mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
RELATING TO INCREASING THE DEBT LIMIT--Continued
Kevin Cramer (Republican, ND) \u2014 2021-12-14

as we approach the Christmas break and the advent of the new year, I believe it is instructive to take an inventory of the year that was. So in honor of the holiday season, let's take stock of the first year of the reign of , Schumer, and Pelosi. In fact, in the spirit of the season, I am going to call this recitation the ``Twelve Blunders of Christmas.'' prgtoken The first blunder that gave to us is a free Big Government socialist agenda, otherwise known as the ' Build Back Better plan, designed to pass with no support from or, frankly, input from any of these pesky s. prgtoken Time and time again, and his ic toymakers have parroted the claim that their Big Government socialist agenda costs zero--zero. Can you imagine a piece of legislation designed to give away trillions of dollars but doesn't cost anything? But perhaps they have some elf dust that makes it possible. prgtoken Obviously, this isn't true. Analysis by nongovernment, nonpartisan prgtoken groups, including the Penn Wharton model and the Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget, did an analysis and concluded that the cost was much, much higher, like just under $5 trillion. A recent thorough analysis, based on the history and the traditions of Congress and spending, by the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office agrees. The Washington Post's Fact Checker even gave Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen two Pinocchios when she repeated the same bogus claim that this bill would cost nothing. prgtoken The second blunder gave to us is hiding from media reporters and not taking questions. It is unbelievable to me--it is hard to imagine the leader of the freest country in the world, in fact, the leader of the free world, is afraid to take questions from the fourth estate or that his staffers are afraid of what might come out of his mouth. prgtoken Freedom of the press is enshrined in the First Amendment of our Constitution on purpose. Yet on David Axelrod's podcast, the White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki admitted out loud that ``a lot of times we say, `Don't take questions.' '' prgtoken The media in the United States is not supposed to be the mouthpiece of the government or its leaders. Transparency is essential-- essential--in our exceptional self-governing system. prgtoken Now, I am not the President of the United States, but reporters who work in the halls of this temple of liberty and, of course, reporters back home in North Dakota know I am always willing to engage. I don't hide from my votes or explanations for them. I am not scripted to the point of resigning my own thoughts or opinions or even mistakes and decisions. North Dakotans elected me, not my staff. Americans elected , not his staff, not some buffer of bureaucracy. He has the responsibility to be accessible, and the media has the responsibility to demand it of him. prgtoken But the slippery slope doesn't
HONORING DENNIS R. GROFF
Lloyd Smucker (Republican, PA) \u2014 2021-12-14

. Madam , I rise today to honor Dennis R. Groff who is retiring after more than thirty years of service to Paradise Township, located in Lancaster County in Pennsylvania's Eleventh District. A lifelong resident of Paradise, Dennis has dedicated prgtoken much of his life to serving his community, holding a number of leadership roles over the years. Just to name a few, he has served as Paradise's Emergency Management Coordinator, Roadmaster, and Vice Chairman of the Board of Supervisors, all the while volunteering at a fire company in the community. He gives his phone number to anyone within Paradise who may need it, making sure that every resident of the township is looked after. Dennis represents the best of our country: people who are willing to give so much to their communities so that they can be better places to live, work, and raise a family. prgtoken I extend my sincere thanks to Dennis for his service and wish him an enjoyable retirement.
The Economy (Executive Session)
John Thune (Republican, SD) \u2014 2021-12-14

