mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
NASA ENHANCED USE LEASING EXTENSION ACT OF 2021
Jamie Raskin (Democrat, MD) \u2014 2022-1-14

. Madam , I include in the Record the following letters of support for the Senate Amendment to H.R. 5746. Democracy 21, Washington, DC, January 13, 2022. Dear Representative: Democracy 21 strongly supports and urges you to vote for the House Amendment to the Senate Amendment to H.R. 5746, the Freedom to Vote: John R. Lewis Act and for the rule to bring it to the House floor. The right of every eligible American to vote and have their vote properly counted is the cornerstone of our democracy. This fundamental right and our democracy are at grave risk today. In 2021, -controlled state legislatures across the country enacted a wave of unprecedented voter suppression and election sabotage laws in the name of ``election integrity.'' More are expected to be enacted in 2022. The state laws stemmed from the Big Lie that the 2020 presidential election was stolen from him, even though there was not a shred of evidence to support his demagogic claim. 's own top government security officials found that the 2020 election ``was the most secure in American history.'' The Freedom to Vote: John R. Lewis Act would override the state voter suppression laws for federal elections and combat the state election sabotage laws that empower partisan election officials to rig the results of federal races. The Act would also prevent partisan gerrymandering and provide essential campaign finance reforms. The Act would protect the right of every eligible American to vote and preserve our democracy. Democracy 21 strongly urges you to vote for the Freedom to Vote: John R. Lewis Act. Sincerely, Fred Wertheimer, President.
SUPPORTING H.R. 6330, THE NONMARKET ECONOMY OVERCAPACITY REFORM ACT
Brian Higgins (Democrat, NY) \u2014 2022-1-14

. Madam , I rise today to announce my introduction of H.R. 6330, the Nonmarket Economy Overcapacity Reform Act. prgtoken For too long, the United States has been deferential to foreign governments who undermine American workers and manufacturers through unfair trade practices, targeted subsidization, and excess production capacity. This playbook involves undercutting American industry, flooding the domestic markets with imports, distorting competition, and driving competition under. prgtoken Our trade laws allow American manufacturers to seek relief from the International Trade Commission only after they've sustained material injury from uncompetitive trading practices. The decline in American manufacturing shows these laws to be insufficient. How many dormant American factories could have been saved before unfairly subsidized imports flooded U.S. markets? How much wealth has been shipped overseas, only to come back in the form of goods that put American workers out of a job? prgtoken Last year, the United States Trade Representative testified before the Ways and Means Committee on the need for forward-looking trade laws that protect American industry from price dumping, unfair competition, and illegal subsidies. In many cases, we know non-market economies intend to undermine American workers and our nation's industrial base through unfair means--it is their stated policy. prgtoken The Nonmarket Economy Overcapacity Reform Act will give the United States the tools we need to protect American jobs from the looming and established threat of global excess capacity. This narrowly tailored bill gives the United States the right to proactively seek antidumping and countervailing duties in demonstrated instances of buildup in excess production capacity. By focusing on non-market economies, this bill seeks to preserve the beneficial and lawful competitive trading relations we have established with our allies and good-faith trading partners around the globe. prgtoken Madam , the United States has a responsibility to protect our Nation's manufacturers from unfair trading practices. When put on a level playing field, I know American workers can outperform anyone in the world--we must support them. I urge my colleagues to support H.R. 6330, the Nonmarket Economy Overcapacity Reform Act.
HONORING ROBYN DOBERNECKER AS IOWAN OF THE WEEK
Cynthia Axne (Democrat, IA) \u2014 2022-1-14

