mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
Kigali Amendment (Executive Session)
Charles E. Schumer (Democrat, NY) \u2014 2022-9-20

later today, the Senate will take the first step toward ratifying an amendment to one of the most successful international environmental agreements in modern history, the Kigali Amendment to the Montreal Protocol. prgtoken Members can expect to cast the first vote on cloture later this afternoon after the weekly party lunches. Today's vote will require 60 votes in the affirmative to move forward. And since the Kigali Amendment is part of a treaty, it will require two-thirds of the Chamber to ultimately ratify this provision. prgtoken The Kigali Amendment will be one of the most significant bipartisan measures the Senate takes on all year, and that is saying something, because we have done a lot. prgtoken It would affirm our country's intention to phase down the use of hydrofluorocarbons--commonly known as HFCs--by 85 percent over the next 15 years. Experts say this step alone could prevent half a degree Celsius of warming by the end of the 21st century. Is that incredible? Half a degree. We struggle to get there. This one measure will do it. That may not seem like much, but within the larger context of global temperature, it is really very significant. prgtoken There are two paths our country can take, depending on what we do with the Kigali Amendment. If we ratify this treaty, not only will we protect our planet, but this is an economic issue and an issue to go after China, which is a rogue nation in this regard. It will provide us a golden opportunity for American businesses to dominate in emerging business. prgtoken Every year, millions of refrigerators and AC units are sold around the world; and in the United States, many families own more than one refrigerator. That is a lot of appliances that will need HFC alternatives, which U.S. businesses, particularly, are working to prepare for. By one measure, the combined impact of ratifying the Kigali Amendment and other steps we have taken to reduce HFCs would create 150,000 new jobs and generate nearly $39 billion in investment by 2027 as new markets open up for trade. So this, in many ways, is a pro-jobs measure, one supported by the Chamber of Commerce, by major retailers like Walmart, by the Semiconductor Industry Association, and many other business groups. prgtoken If we fail to ratify the amendment, the rest of the world is going to move on without us. Without Kigali, we are going to play second fiddle to nations like China, whose businesses will surpass ours in developing viable HFC alternatives, taking jobs that, by all rights, belong here in America. And by 2033, parties to Kigali will be prohibited-- prohibited--from any trade in HFCs with non-Kigali nations. We will lose out tens of billions of dollars of sales. prgtoken There is no reason to have that happen. Ratifying Kigali will not require any change in the current U.S. law. We already have domestic policies phasing out HFCs here at home, so we are putting into practice many of the
CONFIRMATION OF ROLFE MICHAEL SCHIFFER
Dianne Feinstein (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2022-9-20

I rise today to congratulate Michael Schiffer on being confirmed to serve as Assistant Administrator of the U.S. Agency for International Development. prgtoken Michael has prepared himself well for this important position, becoming one of the most respected foreign policy hands in Washington, having also served as Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for East Asia. prgtoken I had the pleasure of working with Michael for nearly a decade when he served as my senior national security adviser and then my legislative director. In our time working together, I saw Michael's skill, expertise, and dedication every day. prgtoken He has excelled in every role he has had throughout his career in public service advancing America's interests and improving our standing abroad. He is committed to advancing U.S. national security and advocating for freedom, democracy, and human rights, the pillars of USAID's mission. prgtoken Michael will be sorely missed by the Senate, where he has been a pillar of the Foreign Relations Committee staff. USAID will benefit greatly from Michael's service, and I have no doubt that he will continue to serve the American people well. I wish him great good luck as he embarks on this new chapter.
DEMOCRATS ARE INVESTING IN AMERICA
Sylvia R. Garcia (Democrat, TX) \u2014 2022-9-20

