mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
FAREWELL TO CONGRESS
Carolyn Bourdeaux (Democrat, GA) \u2014 2022-12-21

. Madam , I rise today with gratitude to bid this body farewell. prgtoken I thank my family, my friends, my supporters, and the wonderful people of Georgia's Seventh Congressional District for the honor of serving as your Representative in Congress. prgtoken While there are many things we accomplished, the most important occurred in my first week in office. On January 3, as I was on the floor to be sworn in, I looked at my phone and saw a notification that President had tried to illegally pressure Georgia's secretary of state into finding 11,780 more votes to change the results of the election. prgtoken A few days later, on January 6, as I was in my office preparing remarks to defend Georgia's electoral count, I was told to lock down and to shelter in place. There I sat for hours and hours with my sister and a couple of staff as we followed on TV and through text threads the mob attacking the Capitol and the narrow escapes of many of my colleagues. prgtoken I was one of the first of my colleagues to call for impeaching President because there was never any doubt in my mind that he had incited that crowd to march on the Capitol to try to block the vote to certify the election and to keep himself in power. prgtoken That night, I walked past the broken glass through the eerie, empty halls to certify the election of as the next President of the United States. prgtoken At some point during these events, majority leader Steny Hoyer turned to me and said: ``I bet this wasn't what you expected when you ran for Congress.'' I told him that actually I ran for Congress precisely so that I could be standing at this place at this time to take this vote to certify the election and to defend our democracy. prgtoken I know that many of the people who supported me in the 4-year effort to flip Georgia's Seventh Congressional District and to deliver Georgia for the worked so hard and sacrificed so much in large part because they, too, saw the danger and worried that President would stop at nothing to achieve and retain power. While there were many other important issues at stake, fundamentally, we saw our efforts as a rescue mission for our country. prgtoken I know that many other democratic frontliners saw their efforts the same way. I know that some of my colleagues who took brave votes at great political risk shared our concerns. prgtoken So for those who are cynical about our politics, who believe that it is all about corruption, money, and power--and, yes, there is a lot of that--please know that many people of integrity, courage, and talent in both parties and in many different roles worked hard for years to be at the right place at the right time in this particular moment in our country's history so that they could hold the line to stop the forces of chaos and autocracy and renew our democracy for one more turn of the wheel. prgtoken I want to recognize the sacrifice of my family
RECOGNIZING ANNAMARIE FEENEY
Brendan F. Boyle (Democrat, PA) \u2014 2022-12-21

. Madam , it is my honor to ask the House of Representatives to join me in honoring Annamarie Feeney, a Constituent Services Representative in my Philadelphia offices, as she retires after 35 years of service to the House. prgtoken A lifelong Philadelphia resident, Annamarie has dedicated her career to working for the people of Philadelphia. Beginning her service in the office of former Congressman Robert ``Bob'' Borski in 1988, Annamarie later worked for former Congressman Joseph ``Joe'' Hoeffel and former Congresswoman Allyson Schwartz. Since January of 2015, Annamarie has faithfully served as a member of my staff, working tirelessly for the residents of Philadelphia and Montgomery Counties. prgtoken Throughout her time serving the House of Representatives, Annamarie has approached her work serving constituents with unwavering commitment, an outstanding work ethic and a drive to make her neighborhood, city, and country a better place. Over more than three decades of service, Annamarie has personally helped 10s of 1000s of constituents, and her efforts have directly saved or recovered millions in taxpayer dollars, an extraordinary record of service attained by very few who have ever worked for this body. Her exceptional accomplishments were recently recognized by the Congressional Management Foundation, who honored her with their 2022 Lifetime Achievement Award, given to only 2 congressional staff members each year. prgtoken As Annamarie concludes her decades of public service at the end of this month, I ask my colleagues in the House to join me in thanking Annamarie for her work, and in wishing her all the best as she embarks on a new chapter in her life.
AMENDING THE BILL EMERSON GOOD SAMARITAN FOOD DONATION ACT
Mary Sattler Peltola (Democrat, AK) \u2014 2022-12-21

