mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
HONORING DAVID KELLER
Jared Huffman (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2022-7-21

. Madam , I rise today in celebration of David Keller as he retires from the Friends of the Eel River (FOER) Board of Directors after 21 years of service. prgtoken Mr. Keller has long been committed to environmental stewardship and public service. During his tenure on the FOER board, he played a key role as an advocate for critical community projects and restoration initiatives, and as an expert on watershed and coastal programs. prgtoken Mr. Keller graduated from the City College of New York in 1967 cum laude, Phi Beta Kappa, with a BA in Psychology and Sociology, and completed his graduate degree in Social Psychology at the University of Michigan in 1969. His passion for woodworking brought him to Northern California, and since 1976, he has been the manufacturer of his own specialized woodworking tools, the Keller Dovetail System. prgtoken Mr. Keller's public service precedes his time on the FOER board. He served on the Petaluma City Council from 1996 to 2000. In this role, he helped pioneer the first U.S. adoption of form-based building codes for downtown redevelopment and led the defeat of the first full privatization of a municipal wastewater treatment plant in the U.S which resulted in a city-owned wetland-based treatment facility. He also was a strong advocate for utility ratepayer protections in community choice aggregation programs. In addition to his service on the city council, Mr. Keller also served as an elected member of the Bolinas Fire Protection District Board of Directors, the Sonoma County Conservation Action Board of Directors, and is the founder and former Director of the Petaluma River Council. He also served on the Bolinas Lagoon Technical Advisory Committee where he led the campaign to reconstruct the Bolinas beach and groin after a 1982 storm disaster. prgtoken Mr. Keller's vast and successful service to the community was invaluable during his tenure on the FOER Board. After two years as a general board member, Mr. Keller took on the role of FOER Bay Area Director in 2003. He's worked tirelessly for dam removal on the Russian River, salmonid fisheries and watershed restoration, resolving inter- basin water transfer conflicts. and to help transform the defunct North Coast Railroad's line to the Great Redwood Trail. Mr. Keller also played a role on the Potter Valley Project Ad Hoc Committee where he represented Eel River interests to ensure the protection of salmon and steelhead populations. prgtoken Madam , David Keller exemplifies what it means to be a community-minded public servant and environmental steward. His dedicated service both in the City of Petaluma and to the Friends of the Eel River has played a significant role in community action and environmental stewardship in the North Bay. Therefore, please join us in congratulating him for decades of inspiring work and in wishing him a fulfilling and relaxing retirement.
WE TRUST WOMEN
Sylvia R. Garcia (Democrat, TX) \u2014 2022-7-21

. Madam , I rise to celebrate the Right to Contraception Act, which will soon pass the House with the support of House . prgtoken Women's rights have been under attack for decades. The recent overturning of Roe v. Wade has sadly provided a roadmap for future courts to reconsider and overrule the right to contraception and other fundamental rights. prgtoken In fact, s have used this decision as an opening to try to block or ban contraceptive methods already. But House won't stand for this, not under our watch. prgtoken Today, we will further protect women and their fundamental rights by passing the Right to Contraception Act because we trust women. The bill will protect women's access to birth control because no one should control women and make their healthcare decisions for them. No one. prgtoken We trust women.
CHIPS ACT OF 2022--Continued
Christopher A. Coons (Democrat, DE) \u2014 2022-7-21

you and I have had the blessing of traveling to South Africa together, so I know you know, as I do, that it is a critical nation, not just on its own terms as a country of 70 million people of a multilingual, multifaith, multiethnic democracy working to achieve the incredible promise enshrined in its Constitution, working to achieve the vision of a liberation struggle, but it is also a country that is critical to regional security and for the path of the globe and to the security and stability of democracy in this century. This is why I stand to speak briefly on behalf of my friend, Reuben Brigety, the nominee to be our next Ambassador to South Africa, whose confirmation we will take up in just a few moments. prgtoken Reuben is someone I admire deeply. He attended the Naval Academy, served in the U.S. Navy, was Deputy Assistant Secretary of State both for African Affairs and for Population, Refugees, and Migration. prgtoken I met him as Ambassador to the African Union, knew him well as dean of the Elliott School at GW. He took on the challenge of service as the president of the University of the South, better known as Sewanee; and now our President has nominated him to represent us in South Africa. prgtoken As we have seen in recent votes and actions at the United Nations and in discussions and debates around the world, African countries--in this moment, during this war in Ukraine, in the face of Russia's aggression--are turning away from us. They are not believing the reality that it is Russian aggression that is causing food scarcity and fertilizer prices to spike, and they are more than not taking Russia's side on this. prgtoken We cannot take these relationships for granted. The United States, for decades, has been a close development and public health partner of South Africa. We have to send our best, and Ambassador Brigety is the right person at the right time to advance the critical relationship goals that we have between the United States and South Africa. Tribute to Alexandra Davis prgtoken , one of the blessings of serving here in the Senate is getting to know natives of New Jersey, like yourself and like my foreign policy adviser, Allie Davis. prgtoken I will do my best to get through these next few minutes of remarks without being unduly emotional, but she deserves a catch in the throat and a tear in the eye because Allie is someone who from the moment she came to join my team 6 years ago has been a remarkable person--a person of great spirit and character, someone who also spent time in South Africa as a young person. prgtoken After graduating from the University of Delaware, a tour as a Fulbright in South Africa prepared her to join my team as a foreign policy fellow. prgtoken As she was just confessing to me in my office a few moments ago, she knew far less about governance and politics than I imagined. She carries herself with remarkable grace a
BIRTH CONTROL FOR ALL
Shontel M. Brown (Democrat, OH) \u2014 2022-7-21

