mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
HONORING DAMAR HAMLIN
Colin Z. Allred (Democrat, TX) \u2014 2023-1-12

. Madam , with news that Damar Hamlin has finally been released from the hospital, I am honored to join my fellow NFL alumni, Congressman Owens, and my colleagues here today to lead a moment recognizing Damar Hamlin's inspiring story on the floor of the people's House. prgtoken Football has some downsides, but it also has the power to bring us together, to remind us of what really matters. Damar's perseverance has inspired millions and, once again, highlighted the generosity and fundamental goodness of the American people. prgtoken Damar, congratulations on your recovery. We are all with you. prgtoken Madam , from Utah (Mr. Owens).
PROTECTING AMERICA'S STRATEGIC PETROLEUM RESERVE FROM CHINA ACT
Brad Sherman (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2023-1-12

what political nonsense this bill is. It allows an American oil company to buy oil from the SPR on Monday and sell it to China on Tuesday, which means it is fine for them to see SPR oil going to China as long as an American oil company makes a little money out of it. prgtoken And, of course, as the ranking member points out, it allows all the other oil in the country, 98 percent of our exports to China, to go to China unchecked. prgtoken If we were serious about lowering prices for the American consumer, we would look at what the s did in 2015 when they ended our ban on exports and insisted that that be added to the spending bill that shut down the government. prgtoken I had a bill introduced last month to ban American exports of oil when oil is prgtoken selling for over $70 a barrel. We need to ban the exports of natural gas when prices are too high for American consumers. prgtoken Finally, this bill tries to attack the administration's use of the SPR to lower gas prices here, where it has been somewhat effective and has made money for the United States Treasury. prgtoken Let's legislate seriously to lower oil and natural gas prices for the American consumer, instead of simply insisting that if American SPR oil goes to China, an oil company has to be a middleman and make a little money off of it.
NOT WHAT THE AMERICAN PEOPLE SIGNED UP FOR
David N. Cicilline (Democrat, RI) \u2014 2023-1-12

after all the excitement over the 's race last week, it was good to get down to work this week, or not. prgtoken Let's recap. The new majority protected rich donors from paying their fair share in taxes, naturally, and in the process delayed working families from getting their tax refunds. Way to go. prgtoken Next up, a select committee on the so-called weaponization of the Federal Government. Nothing like a Joe McCarthy-style committee to stoke more fear and distrust of the Federal Government only 2 years after the attack on our Capitol. And then criminalizing women's healthcare, because, of course, that is why the American people gave the s the majority. prgtoken The red wave the s dreamed about never materialized because the American people rejected their far-right agenda up and down the ballot. Clearly, they didn't get the message. prgtoken Yet, they did nothing to tackle inflation, the biggest issue for the American people in the last election. prgtoken , this isn't what the American people signed up for. It is going to be a long 2 years if this is all they are going to do.
YEAR OF THE CHILD
Sheila Jackson Lee (Democrat, TX) \u2014 2023-1-12

. Madam , let me, first of all, acknowledge Damar Hamlin for his courage and his fight to survive. Welcome home as he is discharged from a Buffalo hospital so that he can recover. That is the kind of strength that represents America, and though I am not from Buffalo, let me salute the Buffalo Bills. prgtoken I rise today, Madam , to speak about the child and to ask America: How does a 6-year-old shoot a teacher? prgtoken From the research from the University of Pennsylvania, the answer is that children become shooters because they have access to guns. So in my congressional year 2023, I am going to demand that this Congress claims this as the Year of the Child. prgtoken As a founder of the Congressional Children's Caucus, I am going to call upon my and colleagues to join this caucus to be able to establish the premise that no child should go to bed hungry; no child should be without housing or good education; and no child should get off a school bus and be shot as two children were in Washington, D.C. prgtoken Stop the gun violence. Let this be the Year of the Child. Let us lift up our children so they can be healthy adults.
PROTECTING AMERICA'S STRATEGIC PETROLEUM RESERVE FROM CHINA ACT
Sean Casten (Democrat, IL) \u2014 2023-1-12

