mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
CALLING ON THE GOVERNMENT OF THE RUSSIAN FEDERATION TO PROVIDE EVIDENCE OR TO RELEASE UNITED STATES CITIZEN PAUL WHELAN
Haley M. Stevens (Democrat, MI) \u2014 2022-4-27

I rise today--as I have every day I have served in this very Chamber--on behalf of my constituent, Paul Whelan, who has been wrongfully detained in Russia since the end of December, 2018. prgtoken Throughout Mr. Whelan's detention, the Russian Government has repeatedly violated his rights, denied him proper medical care, and refused to provide any evidence to substantiate the charges against him. He was held in pretrial detention for over 18 months in the notorious Lefortovo Prison. Then Mr. Whelan's trial was held behind closed doors, and his defense was prohibited from calling witnesses. Mr. Whelan now serves a 16-year sentence of hard labor, and he is in his fifties. He is currently being held in a prison camp where he has been since August 2020, facing unbelievably harsh conditions, injury, and illness. prgtoken Early this morning the news broke that fellow American, Trevor Reed, a marine and Texan who had also been wrongfully imprisoned in Russia, was freed through a prisoner swap orchestrated by President . This is incredible news. prgtoken While this is incredible news for Mr. Reed and his family, let us say in this Chamber that Paul and his family deserve to experience the same joy and relief. Paul has been imprisoned longer than any other detained American in Russia. He has had years stolen from him, including precious time with his aging parents and siblings. One by one, he has lost his home in Novi, his job, his ability to communicate with friends, his beloved dog, Flora, and so much more. I want to see my constituent of Novi, Michigan, back home. prgtoken This innocent man has had his life and his livelihood stolen from him by Vladimir Putin. Today, we have the opportunity as a Congress to denounce Paul's wrongful imprisonment and stand up to the lawlessness of the Putin regime. In the years since Paul's detention, we have seen Mr. Putin further isolate himself on the world stage as his government has dissolved into one of true lawlessness leading to threats and violence. We have all borne witness to the tragic loss of life of thousands of innocent Ukrainians and watched while a democratic nation is being destroyed at the directive of this dangerous war criminal. We must stand up from this Chamber. prgtoken s who have joined us. I thank Mr. Keating, and I certainly recognize the chairman, Mr. Meeks, and the ranking member, Mr. McCaul, for their attention to this matter. prgtoken If Paul is watching this, he will know that I am praying for him, I am rooting for him, and I will never stop fighting for him. Let's pass H. Res. 336 immediately.
PATENTS FOR HUMANITY ACT OF 2021
Hakeem S. Jeffries (Democrat, NY) \u2014 2022-4-27

such time as I may consume. prgtoken , I rise in support of H.R. 5796, a bipartisan bill which codifies a competition at the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office called Patents for Humanity. prgtoken The Patents for Humanity program highlights the ways that innovation and intellectual property help solve global humanitarian challenges. prgtoken I am proud to sponsor this bipartisan legislation, alongside Representative Spartz, to ensure that special recognition permanently extends to inventors who turn their genius toward helping the world's most needy and vulnerable. prgtoken The Founders of our country understood that society would benefit if we incentivized creativity and innovation. That is why Article I, Section 8, Clause 8 of the United States Constitution gives Congress the power to create a robust intellectual property system to promote the progress of science and useful arts. prgtoken As Members of Congress, we have often worked together in a bipartisan fashion to carry out this constitutional mandate, as we are doing today. prgtoken The Patents for Humanity Act simply codifies an already existing annual competition run by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office that incentivizes the use of patented technologies for humanitarian purposes. It is run without cost to the taxpayer, as USPTO is a fee- based entity. prgtoken The award for the Patents for Humanity competition is a certificate to accelerate select matters before USPTO and public recognition during a ceremony held by that Office. prgtoken Winners are selected by a panel of judges who look for inventions that address either humanitarian needs among an impoverished population or that further research by others with respect to humanitarian technologies. Applications are considered in categories including: medicine, nutrition, sanitation, household energy, and living standards. The 2022 competition also included a category for COVID-19- related inventions. prgtoken Since its implementation as a pilot program 10 years ago, winners have included not-for-profit organizations, startups, universities, corporations, as well as individual inventors throughout the country. Winning submissions have included an all-terrain wheelchair; improvements to water purification systems and clean water storage; rechargeable lanterns for those prgtoken without access to reliable energy sources; a portable, low-water kidney dialysis machine; and an affordable and highly adjustable prosthetic limb system. These and many other innovations have improved the quality of life of millions of individuals. prgtoken By codifying H.R. 5796, we strengthen and recognize the importance of this program while providing the USPTO the flexibility to continue to improve its implementation. prgtoken In December, this bill passed the House Committee on the Judiciary unanimously, building upon the work of Representative McBath, who successfully led a bipartisan effort to pass the Patents
CANCELING SUBSCRIPTIONS
Katie Porter (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2022-4-27

