mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
RECOGNIZING INTERNS
Jacky Rosen (Democrat, NV) \u2014 2021-11-18

I am proud to host a number of interns from Nevada in my office, all of whom have contributed greatly to my work in the U.S. Senate. I know I speak for my colleagues as well when I say that many of our interns have enjoyed and benefited from a wonderful program operated by the Stennis Center for Public Service. This program is designed to enhance the internship experience for exceptional future leaders, giving young Americans an inside look at how Congress works and an opportunity to learn from bipartisan senior staffers and foster bipartisan relationships that will carry some of them through their career supporting Congress. prgtoken Stennis interns are selected based on their employment experience, college course load, and future service to Congress. This fall, 32 interns were chosen to be a part of this prestigious experience. These interns serve us on both sides of the aisle, working for and s in the House and Senate, including one exceptional intern in my office who was awarded this opportunity: Natalie Gilbert of Las Vegas, NV. prgtoken Natalie is an impressive young Nevadan, having earned the distinguished honors of State of Nevada Mock Trial Outstanding Attorney and National Merit Commended Scholar in 2020. Before interning with my office, she interned with the Clark County District Attorney's Office in the homicide and domestic violence departments and worked directly with their victim advocacy program. Surpassing over 100 hours of volunteer service, Natalie has been an invaluable member of our Las Vegas community. I am proud to recognize Natalie and her incredible efforts. I wish her only the best as she continues to pursue her studies in political economy and justice and peace studies at Georgetown University. prgtoken In addition to Natalie, I would like to congratulate all of the Stennis interns on their completion of this exceptional program. I also thank the Stennis Center and their senior Fellows for providing a meaningful experience and fostering bipartisan work. prgtoken I ask that the names of the 2021 Fall Stennis congressional interns and the offices in which they work be printed in the Record. prgtoken The material follows: Delanie Blubaugh, LaVale, MD, U.S. Representative David Trone; Sameer Chhetri, Philadelphia, PA, U.S. Representative Lois Frankel; Alexandra Dorotinsky, Damascus, MD, U.S. Senator Chris Van Hollen; Adam Duffy, Washington, DC, House Committee on Rules; Drew Ficociello, Washington, DC, U.S. Representative Cindy Axne; Rukmini Ganesh, Bowling Green, KY, House Committee on Education and Labor. Natalie Gilbert, Las Vegas, NV, U.S. Senator Jacky Rosen; Ava Goble, Hilo, HI, U.S. Representative Kaiali`i Kahele; Diana Grechukhina, Ocean City, MD, U.S. Senator Chris Van Hollen; Kathleen Griffith, Washington, DC, Senate Special Committee on Aging; Kendall Groza, Washington, DC, U
BUILD BACK BETTER ACT
Jennifer Wexton (Democrat, VA) \u2014 2021-11-18

. Madam , I rise today in strong support of the Build Back Better Act to deliver on the promises we have made to the American people. prgtoken This bill is about families and fairness. Even before the pandemic, parents in Virginia and across the country have been weighed down by the cost of raising their kids, caring for their elderly parents, and providing for their families. The Build Back Better Act will lighten that burden. prgtoken The investments we are making with this bill, universal pre-K, affordable childcare, and lower prices for healthcare and prescription drugs, will bring everyday costs for families down and set all of our children up for a bright future. prgtoken It will take long-overdue action to tackle the climate crisis by making the historic investments that we need to create a clean energy future for our kids, while creating millions of good-paying American manufacturing jobs in the process. prgtoken We have the opportunity to enact once-in-a-generation change that will improve the lives of our families and keep our economy on a path to a strong and full recovery. prgtoken Madam , I urge my colleagues to support a swift passage of the Build Back Better Act.
LEGISLATIVE PROGRAM
Steny H. Hoyer (Democrat, MD) \u2014 2021-11-18

