mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
Frank Pallone, Jr., Chairman.
Donald Norcross (Democrat, NJ) \u2014 2022-7-13

this is something I know quite a bit about because I was one of those young electricians in an area hoping to get a job, and then I see somebody come from hundreds of miles away with their company and undercut by literally cutting their wages and kicking back to their employers. prgtoken Now, I am not suggesting that happens everywhere. But there is nothing more frustrating than to have a job in your local community that goes to outsiders who travel from very far distances to replace the workers who live there. prgtoken Each of us understands how much we care about our districts. Each of us understands that on a level that is proven every November. We love our districts. We want to help those in our districts. prgtoken This is why I find it so surprising that we wouldn't want to fight for a local hire agreement, a 60-mile radius. Take any point in this country, in 60 miles, you will find qualified workers. If, God forbid, that is not available, there are waivers allowed here for the Department of Defense. prgtoken That is the important part to understand. There are qualified people throughout this country who do construction work on an annual basis, who do specialized work. They are the ones who live in that community. They are the ones who pay the taxes in that community. prgtoken To have somebody come in from distances outside the State, who don't pay the taxes, and take that money back to their area, God bless them. prgtoken Where we have the ability to fight for our constituents in our districts through local hire, this is the smart thing to do. It is not only smart for the local people, but they are good workers who have been trained well. prgtoken , I urge all of my colleagues to vote for their districts and vote for this amendment.
Introductory Statement on S. 4513
Michael F. Bennet (Democrat, CO) \u2014 2022-7-13

a few years ago, a police officer in Pueblo, CO, was kind enough to let me join him in a squad car for a few hours to get a sense of what his daily beat was like. It was in the middle of the night. It didn't take very long to appreciate that our country asks law enforcement to do a lot more than simply enforce the law. prgtoken Washington has underinvested in the American people year after year after year in areas like housing, education, and mental health. It has left law enforcement to pick up the pieces. It has put them in a position wherein they are not only having to serve as law enforcement officers but also as social workers, as mental health professionals, and as responders for issues like homelessness or drug addiction, even though nobody has trained them for it necessarily. prgtoken That result has been really tough for officers on the ground in Colorado and across the country. It strains their resources, adds to the workload, and accelerates burnout. It has also been hard for communities. It diverts law enforcement from violent crime, and it means we are forcing officers to address mental health issues and problems instead of dealing with the underlying issues that produce many 9-1-1 calls in the first place. prgtoken I am sad to say that all of these underlying issues that everybody is familiar with have gotten worse during the pandemic. It is one reason there has been a spike in crime that started in 2020, before the current administration, and it has continued ever since. In 2020, murders rose nearly 30 percent. Aggravated assault was up 12 percent. Motor vehicle theft was up 12 percent. Again, this was in 2020, before the current administration, but, sadly, many of these trends have continued. In a survey of small businesses, 54 percent of American small businesses reported an increase in shoplifting last year. prgtoken To deal with this rise in crime, we need to increase funding for the COPS Program, which I strongly support, so we can hire more officers and strengthen community police. I think we should pass a bill that I am introducing today, called the SMART Community Policing Act. The bill is based on 28 highly successful programs across Colorado, in places like Denver and Grand Junction. prgtoken As I mentioned, you know, a lot of 9-1-1 calls involve lower risk situations that don't always require a police officer, but some combination of an EMT, a mental health specialist, or a social worker can get the job done, allowing law enforcement to focus on violent crime, but in most of the country, law enforcement has to answer every one of those 9-1-1 calls. prgtoken The SMART Community Policing Act creates resources for law enforcement to partner with local organizations and service providers so they send the right responder depending on what the problem actually is. That lets law enforcement focus on violent crime and lets other responders with the right training deal with low
Frank Pallone, Jr., Chairman.
Barbara Lee (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2022-7-13

