mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
INTRODUCTION OF THE FEDERAL EMPLOYEE SHORT-TERM DISABILITY INSURANCE ACT OF 2022
Eleanor Holmes Norton (Democrat, DC) \u2014 2022-3-3

. Madam , today, I introduce the Federal Employee Short-Term Disability Insurance Act of 2022, which would help provide financial relief for federal employees who have a short-term injury or disability, become pregnant or develop a pregnancy-related illness. This bill would offer federal employees short-term disability insurance at no cost to the federal government. Employees would be responsible for 100 percent of the premiums and be able to receive disability insurance benefits for up to one year, which would replace a portion of their lost income due to a non-work-related injury or illness or pregnancy. This bill is more important now than ever with the prevalence of so-called ``Long COVID.'' prgtoken I decided to investigate how we could provide short-term disability insurance for federal employees after learning that many of them already buy short-term disability insurance as individuals in the private market at high individual rates. Although federal employees have good health insurance, federal health benefits do not replace lost income if employees are unable to work. Moreover, while federal employees may have available sick or annual leave days, they may not have enough such days to pay the bills if they have to be out of work for an extended period, such as following surgery. Although there are long-term disability options for federal employees who become permanently disabled, federal employees do not qualify for such benefits until they have worked for the federal government for at least 18 months. My bill does no more than put federal employees in the same position as many of their private-sector counterparts, who often have access to disability insurance through an employer at group rates, an option unavailable to federal employees. This bill would not allow participating insurance companies to exclude persons based on preexisting conditions. Because of the federal government's purchasing power, this bill would provide these benefits at a more competitive rate than is available for employees purchasing as individuals, as many prgtoken do. Under this bill, the Director of the Office of Personnel Management would contract with private carriers to provide this coverage, essentially providing the equivalent of group coverage available to workers in the private sector. prgtoken According to the Social Security Administration, a 20-year-old worker has a one-in-four chance of becoming disabled by retirement age. The majority of disabilities are not caused by major accidents, but by injuries or illnesses, such as back injuries or cancer, according to the Council for Disability Awareness. There is every reason to allow our federal employees to take advantage of the federal government's purchasing power to obtain the most reasonable price if they choose to purchase short-term disability coverage on their own, at no cost to the federal government. prgtoken I strongly urge my colleagues to support this bil
STATEMENTS ON INTRODUCED BILLS AND JOINT RESOLUTIONS
Thomas R. Carper (Democrat, DE) \u2014 2022-3-3

today I am pleased to introduce, alongside the Senator from Arkansas, Mr. Boozman, and the Senator from West Virginia, Mrs. Capito, the Recycling and Composting Accountability Act. prgtoken This bill is the result of true collaboration and reflects a substantial amount of bipartisan effort to address our Nation's recycling and composting challenges. This bill aims to improve the Environmental Protection Agency's ability to gather data on our Nation's recycling systems and explore opportunities for implementing a national composting strategy. prgtoken The availability of good data is one of the major challenges facing the public and private sector as they work make investments to improve our recycling systems. Upgrading recycling infrastructure, expanding recycling services, and increasing recycling education will all benefit from the availability of better data. prgtoken Specifically, this bill will create a comprehensive database of all curbside recycling and composting programs nationwide. It will also assess the materials those programs collect and their rates of contamination. The bill will also look at barriers communities and individuals face when trying to access recycling and composting services. prgtoken In addition to that, the bill will ask the EPA to study the end market sale of recyclable and compostable materials. It also directs the EPA to develop a way to measure how otherwise recyclable materials are being lost from the circular market. The reports from both of these studies will be immeasurably helpful to stakeholders, communities, and local and State governments. prgtoken As part of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, Congress provided unprecedented levels of funding for recycling infrastructure and educational programs. The bill I am introducing today represents our next step in building on these efforts--to turn the challenges of recycling and composting into opportunities to reduce planet-warming emissions and create good-paying jobs. prgtoken I look forward to working with my colleagues to enact this legislation this Congress. I ask unanimous consent that a copy of the legislation be printed in the Record following my statement.
RECOGNIZING JOSH RICHMAN
Eric Swalwell (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2022-3-3

