mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
Business Before the Senate (Executive Session)
Charles E. Schumer (Democrat, NY) \u2014 2021-11-15

from Tennessee for yielding, and in a few minutes, I intend to take the first procedural step to begin consideration of the annual Defense policy bill. With cooperation, the Senate can and should move through this important legislation that we attend to each year. prgtoken This year, we will amend the Defense bill to include the U.S. Innovation and Competition Act, the historic manufacturing and innovation bill that the Senate passed earlier this year on a strong bipartisan basis and which will help tackle our Nation's supply chain crisis. Our supply chain crisis needs attending to, and we cannot wait. Members from both sides of the aisle have expressed interest in getting this done. prgtoken Passing USICA would be an essential far-reaching step that Congress could take to help fight inflation, help increase American workers' wages, and relieve strained supply chains, particularly with regard to the current devastating chip shortage that is hurting the auto industry, the tech industry, and so many other industries. We cannot allow us to become dependent on foreign chips, especially when we do-- we do the groundbreaking technology. prgtoken We are also working with the and our colleagues in the House and colleagues in the Senate to find a path forward to get this important legislation over the finish line before the end of the year. prgtoken It is also my intention to have an amendment vote on the bipartisan legislation, repealing the 2002 Iraq war AUMF. This measure was reported on a bipartisan basis out of the Foreign Relations Committee earlier this year, prgtoken and the NDAA is the logical place to have that vote on the Senate floor. prgtoken The Iraq war has been over for nearly a decade. An authorization passed in 2002 is no longer necessary in 2021. In no way will repealing this measure impact our ability to keep Americans safe nor impact our relationship with Iraq. prgtoken We will have other votes on amendments on the Defense bill as well. I look forward to working with our colleagues on the other side of the aisle to move this important process forward. prgtoken So now I am going to move cloture on the NDAA. prgtoken I have some words to say about my dear colleague, Senator Leahy, and some words to say on Build Back Better, but I will come at a later moment because I know my friend from Tennessee is waiting to do those things tonight.
AMERICA IS ON THE MOVE AGAIN
Steve Cohen (Democrat, TN) \u2014 2021-11-15

. Madam , today is a major day. Not as major as the day we had about 10 days ago when the House passed, with bipartisan support, the bipartisan infrastructure bill, but we are going to have a bill signing in the White House in just a few minutes by President . prgtoken This is a big deal. We passed a bill that President couldn't pass with a Congress and without a Congress. President and this Congress passed it. It is going to mean road repairs, bridge repairs, airport additions, bridge observations and repairs. Ports in our country will be improved. Broadband will be extended. The electric grid will be improved; people will get access. This is what used to be bipartisan--people working together to get the infrastructure of our country that moves goods to ports, goods to people, makes our country tick, helps business, puts jobs together. prgtoken This is an important bill. The ic Congress with 13 s passed it. It is a great day to celebrate. America is on the move again.
Tribute to Patrick Leahy (Executive Calendar)
Richard J. Durbin (Democrat, IL) \u2014 2021-11-16

