mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
DEMOCRATS ARE BUILDING A BETTER AMERICA
Ted Lieu (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2022-3-1

President and are building a better America. prgtoken Last year we passed the American Rescue Plan. That helped get our economy back on track. We have created in America approximately 7 million jobs in the last 12 months. That is a record in U.S. history. We are also experiencing very high economic growth. Jobs are up, wages are up, and unemployment is down. prgtoken We then followed it up with an infrastructure law that is going to rebuild roads, bridges, and highways. It is going to put broadband internet everywhere from rural areas to inner cities. It is going to get lead out of our water, and it is going to put EV charging stations across America. prgtoken What are s doing? prgtoken I know two sitting Members went to a White nationalist conference a few days ago.
IN RECOGNITION OF KEITH MOSS FOR HIS SERVICE TO DURYEA, PENNSYLVANIA AS MAYOR
Matt Cartwright (Democrat, PA) \u2014 2022-3-1

. Madam , today I honor Duryea Mayor Keith Moss who retired from mayoral work in January after 20 years in office. prgtoken Keith, the son of the late George and Arlene Moss, was born and raised in Duryea, Pennsylvania along with his nine siblings. His interest in public service began as a young Boy Scout, and, at the age of 20, he joined the Germania Hose Company as a volunteer firefighter. He served the organization as president, vice president, and trustee. prgtoken Keith decided to run for Duryea council after his uncle, a councilman himself, suggested he would be a good fit for the job. In 1992, Keith ran for and was elected to Duryea Borough Council. During his time on the council, he worked closely with the Borough's police force, fostering a friendship with the late police chief Leonard Ash. It was Ash who first proposed the idea of running for mayor to Keith. prgtoken In 2001, a hallmark year for both Keith personally--he married his wife, Patricia--and for the Borough--it celebrated its centennial--he won the mayoral election. He confidently took on the office's duties of overseeing the police department, crafting the Borough budget, breaking vote ties at council meetings, and managing the Borough's public relations. In September 2011, when rain from Hurricane Irene and Tropical Storm Lee flooded areas of Duryea, Keith helped his community work through the storm and its aftermath. prgtoken During his tenure as mayor, Keith worked to strengthen the sense of community in Duryea, organizing the Borough's involvement in National Night Out to foster community-police camaraderie and the Borough's Halloween party. He worked diligently to grow the Borough's police force to four full-time officers. He also found great joy and fulfillment in performing weddings, marrying more than 500 couples during his time in office. prgtoken Keith took great pride in his mayoral work and sought to share the wisdom he acquired on the job, and also to learn from others. He served as the chair of the Pennsylvania State Mayors Association's Mayor of the Year Committee. He also regularly worked with mayors from Pittston, Hughestown, West Pittston, and Old Forge. prgtoken In addition to his work as mayor, Keith has also been employed by the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton International Airport as a maintenance firefighter. He additionally has served his community as the treasurer of the Duryea Lions Club, president of Duryea Borough Sewer Authority, vice president of the Greater Pittston Cultural Coalition, and the president of the Luzerne County National Recreation Trail, and he continues to volunteer with the Germania Hose Company. For his efforts, Keith was recognized by the Sunday Dispatch with the Joseph Saporito Jr Lifetime of Service Award. prgtoken I am honored to join with the citizens of Duryea in honoring the two- decade tenure of their beloved mayor. Keith has been a beacon of strength and stability for the Borough and has helped t
MOURNING THE PASSING OF REVEREND DARRELL DARLING
Jimmy Panetta (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2022-3-1

