mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
PAYCHECK FAIRNESS ACT
Virginia Foxx (Republican, NC) \u2014 2021-4-15

. Madam , I support equal pay for equal work. I don't know how many times s have to say that, but we will keep saying it if necessary because equal pay for equal work is the right thing to do, but it is also required under two Federal statutes, and in most cases it is being adhered to. prgtoken Congress should focus on policies that will continue to increase economic opportunity and expand options for all workers. That is what we should be doing in the Education and Labor Committee: looking for ways to increase economic opportunity and expand options for all workers. prgtoken We shouldn't be doing away with pipeline jobs, we shouldn't be raising taxes, and we shouldn't be decreasing options for people to work in this country; but that is what this administration is doing, and that is what the other side is doing. prgtoken The amendments and the underlying bill fail miserably in terms of increasing options and expanding economic opportunity. It is pushing people into the bands, making everybody the same and treating everybody as though they have no individuality, they shouldn't be innovative, they shouldn't be creative, and they shouldn't strive for more. That is not the way to go. prgtoken Madam , I urge my colleagues to oppose the en bloc amendment and the underlying bill, and .
IN RECOGNITION AND HONOR OF THE LIFE OF ELANA THOMAS
Neal P. Dunn (Republican, FL) \u2014 2021-4-15

. Madam , it is with a heavy heart that I rise today to recognize the life and legacy of a special member of my community, Ms. Elana Thomas, who went to be with her Savior on March 1, 2021. prgtoken Elana was born May 7, 1948, in the small rural community of Sneads, Florida. Surrounded by pine forests and agricultural land, Sneads and greater Jackson County are home to hard-working men and women, many of great faith and fortitude. Elana was no exception. prgtoken Her life was not marked by monetary wealth or great business achievements, but her impact within her community was vast. She was not an elected official, but she was a leader to those who knew her. She was a trusted counselor and friend to many, a sounding board, and a valued advisor. She will be sorely missed, but those who knew her in life are assured she is in a much better place. Her faith in God was the bedrock she built her life upon. prgtoken Elana was a devoted church member of St. Peter Missionary Baptist Church for more than 30 years, often serving as a lay speaker or leading songs during services. She taught teens during Sunday School and was the president of the church's ushers' ministry. She had a comprehensive knowledge of the Bible, which she read and studied every day. She would often quote scripture to folks in crisis, providing them with relatable passages that might help them get through the period of turmoil they were experiencing. She counseled those in distress, providing loving and kind advice and direction to those who sought it from her. prgtoken She ministered with members of her church to inmates at nearby Apalachee Correctional Institution, volunteering her time and treasure to help men who had strayed from the path regain their footing for an eventual successful restoration back to their communities. She performed local missionary work, helping those less fortunate with a helping hand, a kind word, and a shoulder to lean upon. prgtoken When her mother fell ill, she diligently visited her every day she was able, in the assisted living facility, even after her own health made it difficult to do so. When her mother passed away, it was Elana who gave the eulogy, speaking eloquently and from the heart about her mother to the assembled family and friends who came to mourn her passing. Elana never let her health issues deter her from the service she was called to do. prgtoken Madam , allow me this moment to express condolences to Elana's family, friends, and colleagues. Though her presence will be sorely missed by many, I pray we may find solace in remembering her legacy for years to come. On March 13, 2021, family and friends traveled from far and near to celebrate her life and her church family was in attendance in great numbers. In the words of Bishop Adrian Abner of St. Peter Missionary Baptist Church, ``Elana lived a life of devotion to those less fortunate. She was a woman of great faith and prayer and a treasured member o
COVID-19 HATE CRIMES ACT--MOTION TO PROCEED--Resumed
John Thune (Republican, SD) \u2014 2021-4-15