imagine waking up one morning to a sharp, debilitating pain ripping through your lower abdomen that is so excruciating it brings you to your knees, then going to your doctor seeking relief, only to be told that while the medicine exists, because of a new anti-contraception law, you will simply have to endure; endure the unbearable pain that is so all-consuming it limits your daily activities. prgtoken By threatening access to contraception, this is the new reality extremists propose for tens of thousands of Americans. prgtoken Americans who rely on contraceptives to manage health challenges like menstrual cramps, hormone imbalance, and even acne, are now grappling with the fear of no access as the far right continues its war on reproductive healthcare. prgtoken Today, I proudly voted for the Right to Contraception Act because all Americans should have the right to access and use birth control, regardless of the reason why.
DIAL 988 FOR MENTAL HEALTH
Tony Cárdenas (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2022-7-21

. Madam , July 16 marked the turning point for America. prgtoken For the first time in our history, anytime, anywhere in America, you can call 988 for immediate help during a mental health crisis. prgtoken But to truly meet this moment and carry forward the full potential of 988, we need to do more. prgtoken Right now, America's default for people who need immediate help when experiencing a mental health crisis is to call 911, and the default treatment facilities are jails and emergency rooms. prgtoken Time and time again, we have seen repeating tragedies of police officers killing individuals during a mental health emergency. The fact is, we need to stop criminalizing mental illness and get people the crisis help that they need. prgtoken To truly fulfill the promise of 988, we must make sure anyone who dials 988 will have someone to call, someone to come if they need help, and somewhere to go for compassionate continuous care.
RIGHT TO CONTRACEPTION ACT
Diana DeGette (Democrat, CO) \u2014 2022-7-21

. Madam , at the hearing I had on this issue in my subcommittee the other day, Dr. Resneck, the president of the AMA, said he doesn't want to have, when he is in clinic with a patient, a State Attorney General sitting on his shoulder. prgtoken I know how he feels because many of my colleagues on the other side not only want to stop a patient's ability and decision to have an abortion, they apparently want to tell people now what kinds of birth control they can use. prgtoken Today I have heard my colleagues on the other side say falsely that IUDs, that chemical birth control, that other forms of birth control are ``abortifacients.'' Not only is this patently untrue, but it harms millions of Americans. prgtoken I would say that I think everybody listening to this debate is probably confused. My colleagues say, oh, we support birth control. But make no mistake about it, there have been bills in a number of States, and there have been bills in this body to ban common forms of birth control--not abortion, birth control--and that has got to stop. prgtoken My colleagues across the aisle, they think that the rhythm method or condoms or something like that are okay, but the things women use to stop getting pregnant can't be used, and I think that is important to point out. prgtoken I think every woman in America needs to know this, and, frankly, every patient in America should be able to make their open decision about their healthcare for abortion and birth control.
TRIBUTE TO ELI DICKEN
Todd Young (Republican, IN) \u2014 2022-7-21