. Madam , trying to cancel a subscription can take you in as many circles as looking for summertime parking at Newport Beach. I have experienced it myself. prgtoken For too long, dishonest companies have gotten away with trapping Americans into subscriptions by intentionally making it easy to start and nearly impossible to stop. As a longtime consumer advocate, I am pleased that the Federal Trade Commission is now holding corporations accountable for this abusive practice. prgtoken The FTC has made it clear that businesses should make it as straightforward for customers to unsubscribe prgtoken as it was to sign up. If they don't and they lock consumers in with abusive practices, they will face penalties. Policing unfair and deceptive business practices makes our capitalist economy stronger, safer, and more competitive. That is the FTC's job, and I am glad they are a cop on the consumer protection beat. prgtoken I am committed to saving Orange County families time and money. If a company won't let you cancel a subscription, you can report this fraud on the FTC's website or contact my office for help. Secure David Lin's Release
UNANIMOUS CONSENT AGREEMENT--H.R. 4521
Charles E. Schumer (Democrat, NY) \u2014 2022-4-27

I ask unanimous consent that if a compound motion to go forward to conference on Calendar No. 282, H.R. 4521, is agreed to and the Chair is authorized to appoint conferees, the following Senators be permitted to make a motion to instruct, the text of which is at the desk; that these be the only motions to instruct in order; further, that at a time to be determined by the majority leader, following consultation with the leader, the Senate vote in relation to the motions in the order listed; and that the only debate with respect to these motions be 2 minutes equally divided prior to each vote, with 60 affirmative votes required for adoption of the Lankford motion: Paul, Barrasso, Cruz, Menendez, Risch, Kelly, Lee, Blackburn, Cotton, Murkowski, Sullivan, Rubio, Johnson, Sanders on warrants, Scott of Florida, Hassan, Ernst, Lankford, Sanders on NASA, Cassidy on Mexico, Bennet, Warnock, Daines, Cassidy on college transparency, Capito, Toomey, Scott of South Carolina, Lujan.
Introductory Statement on S. 4097
Tim Kaine (Democrat, VA) \u2014 2022-4-27

today I am introducing the Too Narrow to Succeed Act with my colleagues Senators Booker, Murray, and Menendez. Enacting this bill would increase opportunities for women- and minority-owned asset management firms to direct investments and strengthen our Nation's retirement security. prgtoken Women- and minority-owned firms are significantly underrepresented in asset management, managing just over 1 percent of the sector's assets under management. This severe underrepresentation also extends to employment within the industry. This is not due to a lack of diverse talent; women- and minority-owned asset management firms have consistently performed just as well as or better than other firms in terms of returns on investment. In fact, women- and minority-owned firms are overrepresented among top-performing firms. prgtoken Having a diverse portfolio is a key part of having healthy finances because diversifying investments mitigates risk and improves long-term returns. Far too often, however, those making investment decisions at our Nation's financial firms are not diverse. If asset managers have too narrow a perspective, the/place the financial success of their clients at risk. This commonsense legislation supports asset managers' fiduciary responsibility to deliver returns to investors, and it will help ensure a safe financial future for workers and their families. prgtoken I hope my colleagues will support this bill.
CONGRESS SHOULD FUND GLOBAL VACCINATIONS
Jake Auchincloss (Democrat, MA) \u2014 2022-4-27

