mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
CONCURRENT RESOLUTION ON THE BUDGET FOR FISCAL YEAR 2021
Steven Horsford (Democrat, NV) \u2014 2021-2-3

I rise today in support of H. Con. Res. 11. prgtoken And before I start, I want to just let the ranking member know, my job is to get as many resources to my State as possible from this COVID relief. So, I hope you report how much money my State has received, and please say ``Nevada'' correctly when you do it. prgtoken That money is needed to help workers, families, and small businesses who are struggling during the worst pandemic that we have experienced in a generation. prgtoken Now, 3 years ago, s pushed through the biggest tax cuts in American history for the wealthiest Americans and the biggest corporations. Those tax cuts added nearly $2 trillion to the national debt without a whisper about fiscal conservatism from my colleagues on the other side. prgtoken Now, in the middle of a pandemic, one that has resulted in more than 400,000 deaths of our fellow Americans, millions of jobs that have been lost, and countless small businesses that have been shuttered, my colleagues on the other side want to talk about the deficit. prgtoken Well, I am calling your bluff. This isn't about the deficit; it is about obstruction. And if s would rather watch their constituents--to the ranking member, you have the same constituents. You have talked to me about the fact that your district is one of the poorest districts in the country. You and I have talked. You are also a member of the Ways and Means Committee. I have relatives in Missouri, so I am just as concerned about those workers, those families, and those small businesses. prgtoken We want to crush the virus, but in my home State, we can't recover and reopen our economy until we crush this virus. So, I need you to work with us. There is nothing in this resolution that says s can't join on board. The President said today that he is willing to entertain suggestions on how to move forward. prgtoken But my vote for this resolution is a call to my colleagues to work with us to get this done because our constituents are counting on us, not blue State constituents or red State constituents but American constituents. prgtoken I represent rural parts of my district that are conservative, and I have urban parts of my district that are not. I am fighting for all of them. prgtoken I am taking a stand, and I am asking you to work with us to pass this American Rescue Plan for all families, for all workers, and for all small businesses that have suffered for far too long. I know that these are divided times, but bipartisanship can change that. prgtoken Mr. Ranking Member, I am asking you to work with us, not in the majority, but as colleagues to do the right thing on behalf of all of our constituents because that is why each one of us was elected. Courage is what American people deserve most, .
COUNTIES AND CITIES NEED ASSISTANCE
Sheila Jackson Lee (Democrat, TX) \u2014 2021-2-3

. Madam , today, earlier on the floor, I made one important announcement of one important number. And I said that what we were doing with the budget reconciliation resolution was we were rescuing America. Because 594,000 Americans are expected to die from COVID-19 by May 2021. prgtoken This is what is happening in Texas. Half of Texans face financial hardship because of the coronavirus pandemic. The new strain of COVID- 19 has come to County. We can't do it alone. We need assistance for counties and cities. My mayor has been asking, and that is what this budget reconciliation will do. prgtoken In addition, we must realize that roughly 22 percent of Texas residents are facing severe hardship. prgtoken This is a catastrophe beyond our understanding. A pandemic. And my DELIVER Act is ready to provide a distribution structure so that all over America you can get vaccinated. That is why we voted on the budget reconciliation resolution; to save lives.
LEGISLATIVE SESSION
Richard J. Durbin (Democrat, IL) \u2014 2021-2-3

