mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
PREVENTING ACROSS-THE-BOARD DIRECT SPENDING CUTS
Mike Braun (Republican, IN) \u2014 2021-3-25

coming from the world of business, I have been dismayed by Washington's inability to fix problems in a timely, rational manner, and that has been over a stretch of many years before I got here. prgtoken I do, respectfully, disagree with my friend from West Virginia. We should fix this tax cut prohibition right now that was forced into the American Rescue Plan in the wee hours of the morning. prgtoken If we want to fix a commonsense problem, we are being told that our only choice is to hold Hoosier seniors hostage. This is the most deliberative body in the world; this cannot be the best the Senate has to offer. prgtoken We must get the Federal Government out of the way and stop complicating and confusing States. They should be allowed to do their jobs. prgtoken And, by the way, they do their jobs--balancing their budgets every year, living within their means. Most of the rest of the country accepts that as well. prgtoken Given the looming April 1 deadline for cuts to return to Medicare, I am not willing to let Hoosier seniors suffer. As a result, I will withdraw my amendment in the interest of seniors across Indiana. prgtoken I look forward to working with the two leaders after the recess to fix this issue. I will not object.
PPP EXTENSION ACT OF 2021
James Lankford (Republican, OK) \u2014 2021-3-25

I do want to thank my friend from Maryland. This is an important issue. It does need to be resolved. It has not had enough attention on this. As he and I talked about it the last several days, and several others joined in, this deals with partnerships, whether it be ag. This deals with individuals. prgtoken So my friend from Kansas, he and I worked together on this to be able to combine a piece of legislation to make sure we are dealing with all types of businesses that will be affected, and I do hope to be able to get this through by unanimous consent in the days ahead to get this resolved as quickly as possible as well as continue to reach out to the Small Business Administration and to see what they can to do to be able to communicate with those folks.
ADDITIONAL STATEMENTS
Steve Daines (Republican, MT) \u2014 2021-3-25

this week, I have the honor of recognizing Celea Poitra and Gahge Whitemanrunshim of Big Horn County for courageously stepping up to help others in the face of danger. They exhibit strong Montana values, and their dedication to helping others is admirable. prgtoken Celea and Gahge were in their grandmother's pickup truck heading to a dental appointment on Saturday, February 27, 2021, when they witnessed devastating 30-vehicle pileup on the Yellowstone River Bridge outside Billings, MT. Dozens of vehicles crashed into each other on the icy interstate highway bridge. After their truck came to a stop, Celea and Gahge saw a vehicle with a mother and two kids hanging partially off the guardrail of the bridge. Celea and Gahge did not hesitate to step in and help. However, the impact from other vehicles hitting the pile- up knocked both of them off of the bridge, and they fell to the ground about 60 feet below. prgtoken They sustained serious injuries when they fell and are recovering in Billings' hospital. Celea was treated for a broken back, lacerated kidney, and other injuries. She was in an intensive care unit and is expected to need multiple surgeries. Gahge suffered a fractured neck, punctured lung, and other injuries. Their grandmother and guardian, Joan, stated that it is very much in her children's nature to go out of their way to help someone. prgtoken It is my distinct honor to recognize Celea and Gahge for demonstrating such bravery to help others in need and I pray for their swift recovery. Their selflessness serves as an inspiration to all Montanans.
PPP EXTENSION ACT OF 2021
John Kennedy (Republican, LA) \u2014 2021-3-25

this is the third time I have brought this amendment--the third time. prgtoken Now, you either approve of the rioting that happened this summer and at the Capitol or you don't. The riots this summer killed 47 people. There was well over $1 billion worth of damage. prgtoken No. 2, I can't help it if Pelosi has decided to go home, which prevents us from offering amendments to make this bill better. We all support extension of the PPP program, but this is not right, and it would be a lot more intellectually honest if my colleague, who opposed my amendment, said: Look, we just don't think that if you rioted you should be punished with respect to the PPP program, because that is what a ``no'' vote is saying.
ALEXEI NAVALNY
Roger F. Wicker (Republican, MS) \u2014 2021-3-25