I rise to address a drafting error in this bill. prgtoken The stated goal of H.R. 22 is to prevent aid to China and lower U.S. energy costs. As written, it is going to have the opposite effect. prgtoken Run the math. In 2022, the SPR released about 210 million barrels of oil. Most of that was consumed domestically, a small fraction was exported, and a smaller fraction may have gone to China. During the same period of time, domestic oil producers exported more than 10 times that volume, so roughly 100 times the volume that was exported from that portion of our SPR that happens to be above ground. prgtoken So the failure to include U.S. producers in the export prohibition means that this bill will do nothing to limit Chinese access to American oil. But since the SPR releases--as the majority notes--do reduce oil prices, curtailing our ability to use that tool will drive prices up and transfer wealth from U.S. consumers to U.S. producers in places like Bakersfield, California, as they sell higher priced oil to China. prgtoken Now, I cannot imagine that the intended to enrich his neighbors so that they could profit from Chinese oil sales, so I would encourage him to vote ``no.'' prgtoken I would also encourage anyone who seeks to prioritize United States access to United States energy to oppose until we can make the necessary corrections to this bill.
PROTECTING AMERICA'S STRATEGIC PETROLEUM RESERVE
Marcy Kaptur (Democrat, OH) \u2014 2023-1-12

. Madam , America's economic independence is based in energy independence. prgtoken Today, I voted for H.R. 22, a bill that prohibits selling oil from our Strategic Petroleum Reserve to China. However, this bill does not go far enough. prgtoken I was one of the Members that saved the Strategic Petroleum Reserve with my vote several years ago. We have to do more to prohibit the sale of oil to other tyrants who wage war on peaceful people and nations. prgtoken In 2015, it was the -controlled Congress that voted to begin exporting oil to all of our biggest adversaries: Iran, North Korea, Russia, and China included. prgtoken Well, how about that? prgtoken Americans cannot be dependent on any foreign adversaries for our way of life. Now more than ever is the time to ensure American energy independence in perpetuity. We protect our workers and our companies when we stand up to predatory adversaries. prgtoken We must continue to keep advancing new energy technologies here at home, and I look forward to support in doing so. That is the recipe for American strength and liberty.
KEEPING EASTERN NORTH CAROLINIANS HEALTHY
Donald G. Davis (Democrat, NC) \u2014 2023-1-12

. Madam , I rise on behalf of eastern North Carolina. prgtoken Nearly 100,000 eastern North Carolinians do not have access to affordable healthcare, placing them in the Medicaid coverage gap. prgtoken Madam , more than a decade after the passage of the Affordable Care Act, 12 States have declined to expand coverage. This is simply unacceptable. prgtoken That is why one of my first acts as a Member of Congress included cosponsoring H.R. 31, the COVER Now Act. This bill, introduced by my good friend, Lloyd Doggett of Texas, is a critical piece of legislation that would allow local authorities to provide health benefits to residents of States that have not expanded Medicaid. prgtoken Madam , the hardworking people of eastern North Carolina make up more than 20 percent of our State, and we must do all that we can to keep them safe and healthy.
HONORING THE SERVICE OF JOHN PARVENSKY
Diana DeGette (Democrat, CO) \u2014 2023-1-12

I rise today to honor John Parvensky. prgtoken John has dedicated his life to helping others and, after 37 years as the head of the Colorado Coalition for the Homeless, there is no doubt that John has done exactly that. prgtoken John first moved to Denver in 1984 after graduating law school to begin a career helping nonprofit organizations. It didn't take long, though, for John to realize he had another calling in life. And just 1 year after his arrival in the Mile High City, John set out on a mission to provide real help to those experiencing homelessness throughout the city. prgtoken He arrived at the perfect time. It was at just that moment that then- Denver Mayor Federico Pena was putting together a task force to tackle homelessness. Out of that task force came the Colorado Coalition for the Homeless. prgtoken What John thought would be a temporary assignment has turned into a lifelong passion, and the coalition he started has become a permanent fixture in the state. prgtoken Thanks to John's tireless work, Colorado's Coalition for the Homeless has grown from a group of 6 people to an organization that now employs more than 750 people across the state. Its budget has grown from $100,000 to more than $10 million a year. And, with John at the helm, the organization that started as a single health care center now serves over 22,000 people every year. prgtoken John's leadership and advocacy on behalf of those experiencing homelessness, both in Denver and across the U.S has led to the development of countless new ideas and innovative strategies that are now being used in cities and towns across the country to help those in need. prgtoken John was instrumental in creating the Denver Housing First Collaborative that provides housing and supportive services to more than 200 people with disabilities experiencing homelessness. And he was the driving force behind the development of Denver's new state-of-the- art Stout Street Recuperative Care Center--a first-of-its kind mixed- use development intended to provide medical respite and recuperative care to hundreds of people experiencing homelessness every year after they are released from the hospital. prgtoken John's efforts have been widely recognized throughout his career. He currently serves as the President of the Board of Directors for the National Coalition for the Homeless; and he has been the recipient of numerous awards to highlight his many achievements in his quest to help others--including the 2018 Philip W. Brickner National Leadership Award from the National Healthcare for the Homeless; the 2016 Carle Whitehead Memorial Award from ACLU of Colorado; and the 2012 Be More Award from Rocky Mountain PBS. prgtoken After more than 35 years as the head of Colorado's Coalition for the Homeless, John announced that this summer will be his last running the organization. As he prepares to begin the next chapter of his life, I want to express my profound thanks to him
READY TO SERVE CONSTITUENTS AS THEIR TRUSTED VOICE IN GOVERNMENT
Eric Sorensen (Democrat, IL) \u2014 2023-1-12

