mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
STATEMENTS ON INTRODUCED BILLS AND JOINT RESOLUTION
Chuck Grassley (Republican, IA) \u2014 2021-5-20

the Foreign Agents Registration Act is a law that I have spoken about on this floor many times. At its core, the Foreign Agents Registration Act brings transparency and accountability to foreign influences in our politics. prgtoken I want to make very clear, this act doesn't prohibit anybody from doing anything they want to do. It only requires those who lobby on behalf of foreign governments and their interests to register their affiliations and activities with the Justice Department. This fits in with a law that I tried to surely describe as bringing transparency, and when you bring transparency, you have accountability. prgtoken While it requires lobbyists on K Street to disclose if they are lobbying on behalf of foreign governments and their interests, it lacks the teeth necessary to enforce the intent of the law and its other requirements. That is very much a weakness in a law that goes back to the 1930s, and it hasn't been updated in the last 55 years. prgtoken Today, I seek to change, once again, that environment I just told you about by introducing the Foreign Agents Disclosure and Registration Enhancement Act. If enacted, this legislation would grant the Justice Department new investigative powers. prgtoken The bill would increase criminal and civil penalties for violations. It does this in order to deter abuse of the law; in other words, people not registering when they should register. prgtoken The bill appropriately limits who in the Justice Department can use this authority, and it provides essential due process protections. In fact, it is based on identical authorities in the False Claims Act, which for years has helped root out waste, fraud, and abuse. prgtoken The bill tasks the Government Accountability Office with studying whether and to what extent the Lobbying Disclosure Act exemption to the Foreign Agents Registration Act is being abused. prgtoken These reforms are the result of this Senator's oversight and policy work dating to 2015. These reforms are not in any way partisan, and last Congress this was very much a bipartisan bill. prgtoken This Congress, it seems funny that not a single ic colleague would join me and my colleagues in cosponsoring this legislation, even though the same people cosponsored it in the last Congress. I have to ask my ic colleagues: What is different now than at the tail end of the last Congress? prgtoken In December of last year, I came to the floor for a live unanimous consent on this very same bill. At that time, I had the support of the chairs and senior ic Senators on both the Senate Judiciary Committee and the Senate Intelligence Committee. What has changed between last December and right now, that these same who helped us aren't helping us on a bill that is the same? Are the compromises that we hashed out no longer relevant now that the control the U.S. Senate and, of course, the Presidency?
MODIFYING STOCK VEHICLES FOR RACING
Fred Keller (Republican, PA) \u2014 2021-5-20

. Madam , motorsports are one of America's favorite pastimes and play an important role in our economy. prgtoken Pennsylvania's 12th Congressional District is home to Selinsgrove Speedway, Clinton County Motor Speedway, Port Royal Speedway, Beaver Springs Dragway, and thousands of racing fans, myself included. Some of my best memories are at the raceway, enjoying the sights and sounds with our community and family. prgtoken That is why I am proud to be an original cosponsor of the Recognizing the Protection of Motorsports Act, or the RPM act. Automotive fans have long altered stock vehicles for competitive racing, a practice that is as old as the sport itself. In 2016, the Environmental Protection Agency issued a proposed rule that would make modifying stock vehicles for racing illegal. The prgtoken RPM Act would ensure that this doesn't happen, permanently protecting this practice. prgtoken The racing industry has a rich history, and I believe it should be protected from burdensome regulatory barriers.
HONORING FIREFIGHTER AMBER HOMA
John Joyce (Republican, PA) \u2014 2021-5-20

. Madam , I rise today to recognize Firefighter Amber Homa for her 15 years of service with the Meyersdale Volunteer Fire Department in Somerset County, Pennsylvania. prgtoken Firefighters' commitment and service to our community are invaluable. Volunteer firefighters often are called on to respond to emergencies of all types. From battling structure fires to conducting search and rescue operations, volunteer firefighters respond immediately whenever disaster strikes. These heroes often go above and beyond--they teach first aid, educate students about fire and other dangerous hazards, and even install car safety seats for children. Through their diverse and often-difficult work, volunteer firefighters provide lifesaving services and are a staple of our local community. prgtoken Firefighter Homa has worked throughout her career to serve the people of Somerset County. On behalf of Pennsylvania's 13th Congressional District, I thank her for her work to protect life and property in our community and wish her continued health, safety, and success.
LEGISLATIVE SESSION
Richard C. Shelby (Republican, AL) \u2014 2021-5-20

