mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
LEGISLATIVE BRANCH APPROPRIATIONS ACT, 2022
Tim Ryan (Democrat, OH) \u2014 2021-7-28

30 seconds. Just a quick response, . prgtoken We have passed a bill, the rescue package, that sent billions of dollars to the local communities to pay for police, fire, and first responders, State support for teachers. We passed a supplemental bill out of this Chamber that reimbursed the National Guard and made huge investments into the Capitol Police. In both instances, we didn't get one vote. prgtoken , I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from Maryland (Mr. Hoyer), our distinguished leader.
Introductory Statement on S. 2508
Jack Reed (Democrat, RI) \u2014 2021-7-28

today I am reintroducing the Veterans and Consumers Fair Credit Act (VCFCA) along with Senator Merkley, Senate Banking Committee Chairman Brown, and many of my colleagues. This important legislation would extend the bipartisan Military Lending Act's (MLA) protections for active-duty servicemembers and their families to all Americans by imposing a nationwide 36 percent cap on the annual percentage rate (APR) for most extensions of consumer credit. prgtoken The MLA was enacted on a bipartisan basis in 2006 to rein in payday and other unscrupulous lenders that targeted American troops with abusive and predatory loans. Unfortunately, the MLA does not protect veterans or Gold Star families from these exploitative practices. Our servicemembers and their families should not lose important consumer protections simply because they retire, separate from honorable service, or lose their loved ones. As such, our legislation would extend the MLA' s protections to veterans and Gold Star families as well as ensure that all Americans are shielded from predatory loans. prgtoken Hundreds of millions of American consumers could benefit from a 36 percent APR cap. In states that do not have such a cap, predatory lenders are permitted to offer loans with triple-digit APRs that trap individuals in cycles of debt. For instance, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau found that 80 percent of payday loans are rolled over or renewed within two weeks. This practice can cause borrowers to pay more in fees than the amount of money they originally borrowed, which is a sign of predatory lending and poor underwriting. prgtoken According to a coalition of community organizations, payday lenders are known to target the most vulnerable, including seniors, veterans, and low-income borrowers. Many in these communities were already struggling to make ends meet before the pandemic, and continuing to pay exorbitant APRs may cause them to fall deeper into economic insecurity. This is why it's important to extend strong protections against unscrupulous lenders to all Americans. prgtoken The MLA's successful track record demonstrates that providing for reasonable, responsible limits on interest rates does not cut off consumers' access to credit. According to a May 2021 report from the Department of Defense, ``credit cards, auto loans, and personal loans are widely available at risk-based rates under the 36 percent [military] APR'' and ``[s]ervice members continue to have ample access to necessary credit.'' prgtoken Moreover, this legislation would follow the trend in many states towards greater protections against predatory loans. Eighteen states and the District of Columbia have enacted APR caps of 36% or lower for payday loans or banned them altogether. Lenders in these states have incentives to offer more affordable loans that borrowers have an ability to repay. The same incentives should apply across the nation. prgtoken I thank th
HONORING THE LIFE OF GE XAOCHAY THAO
Jim Costa (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2021-7-28

