mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
TRIBUTE TO NOELLE LAMBERT
Margaret Wood Hassan (Democrat, NH) \u2014 2021-7-28

I am proud to recognize Noelle Lambert of Manchester as July's Granite Stater of the Month. Noelle is a Paralympic athlete who founded the Born to Run Foundation, which helps young people who have lost a limb achieve their prgtoken dreams by providing them with specialized prosthetics. prgtoken A lifelong athlete, Noelle was recruited to play Division 1 lacrosse at UMass Lowell. In her freshman year, Noelle was in a moped accident that severed her left leg. prgtoken Noelle did not let this devastating accident stop her from finishing out her college lacrosse career. With the help of nonprofit organizations, Noelle received a specialized prosthetic for running that allowed her to continue competing. A specialized prosthetic like the one Noelle needs can cost up to $50,000 and is rarely covered by insurance, so the help Noelle received from these charities was essential in her return to competition. prgtoken Inspired by the nonprofits who helped her compete at an elite collegiate level and determined that others in need of prosthetics receive the help that they need, Noelle started her own nonprofit to help other children and young adult amputees. prgtoken Already, the Born to Run Foundation has donated specialized prosthetics to 14 individuals, including one as young as 4 years old. With the assistance of prosthetics provided by Born to Run, individuals have been able to run, weightlift, or simply take a walk on the beach again. prgtoken If her work leading Born to Run wasn't enough, Noelle is also a world-class athlete and national record holder who qualified for the U.S. Paralympic Team and is competing at the Tokyo Paralympics in the 100-meter dash in the T63 division. prgtoken Noelle's grit, perseverance, and compassion for others represent the best of the Granite State. Her ability to turn a traumatic experience into an opportunity to help others is an inspiration to us all, and I am honored to recognize her.
DEPARTMENT OF STATE, FOREIGN OPERATIONS, AND RELATED PROGRAMS APPROPRIATIONS ACT, 2022
Jackie Speier (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2021-7-28

I rise in support of my amendment to highlight the urgent humanitarian crisis in Afghanistan. prgtoken We have taken action with the ALLIES legislation to make sure that the persons who have assisted us as drivers and interpreters find a pathway to freedom, but conditions for others are quite trying at this time. prgtoken Conditions for women, civil society, journalists, human rights defenders, and others continue to deteriorate, with vulnerable Afghans facing threats of violence and death, and heightened restrictions in Taliban-controlled areas. prgtoken Many Afghans are so terrified for their lives and their children's safety that they will not leave their homes. A recent wave of targeted slayings, more than 700 killed and 540 wounded in 2020, represents a 45 percent increase from 2019. The number of women killed doubled between 2012 and 2020. prgtoken The withdrawal of U.S. troops and the raging expansion of Taliban territorial offenses in our wake requires urgent action. Our failure to help those who help us and those who are in the crosshairs of the Taliban would, frankly, make us complicit in any further bloodshed. prgtoken That is why I have introduced this amendment, and I am introducing today the Improving Access for Afghan Refugees Act, to provide vulnerable Afghans with priority 2 refugee status to expand access to our refugee system. prgtoken I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting this bill because we do have a moral obligation to do so.
PROVIDING FOR CONSIDERATION OF H.R. 4346, LEGISLATIVE BRANCH APPROPRIATIONS ACT, 2022; PROVIDING FOR CONSIDERATION OF H.R. 4373, DEPARTMENT OF STATE, FOREIGN OPERATIONS, AND RELATED PROGRAMS...
Joseph D. Morelle (Democrat, NY) \u2014 2021-7-28

such time as I may consume. prgtoken , I would like to in response, and I appreciate the comments from my friend, include in the Record a 2013 American Progress article titled, ``How the Hyde Amendment Discriminates Against Poor Women and Women of Color.'' [May 10, 2013] prgtoken How the Hyde Amendment Discriminates Against Poor Women and Women of Color (By Jessica Arons and Lindsay Rosenthal) In 1973 the Supreme Court decided in the landmark case Roe v. Wade to recognize the constitutional right to abortion for all women. Forty years later, however, this guarantee remains an empty promise for thousands of poor women and women of color thanks to the Hyde Amendment, an annual appropriations measure first passed in 1976. This provision intentionally discriminates against poor women by prohibiting Medicaid, the health-insurance program for low-income individuals and families, from covering abortion care. Because of the intersection in our country between race, ethnicity, and socioeconomic status, this restriction also has a disproportionate impact on women of color. Due to a number of root causes related to inequality, women of color are more likely to qualify for government insurance that restricts abortion coverage, more likely to experience higher rates of unintended pregnancy, and less likely to be able to pay for an abortion out of pocket. The Hyde Amendment therefore does not only undermine gender equity, but it also violates principles of racial and economic justice. The Hyde Amendment discriminates against poor women. Congress passed the Hyde Amendment in order to deny poor women access to abortion. Former Rep. Henry Hyde (R-IL), the law's sponsor, admitted during the debate of his proposal that he was targeting poor women. ``I certainly would like to prevent, if I could legally, anybody having an abortion, a rich woman, a middle-class woman, or a poor woman,'' he said. ``Unfortunately, the only vehicle available is the Medicaid bill.'' 1 in 10 women of reproductive age in the United States relies on Medicaid for their health coverage. By prohibiting Medicaid from covering abortion services, the Hyde Amendment has used the primary source of health care for low-income women to restrict access to abortion. Poor women face significant disparities when it comes to reproductive health. Compared with higher-income women, poor women's rates of unintended pregnancy and abortion are each five times as high, and their unplanned birth rate is six times as high. These disparities are rooted in deeply entrenched inequities in the areas of health-insurance coverage, health care, and medically accurate sex edu
STATEMENTS ON INTRODUCED BILLS AND JOINT RESOLUTIONS
Tim Kaine (Democrat, VA) \u2014 2021-7-28