I rise this afternoon to call attention to a courageous Russian hero who is in danger even as I speak. He is a man who has consistently stood up to Vladimir Putin and his cronies and has, on numerous occasions, placed his own life in jeopardy to bring the truth to light. The lawless thugs in the Kremlin often avoid saying his name in public, but here on the Senate floor, I am proud to stand in solidarity with Alexei Navalny. prgtoken It was just last August that Alexei Navalny, Russia's foremost opposition leader, was poisoned with a deadly nerve agent. Millions of us remember seeing the video of his being stricken on an airplane and hearing his painful cries, the crew members unsure how to soothe his pain. Thanks to the quick diplomatic work of our friends in Germany, Mr. Navalny was evacuated to Berlin, where he received expert medical attention and, against all odds, recovered from this poisoning. prgtoken An ordinary man would have stayed safe and very far away from the Kremlin, but Alexei Navalny is no ordinary man. He is a Russian patriot who envisions a different kind of Russia, one where citizens have a say in government, where freedom blooms, and where the President does not siphon away funds intended for hospitals in order to build secret palaces or to enrich members of his kleptocracy. prgtoken So, 3 months ago, Mr. Navalny returned to Russia, knowing full well the dangers he would face. Immediately upon his arrival, he was arrested at the airport for a parole violation, which resulted from his hospitalization, which resulted from his poisoning. He now sits in one of the most notorious penal colonies in Russia, known for its psychological torture. He has been deemed a flight risk and is awakened eight times a night under the guise of monitoring his whereabouts. His lawyers were recently prevented from seeing him. Reports are that he is suffering from severe back pain and other health prgtoken concerns and has received inadequate medical care. prgtoken This is a familiar sounding story, but one thing is clear: The Russian dictatorship is terrified of Alexei Navalny. He is a threat to them because he has exposed their unbridled corruption and urged voters to demand that the government respect their rights. Because of that, Alexei Navalny's life is in danger at this very moment. prgtoken The tens of thousands of demonstrators who turned out across Russia to support this jailed opposition leader send an unmistakable message to the Kremlin: You cannot suppress the voice of the people indefinitely. prgtoken Freedom-loving Americans and freedom-loving people around the world are, today, crying out for justice for Alexei Navalny. He endures the suffering of many before him--in Russia, people like Sergei Magnitsky and Boris Nemtsov and, abroad, people like Nelson Mandela and Mahatma Gandhi--whose legacies and movements did not rot while they were in prison but, instead, helped to bring down op
PPP EXTENSION ACT OF 2021
Marco Rubio (Republican, FL) \u2014 2021-3-25

the very reason we even have to do an extension is that the new administration has unfairly and unnecessarily restricted eligible businesses and nonprofits from applying. It has created confusion. prgtoken People haven't been able to get in by the deadlines, and unless we put in more guardrails, there is little assurance that this is not going to continue. In particular, the one thing that would undermine this popular, bipartisan program is if people came to the conclusion that it was being used arbitrarily to give priority to politically favored groups. prgtoken So all this amendment does is prohibit the Small Business Administration from setting up any new set-asides beyond those that this Congress, on a bipartisan basis, already created last year when we passed this at the end of 2020. prgtoken What were those priorities? Smaller businesses, businesses in low- income areas, community financial institutions. All it says is, if you want to change those priorities, Congress has to do it, not the Small Business Administration.
HONORING EMMA C. CHAPPELL
Brendan F. Boyle (Democrat, PA) \u2014 2021-3-26