the desk behind me is empty at this moment, but whenever anything important is taking place on the floor, you will find seated there the dean of the U.S. Senate, Senator Patrick Leahy of Vermont. prgtoken This week, he surprised a number of us by announcing his retirement at the end of next year. prgtoken I have come to know Pat during my service in the Senate. He is a humanitarian. He is a gifted lawmaker and a prgtoken passionate defender of America's national ideals and, I might add, of international human rights. Loretta and I count Patrick and his wonderful wife Marcelle as really good friends. prgtoken I have been on the Senate Judiciary Committee, chairing it for a year. I have more insight into that job than I ever had before, and I have certainly realized that when Senator Leahy was the chair of that committee, he wrote an extraordinary record, which many of us only dream of emulating. prgtoken I thank him for his passionate, consistent, faithful support of the DREAM Act, which I introduced 20 years ago, and his efforts to help me get this enacted into law. I also appreciated when he gave me the opportunity to create a new subcommittee in Judiciary entitled the ``Subcommittee on Human Rights and the Law,'' which I chaired. We did good things for America and the world. prgtoken Pat Leahy is known throughout the world, and I mean that literally, as a defender of human rights and human dignity. I have seen it so many times. prgtoken He and I decided to join forces a few years ago on behalf of a political prisoner. Her name is Leila de Lima. She is a human rights advocate and a senator in the Philippines. She is in jail. prgtoken Two years ago, Senator Leahy passed an amendment on her behalf in the State and Foreign Operations Appropriations Subcommittee. As a result, strongman Rodrigo Duterte of the Philippines banned both Senator Leahy and myself from entering the Philippines because of our action. I can tell you that we take great pride in being singled out in that manner. Duterte knew, as we all know, that when Patrick Leahy sees injustice, he will use his power in office to put things right. prgtoken His service in the Senate has been a great benefit to our Nation, our world, and his beloved State of Vermont, and we will certainly miss him when he retires. I will just add, though, watch closely because he is going to run through the tape. He has a little over a year left in the Senate, and I am sure he will work for that entire period of time for the betterment of this Nation and his beautiful Vermont.
DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS ADVISORY COMMITTEE ON UNITED STATES OUTLYING AREAS AND FREELY ASSOCIATED STATES
Mark Takano (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2021-11-16

such time as I may consume. prgtoken , I support this legislation, H.R. 3730, sponsored by Mr. Sablan and Mrs. Radewagen, which would create an advisory committee on veterans living in outlying areas and freely associated States, including island territories. prgtoken The advisory committee would have a variety of members, including experts from the covered geographic areas. The Secretary will be able to consult regularly with, and receive the input of, this advisory committee regarding the administration of benefits and VA programs. Once established, the advisory committee will report annually on the needs of the covered veterans and provide much-needed recommendations. prgtoken This bipartisan legislation is supported by the American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars, Minority Veterans of America, Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America. prgtoken , .
HONORING THE 190TH ANNIVERSARY OF PRESENTATION ACADEMY
John A. Yarmuth (Democrat, KY) \u2014 2021-11-16

. Madam , I rise today in recognition of the 190th Anniversary of Presentation Academy. This home of academic excellence is not only the first Catholic school in Louisville, but also our city's oldest continually operating school. prgtoken In 1831, Mother Catherine Spalding and the Sisters of Charity of Nazareth founded Presentation Academy, and over the past 190 years, the city of Louisville and Presentation have grown and changed together. It is an honor to recognize this iconic institution and its commitment to educating and inspiring young women. In making diversity, inclusivity and individuality a core part of the learning environment at Presentation, you have prepared generations of young women to take on the challenges of the future. prgtoken Following a long tradition, senior Toppers sign Presentation's tower on their last day of school, and I am grateful to the many Presentation alumnae who have also left their signature on Louisville and beyond. I have no doubt that this legacy of service and activism will continue for years to come. prgtoken Madam , colleagues, please join me in extending our congratulations to the administration, faculty, staff, parents, students, and alumnae of Presentation Academy as they celebrate nearly two centuries of changing lives through education and service. They are an absolute treasure to our community, and I wish them the best as they come together to celebrate this incredible milestone.
Tribute to Patrick Leahy (Executive Session)
Charles E. Schumer (Democrat, NY) \u2014 2021-11-16

first, I know you will be taking the floor in a few minutes. I spoke about the bittersweet mood we all have of your departure--bitter in the sense that you have done so much for the Senate, for Vermont, and for America over the years that we will badly miss you; sweet because you will get to spend more time with Marcelle, your children, your lovely grandchildren. And you deserve it, after all these great years of service. prgtoken It is one of the most extraordinary records any Senator has compiled in the history of this country. So thank you for your service and your continued service through January of 2022.
DEMOCRATS DELIVERED ON INFRASTRUCTURE
Matt Cartwright (Democrat, PA) \u2014 2021-11-16