. Madam , I rise today to honor the life of Ge Xaochay Thao. Thao Ge passed away on June 24, 2021. He was a veteran, a father, grandfather, and husband to his wife Pa Moua. prgtoken Thao Ge was born on July 31, 1935, in a region known as Roob Tshuaj or Medicine Mountain in the Xiengkhouang Province in Laos to Phoutong Xaochay Thao and Chong Moua. Growing up, Thao Ge had five brothers and three sisters, prgtoken As Thao Ge grew older, he was part of the military and was recruited in 1953 by the French Guerilla Commando Military Army (GCMA) and trained as a Paratrooper and Radio Operator in the French Military Camp in Cap Saint Jacques in South Vietnam. prgtoken After his training, Thao Ge was one among many in 1954 to march towards Dien Bien Phu to provide military support to the French Army. He returned after learning that the French had lost the battle to the North Vietnamese Army. Thao Ge was then later commissioned as the Chief of ``Partisans Militaire'', a Military Support Unit in Xiengkhouang. prgtoken During his time as Chief, Thao Ge was best known for saving the life of the late General Vang Pao, then Major, from an assassination attempt by their military rivals. The attempt took place in the Plain of Jars in Laos. Because of his bravery and help in protecting Major Vang Pao, Thao Ge and his troop, the ``Partisans Militaire'', played a significant role in helping reinstate Major Vang Pao back into military power. prgtoken In 1961, Thao Ge continued his military services in the Royal Lao Army, holding the rank of Two-Star Lieutenant. He served in the Batallion Voluntaire 21 (BV 21) and fought side-by-side with the United States in the Secret War of Laos from 1961-1975. Thao Ge was one of the very few people who were literate, allowing him to serve as an Officer of Disbursement for BV 21. prgtoken Extending from his military contributions, Thao Ge paved the way for many Thao clan members and friends to get an education. From 1954 to 1958, Thao Ge and his wife, Pa Moua, opened their home to nearly 30 students, allowing them to attend school in the City. prgtoken In 1976, Thao Ge and his family fled Laos to come to the United States as refugees. They first came to Madison, Wisconsin and in 1983 moved to Fresno, California. prgtoken He is survived by his wife, Pa Moua, children, grandchildren, great- grandchildren, and his brother James Koua Xaochay Thao. prgtoken Madam , I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring the life of Ge Xaochay. His service and contributions to the nations and the State of California will be missed. I join his family and friends in celebration of Thao Ge's life.
Cuba (Executive Calendar)
Robert Menendez (Democrat, NJ) \u2014 2021-7-28

I rise today to urge leaders across the United States and governments around the world to stand in solidarity with the people of Cuba as they cry out for freedom--for ``libertad''-- and for an end to decades of dictatorship. prgtoken What is happening in Cuba today is nothing short of historic. Yes, we have seen protests take place in years past, but the demonstrations that began on July 11 stand apart. prgtoken What began as one small pro-democracy protest in San Antonio de los Ba os spread across the island in a matter of hours. Cubans from all walks of life took to the streets in a courageous call for democratic change. Among those clamoring for freedom were Afro-Cubans demanding an end to discrimination and injustice, young people dreaming of a brighter future in their country, artists and activists from the San Isidro Movement singing ``Patria y Vida'' and ordinary citizens facing widespread food shortages, poor access to healthcare, and little to no protection from the ravages of COVID-19. prgtoken The people of Cuba are crying out for freedom, and we must hear them. (English translation of the statement made in Spanish is as follows:) The Cuban people are asking for what is fair, which is freedom, and we must listen to their cry. prgtoken This is not about politics or ideology. The free world has a responsibility to stand with those who are not yet free, and the people of Cuba are anything but free. prgtoken Let's dispel the myths about what life is under the Cuban regime. For decades, the regime's ruthless and repressive tactics have systemically silenced the Cuban people while party insiders and cronies enrich themselves at their expense. prgtoken Today, Cuba remains a one-party communist state, where the basic principles of political pluralism and representative democracy are outlawed--outlawed. There are no free and fair elections in Cuba. Miguel Diaz-Canel may have appeared on a ballot, but there were no other candidates. He was not chosen by the people but handpicked by the Castros as their successor. He has the same ideology. He says the same things. He talks about ``la continuation,'' the continuation-- continuation of oppression. prgtoken There is no freedom of the press in Cuba. Independent journalists are routinely targeted with violence, harassment, imprisonment, and raids on their homes and offices. prgtoken There is no internet freedom in Cuba. The regime monitors online traffic, blocks sites, and charges so much money for data that most Cubans cannot afford access. And when the regime gets scared about what the Cuban people are saying and doing, they shut down the whole internet. Yes, they shut down the whole internet. The only reason a government shuts down the internet is because they fear their own people. prgtoken But this has consequences. I recently had a Catholic priest visiting here in Washington from Cuba. He told me an incredibly powerful story. He said t
DEPARTMENT OF STATE, FOREIGN OPERATIONS, AND RELATED PROGRAMS APPROPRIATIONS ACT, 2022
Ilhan Omar (Democrat, MN) \u2014 2021-7-28