. Madam , I rise to recognize the public service of Josh Richman, an invaluable member of my district team for the past six years, as he moves on to his next professional endeavor. Josh joined my office in January 2016 after working nearly 24 years as a reporter in Pennsylvania and the San Francisco Bay Area. Immediately prior to joining our office, he was the senior political reporter for the Bay Area News Group, which includes the Oakland Tribune and the East Bay Times. Josh began his work with our office as Communications Director and was promoted to Deputy Chief of Staff and Senior Advisor. prgtoken I first met Josh when he covered local Tri-Valley politics and I served as a Dublin city councilmember. In September 2012, I announced a long-shot run for Congress against a 40-year incumbent from my own party. About 30 people (including family members) showed up for the announcement, and only one reporter, Josh. Though Josh told me throughout the campaign that I didn't have a chance, I admired how he fairly covered the race. And I personally resolved that if I could ever hire him, I would. prgtoken Josh made an impact on my office immediately. He brought a fresh perspective to issues and cultivated strong relationships with constituents and the media alike. His history in journalism helped tremendously when it came to working with the media and developing relationships with reporters, bills we introduced, or events we were holding back home. It is unusual for a communications director to be based in the district, but in our case, he was essential. Josh had an inherent understanding of the local media landscape, was a keen photographer, and could provide vital feedback. prgtoken I could always count on Josh for an honest, unfiltered, and well- reasoned opinion. Each one of us needs at least one trusted person that won't always say, ``yes.'' Those people make us grow and become better. Josh was one of those people and he's made it clear he will still play that role, even while outside the office. prgtoken Josh was also an invaluable mentor to many on our staff, particularly the many communications aides who worked under him. Many of those aides have gone on, with the benefit of Josh's experience, to become communications directors themselves. Josh also had an intimate understanding of the work his colleagues did and could recognize the moments that they felt overwhelmed. At those times he took it upon himself to infuse levity, joy, and acts of genuine appreciation for his colleagues into the work day. He saw the value in maintaining a workplace that was as happy as it was productive, and he did all he could to create that environment. prgtoken I'd like to thank Josh's wife, Natalie, and son, Jack, for allowing me to borrow so much time that they may have otherwise spent together. I also thank Josh for his time, his expertise, his counsel, and his friendship. I wish him good luck in this next endeavor and know th
CLIMATE CHANGE REQUIRES ACTION
Sean Casten (Democrat, IL) \u2014 2022-3-3

``climate change effects are outpacing our ability to adapt.'' That is from the recent IPCC report. prgtoken Here is what that means in America in 2022: prgtoken We have coastal communities where flooding has washed out roads before the bond used to pay for that road was fully paid off. prgtoken We have mayors with no budget for seawalls who are being forced to tell their constituents that the only solution is for them to abandon their homes and their businesses and relocate to higher ground. prgtoken NOAA reported recently that sea levels in Florida will be 18 inches higher by 2050. What that means is that there are properties in Florida today that will be underwater before their 30-year government-backed mortgage is fully repaid. prgtoken What happens in your community when that happens, if voters are told they have to abandon their home, or that their town can't connect them back to their grocery store, or that their local bank has to write down Federally backed mortgages? We know the political pain that that drives, and we know what measures are necessary to protect American families from that pain. prgtoken Yet my colleagues in the Senate, who claim to be so focused on the economy, are withholding their confirmation for new Federal Reserve appointees because they have the temerity to suggest that we should not prgtoken even do the scenario analyses necessary to protect ourselves against this climate risk to our financial sector. prgtoken When you ignore the laws of physics, you put taxpayer dollars at risk; you put communities at risk; you puts lives at risk; you put American energy independence at risk. prgtoken It is time, it is long past time for the climate denial caucus to pull their heads out of the sand before the rising ocean washes all that sand away.
IN MEMORY OF BISHOP LEONARD N. SMITH
Sanford D. Bishop, Jr. (Democrat, GA) \u2014 2022-3-3