the latest inflation numbers came out Friday, and the news was not good. Inflation is currently at the highest level in nearly 40 years--40 years. The last time inflation was this bad, ``E.T.'' and ``Rocky III'' were in theaters, and the Green Bay Packers were being coached by Bart Starr. prgtoken High inflation is taking a major toll on American families. Gas prices are at a 7-year high. The price of used cars and trucks is up 31 percent--31 percent. Propane, kerosene, and firewood are up 34 percent. prgtoken Food prices have increased significantly. Ground beef is up 14 percent. Apples are up 7.4 percent. Pork is up 17 percent; eggs, 8 percent. Baby food is up 6.7 percent. Bacon and related products are up 21 percent. And the list continues. prgtoken Rent prices are up. Utility prices are up. Furniture prices are up, and on and on. prgtoken Inflation is so bad that, despite wage growth this year, Americans have seen a de facto pay cut, with real average hourly earnings down 1.9 percent this year. prgtoken Inflation is what happens when you have too many dollars chasing too few goods and services. And a big reason for our current inflation situation is the ' decision to pour a lot of unnecessary government money into the economy earlier this year, despite--despite, I might add--being warned that their partisan $1.9 trillion American Rescue Plan spending spree could stoke inflation. prgtoken And you don't have to take my word for it. Here is what former economic adviser Jason Furman had to say recently when discussing our inflation problem: The original sin was an oversized American Rescue Plan. It contributed to both higher output but also higher prices. prgtoken That quote from Mr. Furman appeared in a New York Times article that also noted: But some economists, including veterans of previous ic administrations, say much of Mr. 's inflation struggle is self-inflicted. Lawrence H. Summers is one of those who say the stimulus bill [that] the president signed in March gave too much of a boost to consumer spending. . . . Mr. Summers, who served in the and Clinton administrations, says inflation now risks spiraling out of control and other ic economists agree there are risks. prgtoken Again, that is from the New York Times. prgtoken Inflation is spiraling out of control, and are preparing to throw more fuel on the fire. That is right. are preparing to double down on the strategy that helped get us in this mess in the first place and pass yet another massive government spending bill. prgtoken I am not sure whether simply don't care about the inflation situation facing American families or whether they are operating under the delusion that they can somehow pass another major government spending bill without serious consequences for the economy. prgtoken Regardless, there is
JOINT RESOLUTION RELATING TO INCREASING THE DEBT LIMIT
Jay Obernolte (Republican, CA) \u2014 2021-12-14

. Madam , I rise today to oppose this $2.5 trillion debt limit increase which this Congress is voting on without any discussion of how this debate will ever be repaid. prgtoken Over the past year, Congress' record levels of spending has sparked record-breaking inflation. Just last week, our nation hit its highest inflation rate in 40 years with current annual inflation for the twelve months ending in November at 6.8%. As a consequence, real average hourly earnings decreased by half a percent in November. Surging costs for food, energy, housing, and other items have left the average American family reeling. In my California district, the average price of a tank of prgtoken gasoline has increased over $20 since January, while the price of natural gas is up more than 25 percent. prgtoken Congress is not only spending at a level that is well beyond our self-imposed limits, but also beyond what our economy can safely handle, and Madam , instead of reducing our spending and finding places to save as any American family would, this institution is working to push through another multi-trillion-dollar social spending package that would drive our debt and our inflation further into crisis. prgtoken Madam , this unconscionable spending is the epitome of irresponsible governance. We must take measures to end this reckless spending and put our financial house in order. To that end I have introduced two bills that the House might better spend its time considering in the coming weeks instead of continuing debate on the reckless social spending bill. prgtoken My Constitutional Amendment to balance the budget would amend the U.S. Constitution to ensure total federal spending for a fiscal year does not exceed the total amount of federal revenue. It includes off- ramps that encourage bipartisanship in times of crisis and would end the seemingly-endless cycle of budget deficits. prgtoken Likewise, my Finding Federal Savings Committee Resolution would help to cut back on government waste by creating a bipartisan committee in this body to identify underperforming and nonessential federal programs and recommend their elimination or modification. Neither of these ideas are partisan, nor are they radical. They simply take steps to solve a problem that this body has continued to kick down the road for future generations to repay. prgtoken Madam , this Congress must do better. I call on my colleagues to reverse course, to stop this reckless spending, and to vote no on raising the debt ceiling without a plan to repay our debt.
COMBATING INTERNATIONAL ISLAMOPHOBIA ACT
Michael T. McCaul (Republican, TX) \u2014 2021-12-14

