mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
INVEST TO PROTECT ACT OF 2022
Josh Gottheimer (Democrat, NJ) \u2014 2022-9-22

I include in the Record the following letter of support of H.R. 6448, Invest to Protect Act, from the Fraternal Order of Police. National Fraternal Order of Police, Washington, DC, September 22, 2022. Hon. Nancy P. Pelosi, , House of Representatives, Washington, DC. Hon. Kevin O. McCarthy, Minority Leader, House of Representatives, Washington, DC. Hon. Steny H. Hoyer, Majority Leader, House of Representatives, Washington, DC. Hon. Stephen J. Scalise, Minority Whip, House of Representatives, Washington, DC. Dear Madam and Representatives McCarthy, Hoyer and Scalise: I am writing on behalf of the members of the Fraternal Order of Police to urge the Members of the U.S. House of Representatives to support the passage of H.R. 5768, the ``Violent Incident Clearance and Technological Investigative Methods (VICTIM) Act,'' and H.R. 6448, the ``Invest to Protect Act,'' which could be considered on the floor of the House as early as today. Homicide cases can be very difficult to clear--especially those committed via firearm--and non-fatal shootings even more so. Closing these types of crimes requires diligence, manpower, and a sustained investigative effort. Given the limited resources of law enforcement agencies, it's important to provide the significant, dedicated resources that clearing these crimes requires, especially given their oftentimes heinous nature, and the need to get justice for the victims and their families. The ``VICTIM Act'' would establish a grant program to help State, Tribal, and local law enforcement agencies improve their clearance rates for homicides, non-fatal shootings and other violent crimes. Agencies can use these grant funds to train, hire, or retain additional detectives, investigators, or other police personnel to investigate, solve, and respond to these crimes. The grants can also be used to improve training for agency personnel to address the needs of victims and family members impacted by these crimes. By providing those important resources to law enforcement agencies across the country, we can improve the chances that murders, sexual assaults, kidnappings, and non-fatal shootings get cleared. This means ensuring punishment for the perpetrators, securing justice for the victims and their families, and providing peace of mind for the communities our members work so hard to protect. The FOP also urges Members of the House to support H.R. 6448, the ``Invest to Protect Act.'' Over the last few years, law enforcement officers have faced many challenges and threats to their well-being that have created a dangerous environment for those sworn to protect the public. These
BUSINESS BEFORE THE SENATE
Christopher A. Coons (Democrat, DE) \u2014 2022-9-22

I rise to address three different topics, if I might. prgtoken First, this week, the Senate of the United States did something important, something that is genuinely a big deal. We ratified a treaty. This is something we don't do often enough, and it bears repeating what this Kigali Amendment to the Montreal Protocol is. prgtoken By a vote of 69 to 27, a big bipartisan vote, this Senate ratified a treaty that will reduce global warming by a full degree Fahrenheit-- something critical to the future of the planet--and we do it in a way that is a win for American manufacturing, a win for American exports, and a win for our planet and creation. prgtoken Some of you may remember, a long time ago, we discovered a problem--a growing hole in the ozone layer that was being caused by propellants, by CFCs. So the world came together to eliminate CFCs and replace them with a new generation of artificial propellants and refrigerants known as HFCs. prgtoken That was good news. The hole in the ozone layer had largely been addressed, and the threat of skin cancer and being bombarded by radiation that that posed was largely resolved. Yet, this next generation of chemicals, HFCs, had an unexpected additional problem. They are 1,000 times worse for global warming, for climate change, than carbon dioxide, so much so--and they are so broadly used in every industrial setting--that it has led to a rapid increase in global warming. prgtoken Well, the solution was actually invented in Delaware. It is the next generation of chemicals that is much less harmful to the climate and to the environment, effective as a refrigerant, being manufactured now in places across the United States, and that, if exported to the rest of the world, can grow thousands of manufacturing jobs. prgtoken I just wanted to take a moment and celebrate. The projections are there will be as many as 33,000 new manufacturing jobs in the United States, some in my home State of Delaware but spread across the country; over $1 billion in new exports that will impact just this year the American economy because of this; and a 25-percent increase in the exports of American-made refrigerators and air-conditioners and so forth. prgtoken This was a rare moment of bipartisan consensus where we were able to come together and address a global challenge and create more opportunity here at home, and I thought it bore some celebration as we conclude this week. prgtoken , earlier this week, our President, , stood before the world at the United Nations General Assembly and continued his forceful, clear, and strong effort to call on the world to enforce the U.N. Charter and to push back on Russia's brutal invasion of Ukraine. prgtoken Since February, when Putin's forces swept into Ukraine and threatened to overrun the entire country, the West has pulled together, and allies and supporters of the Ukrainian people from around the world have imposed sanc
SENATE ACCOMPLISHMENTS
Benjamin L. Cardin (Democrat, MD) \u2014 2022-9-22

