mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
DEMOCRATS FIGHT FOR THE PEOPLE
Ted Lieu (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2022-2-2

. Madam , are fighting for the people. prgtoken Along with President , we enacted the American Rescue Plan and the infrastructure law. That has resulted in the fastest GDP economic growth in nearly four decades, the lowest unemployment rate in five decades, and the fastest 1-year job creation in U.S. history. prgtoken Growth is up. Wages are up. Unemployment is down. prgtoken And recently completed over 1,200 events to highlight the infrastructure law, a law that is going to rebuild roads, bridges, highways, airports, and ports; get lead out of our water; put broadband everywhere from rural areas to inner cities and everywhere in between; and create good-paying union jobs, jobs that cannot be outsourced. prgtoken These 1,200 events are also a reminder that 200 s voted no on this infrastructure law. That is the difference.
36TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE ``CHALLENGER'' SPACE SHUTTLE DISASTER
Jeanne Shaheen (Democrat, NH) \u2014 2022-2-2

I rise in recognition of the 36th anniversary of the Challenger Space Shuttle Disaster and to pay tribute to the memory of all seven Challenger crewmembers: Gregory Jarvis, Judith Resnik, Francis Scobee, Ronald McNair, Michael Smith, Ellison Onizuka, and Christa McAuliffe. prgtoken On January 28, 1986, the world witnessed a fatal accident that claimed the lives of all seven of the Challenger's crewmembers. As many of my colleagues will remember, just moments after launch, the shuttle exploded, never having left the Earth's atmosphere. It was later determined that unusually cold temperatures caused several seals within the shuttle's right rocket booster to fail, ultimately resulting in this devastating tragedy. prgtoken This anniversary is a particularly difficult day for the people of New Hampshire as we pause to remember the Challenger crew, including Granite Stater Christa McAuliffe. The Challenger mission had been chosen to pilot President Reagan's Teacher in Space Program, and Concord schoolteacher Christa McAuliffe was selected to be the program's first participant. Christa looked forward to the opportunity to teach two lessons from space and share her once-in-a-lifetime experience with students across the country. prgtoken Although the Teacher in Space program was discontinued following the accident, the families of the Challenger's crew established the first Challenger Center for Space Science Education to promote science, technology, engineering, and math--STEM--education. The center is a nonprofit that engages with students and teachers, providing hands-on education in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. Today, 40 Challenger learning centers have opened globally, and they are continuing to expand opportunities for innovative programs and activities in STEM. Though we lost five dedicated astronauts, a hard- working engineer, and a passionate and devoted educator 36 years ago, the Challenger's poignant legacy continues to live on. prgtoken So many of our students and teachers can point to Christa McAuliffe and Challenger learning centers as having inspired them to pursue careers in education, science, mathematics, and innovation. New Hampshire has both the McAuliffe-Shepard Discovery Center, an air and space museum and planetarium, as well as the Christa McAuliffe School, an elementary school in Concord. I have no doubt Christa would be glad to know that a great number of young women have chosen to follow in her footsteps and embrace the values she worked so hard to espouse. Christa lived by the words, ``I touch the future. I teach.'' More than three decades later, her enduring impact on the future is clear. prgtoken In 2019, the Senate passed the Christa McAuliffe Commemorative Coin Act, legislation I sponsored with the late Senator Mike Enzi of Wyoming. The legislation was advanced through Congress with overwhelming bipartisan prgtoken support and was subsequently signed
BIOECONOMY RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT ACT OF 2021
Brad Sherman (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2022-2-2

. Madam , I include in the Record the accompanying three letters from Americans for Financial Reform, the Consumer Federation of America, and Public Citizen, which express support for my amendment, No. 573, which was included in En Bloc amendment No. 1 to H.R. 4521. Americans for Financial Reform, February 2, 2022. Dear Members of the Committee: Americans for Financial Reform support Chairman Sherman's amendments to amend H.R. 4521, the America COMPETES Act. We support Representative Sherman's amendments that would close some of the gaps that allow covered companies to escape from financial reporting requirements with the Securities and Exchange Commission through exemptions in Regulation D, Regulation S, and Rule 144A. This would increase transparency and accountability. The amendment would require identification of: Issuer Issuer's place of incorporation Amount of issuance Principal beneficiaries of issuer Use of proceeds, including each country and industry where proceeds are invested. Sincerely, Americans for Financial Reform.
HONORING BALTIMORE FIREFIGHTERS PAUL BUTRIM, KELSEY SADLER, AND KENNETH LACAYO
Benjamin L. Cardin (Democrat, MD) \u2014 2022-2-2

