mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
Introductory Statement on S. 2348
Tim Scott (Republican, SC) \u2014 2021-7-14

American entrepreneurship and innovation is the backbone of the American economy. American entrepreneurs provide new job opportunities for millions, bring new technologies to the marketplace, and drive forward our shared American Dream. Small businesses account for half of our gross domestic product, more than half our jobs, and three-fourths of new jobs created each year. Contrary to popular belief, not all of America's entrepreneurs are young tech-focused individuals starting companies in their garages. prgtoken In fact, millions of older Americans represent a powerful and growing share of American entrepreneurs. Today, the average age of successful entrepreneurs in America is 45, and in 2018, 3 in 10 entrepreneurs were over the age of 50, an increase of 50 percent since 2007. Today, entrepreneurs ages 55 and over represent 55 percent of all small business employers. Not only do seniors represent the majority of small business employers, but their life experiences help drive their businesses to the top 0.1 percent of the highest growth startups in the country based on growth in the first 5 years of operation. prgtoken In my conversations with older entrepreneurs in South Carolina. I have learned how they combine their years of experience, networks. and dreams to start countless successful small businesses. I have also learned that older entrepreneurs often face unique challenges in today's economy. Those challenges include the need for enhanced digital and technical skills. mentorship opportunities, business growth and hiring training; along with resources for estate and retirement planning for their businesses. These obstacles can prevent small businesses owned by older Americans from reaching their full growth potential. This untapped business growth potential leaves capital on the sidelines and slows innovation and job creation. prgtoken That is why today I am introducing the Golden-preneurship Act. The Golden-preneurship Act would take a meaningful step in helping catapult senior-owned small businesses into the next level of success by establishing a new training program for ``Golden Entrepreneurs'' at the Small Business Administration. The newly developed ``Golden Entrepreneurs'' training program would equip proven senior entrepreneurs with the necessary tools to increase their business's market share and help bring jobs and capital to communities around the country. ``Golden Entrepreneurs'' would be a 7-month training program with two years of benchmark check-ins to fill the market gap and bridge the knowledge divide in digital and technical skills, business growth and hiring training, estate and retirement business planning, and provide new mentorship opportunities. The Golden-preneurship Act also requires the Small Business Administration to track the loans and grants provided to older Americans, valuable information we need to ensure America's older entrepreneurs are receiving
TRIBUTE TO RON PISANESCHI
Mike Crapo (Republican, ID) \u2014 2021-7-14

along with my colleagues Senator Jim Risch and Representatives Mike Simpson and Russ Fulcher, I congratulate Ron Pisaneschi on his remarkable more than 35-year career with Idaho Public Television. prgtoken Ron is retiring after serving as Idaho Public Television's general manager since August 2013. He joined Idaho Public Television in 1985 and served in numerous positions for the station prior to his managerial role. This includes serving as director of content, director of programming, director of public information, and director of marketing and development. We understand under his leadership of the station, Idaho Public Television has been one of the most watched and best supported Public Broadcasting Service, PBS, stations prgtoken per capita in the Nation. Douglas Balfour, president of the Friends of Idaho Public Television, wrote, ``With his leadership, IdahoPTV has focused on the wonderful people and places we have in the Gem State, with local productions like Idaho Reports, Outdoor Idaho and Idaho Experience. Ron will be missed, but we will carry on in the tradition he established.'' prgtoken Ron has also contributed extensively of his time and talents to serving in various roles throughout the community, State, and Nation. This includes his service as vice chair of the NETA board of directors, chair of the Idaho State Broadcasters Association, and member of the board of directors of American Public Television. Ron dedicated more than 25 years to serving on the PBS Children's Advisory Committee. He also served on the board of directors of the Public Television Programming Association from 2002-2007, serving as president in 2006. From 2002-2012, he served on the board of directors of the Idaho Humanities Council, where he served two terms as chairman. These are just a few examples of his longtime involvement in numerous leadership roles and advisory panels. His dedicated work has earned recognition, including Ron being named the 2005 Programmer of the Year by his colleagues in the PBS system. prgtoken Ron, thank you for your commitment to advancing public discussions in Idaho for all these years. Your curiosity, ingenuity, and thoughtful advocacy for Idaho interests have no doubt contributed significantly to broadening understanding, educational opportunities, and public discourse across Idaho and well beyond our State's borders. We will miss you at the helm of Idaho Public Television but wish you all the best in a well-earned retirement.
The Economy (Executive Calendar)
Rick Scott (Republican, FL) \u2014 2021-7-14