I am feeling a sense of deja vu this morning. In March, used reconciliation to pass a massive, partisan bill that served as a cover for a collection of payoffs to ic interest groups in ic States. prgtoken Now, just over a month later, we are facing the prospect of round 2. are once again looking at reconciliation to pass a massive, partisan piece of legislation that serves to cover a long wish list of liberal priorities. The subject this time, of course, is infrastructure--like COVID relief, a subject that s are very ready to tackle, but, just like with their COVID bill, aren't showing a lot of interest in bipartisan cooperation. Once again, their message seems to be ``Go along with everything we want or be completely excluded from any part of this bill.'' prgtoken As I said, s would be happy to take up infrastructure legislation. Our Nation is overdue for additional infrastructure investment. But an infrastructure bill should be focused on actual infrastructure: roads, bridges, airports, waterways, and digital infrastructure like broadband. prgtoken have some of that in their bill, but they also have been very busy expanding the definition of ``infrastructure'' to include a whole host of ic priorities. One ic Senator tweeted: Paid leave is infrastructure. Childcare is infrastructure. Caregiving is infrastructure. prgtoken Well, actually, no, they are not. Neither is the Civilian Climate Corps or community colleges or support for Big Labor. None of those things are infrastructure. prgtoken Now, it may be that some--and I say ``some''--of ' noninfrastructure proposals are things that we should have a discussion about here in Congress, a bipartisan discussion, but they are not infrastructure, and they prgtoken don't belong in an infrastructure bill. should stop rewriting the definition of ``infrastructure'' to suit their purposes. The word ``infrastructure'' is not, in fact, anything that say it is. ``Infrastructure'' has an actual meaning, and it is not childcare or assistance for unions. prgtoken Even ' actual infrastructure spending is frequently problematic. ' infrastructure proposals would cost $2.2 trillion. Less than 6 percent of that--less than 6 percent--would be spent on roads and bridges. Under the ' plan, spending on electric vehicle promotion would exceed investments in roads, bridges, ports, and waterways combined. That includes tax credits and rebates for electric vehicles, measures that will primarily benefit wealthier car buyers and leave rural States like South Dakota, where electric vehicles remain impractical, behind. prgtoken The bill also includes a massive sum for transit and high-speed rail--substantially more than the bill spends on highways, roads, and bridges--despite Americans' limited interest in rail travel. <
STATEMENTS ON INTRODUCED BILLS AND JOINT RESOLUTIONS
Mitch McConnell (Republican, KY) \u2014 2021-4-15

now, on an entirely different matter, colleagues in Congress and my fellow Kentuckians were heartbroken last June when our dear friend, Carol Leavell Barr, suddenly and unexpectedly passed away. prgtoken She left behind two beautiful young daughters and an adoring husband in Congressman Andy Barr. She was only 39 years old. Since then, we have learned her fatal heart attack was likely the result of an underlying condition called mitral valve prolapse. prgtoken Carol was diagnosed at a young age. Like millions of Americans with heart valve defects, she lived for many years with no apparent symptoms. Tragically, it only took an instant for her condition to turn deadly. Approximately 25,000 Americans each year lose their lives from this heart valve disease. Her passing deprived the Barr family of an extraordinary wife and mother. We all lost a warm and uplifting friend. prgtoken One of the most troubling aspects of this syndrome is just how much we still don't know. So Congressman Barr is taking action. He introduced the Cardiovascular Advances in Research and Opportunities Legacy Act, the CAROL Act. It would encourage new research into valvular heart disease, help us better understand the risks, and bring together top experts to identify potential treatments. prgtoken With this legislation, we can help prevent more families from enduring this tragedy. More than 120 House colleagues have already cosponsored the CAROL Act. It has also earned the support of major health advocacy groups. prgtoken So today, I am proud to introduce the CAROL Act here in the Senate. I am grateful to partner with Senator Sinema, one of Congressman Barr's friends from their days serving together in the House. This important legislation is a fitting tribute to a wonderful Kentuckian. It embodies Carol's lifetime of service to others, and I look forward to its passage. prgtoken , I ask unanimous consent that the text of the bill be printed in the Record.
HONORING THE 50TH ANNIVERSARY OF HIRING ROBERT MONTGOMERY ``BOBBY'' KNIGHT AS THE HEAD COACH OF THE MEN'S BASKETBALL TEAM AT INDIANA UNIVERSITY
Mike Braun (Republican, IN) \u2014 2021-4-15

