mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
TRANSIT SECURITY GRANT PROGRAM FLEXIBILITY ACT
Bennie G. Thompson (Democrat, MS) \u2014 2021-4-26

. Madam , I include in the Record an exchange of letters between the Committee on Homeland Security and the Committee on the Budget on H.R. 396, the ``Transit Security Grant Program Flexibility Act''. House of Representatives, Committee on the Budget, Washington, DC, April 7, 2021. Hon. Bennie G. Thompson, Chairman, Committee on Homeland Security, House of Representatives, Washington, DC. Dear Chairman Thompson: I write to confirm our mutual understanding regarding H.R. 396, the Transit Security Grant Program Flexibility Act. H.R. 396 contains provisions that fall within the rule X jurisdiction of the Committee on the Budget. However, the committee agrees to waive formal consideration of the bill. The Committee on the Budget takes this action with the mutual understanding that we do not waive any jurisdiction over the subject matter contained in this or similar legislation, and the committee will be appropriately consulted and involved as the bill or similar legislation moves forward so that we may address any remaining issues within our jurisdiction. The committee also reserves the right to seek appointment to any House-Senate conference convened on this legislation or similar legislation and requests your support if such a request is made. Finally, I would appreciate your response to this letter confirming this understanding, and I ask that a copy of our exchange of letters on this matter be included in the Congressional Record during floor consideration of the bill. I look forward to continuing to work with you as this measure moves through the legislative process. Sincerely, John Yarmuth, Chairman.
IN HONOR OF THE VICTIMS OF THE SHOOTING AT THE INDIANAPOLIS FEDEX FACILITY
André Carson (Democrat, IN) \u2014 2021-4-26

. Madam , I rise with my fellow Congressional colleagues from lndiana to honor the 8 Hoosiers we lost in the senseless shooting at the FedEx facility in Indianapolis. prgtoken We also honor those who were injured, and pray that they have a full and fast recovery. prgtoken The deceased were our friends, family and neighbors. prgtoken They had hopes, dreams, and plans for the future--only to have their lives tragically cut short. prgtoken And sadly, they are part of a much larger group of Hoosiers and Americans we have lost to gun violence. prgtoken As our community and our state grieve, and as we seek to move forward, we pledge to never forget those we lost--in this shooting, or any other senseless act of violence. prgtoken Their legacies will live on through our efforts to save lives in the future. prgtoken Hoosiers are resilient, and we will continue working hard to create safer communities across America, always carrying the memory of those we have lost in our hearts. prgtoken We will never forget them. [Apr. 18, 2021] Indianapolis FedEx Shooting: Who Were the Eight Victims? Officials in Indianapolis have released the names of the eight people who were killed when a gunman opened fire at a FedEx warehouse on Thursday night. Among the victims were four members of the local Sikh community--including a mother, a father and two grandmothers. Other victims include two 19-year-olds, a university graduate and a father. Local Sikhs say they feel ``traumatized'' by the attack. It remains unclear if Sikhs were targeted, authorities say. About 90% of workers at the facility are members of the local Sikh community, police chief Randal Taylor said. Here's what we know about the victims. Amarjeet Johal, 66 Johal was a ``mother, grandmother and member of the Indianapolis' Sikh community'', according to the Indianapolis Star. Her granddaughter, Komal Chohan, says she is ``heartbroken'' at the death of her ``naniji'', or grandmother. ``I have several family members who work at the particular facility and are traumatised,'' Ms Chohan said in a statement released by the Sikh Coalition. ``My nani, my family, and our families should not feel unsafe at work, at their place of worship, or anywhere,'' she said. ``Enough is enough--our community has been through enough trauma.'' Jaswinder Singh Mr. Singh only started working at the FedEx facility this week and had told everyone how excited he was, an inlaw, Harjap Singh Dillon, told the New York Times. He said Mr. Singh had been working a night-shift sorting mail when the attack happened. An active member of the local temple, Mr. Singh had moved to Indianapolis from California. ``He was a simple man,'' Mr. Di
INTRODUCTION OF THE NUCLEAR WEAPONS ABOLITION AND ECONOMIC AND ENERGY CONVERSION ACT OF 2021
Eleanor Holmes Norton (Democrat, DC) \u2014 2021-4-26