the balance of my time. prgtoken First of all, I would hope s would join in a bipartisan fashion like you did just now on this outrageous amendment in supporting the efforts to reduce the cost of living for people who are living on the edge, but I don't see any bipartisanship there when it comes to supporting the American people and what they need in terms of their wages, in terms of housing, in terms of healthcare, in terms of all the efforts that have mounted over the years. It is too bad that you won't join us in that, but you join them in raising the defense budget to an excessive level over what the military and the President requested. It is outrageous. prgtoken I note that the House has voted overwhelmingly to support Ukraine, and we certainly should support better pay and benefits for our uniformed and civilian personnel and their families, which the base bill does. Ukraine and military pay are in the base bill. If the President thinks that more should be done and more is needed, then he should, as has always been done, come to the Congress for a supplemental. prgtoken The President came to Congress for a supplemental for Ukraine. If he believes more is needed, that is the proper process and the proper way to do this, not by increasing the NDAA top line. prgtoken It is time to shift our spending to meet America's urgent human security priorities, and I urge my colleagues to support this amendment. I am really so concerned that whatever people want on that side of the aisle especially, and some on this side of the aisle, as it relates to the Pentagon, people get, Members get, and that is not a good place for this country to be. prgtoken , .
PROVIDING FOR FURTHER CONSIDERATION OF H.R. 7900, NATIONAL DEFENSE AUTHORIZATION ACT FOR FISCAL YEAR 2023--Continued
David N. Cicilline (Democrat, RI) \u2014 2022-7-13

. Madam , I rise in support of my amendment, which clarifies that the statutory rights of servicemembers and their families under the Servicemember Civil Relief Act, or SCRA (SICK-RUH), cannot be waived through forced arbitration unless arbitration is agreed to by both parties after a dispute arises. prgtoken American servicemembers, veterans, and their families have sacrificed much in service to our country. They have fought to protect the fundamental idea that we are a nation of laws and institutions that guarantee the rights and prosperity of every American. prgtoken Since the Second World War, Congress has created many laws, including SCRA, to expand and strengthen rights and protections for service members, veterans, and their families. These laws are essential protections that guarantee every veteran and active-duty service member--including Reservists and the National Guard--the right to be free from workplace discrimination because of their military service and the right to their day in court. prgtoken We are a stronger nation because of these rights. prgtoken But for too long, forced arbitration has eroded them by funneling service members' claims under the law into a private system set up by corporations. prgtoken Buried deep within the fine print of everyday contracts, forced arbitration clauses strip our brave men and women in uniform--as well as their family members--of their right to their their day in court to hold corporations accountable for breaking the law. prgtoken SCRA prevents landlords from enacting eviction proceedings, mortgage holders from foreclosing on a home, and lenders from repossessing a vehicle while a member of our armed forces is on active duty. However, forced arbitration clauses embedded in leases, mortgages, and titles prevent accountability for bad actors who take advantage of our servicemembers while they protect our country. prgtoken Charles Beard is just one or our nation's servicemen who was stripped of his rights because of forced arbitration. While Mr. Beard, a former Sergeant in the Army National Guard, was on tour in Iraq, the bank repossessed his family car in clear violation of SCRA. It was the only vehicle his wife and five children could rely on. prgtoken When he attempted to hold the bank accountable for violating the law, they forced his claim into arbitration, citing a clause in Mr. Beard's contract that he was required to sign to purchase the car. This clause--which he was not able to negotiate--waived his constitutional right to a jury trial. Mr. Beard tells his story better than I could. I quote him here: ``The bank didn't care that they violated the law. When I returned home, I found a lawyer, Sergei who filed a class action against Santander on behalf of myself and the hundreds of other servicemembers who also had their vehicles illegally repossessed. We tried to hold Santander publicly accountable, however, we were kicked out of court due to a forced
Frank Pallone, Jr., Chairman.
Adam Smith (Democrat, WA) \u2014 2022-7-13

I think we need to get to a reasonable defense budget. Full disclosure: I don't support the effort to cut $100 billion from the defense budget. I think we have clearly articulated needs. But I think the President and the Department of Defense, when they put forward this budget, took that into account. prgtoken One of the things I have always been worried about on the Armed Services Committee is if we just give them more and more money, they won't spend it as well as they should. They will not have the fiscal discipline to go in there and make sure that the money is being spent wisely, which I have said many, many times is as important and, in many cases, more important than how much is spent. prgtoken Over the course of the last 20 years, we have not had a good record. Many programs have gone over budget and underperformed. We are getting better, but I think we need to live within our means. prgtoken The President put forward his budget. We ought to respect that budget and support it. It is more than enough to defend the country. prgtoken If we go back to the President's number, it is $813 billion, which is a significant 4 percent increase over last year's budget. It is not like we aren't spending money if we stick to the President's budget. I think that number should work, and I think that is the number we should stick to. prgtoken , I thank the gentlewoman for offering that amendment and making the arguments she has.
Order Of Procedure (Executive Calendar)
Richard J. Durbin (Democrat, IL) \u2014 2022-7-13

