mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
JOSEPH WOODROW HATCHETT UNITED STATES COURTHOUSE AND FEDERAL BUILDING-- Continued
Bill Cassidy (Republican, LA) \u2014 2022-6-23

let me begin by saying that I am proudly pro-Second Amendment. I believe in the God-given right for law- abiding Americans to keep and bear arms. The Second Amendment has given millions of Americans the right to defend their spouses, their families, their children, and their homes. prgtoken But if you consider yourself a supporter of the Second Amendment, you absolutely want to do something about Uvalde, to do something about the murders related to domestic violence, to do something about straw purchases, and to do something about teen suicide by gun. You cannot be pro-Second Amendment unless you care deeply about these issues. prgtoken That is why we have targeted legislation, the Safer Communities Act, that addresses the specific problems that have led to mass shootings. We do it by restricting the access of someone who should not have a weapon, by providing additional mental health resources, and by hardening schools. This legislation accomplishes these goals without infringing upon a law-abiding citizen's Second Amendment right. prgtoken Let me repeat that because there has been confusion in speeches from this floor. There has been the internet exploding. There are rumors afloat that somehow this infringes upon a law-abiding citizen's right to keep and bear arms. That is absolutely false, and if anyone says so, they are misleading the American people. This doesn't do any of that. prgtoken What this legislation says is that unless you are adjudicated--now, ``adjudicated'' is a $5 word that means you go before a judge, and the judge looks at the evidence. Under this bill, if a State puts this into law, then they have got to follow due process, which says that the person who may lose his Second Amendment right has the right to an attorney, a higher standard for the evidence that must be presented, and that the person has his day in court. prgtoken This was the gold standard that the National Rifle Association always advocated for, as if we were going to take Second Amendment rights from someone who should not have them, and this bill has that gold standard. prgtoken I had a couple of townhalls just to find out what folks back in Louisiana were thinking about as to all of this. Frankly, they are talking about inflation and the price at the pump as much as they are talking about this, but I got a message: They think that we can protect Second Amendment rights and do something about a tragedy such as Uvalde. Let me give you some of the comments because it shows you the confusion and it shows you the concerns and it shows you where the American people are. prgtoken Chris asked if, when he dies, he can pass his gun to his child if his child is law-abiding. prgtoken Absolutely. That is preserved. We don't touch that, and, by golly, Chris should be able to do so. prgtoken We were asked by Tyler if this raises the age of the ability to purchase a weapon from 18 to 21. prgtoken It does not. It doesn't touch
FIXING OUR REGULATORY MAYHEM UPSETTING LITTLE AMERICANS ACT
Mike Lee (Republican, UT) \u2014 2022-6-23

for months, American moms and dads have endured an unprecedented baby formula shortage. prgtoken All of us know someone that this crisis has personally affected. In May alone, reports showed that the out-of-stock rate jumped from 43 percent to 74 percent nationally. In my home State of Utah, that out- of-stock rate is much higher. prgtoken And while the administration made ambitious attempts to invoke the Defense Production Act and fly in formula from other countries, these efforts ultimately provided less than 2 days' worth of formula for our country's hungry babies--less than 2 days. prgtoken So yesterday, I took to the floor asking that this body take immediate action to address our Nation's massive prgtoken formula shortage by unanimously passing my FORMULA Act, something that I have come repeatedly to the Senate floor in an effort to pass and it has been met with objections so far. prgtoken My bill included three measures to accomplish this goal. The first was a regulatory component, one that would remove certain FDA requirements for imported formula, mostly dealing with labeling. And I will explain more about that one in a moment. The second removed the restrictions that limited the availability of formula brands available to WIC recipients. And, finally, the bill temporarily suspended import tariffs on formula, increasing supply and decreasing consumer costs. prgtoken These three components would provide immediate relief to anxiety- ridden parents who were forced to scour supermarkets, make dangerous homemade formula, or, even worse, hospitalize their infants. prgtoken I need not explain why a problem of this magnitude is so deserving of our immediate attention. prgtoken After addressing the Senate on each of these topics, I engaged in a lengthy and substantive debate with my friend and distinguished colleague from Pennsylvania, Senator Bob Casey. I listened intently to his objections regarding his concern for the safety and quality of formula crossing over our borders. prgtoken And while I appreciate my colleague's concerns, I still believe that this body can and must fix this problem, a problem that is, no doubt, the sole creation of the Federal Government. It is no accident, for example, that we are the only country facing this particular shortage. prgtoken No other country is dealing with this because our country and our own Federal laws in this area and the way they have been enforced and implemented have caused it. prgtoken So I am determined to provide relief to families dealing with this inexplicably, unnecessarily prolonged crisis. prgtoken For far too long, the people enduring this mess have gone without answers. And so in the spirit of comity and compromise, I have modified my request by removing the FDA regulatory component of the bill. I hoped that this would resolve any reservations that my colleague from Pennsylvania may have had regarding the safety of these products. prgtoken And
Bipartisan Safer Communities Act (Executive Session)
Mitch McConnell (Republican, KY) \u2014 2022-6-23