. Madam , I thank the chairwoman for her leadership and for including my amendment in the en bloc. prgtoken Madam , as a member of the Foreign Affairs Committee, I travel around the world and hear so many of our diplomats emphasize the importance of balancing development, diplomacy, and defense. But in so many places, I don't see that balance. prgtoken My amendment is about restoring balance to our foreign policy by moving away from military assistance and arms sales and toward development and addressing the root causes of conflict. prgtoken Madam , I urge my colleagues to support this en bloc.
Nominations of Gwynne A. Wilcox and David M. Prouty (Executive Session)
Patty Murray (Democrat, WA) \u2014 2021-7-28

over the past 4 years, the National Labor Relations Board, which was founded to protect workers' rights, has again and again tipped the scales in favor of very large corporations. prgtoken While ic nominees to the NLRB were blocked and anti-worker nominees were jammed through, we saw decades of worker protections reversed. This has had a devastating impact on workers in our country, who are not only struggling through this pandemic but who have also seen their rights to strike and organize and bargain collectively undermined and constrained in ruling after ruling. prgtoken But, today, the Senate has the opportunity to begin healing this damage by confirming two exceptionally qualified individuals. That is why I am urging all of our colleagues to join me in supporting David Prouty and Gwynne Wilcox to serve on the NLRB. prgtoken Mr. Prouty's career is defined by his commitment to workers, with a long record representing textile workers, hotel workers, restaurant workers, baseball players, and now as a lawyer for the SEIU Local 32BJ, property service workers. prgtoken Ms. Wilcox's experience as a field attorney for the NLRB, as a lawyer representing workers before the Board, and defending healthcare workers and protecting their rights makes clear that she has the right qualifications and values for this job. prgtoken Ms. Wilcox is not only a high-qualified nominee, she will be a historic one. She will be the first Black woman to serve on the Board, and her confirmation will bring us a step closer to ensuring our worker protections Agencies represent the diverse workforce they serve. prgtoken It is clear to me we need David Prouty and Gwynne Wilcox on the NLRB to reverse the damage done by years of anti-worker attacks and get us back on the right track of building back an economy that works for everyone, not just huge corporations and those at the top. prgtoken Now more than ever, we need to join with workers and defend their rights. Today, that means voting to confirm Gwynne Wilcox and David Prouty. prgtoken . prgtoken .
DEPARTMENT OF STATE, FOREIGN OPERATIONS, AND RELATED PROGRAMS APPROPRIATIONS ACT, 2022
Barbara Lee (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2021-7-28

. Madam , such time as I may consume. prgtoken Madam , first of all, let me just say I am very proud of the resources and programs in this bill, prgtoken which provide us the unique opportunity to restore America's global leadership that has been missing in recent years. prgtoken Together, we can address the greatest challenges facing the United States and provide vital support to the world's most vulnerable people. prgtoken Madam , I urge my colleagues to support these amendments en bloc and the underlying bill. prgtoken Madam , .
RECOGNIZING LEWIS H. WEBBER, A TRUE WORKING-CLASS CHAMPION
Brian Higgins (Democrat, NY) \u2014 2021-7-28