I rise today to celebrate and recognize the good-paying jobs that will be created by the historic investments have recently made in America. prgtoken What are the investments, you may ask? prgtoken Well, let me tell you, , the Inflation Reduction Act, the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, and the CHIPS and Science Act. These are three key laws that will power America forward by creating jobs, jobs, and, yes, better-paying jobs. prgtoken Since President took office in January 2021, over 9.4 million jobs have been created. I will repeat that: 9.4 million jobs. prgtoken If we look closely at the numbers and reports of these three new laws, we get a preview of how many more jobs will be created under President 's leadership. prgtoken First is the Inflation Reduction Act. This bill has the power to create 9 million new jobs over the next decade, nearly 1 million jobs each year, and 5 million of these jobs will likely be new clean-energy jobs across America. prgtoken Second, the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act will add 2 million new jobs per year over the next decade. prgtoken Third, the CHIPS and Science Act will create more than 1 million construction jobs over the next 6 years to build America's semiconductor factories. prgtoken All these laws work to create good-paying union construction jobs for plumbers, pipe fitters, electrical workers, steel workers, laborers, electricians, and other trades for working people. prgtoken These are the types of jobs that residents across my district, Texas 29, and millions of Americans across our Nation proudly work to help keep their families together, to feed their children, and to look to the future. These are the kinds of jobs that power America and its economic engine. prgtoken House and President understand that growing the middle class means creating better-paying jobs right here in our country. That is why we passed these monumental laws. prgtoken Under the leadership of President , who is the most pro-worker and pro-union President in American history, we have also invested hundreds of millions of dollars in registered apprenticeships and pre- apprenticeships to provide new opportunities for working people to get good-paying union jobs. prgtoken President knows it is not only about providing opportunities for Americans today, but it is also about planning for tomorrow's generation of workers and having a better life for our children. prgtoken I am proud President is building a better America for generations to come by putting people over policy politics. Sadly, as House and the President are working to create better-paying jobs, the s are job killers. They oppose this legislation because they only focus on controlling women and their bodies. trust women. prgtoken So while s are focused on their own power, House and President remain laser focused on producin
MS. CHRISTINA PAQUIAN
Juan Vargas (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2022-9-20

. Madam , I rise today to honor Ms. Christina Paquian, outstanding blood donor and community volunteer in the 51st Congressional District. prgtoken Ms. Paquian has made tremendous efforts to help meet regional blood needs and save lives around the region. She has been donating blood for more than 10 years, and recently reached a milestone of donating a total of four gallons. prgtoken As a Guardian Circle Member of the San Diego Blood Bank, Ms. Paquian donates within 8 weeks from the day she is eligible to donate. She donates whole blood, platelets, double red blood cells, and plasma. During the pandemic, she was able to donate Convalescent Plasma, which includes Covid-19 antibodies. prgtoken Ms. Paquian continues to donate blood to various organizations in San Diego County and was honored as the 51st District Constituent of the Month in January 2022 during National Blood Donor Month, for her selfless commitment and her positive impact to others.
AMENDMENT TO MONTREAL PROTOCOL (``KIGALI AMENDMENT'')
Rob Portman (Republican, OH) \u2014 2022-9-20

I rise today to pay tribute to the life and service of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, who was laid to rest in Windsor Castle just yesterday. prgtoken Queen Elizabeth conducted herself with dignity and grace and represented the best of the United Kingdom to the world. She was unwavering in her support for the United States, and the American people reciprocated with their admiration and respect for her. prgtoken My sympathies to the royal family and to the people of Great Britain. We treasure our unique relationship and America stands with you once again as we mourn your loss. Ukraine prgtoken , I am here on the floor of the Senate for the 23rd week in a row to bring to the attention of the Senate, to my constituents, and to the American people the latest news of Russia's illegal, unprovoked, and brutal war against Ukraine. prgtoken I will talk about the disturbing news from Ukraine, about more Russian war crimes, and I will discuss the upcoming vote on the supplemental spending bill for the effort in Ukraine and why it is so important right now to continue to support Ukraine as it makes progress in pushing back against Russia's war of aggression. prgtoken Last week, I spoke about Ukraine's stunning advances up here in the north around Kharkiv. After distracting the Russians with a counteroffensive here in the south near Kherson, the Ukrainian Army launched a surprise counteroffensive in the north and punched through the Russian lines. In just a matter of days--as you see in the light blue part of the map here, in just a matter of days, the Ukrainian Army was able to liberate roughly 300 settlements across 3,000 square miles and liberate over 150,000 Ukrainians from Russian occupation. They also managed to capture hundreds of pieces of Russian military equipment and vehicles and ammunition. So now, instead of being used to kill and subjugate innocent Ukrainian citizens, these vehicles, the equipment, and the munitions can be used by Ukrainian forces to liberate their fellow citizens from Russian tyranny. There were stories of Russian soldiers abandoning their equipment and stealing Ukrainian cars to make their escape--even stealing motorbikes and bicycles. prgtoken Last Wednesday, Ukraine's President Zelenskyy visited a town in this area. The town is called Izium. Izium is located right here on the map. It is a very strategic town for the Russians. Just 4 days before he stepped foot there, this town was under Russian occupation, and even when he visited, the frontline was only about 6 miles away. prgtoken Izium had been used as an important logistics hub from which the Russians attacked south and east into the Donbas region--down into this area. This was supposed to be the northern part of the pincer that Russia would use to trap Ukrainian forces in the Donbas. The Ukrainian forces who were here had to deal with this area that would be used as a stati
Order of Business (Executive Calendar)
John Thune (Republican, SD) \u2014 2022-9-20