. Madam , today, I introduce the Nuclear Weapons Abolition and Economic and Energy Conversion Act of 2021, a version of which I have introduced since 1994, after working with the District of Columbia residents who were responsible for the Nuclear Disarmament and Economic Conversion ballot initiative passed by D.C. voters in 1993. My bill still requires the United States to sign and ratify an international agreement to disable and dismantle America's nuclear weapons, to provide for strict control of fissile material and radioactive waste and to use nuclear-free energy. In lieu of joining such an agreement, this version of the bill also gives the United States the option to ratify the United Nations Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons (Treaty). Many nations have already signed the Treaty. The Treaty was drafted by the United Nations in conferences in March and July of 2017, which is why I did not include it in my previous bills. According to the United Nations, the Treaty is ``a legally binding instrument to prohibit nuclear weapons, leading towards their total elimination.'' I am pleased by the international progress on this important issue. prgtoken The bill continues to provide that the funds used for nuclear weapons be redirected to human and infrastructure needs, such as housing, health care, Social Security, restoring the environment, and creating carbon-free, nuclear-free energy. The conversion to a peace economy would occur when the President certifies to Congress that all countries possessing nuclear weapons have begun elimination under an international treaty or other legal agreement. prgtoken Our country still has a long list of urgent domestic needs that have been put on the back burner. As the only nation that has used nuclear weapons in war, and that still possesses one of the largest nuclear weapons arsenals, my bill would help the United States reestablish its moral leadership in the world by redirecting funds that would otherwise go to nuclear weapons to urgent domestic needs. prgtoken I strongly urge my colleagues to support this legislation.
RECOGNIZING THE LIMA NOON OPTIMIST CLUB'S ANNUAL YOUTH APPRECIATION LUNCHEON
Jim Jordan (Republican, OH) \u2014 2021-4-26

. Madam , I always appreciate the opportunity to share positive news about young people from Ohio's Fourth Congressional District. Today, I am pleased to commend to the House twelve high school students who are being honored for their outstanding leadership skills and volunteerism. prgtoken On Wednesday, the Noon Optimist Club of Lima, Ohio, will recognize Tyler Arheit, Anna Delamotte, Lily Floyd, Addison Jones, Aubree Linhart, Lucas Prichard, Trenton Stout, Sara Watkins, Thomas Williamson, Trace Wilson, Ryan Zheng, and Zachary Zwiebel at its annual youth appreciation luncheon. These students were each nominated by their schools for being good role models for their peers. prgtoken I thank the Optimists for their efforts to celebrate the many achievements of these students and am proud to join in the accolades to them. They have my very best wishes for continued success in their lives in the years to come.
Recognizing the University of Kentucky Wildcats (Executive Session)
Mitch McConnell (Republican, KY) \u2014 2021-4-26

over the weekend, the University of Kentucky's women's volleyball team made history. The Wildcats hoisted the program's first NCAA volleyball national championship trophy after defeating Texas on Saturday night. The falling confetti in Omaha closed out an incredible 24-win season. The Wildcats' unmatched athleticism and resilience fueled their paths to the title. prgtoken Yesterday afternoon at UK's Memorial Coliseum, enthusiastic fans welcomed home their champions, including Madison Lilley, who was named the tournament's ``Most Outstanding Player.'' prgtoken So I would like to extend the Senate's congratulations to the players, Head Coach Craig Skinner, and the entire program. Kentucky and all of Big Blue Nation couldn't be prouder.
CELEBRATING THE CORPUS CHRISTI ARMY DEPOT'S 60TH BIRTHDAY
Michael Cloud (Republican, TX) \u2014 2021-4-26