I just returned from the memorial service for Capitol Police Officer Brian Sicknick. It was held in the Rotunda of the U.S. Capitol, a place which is reserved on such occasions for those who have brought special honor to the United States. It was appropriate that Brian Sicknick receive that honor. prgtoken On January 6, Capitol Police Officer Brian Sicknick reported for duty and never returned home. A simple red wooden box contained his remains at the service. Tributes were given to him, all deserved, because this man gave his life to protect our Nation, to protect me. prgtoken It was protection from an enemy--not foreign enemy but, as we say in our oath, a domestic enemy, American-born and -bred terrorists who streamed into this Capitol building on January 6 at the instigation of President . He had summoned them to Washington on that day because the Constitution required that the Congress meet that day, that we count the electoral votes and announce to America who would be the next President officially. We knew the results State by State. They had been verified over and over again, challenged and verified again. prgtoken But this was the formal ceremony which involved calling the States and the vote counts in the House, and if there were objections, considering them, the objections, in both the House and the Senate. That was the process that President set out to disrupt, so he called a rally of his loyal followers. They met on the Ellipse. He fired up the crowd and sent them to the Capitol Building to stop the count--as they said in their warped logic, ``stop the steal.'' prgtoken They weren't permitted to enter the building, and so they broke it down--the doors, the windows. We have seen the videos over and over. They assaulted every law enforcement officer who stood in their way. Brian Sicknick, of course, lost his life, but there were 140 other police officers who were beaten and maimed and stabbed, who still suffer from those injuries today. The same terrorist mob that took Brian Sicknick's life stormed past everyone who stood in their path. What a day in the history of the United States of America. prgtoken Their occupation of the Capitol included their occupation of this Chamber. They marched into this Chamber, opening desks, taking photographs of documents, posing for pictures at the President's chair. They had a jolly time showing off to their friends that they could take over the U.S. Senate. prgtoken Next week, we begin the impeachment trial. The House of Representatives has accused this President of instigating an insurrection. When you think of it, could there be anything more serious than provoking a group for the violent overthrow of a legitimate government process? prgtoken Some say we shouldn't do this impeachment. They argue any speech given by the President to his mob was protected by the First Amendment. Well, if the First Amendment was designed to prot
CONCURRENT RESOLUTION ON THE BUDGET FOR FISCAL YEAR 2021
David Scott (Democrat, GA) \u2014 2021-2-3

I thank the chairman for yielding. prgtoken , first of all, let me tell my friends this: All you have to do to know why we have got to go big for the survival of our Nation is look at the news recently. Have you seen the lines of cars? Some have been in line since 4 and 5 in the morning. And our community food banks are there. prgtoken Why do you think that they are there? They are hungry. We have got 17 million of our children going to bed hungry every single night because the American people don't have the money to go buy groceries. And you know, what? One of the fastest growing groups of those out there hungry, who are starving, who are dying under the viaducts, who are committing suicide in record numbers, are our veterans. prgtoken That is why we need to go bold, to go big. You talk about bipartisanship. That is what the American people want, bipartisanship to get money in their pockets. prgtoken And look, friends, I am chairman of the Agriculture Committee. I am a businessman. I graduated from the top school of finance in the world, the Wharton School of Finance. I can speak on this economy. The basic tool of growth in economy is getting money in the pockets of people who are spending. That is how you keep your community going. They are not going to sit on that money. They are going to buy, go into Kroger and Publix and get food.
LEGISLATIVE SESSION
Patrick J. Leahy (Democrat, VT) \u2014 2021-2-3