. Madam , another thing we did in the past to invest in ourselves was the Eisenhower Interstate Highway System. This was something that the greatest generation did, Madam . They came back from World War II--we just honored a World War II hero of the Bataan Death March--but these folks came home from all of the privations and sacrifices and suffering that they went through in the war, and what did they do? They sacrificed more for us for the future, what was then the future, what is now us. They sacrificed for us. They built the Eisenhower Interstate Highway System. prgtoken What did it do? It greased the skids for American companies, enabled companies to bring their products to market faster and more cheaply and in a way that enabled them to compete with every other country in the world. prgtoken This is the kind of investment that makes America win in competitions all over the world. prgtoken You don't have to be an engineer to understand these things. You don't have to be a mechanical engineer to know that this is exactly what we need to be doing in the United States of America these days. It was a wonder that it took until now. prgtoken Certainly, my entire time in Congress I have been waiting for a major infrastructure bill to come through to beef up our roads and our bridges; our water systems and our sewer systems; our broadband internet; and move us into the next century to compete with China, Europe, Russia, and all of the places that would do away with us if they could beat us. prgtoken It was just yesterday afternoon that this bill, the bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, was signed into law on the south lawn of the White House. And who was sitting next to me in the chair to my left, but Representative Paul Tonko of the 20th District of New York, who happens to be a mechanical engineer, and he knows one or two things about making things work; making them work better, more efficiently, faster, and cheaper. prgtoken What does it mean to you, Representative Tonko, that we pass this bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act? prgtoken Madam , from New York (Mr. Tonko).
RECESS
Debbie Stabenow (Democrat, MI) \u2014 2021-11-16

I rise today to speak in support of Robert Bonnie's confirmation as Under Secretary of Farm Production and Conservation at the U.S. Department of Agriculture. prgtoken If confirmed, Mr. Bonnie will oversee three Agencies at the USDA that are absolutely critical to the well-being of our Nation's farmers and ranchers and to our shared goal of addressing the climate crisis. prgtoken Taken together, the Farm Service Agency, the National Resources Conservation Service, and Risk Management Agency provide the first line of defense for our farmers and ranchers against droughts and floods and wildfires and other extreme weather. prgtoken These Agencies will also lead our efforts to provide voluntary solutions to help our farmers and ranchers lead the way in addressing the climate crisis. prgtoken In my home State of Michigan and across the Nation, producers are facing unseasonable freezes and thaws and dramatically unpredictable conditions that disrupt the planning and harvesting schedules they rely on for their livelihoods and for our food supply. As the climate crisis affects the way the agriculture sector operates, the work of the USDA and its staff to provide resources and knowledge for our farmers and ranchers is absolutely critical. prgtoken Without crop insurance, without disaster assistance, without our conservation programs, our farmers and ranchers will be left even more vulnerable. That is why we need competent, experienced leaders who are ready to lead these Agencies from day one. prgtoken Leading this mission area is a big responsibility but one that I know Mr. Bonnie is well-qualified to tackle. Throughout his career, Mr. Bonnie has built strong partnerships with farmers, with ranchers, with foresters, with communities. prgtoken This is also his second time leading a mission area at USDA as he was confirmed by voice vote as Under Secretary for Natural Resources and Environment in the administration. There, he oversaw key public- private partnerships with foresters and private land owners, while leading the U.S. Forest Service and the Natural Resources Conservation Service. prgtoken While working at the Nicholas Institute for Environmental Policy Solutions at Duke University, Mr. Bonnie worked closely with rural communities to tackle pressing conservation issues. prgtoken And at the Environmental Defense Fund, Mr. Bonnie focused on incentive-based approaches to promote stewardship on private lands. prgtoken At his hearing in the Senate Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry Committee, ic and members alike praised Mr. Bonnie's extensive credentials and his commitment to tackling the climate crisis and boosting farm income at the same time. prgtoken That approach has earned him the support of many, many of the Nation's most respected farm and food organizations, including the American Farm Bureau and the National Farmers Union. prgtoken I am pleased to add my support to his nomin
HONORING THE SERVICE OF LIEUTENANT COLONEL ALEXANDER JEFFERSON
Rashida Tlaib (Democrat, MI) \u2014 2021-11-16