. Madam , I rise to honor the Corpus Christi Army Depot (CCAD), which celebrated its 60th anniversary on April 21, 2021. CCAD is the premier rotary winged helicopter repair and maintenance facility for the United States Army. In the midst of a global pandemic, like a battle-hardened soldier, CCAD remains strong, committed, and dedicated to answering the nation's call and keeping the Army flag flying. prgtoken Originally named the U.S. Army Transportation Aeronautical Depot Maintenance Center (ARADMAC), CCAD was established on March 10, 1961, and accepted by the U.S. Army on April 21, 1961. Members of CCAD served abroad on the USNS Corpus Christi Bay--formerly the USS Albemarle-- during the Vietnam War as the Army's only floating maintenance depot, saving time, money, and lives during the conflict. The names Huey, Chinook, Black Hawk, and Apache evoke memories, pride, and gratefulness to our veterans, active duty, and retired service members and civilians alike, whether in war or peacetime. prgtoken The freedom and the security that citizens of the United States enjoy today are a direct result of the hard work and continuing commitment of CCAD to the mission given by the U.S. Army. Thousands of military, civilian, and contractor employees have walked the halls, worked in the hangars, turned the wrenches, flown the aircraft and dedicated themselves to the operation that began in 1961. The community leaders and citizens of Corpus Christi, Texas, recognize and appreciate the service of all personnel of the Corpus Christi Army Depot, past and present. We salute this great organizations' unending mission. prgtoken I wish the Corpus Christi Army Depot a happy 60th birthday.
Defense Budget (Executive Session)
Tommy Tuberville (Republican, AL) \u2014 2021-4-26

you know, there is a lot that we do not agree on here in the Senate, but I think everybody, including the Presiding Officer, can agree that we need to secure our country. We need to be safe. Our citizens need to feel safe. Our job as elected officials is to make sure that those who have stepped up to defend our country have the resources they need to do their job and do it safely. prgtoken The President's recent budget proposal for the Defense Department does not, and I repeat, does not give our men and women in uniform the tools to do their job properly. It is clear that President thinks we don't need further investment in our military. It is clear he thinks it is OK to ask our men and women to do more with less, and that is impossible. This should alarm the Members of this body and all American people. prgtoken The world has changed a lot in 50 years. When President first came to Washington in 1972, there were two superpowers: the United States and the Soviet Union. Back then, we spent 6.5 percent of our Federal budget on national defense--6.5. Today, we spend less than 3.5. prgtoken In 2021, we are facing different but very, very serious threats. Secretary Austin has said that China remains the top ``pacing threat'' for our military. It is much, much more than that. China isn't just trying to dominate Asia and its neighbors; they are trying to dominate much of the world through its growing military and economic influence. Simply keeping pace with China is not enough. prgtoken We have got to outpace all of our adversaries, but doing that requires smart, substantial, and strategic investments in our military--much more investment than the President and many people here in Congress publicly propose. prgtoken Let me walk through some of the ways that a supposedly flat defense budget hurts our national security. prgtoken President says he wants his administration to trust the experts on things like COVID, but this defense budget shows he doesn't apply the same principle to the Pentagon. Unlike the President and some of my ic colleagues, I think we should take seriously the advice of our commanding generals, for they are the experts in this purview. prgtoken Here is what ADM Charles Richard, commander of U.S. Strategic Command, who is over our nuclear capabilities, said in last week's hearing to the Senate Armed Services Committee: I have what I need today to deter. . . . but I need it modernized. . . . There's no remaining margin. prgtoken His warning is clear. We must modernize our greatest deterrent and keep peace among our adversaries with our nuclear arsenal. That means updating all three legs of the nuclear triad: submarines, bombers, and intercontinental ballistic missiles. It is necessary to do so, and it is also possible. As former Defense Secretary Jim Mattis said, ``America can afford survival.'' prgtoken The Russians have made modernizing their nuclea
ADDITIONAL STATEMENTS
Roy Blunt (Republican, MO) \u2014 2021-4-26

I am saddened by the passing of Hal Sullivan. He had a unique ability to bring together organizations and private sector partners to make sure clients of the Fathers & Families Support Center had the tools they needed to be successful. I appreciated learning what he was seeing and hearing, and hearing his advice over the years. His work touched the lives of so many families throughout the St. Louis region, and his legacy of service will have a lasting impact throughout our State for generations to come.
250TH ANNIVERSARY OF WINTHROP, MAINE
Susan M. Collins (Republican, ME) \u2014 2021-4-26