. Madam , I rise today to ask the House of Representatives to join me in recognizing Robyn Dobernecker as Iowan of the Week. prgtoken An Iowa native, Robyn has had a passion for animals for as Long as she could remember. She got her start as a kennel attendant at age 18, working with animals who needed to be adopted. She rose up through the ranks and became a senior animal control officer, where she humanely took animals off the streets, got them fed and cleaned, and ready for adoption. She decided to broaden her horizons and work at a vet clinic to better understand animal medicine. Through this, she finally got into the Animal Rescue League (ARL) of Iowa, where she is now the intervention coordinator and is responsible for confiscating animals abused at facilities in the state of Iowa. She is also the official point of contact for the rescue efforts for over 500 dogs that were confiscated by a puppy mill breeder, who received one of the harshest penalties for animal welfare violations in USDA history. prgtoken After getting three complaints about dog abuse in the summer of 2021, Robyn decided to investigate. What she found was appalling--animals left alone, abused, and neglected. Finding these dogs had little to no water, no food, and inadequate shelter, she immediately called the Iowa attorney general, whose authorization was required to get into the facility and confiscate the animals. With no response, she decided to go to the breeder's hearing, where the USDA and DOJ were prosecuting. Hearing that the breeder's trial will be delayed, Robyn barged into a room of the courthouse full of federal prosecutors for DOJ and said, ``My name is Robyn, my job is to help animals get out of abusive homes. But to do what I do, I need your authorization and for you to get on board, and I need a restraining order so I can get ahold of these dogs.'' This was on a Friday. On that next Monday, DOJ reached out to her and asked if they could work with her to get these dogs out of the facility. prgtoken After coordinating with government agencies and other animal rescue organizations, she was able to rescue the first round of dogs on October 13th. Once the breeder officially surrendered on November 1st, Robyn went in with her team and was able to confiscate the rest of the 414 dogs--she got all of them out over the next two days. This difficult feat was catalyzed by Robyn's desire to make a difference for communities. To see those dogs' tails wag for the first time and being able to hug and kiss the puppies once they were all clean made the process of rescuing them worth it. While there is always more work to do to counter animal abuse, we can revel in the admirable work it takes to rescue those who are in harm's way. prgtoken I am honored to designate Robyn Dobernecker as Iowan of the Week.
52 WEEKS OF BROKEN PROMISES
Jackie Walorski (Republican, IN) \u2014 2022-1-18

. Madam , the American people have faced 52 weeks of broken promises. prgtoken The President who promised to unite the American people instead has pitted citizens against one another. prgtoken The President who promised to work with Americans across the political spectrum has prioritized a radical agenda that caters only to the extreme wing of his party. prgtoken The President who promised to protect the American people has left us vulnerable at the southern border and across the world. prgtoken The President who promised to build back better has only hindered America's economic recovery. prgtoken For a year, we have witnessed failure after failure. The American people have paid the price. Day after day, Hoosiers and Americans across the country experience the real ramifications of the administration's policy agenda. prgtoken With inflation at a 40-year high, we are paying the price of the President's reckless spending during every trip to the grocery store and the gas station. prgtoken Despite spending trillions of dollars on the President's so-called rescue plan, we are facing escalating supply chain bottlenecks and workforce shortages with no end in sight. prgtoken Thanks to the administration's open border policy, every town across America is a border town. As illicit drugs pour across the open southern border, including a 1,000 percent increase of fentanyl last year, every neighborhood is at risk. prgtoken While work to defund the police, Americans are facing dangerous crime surges in cities all across the country. prgtoken In the end, it all comes down to control. If you don't want to get the vaccine, you are fired. If you dare to ask what your children are learning in school, you are labeled a domestic terrorist. prgtoken This is America under 52 weeks of 's leadership. The American people deserve better.
RECOGNIZING THE SERVICE OF STEVE PENLAND
Ralph Norman (Republican, SC) \u2014 2022-1-18

. Madam , I rise today to recognize the outstanding service of Steve Penland. Steve has spent most of his life as a Christmas tree farmer in York, South Carolina and is a dedicated and compassionate member of our community. prgtoken Steve is a true friend of the public, having served his community and our state for over fifty years. In his career as a preeminent Christmas tree farmer in South Carolina and a leader of the South Carolina Christmas Tree Association (SCCTA), Steve has exceeded expectations in service to our state, which is highlighted by his organizing of the annual placement of Christmas trees in the Governor's mansion. Additionally, Steve has served as President of the SCCTA numerous times, is a regular participant in the South Carolina State Fair, and was a pioneer in enhancing Virginia Pine seedlings. Steve remains involved in his community today. prgtoken While Steve has officially retired, his legacy continues to be felt throughout our state with the success of South Carolina's Christmas tree industry and his children's commitment to the family tradition that Steve started. On behalf of the 5th District of South Carolina, it is my most sincere pleasure to recognize Steve for his lifelong service to our great state and congratulate him on his receipt of the Order of the Palmetto.
FILIBUSTER
Chuck Grassley (Republican, IA) \u2014 2022-1-18