. Madam , I rise today in tribute to Lieutenant Colonel Alexander Jefferson, whose heroic service as a Tuskegee Airman in World War II was recognized this week in a rededication ceremony of Jefferson Field, and it was done on his 100th birthday. prgtoken A graduate of Detroit public schools, Alexander Jefferson pursued a military career and completed pilot training at the Tuskegee Army Airfield. prgtoken As a fighter pilot with the Red Tail, 332nd Fighter Group 301 Fighter Squadron, his unit escorted bombers headfirst into action, bravely providing protection from vicious enemy aircraft. They never lost a single plane. prgtoken On August 12, 1944, Jefferson was shot down and captured by the Germans and kept as a prisoner of war for 9 months. He was liberated by the American forces on the 29th of April, 1945, and discharged from Active Duty in 1947. prgtoken After serving our country, Lieutenant Colonel Jefferson continued his public service by becoming a science teacher in Detroit, where he would retire as an assistant principal in 1979. prgtoken He has numerous awards for his bravery and I am honored to recognize Lieutenant Colonel Alexander Jefferson on this celebration of service to our country, and wish him also a beautiful, wonderful 100th birthday.
TSA REACHING ACROSS NATIONALITIES, SOCIETIES, AND LANGUAGES TO ADVANCE TRAVELER EDUCATION ACT
Dina Titus (Democrat, NV) \u2014 2021-11-16

the balance of my time. prgtoken , our Nation's airports connect Americans to one another and to the rest of the world. But for travelers who do not primarily speak English or who experience hearing or vision difficulties, the TSA screening process can be challenging and result in delays for all the other travelers who are standing in line. prgtoken By requiring TSA to make its signage and announcement more accessible to passengers at major airports, my bill will bring much-needed inclusivity and efficiency to the whole travel experience. I know we all appreciate seeing signs in English when we are traveling abroad. U.S. airports should be just as welcoming and reflect the diversity of our constituents and the travelers who visit our cities. prgtoken So, once again, , I encourage my colleagues to vote for H.R. 5574, as amended, and .
HONORING THE ROTARY CLUB OF VALLEJO
Mike Thompson (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2021-11-16

. Madam , I rise today to honor the Rotary Club of Vallejo as it celebrates its 100th year anniversary. prgtoken The Rotary Club of Vallejo was temporarily formed by 19 businessmen in July 1921 before its permanent admittance to Rotary International on November 6, 1921. As a part of Rotary International, the club's mission is to provide humanitarian service to the community through the improvement of health, support of education, and alleviation of poverty, while promoting high ethical standards, goodwill, and peace. prgtoken The Rotary Club of Vallejo promotes local programs, many that benefit the youth in the Vallejo community. They organized the Dictionary Program to give every third grader a dictionary within the Vallejo City Unified School District and in Vallejo private schools. With a goal to create strong leaders within the community, the Vallejo Rotary Club created a Youth Leadership Program where seven Vallejo high school students participate in a week-long program to learn leadership skills at an outdoor camp. The Club has also generously supported the ``Breakfast Club'' program, providing breakfast and a safe space to do homework for Vallejo's middle school students before the start of the school day. prgtoken Along with the services it has provided, the Rotary Club of Vallejo has also funded the development of many community projects, including the Mullen Theater at the Children's Wonderland Park and the flag pavilion and fountain at California Maritime Academy. Further, the club has generously contributed to the art mural in the children's section at the Vallejo John F. Kennedy Library, and a scholarship program for six graduating seniors. prgtoken Madam , there is no doubt that the Rotary Club of Vallejo's achievements and contributions have left a profound impact on the Vallejo community. Therefore, it is fitting and proper that we honor it here today.
VOTE EXPLANATION
Edward J. Markey (Democrat, MA) \u2014 2021-11-16