. Madam , I rise today to recognize the passing of the Reverend Darrell Darling. prgtoken The loss of Darrell Darling hits us hard in Santa Cruz but also throughout the Central Coast, for Reverend Darling was that iconic mentor to all of us based on his longtime fight for civil rights, for equal rights, for peace, for justice, for nonviolence, and for his never-ending work for a more perfect Union. prgtoken Reverend Darling's fight began when he almost got kicked out of college for pressing its administration about its racist policies toward African Americans. Reverend Darling then went on to attend the Yale Seminary, where, in 1965, he marched with Martin Luther King from Selma to Montgomery and crossed the Edmund Pettus Bridge with our former colleague, John Lewis. prgtoken In California, Reverend Darling served in five parishes for over 25 years. After that, Darrell and his wife, Karen, ran the Darling House Bed and Breakfast, where they hosted numerous events for our community and continued to mentor young activists and future public servants. prgtoken In fact, I will never forget the conversation that I had with Darrell, seated in his backyard, that inspired me to stand here in Congress, for it was that type of impression that the Reverend Darling had on me, on Santa Cruz, and on the fight for equality in our American democracy. prgtoken Madam , I not only recognize his legacy of service, but we, in Santa Cruz, acknowledge and appreciate that Reverend Darling is why many of us stand, fight, and serve today. Mourning the Loss of Jorge David Alvarado, Jr.
POSTAL SERVICE REFORM ACT OF 2022--Motion to Proceed--Continued
Jack Reed (Democrat, RI) \u2014 2022-3-1

I rise in support of the swift consideration of President 's five nominees to the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System. prgtoken Over the last year, our economy has improved tremendously, thanks to President 's American Rescue Plan and the bipartisan infrastructure law, and we have been guided along the way by steady leadership at the Fed. We are seeing positive results. prgtoken Last year, GDP grew by 5.7 percent, and we gained over 6.6 million jobs. In each month during the second half of last year, the family tax credit in the American Rescue Plan pulled approximately 3.5 million children out of poverty; unemployment claims are at a 50-year low; the unemployment rate is at 4 percent; and nominal wages are rising at the fastest pace in decades. prgtoken We have also begun investing $1.2 trillion from the bipartisan infrastructure law that will help businesses and the economy in the decades ahead and will provide an extraordinary number of jobs. prgtoken We are not yet out of the woods from the pandemic, and there are critical economic challenges we need to address, including inflation, the lack of affordable housing, the high cost of prescription drugs, the need for affordable childcare, and others. The Fed plays a pivotal role in making sure our economy grows on an even keel so that we can meet these challenges and remain the world's leader. prgtoken I might add also that this is a very, very difficult time for the world economy as we respond to the illegal attack by Putin on Ukraine. The world, under the leadership of President and the United States, has imposed unprecedented sanctions. It is in this volatile moment that the Fed also will play a critical role. prgtoken Unfortunately, partisan brinkmanship is now preventing us from having a fully staffed and functioning Fed, just as s have stymied nominations of qualified individuals to serve at key posts in the Defense Department, in the State Department, and in several other Agencies. prgtoken I would note that, at times, we are being forced to break filibusters on nominations that eventually pass with 70, 80, or 90 ``yes'' votes. Perhaps my colleagues think that these tactics are somehow politically beneficial, but the fact is that these tactics diminish and degrade the ability of the Federal Government to serve the American people. prgtoken And so we come to the Federal Reserve. The seven-member Board is technically operating with four of its seven members today, and two of those are in confirmation limbo. prgtoken Jerome Powell, who has been nominated for a second term as Chair, is serving on an acting basis. Lael Brainard is a Governor and is also the pending nominee for Vice Chair. There is no Vice Chair for Supervision, and two ordinary Governor seats are vacant. prgtoken The President has nominated a slate of five qualified, bipartisan candidates to fill these positions, including Mr. Powe
IN RECOGNITION OF NOAH CLAY, GUEST FROM NEW HAMPSHIRE'S SECOND CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT FOR THE STATE OF THE UNION ADDRESS
Ann M. Kuster (Democrat, NH) \u2014 2022-3-1

. Madam , I rise today to recognize Noah Clay from Keene, New Hampshire. Noah is joining me virtually for the State of the Union. Noah is an Intensive Care Unit (ICU) nurse who has been on the frontlines of the COVID-19 pandemic in the Granite State. I am pleased to honor Noah's commitment and that of his colleagues to the well-being of our communities and their tireless work to save lives during the pandemic. prgtoken Mr. Clay, a native of Keene, graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Colby-Sawyer College in 2020 and completed his Masters in Nursing Management from Colby-Sawyer College in 2022. Noah is an early career Registered Nurse who came directly into the ICU specialty in 2020. prgtoken It's impossible to overstate the essential role of our Granite State health care workers during the COVID-19 pandemic. Throughout every surge and every variant, they have been on the frontlines, putting themselves in harm's way to save lives and push back against this deadly virus. Our state and our country would not be where we are without them. Noah and his fellow health care workers are the true heroes behind America's progress, and I'm proud to uplift their stories. prgtoken On behalf of New Hampshire's Second Congressional District, I thank our health care heroes for all they do. I look forward to our continued work in Congress to ensure New Hampshire is the best place to live, work and raise a family.
MARDI GRAS
Troy A. Carter (Democrat, LA) \u2014 2022-3-1