I rise to formally express my gratitude for the heroic actions of my fellow Hoosier, Eli Dicken, at the Greenwood Park Mall. prgtoken On Sunday, July 17, 2022, in the midst of unimaginable tragedy, Eli boldly stepped forward into danger to save the lives of others. As a murderer committed a heinous act of violence at the Greenwood Park Mall, Eli, after directing others around him to get to safety, drew his own firearm, and fired upon the attacker, ultimately taking his life and saving the lives of countless innocent bystanders. Within 15 seconds, Eli was able to stop an even greater tragedy. As Chief James Ison of the Greenwood, IN, Police Department noted, Eli's actions ``were nothing short of heroic'' and ``many more people would have died . . . if it was not for his heroism.'' Eli's actions were possible due to this own bravery and because of actions taken by the State of Indiana to ensure that law-abiding citizens are freely able to exercise their constitutional right to keep and bear arms. prgtoken I mourn the three innocent lives that were taken and pray for the families and communities that this senseless tragedy has affected. I also pray for the continued recovery of those wounded in the attack, who were in part saved by Eli's decisive actions and also by the exceptional response and care of first responders. So today, I add my own voice to those honoring Eli and express my gratitude for his selfless courage.
TRIBUTE TO RALPH HIPP
Roger Marshall (Republican, KS) \u2014 2022-7-21

I rise today to honor and recognize Mr. Ralph Hipp of Topeka, KS. prgtoken Mr. Ralph Hipp announced this week that he will be retiring September 2 prgtoken after a 48-year career in broadcasting. He first joined the WIBW-TV team in April 1990 as an anchor for 13 NEWS at 10. He briefly left WIBW-TV in the fall of 1998 for his wife's job in Tennessee, but returned to his anchor desk in Topeka exactly 2 years later, and has remained a constant at 13 NEWS ever since. prgtoken Ralph first thought of retirement more than 2 years ago, but when the pandemic began, he gladly remained part of the 13 NEWS teams to help get everyone through the tough times. The last 2 years were the most challenging and rewarding of Ralph's entire career with WIBW-TV. prgtoken Throughout his career, Ralph has hosted various programs and segments loved by many in Northeast Kansas. He was a longtime host for the Sunday night scholastic quiz bowl program ``High Q,'' recognized exceptional students of all ages in the ``Good Kids'' Tuesday night segment, and has hosted hundreds of viewers from the famous red couch set since 2006. Hosting this program from the red couch has been a blessing and joy for him, especially throughout the pandemic. Helping people in their time of need is what the business is all about to Ralph, and the Red Couch Program provided him the opportunity to be able to help others. prgtoken I now ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing the wonderful impact Mr. Ralph Hipp has had on the WIBW-TV team and to honor him for his 30 years of serving the families of Northeast Kansas in what he calls ``the best job in the world.''
100TH ANNIVERSARY OF WMT
Chuck Grassley (Republican, IA) \u2014 2022-7-21

I want to congratulate AM 600 WMT- NewsRadio on celebrating 100 years of prgtoken broadcasting to Iowans in the Cedar Rapids area. Iowans look to broadcasters at WMT as trusted leaders in the community, relying on their programs each morning, noon, and night to stay up to date on local events, learn more about breaking news, and get critical information during emergencies. prgtoken As an elected Representative, I particularly want to thank everyone at WMT for their work to provide a way to communicate with constituents. I have the pleasure of speaking with Doug Wagner at least once a month, where I answer questions on any subject and update Iowans on how I am working on their behalf in Washington. prgtoken WMT's work every single day to report the events that matter to listeners keeps Iowans safe, informed, and engaged. I look forward to my future conversations with WMT to achieve this shared goal.
RIGHT TO CONTRACEPTION ACT
Mariannette Miller-Meeks (Republican, IA) \u2014 2022-7-21