. Madam , such time as I may consume. prgtoken Madam , I rise in strong support of S. 5329, the Food Donation Improvement Act of 2021, championed by Mr. McGovern of Massachusetts, Mr. Newhouse of Washington, Ms. Pingree of Maine, and the late Mrs. Walorski of Indiana. prgtoken Nearly 40 percent of the food in the United States is wasted, and the U.S. spends over $408 billion each year disposing of food that has never even been eaten. prgtoken Meanwhile, in 2021 more than 10 percent of households in America struggled with food insecurity. The Food Donation Improvement Act of 2021 addresses food insecurity by tackling food waste. prgtoken Specifically, the bill makes improvements to the Bill Emerson Good Samaritan Food Donation Act by expanding liability protections that will encourage food donation, including by protecting direct donation to needy individuals. prgtoken Madam , simply put, the Food Donation Improvement Act of 2021 makes it easier to donate food that might otherwise go to waste. prgtoken Madam , I urge my colleagues to join me in tackling food waste and insecurity and vote ``yes'' on S. 5329. prgtoken Madam , .
CELEBRATING THE RECORD OF SERVICE OF CONGRESSWOMAN ELAINE LURIA
Abigail Davis Spanberger (Democrat, VA) \u2014 2022-12-21

I stand here today to celebrate the record of service of my friend and our colleague, Congresswoman Elaine Luria. prgtoken Elaine came to Congress as one of the first two women who graduated from the United States Naval Academy to serve here in the Halls of Congress. She had an incredible 20-year career as a Navy Nuke before continuing her service here in the Halls of Congress. But for anyone who thought that she was solely focused on the Navy--and it did feel like she has always been focused on the Navy--she has been a prgtoken dedicated Congresswoman focused on the issues that matter to Virginia's Second District. prgtoken One of her proudest achievements, and first achievements of many, was passing bipartisan legislation to protect the Chesapeake Bay, a vital resource to her community. prgtoken Elaine, as a member of the Armed Services Committee, has been a champion for our military and our Navy, and I caution anyone never to doubt Elaine when she says that the Navy is the strongest and most powerful element that our United States military has in the face of a rising Chinese threat. prgtoken To continue her service, Elaine Luria continued on the January 6 Committee where she has bravely, proudly, and resolutely wanted to have a defined history for generations to come of what happened in the lead- up to and on that day. prgtoken As she leaves Congress, I wish her and her family well. I am grateful for her friendship and her service to our great Commonwealth.
ENERGY SECURITY AND LIGHTERING INDEPENDENCE ACT OF 2022
Jerrold Nadler (Democrat, NY) \u2014 2022-12-21

such time as I may consume. prgtoken , S. 5168, the Energy Security and Lightering Independence Act of 2022, will make a small but important technical fix to our immigration laws to ensure that the visas for certain crewmembers engaged in a process known as lightering are functional. prgtoken Lightering is the ship-to-ship transfer of crude oil or liquid natural gas from a smaller vessel onto a larger vessel, or vice versa, for import and export. Approximately 74 percent of all U.S. exports and 44 percent of U.S. imports are conducted by lightering. prgtoken Lightering vessel crewmembers are issued combination C-1/D visas by the U.S. State Department. A crewmember or D visa is a nonimmigrant visa for persons working aboard vessels at sea or airplanes on international flights, providing services required for the normal operation of those vessels, and intending to depart the United States on the same vessel or any other vessel within 29 days. prgtoken A transit or C-1 visa allows the crewmember to travel or transit through the United States as a passenger to join a ship or aircraft on which that crewmember will work. prgtoken Because the work aboard lightering vessels typically lasts 3 to 6 months, prgtoken the 29-day limit on the combination C-1/D visa by itself is not adequate. Therefore, for decades, Customs and Border Protection has granted parole to lightering vessel crewmembers upon arrival in the United States, allowing them to remain on board the vessel and then to depart after their services aboard the vessel are completed up to 6 months later. prgtoken This legislation simply modifies the maximum period of stay for lightering crewmembers under the C-1/D visa from 29 days to 180 days. The simple change makes the C-1/D visa functional for lightering crewmembers, thus eliminating the need for CBP to continue granting parole on a case-by-case basis. prgtoken The legislation makes clear that this is a narrow change that only applies to lightering crewmembers who are transiting through or landing temporarily in the United States and that these crewmembers are explicitly not eligible to work in the United States on the C-1/D visa. prgtoken This technical fix is also expected to save CBP $250,000 and 6,000 man-hours per year. prgtoken I thank Representative Sylvia Garcia for her leadership and for introducing this important legislation. prgtoken , I urge all Members to support the bill, and .
CELEBRATING THE LIFE OF GEORGE GOULD
Brian Higgins (Democrat, NY) \u2014 2022-12-21