I rise today to commemorate the 250th birthday of the town of Winthrop, ME. This landmark anniversary is a time to celebrate the generations of hard-working and caring people who have made it prgtoken such a wonderful place to live, work, and raise families. prgtoken Originally known as Pondtown Plantation, Winthrop was home to the Abenaki, who thrived along its many lakes and ponds. Those same lakes and ponds would propel Winthrop throughout history, including the historic Winthrop Mills Company's woolen textile mill, and serve as a beautiful backdrop for recreation. prgtoken Winthrop's roots run deep into American history. BG Henry Clay Wood, who played a key role in the Battle of Wilson's Creek in Missouri during the Civil War, was born in Winthrop. The philanthropist Charles M. Bailey was also a resident of Winthrop and was very generous to the town, adding to its rich history. Mr. Bailey donated the historic Bailey Public Library, constructed in 1916. prgtoken Winthrop is also home to the Cobbossee Lighthouse. When it was constructed in 1908, it was the only inland lighthouse east of the Mississippi. prgtoken Maine is known as Vacationland, and Winthrop fits perfectly into that picture. With all of the beautiful ponds and lakes, as well as the 807- foot Mount Pisgah, there is always something to do in Winthrop. The energy and planning going into the town's 250th anniversary celebration demonstrates the pride the townspeople have in their town. prgtoken , Winthrop's 250th year is a time to celebrate the people who, for longer than America has been a nation, have pulled together, cared for one another, and built a great community. It is a pleasure to offer my congratulations and best wishes.
HONORING UNITED STATES ARMY PRIVATE WALTER A. SMEAD FOR HIS HEROIC SACRIFICE AT THE BATTLE OF CHOSIN RESERVOIR DURING THE KOREAN WAR
Elise M. Stefanik (Republican, NY) \u2014 2021-4-26

. Madam , I rise today to honor U.S. Army Private Walter A. Smead for his heroic sacrifice at the Battle of Chosin Reservoir during the Korean War, where he ultimately gave his life for his country at the young age of 24. His remains were recently returned to the United States in 2018 and at long last, identified in March of 2021, after he was listed as missing in action in 1950 and then presumed dead since 1953. prgtoken Private Smead was born and raised in Saratoga County, New York in the Town of Hadley. After enlisting in the Army and joining Battery A, 57th Field Artillery Battalion, 7th Infantry Division, he was deployed to Europe in World War II and then to Korea when the North invaded the South in 1950. Private Smead was reported missing in action at the Battle of Chosin Reservoir after his unit valiantly provided cover for retreating forces before retreating themselves. In 1953, he was presumed dead but, for decades, Private Smead's family had no body to bury or knowledge of how he ultimately met his end. The conflict at the Chosin Reservoir saw more than 7,500 American casualties on the battlefield, and thousands more perished due to freezing temperatures and harsh conditions. prgtoken Through the dedication and perseverance of the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency, the remains of Private Smead were finally identified on March 17, 2021 through DNA matching. His brother and fellow U.S. Army veteran, Douglas, never stopped searching or gave up hope that he would discover additional information about his brother's death. This recent discovery can hopefully provide closure to Private Smead's family. His brave sacrifice in the line of duty helped to ensure the safety of countless U.S. service members, and for his valor, he was posthumously awarded the Purple Heart and the Korean Ambassador for Peace medal. prgtoken Private Smead will finally receive the burial he deserves with full military honors at the Saratoga National Cemetery this summer. On behalf of New York's 21st Congressional District, I am honored to remember Private Smead's great sacrifice, and I thank him for his service to his country, protecting our American ideals of freedom and democracy for all.
Teacher Appreciation Week (Executive Session)
Marsha Blackburn (Republican, TN) \u2014 2021-4-26