. Down in New Orleans where the blues were born, it takes a cool cat to blow a horn. prgtoken Down in LaSalle and Rampart Street, it is Mardi Gras combo with a mambo beat. prgtoken Today is Mardi Gras, and as a New Orleanian, this is a special time for our city and our region. It is a joyous time culminating today in the dizzying, colorful explosion that is Mardi Gras Day--Fat Tuesday. Everywhere else, it is just a Tuesday, but in Louisiana it is Mardi Gras--a time for merriment, a time for joy, a time to party, and recognize the culture that makes New Orleans so unique and makes Louisiana so special. prgtoken It is a one-of-a-kind experience. Some might call this biased, but objectively I think everyone should enjoy and experience Mardi Gras. prgtoken Today, people from all over the world come together, krewes of all stripes and backgrounds work to pull off a day like none other. prgtoken After the challenges of isolation and the pandemic, this year's Mardi Gras is a chance for us to reunite, reconnect, and celebrate what truly makes New Orleans, New Orleans--the love, the peace, the culture, and the energy of its people. prgtoken While I am in D.C. for House business and for the President's State of the Union address, my heart is at home as the Zulu float turns on Jackson Avenue and the oceans of people scream and yell: Throw me something, mister. Our hearts are full of joy. prgtoken My heart is handing out coconuts at the Zulu parade as we speak, although I am physically in Washington, D.C. prgtoken People attending balls, costuming, and letting everyone be themselves is what Mardi Gras is all about. It is a time of love, a time of expression, and a time of cultural explosion. prgtoken Happy Mardi Gras to one, happy Mardi Gras to all, have a safe and happy Mardi Gras. Enjoy the beautiful weather. prgtoken For all of you watching, I invite you all to come to Louisiana, have a slice, have a piece of Mardi Gras. No matter where you are or where you are from, let's show each other some love this season. prgtoken And as we say in Louisiana: Laissez les bon temps rouler.
PROVIDING FOR CONSIDERATION OF H.R. 3967, HONORING OUR PROMISE TO ADDRESS COMPREHENSIVE TOXICS ACT OF 2021
David E. Price (Democrat, NC) \u2014 2022-3-1

I rise in support of the rule for the Honoring our PACT Act, which includes the Camp Lejeune Justice Act. This legislation would allow marines and their families who were exposed to contaminated drinking water at Camp Lejeune over 34 years--34 years of neglect and denial--finally to pursue their long overdue day in court. prgtoken Toxicity rates in Camp Lejeune's water were staggering. They ranged from 240 to 3,400 times what is permitted by today's national safety standards. This greatly increased the risk of cancers, adverse birth outcomes, and other medical tragedies. And now many veterans and their families are suffering from no legal recourse. prgtoken The Camp Lejeune Justice Act will correct an anomaly in North Carolina law by providing a legal pathway for affected veterans and their families to pursue fair compensation, which would already be permitted had their exposure occurred anywhere else except the State of North Carolina. prgtoken Today's effort is a culmination of the decades-long bipartisan campaign to prgtoken provide servicemembers affected an opportunity for justice long deferred. First by Congressman Brad Miller and Senator Burr, as well as the late Congressman Walter Jones. prgtoken I am also grateful for the tireless advocacy of the affected marines and their families, the sustained efforts of diverse groups of supporters, and my congressional colleagues, including the bill's sponsors, Congressmen Matt Cartwright and Greg Murphy. prgtoken , I urge the adoption of the rule for this Honoring our PACT Act and with it the adoption of the Camp Lejeune Justice Act, a critical step to honor the promises we have made to our veterans.
SUPPORT FOR UKRAINE
Jake LaTurner (Republican, KS) \u2014 2022-3-1

