mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY SCIENCE FOR THE FUTURE ACT
Gwen Moore (Democrat, WI) \u2014 2021-6-28

I thank the gentlewoman for yielding. prgtoken I rise today in support of H.R. 3593, the Department of Energy Science for the Future Act. As a newly minted member of the Science, Space, and Technology Committee, I was so proud to see my colleagues on both sides of the aisle work so hard on this bill to pass it through committee with amendments from both and s. I, too, had an opportunity as a newly minted member to make an impact on this important legislation. prgtoken And I think that it wasn't by accident, and I thank the chairwoman of the committee, Representative Eddie Bernice Johnson and Representative Lucas, the ranking member, for creating the environment in which we could do our work and craft this important legislation. prgtoken As you all have heard, the Department of Energy's Office of Science is a hub of technological advancement and research designed to tackle our greatest scientific challenges facing the United States. prgtoken Through several hearings in the committee, we learned about the DOE Office of Science's ongoing efforts to support research and to find solutions. prgtoken This bill allows the Office of Science to continue carrying out nondefense research on a vast array of critical areas. It supports research to modernize our energy infrastructure, allowing us the tools to overhaul our outdated energy grid to more climate-friendly solutions. And we, of course, have seen some of the catastrophic events caused by the lack of current technologies that recognize the climate action. prgtoken It funds continuing studies in artificial intelligence and quantum computing, keeping pace with our competitors in the tech sector and readying our cybersecurity defenses from our adversaries, as we have seen up close and personal the cost to our country to not keep abreast of these technologies. prgtoken During markup, I was able to offer a provision that was included in the bill that is before the House today that would prioritize clean water and watershed research at the Office of Science. My amendment directs the Office of Science to support clean water and watershed research that increases the quality and quantity of water across America, including the treasured Great Lakes. prgtoken My home district of Milwaukee shares a coast with Lake Michigan, which I consider one of my most important constituents. prgtoken It is imperative that we study the harmful effects of water pollution, make investments in technologies to combat the contamination of our waterways, and to protect drinking water sources that are critical to every man, woman, and child. We also need to make sure that water continues to be a resource for commerce. prgtoken My amendment also ensures that relevant communities, research institutions, and nonprofits will be at the table when DOE carries out these tasks. Innovation doesn't occur in a vacuum, and it is critical that these research efforts have real world input fro
DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY SCIENCE FOR THE FUTURE ACT
Eddie Bernice Johnson (Democrat, TX) \u2014 2021-6-28

such time as I may consume. prgtoken I am very pleased today that we are considering the Department of Energy Science for the Future Act. prgtoken This well-vetted, bipartisan bill will provide the first ever comprehensive authorization for the Department of Energy's Office of Science. This office accounts for over half of the Department's nondefense research and development budget and supports a wide range of research facilities and activities that are critical to the U.S. competitiveness and for enabling our clean energy future. prgtoken The Office of Science is the Nation's largest supporter of research in the physical sciences, and it is the lead Federal agency supporting scientific research for energy applications. H.R. 3593 authorizes significant, steady, and sustainable growth for the office's wide- ranging research from climate science to quantum science, and everything in between. prgtoken The bill also ensures the office's construction projects and upgrades to its world-class scientific user facility have the resources they need to be completed on time and on budget. prgtoken H.R. 3593 is a substantial effort in the fight against climate change. The bill authorizes research to advance the next generation of clean energy technologies to help us reach our shared goals of developing energy that is clean, sustainable, reliable, and affordable. In carrying out these activities, this bill also directs the office to support the development of a skilled, diverse, and inclusive workforce for clean energy researchers, scientists, and professionals. prgtoken That is why the bill has been endorsed by stakeholders in the business community, like the U.S. Chamber of Commerce; the academic community, like the Association of American Universities; major scientific associations, like the American Physical and Chemical Societies; and significant environmental organizations like the Environmental Defense Fund. prgtoken This bill is another strong example of the collaborative bipartisan approach that our committee has taken. Ranking Member Lucas' collaborative approach has been crucial in getting us to where we are today. prgtoken Before , I would like to recognize the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology staff who worked on this bill, and in some cases for several years now: Adam Rosenberg, Alyse Huffman, Sangina Wright, and Bill Kallen. I also recognize the efforts of Ranking Member Lucas' staff in helping us to get where we are today, including Hillary O'Brien, Jenn Wickre, and Daniel Dziadon. prgtoken I strongly urge my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to support this bill to dramatically improve the Nation's competitiveness and help lead us all to a brighter future .
CBC SUPPORTS INVESTING IN INFRASTRUCTURE
Troy A. Carter (Democrat, LA) \u2014 2021-6-28