we are less than 100 days into the administration, and already we can identify a pattern in how they are building their policy initiatives, interacting with Congress, and marketing their ideas to the American people. In every example, the governing rule can be boiled down to ``what you see isn't what you are going to get.'' prgtoken So far, in this 117th Congress, every single major policy proposal that DC have forced into the spotlight has been based on a false premise. They have intentionally misled the American people and are now catering to the increasingly radical leftwing that gets further out of step with the rest of this country each and every passing day. prgtoken Consider last month's absurd $1.9 trillion spending package. The billed this as ``the American Rescue Plan'' and ``COVID relief,'' but only 9 percent--9 percent--of the total package pricetag went for testing, vaccinations, and healthcare jobs. The rest prgtoken they used on a massive blue State bailout and blatant redistribution of wealth. prgtoken It is the same story with this month's $2.25 trillion spending package. They have done their best to pass this off as an ``infrastructure plan,'' but even if you add up every single line item that is dedicated to roads, bridges, highways, interstates, ports, waterways, airports, broadband, and the power grid, only a little over one-third of that plan will pay for actual infrastructure projects. The rest--the rest--of that $2.25 trillion is just another slush fund for union activism, climate change auditors, and Green New Deal fantasies. prgtoken S. 1, the so-called ``voting rights'' bill that my colleagues across the aisle have spoken so passionately about, completes the trifecta of bait-and-switch bills, advertised as one thing but that would accomplish something completely different. prgtoken Now, S. 1 isn't as much a taxpayer-dollar grab as it is a nearly unprecedented policy power grab that offers solutions in search of problems. It ignores the promises of federalism. It disregards the constitutional directive affording States--affording the States--power over their own elections. prgtoken It requires the use of ballot casting technology and voter registration systems that don't even exist yet, but I think you can bet that some politically connected companies will make a whole bunch of money coming to the market with this technology. prgtoken It would dismantle voter ID laws and prevent local, meaningful cleanup of voter rolls. Your local election commission wouldn't be able to purge their rolls of individuals who have died or moved away. We know that this leads you to a recipe for fraud. prgtoken Speaking of fraud, it would force States to allow ballot harvesting. That is right; it would mandate that they allow ballot harvesting. Everyone has heard of the perils that exist with ballot harvesting. It would mandate donor disclosure, opening private citize
John Kerry (Executive Session)
Dan Sullivan (Republican, AK) \u2014 2021-4-26

I rise today on the Senate floor to call for the resignation of John Kerry as a member of the administration's National Security Council. prgtoken Now, I don't do this lightly. As a matter of fact, in my entire time in the Senate, I have never called for anyone's resignation--- administration, administration, administration now. I have been tempted, particularly when some in government have tried to hurt my State. A lot of that is going on right now with the administration. But his record--John Kerry's record--of undermining working families and working against American national security interests is too much to bear. He needs to go. prgtoken Today, I have heard such disturbing news that, if true, it should absolutely result in the call of John Kerry either being fired or resigning. Enough is enough. Why am I saying this? First, he is killing jobs, arrogantly killing American jobs. That is a fact. He is putting hard-working Americans, particularly in the energy sector--the great men and women who make our country strong by developing oil and gas resources; a lot of my constituents--in the name of climate goals, he is putting them out of work. He is going to Wall Street, saying: Don't finance these projects anymore. That is what reporters are saying. prgtoken On these issues, I completely and adamantly disagree with the arrogant way--frankly, callous way--he says: Hey, people need to move on to better jobs. But for this issue alone, I wouldn't be calling for his resignation. This is a major difference in the administration's policies and priorities with regard to the American people. I think it is going to really come back and hit this administration hard because the vast majority of Americans don't agree with putting people out of work, energy workers out of work during a recession and pandemic, but that prgtoken is going to be decided in the voting box in the elections. The American people will ultimately decide whether arrogantly putting thousands and thousands of energy workers out of work right now is a good idea. prgtoken In the name of these climate goals, he has also been a strong appeaser of countries that threaten ours. prgtoken Let me take you back to 2015. I was a brandnew U.S. Senator. President and President Xi Jinping are meeting in the Rose Garden. prgtoken President Xi Jinping from China tells the President of the United States and the American people: No, we are not going to militarize the South China Sea. We won't do it. prgtoken Of course, the Chinese Communist Party was not telling the truth to the President of the United States and the American people. They started to do this already, militarizing one of the most important sea routes in the world. prgtoken Many of us here in the Senate, and s, said: We need to stand up for our interests. We need the U.S. Navy to do freedom of navigation operations. prgtoken The