I thank the gentleman for his question. Let me read through this so I reach every point that I think each Member needs to know. prgtoken Following the next vote, the House will stand in recess subject to the call of the Chair. As all Members know, we are waiting for some technical pursuits of the budget and reconciliation process to be completed. prgtoken The House has completed, as I think all of you know, 1 hour and 40 minutes of the 2 hours of debate on the Build Back Better Act, so there will remain 10 minutes on each side prior to the passage of the Build Back Better Act. prgtoken We are waiting, as the gentleman indicated, for the completion of a privileged scrub from the Senate Parliamentarians necessary for the reconciliation process. prgtoken Once we have received that information, the Rules Committee and Mr. McGovern will meet to report a rule with an additional manager's amendment to make technical corrections to the bill, which will be considered on the floor so that the Parliamentarian's concerns will be met in that technical amendment. prgtoken We are also awaiting the final two committee estimates from CBO. We expect CBO to have estimates--and I want to make it clear that this may not be the CBO score of the overall piece of legislation. We have just heard from those who are going to be reading that through the night, I know. We are also waiting for the final two committee estimates. prgtoken As I said, I want to thank the Senate Parliamentarian, who has been working around the clock--their office has been working around the clock to get us to where I think we are now. prgtoken I want to also thank CBO, who has been working extraordinarily hard. This is a large piece of legislation, which I guess is an understatement, and it is also complex. prgtoken Having said that, obviously, CBO has been working for months-- literally August, September, October, and November--on this legislation. We appreciate the hard work of the Parliamentarian and the Director of CBO and their staffs. prgtoken We are working toward completing the Build Back Better Act today, and more information on the schedule will be provided as soon as it becomes available. prgtoken Let me add, if I can, Mr. Whip, it is my hope that we will complete this legislation today so that this would be the last legislative day prior to the Thanksgiving work period. prgtoken I want to make sure everybody understands, however, we will complete Build Back Better before we go home. I am hopeful and believe--I think most Members are hopeful--that we can do that tonight, whether you are for it or against it, that we can do it tonight, and that is my effort to achieve that objective. I know it is the 's effort as well. prgtoken I yield to my friend, the whip.
PROVIDING FOR FURTHER CONSIDERATION OF H.R. 5376, BUILD BACK BETTER ACT
Mark Takano (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2021-11-18

. Madam , I thank the gentleman for yielding. prgtoken I rise today in support of the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs contribution to the Build Back Better Act of 2021. prgtoken The committee has an important responsibility to advance measures that support veterans and honor their service and sacrifice, as well as that of their families, caregivers, and survivors. prgtoken Last week, we celebrated Veterans Day. The Build Back Better Act is the perfect way to continue to show our gratitude with concrete, meaningful investment for all veterans. prgtoken By making this critical investment at the VA, we can start rebuilding VA's capacity in terms of brick-and-mortar infrastructure, human capital, and support structures that serve our Nation's veterans. prgtoken Now, I have a difficult time believing my colleagues across the aisle think that veterans are unworthy of this investment. The fact is, veterans from Baton Rouge, Louisiana, to Beaufort, South Carolina, and from Columbia, Missouri, to Clarksville, Tennessee, are among the districts that stand to gain directly from these resources. prgtoken The most important piece of this legislation is the $1.8 billion for medical facility leases that fixes a longstanding backlog of lease authorizations. Take a look at VA's budget book, at the leases that are on that list. You will see it largely benefits districts. Do my colleagues not want VA facilities and clinics in their districts? I don't believe that for one moment. I know that they will attend the ribbon-cutting ceremonies, though, when this bill is passed into law and issue press releases when these facilities are open. prgtoken Voting against this legislation would not only mean turning our backs on our most sacred promise to our Nation's veterans, but it would be a striking departure for many of my colleagues who have long advocated for these investments. prgtoken As demand for care and services at VA continue to grow, the lack of purposeful, usable clinic space will hurt veterans, including women veterans, because clinic spaces are not designed for them. A lack of access to healthcare providers will hurt veterans because we simply don't have enough providers in this country. Making investments in the next generation of healthcare providers is just common sense. prgtoken I will end by saying nearly three-fourths of the American people agree that it is time to update VA's infrastructure. The Build Back Better Act gives us the framework to do just that.
BUILD BACK BETTER ACT
Hakeem S. Jeffries (Democrat, NY) \u2014 2021-11-18

. Madam , I thank the distinguished chair of the Budget Committee for his leadership. prgtoken Madam , there is a big difference between and s. We fight for the people; they fight for the privileged few. We will pass the Build Back Better Act. They passed the GOP tax scam where 83 percent of the benefits went to the wealthiest 1 percent so they could subsidize the lifestyles of the rich and shameless. There is a big difference between and s. prgtoken The Build Back Better Act will invest in the creation of millions of good-paying jobs and cut taxes for working families. It will lower childcare costs, housing costs, and education costs; and it will drive down the high cost of lifesaving prescription drugs. prgtoken The Build Back Better Act will invest in a green economy--a sustainable economy and a resilient economy--and lower energy costs for everyday Americans. prgtoken The Build Back Better Act will create an economy that works for every single American creating opportunity and prosperity in every single ZIP Code. prgtoken Madam , I thank President for his extraordinary leadership. don't talk about it; we are about it. And because we are going to build back better for the people here in America, the best is yet to come.
LEGISLATIVE SESSION
Benjamin L. Cardin (Democrat, MD) \u2014 2021-11-18