we have a 50-50 Senate, with 50 s and 50 . Vice President provides the with our majority. The House of Representatives has a very slim ic majority: currently, 221 to 212, with 2 vacancies. prgtoken When the 117th Congress began, I think most Americans were doubtful that we would be able to pass legislation to help them, their families, their communities, and our Nation. I am happy to report that, despite the odds, the 117th Congress has been a historically productive Congress. This is not a statement I make lightly, nor did I predict this many legislative accomplishments when we began the 117th Congress in January of 2021. prgtoken I knew America's doubts, but I also shared their fervent hope that Congress would somehow find a way to beat the odds. And we have, sending numerous major bills to President to be signed into law. Some of our accomplishments have been genuinely bipartisan, especially the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act and the so-called CHIPS and Science bill. That is gratifying because I believe that Congress, especially the Senate, is at its best when it works in a bipartisan fashion. prgtoken Some of our accomplishments have been solely ic victories; notably, the American Rescue Plan and the Inflation Reduction Act. I regret that we were unable to convince our colleagues to join us on those bills because they advanced public policies and enjoyed broad bipartisan support among the American people. will always reach across the aisle to pass legislation that enhances our national and economic security, but we are prepared to work alone, if necessary. prgtoken Our most recent accomplishment is the Inflation Reduction Act. The Senate passed this legislation just before the August recess on a party-line vote. That legislation will make it easier for American families to afford health insurance and help seniors with prescription drug costs. Extending the Affordable Care Act enhanced health insurance premium subsidies through 2025--just this one provision of this bill-- and will save medium-income Marylander families about $2,200 annually. prgtoken For tens of thousands of Marylanders on Medicare who use insulin, the Inflation Reduction Act caps their insulin costs at $35 per month. We tried to extend that cap to Americans with private insurance. Our colleagues blocked this effort, but will continue working to make that a reality. prgtoken For the more than 1 million Marylanders and all other Americans covered by Medicare, the Secretary of Health and Human Services finally will have the authority to negotiate lower drug prices for the Medicare Program. This will help ensure that Medicare patients get the best deal possible on high-priced drugs, saving taxpayers approximately $100 billion. prgtoken The healthcare provisions in the Inflation Reduction Act are significant, but they are
Border Security (Executive Calendar)
Ron Wyden (Democrat, OR) \u2014 2022-9-22