. . The United States Agency for International Development's (USAID) New Partnerships Initiative (NPI) was formed to help small and local nonprofit organizations partner with the agency on humanitarian work, and was inspired in part by requests from Congress for USAID to cooperate more closely with these organizations. The program was founded on the principle that greater diversity and competition among the USAID partner base would lead to better and more effective development prgtoken work. Since its creation, NPI has helped USAID expand its collaboration with local nonprofits to undertake critical work overseas, but this vital program needs a clearly defined foundation in statute and long- term authorization of funding to sustain its progress well beyond 2021. prgtoken Today, I am pleased to introduce the New Partnerships Initiative Authorization Act with Senator Rubio. This legislation would cement USAID's commitment to diversifying its nonprofit partner base by authorizing the program and necessary funding through Fiscal Year 2026. Additionally, the New Partnerships Initiative Authorization Act would improve outcomes at the NPI program by outlining in statute core elements of the program, and requiring the USAID Administrator to adhere to certain criteria regarding program management and nonprofit recruitment. prgtoken This bipartisan legislation is an opportunity to ensure that the New Partnerships Initiative continues to be an effective tool for diversifying USAID's partner base through the inclusion of locally based and underutilized partners. I look forward to working with USAID leadership and my colleagues on the Foreign Relations Committee to swiftly consider and implement the New Partnerships Initiative Authorization Act. prgtoken Thank you, .
DEPARTMENT OF STATE, FOREIGN OPERATIONS, AND RELATED PROGRAMS APPROPRIATIONS ACT, 2022
Kathy E. Manning (Democrat, NC) \u2014 2021-7-28

my amendment, amendment No. 5, seeks to draw attention to the need to resolve the significant delays in passport services at the Department of State. prgtoken The COVID-19 pandemic has wreaked havoc on international travel. According to the Department of State's Passport Services, Americans who submit new passport applications today may not receive their new passports for another 18 weeks, well into the fall. prgtoken Even customers who pay an additional fee for expedited service may not receive their passports for another 12 weeks. prgtoken In response, the State Department's Passport Services recommends Americans planning to travel internationally apply for a passport at least 6 months in advance. prgtoken These delays are simply unacceptable. prgtoken In North Carolina's Sixth Congressional District, my constituents have been unable to travel to visit family, to seek important medical care, and to conduct important business meetings. prgtoken It is essential that Congress send the message loud and clear. We must have better service on passports. We need to address passport delays so that Americans can get their passports in a timely manner.
AMERICANS NEED TO GET VACCINATED
Marcy Kaptur (Democrat, OH) \u2014 2021-7-28

I rise tonight to speak on the ongoing threat posed by COVID-19, particularly the delta variant, which is highly contagious and is rapidly spreading throughout our country. prgtoken After 18 months of this pandemic we are all yearning for a return to normalcy, but we must get vaccinated to prevent further spread of this virus. prgtoken Recent data show that 99 percent of deaths due to COVID-19 are among those who are unvaccinated. prgtoken In Ohio, fewer that 50 percent of residents have received their first dose of the vaccine. prgtoken We have the tools to emerge from this crisis, but we must use them. These vaccines are safe. They are effective. And we must all do our part to get our loved ones, our friends, and ourselves vaccinated as quickly as possible. prgtoken Finally, I want to thank our healthcare sheroes and heroes in Cuyahoga, Erie, Lorain, Lucas, and Ottowa Counties. They are doing courageous work saving lives every day. prgtoken Get vaccinated.
HONORING THE LIFE OF OFFICER RYAN BIALKE, RED LAKE NATION POLICE FORCE
Betty McCollum (Democrat, MN) \u2014 2021-7-28