America is in a debt crisis because of reckless government spending. Now, thanks to the insane spending and failed policies of President and in Washington, we are seeing higher and higher inflation. prgtoken Under the administration, inflation has grown every month. Just look at this week's CPI numbers. From June 2020 to June 2021, the Consumer Price Index rose 5.4 percent. Energy costs are up 24.5 percent, and gasoline prices are up 45 percent--nearly $1 more from where they were last year. Inflation is at the highest rate since the great recession. This week's Producer Price Index data shows a 7.3- percent increase in June and a historic 22.6-percent jump in the prices of processed goods, the highest since 1975. For 6 straight months, we have seen the data clearly shows that spending beyond our means has consequences. Inflation is growing at the fastest rate since 1981. prgtoken These aren't just numbers or statistics; these increases represent a growing pressure on Florida families and businesses. Every time prices rise, life gets harder. prgtoken Last month, I met with business owners in Miami and heard firsthand how their businesses were struggling with the rising price of goods. Every time I am home in Florida, I hear from families who are noticing prices are up, gas prices are up, and food prices are up. Every price increase has a direct impact on a family's budget. prgtoken When inflation goes up, it hurts everyone, especially our poor families, those on fixed incomes, and small businesses. I saw how hard it was for my parents to make ends meet when inflation hit in the seventies. When food and gas prices went up, we had less food on the table. prgtoken I remember going to the grocery store, when my mom took in ironing to prgtoken raise money every day for groceries, and she said: You have to look at the price of things because they are constantly going up. prgtoken That is happening again in 's America. Families in Florida and across our Nation are suffering because of the ' reckless spending spree led by . prgtoken Just take a look around. Average prices of everything--everything is up. Let's say families are filling up their tank once a week. If you drive a car, that means raised your expenses $600 a year. If you drive a truck, that means raised your expenses by more than $1,000 a year. And let's remember, half of Americans make less than $35,000 a year. Inflation is a new tax on our families. prgtoken Instead of addressing this crisis that has hurt Americans, and the are living in an economic fantasyland where debt doesn't matter, spending has no consequences, and inflation is impossible. They are ignoring the fact that our Nation is barreling towards $30 trillion in debt. That is $233,000 in debt for every family in America. prgtoken Now in the Senate want to spend another $4 trillion of your
The Economy (Executive Calendar)
Joni Ernst (Republican, IA) \u2014 2021-7-14

President 's economic policies are causing nationwide sticker shock. prgtoken The price of nearly everything is higher today than it has been since was in the White House the first time. The cost of consumer goods has gone up every month since January, and the markup in prices over the past year is the biggest annual increase since 2008. The ' response to these rising prices is to simply spend more, which is making the problem worse. prgtoken Paying people not to work is contributing to worker shortages. Not having enough workers is resulting in service and supply shortages. Combine these two factors with trillions of dollars of government spending, and it all adds up to higher prices on everything for everyone. It is a common story wherever I visit on my 99-county tour. Because of Washington's upside-down economic policies, small businesses are struggling to hire workers, and our families are paying much more for far less. prgtoken Put simply, under omics, the price is up. Everyday products, like prgtoken diapers and paper towels, are either increasing in cost or decreasing in size, which is the same result: more money out of our wallets. Whether you are eating in or you are dining out, the one thing you are guaranteed to find on every supermarket shelf and restaurant menu is higher prices. prgtoken A pound of sliced bacon has increased a whole dollar in just the past year, and the fast-food dollar menu is disappearing. We are paying more at the pump too. A year ago, a gallon of gas cost about $2.18. Today, the price is just under $3 in Iowa. Nationally, the cost has risen to about $3.15 per gallon and is expected to keep going up throughout the summer. Meanwhile, rising shipping costs are lifting the prices of everything from coffee to furniture. prgtoken All in all, omics has resulted in the biggest surge in inflation in nearly 13 years. For Iowans who are living on a budget, these unpredictable price markups are making every purchase a real guessing game. They keep finding themselves asking if the price is right. prgtoken To demonstrate just how much costs are spinning out of control, I have brought the wheel of inflation with me here today. Each of the numbers on the wheel represents a price increase for a common household product. It will tell us exactly how much more omics is costing hard-working Americans. prgtoken So, folks, let's go ahead and give it a spin. prgtoken No. 8. In the past year, the price of bacon is up about 8 percent. prgtoken Give her a good spin. prgtoken OK. No. 5, and it is a black 5. In the past year, the price of clothes is up about 5 percent. prgtoken No. 11. In the past year, the price of auto insurance is up 11 percent; and if you go to the 17 there, you will find that hotel rates, the price has gone up 17 percent in the last year. prgtoken There are no winning numbers on this wheel. Again, every number represents the increase of a com
STATEMENTS ON INTRODUCED BILLS AND JOINT RESOLUTIONS
Tim Kaine (Democrat, VA) \u2014 2021-7-14