we are now several weeks on from the passage of the Inflation Reduction Act. prgtoken The IRA is transformational legislation that will improve the lives of millions and millions of Americans: more affordable prescription drugs, cheaper energy bills, the largest investment in the climate in history, a serious commitment to cracking down on tax cheats who rip off the American people for billions of dollars every year, and ensuring that corporations pay a fair share. prgtoken I am proud to say that the vast majority of the Inflation Reduction Act came from the Finance Committee majority. prgtoken It is no exaggeration to say that the team on the committee and in my personal office collectively spent thousands and thousands of hours developing these proposals, building support for them under zero margin for error, and guaranteeing that they would pass under challenging Senate rules. prgtoken Senate spent more than a year debating what would go into this bill before it finally came together, but the staff of the Finance Committee began its work long before that. Some of the components of the IRA go back more than a decade. prgtoken So before the Senate goes out in the coming days, I wanted to come down to the floor to thank my committee and personal office staff, as well as the brilliant teams at the Joint Committee on Tax, Congressional Budget Office, and legislative counsel who made this achievement possible. prgtoken I will shout out a few specifics as I thank the staff, but understand that legislation this significant is always a collaborative effort. And furthermore, there are major priorities that did not make it into the final version of the IRA, and the staff who worked on those issues deserve credit, too. prgtoken I will start out with Tiffany Smith, who leads the best and hardest working tax policy team there is. prgtoken Bobby Andres has honcho'd the Clean Energy for America Act for 7-plus years. He tweaked and edited and improved that bill so many times, he can probably recite the text in his sleep. prgtoken Chris Arneson, Jon Goldman, and Sarah Schaefer have been instrumental in going after the tax loopholes that allow massive, profitable corporations to get away with paying little to nothing. Their work on those issues is going to continue to find its way into law. prgtoken Adam Carasso and Eric LoPresti helped to make sure the IRS has the resources it needs to go after wealthy tax cheats who skip out on paying what they owe. prgtoken And proof positive that Finance Teams support one another: Drew Crouch contributed tax policy help to the prescription drug reforms. prgtoken Rachael Kauss has put a ton of work into developing the billionaire's income tax, and although that proposal didn't make it in the final bill, there is more support than ever for making sure that those at the very top pay a fair share like everybody else. prgtoken Grace Enda assisted on the clean energy tax policies
EL CLASICO
Jon Ossoff (Democrat, GA) \u2014 2022-9-22

I rise today to celebrate the duel between two titans and legends of Mexican soccer at el Super Clasico, the Club Deportivo de Guadalajara ``Chivas'' and Club America--a duel that will be celebrated in my home city of Atlanta, GA, on September 25, 2022. prgtoken The city of Atlanta and the State of Georgia are home to rich, vibrant, and celebrated Latino communities. I am thrilled to honor the contributions of the Hispanic community in Georgia during Hispanic Heritage Month by hosting these soccer legends in what will go down in history as one of the greatest games our continent has ever seen. prgtoken This world-renowned match has brought thousands of soccer fans in Mexico and the United States together for almost 80 years to celebrate the history and unmatched rivalry of these soccer titans, a passion that unites us. prgtoken Founded 103 years ago, Club America has won a total of 35 official national and international titles. Club Deportivo Chivas de Guadalajara has obtained a total of 26 national and international championships. In the last 5 years, the Chivas and America have played for sold-out crowds in Los Angeles, Chicago, and Dallas. And this year in Atlanta will not be different. prgtoken I join with our community to witness the legacy of this beautiful game that reminds us of the unbreakable bond we share. prgtoken May tradition, history, and legacy guide our continued commitment to celebrate what unites us.
CELEBRATING PACIFIC GROVE MASON LODGE
Jimmy Panetta (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2022-9-22

. Madam , I rise today to recognize the Pacific Grove Masonic Lodge as it celebrates 125 years of service to the people of the Central Coast. For over a century, the Lodge has fostered the belief that each person has a responsibility to help make the world a better place. Through personal development, philanthropy, and community service, the fraternity has upheld integral objectives of promoting ethics, personal growth, tolerance, education, diversity, philanthropy, family, and community. prgtoken Charted by the Grand Lodge of California on February 12, 1897, Grand Master of the Masons in California William T. Lucas granted dispersions to the Pacific Grove Masonic Lodge on April 27, 1897. Becoming the 331st Masonic Lodge in California, the Pacific Grove Masonic Lodge supported local Freemasons' efforts to establish community advocacy and support. The founders of the Lodge were predominant leaders of Pacific Grove business community. Members have included past City Council members California state-elected dignitaries. Among these men were Mr. Russell Giles, the longest-tenured tax collector in the state's history, and Mr. Daniel Turrentine, a local antique dealer and World War II pilot, who served as Lodge Master. prgtoken In 1950, the Pacific Grove Masonic Lodge, after a period of meeting in the building that now houses the Pacific Grove Art Association, broke ground on the Masonic Temple of Pacific Grove. The construction used salvaged material from the recently decommissioned Pacific Grove Station of the Southern Pacific Railroad. prgtoken Over the last 125 years, the Pacific Grove Masonic Lodge has emphasized the importance of respecting others' opinions and striving to grow and develop as human beings. Pacific Grove Masonic Lodge has donated over $60,000 to Pacific Grove High School, sponsored Little League teams, supported local organizations like First Friday Pacific Grove and the Heritage Society of Pacific Grove, and it is also home to the new Conservatory of Geometry and Music. prgtoken Madam , it is my pleasure to recognize the history, dedication, and contributions of the Pacific Grove Masonic Lodge to the Central Coast. I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing the Pacific Grove Masonic Lodge for its invaluable place in Pacific Grove's history.
HONORING THE LIFE OF ANN McGUINESS
Joe Courtney (Democrat, CT) \u2014 2022-9-22