. Madam , Beatty, Coanchor Torres, it is indeed an honor to join you tonight with your incredible leadership, Madam Chair, with your tenacious ability to lead, direct, and command the respect of 57 Members of this august body, to fight tirelessly on behalf of the people of your district, but also all the people of our great country. I thank you for your leadership. prgtoken This week, the House will take up an important bill for our Nation's future, the INVEST Act. prgtoken Americans have grown weary, and justifiably so. We have talked about an infrastructure bill for a very long time, and we have kicked the proverbial ball down the road as far as we can. prgtoken The people deserve more. The people deserve better. They deserve an infrastructure plan now, and one that speaks to traditional infrastructure, brick and mortar, as well as human infrastructure, broadband, housing, opportunities for our communities to rebuild, to grow, to thrive. prgtoken As a Member of the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, and as a Representative of one of the largest transportation hubs in the Nation, I know this legislation will reimagine and rebuild our infrastructure in Louisiana and across America. prgtoken This is a big bill and it does big things. It steps up to the challenges we face now and prepares us for challenges to come in the future. It powers economic development, creating good-paying jobs, building and fixing our crumbling infrastructure. prgtoken It connects communities by supporting public transit and new, high- speed, low-emission railways between cities like New Orleans and Baton Rouge and the river parishes in between. prgtoken It restores communities that have been harmed by old transportation decisions, like neighborhoods and districts that were cut in half and live in the shadows of interstate overpasses. prgtoken It also invests in passenger and freight rail. Both are very important to me because my district is home to the only port served by six Class 1 railroads, and it contains a corridor that badly needs new high-speed rail from New Orleans to Baton Rouge. prgtoken Investing in and supporting freight rail would allow them to continue driving our economy and reducing greenhouse gases from shipping. prgtoken The plan to connect New Orleans and Baton Rouge was delayed by a shortsighted decision of a previous Governor. But this bill and this administration gets us back on track. prgtoken Connecting two of the biggest cities in the State with high-speed passenger rail makes all the sense in the world; tying communities together, creating jobs and opportunities throughout the State of Louisiana, providing the resources to have cleaner forms of transportation. prgtoken Infrastructure now means so much more than stop signs and sidewalks. It means access to broadband, affordable and safe housing, and support for people caring for parents or children. prgtoken This bill starts that, and th
CONGRESS MUST WORK TOGETHER FOR PROGRESS
Bradley Scott Schneider (Democrat, IL) \u2014 2021-6-28