I rise in support of the brave men and women across Ukraine fighting for their freedom and standing strong against Vladimir Putin and his gang of thugs. As our adversaries look on, it is time our Nation's leaders step up on the world stage and restore peace through American strength and power. prgtoken Make no mistake. This unprovoked invasion of Ukraine is an attack on democracy, and Russia must be held accountable for their actions. The United States must immediately impose additional crippling economic sanctions against Putin and provide further military and humanitarian aid to the Ukraine fighting forces. prgtoken Most importantly, it is vital that we end our Nation's reliance on Russia's energy industry by unleashing domestic energy production right here in the United States. Energy security is national security. prgtoken I continue to be inspired by the countless acts of bravery and leadership by President Zelensky and his people as they fight for their freedom and independence. May God give strength and comfort to the people of Ukraine.
HONORING THE LIFE OF PATRICK CUNNINGHAM OXFORD
Brian Babin (Republican, TX) \u2014 2022-3-1

. Madam , I rise today to honor the life and legacy of my friend, Patrick Cunningham Oxford, of Houston, Texas. He passed away on Sunday, February 13, 2022, at the age of 79. prgtoken Patrick was born in Beaumont, Texas, to Hubert and Virginia Oxford. He attended Catholic school in Beaumont, graduating from St. Anthony's Catholic High School. Patrick grew up playing football and baseball and working for his father's business, Oxford Building Material, LLC. As he got older, Patrick's love of baseball never faded. His friends and family cherished his knowledge of the game, its history, and his ability to make analogies of many situations in life or business to the game of baseball. prgtoken Patrick and I attended the University of Texas at Austin, where he earned a Bachelor prgtoken of Business Administration with honors in 1966 and a law degree with honors in 1967. He was a member of the Phi Delta Theta fraternity and the Texas Cowboys, an honorary student organization. While in law school, Patrick was the Managing Editor of the Texas Law Review and a member of the Friar Society. In 1997, he was appointed to serve on the Board of Regents for the University of Texas System for a six-year term. He also chaired the Health Affairs Committee, which oversaw the operations of six health institutions within the University of Texas System. prgtoken In 1973, Patrick joined the firm of Bracewell & Patterson, now known as Bracewell LLP, and immediately became its 13th partner. He specialized in business and transactional law at the firm, focusing on real estate, energy, and banking. Later, Patrick served as Managing Partner and led the opening of the firm's New York City office. Patrick took great pride and interest in recruiting and mentoring young lawyers at the firm; he genuinely cared and was a brilliant attorney who loved to share his passion for the law with others. prgtoken Patrick believed that Houston's business leaders had an obligation to further the city's success. He took an active role in many civic and business organizations, including Chairman, the Greater Houston Partnership; Director, M.D. Anderson Services Corporation; Chairman Emeritus, Texas Medical Center, Inc.; Advisory Board Member, Kinder Institute for Urban Research at Rice University; and Board Member, the Kinder Institute for Constitutional Democracy at the University of Missouri. prgtoken Patrick believed deeply in the ideals outlined by our Founding Fathers and in our constitutional system. He spent hours assisting candidates he believed would improve the city, state, and country. In fact, Patrick twice served as chairman of the campaign committee for Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison and was a leader in the gubernatorial and presidential campaigns of . He also served as counsel for many statewide and local officeholders in Texas. prgtoken Patrick was a man of deep faith. He attended Mass daily at St. Anne's Catholic Church in Houston
WELCOME HOME VETERANS DAY
Dusty Johnson (Republican, SD) \u2014 2022-3-1

