mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
FOR THE PEOPLE ACT OF 2021
Zoe Lofgren (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2021-3-3

. Madam , the balance of my time. prgtoken I appreciate that the ranking member has shown us this chart because he has proven that all of the Members claiming that there was tax money funding the pilot project for the small matching donors were wrong. prgtoken This is a pilot project that is funded by an additional fine on corporate wrongdoing. It doesn't take money away from anything else. It is an additional fine that, if H.R. 1 doesn't pass, will not be imposed. prgtoken I was interested to hear our colleague from New Jersey say it is your money that will be used. Well, it is only your money if you are a corporate malfeasance individual, a corporate wrongdoer that gets fined; and I don't think very many of us have sympathy for that crew. prgtoken I would like to just give some perspective here because all over the United States, because of the pandemic, efforts were made to allow for people to vote and not have to endanger their health. So absentee voting became more of the norm. There were more early voting efforts, a lot of things of that nature, because of the pandemic. prgtoken And what happened? prgtoken There was a huge increase in turnout, both among s and . It was a safe and secure election, the most safe and secure election in modern history. There wasn't a bunch of fraud. prgtoken Some of my colleagues said that people don't trust our system. prgtoken Why is that? prgtoken Because there are politicians in this country that are misleading the American public about that election. And I would say the former President is first among them, telling things that are not true and convincing people of that. prgtoken So now that we have had this huge turnout because of the pandemic, we are seeing States--s, I must say, unfortunately, all over the United States trying to cut off access to the ballot. prgtoken In Georgia, they just passed a whole slew of voter restriction measures to try and tamp down turnout, and we see hundreds of bills being introduced to do that. prgtoken I urge a ``yes'' vote on this en bloc and on the underlying bill. prgtoken Madam , .
Introductory Statement on S. 554
Mazie K. Hirono (Democrat, HI) \u2014 2021-3-3

I rise today to introduce a bill that requires the Secretary of Agriculture to conduct a study on the establishment of, and the potential land that could be included in, a unit of the National Forest System in the State of Hawaii. prgtoken The U.S. Forest Service currently oversees more than 150 National forests that receive Federal funding for watershed protection, wildlife conservation, enhancement of recreational access, wildfire prevention, among other things. Despite having unique forest ecosystems found nowhere else in the Nation, Hawaii is currently among the few States that do not have a National Forest. If warranted, a National Forest designation in Hawaii could provide additional Federal research and management resources. prgtoken This bill directs the U.S. Department of Agriculture Secretary, acting through the Chief of the U.S. Forest Service, to conduct a study in coordination with the Hawaii Department of Land and Natural Resources, and in consultation with the Hawaii Department of Agriculture as well as other State and local stakeholders, on the islands of Hawaii, Oahu, Kauai, Molokai, Lanai, and Maui. prgtoken This study would, among other things, assess unique vegetation types, opportunities to improve and protect forest resources, secure favorable water flows, and opportunities for visitor use. prgtoken The Secretary of Agriculture is given three years to conduct the study and report the results to Congress. Information from that report will then inform which lands in Hawaii, if any, would be suitable for inclusion in a National Forest. This bill is supported by the Hawaii Department of Land and Natural Resources.
STATEMENTS ON INTRODUCED BILLS AND JOINT RESOLUTIONS
Tim Kaine (Democrat, VA) \u2014 2021-3-3