last Friday, President said the following during his speech: And we have a process in place to manage migrants at the border. We're working to make sure it's safe and orderly and humane. ``[S]afe and orderly and humane.'' prgtoken I have to ask, has the President visited the border lately? Oh, that is right, he hasn't. In fact, other than a driveby by the border when he was a candidate for Vice President--and by ``driveby,'' I mean his motorcade literally drove by--the President has never visited the border. Never. Although I have to say that even reading the news should be enough to make it clear to the President the situation at the border is neither safe, nor orderly, nor humane. prgtoken In case the President isn't clear about what is happening at the border, let me just read from one news story from last week. This one was from NBC News: A new surge of migrants . . . is overwhelming the Border Patrol and shelters in El Paso, Texas, where nearly 1,000 have been released near bus stations over the past week in hope that they will find their own way to their next destinations in the U.S. prgtoken Here is the title of another grim news article from last week: ``Texas border town requests refrigerators to store migrant bodies after drownings overwhelm mortuaries.'' ``Texas border town requests refrigerators to store migrant bodies after drownings overwhelm mortuaries.'' prgtoken Yet another news outlet reported: El Paso County Sheriff sounds alarm over Border Patrol overwhelmed due to migrants. prgtoken That article goes on to say: Sheriff Richard Wiles stated Thursday, ``This incident raises a law enforcement concern because Border Patrol is so overwhelmed, undocumented immigrants may be released into communities with minimal or no screening.'' prgtoken Does any of this--any of this--make the situation at the border sound safe or orderly or humane? I don't think so. prgtoken The administration has been characterized by recordbreaking waves of illegal immigration across our southern border, and I mean ``recordbreaking'' quite literally. prgtoken In fiscal year 2021, U.S. Customs and Border Protection apprehended more than 1.7 million individuals attempting to cross our southern border illegally--the highest number of apprehensions ever recorded. As for fiscal year 2022, well, we exceeded last year's recordbreaking number of apprehensions in June. The final count of apprehensions for fiscal year 2022 will be well over 2 million. Those numbers only count migrants who were actually apprehended. CBS News reports that there were ``an estimated 660,000 successful unlawful border entries that did not end in an arrest in fiscal year 2021, according to unpublished [Department of Homeland Security] figures''--660,000. prgtoken I don't have to tell anyone except maybe congressional and the White Hous
CENTURY OF PARTNERSHIP OF EGYPT AND AMERICA
Joe Wilson (Republican, SC) \u2014 2022-9-20

. Madam , as a Ranking Member of the Foreign Affairs Committee, I am grateful to recognize the Centennial of Egypt and the United States with diplomatic relations. prgtoken Egypt is a friend, an ally, and an important economic and regional security partner of the United States. Over the past 100 years, Egypt has been a strategic partner in advancing peace in the Middle East and the Eastern Mediterranean. prgtoken Trade ties between America and Egypt have grown rapidly over the years. In 2021, the prgtoken United States was Egypt's second largest trading partner and our largest export market in Africa, with a total bilateral trade volume standing at 9.1 billion dollars. Egyptian investment in innovation and commitment to economic prosperity has led to important development in oil and gas exploration and production, as well as renewable energy technologies and production. It is significant Egypt's newest satellite, Nilesat 301, successfully launched a Space X Launcher from the Space Force station in Cape Canaveral, Florida, initiating greater progress in space technologies. prgtoken Last week I had the pleasure of attending the Embassy of Egypt's 100 Year Diplomatic Relations Reception at the Library of Congress hosted by Ambassador Motaz Zahran. Ambassador Zahran is highly respected in Washington with Deputy Chief of Mission Abdelrahman Raafat and Counselor Ahmed Abu Moussa. It was an honor to join them in celebrating the Centennial of Egypt and the United States diplomatic relations, and I look forward to continuing the advancement of our partnership. prgtoken I am thankful the United States and Egypt remain close allies for mutual benefit, and I would like to again recognize this years' Centennial of our partnership.
HONORING SEARA BURTON
Greg Pence (Republican, IN) \u2014 2022-9-20

this summer our pride and excitement rose as we beheld the events of this year's Little League World Series. prgtoken Indiana's own Hagerstown in the Indiana Sixth District represented the Great Lakes region in this year's games. Indiana has celebrated this team from the beginning, and we couldn't be prouder for their success. prgtoken , I would like to simply say thank you to these outstanding young Hoosiers who took their Hagerstown team to the 2022 Little League World Series. Proxy Voting
EMPLOYEE RIGHTS
Rick W. Allen (Republican, GA) \u2014 2022-9-20