I rise to honor the 50th anniversary of the signing of Coach Robert Montgomery Knight at Indiana University, who set the standard for excellence as a collegiate men's basketball coach. prgtoken Coach Knight had a legendary career as a college head coach for more than 40 years, 29 of which were at Indiana University. During those 29 years, Coach Knight had 11 Big Ten Conference championship teams, took 24 teams to the NCAA tournament, and earned 8 Big Ten Coach of the Year Awards. His 1975-1976 team at IU remains the last team to complete an undefeated season and win every game in the NCAA tournament. They got close this year. prgtoken Maureen, my wife, attended IU, and I can remember what a thrill it was to watch his teams play. Their drive and will to succeed were infectious. Coach Knight's success at IU continues to be a source of pride for the entire State of Indiana. Coach Knight never focused his coaching on winning a game but on the effort it takes to become a champion, saying that the will to succeed is important, but the will to prepare is even more important. prgtoken Due to his focus on his players' success on and off the court--this is amazing--Coach Knight had an astounding 98-percent graduation rate for all players whom he coached for at least 4 years--more than twice the average graduation rate for Division 1 schools. On the world stage, Coach Knight led the U.S. men's national basketball team to a Gold Medal in the 1979 Pan Am Games and to a Gold Medal in the 1984 Olympic Games. prgtoken Victory is fleeting, but Coach Knight both propelled young men toward greatness on the court and gave them experiences and lessons that have shaped their entire lives. prgtoken We honor the drive, determination, and character of Coach Knight and all prgtoken that he did in educating and mentoring hundreds of Indiana University players over three decades to bring pride to the State of Indiana. prgtoken For all the memories, Coach Knight, we give you a heartfelt thank you. prgtoken , as if in legislative session, I ask unanimous consent that the Senate proceed to the consideration of S. Res. 157, submitted earlier today.
HOUSE RESOURCES REPUBLICAN FORUM
Don Young (Republican, AK) \u2014 2021-4-15

. Madam , it is a unique responsibility to be the sole Congressman for Alaska in the House of Representatives. prgtoken It's easy for legislators to forget that life is different in Alaska, and it is my highest priority to ensure that Alaskans are not overlooked here in Washington, D.C. prgtoken One of the principal lessons I have learned in my years of service are the check and balances between the three branches of government inscribed by our Founding Fathers in our Constitution. prgtoken While the President of the United States governs the Executive Branch, Congress writes our laws and that's something we too often forget here. prgtoken Article I of the Constitution states: ``All legislative Powers herein granted shall be vested in a Congress of the United States, which shall consist of a Senate and House of Representatives.'' prgtoken That said the President can only enforce legislation that Congress has drafted and approved. prgtoken The real power of this country lies within this Capitol building and we need to act like it. prgtoken For over 48 years I have worked tirelessly to address the crucial infrastructure and energy needs throughout Alaska. prgtoken Before being elected to public office, I saw firsthand Alaska's lack of traditional infrastructure while I was a tug and barge operator along the Yukon River. prgtoken But I could also see the potential economic development that communities and rural villages could achieve if they were given the resources to put ideas into action. prgtoken It is that driving knowledge that guides me as I work to support federal investment in Alaska's energy infrastructure. prgtoken Unfortunately, the Administration is continuing -era attacks against Alaska. prgtoken By reviewing federal rules that support Alaska and by placing a moratorium on energy development in ANWR, President seems intent to surrender to his party's environmental extremists. prgtoken I want the President to know this: Alaskans have shown for decades that energy development and environmental protection can go hand in hand. prgtoken The executive actions he has taken in his first days in office serve only to hinder our state's economy, stifle energy independence, and prevent the Alaska Native community of Kaktovik from responsibly using their lands. prgtoken Tomorrow I will be proudly introducing Alaska's own Mathew Rexford, at the House Natural Resources Forum titled, ``Where are the Jobs?'' prgtoken Mr. Rexford is the President of the Kaktovik Inupiat Corporation and a strong leader. prgtoken The Alaska community of Kaktovik has long advocated for access to their lands and the opening of ANWR. prgtoken Development in the 1002 Area of ANWR would create countless jobs, revenue streams, provide for infrastructure and improve the health and economic well-being of the indigenous people. prgtoken While the United States should continue working to reduce emissions, doing so in a way that denies
RECOGNIZING WWII VETERAN LEONARD CROFFORD ON HIS 100TH BIRTHDAY
Mike Bost (Republican, IL) \u2014 2021-4-15