12 years ago this Tuesday, Russian tax lawyer Sergei Magnitsky died in Moscow at the hands of prison guards who, instead of treating him for the acute illness that his torturous, yearlong detention provoked, beat him for over an hour. He was found dead in his cell shortly thereafter. His ``crime'' was exposing the largest tax fraud in Russian history, perpetrated by government officials. He was 37 years old and left a loving family and many friends. prgtoken At the Helsinki Commission, which I chair, we had heard of Sergei's plight months earlier, and we were saddened and outraged that such a promising life had been cut short and that so few expected his murderers to be held to any account. prgtoken Impunity for the murder of journalists, activists, opposition politicians, and now simply an honest citizen was and remains a depressing cliche in Russia under Vladimir Putin's rule, while his regime often ruthlessly punishes people for minor infractions of the law. For those on the wrong side of the Kremlin, the message is clear and chilling. Even the most damning evidence will not suffice to convict the guilty, nor will the most exculpatory evidence spare the innocent. prgtoken The need for justice in Russia in this specific case has not diminished with the passage of time. Moreover, the doubling down on the coverup of Sergei's murder and the massive tax heist he exposed implicates a wider swath of Russian officials with the guilt of this heinous crime. It does not need to be this way, nor is it ever too late for a reckoning in this case in the very courtrooms that hosted the show trials that ultimately led to Sergei's death. prgtoken As sober as this occasion is, there is reason for hope. Vladimir Putin will not rule Russia forever, and every passing day brings us closer to that moment when someone new will occupy his post. Who that person will be and whether this transition will usher in a Government in Russia that respects the rights of its citizens and abides by its international commitments remain unclear. I hope it does. A Russian Government that returns to the fold of responsible, constructive European powers would increase global security, enhance the prosperity of its own citizens and trading partners, and bring new vigor to tackling complex international challenges such as climate change. prgtoken Sergei's work lives on in his many colleagues and friends who are gathering in London this week to celebrate his life and to recognize others like him who seek justice and peace in their countries, often facing and surmounting seemingly impossible obstacles. All too often, they pay a heavy price for their courageous integrity. prgtoken Sergei's heroic legacy is exemplified in the global movement for justice sparked by his death and in the raft of Magnitsky laws that began in this Chamber and have now spread to over a dozen countries, including allies like Canada, the United Kingdom, and the E
TRIBUTE TO LAUREN CARSON
Sheldon Whitehouse (Democrat, RI) \u2014 2021-11-18

I rise today to honor an accomplished policymaker, a protector of environmental and public health, and my State representative: Lauren Carson. Representative Carson represents Rhode Island's 75th district and has a long history of working on issues related to sea level rise, reducing waste, and protecting the health and safety of Rhode Islanders. prgtoken Representative Carson holds a bachelor's degree from Ramapo College and two master's degrees from the University of Rhode Island. She is a businessowner and an environmental advocate who worked for several years with Clean Water Action. prgtoken Representative Carson also served her community through several organizations, including the advisory board of the Alliance for a Livable Newport, the Newport Energy and Environment Commission, the Rhode Island Green Infrastructure Coalition, and the Environmental Council of Rhode Island. prgtoken In 2014, Representative Carson successfully ran for a seat in the State legislature. At the statehouse, she has moved policy forward to protect Rhode Island's environment. Among many other accomplishments, Ms. Carson created and led a commission on the effects of rising seas. She introduced a bill that created a uniform statewide process for permitting solar panel installations. She cosponsored legislation to phase out polluting cesspools. Earlier this year, she was appointed as, deputy majority leader, a role which she used to steward the 2021 Act on Climate into law, setting statewide net-zero goals for 2050 across all sectors. She coleads the Aquidneck Island Climate Caucus to give voice to the importance of preventing and preparing for a warmer world and focus the island's efforts on sea level rise. prgtoken I am glad to recognize Representative Carson's dedicated service and to share my appreciation for all of her contributions to our State and our environment.
PROVIDING FOR FURTHER CONSIDERATION OF H.R. 5376, BUILD BACK BETTER ACT
Joe Neguse (Democrat, CO) \u2014 2021-11-18