. Madam , it is with a heavy heart and solemn remembrance that I rise today to pay homage to an outstanding man of God, published author, distinguished educator, life coach, and mentor, Bishop Leonard N. Smith. Bishop Smith transitioned from labor to reward on Sunday, February 20, 2022. His homegoing service will be held on Saturday, March 5, 2022, at 11 a.m. at the Mount Zion Baptist Church located at 18410 Chapel Drive in Triangle, Virginia. He leaves behind a loving family, his dedicated church congregation at the Mount Zion Baptist Church (MZBC), and an appreciative community for his extraordinary life of service to God and humankind. prgtoken Bishop Leonard N. Smith was born in Baltimore, Maryland, and raised in Washington, D.C. He was a man of God, truly devoted to his calling-- a calling from God, passed to him through his grandmother, whose powerful Christian teachings would later become the base for his powerful sermons. prgtoken Looking to further knowledge of the Word for himself and others, throughout his life, Bishop Smith pursued a bachelor's degree from Richmond Virginia Seminary, a master's degree in Divinity, and a Doctor of Ministry from the Virginia University of Lynchburg in addition to receiving nine honorary degrees. He also taught online classes at two seminaries as he furthered his own education. prgtoken His commitment to pastoral ministry excellence began in 1985 when Union Baptist Church in Gordonsville, Virginia called on him to serve as their Pastor and spiritual leader. After four and half years at Union Baptist, Bishop Smith was chosen to shepherd the congregation at Rivermont Baptist Church in Lynchburg, Virginia. In 1991, Mount Zion Baptist Church called him to become the successor to their then leader, Dr. Oswald G. Smith. Through Bishop Smith's dedicated leadership, Mount Zion grew both spiritually and numerically as it exemplified the teachings of Christ by provided tutoring, food assistance, financial and missions support to the surrounding community, and its residents as well as people and organizations throughout the state, nation, and world. Bishop Smith would go on to serve as the Senior Minister of Mount Zion Baptist Church for 30 years until his retirement from the ministry of God on December 31, 2021. prgtoken Bishop Smith believed strongly that involvement in his communities was an integral part of his calling as a Minister of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Accordingly, he served in numerous roles that had as their purpose the uplift of humankind. In addition to being the beloved Pastor of MZBC, he served proudly as the President of the Richmond, Virginia Seminary (2005 to 2008) and the President of the Virginia Baptist State Convention (2009 to 2012), where he served with integrity, innovation, and impassioned leadership. Bishop Smith was also involved with numerous county, denominational, educational, non- profit, and state boards & commissions including the Arlingt
LEGISLATIVE SESSION
Richard J. Durbin (Democrat, IL) \u2014 2022-3-7