. Madam , I rise today to celebrate Leonard Crofford, who turns 100 years old today. Born on April 15th, 1921 and raised in Poplar Bluff, Missouri, Leonard met the love of his life, Rosaline (Rosie), when he was 15, and they got married shortly before he joined the Navy two years later. He first served in the U.S. Navy at Wheeler Army Airfield near Pearl Harbor in 1939. Leonard was just 15 miles away when Japan launched its December 7, 1941 attack on the base, throwing him from his bunk due to the aftershock from a bomb blast. Two years later, he joined the U.S. Army, spending most of his service overseas as a mechanic and teaching other soldiers how to repair tanks. In 1945, he was honorably discharged as a Master Sergeant. On October 6, 1945, Leonard married Rosie in Hammond, Indiana; and together they raised five children: Ronnie, Leonard, Diane, Connie, and Sharon. Forty years ago, Leonard and Rosie moved to Thompsonville, Illinois, spending the remainder of their remarkable 75-year marriage together, until Rosie passed away at the age of 97 on February 22, 2020. Leonard has carried on the traditions they shared, like attending Parish Church and gardening. Every prgtoken year he tends to a strawberry garden that he shares with family and friends. He is very much loved by his children and grandchildren and supported by the congregation of his church. prgtoken Madam , please join me in honoring Leonard Crofford of Thompsonville on his milestone 100th birthday. I thank him for his service and wish him a happy birthday.
CONGRATULATING COLLEGE OF CHARLESTON CHEERLEADING TEAM
Nancy Mace (Republican, SC) \u2014 2021-4-15

today I have the privilege to present congratulatory remarks to the College of Charleston cheerleading team on their historic weekend, winning their first national championship. prgtoken For the first time in school and program history, the College of Charleston cheerleaders won first place, under the direction of their head coach, Samantha Pairet, who stands as an exemplary leader of young athletes in South Carolina and around the country. prgtoken The team traveled to Daytona April 7 through 10 to compete in the Intermediate Small Coed Division I performance division, where they received a score of 94.23 and were crowned the Intermediate Small Coed Division I national champions. Way to go, Cougars.
Nominations of Vanita Gupta and Kristen Clarke (Executive Session)
Ted Cruz (Republican, TX) \u2014 2021-4-15

I rise today to express concerns over two of the ' nominees. There have been a number of questionable nominees put forth by this new administration, but these two nominees may be the two most radical nominees put forth. prgtoken First, I would like to talk about Vanita Gupta. Today, we are set to vote on discharging Vanita Gupta's nomination out of the Judiciary Committee because Ms. Gupta could not garner a majority vote in the committee on moving her nomination forward to the full Senate. prgtoken The Judiciary Committee is deadlocked and for good reason. This nominee's record is that of an extreme partisan ideologue. I can assure the American people, Ms. Gupta is not a moderate, is not mainstream but is, rather, an extreme political activist whom the want to be the No. 3 lawyer at the Department of Justice. prgtoken When she testified before the Judiciary Committee last month, she consistently dodged questions. She wouldn't answer if she supported any restrictions, whatsoever, on abortion. She wouldn't answer--not partial-birth abortion, not anything. prgtoken When it comes to the Second Amendment, I asked Ms. Gupta if she thought the Heller decision, the landmark decision upholding the individual right to keep and bear arms, if that decision was rightly decided. She refused to answer that question. prgtoken For years, she has demonstrated a persistent hostility to religious liberty, such as when she defended the administration's targeting and persecution of the Little Sisters of the Poor. Not too long ago, religious liberty was a bipartisan commitment in this body. The Religious Freedom Restoration Act was introduced by then-Representative Chuck Schumer, now the Senate majority leader. It had passed the House unanimously. It passed the Senate 93 to 3 and was signed into law by ic President Bill Clinton. prgtoken Sadly, today's ic Party has abandoned religious liberty. That is no longer a commitment. Instead, today's ic Party embraces extreme ideas like the Equality Act, which has just come out of the House of Representatives. It is a radical piece of legislation that, among other things, explicitly repeals major parts of the Religious Freedom Restoration Act designed to take away your religious liberty. prgtoken Ms. Gupta has been a vocal defender of the misnamed Equality Act. She lobbied for its passage, a fact that she didn't disclose to the committee initially. When she was before the Judiciary Committee, I asked if she agreed with the provisions of the Equality Act that take away religious liberty protections from Americans. Again, Ms. Gupta refused to answer that question, too. prgtoken Ms. Gupta has demonstrated radical hostility to school choice, so much so that when she served in the Department of Justice during the - administration, she helped intervene in a case trying to kill a Louisiana school choice program, even though ma
BRIGADE 2506
Maria Elvira Salazar (Republican, FL) \u2014 2021-4-15