. Madam , I rise today to encourage my colleagues to pass a bill recognizing that viruses don't respect borders and that the United States has a moral imperative to lead the world in vaccine diplomacy. prgtoken The only way to reach our goal of a 70 percent vaccination rate worldwide is to fund global vaccination efforts. We have the best vaccines in the world, and plenty of them, but we lack the political will to use them. Without this funding, people around the world will die, and future variants and surges will be more likely here at home. prgtoken I implore my colleagues to fund global COVID vaccinations and treatments. A supplemental relief bill that does not fund global vaccinations is not a bill that prevents and prepares for COVID surges. It would be a humanitarian setback and a threat to the American recovery.
Nomination of Marisa T. Darden (Executive Calendar)
Sherrod Brown (Democrat, OH) \u2014 2022-4-27

. I thank Senator Cotton for working together on this. These nominations are very important to our States. I heard Senator McConnell earlier talking about crime on the streets, and getting these people in place is really important. It has been 473 days since the 6 million people in the Northern District of Ohio last had a permanent U.S. attorney. prgtoken The pandemic is causing an alarming rise in violent crime, especially gun crimes. The Northern District is no exception. The U.S. Attorney's Office has experienced its highest caseload in 30 years by filing a record 846 indictments in 2021. Even before the pandemic, the district had a staggering caseload. Last year, there were 170 homicides in the city I live in, the city of Cleveland--another 30-year record--not to mention the surge in carjackings. Filling this important law enforcement position to keep our community safe is essential. prgtoken I hear from police officers in desperate need of help. They need more resources, whether it is bulletproof vests to support local law enforcement, operations training to engage with those they serve, or getting U.S. marshals and U.S. attorneys on the job. Today, with Senator Cotton, we are able to do that. prgtoken We have an extremely qualified nominee ready and eager to serve. Marisa Darden is a seasoned prosecutor with extensive experience as the lead attorney in both criminal and civil cases. No one has any objections to her. Nobody has any doubt about her accomplishments and capacity to excel in this job. She was assistant U.S. attorney in the Northern District and was recognized for her work on several complex legal cases. She received the National High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area Award for Outstanding Opioid Investigative Effort. She received the Award for Outstanding Investigative Effort--a different one--in 2019. She has significant management experience and a record of strong leadership. prgtoken Federal Judge Benita Pearson said: You can be assured Ms. Darden will fiercely enforce the law while treating all--attorneys, staff, the accused, and the community--with respect and appropriate sensitivity. prgtoken Former Acting U.S. Attorney Justin Herdman, a --the last confirmed U.S. attorney in the Northern District--described her as an attorney ``of outstanding ability and unquestioned integrity.'' prgtoken First Assistant Federal Public Defender Jacqueline Johnson wrote her first recommendation for a U.S. attorney in 38 years of practice-- imagine that. She said that she ``possesses the intellect, vision, temperament, and judgment needed to lead [this] office.'' prgtoken DEA Special Agent in Charge Keith Martin echoed those comments, saying that ``she is one of the best he has encountered.'' prgtoken It is because of these qualifications that Senator Portman has joined me in supporting Ms. Darden's nomination. prgtoken Her confirmation would be historic, making her the first African- Am
HONORING THE LEGACY OF ART FRANKLIN
Terri A. Sewell (Democrat, AL) \u2014 2022-4-27