for the information of the Senate, there will be two rollcall votes starting at 2:30 p.m. today. They will be on the confirmation of the Barr nomination to be Vice Chair of the Federal Reserve and the motion to invoke cloture on the Herrnstadt nomination to be a member of the Export-Import Bank. prgtoken Senators can expect two additional votes in the 5:30 p.m. range today. Those votes will be on confirmation of the Herrnstadt nomination and cloture on the Heinzelman nomination to be general counsel of the CIA.
PROVIDING FOR FURTHER CONSIDERATION OF H.R. 7900, NATIONAL DEFENSE AUTHORIZATION ACT FOR FISCAL YEAR 2023--Continued
Jackie Speier (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2022-7-13

such time as I may consume. prgtoken This is really astonishing to me, as if servicemembers who are female, who are in States in which they do not have these benefits, should somehow be second-class citizens, I don't get. prgtoken We have a Parliamentarian who determines whether or not an amendment is germane to the NDAA. That has already taken place. So having this debate is irrelevant, because we have already established that it is germane. prgtoken I don't know about you, but I am not just legislating for the people of California. I am legislating for the entire country. That is my job. prgtoken If there is a sexual assault victim in a State where they don't have the resources to somehow provide the Survivors' Bill of Rights, we have already done this on a Federal level and we offer some incentive so they do it, I don't see how this is any different than the other programs we have that we continue to fund for local jurisdictions all across this country, whether it is the COPS program or anything else. prgtoken So I am flummoxed by this debate on the other side. It is not a laughing matter. It is very serious. I think sexual assault victims across this country would like to know that they have the same rights in States as those who are victims of Federal crimes when it comes to being able to access a rape kit, have it paid for, and being told what the results are. It is common sense. prgtoken , .
ACTIVE SHOOTER ALERT ACT OF 2022
Jerrold Nadler (Democrat, NY) \u2014 2022-7-13

. Madam , the balance of my time. prgtoken There is a reason that this bipartisan legislation is endorsed by the Major Cities Chiefs Association, the National Association of Police Organizations, the Fraternal Order of Police, the National Policing Institute, the National Sheriffs' Association, the National District Attorneys Association, and several State and local law enforcement organizations. prgtoken When tragedy strikes--and unfortunately we know that it will strike again--we want our law enforcement and first responders to have all the tools they need to keep our communities safe. We want our people to have the warnings that they need, just as with the AMBER Alert system. prgtoken I urge my colleagues to stand with law enforcement and to support this important legislation. prgtoken Madam , .
WORLD ATHLETICS CHAMPIONSHIPS
Ron Wyden (Democrat, OR) \u2014 2022-7-13

this is an exciting time for my home State of Oregon. The eyes of the sports world are turning to the city of Eugene, where thousands of elite athletes have arrived for the World Athletics Championships that start Friday. prgtoken For those who may not have been paying attention, Eugene, OR, is known in track-and-field circles as TrackTown USA. Eugene has fewer than 200,000 residents, but it punches far above its weight as one of the athletic capitals of the world, particularly the newly rebuilt Hayward Field on campus at the University of Oregon. prgtoken My view is, you are not going to find a better track-and-field venue anywhere else. And that is not only because it is where the Oregon Ducks routinely fly past the competition; it is the home of track and field in the United States dating back decades to when Bill Hayward first had his vision for the sports in Eugene. prgtoken It is a vision that picked up speed when Oregon's own Steve Prefontaine provided drills for me when I was a law school student at the University of Oregon, as well as millions of running fans the world over. And, of course, Hayward Field has been home for Olympics trials in greatness, as well as dominance by my fellow Ducks in college meets. prgtoken The legacy of athletics in Eugene is a big reason why it is the first ever American city to host the World Athletics Championships. This year, the games are known as Oregon22. prgtoken Two thousand top Olympic-level athletes are going to compete. They come from nearly 200 countries. They are the best of the best, ready to break records and make their home countries proud. prgtoken A little bit ago, I was home, and I talked with the fantastic team of workers who have been working for years on this event. It has been a colossal team effort carrying the baton over the line, but now, the games are about to start. And I can tell you an awful lot of Oregonians are thrilled at the prospect of witnessing this level of unique competition in person at Hayward Field and across the Willamette River in the streets of Springfield. prgtoken This is also a spectacular showcase for my home State. Not only is Eugene playing host to thousands of athletes, organizers, staff, media, and fans, the games will be broadcast to an audience of a billion people around the world--let me repeat that--a billion people who are going to learn something about what makes my home State so special and different. prgtoken London has hosted this competition. Paris has hosted this competition. Tokyo has hosted this competition. Now it is our turn in Eugene, OR, and I could not be more proud. prgtoken So, , I would just say everybody ought to tune in from July 15 to July 24. The athletes are going to put on an amazing show, and so is my home State of Oregon. prgtoken .
CELEBRATING 30 YEARS OF EQUALITY ARIZONA
Ruben Gallego (Democrat, AZ) \u2014 2022-7-13