I am pleased today to introduce in the Senate, with my colleagues Senators Young, Duckworth, Lee, Coons, Grassley, Durbin and Paul a bipartisan resolution to repeal the 1991 and 2002 Authorizations for Use of Military Force (AUMF) against Iraq. This legislation will formally end the authorizations for the Gulf and Iraq wars--30 and 19 years, respectively, after these AUMFs were first passed, reasserting Congress' vital role in not only declaring wars, but in ending them. The repeal of these authorizations also recognizes the strong partnership the United States now has with a sovereign, democratic Iraq. prgtoken The United States is no longer at war with Iraq and our legal frameworks should reflect this reality as much as our policy frameworks, to include the Strategic Framework Agreement that Iraq and the United States signed in November 2008, which affirms the establishment of a long-term relationship of cooperation and friendship, based on the principle of equality in sovereignty and the rights and principles that are enshrined in the United Nations Charter. prgtoken Since 2014, U.S. troops have been in Iraq, alongside Iraqi forces, at the Government of Iraq's request for assistance in combating the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS). Current Administration officials, including President , Secretary of State Blinken, Secretary of Defense Austin and Commander of the United States Central Command, General McKenzie, have routinely emphasized that United States military forces remain in Iraq at the invitation of the Government of Iraq and in respect to its sovereignty. Recent presidential administrations have maintained that the 2002 AUMF only serves to ``reinforce'' any legal authority to combat ISIS provided by the 2001 AUMF and is not independently required to authorize any such activities. As such, repealing the 1991 AUMF and the 2002 AUMF would not affect ongoing United States military operations. It would however, prevent the future misuse of the Gulf and Iraq War authorizations and strengthen Congressional oversight over war powers. prgtoken It is past time to repeal both AUMFs and formally mark the end of the Iraq War that resulted in a devastating loss of life and wounded tens of thousands of our troops. It makes no sense that two AUMFs remain in place against a country that is now a close partner. They serve no operational purpose, run the risk of future abuse by the President, and help keep our nation at permanent war. prgtoken I am proud to join this group of Senators in introducing a bill to repeal these outdated and unnecessary authorizations. I hope we can continue to find bipartisan compromise on these tough war power issues to include revising and replacing the 2001 AUMF.
FOR THE PEOPLE ACT OF 2021
Katherine M. Clark (Democrat, MA) \u2014 2021-3-3

the insurrection on January 6 had a specific purpose: to overturn our election and to violently disenfranchise millions of voters. prgtoken The immediate threat to the Capitol has been quelled, but our democracy's future is still unclear. Across the country there are ongoing efforts to suppress and limit votes. Dark money fuels campaigns without transparency and accountability, and partisan gerrymandering tilts the playing field. prgtoken A vote for H.R. 1 is a vote for equality, for transparency, and for returning power to the people. prgtoken , 56 years ago on March 7, John Lewis almost lost his life on the Edmund Pettus Bridge for the right to vote. He said: ``Your vote is precious, almost sacred. It is the most powerful, nonviolent tool we have to create a more perfect union.'' prgtoken Let's strive for that more perfect union. Let's confirm our democracy and vote ``yes'' on H.R. 1.
CORONAVIRUS
Robert P. Casey, Jr. (Democrat, PA) \u2014 2021-3-3

I wanted to speak in particular terms about the American Rescue Plan and in particular about the provision of home- and community-based services. We know that when we speak of these kinds of services, we are talking about services that benefit seniors across the country as well as Americans with disabilities. We are also concerned as well for the heroic frontline workers who provide those services, most of whom--virtually all of whom have been underpaid and, frankly, underappreciated for far too long. prgtoken Let me start with the provision of these home- and community-based services in terms of the people who are benefiting from these services. Right now, about 4 million Americans receive home care and home health services in their own homes or apartments. Receiving these services at home reduces the likelihood that that older American will be infected by the virus. prgtoken Serving and supporting older adults and people with disabilities reduces pressure on nursing homes and other congregate settings. We know that these kind of services, the home- and community-based services, make sure that seniors and people with disabilities have a chance to continue to live where they want to live, as opposed to living in a congregate setting. In many cases, that means they will have more contact with their families, reducing the loneliness and social isolation that can be damaging to their mental health. So this American Rescue Plan includes temporary Federal funding to States to increase Medicaid home- and community-based services. prgtoken If the bill were to pass, an additional $9.3 billion would be made available to States to ensure that workers who provide these services have the protection and resources they need to provide the care and to provide the services. prgtoken More than 200 organizations from around the country wrote to Congress in support of these new dollars. For months, SEIU, one of the great unions in America representing workers--healthcare workers; the disability community, as well; advocates for older adults like AARP and others--have rallied around the need for this funding. prgtoken This funding can be used to increase wages for direct-service providers, the workers. It can be used to secure additional personal protective equipment and testing supplies for workers and those that they support. Home- and community-based funds can also be used to help people transition from congregate settings back to their homes. It can also be used to provide services for the 800,000 Americans waiting for this kind of help. prgtoken For example, Ira Hall from Westmoreland County, PA, just right in the southwestern corner of our State, next to Pittsburgh, in that county, Ira will continue to receive services, and he will receive that service from his direct service worker, Ray Williams. I was able to visit both of these individuals last May during a virtual home visit. prgtoken Home- and community
REBUILDING OUR CREDIBILITY ON THE WORLD STAGE
Sara Jacobs (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2021-3-3