the American people do not have to choose between safer schools and the Constitution, and neither does the U.S. Senate. prgtoken The American people want their constitutional rights protected and their kids to be safe in school. They want both of those things at once, and that is just what the bill before the Senate will help accomplish. prgtoken Thanks to the leadership and dedication of Senator Cornyn, Senator Tillis, and several of their counterparts across the aisle, we are considering a bipartisan bill that will make our country safer without making it any less free. This is the sweet spot: making America safer, especially for kids in school, without making our country one bit less free. prgtoken The legislation before us would make our communities and schools safer without laying one finger on the Second Amendment for law-abiding citizens. Its key provisions are hugely popular with the American people. This bill supplies significant new funding to law enforcement and police, to school security, and to mental health treatment both in school and in the wider community. prgtoken Under this bill, if a teenager has been convicted of a crime or adjudicated to be mentally ill, even before their 18th birthday, that important information will show up in a firearms background check until they are 21. This strengthens the existing background check system without expanding it. prgtoken States will receive new money for crisis intervention programs of their own choosing, and if they choose to use the money for so-called red flag laws, those laws will have to meet a new, higher standard for due process. prgtoken This is a commonsense package. Its provisions are very, very popular. It contains zero--zero--new restrictions, zero new waiting periods, zero mandates, and zero bans of any kind for law-abiding gun owners. prgtoken Police and law enforcement support the bill strongly. The police chiefs' association and the Fraternal Order of Police say: ``This bipartisan measure is . . . one that will save lives,'' according to the FOP and the police chiefs' association. prgtoken The National Sheriffs' Association calls it: A bill that can actually save lives . . . that allows the States to craft their own unique answers to the questions raised by gun violence. prgtoken After years--literally years--of liberal demands that would make war on citizens' constitutional rights, our ic colleagues have finally accepted that we can make schools and communities safer without impeding on the Second Amendment. prgtoken We can do more to protect innocent Americans, schoolkids especially, without--without--eroding the Bill of Rights 1 inch, and that is just what the Senate will do when we pass this bill.
RECOGNIZING MUSICAL PRODIGY TAYTE CHOUDHURY
Troy E. Nehls (Republican, TX) \u2014 2022-6-23

. Madam , I rise today to recognize a true musical prodigy with the kind of gift that many of us may only come across once in a lifetime, my constituent Tayte Choudhury. prgtoken At only 17 years old, Tayte is internationally recognized for his outstanding ability in piano. He is a first-place winner of the American Protege award and is performing a winning piece at the world- renowned Carnegie Hall in New York City on June 26. prgtoken Despite a physical disability that left him 70 percent deaf in both ears, Tayte has achieved great success in both music and scholastics. I was sent a video of Tayte playing this week and was completely blown away to be hearing and seeing such talent that can only be handed down by God himself. prgtoken But the thing about talent like that is that it is meaningless without hard work, sacrifice, resilience, and an entire village to get you where you need to go. prgtoken From myself and all of Texas 22, we are extremely proud of you, Tayte, and can't way to see how high you fly.
EXECUTIVE CALENDAR (Executive Session)
Charles E. Schumer (Democrat, NY) \u2014 2022-6-23

. I ask unanimous consent that the Senate proceed to executive session to consider the following nominations: Calendar Nos. 998 through 1030 and all nominations on the Secretary's desk in the Air Force, Army, Foreign Service, Marine Corps, Navy, and Space Force; that the nominations be confirmed en bloc; that the motions to reconsider be considered made and laid upon the table with no intervening action or debate; and no further motions be in order to any of the nominations; that the President be immediately notified of the Senate's action and the Senate then resume legislative session.
TRIBUTE TO KAREN FISHER
Ron Wyden (Democrat, OR) \u2014 2022-6-23