. Madam , today I honor and recognize the life and legacy of George Gould. Born in Buffalo in 1935, George was a graduate of Bishop Timon High School, where he was a standout athlete. He attended St. Bonaventure University, where he played basketball, and Stetson University in DeLand, Florida, where he played baseball. He went on to serve two years in the U.S. Marine Corps, from 1957 to 1959, at Camp LeJeune, S.C where he was a member of the football and baseball teams. prgtoken Raised in the Old First Ward on Mackinaw Street, George Gould and his wife Kathryn later moved to the close-knit South Buffalo community to raise their family. Alongside his friend John Scanlon, George was one of the founding members of the Old First Ward South Buffalo ic Club and was honored as the influential political organization's Man of the Year. prgtoken George Gould was a scooper with the International Longshoremen's Association from 1960 to 1985 and served as a firefighter with the Buffalo Fire Department from 1963 to 1985. Mayor Griffin appointed Mr. Gould Director of Auditorium and Stadium Operations at War Memorial Stadium, Buffalo Memorial Auditorium, and Pilot Field. He held that position from 1981 to 1994. prgtoken To those who knew George best, his wife, Kathryn, his children, Kevin, G. Patrick, Brian, Elizabeth, Sheila, and Kerry Gould and his seven grandchildren, extended family members and to his many friends, George was known as a mentor and a true friend. George's dedication and service to the City of Buffalo and his support for the neighborhood will never be forgotten. Therefore, I am honored to recognize his legacy today.
REINTRODUCTION OF THE STUDENTS HELPING YOUNG STUDENTS ACT
André Carson (Democrat, IN) \u2014 2022-12-21

. Madam , I am pleased to reintroduce the Students Helping Young Students Act. This important legislation will invest in college students who support and mentor K-12 students at after-school activities. This legislation will make a meaningful difference in the lives of all Hoosier students, and young Americans across the country, by ensuring that college students can be compensated for the critical work of mentoring and supporting their younger counterparts. prgtoken It is an honor to represent students of all ages in Indiana's Seventh District. I am continually impressed by the many college students in my district and across the country that, in addition to their studies, help mentor and support K-12 students in after-school programs. These college students, by serving as powerful examples and mentors, continue to inspire my colleagues and I about the importance of peer mentorship opportunities. This includes the crucial role of workstudy programs in helping students finance their postsecondary education. prgtoken Several examples in Indiana underscore the importance of supporting mentorship programs, both to the mentee and the mentor. The influence and investment from a mentor can improve younger lives and outcomes. Their stories are common: in fact, at-risk youth that have a mentor are 55 percent more likely to attend college. Moreover, at-risk youth that have a mentor are 52 percent less likely to skip a day of school and 46 percent less likely to use drugs. Mentoring also increases community engagement, as at-risk students are 78 percent more likely to volunteer in their community and are 130 percent more likely to hold a leadership role in clubs or teams with a mentor in their lives. Mentoring not only helps students stay away from drugs and violence, but also live healthier lives and improve school performance. Mentees participating in mentorship programs have also performed higher on the Indiana Statewide Testing for Educational Progress (ISTEP) tests. prgtoken Because of these unmistakable benefits, Congress must do more to support these after-school programs and their student mentors. Although after-school mentorship programs often intersect with students' courses of study and benefit the community, after-school activities are not currently considered a community service under the Federal Work-Study program. This means that college students cannot rely on compensation from Federal Work-Study for their participation in after-school activities. prgtoken The Federal Work-Study program has helped support undergraduate and graduate students, who have exhibited financial need, find part-time jobs. In the 2018 school year, the Federal WorkStudy program employed about 600,000 undergraduate and graduate students. Across all higher education, 7 in 10 college students work at least 15 hours per week to help cover their tuition, and 1 in 4 work more than 35 hours a week. While mentorship's benefits are clear,
EQUAL PAY FOR TEAM USA
Mikie Sherrill (Democrat, NJ) \u2014 2022-12-21