. Madam , I rise today to honor a pioneer of broadcast journalism, news anchor Art Franklin, who will be making his departure from CBS 42 in Birmingham, Alabama, on Friday, April 29. prgtoken Art Franklin is a multiple Emmy Award-winning journalist whose broadcast career has spanned more than 38 years and earned him more than 100 community and journalism awards, including two Emmy Awards. And, most recently, he was awarded an Edward R. Murrow Award in 2021 for excellence in innovation as anchor of CBS 42's Coronavirus House Calls. prgtoken Art currently anchors the CBS 42 Evening News at 4 p.m 5 p.m 6 p.m and 10 p.m after returning to Birmingham to anchor the CBS 42 Morning News with Art Franklin, and served as a managing editor. prgtoken Art first came to Birmingham in 1991 and spent 12 years at WBRC-TV, where he was a trailblazer, becoming Birmingham's first African- American male to anchor in prime time. prgtoken During his career of almost four decades, Art has worked as a radio announcer, a radio news director, a production manager, a talk show host of both radio and television, a television news producer, host of a television public affairs show, and the producer of the National Association of Black Journalist Awards show that was aired on BET. prgtoken In addition to his time as a journalist, Art was the CEO of Atlanta- based independent record company 285 Records. prgtoken The author of a book, ``Give It All You Got,'' Art launched in 2021 the Art Franklin Collection, a clothing line of men's ties, bow ties, shirts, and custom suits. prgtoken Art sits on numerous boards in the State of Alabama. He is an avid cook and tennis player, and he is a proud member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity. prgtoken I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Art Franklin for his extraordinary career and contributions to broadcast journalism. prgtoken Madam , I congratulate Art. We in Birmingham are so proud of all that he has done, and we wish him much luck in his endeavors. Recognizing Princeton Baptist Medical Center's 100th Anniversary
Title X (Executive Calendar)
Elizabeth Warren (Democrat, MA) \u2014 2022-4-27

for more than 50 years, the Title X Family Planning Program has provided birth control, cancer screenings, HIV tests, and other essential healthcare services to millions of Americans. prgtoken Now, this program primarily serves patients who already face many barriers to accessing healthcare. Six in ten women who rely on the program for contraception say that a title X provider is the only healthcare provider they see all year. Yet politicians, like Senator Rubio, are now using this crucial program, which has historically enjoyed bipartisan support, for political theater. prgtoken This vote is only one part of a broad and sustained assault by politicians on Americans' healthcare, including patients' rights to make decisions about their own bodies. Through repeated efforts to limit birth prgtoken control access, to defund Planned Parenthood, and to restrict abortions, s are chipping away at Americans' health, at Americans' safety, and at Americans' economic independence. prgtoken In 2018, the Title X Program served nearly 4 million people annually, but in 2019, the administration issued a radical gag rule that decimated the title X provider network, causing more than 1,000 healthcare centers to leave the program and severely restricting access to basic primary and preventive healthcare services. The COVID-19 pandemic only made access to these services even more difficult, disproportionately harming low-income communities and people of color. prgtoken By 2020, with the combined effects of the administration's awful policy and the COVID-19 pandemic, the program was only able to serve 1.5 million people--less than half the number of people it had served in 2018. In Massachusetts, by January 2021, only one title X grantee remained, and six States had no title X providers at all even though the need had grown. prgtoken Now, fortunately, last October, the - administration reversed 's radical assault on the Title X Program. That was an important victory which prioritized patients' needs, patients' health equity, and access to a broad range of services provided by title X providers. prgtoken Now, however, Senator Rubio is once again trying to turn back the clock on healthcare and reproductive rights in what is just the latest attempt to deny people access to critical healthcare. If enacted, Senator Rubio's resolution would harm millions of Americans, people who rely on title X providers like Planned Parenthood, local health departments, and community health centers for family planning and sexual health services. prgtoken Healthcare is a basic human right. Everyone deserves access to affordable family planning and sexual health services, from birth control to STI treatments, to pregnancy tests, no matter their ZIP Code, no matter their income. People of color, people living in rural areas, people living in medically underserved areas, and people wit
TRIBUTE TO HEIDI MATTHEWS-CANTIN AND JOHN CANTIN
Margaret Wood Hassan (Democrat, NH) \u2014 2022-4-27