. Madam , it is my honor to ask the House of Representatives to join me in honoring Emma C. Chappell, a pioneer in the banking community who passed away on March 16th at the age of 80. prgtoken Mrs. Chappell was born Emma Carolyn Bayton in Philadelphia in 1941. Raised by her father after her mother passed away when she was 14 years old, Mrs. Chappell graduated from West Philadelphia High School. At the age of 16, her pastor and civil rights activist Leon H. Sullivan recognized her aptitude for mathematics and encouraged her to go into banking. After high school, Mrs. Chappell became a clerk photographer at Continental Bank in 1959. prgtoken Mrs. Chappell set her sights on becoming a top bank executive, determined to use her grit and tenacity to succeed. As a newlywed to her husband, Verdayne, Mrs. Chappell attended Temple University at night for five years. In 1971, after completing an executive program that allowed her to work in several different departments and gain invaluable experience, she was promoted to Assistant Treasurer of Continental Bank. In 1977, she was promoted to Vice President at Continental, the first African American to serve in that role and the first female Vice President of a major bank in Pennsylvania. In this capacity, Mrs. Chappell oversaw the Community Business Loan and Development Department, granting more than $30 million in loans to African American and women owned businesses. prgtoken In 1992, after a five-year effort to raise the $5 million that was then required to capitalize a bank, Mrs. Chappell founded the United Bank of Philadelphia, becoming the first African American woman to charter a commercial bank in the United States. At the same time, she began to expand her good work beyond the banking world. She was one of the founders of the Rainbow Coalition, the organization founded by Jesse Jackson to promote racial equality. She also worked to organize what would later become the Philadelphia Commercial Development Project. During her 20-year tenure in banking, Mrs. Chappell held an impressive record of a less than one percent loan loss ratio, despite offering loans to those who might be turned away by other financial institutions. prgtoken Emma Chappell was a trailblazer in the banking community and leaves behind a legacy of using her position to bring new opportunities and resources to underserved Philadelphians. Although she is no longer with us, her work will continue to live on and inspire generations to come.
COMMEMORATING THE 1971 BENGALI GENOCIDE
Judy Chu (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2021-3-26

. Madam , I join with my Bengali constituents to honor and commemorate the tragedy that befell Bangladesh 50 years ago and the millions whose lives were lost or disrupted. prgtoken The 1971 Bengali Genocide was one of the worst human tragedies of the 20th century, with over 2 million lives lost and over 10 million displaced. In addition, over 200,000 women were violently raped. The campaign of sexual violence against women in particular was so severe that the United Nations was bringing in doctors to help treat these women. prgtoken These terrible events began on March 25, 1971, with ``Operation Searchlight''--a military operation that intentionally targeted civilians because of the language they spoke and the religion they practiced. It was a deliberately brutal response meant to silence Bengali voices and erase Bengali culture while snuffing out the flame of self-determination. prgtoken Fortunately, this genocidal attempt failed, but not before too many paid the ultimate price. And the survivors still carry their scars, even fifty years later. prgtoken This violence was made worse by the failure of the United States to speak out against it. That is why I am urging the U.S. government and all Americans of conscience to not only join me in remembering this genocide and those we lost, but also to speak out against this kind of violence against civilians wherever it occurs. I also encourage more Americans to learn about what happened in the 1971 Bengali Massacre so that we can start telling the truth about this genocide.
NATIONAL SCIENCE FOUNDATION FOR THE FUTURE ACT
Eddie Bernice Johnson (Democrat, TX) \u2014 2021-3-26