today is a sad day. While we gather here in session, a memorial service is being held to honor three Baltimore, MD, firefighters who gave their lives in service to their community. These tragedies prgtoken are a stark reminder of the commitment and sacrifice that firefighters throughout our great Nation make on a daily basis serving communities large and small. They are truly our domestic defenders and epitomize their moniker of ``America's Bravest.'' prgtoken International Association of Fire Fighters--IAFF--Baltimore Fire Officers Local 964 Lieutenant Paul Butrim and Baltimore Firefighters IAFF Local 734 Acting Lieutenant Kelsey Sadler and Firefighter/ Paramedic Kenneth Lacayo died after a partial collapse trapped them in a burning rowhouse in west Baltimore last Monday. These fallen brothers and sister leave behind grieving family members, a devastated firefighter family, and a community in mourning. We owe them the deepest gratitude and respect. prgtoken During this difficult time, I ask my Senate colleagues to hold in their prayers the families and friends of the victims, the members of the Baltimore City Fire Department, and the citizens of Baltimore. This tragedy affects us all. Families lost a mom, a dad, a sister, a brother, an aunt, an uncle, a firefighter, a friend. In the pre-dawn hours of Monday, January 24, 2022, Baltimore City firefighters were dispatched to the 200 block of South Stricker Street for a reported rowhouse fire. As the firefighters responded, the dispatcher relayed that there was a ``report of persons trapped.'' Shortly after they arrived at the scene, the building partially collapsed, killing Lieutenant Butrim, Acting Lieutenant Sadler, and Firefighter/Paramedic Lacayo. A fourth firefighter, Baltimore IAFF Local 734 member John McMaster, was transported to Shock Trauma and has since been released to recover from his injuries. Please keep him and his family in your prayers, too. prgtoken Lieutenant Butrim was just 37, but already a 16-year veteran of the Baltimore City Fire Department. He was no stranger to putting himself in harm's way. He was called to the job in 2005 when he began his training as a firefighter/paramedic. Immediately after completing his training, he joined the Baltimore City Fire Department. He was always looking to improve his skills as a firefighter/paramedic, eventually earning the rank of lieutenant. Those who knew him say that he was not just an excellent firefighter; he was also an all-around good guy and always willing to help. Paul was a big sports fan and especially liked following NASCAR, baseball, and hockey. He married Rachel, his best friend and love of his life, in 2015. Their son, Nolan, was born in 2016. Tragically, Nolan passed suddenly in February 2019, leaving the family heartbroken. prgtoken Ms. Sadler, 33, a firefighter for 15 years, was serving as an acting lieutenant for the department when she was killed in the partial r
PROVIDING FOR CONSIDERATION OF H.R. 3485, GLOBAL RESPECT ACT; PROVIDING FOR CONSIDERATION OF H.R. 4445, ENDING FORCED ARBITRATION OF SEXUAL ASSAULT AND SEXUAL HARASSMENT ACT OF 2021; PROVIDING FOR...
Deborah K. Ross (Democrat, NC) \u2014 2022-2-2