. Madam , I rise today to recognize and include in the Record a proclamation from the County Commission of Fall River County, South Dakota, designating March 29, 2022, as ``Welcome Home Veterans Day.'' prgtoken A Proclamation Designating March 29, 2022, as ``Welcome Home Veterans Day'' (By Fall River County Commission) Whereas, the Vietnam War was fought in Vietnam from 1961 to 1975, and involved North Vietnam and the Viet Cong in conflict with the United States Armed Forces and South Vietnam; and Whereas, the United States became involved in Vietnam because policymakers in the United States believed that if South Vietnam fell to a Communist government then Communism would spread throughout the rest of Southeast Asia; and Whereas, members of the United States Armed Forces began serving in an advisory role in the South Vietnamese in 1961; and Whereas, as a result of the Gulf of Tonkin incidents on August 2, 1964, and August 4, 1964, Congress overwhelmingly passed the Gulf of Tonkin Resolution on August 7, 1964, which effectively handed over war-making powers to President Johnson until such time as ``peace and security'' had returned to Vietnam; and Whereas, in 1965, United States Armed Forces completed the withdrawal of combat troops from Vietnam; and Whereas, by the end of 1965, there were 80,000 United States troops in Vietnam, and by 1969 a peak of approximately 543,000 troops was reached; and Whereas, on January 27, 1973, the Treaty of Paris was signed, which required the release of all United States prisoners-of-war held in North Vietnam and the withdrawal of all United States Armed Forces from South Vietnam; and Whereas, on March 29, 1973, the United States Armed Forces completed the withdrawal of all United States Armed Forces from South Vietnam; and Whereas, more than 58,000 members of the United States Armed Forces lost their lives in Vietnam and more than 300,000 members of the Armed Forces were wounded; and Whereas, members of the United States Armed Forces, who served bravely and faithfully for the United States during the Vietnam War, were caught upon their return home in the crossfire of public debate about the involvement of the United States in the Vietnam War; and Whereas, it was also the first time in history America failed to welcome its veterans back as heroes; and Whereas, the establishment of a ``Welcome Home Vietnam Veterans Day'' would be an appropriate way to honor those members of the United States Armed Forces who served in Vietnam during the Vietnam War; and Whereas, Hot Springs, SD, in Fall River County is known as the Veterans Town; and Now, therefore be it resolved that th
PROVIDING FOR CONSIDERATION OF H.R. 3967, HONORING OUR PROMISE TO ADDRESS COMPREHENSIVE TOXICS ACT OF 2021
Garret Graves (Republican, LA) \u2014 2022-3-1

I thank the gentleman from Pennsylvania for yielding. prgtoken I just heard my friends on the other side say, let's follow the money. Let's follow the money. prgtoken , right now under this administration, we have gone from buying approximately 76,000 barrels of crude oil a day to surging to 198,000 barrels of crude oil every single day. If you add in other petroleum products, , let's follow the money. The additional $22 million a day that we are giving to Vladimir Putin, if you add it all up, we are giving him $7 billion a year. $7 billion a year that goes toward the $65 billion Vladimir Putin puts towards military spending every single year. prgtoken Yes, let's follow the money. prgtoken I hear my friends on the other side talk about emissions, oh, we can't do these things because it is going to cause greater emissions. prgtoken Let's once again look at the facts, . Under the previous administration, on average, emissions went down 2\1/2\ percent a year. Under President they have increased 6.3 percent every single year. prgtoken Let's follow the money. prgtoken Do you know who is paying that money? It is the Americans that can least afford it, whether it is the $12 extra every single time they are filling up their vehicle with gas, whether it is the 700 to $1,700 a year in extra electricity payments that Americans are paying this year to heat their homes. prgtoken , yes, let's follow the money because the people in America that can least afford it, they are the ones that are paying the bill for these irresponsible, ill-advised energy policies that, Mr you can go back prgtoken and look at the Record, we are the ones who advocated otherwise. prgtoken Here is the deal: This administration has stopped offshore production, prevented new lease sales, prevented onshore production. This majority has tried to impose a $10,000 per year per mile pipeline fee, tried to raise royalty fees, increased severance taxes on domestic energy. prgtoken Do you think Vladimir Putin is doing the same thing with Russian energy? I can answer that, : Absolutely not. prgtoken The policies that this bill fixes are the errors that this administration and this majority in Congress made in imposing this energy crisis on us in raising energy prices for Americans that can least afford it. prgtoken , I am sorry that the facts don't result in the narrative that my friends on the other side are trying to establish. Let's be clear on why we have an energy crisis in America, why we are dependent upon Vladimir Putin for energy, why we are funding the military atrocities that he is carrying out in the Ukraine right now, and let's support this bill, this legislation that Congresswoman McMorris Rodgers and Congressman Westerman have pushed to ensure that we can have a clean American energy future.