. Madam , as we reach the middle of 2021, this House has made incredible progress, including fighting the global pandemic by passing the American Rescue Plan. prgtoken Already, more than 300 million vaccine shots have been administered. Communities are opening up, and business is picking up, creating jobs and opportunity. prgtoken Next month, parents will begin receiving their monthly child tax credit, legislation that will cut the Nation's child poverty rate in half. prgtoken We have a pathway to recovery and transformation that offers real promise to every American. But underneath all of this, our country faces a deep divide that threatens to undo the foundations upon which our country rests. prgtoken These divisions reached an apex on January 6, when our Capitol came under attack and five people died. prgtoken The immediate threat to the Capitol may have receded, but the threat across the country still simmers. prgtoken It is therefore imperative that we fully understand the events leading up to and including the siege on the Capitol on January 6. prgtoken As someone who was here in the gallery during the attack, someone who watched in horror as they rushed the off the floor, who took cover as the Capitol Police barricaded the door against the mob, who fully understands the cost to our Nation and the implications of simply moving on, I am personally, deeply invested in preventing such an attack on our Capitol from ever happening again. prgtoken The divide in our Nation threatens the prospects of our recovery and the potential for America to lead on the global stage. prgtoken Congress must now work in unison, and s, to institute the policies we need to prevent future acts of domestic extremism. For years, I have worked to pass legislation like the Domestic Terrorism Prevention Act that would invest in the types of programs built to spot and intervene in this type of extremism. prgtoken When my friend Congressman John Katko negotiated a bipartisan committee to investigate January 6, he did it because he knew the stakes we faced as a Nation. prgtoken The work of the Select Committee will be essential to history's understanding of what took place on January 6 and protecting the future of our Republic. prgtoken My hope is that the members of this committee will be committed to the prgtoken sober and relentless pursuit of the truth so that such a crisis never happens again.
HAITI DEVELOPMENT, ACCOUNTABILITY, AND INSTITUTIONAL TRANSPARENCY INITIATIVE ACT
Sheila Jackson Lee (Democrat, TX) \u2014 2021-6-28

I rise to voice my support for H.R. 2471, the ``Haiti Development, Accountability, and Institutional Transparency Initiative Act,'' which modernizes the U.S. foreign assistance strategy to Haiti, and affirms our role as a champion of democracy and good neighbor in the Western Hemisphere. prgtoken This legislation, introduced by my colleague, the gentleman from New York, Congressman Hakeem Jeffries, would promote transparency within Haitian humanitarian assistance programs, and place democratic values such as good governance, freedom of the press, and human rights at the forefront of our bilateral relationship with Haiti. prgtoken Since the catastrophic earthquake on January 12, 2010, which left 220,000 people dead, 300,000 injured, and 115,000 homes destroyed, the United States--in partnership with the international community--mounted an unprecedented humanitarian response. prgtoken The United States Government has disbursed more than $4,000,000,000 in recovery and development funding since the disaster struck in 2010. prgtoken In 2016, Hurricane Matthew caused widespread damage and flooding, leaving 1.4 million people in need of immediate assistance. prgtoken Prior to these catastrophes, Haiti registered among the lowest in socioeconomic indicators and had the second highest rate of income disparity in the world. prgtoken Concurrently, democratic backsliding in Haiti undercuts the shared commitment to democracy in our bilateral relationship and stymies our effort to ensure that humanitarian aid is reaching and improving the welfare of the Haitian people. prgtoken The United Nations Human Rights Office of the High Commissioner and the Human Rights Service jointly found a 333 percent increase in human rights violations and abuses from July 2018 through December 2019. prgtoken On top of that, parliamentary elections scheduled for October 2019 never took place, and since January 2020, President Jovenel Moise has ruled by decree. prgtoken As an original co-sponsor of H.R. 3059, the ``Assessing Progress in Haiti, Act of 2013,'' I maintain an unshaking belief in the Haitian people's resilience, entrepreneurial spirit, and desire for a free and fair political system. prgtoken That is why I also staunchly opposed the former president's attempt to terminate Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Haitians living in the United States. prgtoken In tandem with the U.S. Government, Haiti relies on remittances that its citizens receive from TPS beneficiaries in the United States. prgtoken The Haitian community in Texas exemplifies this reality. prgtoken As such, I am pleased that Secretary Mayorkas announced a new 18- month designation of Haiti for Temporary Protected Status. prgtoken Following Hurricane Matthew, I called upon Houstonians to do their part in alleviating the suffering of our neighbors in Haiti. prgtoken In partnership with local organizations, churches, and the diaspora community, we collected and donated clothing, pillows,
REPEAL OF JOINT RESOLUTION TO PROMOTE PEACE AND STABILITY IN THE MIDDLE EAST
Abigail Davis Spanberger (Democrat, VA) \u2014 2021-6-28