when last had the majority and proposed blowing up the Senate rules and the historic way that the Senate has worked, I gave a series of speeches explaining how the father of the Constitution, James Madison, intended for the Senate to be a deliberative body; in other words, a break on the hot passions that occur in the House of Representatives. I repeated my deeply held opposition to gutting the Senate process, even when my party took control of all three branches--and it would have been politically expedient in the short term. prgtoken I don't know how many times President brought up doing away with what we call the filibuster or the 60-vote requirement. It was even followed by a lot of our Party grassroots wanting to overcome ' use of the cloture rule to block the agenda during those 4 years. But I spoke out strongly against it. prgtoken In 2017, over half of the current Senators signed a letter calling for preservation of the current rules requiring the 60 votes to stop debate for considering the legislation, despite the use of the nuclear option for nominees. prgtoken I agree with President 's position in 2005. Reflecting on the same understanding that I have of the Constitution and the role of the Senate as envisioned by James Madison, then-Senator said this: That is the . . . reason . . . we have the . . . rule. So when one party . . . controls all levers of Government, one man or one woman can stand on the floor of the Senate and resist . . . the passions of the moment. prgtoken Even Senator Schumer, the majority leader, said, at that time, gutting the cloture rule would be a ``doomsday for democracy''-- doomsday for democracy. Now it seems like Senator Schumer invites that doomsday. prgtoken Senator Durbin hit the nail on the head as recently as 2018, saying it ``would be the end of the Senate as it was originally devised and created going back to our Founding Fathers.'' I agreed then, and I agree now. prgtoken Now the shoe is on the other foot, and have changed their position, many not for the first time. prgtoken Senator Durbin has now joined the crusade of his ic predecessor, Stephen Douglas, of Illinois--famous for debating Abraham Lincoln on the issues of slavery. But that Douglas from Illinois also proposed a Senate rule change allowing a narrow majority to force a final vote on bills. prgtoken Hypocrisy is not rare in politics on both sides of the aisle, but the fact that switched principles on such a consequential matter whenever Senate control changes from one party to the other is particularly glaring. prgtoken The party of Jim Crow, which made liberal use of so-called filibuster just over a year ago to block s' agenda, are now saying, falsely, it is a relic of Jim Crow. prgtoken I do not see how they can look the voters in the eyes with no sign of embarra
TYLER LINDERBAUM DOMINATES ON AND OFF THE FIELD
Mariannette Miller-Meeks (Republican, IA) \u2014 2022-1-18

. Madam , I rise today to recognize an outstanding student, athlete, and leader from my district. prgtoken Tyler Linderbaum of Solon, Iowa, not only creates a huge impact on the football field as the starting center for the Iowa Hawkeyes, but he also creates a huge impact in our community. prgtoken This season, Tyler used the new NCAA rules to hold a fundraiser for our beloved University of Iowa Stead Family Children's Hospital. After setting up a website to sell merchandise, he presented the Children's Hospital with a check for $30,000. prgtoken On the football field, Tyler was dominant. In addition to leading the Hawks to 10 wins, Tyler was named the first team All-American, and was also awarded the Rimington Award as college football's best center. For his work, Pro Football Focus graded him with their highest grade ever given to a college football center. prgtoken Thank you, Tyler, for being an outstanding citizen of our community. I am looking forward to watching you continue to dominate in the NFL and make our State and our world a better place. Go, Hawks.
52 WEEKS OF BROKEN PROMISES
Glenn Grothman (Republican, WI) \u2014 2022-1-18

. Madam , as has just been said, I think the first year of this administration has been about as disastrous as it could possibly be. prgtoken I will focus on the COVID pandemic. Over 300,000 people had died when President took office, nevertheless, things in a way were looking up. had been given a combination of monoclonal antibodies and several other things in a cocktail in which he was cured just a few months before President took office. prgtoken One would have thought all one had to do was follow down the path of treatment that received and it would be the end of the pandemic. Instead, we are over a year after him taking office, and at least in Wisconsin we don't have enough monoclonal antibodies to deal with the people who are sick today. prgtoken Even though ivermectin and hydroxychloroquine have also shown promise, the CDC and NIH under President have not shown a leadership role and encouraged more doctors to use them. Vitamin D can do a tremendous job in reducing the number of people who succumb to this disease, but again, a complete lack of leadership out of Washington, some people feel a complete lack of leadership because there is not enough money to be made in Vitamin D by the drug companies. prgtoken We recently had calcifediol imported into this country from other countries, and it has not been anywhere near publicized as it should be. It is time for President to step up, to make sure monoclonal antibodies are available to everybody and put an end to the pandemic. I have had my own staffer use monoclonal antibodies, and it turned him around from being quite ill within 24 hours just fine. prgtoken Madam , it is time to look at things other than just making money for the drug companies. It is time to solve this problem.
RECOGNIZING THE 100TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE HANFORD KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS
David G. Valadao (Republican, CA) \u2014 2022-1-18