I rise today in support of H.R. 1, the For the People Act. prgtoken , I was in this very Chamber on January 6 when our democracy was attacked. prgtoken In the days following, I received texts and calls from friends and former colleagues around the world, who were working on improving democracy in places like Burma and Hungary, who were devastated about what they were seeing and how it would impact their ability to make progress around the world. prgtoken Passing H.R. 1, rebuilding trust in our democracy, is imperative for our national security. prgtoken Since January 6, countries have questioned whether they need to listen to America's calls to defend human rights or abide by the results of free and fair elections. prgtoken Our allies and partners have questioned if they should continue following our lead when it seems like other countries' autocratic systems are more capable of addressing crises. prgtoken We need to rebuild our credibility on the world stage. prgtoken Countries needn't be defined by their darkest days, but rather by how they overcome them. prgtoken The world was watching on January 6, and it is watching again today. prgtoken I urge my colleagues to support H.R. 1.
GEORGE FLOYD JUSTICE IN POLICING ACT OF 2021
Steny H. Hoyer (Democrat, MD) \u2014 2021-3-3

it would be an irresponsible policy to defund the police. We are not for that. prgtoken Hear me. You can say it over and over and over again. It will be a lie. No matter how well it serves your political purposes, it will be a lie. prgtoken , I rise in strong support of this legislation. I want to thank Representative Bass and members of the Congressional Black Caucus for their leadership last year and now. I also want to thank my friend, Chairman Nadler, and the Judiciary Committee for their hard work. prgtoken I am proud to be an original sponsor. If I thought this defunded the police, I would not be for it. Now, that won't affect you and your debate, I understand that, any more than it affected you in recognizing the legitimacy of the Presidential election. prgtoken I am proud to be an original sponsor. prgtoken , in June of last year, the House passed this bill because we recognized that something had to change. Change could not wait. Change waited too long in the Jim Crow South. Change has waited too long throughout this country--North, East, West, and South. prgtoken , when we mournfully say the names of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Eric Garner, Michael Brown, Philando Castile, Freddie Gray, with a list that goes on and on and on and on, enough, my colleagues, enough. prgtoken We must change the psychology of how we treat people. I don't mean police alone. I mean all of us, but all of us don't carry guns. All of us have not been given extraordinary authority by the public we serve. Because we give certain people in this country extraordinary authority to take our freedom away and, yes, to take our lives away, we must ensure accountability for the use of that power, just as the voters ought to ensure accountability for the power that they give to us. prgtoken When we hear about African American parents having to teach their sons how to act during encounters with police so that they, too, don't become victims, it is time for change. When we feel the energy of many millions of Americans of every race, every faith, and every age taking peacefully to the streets in protest against injustice, we know that change must come now. prgtoken I know how you lament the use of violence. I saw that on January 6. prgtoken , peaceful demonstrations, Martin Luther King was locked up. Rosa Parks was locked up. For a crime? Of course, Parks sat in the front of the bus. That was illegal. As King said, an illegal law ought not to be obeyed. prgtoken , they paid the consequences. They had the courage and fortitude to do that. prgtoken That is why we took action last year, passing the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act. This legislation addresses police choke holds like the kind that took George Floyd's life. Stand if you can justify that action. prgtoken , it addresses no-knock warrants like the one that led to the tragic and preventable death of Breonna Taylor. It would condition Federal funding and resources to police depar
CORONAVIRUS
Richard J. Durbin (Democrat, IL) \u2014 2021-3-3