. Madam , it is an honor to be here serving as Illinois' 17th Congressional District trusted neighbor in Congress. prgtoken I spent more than 20 years of my life as a broadcast meteorologist, making sure that people had the right information to make good decisions in times of dangerous weather. prgtoken Now I am here in Congress to serve my constituents as their trusted voice in government. I am focused on delivering results for my constituents, whether it is lowering food, energy, or prescription drug costs, increasing good-paying jobs in our communities, or protecting access to reproductive healthcare. prgtoken I promise to work with anyone on either side of the aisle, or , on commonsense solutions that solve the problems central and northwestern Illinois families face every day. prgtoken I am ready to put partisan politics aside and get to work in the 118th Congress.
PROTECTING AMERICA'S STRATEGIC PETROLEUM RESERVE FROM CHINA ACT
Lizzie Fletcher (Democrat, TX) \u2014 2023-1-12

energy security is a key component of our national security. Our energy exports have a security impact around the world as they do here at home. That is why I am disappointed this morning to hear many of my friends across the aisle criticizing and blaming President for taking action to lower gas prices for American consumers and to weaken Russia's ability to fund its unconscionable and unjustified war that is unprovoked against Ukraine by selling oil from the Strategic Petroleum Reserve. prgtoken The SPR is a critical foreign policy tool and energy security tool, and it has been for more than 40 years. The SPR was created for this precise purpose for this moment that we are living in, and these recent sales--like every sale of crude in the U.S.--are made on the open market to any entity wishing to purchase it. prgtoken The effective utilization of the SPR has successfully lowered costs at the pump for Americans over the last year. In December, The Wall Street Journal reported that U.S. Government made roughly $4 billion in profits last year from the sale of crude oil out of the SPR. This is an important point to remember because it is the direct work of this body. prgtoken In 2015, the Energy and Commerce Committee under leadership lifted the 40-year ban on crude oil exports. I wasn't here at the time, but if I had been, I would have supported my colleagues in that effort to acknowledge the global free market for the commodity and the importance of ensuring America's energy security and leadership. prgtoken But it isn't right to complain now for those who support free trade in oil and for those who voted for it then to complain that the system worked as it was intended to. The oil from the SPR was put on the global market which increased supply and brought prices down here at home. prgtoken Some of the oil sold by design onto the global market made its way to China. This was not an unforeseen consequence. The then-majority on the Energy and Commerce Committee explicitly rejected a proposal by a ic member of the committee at the time, Mr. Green from Houston, to license the export of crude oil the way we license LNG exports which requires the Department of Energy to approve the sales. Requiring DOE approval on crude sales could have prevented the sales that are now of concern. prgtoken That said, I appreciate that this is a step toward addressing those concerns. But I am also concerned that this alone is insufficient, and we need a more robust mechanism to address any sales of concern. prgtoken Certainly, my colleagues on both sides of the aisle would be concerned about sales to North Korea or Iran or other adversaries. That is why in the last Congress I supported my colleague from Pennsylvania, Chrissy Houlahan's, bipartisan bill that would have closed the loophole to allow the sale or export of oil from the SPR to foreign adversaries. prgtoken There is still work to do he
STANDING UP FOR REPRODUCTIVE RIGHTS
Kathy E. Manning (Democrat, NC) \u2014 2023-1-12

. Madam , last November the American people delivered a clear message: Women want the right to make their own reproductive decisions. prgtoken My colleagues must have missed that message because they just passed a bill that inserts politics into private family decisions. prgtoken That bill is an attempt to create a false and gruesome narrative to interfere with a doctor's care for her patients and to falsely suggest that doctors don't already have a legal obligation to provide the best possible care for their patients. prgtoken This fearmongering is dangerous. It could leave doctors fearful of providing the best care for patients who are facing devastating circumstances. It could cause further pain to families facing the heartbreak of a fetus with a fatal abnormality. prgtoken The real aim of this bill is to vilify and punish women and their doctors. prgtoken I voted ``no'' on H.R. 26. I will continue to stand up for women's reproductive rights.
RESTORING OUR ECONOMY
Donald M. Payne, Jr. (Democrat, NJ) \u2014 2023-1-12