for more than a year, our country has been in the grip of an unprecedented health and economic catastrophe. prgtoken It was January, if we recall, of last year when the first confirmed case of COVID-19 was found in our country. Since then, more than 444,000 of our fellow citizens have died, more than 26 million have been infected, millions have lost their jobs, and every day there are another thousands more deaths. prgtoken A year ago, former President boasted--just think of this. This is just a year ago. He said that there were only 15 COVID-19 cases in this country, and he said that soon the number would be zero. prgtoken For months, he told the American people there was nothing to worry about. Nothing to worry about? Tell the 26 million who have been infected, the nearly half a million who have died, because it is obvious to anyone paying attention to the country's public health experts that, unfortunately, he had no idea what he was talking about. But, of course, he wasn't interested in what anyone else had to say. prgtoken All of us can see so many unforgiveable mistakes, so many missed opportunities in dealing with this virus that we and the world are now facing a calamity unlike anything in modern history. prgtoken The last administration, rather than unite the country against the virus, chastised people for wearing masks. They vilified Governors who tried to stop the spread of the virus. Former President said it would disappear ``like magic.'' prgtoken Over the summer we lost even more time with the inexplicable decision to take a ``pause'' and delay further COVID relief. That was precious time that could have been spent trying to get the pandemic under control. Time was wasted while the virus spread and mutated, and now we are dealing with multiple variants, some of which are more easily transmissible and possibly more deadly. prgtoken The previous administration's handling of this disease was a monumental, unforgiveable failure of leadership. Tens of thousands of Americans would be alive today if the administration had done their job or, at the very least, stopped making it impossible for the people who wanted to do their job. Historians are going to judge him harshly. That was then. Our job now is to rally behind a President who understands the seriousness and urgency of what we are facing. prgtoken The $1.9 trillion package proposed by President is the kind of bold, comprehensive proposal we have needed since last spring. I felt privileged to sit with him this morning, along with other Senators, and discuss it, because we know the President's plan would provide the resources to mount a national vaccination program, safely open our schools, restore American global leadership, and provide direct support to the people in need. prgtoken Now, everybody here wants to reopen our economy, but we can't do that if we don't defeat the virus. President understands tha
CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT TO LOWER THE LEGAL VOTING AGE TO SIXTEEN
Grace Meng (Democrat, NY) \u2014 2021-2-3

. Madam , throughout our nation's history--from the Vietnam war-era movement that sparked the 26th Amendment to the students of Stoneman Douglas High School demanding action against gun violence--the power of youth activism has undeniably and profoundly impacted cultural and political movements throughout our nation's history. The modern fight against climate change continues to be led by young adults who recognize they will face the consequences of decisions that we make today. prgtoken Madam , it is time to give them a voice in our democracy by permitting them to be heard at the ballot box. prgtoken Sixteen-year-olds are legally permitted to work and pay federal income tax on their earnings. They are legally permitted to drive motor vehicles, and if they commit crimes they are tried as adults. If 16- year-olds are impacted by our laws, it is only fair that they be allowed to choose their representatives. Granting 16- and 17-year-olds the right to vote ensures that their concerns and voices are heard by policymakers. Lowering the voting age can also strengthen civics education in our schools by making content relevant to students lives, and incentivizing schools to prioritize civics. prgtoken Madam , research has shown that voting is a habitual behavior, which is why 16 is a better time than 18 to acquire the habit of voting. Numerous cities across our nation have already passed ordinances allowing 16-year-olds to vote in local municipal elections. Data from five cities in Maryland--which were among the first in America to lower the voting age to 16 for local elections--shows 16- and 17-year-olds have turned out to vote at equal or higher rates than voters from older age groups. prgtoken When individuals participate in democratic processes from a young age, they form lifelong habits of civic participation and voter engagement. Nineteen states already allow for 17-year-olds to vote in primary elections prior to them turning 18. prgtoken Madam , lowering the voting age to 16 will only strengthen our democratic institutions by exposing youth to our most sacred civic duty of voting. I urge my colleagues to support this legislation as we empower America's youth to help shape and guide our nation by allowing them to vote in all elections.
LEGISLATIVE SESSION
Jeff Merkley (Democrat, OR) \u2014 2021-2-3