I rise today in support of repealing the 1957 AUMF Mr. Ranking Member, I was also not born when this Authorization for Use of Military Force was put in place. prgtoken In addition to considering my legislation to repeal the 1991 Gulf war AUMF, I am pleased that we are considering a separate bill that I co- led with Congressman Meijer to repeal an open-ended resolution from 1957 that authorized the use for military force in the Middle East. prgtoken This Cold War-era authorization still on the books today is more than 60 years old, and it provides outdated, blank-check authorities to an executive branch or Presidential administration that might seek to justify expanded operations in the Middle East. It is not necessary, and we must repeal it. prgtoken Repealing this resolution would not undermine any existing U.S. military operations, but it would help ensure that its significantly outdated authorities are not used or abused by any future President. Additionally, it would show that Congress is ready to exercise its responsibilities under the Constitution. prgtoken I was pleased to see this bill pass out of the Foreign Affairs Committee on a voice vote, and I appreciate Congressman Meijer's leadership, as well as the bipartisan cosponsors who have joined him. prgtoken It is far past time for Congress to reassert our war powers. I welcome the bipartisan and diverse coalitions that have mobilized around this shared goal of constitutional responsibility, Congress demonstrating its sense of responsibility as it relates to authorizing war powers in moving forward with repealing these outdated and unused authorizations. prgtoken We owe it to our constituents, especially those who have served in uniform. While they time and time again demonstrate their willingness to serve our Nation, there should never be a worry that they may be deployed under a 60-year-old-plus authority. It is important that every time we send servicemembers off to war, we here in the United States Congress are taking the step of being responsible by voting on authorizations. prgtoken Today, it is time to vote to take this outdated resolution off the books. I urge my colleagues to join me in voting to do so today.
NATIONAL SCIENCE FOUNDATION FOR THE FUTURE ACT
Deborah K. Ross (Democrat, NC) \u2014 2021-6-28

I rise today to highlight the NSF for the Future Act, a critical piece of legislation that would bolster our Nation's research enterprise and enhance our status as a world leader in science and research. It is so wonderful that it has been done in a completely bipartisan way. prgtoken Included in this legislation is a bipartisan bill I introduced, the NSF Technology Research Institutes Act. This important bill would create a grant program at NSF that will fund technology research activities at institutes of higher education. This will further our national innovation enterprise and ensure our technology workforce has the requisite skill set to work on cutting-edge research as the key to success in the 21st century. prgtoken This program will enable our academic institutions, including those I represent in the Research Triangle area of North Carolina, to further provide their students with critical research experience to build the robust technology workforce our country urgently needs. prgtoken I look forward to working with the Senate to ensure this critical bill is signed into law.
NATIONAL GUARD ENDING MISSION AT FOOD BANKS
Marcy Kaptur (Democrat, OH) \u2014 2021-6-28

. Madam , I rise today in strong appreciation of our Ohio National Guardsmen, who have valiantly served Ohio's food banks during the COVID-19 pandemic. As their mission closes this Friday, let us commend the women and men in uniform whose selfless duty helped meet unprecedented need. prgtoken Ohio's food banks served up to 150,000 more Ohioans monthly during this pandemic and saw 3 in 10 people seeking out emergency food assistance for the first time. prgtoken With the food banks' core volunteer force sidelined, the Ohio National Guard deployed over 400 members to help meet the human challenge. These women and men are owed a significant debt of gratitude. prgtoken Let us offer our deepest thanks to the Ohio National Guard adjutant general, Major General John , whose leadership and swift organization implemented the Guard's mission with great precision. prgtoken I thank the Ohio Association of Foodbanks executive director, Lisa Hamler-Fugitt; the Toledo SeaGate executive director, Mindy Rapp; the Toledo Food Bank president and CEO, James Caldwell; the Second Harvest of North Central Ohio president and CEO, Julie Chase-Morefield; and the Greater Cleveland Food Bank president and CEO, Kristin Warzocha. prgtoken These tireless teams put a human face on America. Congratulations to them all.
HAITI DEVELOPMENT, ACCOUNTABILITY, AND INSTITUTIONAL TRANSPARENCY INITIATIVE ACT
Sara Jacobs (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2021-6-28