. Madam , I rise today to praise President for his work to restore our economy. The COVID-19 pandemic caused economic issues that few experts could have predicted. It needed strong leadership to help our Nation recover. prgtoken Thanks to President 's leadership, inflation has come down for six straight months, gasoline prices are down almost $2 in a few months, and the cost of goods are falling nationwide. These actions are saving millions of dollars for hardworking American families across the country. prgtoken In addition, President 's leadership has led to increased wages, 11 million new jobs, and the lowest unemployment in 50 years. Clearly, President 's economic policies are working, and we are lucky to have him in the White House.
RECOGNIZING SCHOOL BOARD MEMBER APPRECIATION MONTH
Sylvia R. Garcia (Democrat, TX) \u2014 2023-1-12

I rise to recognize the school board members from the seven school districts in my district in recognition of School Board Member Appreciation Month. prgtoken I am incredibly grateful for the extremely devoted school board members across my district from Aldine, Houston, Galena Park, Channelview, Sheldon, Pasadena, and Humble ISDs. prgtoken These folks are doing incredible work on behalf of the people and are the most important public servants I can think of. They are shaping the next generation of leaders by ensuring our schools are places where students can learn, explore, and dream. prgtoken I know that keeping our schools running smoothly and safely comes with plenty of late nights and a lot of behind-the-scenes work. I am truly grateful for the work of all these school board members and their service to the next generation of leaders. I thank them for always putting children over politics, classrooms over bathrooms, books over bullets, and teaching over talking points.
COMMEMORATING KOREAN AMERICAN DAY
Jimmy Gomez (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2023-1-12

. Madam , I rise to commemorate Korean American Day tomorrow. prgtoken I am proud to represent Koreatown in Los Angeles, the largest Korean- American community of any congressional district in the country. prgtoken Tomorrow, we recognize the landmark 120th anniversary of the arrival of the first Korean-American immigrants to the United States, and we honor the enduring legacy, sacrifices, and contributions made by generations of Korean Americans. prgtoken This is why I urge my colleagues to support my resolution to recognize the ideals of Korean American Day and essential contributions of Korean Americans to American life. prgtoken Madam , it is a great honor to represent a community whose history and culture are so valuable both individually, and as a part of our larger, diverse American identity. prgtoken Since coming to Congress, I've made it a priority to ensure the Korean American community gets the awareness and support it deserves. prgtoken That is why I've pushed Congress to recognize the sacrifices of Korean and Korean American veterans throughout the last century. prgtoken It is why I recently fought to secure $7 million for the creation of the Korean American National Museum, the first museum in the nation dedicated to honoring over a century of Korean American history and culture. prgtoken And it's why I am leading this year's efforts to recognize the monumental milestone of 120 years of Korean American culture, and the countless contributions Korean Americans have made to our country. prgtoken As I continue to work every day to represent and uplift the Korean American community in Los Angeles, I am grateful for the continued partnership of Korean American organizations in my district. prgtoken The Korean American Federation of Los Angeles, led by President James An, has and will continue to serve as a powerful voice and strong advocate for Korean Americans in the Los Angeles area. Their programs and services help form the backbone of Koreatown and have helped keep the community together and strong, overcoming decades of challenges, discrimination and titanic changes in our city. prgtoken The Koreatown Youth and Community Center, led by their Executive Director, Johng Ho Song, has spent nearly half a decade serving at risk youth in Los Angeles as the leading multiservice organization in Koreatown. Their support for Korean American youth and their families, especially recent immigrants and the economically disadvantaged is essential in ensuring everyone in Koreatown has access to healthcare, housing and education. prgtoken These organizations, and many others like them are essential to sustaining and strengthening Los Angeles' Korean community and I am privileged to work alongside them every day to make sure Koreatown and all Korean Americans get the support they deserve from our federal government. prgtoken This Korean American Day, I hope all my colleagues, constituents and fellow Americans take the time to
NYSNA STRIKE
Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (Democrat, NY) \u2014 2023-1-12

. Madam , I wish to congratulate the nurses of Mount Sinai and Monetfiore Medical Center who, after 3 days on strike, reached a tentative agreement for safe staffing ratios this morning. Our hospitals are facing extreme nursing shortages, and it is affecting patient care. prgtoken Montefiore Medical Center, which is in my district, has had 760 vacancies. But thanks to the tentative agreement and the courage and efforts of our nurses on the picket line, hospital management is now committing to an aggressive hiring plan and to immediately implement staffing ratios, including an increase of over 170 nursing positions and a 19.1 percent wage increase and additional benefits to help with retention. prgtoken I thank so much the New York State Nurses Association, NYSNA, for their work. It is our privilege to stand in solidarity with them.