. Madam , the balance of my time. prgtoken Madam , I would like to add to the comments that I made about the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology. prgtoken Our chair, Eddie Bernice Johnson, will be retiring at the end of this session. The contributions that she has made to this Congress and to the State of Texas have been extraordinary. prgtoken I have an ``amen'' from our colleague from Texas (Ms. Jackson Lee). prgtoken The gentlewoman from Texas (Ms. Johnson) has been a model of civility and bipartisanship on that committee. This bill, the America COMPETES Act, will just be a crown jewel in her legacy. prgtoken Madam , now is the time for Congress to take comprehensive action to strengthen our supply chain, support American manufacturing, and invest in innovation and scientific research. H.R. 4521 will accomplish these goals, bolster American semiconductor manufacturing, advance clean energy technology, and reaffirm our leadership on the global stage. Our workers, businesses, research institutions, and constituents are depending on us to pass the America COMPETES Act. prgtoken Madam , we also must pass H.R. 4445. As long as forced arbitration remains an option, businesses will be able to abuse this mechanism to put profits over people and silence survivors of sexual assault and harassment. prgtoken Our laws should end practices that enable the abuse of working women. Ending mandatory arbitration for sexual harassment and assault is a just way to put an end to one of these practices. prgtoken Finally, we must pass H.R. 3485. Our support of LGBTQ rights must not stop at our border. The global LGBTQ community deserves the full support of American diplomacy. prgtoken The Global Respect Act enshrines our commitment to equality in our foreign policy, and I am proud to support this bill.
BIOECONOMY RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT ACT OF 2021
Jesús G. "Chuy" García (Democrat, IL) \u2014 2022-2-2

. Madam , I rise today in support of the America COMPETES Act. We have heard a lot about competing with China on the global stage, and I strongly agree that we have to invest in American innovation. prgtoken But what does innovation mean if technological development and economic growth leaves everyday people behind? To truly compete, we must take a hard look inward. prgtoken Our economy is built on the backs of many low-wage workers, many of them being Latino, Black, and immigrant, like my neighbors in Chicago. prgtoken How can we compete globally as inequality rises, our healthcare system crumbles, and the middle class remains out of reach for millions? prgtoken I support the America COMPETES Act because it puts our focus on where it needs to be, on investing in communities. The bill strengthens our supply chains, builds sustainable technologies, includes people from diverse backgrounds in the STEM field, and protects and expands living- wage jobs. prgtoken It is about real access to opportunity, so more Americans can share in our country's wealth because our people are our strength.
BIOECONOMY RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT ACT OF 2021
Earl Blumenauer (Democrat, OR) \u2014 2022-2-2

a careful examination of this bill shows many bipartisan proposals. One area of bipartisan agreement is that for too long America has been too weak in its engagement with China. prgtoken The Chinese Government is strengthening its economic power while doubling down on religious persecution and forced labor. Those practices undercut the competitiveness of American workers and business. Congress must step up and confront China head on--our trade title does just that. prgtoken Those damaged by trade, whether workers, business, or farmers will benefit from a dramatically improved trade adjustment assistance program, which expired in June and completely phases out in July. Our provisions modernizing and reauthorizing GSP and MTB will improve American competitiveness and labor standards around the globe. prgtoken And we get tough on China by closing the de minimus loophole that allows $800 per day per person for products undoubtedly, including forced labor, intellectual property theft, and illegal goods. China doesn't give us reciprocity on de minimus--their threshold is less than $8. They are not about to subject their companies to duty-free, unregulated American competition. prgtoken Allowing items like air conditioners, microwaves, and suitcases under MTB doesn't help American manufacturing, it undercuts it and directly undermines Congress' goal of rebuilding domestic capacity. prgtoken Our changes restore the programs back to their original intent of supporting American workers and domestic manufacturing, not undercutting American suppliers. prgtoken At its simplest, this legislation meets workers' needs and bolsters America's capacity to compete. If you want to support the American worker and get tough on China, you have a chance to do so with this bill. prgtoken Madam , I urge everyone to vote in the affirmative.
Nominations (Executive Calendar)
Robert Menendez (Democrat, NJ) \u2014 2022-2-2