. Madam , I rise today to honor one hundred years of distinguished service by Hanford Council No. 2343 of the Knights of Columbus. prgtoken The Knights of Columbus is an international fraternal organization that espouses the virtues of Charity, Unity, Fraternity, and Patriotism. They were founded in 1882 by Father Michael Joseph McGivney, an American Catholic priest, to help families in need. They have strived to establish Councils of Catholic faith for service of charity and goodwill throughout American communities and abroad. prgtoken Hanford Council No. 2343 of the Knights of Columbus was established on February 5, 1922, by parishioners of Saint Brigid's Catholic Church in Hanford, California, to serve and support individuals and organizations in need. Members and families of Hanford Council No. 2343 have carried on the mission of charity and service for 100 years. Their vow to continue the work of Charity, Unity, Fraternity, and Patriotism has led to the betterment of our community. prgtoken I ask my colleagues in the House of Representatives to join me in honoring the Hanford Knights of Columbus Council 2343 on their 100th Anniversary.
RECOGNIZING SENIOR CAPTAIN MIKE GREEN FOR 46 YEARS OF SERVICE WITH THE BEAVER ISLAND BOAT COMPANY
Jack Bergman (Republican, MI) \u2014 2022-1-18

. Madam , it is my honor to recognize Senior Captain Mike Green for 46 years of service to his community with his work with the Beaver Island Boat Company. Through his steadfast commitment to transporting the public safely and consistently across Lake Michigan, he has become an indispensable part of Northern Michigan. prgtoken Mike began his career with the Beaver Island Boat Company (BIBC) as a deckhand in 1975 when he was only 18 years old. He started out alongside his father before eventually taking over the helm himself--a role he has held for 46 years since. Mike's work has been critical for Northern Michigan over the years in facilitating travel to and from Beaver Island for goods, services, and visitors. BIBC operates nine months out of the year, and Mike himself runs over 150 trips annually to ensure customers and cargo make it safely to their destination. prgtoken For nearly half a century, Mike has served the public and our community with kindness, professionalism, and compassion. We will miss him at the helm, but we are excited about what his next voyage will be. The example he set as Senior Captain of the Beaver Island Boat Company inspires us all and will continue to do so for future successors of the position. prgtoken Madam , it's my honor to congratulate Senior Captain Mike Green on his career. Michiganders can take great pride in knowing the First District is home to such a driven leader. On behalf of my constituents, I wish Mike all the best in his future endeavors.
FILIBUSTER
Rob Portman (Republican, OH) \u2014 2022-1-18

I was asked recently what I think is the No. 1 issue facing America. It is a tough question, and I have had a lot of issues race through my mind: inflation, the debt, workforce issues, the crisis at our southern border, the explosion of COVID cases, the deadly opioid epidemic, a warming planet, Russia and China flexing their muscles and creating more volatility around the world. We have got plenty of challenges, don't we? But do you know what I landed on, what I think is our biggest problem? It is the increasing division--even polarization--of our politics and our country. It is what makes it so hard to address all of those other issues that I named that are so important to the families whom we represent. prgtoken Last week, on the Senate floor, my ic colleague from Arizona, Senator Sinema, called it a disease of division. Well put. When we are together, this country can achieve great things and has over the years. It can provide a beacon of hope to a troubled world, but as Lincoln warned, ``a house divided against itself cannot stand.'' In this body, we should be figuring out how to come together to help America stand-- and stand strong--to address our many challenges. prgtoken That is why I am so discouraged about what I see playing out on the U.S. Senate floor again this week. I have seen an attempt by ic leadership to fan the flames of distrust. I see an attempt to further divide an already splintered country, both by exaggerated arguments being made to advance controversial legislation opposed by every single regarding the tough issue of voting and then to try to achieve this purely partisan objective by changing a foundation of the Senate to dismantle the one Senate rule--the legislative filibuster-- that works to bring us together rather than pull us apart. prgtoken Equally troubling to me is that this seems to be a purely political exercise now in that the conclusion seems predetermined. Apparently, the Senate is being dragged through this divisive and ugly partisan debate, knowing that it will not achieve a legislative result but only a deepening and hardening of the political lines in each camp. prgtoken Here in the Senate, most s and most say they want to bring the country together. I think they are sincere about that. This message was an explicit part of President 's campaign for President. Yet there is nothing about the harsh, partisan rhetoric from the President's speech on this topic in Atlanta last week or from much of the floor debate this week and last week that does anything but push our country further apart. prgtoken First is the substance of the legislative fight. have been highly critical of those s who refuse to accept the results of the 2020 election, pointing out accurately that dozens of lawsuits failed to show adequate fraud to change the result. They have attacked some s because they hav