I am honored to recognize Heidi Matthews-Cantin and John Cantin of Manchester as April's Granite Staters of the Month. Heidi and John comanage Missy's Closet, a resale boutique that is holding its fourth annual ``Say Yes to the Prom Dress'' event this month. This initiative allows young women who otherwise would not be able to afford a prom dress the opportunity to pick one out for free. prgtoken John lost his daughter, Melissa ``Missy'' Charbonneau, to a domestic violence incident in 2009, and Missy's Closet was started in her memory. The resale boutique runs on donations and volunteers and aims to serve survivors of domestic violence and those struggling with mental illness or substance misuse. prgtoken The mission of ``Say Yes to the Prom Dress'' is to make sure that every young woman, no matter her economic circumstance, has the opportunity to feel special and confident in her gown on prom night. Missy's Closet offers a wide range of colors and sizes that young women can choose from. This year, the boutique started off prom dress season with more than 1,000 donated gowns, many of them new. prgtoken In addition, each young woman is assisted by a ``fashion ambassador,'' a volunteer who is trained to give clients words of encouragement and help them feel confident in their dresses. Free makeup and jewelry is also available to complete their looks. prgtoken Heidi and John's work with Missy's Closet's ``Say Yes to the Prom Dress'' campaign is not just about the dress; it is about providing young women a way to feel confident on their special night. Furthermore, it is not only the young women who walk away happy; the volunteers at Missy's Closet take immense pride in their work and recognize the importance of making a positive change in their community. As Heidi herself says, kindness has a trickledown effect, and all you need to do is help one person a day prgtoken John and Heidi embody the New Hampshire spirit of generosity and kindness by working to ensure that everyone--regardless of financial circumstance--has the opportunity to thrive.
PROVIDING FOR CONGRESSIONAL DISAPPROVAL UNDER CHAPTER 8 OF TITLE 5, UNITED STATES CODE, OF THE RULE SUBMITTED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES RELATING TO ``ENSURING ACCESS TO...
Patty Murray (Democrat, WA) \u2014 2022-4-27

I want to be really clear about what this vote is actually about. This vote is about birth control. This is about lifesaving pelvic and breast exams to detect cancer early, and it is about STI testing and treatments. That is the basic reproductive healthcare that title X providers deliver to communities--especially to women with the tightest budgets. prgtoken s are here tonight fighting to undermine healthcare. It is really that simple. And we are here fighting to protect it. prgtoken I fought long and hard against President 's disastrous gag rule. It was a rule that cut title X provider networks in half. It forced entire States, including my home State of Washington, out of the Title X Program. It forced doctors and nurses to withhold information from their patients on all the options they have, including abortion, and ultimately resulted in patients traveling farther, paying more, or going without care. In short, it made it harder for women to prgtoken get birth control and other critical reproductive healthcare, and that, to me, is unacceptable. prgtoken That is why I was really relieved when, after years of fighting back against s' extreme agenda, President acted quickly to reverse that dangerous gag rule, and we could finally start rebuilding the title X network and providing patients with critical reproductive healthcare. prgtoken And I know that patients and providers in my State were relieved too. I heard from them firsthand earlier this month about what this means for our communities. It means that patients in Washington State and across the country can get the birth control they need to plan a family on their own terms, breast and pelvic exams to detect cancer early, STI testing and treatment, and more. prgtoken But as has been so often the case, most s were not listening because, tonight, they are leading a resolution to bring back the gag rule and deny women across the country access to services made possible by title X. We are talking about basic lifesaving healthcare like cancer screenings. We are talking about STI screenings, which, by the way, are especially important as cases, which are already underreported due to decreased screenings, have been spiking now. prgtoken We are talking about birth control that so many patients depend on to stay healthy, to treat health conditions, to plan their families, and control their own reproductive health. prgtoken Talking about these issues, it is just unthinkable to me that anyone would not support this program. What are s here talking about? They are talking about once again taking this healthcare away from millions of patients, and tonight they are forcing a vote on it. And some extreme s, by the way, are even talking about how they think Griswold v. Connecticut--that is the U.S. Supreme Court case that first struck down a ban on birth control--might have been wrongly decided. Thi