global hegemony is a Chinese Communist Party's ultimate aim--we all know that--and they have grown increasingly brazen in their power plays designed to seize that. prgtoken The bill before the Senate purports to counter Chinese ambition and aggression by accelerating, among other things, American investment in critical technologies, but I believe such investment will fail to meet the objective if we shortchange America's military. Unfortunately, that is just what President plans to do. prgtoken Yes, amid all the tough talk about China, President proposes increasing domestic spending by nearly 20 percent while holding defense spending basically flat. And that is on top of several trillion more he has proposed in off-budget spending to supercharge the far-left agenda here at home. prgtoken Meanwhile, China is headed in the opposite direction, increasing the budget for the People's Liberation Army by nearly 7 percent this year. prgtoken Don't think for a moment they aren't taking note of President 's plans and sensing weakness and opportunity here because they are. The Chinese Communist Party and the Chinese leadership, which is the same, understands and heeds only one thing: strength and power. prgtoken A respected and feared American military, I believe, is the bulwark against the rise of China and the power of China. That is why we must not shortchange defense spending--not now, not ever. And that is why I am pleased to join my colleagues in offering this amendment to ensure parity between increases in defense and domestic spending. prgtoken I encourage my colleagues on the other side to join us here in putting America's security first. Projecting real strength to counter Chinese ambition and aggression should be a bipartisan objective. We will see if it is.
LEGISLATIVE SESSION
Ron Johnson (Republican, WI) \u2014 2021-5-20

there was a time--and it really wasn't all that long ago--when securing the border had bipartisan support. It was actually a bipartisan goal--now, I think that made a lot of sense-- but it is not now. prgtoken It also wasn't all that long ago that, in 2006, Congress passed something called the Secure Fence Act of 2006. What that piece of legislation did was to authorize 700 miles of what was supposed to be double-layered fencing. In the end, only 36 miles of actual double- layered fencing was constructed. Another 613 miles that consisted of about 299 miles of vehicle fencing--in other words, people could just walk right through it--and another 314 miles of single-layered pedestrian barrier fencing were actually built. I think we have seen that unfortunately the fencing did not fulfill the requirements of the Secure Fence Act of 2006, and it also didn't work. prgtoken What is interesting to know about the passage of the Secure Fence Act is that it passed overwhelmingly in this Chamber by a vote of 80 to 19. There were 26 ic Senators who joined 54 s in voting yes. It also passed the House by a pretty overwhelming margin as well-- 283 to 138--with 64 joining the s. So the total count in Congress was 363 votes to build a fence and secure the border versus 157 people who, apparently, didn't have an interest. In other words, 70 percent of the Members of Congress who voted on the Secure Fence Act, who voted for border security, voted yes. Again, that was with the support of 90 . prgtoken By the way, some pretty notable voted to secure the border by building 700 miles of double-layered fence, including those who are current President ; former President ; the current majority leader of the Senate, Senator Schumer; former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton; my chairman and ranking member of Homeland Security, Senator Tom Carper; the chairwoman of the Judiciary in the past, Senator Feinstein; the current chairman of the Finance Committee, Senator Wyden. At the time, the Senator from Ohio, Mr. Brown, was a Member of the House, and he voted for it in the House. Again, that was only 14, 15 years ago when securing the border was actually a bipartisan goal. prgtoken What happened? Why isn't that the case now? Why has securing the border become a partisan issue? prgtoken Well, politics happened. prgtoken I wasn't here between 2006 and 2011, but I know there were multiple good-faith efforts to pass an immigration bill. They often referred to it as ``comprehensive immigration reform.'' I remember, when I got here, that this effort was still going on, and we actually passed, in this body, a comprehensive immigration bill. I remember talking to Senator McCain, who was one of the leading proponents. I did suggest that I would stop using the word ``comprehensive'' and that I didn't think we did a very good job with things comprehensively here and
EMERGENCY SECURITY SUPPLEMENTAL TO RESPOND TO JANUARY 6TH APPROPRIATIONS ACT, 2021
Kay Granger (Republican, TX) \u2014 2021-5-20