I rise today for two important reasons; first, in support of the bipartisan Equal Pay for Team USA Act to ensure that female athletes on Team USA may finally receive the equal compensation and benefits they have long deserved. prgtoken Earlier this year, we saw the U.S. Women's National Soccer Team successfully fight for equal pay between the men's and women's teams. It is now time for Congress to act and provide this same level of equality for all women competing on behalf of the United States globally. prgtoken That is why my colleague and I, Congresswoman Nancy Mace of South Carolina, led a bipartisan group of Members sending a letter to House leadership urging them to bring this bill to the House floor for a vote before the end of the 117th Congress. prgtoken I thank Senators Capito and Cantwell for introducing this important legislation, and I urge my colleagues to vote ``yes'' on Equal Pay for Team USA Act. prgtoken It is truly appropriate that when talking about strong, impressive women, I stand here to deliver a tribute to a dear friend of mine, Congresswoman Elaine Luria. prgtoken We entered Congress as the first two women from the United States Naval Academy to serve in the House, and she has been a constant and resolute champion of all things of the United States Navy. I have been proud to serve with her and will miss her in my time in Congress.
GREAT LAKES AUTHORITY
Marcy Kaptur (Democrat, OH) \u2014 2022-12-21

. Secondly, I also rise with considerable excitement as the Great Lakes Authority legislation, prgtoken which dozens and dozens of Members in both Chamber have supported, has been included in the 2023 omnibus bill. prgtoken The Great Lakes watershed is the only region in our Nation without an economic instrumentality helping it to adjust to changing economic conditions--the only place in this country. The Great Lakes Authority will unlock the economic heartland's full potential for the century ahead. prgtoken The Midwest communities that I represent are home to the people who make, build, and grow what makes, builds, and grows America. prgtoken For decades, however, our region has borne the brunt of job losses, largely the direct result of disastrous trade policies, underinvestment, and deindustrialization. prgtoken Since the passage of NAFTA in 1993, then China's entrance into the World Trade Organization in 2001, and CAFTA's passage in 2005, over 91,000 factories have closed across America--most in the region that I represent. Millions of good-paying jobs have been snuffed out. prgtoken Middle-class workers and families in the Great Lakes region, including Ohio, Michigan, Indiana, Pennsylvania, Wisconsin, Minnesota, Illinois, and New York, have suffered as good-paying jobs disappeared. Too many communities have been shattered. prgtoken The tragedy does not end there. Local governments have been left scrambling as declining revenues led to the collapse of budgets and the accumulation of crushing bonded indebtedness. prgtoken The size and scope of these accumulated economic challenges are too much for any one city or State to overcome alone. Places like Toledo, Lorain, Detroit, Buffalo, Flint, places with hardworking people throughout the region, have been scarred and struggle still to recover from the outsourcing of manufacturing and shipping jobs, including in agriculture, to penny-wage countries. prgtoken Meanwhile, impacted towns like Chicago, Erie, Pennsylvania, and Cleveland, Ohio, are limited in their ability to halt climate change and reverse its effects on their shorelines and natural habitats. prgtoken The Great Lakes region, the largest body of freshwater on Earth, needs accelerated investments and strategic support to get back on track. prgtoken Last year, in a bipartisan manner, this Congress accomplished what many had tried but failed to do: pass a historic investment in jobs and infrastructure. Billions of dollars are already on their way to some places, but we need to accelerate them to this region. prgtoken These dollars will empower our communities to rebuild roads and bridges; improve ports, rail lines, and airports; modernize energy and water infrastructure; and protect Lake Erie and the adjoining Great Lakes, which is the freshwater kingdom of the world and our continent. prgtoken All of this funding, every penny, is an investment in good-paying jobs. But to maximize the impact and turbocharge revital
AGRICULTURE, RURAL DEVELOPMENT, FOOD AND DRUG ADMINISTRATION, AND RELATED AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS ACT, 2023--Continued
Jeff Merkley (Democrat, OR) \u2014 2022-12-22