. Madam , I rise today with a heavy heart to honor the life of Officer Ryan Bialke of the Red Lake Nation police force, who was shot and killed in the line of duty this week. My thoughts and prayers are with Officer Bialke's family, especially his young children, and with Chairman Darrell Seki and all members of Red Lake Nation. Their grief is shared by all Minnesotans during this very difficult time. prgtoken Officer Bialke was responding to a call about a mental health emergency when the scene turned violent, and he was struck by gunfire. He was rushed to the Indian Health Service Hospital where he then passed away. This terrible tragedy reminds us that our dedicated law enforcement officers put their lives on the line every day to serve our communities as they work to keep us safe, and my thoughts are with the rest of the Red Lake Nation police force. prgtoken A native of Buffalo, Minnesota, and a six-year veteran of the Red Lake Nation police force, Officer Bialke was described by his loved ones as having a big heart and a love of helping others, a desire to serve which led him to police work. My hope is that his family will find peace and comfort in the many cherished memories they have of him in the weeks and months ahead. I offer my deepest condolences to his family, friends, and community. prgtoken Madam , please join me in paying tribute to Officer Ryan Bialke.
Egypt (Executive Calendar)
Christopher Murphy (Democrat, CT) \u2014 2021-7-28

rightfully, this body is consumed with pending votes on infrastructure, but I want to draw my colleagues' attention to another matter of both importance and urgency. prgtoken One of Vladimir Putin's favorite tactics during the Chechen rebellion was to kidnap the innocent relatives of rebel leaders and hold them captive until the leaders surrendered. Sometimes, if the rebel leader never gave himself up, the family members would just disappear forever. Thousands of these cases were documented over the course of the war, all in gross, blatant violation of human rights laws. It is one of the many reasons that Russia is an adversary, not an ally of the United States. We don't do business with nations that prey upon the innocent. We don't align ourselves with nations that use kidnapping or torture as a tool to stay in power. prgtoken A few months ago, Moustafa Soltan and Khairi Soltan were startled by a hard knock on their door in the wee hours of a February Sunday morning. It was the Egyptian authorities, there to detain them again simply because their cousin happened to be a man named Mohamed Soltan, an American citizen and vocal Egyptian human rights advocate. Rightly, Moustafa and Khairi were not surprised because for the past year, the Soltan family has been the subject of consistent, coordinated harassment and detention by the agents of Egyptian dictator Abdelfattah Elsisi. prgtoken Now, Sisi would probably argue that he uses the tactic of harassing and detaining family members of his political opponents in a more judicious manner than does Vladimir Putin, but he can't deny that he does it. He further cannot deny the systematic method by which he has used the judicial system in Egypt to eliminate his political opposition. prgtoken Now, a reliable estimate is hard to come by because the political arrests have come at a dizzying pace since 2013, but it is believed that there are 60,000 people in jail today in Egypt because they are political opponents of the Sisi government. prgtoken Now, Putin jails his political adversaries, too, but his number of around 400 doesn't come close to Sisi's. But that is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to the Egyptian regime's treatment of political opponents. Only China and Iran execute more people every year than Egypt, and many of these executions are for political crimes. Journalists are currently under constant threat in Egypt. The country rates 166 out of 180 by the press freedom group Reporters Without Borders compared against other nations. prgtoken In the 2018 Presidential election, Sisi had his main opponent arrested and had his campaign manager beaten up, causing all the other credible candidates to drop out of the race. Shockingly, Sisi won with 97 percent of the vote. That same year, Putin was less greedy. He gave himself only 70 percent in his Presidential election. prgtoken So why, you might ask, is Egypt our partner and Russia our adversary
STATEMENTS ON INTRODUCED BILLS AND JOINT RESOLUTIONS
Catherine Cortez Masto (Democrat, NV) \u2014 2021-7-28