I am honored to recognize Karen Fisher for her decades of leadership toward innovation and systematic change to improve the health of Americans. Karen may be retiring from a momentous health policy career, but the Nation will long feel the positive impact of her work. prgtoken From 2011 to 2016, the Senate Finance Committee was fortunate to benefit from Karen's expertise on the Medicare program and other key health policy issues. Serving as senior health counsel, Karen led the committee's work in 2015 to permanently repeal the outdated and flawed sustainable growth rate--SGR--formula previously used to determine Medicare physician payments and to replace it with a new payment system that advances value-based care for the millions who rely on the Medicare program as a lifeline. prgtoken In addition to her historic role in permanently retiring the SGR, Karen oversaw legislative activities related to the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Innovation--CMMI--and the Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute--PCORI--as she uplifted the transformative effect alternative payment models could have in driving greater commitments to quality and value in healthcare. She also served--and continues to serve--as a mentor to early-career staff on the Committee and across Capitol Hill, offering professional guidance and networking opportunities for the next generation of female leaders. prgtoken At the Association of American Medical Colleges--AAMC--Karen has continued her commitment to improve healthcare through public policy. Throughout her nearly 6 years as chief public policy officer, the AAMC has been an important voice on the need to expand access to healthcare nationwide by strengthening coverage through both the Affordable Care Act and the Medicaid program and by addressing shortages of physicians and other health professionals. prgtoken Her more than 25 years of experience also have been an essential asset during the COVID pandemic, as she liaised between Federal policymakers and the academic medicine community to support the heroic efforts of the country's health professionals and scientists in treating patients, expanding access to telehealth, developing and administering COVID tests, advancing research on new countermeasures, developing and deploying vaccines, and enhancing health equity interventions. prgtoken I know that I speak for health policy professionals nationwide as I express my gratitude for Karen's dedication, talent, mentorship, leadership, and persistence in public service and in betterment of the Nation's health. prgtoken Thank you, Karen. I am wishing you and your family all the best for a very well-deserved retirement.
KEEP KIDS FED ACT OF 2022
Robert C. "Bobby" Scott (Democrat, VA) \u2014 2022-6-23

. Madam , such time as I may consume. prgtoken Madam , I include in the Record two letters from No Kid Hungry and the Food Research and Action Center, better known as FRAC. [From Share Our Strength] prgtoken Share Our Strength's Lisa Davis on the Introduction of the `Keep Kids Fed' Act To Extend Child Nutrition Waivers Washington, DC.--This afternoon, leadership from the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry and the House Committee on Education and Labor announced an agreement to extend nationwide child nutrition waivers, which are set to expire on June 30. The Keep Kids Fed Act would extend some of these waivers through the 2022-2023 school year and provide school nutrition programs with additional funding to help address food price inflation and supply chain challenges. The following is a statement from No Kid Hungry Senior Vice President Lisa Davis: ``We are grateful that a deal has come together to help address the immense challenges facing schools and community organizations working tirelessly to feed kids this summer and during the school year. This issue couldn't be more urgent with waivers expiring in nine days and summer meals programs already up and running. ``Time is of the essence, especially for those operating summer meals sites without the certainty and flexibility of the waivers who will face difficulties turning on a dime. We know these waivers are needed and that they work. The reach of the summer meals program increased dramatically with them, doubling in 2021 and even tripling in 2020. ``While these waivers don't solve supply chain issues, lower the rising cost of food and gas, or solve our nation's inflation problem, they do help soften their impact on schools and community organizations and, ultimately, keep kids fed and nourished. ``As we know with legislation like this, there can be miles to go before it gets across the finish line. We urge Congress to move quickly on the Keep Kids Fed Act before nationwide child nutrition waivers expire on June 30.''
Introductory Statement on S. 4464
Mazie K. Hirono (Democrat, HI) \u2014 2022-6-23