I was necessarily absent, but had I been present, I would have voted yea on rollcall vote No. 467, confirmation of Graham Scott Steele to be an Assistant Secretary of the Treasury. prgtoken , I was necessarily absent, but had I been present, I would have voted yea on rollcall vote No. 468, the motion to invoke cloture on Robert Farrell Bonnie to be Under Secretary of Agriculture for Farm Production and Conservation. prgtoken , I was necessarily absent, but had I been present, I would have voted yea on rollcall vote No. 469, confirmation of Robert Farrell Bonnie to be Under Secretary of Agriculture for Farm Production and Conservation.
Biden Administration (Executive Session)
Tim Kaine (Democrat, VA) \u2014 2021-11-16

I am glad to follow my colleague from the Dakotas because I would certainly never attempt to interpret the electorate of another State. prgtoken I can tell you about the Virginia elections that happened a couple weeks back. The message, I think, from our voters pretty loud and clear was: We want you to get stuff done. If we in the Senate and in the House had passed the infrastructure bill and passed the Build Back Better bill before the Virginia election, I think the outcome would have been different. prgtoken What we were hearing again and again from voters is: We gave you a majority. Please act on it, especially at this time when Americans are so challenged by now nearly 20 months of pandemic and economic devastation. prgtoken So I stand on the floor as a proud Virginian, very focused on celebrating the accomplishment of yesterday--President 's signature on the infrastructure bill--but also saying we have to pass the Build Back Better bill in order to respond to what our constituents are asking of us at this challenging time.
RECOGNIZING THE LIFE AND SERVICE OF NORMA FINK ON HER 100TH BIRTHDAY
Theodore E. Deutch (Democrat, FL) \u2014 2021-11-16

I rise today to honor an extraordinary trailblazer, philanthropist, and public servant in south Florida, Mrs. Norma Fink, on her 100th birthday. prgtoken Born Norma Mager, in the Bronx, New York, on November 16, 1921, Norma has spent a century giving back to those around her. In 1942, Norma graduated from New York University with a bachelor's degree in economics and a minor in geology, the only woman to graduate with that honor at the time. prgtoken Shortly after, she put her degree to work by joining the Department of War to assist with the military supply chain while her husband, Robert Fink, served in our Nation's Armed Forces during World War II. prgtoken After the war, Norma worked in her father's bakery, Mager and Throne Bread Bakery. During this time, she became enamored with jazz music and made friends with many local musicians who were involved with the civil rights movement. Inspired by their work, Norma began contributing the money she made to support civil rights initiatives in the South. This became an ongoing passion of hers. prgtoken After moving to Plantation, Florida, in 1972, Norma continued her legacy of supporting the enrichment of the community by joining the city's Parks and Recreation Department, where she still works at the age of 100. prgtoken Additionally, she began spending her time and money supporting local charities. Following the loss of her daughter, Marian, to breast cancer in 2002, Norma dedicated herself to helping others suffering from cancer. prgtoken Norma's spirit of persistence, generosity, and service to her community is an inspiration to all of us in south Florida. It is an inspiration to generations of Americans. prgtoken To honor her legacy, the city of Plantation, her home for nearly half a century, has designated Norma Fink Day in honor of the oldest and longest part-time employee in that city's history. prgtoken I join the entire south Florida community in wishing Norma Fink a happy 100th birthday surrounded by her loved ones. I thank her for her dedication to bettering the lives of everyone in south Florida. Making History With Bipartisan Infrastructure Bill