. Madam , we should empower our workforce to flourish. However, Washington are fixated on dragging us back to an outdated model via their PRO Act, which would strip workers of their freedoms and force every American worker to either join a union or pay dues to a union in order to keep their jobs. This is not the American way. prgtoken Freedom of choice is what makes our economy strong, and every American should have that choice. Our workforce is constantly evolving, and we need creative, forward-thinking legislation that gives workers and small businessowners both stability and flexibility. That is why Senator Tim Scott and I introduced the Employee Rights Act. prgtoken Our bill protects independent contractors, entrepreneurs, gig workers, franchisees, and anyone else seeking to earn a living on their own terms. The Employee Rights Act puts workers in the driver's seat by giving them the protections they need to choose for themselves how to earn a living and build a future for their families. prgtoken s stand with the 21st century worker. It is time our labor laws did the same.
PROVIDING FOR CONSIDERATION OF S. 1098, JOINT CONSOLIDATION LOAN SEPARATION ACT; AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES
Rodney Davis (Republican, IL) \u2014 2022-9-20

. Madam , all I have to say on this rule is to listen to whatever she said, nothing of what my colleague from the State of Colorado says. prgtoken I am actually here because my good friend, Mrs. Fischbach, is allowing me to correct a mistake. I missed the 1-minute time period, so I am going to use my time to actually honor one of my constituents. prgtoken Madam , I rise today to recognize Dr. Thomas Ramage, the fifth president of Parkland College since its 1966 inception, who will retire at the end of this year following a remarkable 15 years as president and 24 years of service to the institution. prgtoken Under the leadership of Dr. Ramage, Parkland College completed a $92 million campus master plan that created six new buildings, adding 250,000 square feet of classrooms, labs, and student service spaces to provide the quality educational facilities that our students need. prgtoken During his time at Parkland, Tom has continued to adapt to the changing needs of industry, acquiring the Institute of Aviation at Willard Airport from the University of Illinois and forming lasting relationships with private-sector partners. prgtoken Under his guidance, Parkland also leads the Illinois community college system by enrolling more than 350 international students, representing well over 50 countries. prgtoken Dr. Ramage's strong fiscal management and guidance led Parkland College through a recession, a State budget crisis, and a pandemic. The legacy of excellence that he leaves behind is even stronger than when he became president in 2007. prgtoken I have had the pleasure of working with Tom throughout my decade in Congress. I am proud to call him my friend, and I congratulate him on his well-earned retirement.
BRADENTON KIWANIS 100TH ANNIVERSARY
Vern Buchanan (Republican, FL) \u2014 2022-9-20

. Madam , I rise to recognize the Bradenton Kiwanis Club for 100 years of service to children and the community as a whole. prgtoken Originally chartered as the Manatee River Kiwanis Club on August 22, 1922, by Kiwanis International, the club later changed its name to the Bradenton Kiwanis Club. For the past century, the club's members have been community leaders working together to make a prgtoken positive difference by identifying and meeting the needs of local youth and Manatee County. prgtoken In the early years, the club established a Christmas Charity Fund for underprivileged children and began supporting Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, and other programs for children. prgtoken The Club also brought the Manatee County and DeSoto County Commissions together to build a paved, 50-mile road between Bradenton and Arcadia. prgtoken During the Great Depression, the Club established, funded, and operated a Health Camp for underprivileged children. prgtoken During the height of the depression, to promote tourism and improve the local economy, the Club worked with the City of Bradenton to establish, fund, and operate the Bradenton Trailer Park, which was one of the largest trailer parks in the world until it was sold in 1997. prgtoken In 1947, the Club established and funded the Boys Club of Manatee County and continues to support it. prgtoken In 1990, the Bradenton Kiwanis Foundation was established, and when it received the net proceeds from the sale of the trailer park, it continued to use the interest income to donate to local nonprofit organizations who provide for children and the disadvantaged. The foundation has contributed nearly $7 million to improve the lives of Bradenton's young people, including the Boys and Girls Clubs of Manatee, K-Kids, Builders Clubs, the Boy Scouts, the Girl Scouts, the YMCA, Kids Against Hunger, Salvation Army, Headstart, Meals on Wheels, the Salvation Army and others. prgtoken The Club has further demonstrated its commitment to children and the community by building parks, partnering with Habitat for Humanity to build houses, supporting the Bishop Museum, partnering with the Manatee County Chamber of Commerce to establish a leadership program, launching the College & Career Resource Center at Manatee Memorial High School, participating in Big Brothers Big Sisters' student mentoring program and funding numerous scholarship programs. prgtoken The club has also contributed to capital campaigns to support the construction of a new Bradenton Civic Center, a Girl Scout House, the Anna Maria Island Community center, Manatee Performing Arts Center and to purchase land for the Boys Club, United Way, and YMCA. prgtoken On behalf of the people of Florida's 16th District, I congratulate the Bradenton Kiwanis Club on their 100th anniversary and applaud its members for the positive impact they have had on the community.