I am pleased that we are having this amendment before us. It broadens the scope of the bill that we passed 12 years ago to enable nursing mothers to be able to return to work and breast-pump milk for the benefit of their children. prgtoken For 12 years, it has worked so well for better health for the babies and better health for the mothers, and it turned out to be a big win for businesses because they found that workers returned to work and were much happier doing so. prgtoken The chamber has sent out a letter endorsing it. They note that it protects small businesses, providing a hardship exemption opportunity for those with less than 50 and that they have accommodated the concerns of the airline and railroad industries. prgtoken It is a win-win for babies, for mothers, and for business. prgtoken I hand this over to my colleague, and thank you so much, Senator Murkowski, for championing this effort.
TRIBUTE TO RETIRING SENATORS
Jack Reed (Democrat, RI) \u2014 2022-12-22

as the 117th Congress winds down, I would like to offer some reflections on some of our departing colleagues: Roy Blunt, Richard Burr, Rob Portman, Ben Sasse, Richard Shelby, and Patrick Toomey. Too often, the Senate is viewed through a partisan lens, but the truth is that we all work together to serve the American people. We all swore the same oath to uphold and defend the Constitution. Although we may have differing views, we certainly have common values. prgtoken It has been my honor to serve with these outstanding senators, as well as my good friends, Senator Jim Inhofe and Senator Patrick Leahy, whose service I spoke about earlier. Tribute to Roy Blunt prgtoken Roy Blunt knows how to get things done. Because of his efforts as the top on the Appropriations Subcommittee on Labor, Health, and Human Services, and Education, we have been able to make extraordinary investments in healthcare research at the National Institutes of Health and the Centers for Disease Control. I am grateful for the role he has played in helping to raise funding for key programs like the Pell grant, adult education, the Library Services and Technology Act, and the Childhood Cancer STAR Act. Additionally, I have had the privilege of teaming up with Senator Blunt for many years on legislation to increase our healthcare workforce with the Building a Health Care Workforce for the Future Act, which would help incentivize people to go into the primary care field. prgtoken He has been a champion for children. We have worked together on the Ensuring Children's Access to Specialty Care Act, to improve access to pediatric subspecialists, including children's mental health workers. prgtoken I greatly admire his advocacy and success when it comes to strengthening mental health services and access to care. That was reflected in the nationwide expansion of the Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinics program, which he worked so hard to accomplish. prgtoken Finally, as the chairman and ranking member of the Senate Committee on Rules, Senator Blunt has worked to safeguard the Senate community, and in partnership with Senator Klobuchar, he has worked to craft the bipartisan Electoral Count Act to eliminate any doubts about the process for tabulating electoral votes in Congress. This legislation will help eliminate the perceived ambiguities in current law that President sought to exploit on January 6, 2021. And it is yet another example of Senator Blunt's principled, bipartisan leadership. prgtoken We will miss him in the Senate and wish his wife Abigail and their children and grandchildren all the best. Tribute to Richard Burr prgtoken I thought I drove the most beat up car in the Senate until I saw Senator Burr's 1973 Volkswagen Thing, which I can't believe didn't fully retire before he did. prgtoken As a Member of the House and the Senate, Richard Burr has beco