on a different subject, I listened to the speeches of Senator Schumer and Senator McConnell about the American Rescue Plan--'s proposal, his initial proposal as President-- to deal with the pandemic, the state of the economy, and many other aspects of American culture and life that need to be addressed. Clearly, there is a difference of opinion. prgtoken I couldn't help but think, as Senator McConnell was recounting our experience last year, that when it came to the CARES Act a year ago-- the $2 trillion plan to respond to the state of the pandemic and the economy, the plan that was engineered by Treasury Secretary Mnuchin, a member of the administration, who argued and negotiated with s and alike--that, when they finally agreed, the vote was 96 to nothing in this Chamber. Every voted for the proposed CARES Act that was engineered by the administration. Party was pushed aside because the priority was our Nation. It happened again in December of last year. In President 's administration, with Treasury Secretary Mnuchin at the table and with and s bargaining, the final vote was 92 to 6 in the Senate--not bad--and the 6 noes were all s. Again, the stepped up and said: We will support this bipartisan effort because that is why we are here. The American people sent us here to do a job. prgtoken Now comes the new President, , who says: Good work last December, but that was temporary, and that was supposed to be a special effort. Now we have to finish the year. We have some deadlines coming. Just 2 weeks from now--or in less than 2 weeks--the unemployment insurance programs will be running out for millions of Americans, and the rental assistance program as well. Some will face eviction, and some will not have enough money to feed their families. So get to work. Pass the American Rescue Plan on a bipartisan basis. prgtoken We have yet to hear from one Senator who will support President 's plan. Some of them have prgtoken legitimate differences with his policy, and I wish they would come to the table and be a part of the conversation, but none of them has really stepped up and said: We are in for the big effort that the President is calling for. That is what it will take. Unfortunately, because of that, in a 50-50 Senate, we will need every ic Senator to support the President's plan and to pass a version of what the House is sending over to us. We will go through an exercise called ``reconciliation'' in just a few days. It is not a pretty scene if you follow legislative history, but it is long overdue. prgtoken Do you know the one thing that should drive us on? It is not only the obvious need for this but the fact that the American people overwhelmingly support what President has proposed. The American people believe, as he does, that we should be investing billions into m
CORONAVIRUS
Charles E. Schumer (Democrat, NY) \u2014 2021-3-3