. Madam , such time as I may consume. prgtoken Madam , let me just say to my good friend, Chairman Meeks, we all deplore anti-Muslim persecution. No one should ever be attacked or denied their human rights or dignity because of their faith. So, we actually agree on the intent and the spirit behind this. But I do have some concerns with the wording in many parts of this legislation. prgtoken Madam , the United States Government is rightly committed to opposing these monstrous acts of violence that we have seen directed at Muslims around the world. This includes the horrific mosque shootings in Switzerland, Quebec, and Christchurch. prgtoken Our commitment must also apply to anti-Muslim persecution by foreign regimes, especially when it amounts to genocide. I am proud of our bipartisan work to condemn and punish the Burmese military's genocide against the Rohingya Muslims that began in 2016. prgtoken We are also working in a bipartisan fashion to oppose the Chinese Communist Party's ongoing genocide against the Uyghur Muslims that we passed together in a bipartisan manner on this floor just the other day. prgtoken Today, more than 1 million Muslims and other ethnic and religious minorities are held in camps and exploited as slave labor. Muslim children are ripped from their mothers' arms to be raised by the Communist Party. Muslim women are suffering systematic sexual violence, forced sterilization, and forced abortion. prgtoken Members on our side are fully committed to combating these anti- Muslim atrocities. I am proud of the work, again, that Chairman Meeks and I were able to do together to hold the Chinese Communist Party accountable for their genocide, and I thank the gentleman for his efforts. prgtoken In addition, I am pleased that right after this bill, Chairman McGovern, who has worked so hard with this committee, and Senator Marco Rubio in the Senate will finally be able to send to the President's desk a bipartisan, bicameral bill to combat the forced labor that supports the CCP's Uyghur genocide. prgtoken Unfortunately, the rushed, partisan bill before us today does not live up to these two serious bipartisan efforts. Committee made no effort to work toward a bipartisan agreement before the markup, and the bill has no cosponsors. prgtoken This legislation is dangerously vague and unnecessarily duplicative. It doesn't frame things in terms of anti-Muslim persecution, nor does it use the typical statutory language like ``gross violations of internationally recognized human rights.'' prgtoken Instead, it uses the undefined, nonlegal term of ``Islamophobia.'' This word appears nowhere in the Federal statutes. It is so vague and subjective that it could be used against legitimate speech for partisan purposes. Even the term ``phobia'' connotes irrational fear, not discrimination. prgtoken The bill also completely ignores the State Department's extensive efforts already under
Kentucky (Executive Session)
Mitch McConnell (Republican, KY) \u2014 2021-12-14

Kentucky is working to recover from the deadly storms and tornadoes. Each day brings entirely new challenges. Tens of thousands are still dealing with water, gas, or power outages. Families are in shock and grief over the loss of loved ones. Rebuilding the areas in Kentucky leveled by this storm will take months, if not years, to complete. prgtoken Amid this pain, though, bright lights of hope shine through. In the face of tragedy, Kentuckians are still as strong and as generous as we have always been. prgtoken Yesterday, I spoke with the Taylor County judge-executive. He told me that 70 families in his county had lost their homes in the storm. Emergency responders made shelters available, but folks were completely taken in by family, friends, or neighbors--just the kind of people we have in Kentucky. prgtoken In Mayfield, residents are already beginning to rebuild only days after the storm leveled full city blocks. Churches hosted Sunday services this past weekend. Locals brought their chain saws and cleared debris from the city's roads. People from nearby counties and States have flooded--literally flooded--in to help. prgtoken One man, Jimmy Finch, has struck a chord with America's hearts all across the country. He had no connections to Mayfield whatsoever. He is from Clarksville, TN. But after the disaster, he borrowed a big meat smoker, got into his car, made the hour-and-a-half journey in the dead of night and started serving up food the next morning. This fellow from Tennessee came up to Kentucky and brought a whole bunch of food. On Sunday morning, for hours, he fed chicken, hot links, and burgers to hungry residents who had been without heat or power for days. prgtoken Western Kentucky's radio and TV stations have kept operating throughout this crisis, delivering vital information, even amid roving power outages. State parks opened their doors to residents who lost their homes. Businesses, individuals, and charities have been generous with food, water, and shelter. prgtoken Kentucky's first responders are working hand in hand with FEMA to provide coordinated relief. Doctors, nurses, firefighters, and law enforcement officers are working literally through the night. Utility workers are making a Herculean effort to restore power and water. prgtoken Hundreds of Kentucky National Guardsmen have deployed to Western Kentucky to offer their assistance. And in Fort Campbell, the Federal Government has provided a critical lifeline of support: 61 generators, 74,000 meals, 135,000 liters of water, thousands of cots and blankets, all supplied by Fort Campbell. prgtoken I am in close contact with Governor Beshear, our Federal Agencies, and local leaders. My staff and I have been in frequent touch with the White House. prgtoken Kentucky will come back from this bigger and better than ever before. I will make sure the Senate provides all the assistance we can to make sure that is a reality.
CONGRATULATING THE MORIAH VIKINGS ON A VALIANT EFFORT IN THE NEW YORK STATE CHAMPIONSHIP GAME
Elise M. Stefanik (Republican, NY) \u2014 2021-12-14