. Madam , with all the respect in the world to my colleague from Pennsylvania, to the extent he wants to talk about 's America, let's stick to the facts. prgtoken In 's America, wage growth is up, and unemployment is down. In 's America, family income is up, and prescription drug pricing is poised to go down. prgtoken That is why I am excited to be here today, Madam , to support the Build Back Better Act and speak in support of this transformative, historic legislation that will inure to the benefit of each and every American. prgtoken There is a lot to be proud of in this bill, such as the tax cuts for working families that it will deliver, the jobs that it will create, and the costs for working families that it will lower. prgtoken But for me, personally, the part that I am most enthused and excited about is universal pre-K because, as the knows, I am a father. I have a young 3-year-old daughter who started preschool this year. There is nothing that can bring a smile to my face more than seeing my daughter after a day at preschool, seeing how much she has enjoyed it and how much she has learned. We are lucky to be able to send her to school, but many families in Colorado and across the country are not. prgtoken Thanks to President 's vision, universal pre-K for every 3-year- old and 4-year-old in the United States of America will be a reality. prgtoken So let's pass this bill. Let's send it to the Senate. Let's get it across the finish line. And let's deliver for the American people.
HONORING JANICE SIEGEL ON HER RETIREMENT
Jerrold Nadler (Democrat, NY) \u2014 2021-11-18

. Madam , I rise to honor the work and dedication of my longest-serving congressional staff person--Janice Siegel. prgtoken Janice worked with me and a small group of people on the brief but intense campaign to fill the vacancy left by Ted Weiss in 1992. She came with me to Washington, D.C to set up my office and staff for my first term and stayed with my office for 29 years. As my Director of Operations, Janice provided sound advice on complicated budget, ethics, and personnel matters. Her careful, methodical approach to financial matters has served the office well and has saved us tens of thousands of dollars over the years. Janice also managed my D.C. schedule for more than twenty years, made countless train/plane/and hotel reservations for me, and tracked every penny of our Members' Representational Allowance. Perhaps most importantly she made sure we never overspent our MRA, and, therefore, I was never asked to pay for any office expenses from my own pocket. I thank her for that. prgtoken Janice also coordinated numerous office moves over her career in the House and worked on everything from the color of the carpet, walls and drapes, to the purchasing of equipment, and movement of phones and computers throughout the House complex. She was well known throughout the House by the many hundreds of people she worked with on all these matters over the years. prgtoken Janice not only served my office well, but she was a real asset to the House of Representatives as a whole and helped with numerous House- wide initiatives to make the House operate more efficiently and effectively. prgtoken Janice founded the Professional Administrative Managers (PAM) organization, and as its leader she organized a number of large meetings which brought staff together with House Administrative officials to discuss the implementation of new policies and procedures related to House operations. In addition, she worked with the Office of the Inspector General to create a ``Financial Administrators Curriculum'' which is now offered by the Congressional Staff Academy. Her organization included offices from both sides of the aisle and its influence was felt by the leaders of House Administration who frequently sought input and advice from the group. She was in regular contact with the various Chief Administrative Officers (CAO) of the House, the C.F.O and the Directors of Payroll during her time on the Hill. These relationships gave her access to information and resources that were very helpful to our office. prgtoken On another note, Janice has always cared about me personally, about my reputation, and especially about my personal safety. Over the years, Janice made sure the Capitol Police were aware of the threats against me and took additional steps to enhance my safety. She has had my interests in mind as she made spending and ethics decisions and was driven by a strong sense or right and wrong that kept me out of trouble for he
RECOGNIZING MIKE EPPS, COMEDIAN, PRODUCER, AND ACTOR
André Carson (Democrat, IN) \u2014 2021-11-18

. Madam , today I rise to recognize Mike Epps, who will be filming his next Netflix comedy special in his hometown of Indianapolis and will also be inducted into the Madam Walker Legacy Center Walk of Fame on November 20, 2021. prgtoken Mike was born in Indianapolis to parents Mary Reed and Tommie Epps, and raised in our great city. Mike began performing comedy as a teenager. After achieving success in standup comedy, he moved to Atlanta, Georgia, to pursue a career in comedy at the Comedy Act Theater. prgtoken At 21 years old, Mike moved to New York City where he became a sensation in the underground Black comedy scene. Mike's career continued to prosper, performing in two HBO Def Comedy Jam broadcasts and appearing in the movie ``Strays'' in 1997 and the television series ``The Sopranos'' in 1999. prgtoken After New York, Mike's rise to fame took him to Los Angeles, where he landed a role in Ice Cube's movie ``Next Friday.'' His acting career gained momentum, appearing in films such as ``Dr. Dolittle 2 ,'' ``All About the Benjamins'' and ``The Fighting Temptations,'' to name just a few. prgtoken Mike has used his platform to support our city and give back to others. In 2012, he served as the ``Super Bowl Ambassador'' to Indianapolis. In addition, his generous contributions to the Tupac Amaru Shakur Foundation for the Arts in Georgia has helped provide opportunities for young people wishing to follow in his footsteps. prgtoken Today, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring Mike Epps. Our community is proud of his success and deeply grateful for his dedicated philanthropic and mentorship efforts, which are making a positive impact in the lives of countless young people across the country.