we are 11 months into the most severe healthcare crisis this country or the world has seen in more than a century. And for much of this past year, we haven't done anywhere close to enough to help the millions of Americans who are suffering-- suffering not only from the virus itself but from the economic implosion created by this pandemic. prgtoken The American people are in desperate need of help. It has been many, many months since we passed the CARES Act. It was way back in March of last year. That is a long time ago--10 months ago. Then the House, down this hallway, in May--middle of May--passed the Heroes Act, saying: Let's do what we need to do for healthcare and housing, for education, for creating good-paying jobs to help America address both the healthcare side and the economic side of this pandemic. And this Senate said no. This Senate said: We are sorry. We spent all of our money on tax breaks for the richest Americans. We don't have the resources to help out ordinary Americans in the face of this pandemic. We prefer to do nothing. prgtoken And the prefer-to-do-nothing leadership of this body proceeded to do nothing in June and July and August and September and October, into November. Meanwhile, the American people were gearing up for an election, to basically weigh in on the direction that this country was going, and here the Senate sat and did nothing in the face of millions of struggling families across our country. Finally, after the election, a minimal amount was done with the omnibus bill. prgtoken Well, the time for playing the fiddle while Rome burns or twiddling our thumbs while America suffers is over. prgtoken In the campaign, said: We will end the inaction of this Senate in addressing the Nation's challenges, the families' struggle across America, if you put us in a place to do so. prgtoken And they did. To the House down the hall, this Chamber, and the White House down Pennsylvania Avenue, the American said: Get your act together. Engage in competent, professional, direct, bold assistance to these enormous challenges we face. prgtoken And promised that if elected President, he would utilize every resource of the Federal Government to take on the COVID pandemic and help American families get back on their feet. prgtoken The American people spoke loudly. They spoke clearly, and now we intend to deliver on the promises and provide real help to American families and businesses struggling in these difficult times. prgtoken There are a variety of ways that we can go forward to address this challenge. Certainly, one is to have a bill on this floor, have it open to amendments--relevant amendments, germane amendments--proceed to see what the majority of this body, 51 Members, would say should be changed in that bill or modified in that bill. But that tradition has bee absolutely squashed by the leadership in this Senate over the past few years under lea
CONCURRENT RESOLUTION ON THE BUDGET FOR FISCAL YEAR 2021
Al Green (Democrat, TX) \u2014 2021-2-3

in 2017, when my friends had control of the House, the Senate, and the Presidency, they passed an approximately $1.5 trillion tax break for the very wealthy. prgtoken , the wealthy weren't suffering. There was no pain. They were not about to be evicted. There were no mortgage payments behind. But they got $1.5 trillion approximately in tax breaks. prgtoken , I ask my dear friends on the other side to see this, if they will: As a tax break for the working class, let's let people who are making $75,000 a year have an opportunity to acquire some money to help them. If it goes into a bank account, it will come out. They are not wealthy. At some point we have to realize that those who are among the working class cannot do more with less, while the wealthy need more to do more. prgtoken , it is time for us to save this country, save these people who are suffering. I will vote for this resolution. I will vote for reconciliation.
CONCURRENT RESOLUTION ON THE BUDGET FOR FISCAL YEAR 2021
Albio Sires (Democrat, NJ) \u2014 2021-2-3

this resolution is a critical tool that we can use to provide relief to millions of Americans by passing President 's American Rescue Plan. prgtoken COVID-19 has impacted every corner of our Nation, taken loved ones from us, sickened millions more, shuttered small businesses, and pushed hardworking families into dire straits. prgtoken As we look at the toll this pandemic has taken, we must pass an aggressive, large-scale response. We cannot continue in piecemeal relief that falls short of addressing the needs of communities in every congressional district. prgtoken By setting a reconciliation framework across numerous House committees, we can craft a plan that will expand testing and vaccination efforts; extend critical lifelines for those who have lost their job; support schools, local small businesses, and first responders; and send direct aid to those who are struggling. prgtoken The burdens that our Nation has endured over the last year are far too high for continued inaction, and I hope that my colleagues will join me in supporting this resolution.
SETTING FORTH THE CONGRESSIONAL BUDGET FOR THE UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT FOR FISCAL YEAR 2021--Continued
Patty Murray (Democrat, WA) \u2014 2021-2-3