. Madam , I rise today to recognize Lewis Webber, the President of Steelworkers Organization of Active Retirees (SOAR) Chapter 4-6, for a lifetime of fighting for the working class. prgtoken Lewis Webber was born days before the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor in December of 1941 so he was always ready for a good fight. Advocating for the workers at Bethlehem Steel was in his blood, as many of his relatives, including his father, were employed there. Growing up in a union household, he and his brother heard all the stories from their father about the strikes at Bethlehem Steel, including the famous 53- day 1952 Steelworkers strike, ending with a victory for the hard- working Steelworkers. prgtoken It was not a surprise that Lewis Webber and his brother would also go on to work many years of their lives at Bethlehem Steel. Lewis started working at Bethlehem Steel in October of 1964. He was of a member in three separate unions: United Steelworkers, Truckdrivers Union Local, and the United Autoworkers. As a member of the United Steelworkers, he recalls fighting to make sure that the proper withholding was taken out of the employees checks. Later, in 1985, Mr. Webber officially won a grievance against Bethlehem Steel, providing 22 workers an additional $238 a week for two years, and a pension for the rest of their lives. prgtoken When Bethlehem Steel shut its doors, the Western New York community was devastated; however, that didn't stop Lewis Webber from continuing to fight for those who had worked there. He joined the Steelworkers Organization of Active Retirees (SOAR), Chapter 4-6 and put the skills he learned from earlier battles to work as he rose in the ranks of leadership becoming Trustee in 1997, Vice President in 2007, and President of the Steelworkers Organization of Active Retirees in 2008. There are 430 members of SOAR who rely on his leadership today. prgtoken Lewis Webber always says that you can never fight these battles alone. His number one supporter was his wife, Beverly who unfortunately passed away in 2011. She was also Secretary of the Steelworkers Organization of Active Retirees, Chapter 4-6. His children Rosemary, LuAnn, and Kathleen, grand-children, and great-grandchildren are always by his side, fighting the good fight. prgtoken Mr. Webber joined our fight over a decade ago to help former Bethlehem Steel employees receive compensation under the Energy Employees Occupational Illness Compensation Program (EEOICP) and he continues to work with my office to ensure eligible retirees receive the benefits they deserve. Over $300 million has been paid out to workers and their families after they were exposed to radiation while working at Bethlehem Steel. prgtoken Lewis Webber offered many words of advice, including ``I am not doing this to make people millionaires; I am doing this to get them what they need to get by in this world. I am not doing this to help just the Steelworkers; I am doing this t
PROVIDING FOR CONSIDERATION OF H.R. 4346, LEGISLATIVE BRANCH APPROPRIATIONS ACT, 2022; PROVIDING FOR CONSIDERATION OF H.R. 4373, DEPARTMENT OF STATE, FOREIGN OPERATIONS, AND RELATED PROGRAMS...
Ed Perlmutter (Democrat, CO) \u2014 2021-7-28

I thank Mr. Morelle for yielding. prgtoken , I rise today to support the rule and the underlying bills. I am pleased to see the House make significant progress this week by passing these appropriations bills which include important funding for my district, our communities, and for people all across the country. prgtoken I do want to highlight two bipartisan amendments made in order under this rule which I have offered to H.R. 4505, the Commerce, Justice, and Science Appropriations bill. prgtoken First is amendment No. 43, which I introduced with Representatives Brian Babin, Chrissy Houlahan, and Donald Norcross. Our amendment would elevate the Office of Space Commerce by moving it out of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and into the Office of the Secretary of Commerce. This relatively small office has growing responsibilities to license remote sensing activities or satellite imagery of the Earth and implement a pilot program on space situational awareness. prgtoken Elevating this office would better leverage the expertise of the entire department to support their work and improve interagency collaboration, which is critical to their responsibilities. This proposal has been discussed for years, and it is time to finally make this move. I look forward to working with my colleagues on the Science, Space, and Technology Committee to further define these new roles and responsibilities. prgtoken I also want to highlight another bipartisan amendment No. 44, which I introduced with Representatives Ken Buck, Joe Neguse, Doug Lamborn, Diana DeGette, and Jason Crow from the Colorado delegation. Our amendment is a plus-minus amendment to NASA's exploration account to show our support for additional funding for the Orion Multipurpose Crew Vehicle totalling $1.45 billion. prgtoken Orion is America's deep space exploration spacecraft which will carry our astronauts back to the Moon and on to Mars as part of the Artemis program. This additional funding for Orion will reduce costs in the program over the long term by maximizing reuse of Orion's systems and establish efficient production flows for the Artemis III Orion spacecraft and beyond. prgtoken Our amendment would fully fund Orion while also supporting full funding for the Space Launch System and Exploration Ground Systems, as all three are critical to the Artemis program. The entire NASA Exploration program should be increased to meet these standards, and I hope to work with Chairman Cartwright and our Appropriations Committee to do just that and support NASA's important work without cutting other programs. prgtoken I encourage all of my colleagues to support these amendments, the rule, and the underlying bills.
AUTHORITY FOR COMMITTEES TO MEET
Richard J. Durbin (Democrat, IL) \u2014 2021-7-28