. Madam , I rise today in support of the Allowing Greater Access to Safe and Effective Contraception Act and against H.R. 8373. My colleague, Dr. Michael Burgess, has listed its many flaws, and this is an extreme bill from a desperate majority. prgtoken I was proud to join my colleague, Representative Hinson from Iowa, in introducing this bill, and I urge my colleagues to vote ``yes'' on the motion to recommit so we can bring this bill to the floor. This bill would make FDA-approved oral contraceptives available for over-the- counter use. prgtoken In 2019, I championed similar legislation as a member of the Iowa State Senate that would allow women over the age of 18 to access over- the-counter oral contraceptives. prgtoken As a physician, a former director of the Iowa Department of Public Health, and a mother, I understand how important it is for women to have increased access to oral contraceptives. The Iowa Senate knew it, too, which is why our State senate passed that bill with overwhelmingly bipartisan support, and it would have passed with only support. prgtoken Madam , I urge my colleagues to vote against H.R. 8373 and for the motion to recommit. prgtoken Madam , over the past month, the issue of abortion has been a prevalent topic in the news in light of the Supreme Court's Dobbs decision. I am pro-life. Most of my colleagues on the other side of the aisle are not. But regardless of our stance, we can all agree that we should enact policies to reduce the number of women who feel the need to seek an abortion. prgtoken The evidence is clear. One of the best ways we can prevent abortions is to increase access to contraception. Research has shown us time and time again that if you make it easier for women to access oral contraceptives, you lower the rate of unplanned pregnancies. prgtoken Providing over-the-counter contraceptives is safe and effective for women. Oral contraceptives were first approved by the Food and Drug Administration in 1960 and have been on the market since. But H.R. 8373 would allow non-FDA-approved drugs and devices. prgtoken The ones that have been approved are safe and pose fewer health risks than some drugs that are already being sold over the counter. Oral contraceptives are one of the most popular methods for preventing conception and avoiding pregnancy. prgtoken In addition, women use birth control pills or oral contraceptives for a variety of other reasons. They can use them for regulating menstruation, to prevent anemia, to prevent painful heavy periods, and to address acne. prgtoken Making oral contraceptives available over the counter will also provide benefits to populations that have historically faced challenges in accessing healthcare, such as low-income, rural, and young women. The NIH conducted a study that compared women receiving oral contraceptives through a prescription to women who were able to get oral contraceptives over the counter. The results of this
FORMULA ACT
Mike Lee (Republican, UT) \u2014 2022-7-21

for months now, American babies have endured an unprecedented and prolonged formula shortage. Some doctors have called this the worst crisis of their careers. It has become so widespread that nearly everyone knows someone who has been personally affected. Desperate parents have scoured online marketplaces. They reached out to family and friends for help. They paid exorbitant markups just to feed their babies. In some worst-case scenarios, some have even resorted to dangerous homemade formulas. In the U.S.A no parent should be left to wonder how they are going to feed their newborn baby. prgtoken After months of work and bipartisan collaboration with my colleagues in the House and the Senate, I rise to pass needed reforms that will finally provide relief to hungry babies. Today, we can take action to alleviate a crisis largely of the Federal Government's own creation. prgtoken Poor governance has crippled our domestic formula market. Tariffs and regulations have prevented safe foreign formulas from entering the United States, even while we are experiencing this acute shortage at home. prgtoken Currently, the government imposes a 17.5-percent minimum tariff on formula imports. This tariff has stifled competition. But it doesn't have to be that way. We can lift these substantial tariffs on the importation of baby formulas and reduce the costs borne by retailers to provide access to safe, affordable formula. Doing so will expand the severely limited formula options for American consumers. This modified version of the Formula Act does just that by waiving these tariffs through the end of this year. prgtoken While passing my bill won't provide immediate relief, our work is far from complete. I am committed to doing everything I can not only to provide this relief now but also to make the necessary permanent reforms to our system to ensure that a crisis like this never arises again. prgtoken We still have work to do, and we must further our efforts by allowing WIC recipients to buy whatever brand of formula might be available. We must make meaningful reforms to how the FDA regulates the formula industry. Passing this bill today is the first step. In the meantime, I am actively working on expanding the list of products to receive temporary relief from tariffs. While this is an important first step, it is certainly not the last. prgtoken This crisis is such that American babies cannot wait any longer than they already have. We have a moral obligation to these infants to say that we did everything we possibly could to fight for them. prgtoken Passing the Formula Act will be an incredible win for families and hungry babies everywhere. It will make meaningful headway that is so desperately needed today. By suspending the tariff on formula imports, we are providing cheaper access to individual consumers and to retailers alike. This relief has been long overdue and long overdue especially for Utahns, who ha
RIGHT TO CONTRACEPTION ACT
Larry Bucshon (Republican, IN) \u2014 2022-7-21

. Madam , I rise today in opposition to H.R. 8373. prgtoken The bill isn't about access to traditional contraception. It is about preserving access to abortion drugs. prgtoken As a physician, I adamantly believe that treatment decisions should be made by a patient and their provider. In making that decision, they need to be fully informed, knowing what we are using, for what purpose, and whether the FDA has determined it is, number one, safe; and, number two, unless the drug falls under right-to-try laws, fully proven to be effective. prgtoken The legislation defines a contraceptive as any device or medication used to prevent pregnancy, whether specifically used to prevent pregnancy or for other health needs. There is no explanation of what the device or medication might be, and no definition for other health needs. prgtoken The bill is dangerously vague. It could be applied to chemical abortion drugs to end a pregnancy in addition to traditional contraceptives. It could be used to provide statutory access to drugs without the guidance and administration of a trained healthcare professional or without any FDA review. prgtoken Madam , I urge my colleagues to oppose this ill-crafted bill.