I rise today to speak in support of H.R. 2471, the Haiti Development, Accountability, and Institutional Transparency Initiative Act. I thank Congressman Jeffries for his leadership in offering this important piece of legislation that will ensure that we take stock of U.S. policy in Haiti and measure our progress in addressing corruption, improving governance, and advancing the rule of law. prgtoken Haiti is facing one of its worst outbreaks of violence since 1986. This has had a devastating impact on the Haitian people and threatened any long-term progress we have made. We have seen this movie before. Instead of continuing the same approach and hoping for a different outcome, it is critical that as we are conducting our long-overdue review of policy, we are analyzing the drivers and risks of conflict, instability, and violence in Haiti. prgtoken This bill sets out to do just that and more. The amendment I offered in committee requires the State Department and USAID to conduct an assessment of conflict, instability, and violence in Haiti, analyzing the systemic patterns and causes of violence and the role of actors and beneficiaries who play a part. prgtoken This bill also makes sure that State and USAID are consulting with NGOs and civil society groups in Haiti, a critical step that is often overlooked. prgtoken As someone who has worked in conflict stabilization at the State Department, I know how important it is that we understand the root causes of violence in order to craft sound policy and make decisions on where to focus our foreign assistance. This bill would ensure our review of U.S. policy in Haiti takes this important step. prgtoken , I urge all of my colleagues to support this bill.
IN HONOR OF THE LIFE OF BRIGADIER GENERAL ROBERT RAISCH
Debbie Dingell (Democrat, MI) \u2014 2021-6-28

. Madam , I rise today to honor the life of Brigadier General Robert Raisch of Lathrup Village, Michigan. His lifetime of service to both Michigan and our country is worthy of commendation. prgtoken General Raisch was born December 8, 1929 in Detroit, Michigan. Following his graduation from Cranbrook High School, he attended Duke University where he majored in mechanical engineering. In 1951, Raisch was commissioned into the United States Marine Corps Reserve and began pilot training in preparation for service in the Korean War. While assigned to Marine Fighting Squadron 224 during the conflict, Raisch flew the F-9F ``Panther'' alongside fellow marines John Glenn and Ted Williams. For his heroism, Raisch was awarded two Distinguished Flying Crosses. In 1965, Raisch entered the ready reserve and held several key positions across the state of Michigan including Commander, Selfridge Air National Guard Base (SANGB) in on Township. He retired in 1980 after nearly three decades in uniform and founded the Supersine Company, a sign manufacturing business that he would operate for more than fifty years. prgtoken As a Detroiter, Raisch was active in his community--mounting the Spirit of Detroit statue, serving as a Distinguished Clown in the Thanksgiving Parade (a role he would also take on in the Macy's Day Parade in New York City), and supporting numerous charities. His love of animals inspired him to create the Restore the Horse Foundation, which played a key role in re-establishing the Detroit Mounted Police. Raisch was a true Michigander and a proud summer resident of Mackinac Island where he directed local plays and took part in countless community events. Beloved by his family, Raisch would always point to his children Robert, Elizabeth, Laura, and Julie as his greatest achievements and his wife Susan of 67 years as his greatest love. prgtoken Madam , I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring the life of Brigadier General Robert Raisch. He was a bright and shining light in our community and all who knew him can attest to his selflessness, patriotism, and unwavering wit. Our thoughts are with his family at this time.