there--from that federal support, these National Heritage Areas leverage countless dollars and volunteer hours to promote the environment and identity of their surrounding regions. prgtoken Two of those treasures are especially close to my heart and would be reauthorized for 15 years under this amendment--the Last Green Valley National Heritage Corridor and the Upper Housatonic Valley National Heritage Area. Both areas are incredible assets to eastern Connecticut and the Northeast with the Last Green Valley encompassing 35 towns stretching from eastern Connecticut to Massachusetts. First designated as a National Heritage Corridor by Congress in 1994, the area spans 1,100 miles in Connecticut alone, remains 77 percent forest and farm, and is the last stretch of dark night sky in the sprawl between Boston and Washington, D.C. prgtoken My colleagues from Connecticut and Massachusetts know that investments in our open spaces provide an enormous value for taxpayers, and I salute our neighbor and friend for his amendment which would ensure that these wonders are protected for future generations to enjoy.
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled,
John A. Yarmuth (Democrat, KY) \u2014 2021-2-26

such time as I may consume. prgtoken , on Monday our Nation crossed an unfathomable milestone. More than half a million Americans have now died from the coronavirus. On top of this staggering level of loss is the reality that the virus is evolving, and we are now dealing with variants that are more contagious and highly infectious for both adults and children. prgtoken At the same time, our Nation faces a painful and unequal recession, one from which we cannot fully recover until the coronavirus is contained. prgtoken The resources Congress provided last year have been put to good use, but they are not enough. Vaccines can stop this virus, but we don't have the resources or infrastructure to get them out fast enough. Food banks are still overwhelmed, and rental assistance is running out. Unemployment benefits for millions of Americans will start to expire in just a few days. And more and more small businesses are closing their doors for good each day. prgtoken We are in a race against time and the American people are counting on us and the American Rescue Plan. prgtoken This plan is tailored and targeted. It will address the urgent needs of the American people: beating the virus, quickly and equitably distributing vaccines, safely reopening schools, delivering immediate relief to working families, and helping cities and States keep essential workers on the job and critical services up and running. prgtoken The American people are painfully aware of the challenges we face, and that is why the majority of them, the vast majority of them, , s, and Independents support this relief package. prgtoken If you don't think Congress has more work to do here, then you either don't get what American families are going through, or you don't care. I don't know how else to say it. prgtoken Relief cannot wait, and we aren't going to wait. We are going to pass this legislation today, and we are going to provide the aggressive, bold action needed to finally end this pandemic and rebuild our economy. prgtoken , I yield 1 minute to the gentlewoman from California (Ms. Pelosi), the of the House.
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled,
Richard E. Neal (Democrat, MA) \u2014 2021-2-26

such time as I may consume. prgtoken , more than a year has passed since the coronavirus was first detected in the United States. In that time, we have lost over half a million people to this relentless virus. We are a nation in mourning for our lost loved ones, our neighbors, and, indeed, our colleagues. prgtoken As we mourn, much of American life is unrecognizable. Millions of Americans have lost their jobs, their safety, and their security, and 10 million jobs that were lost have not been returned. prgtoken This is the hard reality across this Nation and in every single congressional district across our country. prgtoken Through all this pain, our care for one another is still recognizable. We have seen this in the countless hours our health heroes have spent caring for the sick. We have seen other essential workers who have kept our grocery aisles stocked and our mail delivered. We have seen the care of neighbors, indeed, helping neighbors. prgtoken Today, Congress acts in the same spirit of care for our fellow Americans by delivering on the relief our constituents, always with humility, have been asking for. prgtoken This is not about dollars and cents. This is about lives that are at stake. We can save them by passing this bill. We will get shots into arms faster. We will help families stay housed and, indeed, put food on their tables. Most importantly, this package will help families avoid impossible choices. prgtoken The Ways and Means Committee, which has written half of this legislation--and I must tell you, in all my years, I am really proud of what we did, and a reminder that it was the CARES Act that saved the American economy 1 year ago. Full of proven policies, it will fight both for public health and, simultaneously, the economic crisis. prgtoken We will not get back to economic recovery until we defeat this virus. prgtoken We are balancing immediate relief and sustained support to keep Americans afloat and ready to bounce back stronger than ever. We will make good on our promise of an additional $2,000 from the $1,400 that we promised. We will enhance and expand the refundable tax credits for low- and middle-income workers and their families. prgtoken Combined, these benefits will provide an average income boost of 33 percent for the poorest 20 percent of American households. This will be life-changing, and it will lift millions of children in this Nation out of poverty. prgtoken For families, this bill offers massive savings in childcare expenses, which have been a major barrier to returning to the workforce, particularly for women. prgtoken For millions of jobless Americans, we are ensuring that they can afford life's necessities until this economy rebounds by extending pandemic-related unemployment benefits and increasing that benefit. prgtoken Access to affordable, comprehensive healthcare is critical, so we have included provisions to contain costs, particularly for unemployed wo
PROVIDING FOR CONSIDERATION OF H.R. 1319, AMERICAN RESCUE PLAN ACT OF 2021
David Scott (Democrat, GA) \u2014 2021-2-26