I have 12 requests for committees to meet during today's session of the Senate. They have the approval of the Majority and Minority leaders. prgtoken Pursuant to rule XXVI, paragraph 5(a), of the Standing Rules of the Senate, the following committees are authorized to meet during today's session of the Senate: Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation prgtoken The Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation is authorized to meet during the session of the Senate on Wednesday, July 28, 2021, at 10 a.m to conduct a hearing. Committee on Environment and Public Works prgtoken The Committee on Environment and Public Works is authorized to meet during the session of the Senate on Wednesday, July 28, 2021, at 10 a.m to conduct a hearing. Committee on Finance prgtoken The Committee on Finance is authorized to meet during the session of the Senate on Wednesday, July 28, 2021, at 10 a.m to conduct a hearing. Committee on Foreign Relations prgtoken The Committee on Foreign Relations is authorized to meet during the session of the Senate on Wednesday, July 28, 2021, at 9 a.m to conduct a hearing. Committee on Foreign Relations prgtoken The Committee on Foreign Relations is authorized to meet during the session of the Senate on Wednesday, July 28, 2021 at 10:15 a.m to conduct a hearing on nominations. Committee on Foreign Relations prgtoken The Committee on Foreign Relations is authorized to meet during the session of the Senate on Wednesday, July 28, 2021, at 2:30 p.m to conduct a hearing. Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs prgtoken The Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs is authorized to meet during the session of the Senate on Wednesday, July 28, 2021, at 10 a.m to conduct a hearing on nominations. Committee on the Judiciary prgtoken The Committee on the Judiciary is authorized to meet during the session of the Senate on Wednesday, July 28, 2021, at 10 a.m to conduct a hearing. Committee on the Judiciary prgtoken The Committee on the Judiciary is authorized to meet during the session prgtoken of the Senate on Wednesday, July 28, 2021, at 2:30 p.m to conduct a hearing. Committee on Veterans' Affairs prgtoken The Committee on Veterans' Affairs is authorized to meet during the session of the Senate on Wednesday, July 28, 2021, at 11:30 a.m to conduct a hearing. Select Committee on Intelligence prgtoken The Select Committee on Intelligence is authorized to meet during the session of the Senate on Wednesday, August 4, 2021, at 2 p.m to conduct a closed hearing. Subcommittee on National Parks prgtoken The Subcommittee on National Parks of the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources is auth
INVESTING IN A NEW VISION FOR THE ENVIRONMENT AND SURFACE TRANSPORTATION IN AMERICA ACT--Motion to Proceed
Charles E. Schumer (Democrat, NY) \u2014 2021-7-28

I want to commend the group of Senators who worked with President to reach an agreement on a bipartisan infrastructure bill. The Senate has just come together and, in a strong bipartisan fashion, voted to begin the legislative process here on the Senate floor. prgtoken For the past few months, I have laid out a two-track strategy on infrastructure: a bipartisan bill, focused on traditional, brick-and- mortar infrastructure projects, and a budget reconciliation bill, where plan to make historic investments in American jobs, American families, and efforts to fight climate change. prgtoken In order to start work on a reconciliation bill, the Senate must pass a budget resolution first. As I have said repeatedly, our goal was to pass both bills in this session--hopefully, in July. prgtoken My goal remains to pass both the bipartisan infrastructure bill and a budget resolution during this work period--both. prgtoken It might take some long nights. It might eat into our weekends. But we are going to get the job done, and we are on track. prgtoken Again, the vote tonight means we are on track to reach our two-track goal before the Senate adjourns for the August recess