. . With a growing number of older adults and people with disabilities in the U.S our Nation is becoming increasingly reliant on the direct care workforce and family caregivers who support older adults and people with disabilities. Unfortunately, the COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated this need. prgtoken The direct care workforce, such as direct support workers, home care workers, personal care workers or other paid workers who support older adults and people with disabilities in their homes and communities, has long experienced staffing shortages in part because of low wages and high turnover. Currently, 4.5 million workers--including nearly 2.3 million home care workers--make up the direct care workforce, and this industry is expected to grow by more than a million jobs by 2028, not including the jobs that will need to be filled as existing workers leave the field or exit the labor force. The shortage of direct care workers often puts pressure on family caregivers. The number of American caregivers providing unpaid caregiving has increased over the past 5 years, and 23 percent of caregivers say that caregiving has made their health worse. prgtoken Today, I am pleased to introduce the Supporting Our Direct Care Workforce and Family Caregivers Act along with my colleagues Senators Bob Casey, Maggie Hassan, Tammy Duckworth, Jack Reed, Ron Wyden, Kirsten Gillibrand, and Jacky Rosen. Our legislation would direct the Department of Health and Human Services, through the Administration on Community Living (ACL), to award grants to states or other eligible entities for initiatives to build, retain, train and educate, and promote the direct care workforce, including self-directed workers and direct care supervisors or managers, and to provide education and training support for family caregivers to help ease stresses associated with caregiving. Grants could be used for preapprenticeship and on-the- job training opportunities, apprenticeship programs, career ladders or pathways, specializations or certification or other activities to recruit and retain direct care professionals in the field. Additionally, the bill creates a technical assistance center at ACL to bolster coordination across Federal agencies, provide consultation to States, and make policy recommendations to support the direct care workforce and family caregivers. prgtoken The bill aligns with President 's American Jobs Plan, which calls for substantial investments to meet the demand for home and community-based services and invests in our country's care infrastructure. I urge my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to see the Supporting Our Direct Care Workforce and Family Caregivers Act as an opportunity to invest in the direct care workforce and family caregivers--both critical pieces of the care team who provide support for millions of Americans every day, ensuring they can live their lives independently and with dignity.
CLOTURE MOTION
Charles E. Schumer (Democrat, NY) \u2014 2021-7-14

I ask unanimous consent that at a time to be determined by the majority leader in consultation with the leader, the Senate proceed to the immediate consideration of H.R. 1652, which was received from the House and is at the desk, and that the only amendment in order be the following: Toomey No. 2121; further, that there be 2 hours for debate equally divided between the leaders or their designees; that upon the use or yielding back of time, the Senate vote in relation to the Toomey amendment; that upon the disposition of the Toomey amendment, the bill, as amended, if amended, be considered read a third time; that the Senate vote on passage of the bill, as amended, if amended, with a 60 affirmative vote threshold required for passage; and that the motion to reconsider be considered made and laid upon the table with no intervening action or debate; finally, that there be 2 minutes of debate equally divided prior to each vote in the series.
Gun Violence (Executive Calendar)
Christopher Murphy (Democrat, CT) \u2014 2021-7-14