. Madam , I rise today to mourn the loss of an extraordinary woman's rights leader and advocate, Ann McGuiness, of Selkirk, New York. Ann passed away peacefully and surrounded by family on August 3, 2022, following an aggressive, and courageous battle with cancer. Ann's life and achievements will be celebrated and remembered on September 28, 2022, in Washington, DC, where she did so much work to advance privacy rights and delivery of women's health care based on science and medicine. prgtoken Born in 1957 and raised in Newington, Connecticut, to Edward and Catherine McGuiness, Ann's life was initiated and guided by her Connecticut origins. Her proud, Connecticut-Catholic upbringing--and with it an instilled affinity for social justice--was reinforced by her earning a political science degree from the College of St. Joseph in West Hartford, Connecticut. By that point, through her tenacious demeanor, she had already discovered what would ultimately grow into her life-long passion: advocating for women's reproductive rights. prgtoken Her tireless advocacy and passion can be observed in every step of her life's story--no matter what Ann was doing, she always tied it back to advancing equal rights for women. The earliest stage of her career prior to obtaining a master's in public administration from Columbia University, was with the National Women's Political Caucus. She continued her political advocacy by campaigning on Tim Wirth's campaign for Senate. Upon then Senator Wirth's successful electoral bid, Ann, equipped with her experience and passion, made a career transition to work for NARAL Pro-Choice in 1987, a mission which she remained dedicated to for 17 years. Madam , I had the privilege of knowing Ann personally, particularly in her earliest years of political activism. She was very bright, very principled and had a great sense of humor. Her husband and soul mate William ``Chip'' Reynolds was a perfect match and they supported each other's social activism as well as their commitment to growing and raising a beautiful family. prgtoken Having built up roughly two decades of experience and a network in reproductive rights advocacy, Ann transitioned her career again in 2006, this time lending her unmatched expertise to Planned Parenthood's fundraising arm. She approached her senior role at Planned Parenthood with the same sense of ferocity that she brought to every other project. What caused her to be most successful in her role, however, was her penchant for connecting with young people and her steadfast belief in affording reproductive rights for all that energized her to pour limitless energy into the mission. Relentless in her pursuits to ensure equal access to reproductive rights, Ann left Planned Parenthood in 2018, working to form the Contraceptive Access Initiative in 2020-- an effort which was purposed towards ensuring contraceptives were available to women without barriers. prgtoken Madam , we hav
CELEBRATING THE BIRTHDAY OF PATTI KENNER
Carolyn B. Maloney (Democrat, NY) \u2014 2022-9-22