. Madam , such time as I may consume. prgtoken Madam , I rise in opposition to H.R. 3237, a bill to provide funding for Capitol security and other purposes. prgtoken Unfortunately, after several weeks of discussion, my colleagues on the other side of the aisle have chosen a path of partisanship instead of working together. I want to explain how we ended up in this situation. prgtoken In January, the of the House directed a retired lieutenant general and his team to review security needs on the House side of the Capitol following the events of January 6. This review was directed without even consulting House s or the Senate. prgtoken Even though the review by General Honore began as a partisan effort, members of the Appropriations Committee hoped things could get back on track and we could negotiate a funding agreement that could be supported by both parties in both Chambers. prgtoken That is why it is so disappointing that we are now left with the bill before us. This is a one-sided solution that does not even have buy-in from in the Senate. prgtoken The bill we are considering today implements permanent recommendations before ongoing security assessments are complete; it creates a multi-million-dollar fund for future expenses at the Capitol prior to knowing what is really needed; and it delays much-needed reimbursements for agencies that have protected the Capitol since January 6, such as the National Guard and the Capitol Police. prgtoken It also provides $200 million to establish a force within the D.C. National Guard to respond to incidents at the Capitol, raising serious concerns about the role of our military on American soil. prgtoken Some of our colleagues on the other side of the aisle have also raised concerns about using the National Guard in this way. prgtoken The chairman of the Senate Appropriations Committee, Senator Leahy, has said that it is important for the Capitol to remain open and accessible to the public and not feel like a militarized zone. I agree with him. prgtoken Matters of such importance like this should be handled in the proper way, marked up in the Appropriations Committee and authorizing committees so that Members' positions can be fully considered. prgtoken At the very least, amendments to this bill should have been allowed on the House floor today. Unfortunately, Members on both sides of the aisle have been shut out. prgtoken Madam , the events of January 6 were tragic and exposed serious security vulnerabilities around the Capitol complex, as well as an inability to properly respond and act when intelligence is provided. prgtoken Congress must prevent anything like this from ever happening again, but the bill before us today is not the solution. prgtoken There is no reason why we cannot continue discussing in good faith and reach a bipartisan compromise. prgtoken For this reason, I must urge my colleagues to vote ``no'' on this package. I hope we c
TRIBUTE TO A. ED MAIRERLE
Steve Daines (Republican, MT) \u2014 2021-5-20

. . Today I have the distinct honor of recognizing A. Ed Maierle of Cascade County as Montanan of the Month for his service to our country during World War II. Ed is also celebrating his 100th birthday on June 6, 2021, which is the 77th anniversary of the D-Day invasion in France. prgtoken Ed enlisted in the U.S. Navy after Pearl Harbor was bombed. He was sent to Hawaii and became an ``Avenger,'' a member of a torpedo bomber squadron stationed at Pearl Harbor. Ed also manned a 50-caliber machine gun on a PBY, a WWII seaplane. He later was stationed for 2 years as propeller specialist with a B-24 squadron on Esperitu Santo New Heberde Island. As part of this squadron, he flew daily missions, scouting for the dreaded A6M Zero Japanese fighter planes. prgtoken After the war, Ed was stationed for 1 year at Whidbey Island, WA, before returning to Montana. For two summers, Ed and his wife, Mary Alice, became the first couple in the United States to man a U.S. Forest Service fire watch lookout tower. Following this adventure, Ed embarked on a very successful career in the insurance business. He and Mary Alice were very active in community service. They both shared a strong faith in the Lord and were recognized for their 24 years of service in the Helena area nursing home ministry. prgtoken Ed epitomizes the heart of a veteran--a Montana hero--whose selfless service must not be forgotten. On behalf of a grateful nation, I want to thank Ed for his service to our country, and I wish you a very happy birthday celebration with your family.
TRIBUTE TO KEVIN GROUT
Mitch McConnell (Republican, KY) \u2014 2021-5-20

on one final matter, my Senate office is losing a talented and dedicated young staffer this week. Fortunately, he has just been on loan from his home State--our home State--all along, and he is now heading back to the Bluegrass. prgtoken Kevin Grout started with me 5 years ago. This bright, sharp, and cheerful, young McConnell Scholar from the University of Louisville began as a staff assistant in the mailroom or, you might say, as sort of my ``body man.'' But in this line of work, talent attracts responsibility. Before long, Kevin had graduated to serve as the speechwriter in my personal office. In 4\1/2\ years, he has helped me craft more remarks, op-eds, and written statements than any of us could possibly count--almost all focused on issues that matter most to Kentuckians. prgtoken We are sorry to lose Kevin's talents here on the team, but Kevin and his wife Addie are taking their careers and their young son Henry and putting down roots where it all began. Washington will be sorry to see them go, but it will be Kentucky's good fortune to welcome him back.
HONORING TOMMY STEVENSON AND 36 YEARS OF TOMMY'S COUNTRY HAM HOUSE
William R. Timmons IV (Republican, SC) \u2014 2021-5-20