reserving the right to object. We are in the middle of a pandemic. Families are struggling, and we should be doing everything we can to make it easier for them to get the care they need from providers that they trust. prgtoken The title X program has been incredibly helpful to people seeking all kinds of healthcare, from cancer screenings to STI screenings, to birth control, and more. And before the administration's gag rule slashed the capacity of the title X network in half by cutting out trusted healthcare providers, over 4 million patients a year turned to title X-funded providers for their healthcare. prgtoken These patients are disproportionately young people, women who have low incomes, and women of color. An overwhelming majority of them have historically turned to providers like Planned Parenthood, which would be permanently kicked out of the program by this bill. prgtoken We need to be tearing down barriers, like former President 's title X gag rule, that are jeopardizing access to care for patients, not reinforcing them. And we need to be focused on addressing the pain of this pandemic and on taking steps to finally end it, not wasting time with blatantly ideological bills that appeal to the far-right base at the expense of our families. prgtoken While s seem intent on keeping patients from getting the healthcare they need, I am glad we finally have a President who is listening to women and men across the country. He has made clear that he wants healthcare to be a right, not a privilege, and he has already directed his administration to review the damage of title X gag rules that have been so harmful to so many people--an important step toward rescinding the rule, as I continue to push for. prgtoken So I urge my colleagues to stop these attacks on women's healthcare and turn their attention to something families actually want, which is serious action to end this pandemic. prgtoken I object.
CONCURRENT RESOLUTION ON THE BUDGET FOR FISCAL YEAR 2021
Robert C. "Bobby" Scott (Democrat, VA) \u2014 2021-2-3

I rise in support of the budget resolution. The COVID-19 pandemic is continuing to inflict widespread harm across our communities. In addition to the thousands of people who are dying every day from this virus, millions of workers remain unemployed, students are falling further behind, and an unprecedented number of American families are facing hunger and homelessness. Anyone who doubts the need for urgent and immediate COVID-19 relief is not paying attention to the multiple ongoing crises affecting people across the country. prgtoken We will continue working with our colleagues to find areas of agreement so that we can provide our constituents with the support they desperately need, but we can't put the label of bipartisanship ahead of the urgent needs of our communities. Our constituents don't want us to say that we could have provided relief checks in the amount of $1,400, but we needed to work with the s, and now they are only $1,000. prgtoken The upcoming COVID-19 rescue package must extend assistance for the unemployed Americans, protect all workers from COVID-19 infections, and support frontline workers who have cared for our loved ones and kept food on the table during the pandemic. prgtoken The rescue package must also provide schools the necessary resources to open safely, to help institutions of higher education cope with severe financial strain, and to keep childcare providers afloat. We must also expand nutrition assistance to ensure that our children and families do not go hungry. prgtoken Finally, the COVID-19 rescue package must help close the massive State and local budget shortfalls, which will inevitably force painful cuts to education and other public services if left unaddressed. prgtoken , we are at a critical moment in the fight against COVID- 19. We have the responsibility to do everything in our power to meet the basic needs of the American people. This budget resolution gives Congress an additional tool to pass a COVID rescue package that will confront the pandemic and deliver the immediate relief that our constituents deserve. prgtoken , I urge my colleagues to support the resolution.
CONCURRENT RESOLUTION ON THE BUDGET FOR FISCAL YEAR 2021
John A. Yarmuth (Democrat, KY) \u2014 2021-2-3

such time as I may consume. prgtoken , once again, I welcome the gentleman from Iowa to the House of Representatives, and I will correct him. prgtoken There is no 10-year budget outlook in this budget. This is a single budget resolution, only for this fiscal year, designed to facilitate the use of the reconciliation package to implement the President's American Rescue Plan, which, by the way, he campaigned vigorously on throughout his campaign. prgtoken While s were saying, ``Oh, it is too early to do something. Let's pause. Let's wait. Let's do this,'' the President was aggressive. The President was creative, forceful, and the American people rewarded him with a victory. prgtoken , I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Pennsylvania (Mr. Brendan F. Boyle), a distinguished member of the Budget Committee.