my colleagues, it is not a coincidence that in 2020, gun sales in this country spiked by 40 percent. It is an extraordinary increase in gun sales. And homicides in this country increased by 30 percent. Violent crime is increasing in the country. You can't miss that if you turn on the news at night. prgtoken And there can be no doubt that our Nation's gun laws--the loosest and most loophole-ridden in the Nation--are a primary contributor to this spike in gun crime. prgtoken I want to spend just a few minutes this afternoon making sure that all of my colleagues understand that if we want to do something about violent crime in this country, then you cannot continue to close your eyes to the fact that we are allowing criminals all across this country to traffic dangerous weapons that are being used in gun homicides. prgtoken First, let's burst the bubble of the gun lobby. Their primary argument is that more guns keep people safer. Well, prgtoken that is not true. It has never ever been true. Study after study tells you what your common sense should already tell you. In fact, one study makes it very plain. On a nearly one-for-one basis, the more guns you have in your community, the more crime you are going to have. prgtoken One study said this. What they found was that for communities that saw a 1-percent increase in gun ownership--guess what they also saw. A corresponding 1-percent increase in gun homicides. Thus, it should surprise no one that as the number of guns increase in this country, the number of gun crimes increase in this country. prgtoken Now, there are a lot of reasons for that. But, again, you don't have to surge deep into the data to understand why. Let me give you just one example. prgtoken A family I am pretty close to in Hartford, CT, a young man named Shane Oliver was shot years ago right down the street from where I live in the capital city. And he was in an argument with some young men about things they said about his girlfriend, who happened to be with him. It just so happened that there was an illegal gun sitting in the front seat of one of these cars. An argument over a girl that in any other high-income nation in the world would have, at worst, resulted in some punches being thrown. In this neighborhood in Hartford, CT, it resulted in a gun homicide. prgtoken Shane Oliver doesn't live on this Earth any longer. He was taken from his parents, Pastor Sam Saylor and his wife Janet, when he was 20 years old because there was an illegal gun that just happened to be sitting in the front seat of a car. In almost any other country in the world, there is not a gun sitting in the front seat of another 20-year-old's car in the middle of Hartford, CT. Access to guns means more gun crime. prgtoken But here is the other problem. We know there has been a 40-percent increase in gun sales. But those aren't just the sales that are reported to the criminal background check system. What we know is tha
Climate Change (Executive Calendar)
Richard J. Durbin (Democrat, IL) \u2014 2021-7-14

this morning, our friends in Europe claimed first place in the race against climate change. The European Union has laid out a plan to decarbonize Europe and reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 55 percent at the end of this decade. It is an ambitious plan, and it is one that will, in the words of EU climate policy chief Frans Timmermans, ``give humanity a fighting chance.'' prgtoken To our allies in Europe, I want to say: America stands with you in this effort, and we welcome the friendly competition to see who can move quickest to save our planet. prgtoken Earlier today, President joined members of the Senate ic caucus to discuss our historic budget proposal that was unveiled last night. It is a proposal designed, first and foremost, to help working families and secondly--and not a distant second, right up with that--to secure our planet's future. prgtoken Climate change impacts every single one of us. It doesn't care about our borders or national identities. It does present an opportunity for us to lead the world in saving this planet, literally, for our kids and grandkids. prgtoken I am glad we have a President who understands this issue. The budget resolution we discussed with him today will pave the way for that to happen.
Child Tax Credit (Executive Calendar)
Michael F. Bennet (Democrat, CO) \u2014 2021-7-14

I just was so inspired by--I am only going to be 1 minute--something Senator Brown said in his remarks about his staff that I also want to mention Charlie Anderson, who is no longer with me because he quit me to go work for the administration. But if it hadn't been for him, I would be very surprised if we would all be here today. So I wanted to say thank you to Charlie for never giving up on this and for holding me accountable as we did the work together. prgtoken I also am not going to address the issue about junior versus senior Senators from Colorado, just to observe what a wonderful delegation it is we have from the State of Colorado. prgtoken With that, .
Nomination of Jocelyn Samuels (Executive Calendar)
Patty Murray (Democrat, WA) \u2014 2021-7-14

I was proud to vote to confirm Jocelyn Samuels to the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission last year when she was confirmed in a bipartisan vote, and I am proud to do so again. prgtoken The EEOC has a critical role to play in protecting workers' rights and addressing inequities in our economy which disproportionately disadvantage women, people of color, people with disabilities, and more. For example, it is responsible for enforcing discrimination and harassment laws and works to address the gender pay gap. prgtoken Workers need a champion at the EEOC fighting for them, and Ms. Samuels has proven over her nearly two decades of experience with the Federal Government and her recent service as a Commissioner of the EEOC that she is that champion. prgtoken From pushing to pass the Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act as vice president of education and employment at the National Women's Law Center to leading civil rights efforts at the Department of Justice and Department of Health and Human Services, to working as a staffer on the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee and a senior attorney at the EEOC, she has spent her career working to address discrimination and ensure no one is treated unfairly because of their age, sex, including sexual orientation and gender identity, race, religion, or disability. prgtoken I was pleased to see her nomination advanced out of our HELP Committee with bipartisan support, and I hope to see similar bipartisan support for her final confirmation.