260 years ago, a young nobleman from Poland and a military officer helped lead a rebellion against what he and many others saw as a Russian puppet King in what was known as the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth. He was driven into exile in France, where Lafayette and Benjamin Franklin urged him to go to America to join in the fight, the Revolutionary War. prgtoken That young Polish nobleman's name was Casimir Pulaski. When he arrived in America, he wrote to General George Washington and said to him: I came here, where freedom is being defended, to serve it, and to live or die by it. prgtoken Pulaski was at Washington's side and is credited with saving George Washington's life at the Battle of Brandywine. He is remembered fondly as the Father of the American Calvary. prgtoken Pulaski died at age 34 in the fight for freedom and independence in America. prgtoken Today is Casimir Pulaski Day, which we know full well in Illinois, where it is a State holiday. Today, however, we look at the world and realize that freedom is being defended in Ukraine. And today, we seek Casimir Pulaski's spirit and fierce commitment to freedom and human dignity in a historic young Ukrainian President and in Ukrainian men and women who are fighting to save their Nation from another would-be Russian czar. prgtoken I have been in Congress for a few years. Over the weekend, I had an experience unique to my service in Congress. prgtoken Early on Saturday morning, hundreds of Members of Congress joined a video call with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. I have never seen anything like it. prgtoken With the Russian military laying siege to his country and a Russian bull's-eye on his back, President Zelenskyy spoke to us with remarkable dignity and courage. He didn't mince words about what is happening in Ukraine--the brutal Russian assaults literally trying to destroy his nation. He said we all share the same basic values and dreams: to live our lives in peace, watch our kids grow up, and to kiss them. He said the Ukrainian people are fighting for these basic freedoms, and they are prepared to be friends and share culture with their Russian neighbors, if they can. prgtoken But over the last 12 days, his country, Ukraine, has faced full- fledged war with barbaric attacks on kindergartens, nuclear powerplants, apartment buildings, infrastructure, and innocent civilians. prgtoken Last Thursday, Russia and Ukraine agreed to create humanitarian corridors in Ukraine, to allow civilians in areas under the heaviest Russian attacks to evacuate safely. Twice over the weekend, Ukraine was forced to close those corridors because Russia was attacking them mercilessly. This is Vladimir Putin's war, deliberately targeting women and children who have left everything and are trying just to reach safety. prgtoken This photo shows the result of one horrific attack by Russian soldiers on the people of Ukraine. Many people have seen
ORDERS FOR TUESDAY, MARCH 8, 2022
Charles E. Schumer (Democrat, NY) \u2014 2022-3-7

I ask unanimous consent that when the Senate completes its business today, it recess until 10:30 a.m Tuesday, March 8, and that following the prayer and pledge, the time for the two leaders be reserved for their use later in the day; further, that the Senate recess from 12:30 p.m. until 2:15 p.m. to allow for the weekly caucus meetings; finally, that all time during the adjournment, recess, morning business, and leader remarks be counted postcloture on H.R. 3076.
RECOGNIZING THE 65TH ANNIVERSARY OF GHANA'S INDEPENDENCE
Gwen Moore (Democrat, WI) \u2014 2022-3-7

. Madam , the United States of America is home to hundreds and thousands of people of Ghanaian heritage-- including those who were born on this soil to those whose family emigrated here for education, job, or economic opportunities--for the American dream. prgtoken Ghanaian Americans are an important fabric in the tapestry of America from the cab driver to the medical doctor. You will find them in all parts of the country from Milwaukee to New York to suburban Ohio and Massachusetts. The culture is hard to ignore with rich food, the iconic Akan Kente cloth, storytelling, inventions, architecture and music. prgtoken Today more than ever Ghanaians living in the United States worry about racial injustice, home ownership, access to education, access to small business and immigration support. prgtoken Like many Americans, the Ghanaian community in America is not exempt from the COVID-19 crisis. Ghanaian Americans are essential workers and are very active in the health care industry, especially as nurses, personal care aides, and nursing assistants. Ghanaians are included in the 27.5 percent of all Black immigrant workers in the U.S.--more than 750,000--who work in the healthcare sector. Additionally, essential workers include frontline workers in other key industries like food and service & hospitality and leisure. prgtoken And Ghanaian Americans have been contributing to the success and business continuity of important industries during these dire times. Ghanaian Americans are included in 23 percent of immigrants in the U.S. who work in the food and service industry, as well as 20 percent of immigrants in the U.S. who work in hospitality and leisure. prgtoken On this day, I recognize the 65th anniversary of Ghana's independence and my intention to launch the Congressional Ghana Caucus that will create an inclusive platform in this body for discussing critical policy issues affecting Ghanaians in the Diaspora, as well as bolster the relationship between the U.S. and Ghana.
ENHANCING SOCIAL SECURITY
John B. Larson (Democrat, CT) \u2014 2022-3-7