. Madam , I rise today to celebrate the birthday of my dear friend Patti Askwith Kenner, who has dedicated her life to supporting women's civic participation, supporting the arts, and advancing Jewish causes. prgtoken Patti Kenner is a native New Yorker who was born in New York City and raised in on, New York. She is a graduate of Carnegie Mellon University with a degree in French. She subsequently earned a master's degree in Early Childhood Education from the Columbia University Teachers College. prgtoken After 10 years as an educator, Ms. Kenner left teaching to join Campus Coach Lines, a charter bus company founded by her father in 1928. She continues to work at Campus Coach Lines to this day and currently serves as its President. prgtoken In a city full of larger-than-life personalities, Ms. Kenner is one New York's most iconic civic leaders. She has been a consummate advocate for women's participation in politics and civic engagement. prgtoken Ms. Kenner is also a devoted alumna of Carnegie Mellon and has given generously back to the school. She has served on the university's board of trustees for over 25 years and recently dedicated its Askwith Kenner Global Languages and Cultures Room. This amazing experiential space allows students to virtually travel the world and interact with people from different nations. prgtoken Ms. Kenner is also a major supporter of education in New York. In 2019 she created the Patti Kenner Fellowship in Arts Education at Guild Hall, where she is also a longtime trustee. This fellowship has substantially enhanced youth educational programming at Guild Hall. prgtoken Ms. Kenner has been dedicated to increasing awareness about the Holocaust and preserving its history. In 2011, Ms. Kenner produced a documentary about the renowned Jewish-American journalist Ruth Gruber, who documented life in Nazi Germany and was tasked by President Franklin D. Roosevelt to escort close to 1,000 refugees from Nazi- occupied Europe to the United States in 1944. She is currently working on another documentary focused on Swedish architect and humanitarian, Raoul Wallenberg, who saved tens of thousands of Jews in occupied Hungary at the end of World War II. prgtoken In addition to these many accomplishments, Ms. Kenner serves on the boards of Defiant Requiem Foundation, the Museum of Jewish Heritage, the University Musical Society at the University of Michigan, the Educational Alliance, along with numerous other organizations and institutions. prgtoken Madam , Ms. Kenner is a dear friend of mine who continues to inspire me with her tireless advocacy and activism. I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing the many contributions that Patti Kenner has made to New York City and wishing her every future success.
LEGISLATIVE SESSION
Richard J. Durbin (Democrat, IL) \u2014 2022-9-22

. Does the name ``Barre Seid'' ring a bell? Barre Seid, of Chicago, a businessman--a successful businessman. He was born in 1932, and he owned a company called Tripp Lite that made electronic products. prgtoken He was very successful in the course of his life, but he decided to donate the value of this company to something known as the Marble Freedom Trust. Does that ring a bell? Barre Seid, Marble Freedom Trust? prgtoken The reason I bring this up on the floor of the United States Senate is, Mr. Seid, with this gift of $1.6 billion to Marble Freedom Trust is setting out to change America. prgtoken Wait a minute. A 90-year-old individual, who has been charitable in many ways, gives money away and it changes America? Yes. I stand by my comment, because the Marble Freedom Trust is now becoming the largest dark money--secret money--contributor to American political campaigns in the history of the United States. And if you think I am overreacting, the go-to leader of the Marble Freedom Trust is a man named Leonard Leo. prgtoken I am sure none of these names register with most Americans--Barre Seid of Chicago, Marble Freedom Trust, Leonard Leo. What does this have to do with what my family is worried about? Well, let me get to the bottom line because the leader from the side just alluded to it. prgtoken This $1.6 billion is going to be invested in political campaigns on the right for conservative candidates, period. prgtoken Leonard Leo has a pedigree and well-known background of involvement in politics in Washington, and he has been very successful. prgtoken I am a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, currently chairman; but over the years I have watched, over the years, every judicial nominee approved by the s had to pass one litmus test: They had to be cleared by the Federalist Society. Now, that is another name which the average American family won't recognize, but let me tell you what the Federalist Society is. The Federalist Society is a clearinghouse for lawyers who want to be judges. You have got to join it. You have got to pay your dues. You have got to show up. Most importantly, you have to pass the checklist of required positions on issues before you can become a judge on the side. prgtoken That happened over and over and over again in the hearings we had for nominees for lifetime appointments to the Federal court during the administration. prgtoken I would ask these lawyers sitting before us, when you could question them: Tell me about the Federalist Society. prgtoken Oh, we just got together for lunch once in a while. It is not that big a deal. prgtoken But what a coincidence that every nominee had to be approved by the Federalist Society, and it didn't end there. When former President put out his list of potential Supreme Court nominees, which included the three whom he ended up choosing, all of them were provided by the Federalist Society--th