. Madam , I rise today to congratulate Equality Arizona on its 30th anniversary. For three decades, Equality Arizona has been fighting for the rights of LGBTQ+ Arizonans to fully participate in social, economic, and civic life. They have done this by building a diverse community of support and engaging with all levels of government. prgtoken In response to the HIV/AIDS epidemic, Equality Arizona started in 1992 to support those living with HIV and AIDS and to repeal discriminatory laws that criminalized LGBTQ+ lives. Since then, they have continued that work in the campaigns to repeal ``Don't Ask, Don't Tell'' and pass marriage equality. Just in the past year, Equality Arizona has helped pass non-discrimination ordinances in Glendale and Tolleson, both of which are in my district, and in Mesa and Scottsdale. I cannot wait to see the great work they will do over the next 30 years. prgtoken I would like to congratulate Equality Arizona on their 30th anniversary and thank them for their tireless efforts to support the LGBTQ+ community in Arizona and across the country.
Frank Pallone, Jr., Chairman.
Bradley Scott Schneider (Democrat, IL) \u2014 2022-7-13

such time as I may consume. prgtoken This amendment in no way denigrates the many fine, overwhelming in number, vast, vast majority of fine people who serve in our military and uniformed services. prgtoken But the fact is, we have had incidents, and this is, again, from that report I mentioned earlier: a mass casualty attack, a uniformed officer killing fellow soldiers, threats against religious communities, threats against media and government communications, and bomb-making instructions, material support to terrorists. prgtoken These are not made-up examples. They are real examples. They are exceptional. They are exceedingly rare, but it is incredibly important, critically important that we identify these threats before they become incidents, before lives are lost. prgtoken We need to make sure we are getting this information and taking the appropriate action. It is something we can do together. I hope we can do it in a bipartisan way. prgtoken , .
Frank Pallone, Jr., Chairman.
Rashida Tlaib (Democrat, MI) \u2014 2022-7-13

it is important to understand that this amendment merely allows for reasonable consideration and a debate in the future in regard to our ICBMs. That is all we are asking here. prgtoken I think it is very important, again, for our future in allowing that debate and public transparency about that need. prgtoken Again, de-escalation in a time of crisis is important. prgtoken , .
HONORING NOBEL LAUREATE ARDEM PATAPOUTIAN
Mike Levin (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2022-7-13

. Madam , it is my great honor today to recognize Dr. Ardem Patapoutian, a constituent, a neuroscientist, and a Nobel Laureate, who was awarded the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 2021. prgtoken Dr. Ardem Patapoutian was born in Lebanon in 1967 to Armenian parents. The youngest of three children, Ardem lived in Beirut until 1986 when he emigrated to Los Angeles, California, to escape the Lebanese Civil War. prgtoken Upon arriving to the United States, Dr. Patapoutian worked as an editor for the English section of an Armenian newspaper and a pizza delivery driver before being accepted into the cell and developmental biology program at the University of California, Los Angeles, an admission that changed the course of his professional life. prgtoken Falling in love with research, he would go on to obtain a Ph.D. in Biology from the California Institute of Technology in 1996, and a postdoctoral appointment at the University of California, San Francisco. In 2000, he began the work at the Scripps Research Institute in La Jolla, California, that awarded him the Nobel Prize 21 years later. prgtoken Before being honored with the Nobel Prize, Dr. Patapoutian achieved a distinguished career as a scientist and professor. He was a co- recipient of, among many other awards, the 2020 Kavli Prize in Neuroscience. He is a member of the National Academy of Sciences, the American Academy of Arts and Sciences. and a fellow at the American Association for the Advancement of Science. He has maintained a full professorship at Scripps Research since 2008 and is an investigator at the Howard Hughes Medical Institute. prgtoken Dr. Patapoutian's work focuses on mechanosensation, the process by which mechanical stimuli convert into biological signals that influence the functions of our bodies. Specifically, Dr. Patapoutian was awarded the Nobel Prize for his discoveries of how our body feels and processes temperature and touch. His breakthrough research will not only further the understanding of how our bodies work, but it will help create better medications and therapies to treat neuropathic pain, hypertension, blood disorders, and other conditions, improving the lives of residents of California's 49th Congressional District, our country, and the world.