I rise today to commemorate the 60th anniversary of the Bay of Pigs invasion; specifically, to honor the men of Assault Brigade 2506. prgtoken , over 1,400 selfless men--many of which were only teenagers at the time--volunteered to save the island of Cuba on April 17, 1961 from communism. prgtoken , 114 brigaders and 4 American soldiers were killed in action by the brutal Castro regime; while thousands of others waiting on the island for these freedom fighters were arrested, killed by a firing squad, or sent into exile, including my grandmother. prgtoken For my Miami exile community that I represent, these are our moral points of reference, our heroes, and are reminders of how the Cuban people continue to suffer under a ruthless communist dictatorship led by the Castro brothers. prgtoken , I am proud to join Congressman Mario Diaz-Balart in introducing a bipartisan resolution honoring the brigaders. I urge my colleagues in Congress to cosponsor our resolution to join us in our fight for freedom, democracy, and human rights in the only communist bastion in the Western Hemisphere, the island of Cuba.
KEYSTONE PIPELINE JOBS
Gary J. Palmer (Republican, AL) \u2014 2021-4-15

. Madam , with the stroke of his pen, President canceled more than the Keystone XL pipeline. He canceled the jobs of over 1,000 men and women. prgtoken Each one of these jobs is a real person with real hopes for themselves and their families who are now out of work because they did not have a administration ``approved job.'' The workforce that works on our energy sector is as diverse as our nation. prgtoken Madam , 24 percent of pipeline construction workers are women, and another 24 percent are minorities. The administration is telling these pipeline workers their careers are over and to find a green job that they are not trained to do and that does not pay as much. They are telling single moms and single dads that they have to give up the jobs that supported their families. prgtoken should not destroy the jobs that support the workers and families who have provided the fuel for the American economy and that has lowered energy costs for American families. prgtoken Madam , this is an economic injustice that should not be tolerated. These workers and their families deserve better.
IN RECOGNITON OF THE ANNISTON HIGH SCHOOL BOYS VARSITY BASKETBALL TEAM
Mike Rogers (Republican, AL) \u2014 2021-4-15

. Madam , I rise to recognize the Anniston High School Boys Varsity Basketball Team on their recent 4A state title. prgtoken The Anniston team beat Booker T. Washington-Tuskegee 54-52 in Birmingham at CrossPlex's Bill Arena, clenching the state title. prgtoken This marks the school's first state title since 2009. prgtoken Madam , please join me in recognizing the Anniston High School Boys Basketball Team. Congratulations to Coach Torry Brown and the Anniston High School staff and students. Go Bulldogs.
HIGHLIGHTING DOMESTIC ENERGY PRODUCTION
Michael C. Burgess (Republican, TX) \u2014 2021-4-15

. Madam , I am happy to join my fellow s tonight to talk about the state of energy and the very dangerous ban on energy production in this country. prgtoken This country needs a reliable, affordable supply of energy, but the executive orders reduce access to energy sources. prgtoken America has only very recently achieved energy independence through innovation, lower regulations, and a free market, but these executive orders go the other way and will make us dependent on foreign energy producers. prgtoken Make no mistake about it, the energy will still be produced, maybe just not in the United States. But year over year, since 2005, America's carbon emissions have declined, in spite of increased production. prgtoken I draw attention to the data shared with the Congress by the Texas Oil and Gas Association: Reduction of flaring in the Permian Basin has really brought carbon emissions down. prgtoken We can't strangle ourselves. We need to have American energy. We need American energy independence.