. Madam , I am here to commend Chairman Neal and the Racial Equity Initiative headed by Terri Sewell, Steve Horsford, and Jimmy Gomez, and also to recognize Joyce Beatty, for the work that they have done in bringing forward the inequity that has existed in this country for far too long. prgtoken More than 5 million of our fellow Americans get below poverty-level checks from Social Security because the Congress of the United States has not done anything to enhance Social Security in more than 50 years. prgtoken Whom does that affect the most? It affects women of color and women specifically--people who held jobs who weren't earning the same kind of salary or wages and people who were caregivers at home for their children. prgtoken Help is on the way. Social Security 2100 is coming to the floor, and finally, millions of Americans who get below poverty-level checks after having worked all their lives and paid into a system are going to get what they richly deserve.
INTRODUCTION OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA CODE RETURNING CITIZENS COORDINATION ACT
Eleanor Holmes Norton (Democrat, DC) \u2014 2022-3-7

. Madam , today, I rise to introduce the District of Columbia Code Returning Citizens Coordination Act. This bill would require the Federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP) to provide information to the District of Columbia government on individuals convicted of D.C. Code felonies under BOP jurisdiction to help ensure the District has services ready when such individuals return home. prgtoken Individuals convicted of D.C. Code felonies face significant hurdles in preparing to return to society because most are in BOP facilities hundreds or even thousands of miles from the District, their families and their loved ones. Because they are frequently housed so far away from the District, coordinating returning citizens' reentry into society is difficult. prgtoken Under this bill, the District government would know the health and other needs of individuals convicted of D.C. Code felonies before they are released from BOP custody. Individuals convicted of D.C. Code felonies are the only individuals required to be housed by BOP for violations of non-federal laws. prgtoken Currently, under federal privacy laws, BOP is allowed to share information on individuals convicted of D.C. Code felonies with the Court Services and Offender Supervision Agency for the District of Columbia (CSOSA), since CSOSA is also a federal agency, but not with the D.C. government. This bill would require BOP to treat the D.C. government as they do other federal agencies for the purposes of--but only for the purposes of--federal privacy laws, such as the Privacy Act, so that the District government can obtain the necessary information to provide appropriate services to returning citizens. prgtoken Specifically, the bill would require BOP, on an annual basis, to provide the District government the following information on individuals convicted of D.C. Code felonies under BOP jurisdiction: the name, date of birth and Federal Register number, the facility where housed and the scheduled release date. In addition, upon the request of the D.C. government, BOP would have to provide the D.C. government with the same information it provides CSOSA on such individuals. prgtoken I strongly urge my colleagues to support this legislation.
RECOGNIZING THE CONTRIBUTIONS TO OUR COMMUNITY AND COUNTRY BY SANTA ANA'S SUAVECITO FOUNDERS PETE AND TONY ADAME AND JASON VENABLE
J. Luis Correa (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2022-3-7

. Madam , during the early days of the pandemic, when medical resources and household items were in short supply, Suavecito, Inc the Santa Ana-based company famous for making hair pomade, decided to start producing much-needed hand sanitizer for frontline workers in our community. prgtoken For months, Suavecito donated thousands of bottles of hand sanitizer to first responders, postal workers, grocery store employees, and delivery drivers, filling a critical need for Santa Ana and Orange County. prgtoken Like so many people across this country--when their community was in need--Suavecito answered the call. Even when their own production lines shut down, they used their resources to help their community. prgtoken Today, Suavecito has rebounded, and its two production warehouses are staffed by more than 100 employees who, last year, produced more than 6 million 4-ounce cans of pomade, as well as other haircare products and merchandise that are sold locally and exported to more than 55 markets around the world. prgtoken For their distinguished contribution to U.S. exports during the COVID-19 pandemic, Suavecito earned the President's ``E'' Award from the U.S. Department of Commerce. prgtoken Suavecito founders, Pete and Tony Adame and Jason Venable, have been a beacon of hope, prosperity, and resiliency in Santa Ana for more than a decade. This band of brothers represent the best of Orange County, of California, and of America.