. Madam , I rise today to congratulate the Moriah High School football team on an extraordinary season culminating in a great effort at the state championship game. prgtoken For the third season in a row, the Moriah Vikings earned a spot in the state championship game at the Syracuse Carrier Dome. Led by Coach Don Tesar, the Vikings rose to the challenge of the semifinal game and overcame adversity after trailing at halftime. Their efficient offense converted three possessions into three touchdowns in the third quarter. The Vikings carried this energy and the record of an undefeated season into the state championship. prgtoken The Moriah Vikings put up a valiant effort against the Tioga Tigers during the Class D New York State Championship, where they came just short of winning their first state title. Thanks to a tremendous effort put forward by the defense, the Vikings only gave up seven points in the first half. Their perseverance and determination are truly inspirational and worthy of celebration. prgtoken On behalf of New York's 21st Congressional District, I would like to congratulate the Moriah Vikings on their incredible 2021 season. We are very proud of their hard work and dedication throughout this year.
IN RECOGNITION OF THE HARLAN BIBLE DONATION TO CONGRESS
Mike Johnson (Republican, LA) \u2014 2021-12-14

. Madam , I rise today to recognize the good work and friendship of the American Judicial Alliance. AJA and its founder, Judge Darrell White, have been working tirelessly to introduce the tradition of the Harlan Bible by donating these Bibles to our nation's courtrooms and institutions, including to this chamber. Justice John Marshall Harlan set this precedent by donating his very own Bible to the Supreme Court back in 1906, and since then, every justice has signed this Bible after taking the oath of office. prgtoken Justice Harlan is probably best known for being the ``Great Dissenter'' and specifically for his role as the lone dissenter in Plessy v. Ferguson's unjust `separate but equal' precedent. His personal transformation made him an impassioned supporter for civil rights during his 34 years on the Court. prgtoken It was Justice Harlan who stated: ``Our constitution is color-blind, and neither knows nor tolerates classes among citizens. In respect of civil rights, all citizens are equal before the law.'' prgtoken By donating these Harlan Bibles, AJA is honoring the legacy of Justice Harlan's fight for justice, recognizing that our inalienable rights come directly from our Creator, and restoring faith in our Nation's courtrooms. May God continue to bless the American Judicial Alliance as it endeavors to share the Harlan Bible and its important message of justice, mercy, and faith to the American people.
RELATING TO INCREASING THE DEBT LIMIT--Continued
Susan M. Collins (Republican, ME) \u2014 2021-12-14

on Friday, the Department of Labor reported that inflation had hit a near-40-year high, confirming what many American families have been feeling in their wallets for many months. prgtoken The soaring cost of virtually everything, from gasoline to groceries, is a growing crisis that has hit families across our Nation. The numbers are alarming. prgtoken During the past year, the Consumer Price Index, which measures the price of goods and services, jumped by nearly 7 percent. That is the highest rate since 1982. It represents the sixth consecutive month of inflation exceeding 5 percent. prgtoken The goods experiencing the greatest increases read like a list of everyday essentials. Energy costs are up by 33 percent. Used vehicles are up by 31 percent. Hamburger costs are up by 14 percent. Milk, eggs, baby food, furniture, and many other necessities all cost more, and those prices are simply unsustainable for many working families. prgtoken The pain is being felt across the Nation, including in my State of Maine. I have heard from many Mainers worried about how they will be able to afford to heat their homes this winter. The average price of heating oil in Maine is currently $3.15 per gallon, compared to $2.11 per gallon this time last year. While the amount of heating oil a household uses varies considerably, a typical Maine family will spend nearly $1,000 more this year on home heating oil. The State of Maine is disproportionately affected by this rise in costs since more than 60 percent of our homes use fuel oil as their primary energy source for heating compared to only 4 percent of households nationally. prgtoken The rise in the price of heating oil is not the only hardship that Mainers are facing this winter. Mainers have shared with me their genuine concerns about being able to afford to drive back and forth to work and to put nutritious food on the table. Gas prices in Maine are about $1.30 per gallon higher than last year. prgtoken Business owners face the often impossible challenge of paying higher prices for commodities, food, and supplies without passing those increases on to their already struggling consumers. For example, Maine restaurant owners, who have already experienced an extraordinarily difficult 18 months due to the pandemic, are now grappling with double- digit percentage increases in the costs of ingredients and other goods needed to run their businesses. An owner of a restaurant I visited in Searsport told me that the cost of fryer grease has skyrocketed from $19 to $48 per case. Another restaurant owner in Rockland recently told the Bangor Daily News that the price for prime ribs has more than doubled from $7 to $17. These supply costs shrink their already slim margins and exacerbate other difficulties the industry is facing with staffing shortages and pandemic-related closures. prgtoken After a tough 2020 caused by COVID-related market disruptions and drought, Maine's resil