I come to the floor today to voice my strong support for four highly qualified nominees whom we are soon to vote on: Dr. Amy Gutmann to be the U.S. Ambassador to Germany; Mr. Scott Nathan to be the Chief Executive Officer of the U.S. International Development Finance Corporation; Ms. Lisa Carty to be the U.S. Representative to the United Nations Economic and Social Council; and Ms. Chantale Wong to be the U.S. Director of the Asian Development Bank. prgtoken They are all highly qualified. I will speak for a minute or two on Dr. Gutmann and Mr. Nathan, in particular. prgtoken Our partnership with European allies is evermore critical as we attempt to deter further Russian escalation and aggressive behavior toward Ukraine. Germany is key to this effort--absolutely critical to the work we need to do to prevent Vladimir Putin from furthering his aims to reclaim a sphere of influence and destabilize Europe. prgtoken So while it was beyond irresponsible for some of our colleagues to bottle up Dr. Gutmann's nomination for months, I am pleased that we are close to getting a confirmed ambassador in Berlin; an ambassador who will help coordinate our joint efforts to prgtoken stop a Russian invasion of Ukraine; an ambassador who will help repair the previous administration's damage to the U.S.-German relationship; and an ambassador who will represent the United States with great skill and determination. prgtoken I would also note that Dr. Gutmann's personal and professional background are a compelling fit for this position and for this moment. As the daughter of a German Jewish refugee who fled the Nazis and as an academic who has devoted her career to advancing freedom and democracy, she is the right person for the job in a moment where anti-Semitism is on the rise and dictators and autocrats around the world are emboldened. prgtoken I urge all of my colleagues to support Dr. Gutmann's nomination, and I look forward to her arrival in Berlin in short order. prgtoken President also made an excellent decision in nominating Scott Nathan to be the next Chief Executive Officer of the Development Finance Corporation. prgtoken The DFC, as that entity is known, is a critical tool for improving economic development outcomes in developing countries, advancing U.S. economic competitiveness, and creating new opportunities in underserved countries and communities. prgtoken And while the DFC is only 2 years old, its importance to the advancement of U.S. foreign policy and international development priorities cannot be overstated. prgtoken Mr. Nathan will be able to draw on his leadership experience in both the private sector and in public service to ensure the DFC effectively leverages public-private partnerships and maximizes strategic development opportunities around the globe. He has the skills necessary to lead the Agency to be competitive with China's Belt and Road Initiative, to promote renewable energy
E-Cigarettes (Executive Session)
Patty Murray (Democrat, WA) \u2014 2022-2-2

reserving the right to object. prgtoken Just weeks ago, we celebrated the anniversary of Roe v. Wade--the landmark decision that affirmed the right to abortion and changed so many lives for the better. prgtoken Across the country, patients spoke out about their experiences before Roe--about how Roe meant they could get an abortion they needed or even how, after Roe, they still struggled to get access to abortion. But what was present in all of those stories was real fear about what the future holds--the fear of what a country without Roe would look like-- because that is what s are pushing for all across the country. prgtoken s in Texas passed SB 8, which bans abortions after 6 weeks and allows people to sue anyone who helps someone get an abortion. prgtoken In Idaho, bordering my home State of Washington, extreme legislators are trying to pass a law modeled after the Texas abortion ban. prgtoken s in Mississippi brought a direct challenge of Roe to the Supreme Court and have told the Court, in no uncertain terms, they believe Roe should be overturned. prgtoken Now, those are just a few examples, and we have got one more here in the Senate today. prgtoken The resolution from the Senator from Indiana sends a message that the Party knows best when it comes to some of the most personal decisions people make about their health and their futures, about when and whether to have children, and about what is best for themselves and their families. prgtoken Well, they don't. prgtoken In fact, the majority of Americans support Roe and do not want to see it overturned. They want a country where everyone can control their own bodies and their own futures, and that is exactly what I am fighting for so I object.
Climate Change (Executive Calendar)
Sheldon Whitehouse (Democrat, RI) \u2014 2022-2-2