I rise today to tell you about Brian Neuman, an Iraq combat veteran who was wounded while serving our Nation overseas in 2004. prgtoken Brian has spent years working with the Wounded Warrior Project to help other veterans get the benefits that they need. prgtoken Years after returning home, Brian applied for an annual clothing allowance of $841. This allowance should be available to veterans like Brian when a medication or a medical device causes irregular wear or damage to their clothing. prgtoken As many vets with service injuries will tell you, their clothes wear down much faster than other people's, and the prosthetics can rip or tear clothes as well. Some veterans need tailoring to make clothing fit more comfortably around their injuries. Others have to treat skin conditions with creams that damage their clothes. prgtoken These veterans get compensation for the expenses associated with their injuries--and rightly so. Our veterans have given this country so much, and Congress has a responsibility to hold up its end of the bargain, to care for them when they are injured during their service to our Nation. prgtoken But right now, this benefit isn't accessible for many veterans, and that is wrong, and we need to change it. prgtoken In the case of the clothing allowance benefits, as Brian discovered, the VA currently requires veterans to be evaluated for this benefit in person, every year. One year, Brian physically went to a VA clinic to submit the clothing allowance application, and his request was denied because the VA had no record that he received a prosthetic at that specific clinic. At that point, like many vets, Brian gave up on the process in frustration. prgtoken That is just unacceptable. These are brave men and women who are living with severe burns or who wear prosthetic devices as a result of their service. In many cases, the VA already knows these veterans have a medical condition that isn't going to change year from year. prgtoken And that didn't make any sense to Brian, so he did something about it. He reached out to see if Congress could solve the problem. He did. He did it, he says, less for himself, but more for the many veterans in rural States, like mine in Nevada, who live hours away from the nearest VA Brian knows that many of them are so worn out by the process of applying for what is owed them that they just give up. prgtoken These men and women are tired of jumping through hoops to access their earned benefits. So why are we forcing them to navigate this complicated bureaucracy? There are certainly places to cut costs, but this isn't one of them. prgtoken The Senate can fix this problem easily, and I have introduced a bipartisan bill to do just that. I am glad to be working across the aisle with my colleague Senator Boozman to support injured and disabled veterans. Our bill makes it easier for them to get clothing that works for their specific needs. My legislation requires
DEPARTMENT OF STATE, FOREIGN OPERATIONS, AND RELATED PROGRAMS APPROPRIATIONS ACT, 2022
Rosa L. DeLauro (Democrat, CT) \u2014 2021-7-28

I thank the gentlewoman. With both of us, this is a maiden voyage, so it is wonderful to be with her. I thank her for the work that she has done. prgtoken I thank our ranking member as well for the work on this bill. prgtoken , the past 4 years have seriously eroded our Nation's position in the world. Under President , our government was more disruptive than constructive and more absent than present on the world stage. This has been especially true in the midst of the worst public health and economic crisis in a generation. prgtoken President has made it clear that America is back. The State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs funding bill puts those words into action. It makes America stronger at home and respected again in the world. It restores American leadership by responding to global health threats, including the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. It addresses urgent humanitarian needs while confronting the climate crisis. prgtoken As we speak, the global pandemic is far from over. Around the world, we are still seeing over 400,000 new cases per prgtoken day and over 8,000 deaths. To confront this continuing crisis, this bill invests in global health and the prevention of future pandemics with $10.6 billion to support the health of families and global communities, including $1 billion in global health security to bolster the public health surveillance, detection, and response capabilities of countries around the world. prgtoken Given the global economic devastation wrought by the pandemic, this bill provides $8.5 billion to meet urgent humanitarian needs. It empowers women to build a brighter future for their families and communities by providing $760 million for family planning and $70 million for the United Nations Population Fund while repealing the restrictions that make it more difficult for women across the world to access safe and legal abortions. prgtoken Finally, this bill prepares us for the existential threat of climate change. It provides more than $3 billion to address the climate crisis and other environmental programs, including $1.6 billion for the Green Climate Fund. prgtoken With this bill, we are proving that America is back and ready to confront the biggest challenges facing our Nation and the world. prgtoken I thank Chairwoman Lee for her work, and I urge support for the bill.
CELEBRATING KANSAS COUNTY FAIRS
Tracey Mann (Republican, KS) \u2014 2021-7-29

. Madam , I rise today to address the partisan appropriations bill House are forcing through Congress this week. prgtoken With a 50/50 split in the Senate, and a margin of just a few votes separating and s in the House, American voters clearly want Congress to work together to produce a bipartisan spending plan. In response, have ignored the American people and produced one of the most partisan budgets in history. Their bloatedbus contains nearly $600 billion, a funding increase of more than 21 percent from the last fiscal year. prgtoken This bill is a progressive wish list. It boosts funding for the White House by nearly 40 percent and the Vice President's office by 22 percent. It rewards the most liberal agencies like the EPA and IRS, with massive budget increases, only furthering their presence in our lives. It contains more than 1,500 earmarks, returning us to the corrupt practice of pork barrel spending. prgtoken It contains harmful regulations to Kansas farmers and ranchers by no longer exempting producers from greenhouse gas reporting requirements and reverting to old regulations that decrease meat processing capacity, further suppressing the price of live cattle. prgtoken The worst part of H.R. 4502, however, is the absence of the Hyde amendment, a traditionally bipartisan provision protecting taxpayers from forced financial complicity in elective abortions. In the bloatedbus, purposely omitted the Hyde amendment, and instead took the opportunity to voice their support for radical abortion policies. prgtoken I cannot support legislation that mortgages the future of our children and grandchildren. I oppose H.R. 4502, and I urge my colleagues to do the same. Recognizing Katherine Thomas