I rise today to introduce a bill, the Kaena Point National Heritage Area Act. This bill requires the Secretary of the Interior to conduct a study to assess the suitability and feasibility of designating certain land in Hawaii as the Kaena Point National Heritage Area. Such a designation would bring Federal resources to bear on elevating public awareness of Kaena Point through increased interpretation and enhanced management activities to protect resources, both cultural and natural, for future generations. prgtoken The National Park Service currently oversees 55 National Heritage Areas across the country, none of which are in Hawaii. Kaena Point, located on the westernmost tip of Oahu, is home to some of the last remaining unimproved semiwilderness areas on Oahu and one of the last intact dune ecosystems in Hawaii. Native species such as critically endangered Hawaiian monk seals, humpback whales, spinner dolphins, and green sea turtles can be found in the waters at Kaena Point. Native shorebirds such as albatrosses and shearwaters also frequent Kaena Point to nest. In addition, the area is one of the last remaining examples of intact coastal strand vegetation on Oahu and is home to a number of endangered plant species and the endangered yellow-faced bee. prgtoken Kaena Point is significant to Native Hawaiian culture, being deemed one of the most sacred places on Oahu as it is home to numerous cultural and historic sites. The area currently includes a State park and a Natural Area Reserve, both operated by the Hawaii Department of Land and Natural Resources. Kaena State Park is the second most visited park on Oahu, illustrating the significance of the area. prgtoken This bill directs the U.S. Department of the Interior Secretary to conduct a study in consultation with State and local historic preservation officers, State and local historical societies, State and local tourism offices, and other appropriate organizations and governmental agencies. This study would, among other things, assess the area's unique cultural, historic, and natural resources, cultural contributions to the story of the United States, prgtoken ability to provide recreation and educational opportunities, resources available for interpretation by visitors, inclusion of local stakeholders supportive of and involved with the planning of the Heritage Area, existence of a local management entity willing to work with these stakeholders to develop the Heritage Area, and include a map identifying the boundaries of the Heritage Area. prgtoken The Secretary of the Interior is given 3 years to conduct the study and report the results to Congress. Information from that report will then indicate if Kaena Point is a suitable location to be added as a National Heritage Area and if so, the boundaries for such a designation. This bill is supported by the Hawaii Department of Land and Natural Resources.
REMEMBERING REGINALD M. FELTON
Chris Van Hollen (Democrat, MD) \u2014 2022-6-23

I rise to honor the life of a dedicated public servant and a champion for education: Mr. Reginald ``Reggie'' M. Felton from my State of Maryland. Our community lost Reggie only a few days ago, at the age of 75. Today, I would like to take a moment to celebrate his extraordinary life and pay tribute to his lasting legacy of good works. prgtoken The story of Reggie's life can be defined by one word: service. He served our Nation in the military as a member of the U.S. Coast Guard and, later, as a Senior Executive within the Department of the Navy. He served his town and county as president of a local citizens association, as chair of the Silver Spring Center Citizens Advisory Board, and as chairman of the Freedom Fund Dinner organized by the Montgomery County Branch of the NAACP. prgtoken But most of all, Reggie served our students. With the trust of his community behind him, Reggie won a seat on the Montgomery County Board of Education in 1994. He would serve on the board for another 20 years, winning reelection in 1998 and 2002 and rising to become the first African-American president of the Montgomery County Board of Education, a position he held for three terms. prgtoken Reggie's commitment to the mission and spirit of the school board led to real results during his tenure. The Montgomery County School Board earned national recognition for excellence while Reggie served on the board, and it is no wonder why. Under his leadership, the Montgomery County Public Schools, which make up the largest school district in my State, saw major improvements in the quality of education and in the process for selecting and onboarding superintendents. Reggie also focused his efforts on establishing higher standards in curriculum, and those higher standards continue to inform a tradition of excellence at Montgomery County Public Schools that lives on to this day. In short: Reggie's time as president of the Montgomery County School Board helped make Montgomery County schools some of the best in the Nation. prgtoken Throughout his extraordinary life, Reggie Felton nurtured his talent for leadership, stepped up to serve his community and his country, and did all that he could to improve the lives of prgtoken his fellow citizens. He was beloved by all--respected across our communities for his kindness, his good humor, his brilliance, and his grace. prgtoken On a personal note, Reggie was a good friend whom I admired greatly. I will always remember his warm and generous spirit, his wonderful smile, and his determination to serve others. I know I speak for Marylanders everywhere when I say our State is eternally grateful for his service and sacrifice. prgtoken Today, Reggie's legacy lives on in every young student who benefits from his good deeds--whether they know it or not--and his story will continue to inspire us all. Thank you, Reggie. We love you.