I am not very happy to be back with my trusty and somewhat battered ``Time to Wake Up'' poster. Almost exactly a year ago, I delivered what I hoped would be my last ``Time to Wake Up'' speech and took the poster off the floor. prgtoken Things looked good then. The conditions for climate progress were in place. Voters had elected a ic President and ic majorities in both Houses of Congress. So the malicious grip of the fossil fuel industry on the Party was no longer a stopper. prgtoken President ran on a fact-based, uncorrupted climate agenda, and many in our congressional majorities campaigned on climate action. We had reconciliation to work with, and work began on a serious climate bill. prgtoken Actually, after I stopped these speeches, the Smithsonian asked me if they could have this old poster. It is the most used poster in Senate history, it turns out. And I came pretty close to turning it over to them, but something made me hesitate. And, well, here it is back again. prgtoken We just aren't making progress, not by the only measurement that matters: greenhouse gas emissions. We are 1 year in--with no bill, no carbon regulation, and no litigation--and look at the climate havoc. prgtoken Scientists reported that global temperatures registered between 1.1 and 1.2 Celsius above average in 2021. That is among the hottest years ever observed by human beings, and it is dangerously close to our safety ceiling of 1.5 degrees Celsius. And we are here despite 2021 being a La Nina year, when cold Pacific water usually cools global temperatures. The last 7 years are the 7 hottest years in recorded history. prgtoken s may mock and disparage this, but they are paid agents of the polluters causing this. And they are wrong. prgtoken In past speeches, I have described how our oceans absorb a massive amount of the heat that is trapped by greenhouse gas pollution. It is the heat equivalent of multiple Hiroshima-sized nuclear bombs being set off in the ocean every second--multiple Hiroshima-sized nuclear devices' worth of heat per second that we are adding to the ocean. prgtoken In the last three decades, our oceans warmed eight times faster than preceding decades. And it is so massive that it has its own measurement term: the zettajoule. The top 2,000 feet of ocean absorbed a record 227 excess zettajoules of energy in 2021. prgtoken So what is a zettajoule? Well, a half zettajoule--a half zettajoule-- is the total annual energy consumption of the planet. That little line right down there represents a half zettajoule--the total energy consumption of planet Earth, all humans. And here is the heat that that loaded into the oceans because of the amplification of greenhouse gases--227, one-half--so about 500 times as much heat going into the oceans as our entire energy heat spend as a species. prgtoken And ocean temperatures are, of course, now the hottest ever recorded. The excess
TRIBUTE TO JOANNA CAPPS
Patrick J. Leahy (Democrat, VT) \u2014 2022-2-2

I join with the vice chairman of the Appropriations Committee, Senator Shelby, in honoring Joanna Capps on her retirement on January 21, 2022, after more than 33 years of distinguished service to the Congress. Joanna, better known as Jodi, has supported the annual appropriations process throughout her career. and ic staff of both Chambers hold Jodi in high esteem for her deep expertise of appropriations law and budget process and for her steady, even-keeled collegiality. prgtoken Jodi came to Capitol Hill in 1989, joining the staff of the Senate Appropriations Committee. For 4 years she worked as a professional staff member of the full committee, productively and reliably working for lawmakers on both sides of the aisle to support the orderly development of appropriation bills by coordinating the compilation and presentation of scoring data across all subcommittees. During her time at the committee, Jodi gained invaluable expertise and insight into the highly detailed and fast-paced nature of appropriations-related work, as well as the myriad budget-related rules and procedures that govern Senate consideration of those bills. prgtoken In 1994, Jodi transitioned to a new role within the Congressional Budget Office's Budget Analysis Division, where she has worked as a scorekeeper for the past 28 years. In that capacity, she has been a valuable asset to eight CBO Directors. Initially tasked with scoring the Energy-Water and Interior appropriation bills, Jodi served as the primary or backup scorekeeper for multiple bills, expanding her substantive expertise and institutional knowledge along the way. For the past several years, she has handled both the vast Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education bill and the legislative branch bill, coordinating CBO's analyses of the President's budget request for those bills and compiling scores for countless versions at each stage of Congressional consideration. She also supported the production of baseline projections, cost estimates for authorizing legislation, CBO's annual report on Expired and Expiring Authorizations of Appropriations, and other vital efforts related to the Budget Analysis Division functions. prgtoken Throughout her congressional career, Jodi nurtured strong, collaborative relationships that enabled her to act as a trusted and effective liaison between appropriations staff and CBO analysts. Staff of the Senate Appropriations Committee value her candor and ability to juggle multiple requests with a calm, steady demeanor. Within CBO, Jodi is regarded as a generous and amiable team player who goes out of her way to support colleagues, both professionally and personally. prgtoken Jodi is also known for her many creative talents and her civic- mindedness. From setting out trays of homemade scones for CBO colleagues to enjoy with their morning coffee to leading lunch-time tutorials on how to create a floral centerpiece,