. Madam , I want to congratulate Tommy Stevenson on his retirement after 36 years of service to our community. His well- lived life, risk-taking, and hard work paid off, and he achieved the American Dream by establishing the single most iconic restaurant in Greenville. prgtoken More than a restaurant, Tommy's Country Ham House became the social and political heart of Greenville. There is a saying that ``the road to the White House begins at the Ham House.'' Over the years, generations of aspiring politicians visited Tommy's in the weeks leading up to South Carolina's ``First in the South'' primary. The many signed pictures hanging on the restaurant ``Wall of Fame'' are a testament to the esteem in which he is held by generations of public servants and other luminaries. prgtoken His service to our community has also extended far beyond the political realm, whether it be feeding the Furman University football team before games or providing generous discounts to our law enforcement community. I would also like to commend Tommy for employing individuals with intellectual disabilities or substance abuse problems, who are often forgotten by society when they need a hand. prgtoken Tommy treated all of his employees with the same kindness and respect that he showed his own family, and he allowed my staff to establish an ``unofficial'' office at the Ham House to assist countless disabled veterans and widowed constituents in obtaining much-needed Federal benefits. Tommy's giving spirit is truly an inspiration to us all. prgtoken Although Governor McMaster has already bestowed Tommy with the Order of the Palmetto, our community will never be able to fully thank him for the past 36 years of service to the people of Greenville and the Upstate as a whole. As this chapter of Tommy's incredibly successful business career closes, my wish is that another, equally fulfilling chapter with his wonderful family opens. May God continue to bless him and his.
EMERGENCY SECURITY SUPPLEMENTAL TO RESPOND TO JANUARY 6TH APPROPRIATIONS ACT, 2021
Lance Gooden (Republican, TX) \u2014 2021-5-20

. Madam , I rise in opposition to this bill. prgtoken This partisan proposal would allocate over $2 billion of taxpayer resources for a wall around the U.S. Capitol and spend money on other things, like Members' personal security at home. prgtoken I don't believe the American people support that. I don't believe they understand what is in this bill. And I believe this bill would only serve to further separate the American people from their elected representatives here in Washington. prgtoken This is not the way we do business in the United States of America. It is not the way we should do business. prgtoken There are so many issues that are more worthy of our attention. The crisis at our border is unlike anything we have ever seen. We are recording 20-year highs in border crossings. But instead of completing the wall at our southern border, which would protect innocent children from being exploited by human traffickers and drug cartels, would rather spend $2 billion on a wall around this building in D.C. prgtoken This is the people's House, Madam , and I cannot support this proposal to take my constituents' hard-earned money and use it to keep them out.
LEGISLATIVE SESSION
John Kennedy (Republican, LA) \u2014 2021-5-20

I think I am like you in one respect. You know, I don't hate anybody, and I try to look for grace everywhere I can find it. I have always believed there is always something to be thankful for. prgtoken I came today to thank the administration but also to ask for its help. prgtoken First, I want to thank the President for encouraging everybody to take the vaccine. I don't think anybody should be required to take the vaccine, and I am not saying President does, but he and his team have been very aggressive in encouraging Americans to take the vaccine, and I think that is the proper approach. prgtoken Do you have polio, ? I know you don't. I don't either. Thank you, science. The vaccine, I think, works. And once again, we are not telling anybody they have to take it, but I wish people would stop and reflect on it and weigh the pros and the cons, and I think they will see the pros outweigh the cons. I want to thank President for his efforts in that regard. prgtoken Here is my criticism: President , at the worst possible time, is about to raise the insurance premiums for every flood insurance policyholder in America or almost all of them. So much for not hurting the middle class. So much for not taxing the working people. prgtoken As you know, the National Flood Insurance Program, which is administered by FEMA, began in 1968. Many people don't know this, but if we own a home and we have homeowners insurance, our homeowners insurance doesn't cover flooding. If we do want flood coverage and we call our agent and ask them to place our flood coverage with a private company, they are very difficult to find. prgtoken Almost no private companies offer flood insurance. So in 1968, the U.S. Congress decided to form the National Flood Insurance Program and have FEMA administer it. We insure, through our National Flood Insurance Program--which, once again, is the almost exclusive source of flood insurance for the American people--we insure about 5 million people. About 500,000 of those people are in my State, Louisiana, but we are not alone. I am sure we have people in Colorado. I know we have people in New Jersey and New York, in most of the coastal States and in many of the inland States, who have flood insurance. prgtoken Now, FEMA has decided to implement a new program called Risk Rating 2.0. They always come up with a fancy name when they are going to screw you. Risk Rating 2.0. If you ask FEMA about it--you say: Well, what does this do, FEMA? Well, they try not to answer your question first, and they dodge and they bob and weave, but if you pin them down and read their literature, they will say: Well, with Risk Rating 2.0, we no longer are going to assess premiums on the basis of area; we are going to look at every specific home and assess its risk and assign a premium. We are also going to consider the future of climate change, what things are going to be like 15, 20, 3