. Madam , today I am pleased to be joined by my colleagues on the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology, Ranking Member Frank Lucas, and the Research and Technology Subcommittee Chairwoman and Ranking Member, Haley Stevens and Michael Waltz, in introducing the National Science Foundation for the Future Act. prgtoken Established in 1950, the National Science Foundation (NSF) was born out of hard-earned lessons about the powerful role of science in securing an allied victory in World War II. Propelled by his wartime experience leading the Office of Scientific Research and Development, Vannevar championed the creation of NSF and postwar federal support for science, making the argument that ``advances in science when put to practical use mean more jobs, higher wages, shorter hours, more abundant crops, more leisure for recreation, for study, for learning how to live without the deadening drudgery which has been the burden of the common man for ages past. Advances in science will also bring higher standards of living, will lead to the prevention or cure of diseases, will promote conservation of our limited national resources, and will assure means of defense against aggression.'' prgtoken That was a lofty vision. One, I am proud to say, the Foundation has largely lived up to throughout its existence. Over the past 70 years, NSF has played a critical role in supporting fundamental research, education, and infrastructure at colleges, universities, and other institutions throughout the country. NSF funding has enabled numerous breakthrough discoveries that have transformed the daily lives of the American people--from the internet, lithium batteries, and GPS to weather radar, MRI technology, and DNA analysis--just to name a few. prgtoken One of the aims of this bill is to empower the agency to do more of what it does best. Years of modest budget growth have resulted in low proposal success rates and stagnant grant sizes. Researchers and peer- reviewers alike are more conservative in this funding environment, feeling pressure to deliver results rather than take big risks. Researchers are also struggling to support graduate students and postdocs and are bogged down preparing multiple grant proposals to increase their chances of being funded. This is no way for the world's leading scientific enterprise to function. And if we continue on this path, we will cede our scientific leadership, and with it the advantages of developing new industries and setting the global norms for emerging technologies. This bill authorizes a significant increase in the agency's budget. Funding for the current portfolio of activities is increased by nearly $2 billion in year one and grows at an average annual rate of 6 percent, setting the agency on a path to double its budget in 9 years. prgtoken This bill also pushes the Foundation to continue to evolve. While it is undeniable that the Foundation has a legacy of scientific achiev
JULIE DeLUNA
Ed Perlmutter (Democrat, CO) \u2014 2021-3-26

. Madam , I rise today to recognize and applaud Julie DeLuna for receiving the Arvada Wheat Ridge Service Ambassadors for Youth award. prgtoken Julie DeLuna is a student at Jefferson Jr./Sr. H.S. and received this award because her determination and hard work have allowed her to overcome adversities. prgtoken The dedication demonstrated by Julie DeLuna is exemplary of the type of achievement that can be attained with hard work and perseverance. It is essential students at all levels strive to make the most of their education and develop a work ethic which will guide them for the rest of their lives. prgtoken I extend my deepest congratulations to Julie DeLuna for winning the Arvada Wheat Ridge Service Ambassador for Youth award. I have no doubt she will exhibit the same dedication and character in all of her future accomplishments.
50TH ANNIVERSARY OF BANGLADESH'S INDEPENDENCE
Andy Levin (Democrat, MI) \u2014 2021-3-26

. Madam , I rise today to recognize the 50th anniversary of Bangladesh's independence, which is being celebrated on March 26, 2021. prgtoken On March 7, 1971, Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, who is called ``Mujib'' and is also known as the ``Father of the Nation,'' delivered a speech calling for what was then known as East Pakistan to become an independent state. Bangladesh became independent from Pakistan on March 26, 1971, and since then, March 26th has been observed as a national holiday in Bangladesh. It is a day when people in Bangladesh as well as people around the world of Bangladeshi descent remember those who lost their lives in the brutal 1971 war for independence and celebrate Bangladesh's victory as a new independent nation. prgtoken The people of Bangladesh and the Bangladeshi diaspora, including Bangladeshi Americans in Michigan's 9th District, are observing the golden jubilee of the Independence Day and celebrating throughout the month of March. The 50th anniversary of Bangladesh's independence is deeply meaningful to those with connections to Bangladesh, there and abroad. I encourage my colleagues to join me in recognizing those working to honor Bangladesh's history by holding special events around the world, and in congratulating the people of Bangladesh and all Bangladeshi Americans on this historic day.
PERSONAL EXPLANATION
Bradley Scott Schneider (Democrat, IL) \u2014 2021-3-26

. Madam , I rise today regarding a vote I missed on March 17, 2021. prgtoken Had I been present for Roll Call Vote 88 on the COVID-19 Bankruptcy Relief Extension Act of 2021 (H.R. 1651), I would have voted yea. During the COVID-19 pandemic, small businesses and American families have struggled to make ends meet. This bill offers critical support to businesses by extending the bankruptcy relief provisions in the CARES Act for another year. I was honored to vote for these provisions in the CARES Act and am a strong supporter of extending them. In keeping with the spirit of this legislation, I will continue to advocate for relief to small businesses and economic recovery in the wake of COVID.
INTRODUCTION OF THE OFFICE OF MANUFACTURING & INDUSTRIAL POLICY ACT
Marcy Kaptur (Democrat, OH) \u2014 2021-3-26