now on the American Rescue Plan, as early as tonight, the Senate will move to take up the American Rescue Plan, a bill designed to immediately deliver help to American families, workers, and businesses struggling under the weight of the pandemic and to lay the foundation for our Nation's recovery, so needed. prgtoken Every day, we see signs of hope and signs of caution in our fight against the COVID pandemic. As of today, in good part because the administration is really doing a good job, over 78 million doses of the COVID vaccine have been administered in the country and over 100 million have been shipped--well ahead of the rosiest expectations at the start of the year. Just yesterday, President announced that there will be enough vaccines for every adult in the United States by the end of May--by the end of May--far sooner than most had thought. Again, President and his team are doing a great job in moving the vaccine out quickly but fairly. prgtoken Still, the United States averages 66,000 cases of COVID per week. That exceeds anything we saw last summer during the worst months of the spread. So we cannot relax, and the need for the legislation that is before us is stronger than ever before. prgtoken It is a similar story with the economy. There are green shoots, but unemployment is still over 6 percent and 9 percent for African Americans. The economy has lost 10 million jobs compared to a year ago. Tens of millions of Americans report being thousands of dollars behind in rent and utilities. As Treasury Secretary Yellen and Federal Reserve Chair Powell have repeatedly warned us, our economy and its recovery remain deeply uncertain. prgtoken There are bumps but mainly because of the stimulus bills we have done. We did a bill in March, and the May and June numbers looked pretty good but then sunk again over the summer and fall. We did a bill in December, and the January numbers looked pretty good. But that is not evidence that the economy is able to sustain things on its own; that is evidence that the Federal Government needs to continue its role to get us back on track. prgtoken We have come a long way, but we have a long way to go. The American Rescue Plan is designed to build on our early progress and finish the job, to help our country get through the final months of the crisis and then, equally important, bring our economy roaring back. prgtoken We cannot go through the situation we did back in 2009, where the stimulus wasn't strong enough and we stayed in recession for years. So just because the numbers are not as bad as they were doesn't mean we don't need a continued strong push to get us out of this ditch and go upward and forward. prgtoken Now, we had always hoped that this very important work would be bipartisan. Regrettably, it seems that too many of our colleagues are resorting to the same predictable objections they raise about nearly every proposal sup
EXPRESSING CONDOLENCES AND CELEBRATING THE LIFE OF DR. IRBY B. HUNTER, SR.
Eddie Bernice Johnson (Democrat, TX) \u2014 2021-3-3

. Madam , I rise today to pay tribute to the life of Dr. Irby Hunter, Sr who transitioned on February 24, 2021. It is with sorrow that I mourn his passing, but with great joy that I remember his rich legacy. prgtoken Dr. Hunter was born in Lindale, Texas on July 12, 1940 to Oliver and Malissa Hunter, the fourth of six children. He excelled in school and went on to earn a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry from Texas College and a Master of Science in Chemistry from Tuskegee Institute in 1963. Thereafter, he continued his education at the The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston School of Dentistry, where he earned his doctorate degree in dental surgery as only the second African American to earn a degree from this institution. prgtoken Dr. Hunter launched his dental practice in Dallas, dedicating his career to consistently focusing on the health and healing of his patients. Throughout his robust career, he served as the President and Chairman of the Board of the Gulf State Dental Association for three terms. Other noteworthy leadership roles included President and Chairman of the M.C. Cooper Dental Society, and affiliation with the Dallas County Dental Society, the Texas Dental Association, and the American Dental Association. Along with his impressive career, Dr. Hunter was consistently engaged with his community, serving on the founding Board of Directors of the Sunbelt National Bank. Furthermore, he was President, Ball Chair, and Chaplain of the Cotillion Idlewild Club; a loyal donor to the YMCA Mooreland Branch; and a regular volunteer at several Dallas area schools. He remained closely affiliated with is alma mater, Texas College, serving on the Trustee Board of Directors and regularly attending a host of Texas College events. prgtoken Known for his approachable and kind demeanor, Dr. Hunter was a loving husband of 58 years, dedicated father of two, and respected community member. Beyond his passion for his career and community, he will be remembered for encouraging the young people in his life to dedicate themselves to their studies as they pay it forward. prgtoken Dr. Hunter is preceded in death by his parents, brother, Dr. Oliver Hunter, Jr, and sisters, Ruth Byrdsong, Faye Stull, and Rosalind McClellan. He leaves behind his devoted wife, Staphalene; daughter, Constance Hunter Wilson; son, Dr. Irby Hunter, Jr.; sister, Nancy prgtoken Curtis; grandchildren Cecily, Clarke, Camille, Chad, Peyton, Irby III, and Thomas; a host nieces and nephews; and the dedicated medical team at the East Illinois Clinic in Dallas. prgtoken Madam , I ask that my colleagues in the U.S. House of Representatives join me in expressing my condolences to the loved ones of Dr. Irby Hunter, Sr. His loss will be felt by many, including myself. But I find hope in knowing that his legacy will live on for years to come.