. Madam , let's face facts. Let me tell my friends: We have a terrible hunger crisis going on in this country right now. Fourteen million of our children are going to bed hungry this night. prgtoken The American people are crying out: Congress, help us. prgtoken We have support of our measure from the American Farm Federation and from Cargill, and we have support of our legislation from God Almighty Himself. prgtoken What did He tell you and me? prgtoken He said: Feed the hungry and heal the sick. prgtoken America is hungry, America is sick, and America is calling on you s to love your people and take care of your people at this critical time of need. prgtoken Madam , as the first African American Chairman of the House Agriculture Committee, I am proud that the American Rescue Plan Act provides support for all sectors of agricultural production, including farmers, ranchers, and private forest land owners of color. prgtoken The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) spends billions of dollars annually in providing much needed support to American producers. Sadly, Black farmers and other farmers of color have received a small share of the USDA farm loans and payments as a result of discrimination. When these producers did receive loans or payments, many of them were not provided timely or proper loan servicing options due to discrimination, which led to producers of color losing their land and operations. prgtoken Sections 1005 and 1006 of the American Rescue Plan Act provide targeted and tailored support for these farmers and ranchers. I note for the record that changes made to these sections in the Manager's Amendment were to ensure that these sections would meet the requirements of section 313 of the Congressional Budget Act of 1974 for consideration in the United States Senate. prgtoken The systemic discrimination against Black farmers and other farmers of color by USDA is longstanding and well-documented and continues to present barriers for these producers to participate in the agricultural economy. It is important that we document this history and the continuing challenges for these farmers of color in the Congressional Record. prgtoken A 1965 report by the United States Commission on Civil Rights found that Federal, state, and local officials discriminated against Black farmers in agricultural programs and that this discrimination actively contributed to the decline in the Black ownership of farmland. prgtoken In 1968, a follow up report from the United States Commission on Civil Rights found that Black farmers continued to face discrimination when seeking farm loans and other forms of assistance. prgtoken In 1970, the United States Commission on Civil Rights again found that discrimination continued in USDA program administration. The 1970 report indicated that prior to 1968, no Black farmer had ever been elected to any former Agricultural Stabilization and Conservation Service committee at t
PROVIDING FOR CONSIDERATION OF H.R. 1319, AMERICAN RESCUE PLAN ACT OF 2021
Thomas R. Suozzi (Democrat, NY) \u2014 2021-2-26

. Madam , this pandemic has been cruelly uneven. Some people remain unscathed. Wall Street is booming, online retailers are surging, some work remotely with their incomes intact, and some families remain healthy. Yet 17 percent of Americans go to food banks every week. One in six people can't pay their rent. Some people are enduring a long winter in sub-zero temperatures, unable to pay their heating bill. Twenty-five percent of the people who make under $40,000 a year are now unemployed. State and local governments crippled, businesses and restaurants closed. Worst of all, we all know people who have gotten sick and died. prgtoken This legislation is not a blue State bailout or liberal handout, it is how we address the suffering that has crippled our country, it is how we move forward and beat this pandemic. prgtoken We have this great and awesome responsibility, this great and awesome honor to try to help people facing some of the most desperate times they have ever faced. Let's pass this comprehensive plan. Let's move our country forward, and let's do it together.