. Madam , manufacturing is not just America's legacy; it is our future. To ensure this legacy remains, we need to position domestic manufacturing and the American worker at the center of federal policy. prgtoken America's manufacturing and innovation sectors are second to none. When we work together and support America's domestic manufacturing ecosystem, there is nothing in this world we cannot achieve. prgtoken As a daughter of the industrial Midwest, the strong, hardworking city of Toledo, Ohio, I know firsthand how important a strong manufacturing sector is to American families and their communities. prgtoken It is for these workers, their forbearers and future generation of manufactures yet to come, that I am so pleased to author and introduce the bipartisan, bicameral Office of Manufacturing and Industrial Innovation Policy Act. prgtoken The global coronavirus pandemic exposed how vulnerable the United States has become as a result of over-reliance on international supply chains. Yet these lessons provide opportunity in both economic recovery and to reposition American manufacturing for long-term prosperity. To do this, we need an Office at the highest level to coordinate, strengthen, and rebuild America's manufacturing leadership. The Office of Manufacturing and Industrial Innovation Policy Act provides this opportunity. prgtoken This legislation will create within the Executive Office of the President (EOP) an Office of Manufacturing and Industrial Innovation (OMII) to elevate and coordinate manufacturing and industrial innovation policy. The Office will synthesize information from inter and intra governmental engagements, as well as advice from the manufacturing sector, including small businesses, labor unions, academics, and nongovernmental bodies. prgtoken This bipartisan legislation will elevate focus to address critical challenges facing the American manufacturing industry, establish key agency coordination and cross-administration management efforts to ensure global leadership in manufacturing and trade, improve workforce development and job creation for the future, enhance research and development, and develop a long-term strategy to ensure the growth and national security of the U.S. manufacturing industry, workforce, and economy. In summary, provisions included in each of the titles establish the following initiatives: prgtoken Title I. Establishes Policy and Priority Objectives for U.S. Manufacturing and Industrial Innovation: lays out goals to promote a thriving manufacturing and industrial sector, enhanced and fortified by coordinated efforts to address the enumerated policies and priorities, focused through comprehensive strategy implemented at the highest- level. prgtoken Title II. Entities to Advance a Cohesive U.S. Manufacturing and Industrial Innovation Agenda Creates The Office of Manufacturing and Industrial Innovation Policy, modeled on the Executive Office of Science and Technology Pol
REMEMBERING ROBERT ``BOBBY'' BIANCO
Raul Ruiz (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2021-3-26

. Madam , I rise today to celebrate the life of my constituent, Robert ``Bobby'' Bianco--a remarkable community member and innovative grower who made history in the Coachella Valley. prgtoken Mr. Bianco arrived in our Valley in 1965. He co-owned and operated Anthony Vineyards with his brother and drove economic growth and employed thousands of Valley residents over the past 50 years. prgtoken Mr. Bianco was a leader in the grape industry and was nationally known and recognized for his innovation. In fact, he was the first in the nation to commercially grow the red flame seedless grape in 1975, which rapidly grew to become one of the most popular table grapes produced in the world. This historic achievement drew people from near and far to visit our Valley and learn from his techniques. prgtoken Mr. Bianco's impact on the community extended beyond his ingenuity in the field. Along with his beloved wife, Harlene, he was involved in local organizations such as the Boys and Girls Club, Big Brother Little Sisters of the Desert, and Desert Arc. Mr. Bianco also was involved in the formation of the Palm Valley School and the expansion of churches in our Valley, such as Our Lady of Perpetual Help, St. Francis Parish, Our Lady of Solidad, Our Lady of Guadalupe, and Sacred Heart. prgtoken A friend and colleague of my father's, I knew Mr. Bianco to be a kind and hardworking man who strived to instill positive change in our communities. He was a local leader, nationally renowned grape grower, philanthropist, and lover of golf whose impact on our community will be felt for years to come. prgtoken Mr. Bianco is survived by his son, Anthony Bianco, and daughter, Francesca Gist, and his six grandchildren. prgtoken Today, we celebrate his life and record his story in our nation's history.