mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
ADJUSTABLE INTEREST RATE (LIBOR) ACT OF 2021
J. French Hill (Republican, AR) \u2014 2021-12-8

I thank the distinguished ranking member of the House Financial Services Committee for yielding and, of course, the chairman of the Subcommittee on Investor Protection, Entrepreneurship, and Capital Markets, Mr. Sherman, for his leadership. On this side of the aisle, there is absolutely no debate that Mr. Sherman has the most passion on this topic as a certified public accountant and that his questions about improving this bill are unlimited. prgtoken I rise today in support of this effort, flawed as it might be, and support the Adjustable Interest Rate Act of 2021. prgtoken As the chairman of the subcommittee said, for decades, the London interbank market has been the institutional fixed income rate used by hundreds of market participants to benefit American families because that LIBOR rate has been a very competitive rate and facilitated securities being issued that facilitated in more houses being built for more families in America, a liquid market for our families' credit card debt, and important student loan debt. prgtoken So this rate is critically important, and it is a part of, also, the U.S. dollar, , being at the forefront of the global securities market. prgtoken As the ranking member on our Housing, Community Development, and Insurance Subcommittee, it was the go-to rate for mortgage-backed securities and for use of the government secondary mortgage market for Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. I think the chairman has outlined the importance of this. prgtoken This bill deals with all those contracts that depended on that LIBOR prgtoken rate that just stubbornly don't have an alternative right now. As we approach the end of the quote for this important interest rate, there are contracts--the chair says some $16 trillion of bonds outstanding-- that need this replacement contractual rate. prgtoken This bill does not increase government. This bill does not increase regulatory power. This bill facilitates the private-sector bond market solving this tough, thorny issue for the stubborn minority of bond market transactions that we call these legacy issues. prgtoken Now, the gentleman from Michigan, the gentleman from California, and I have listened to and worked on this bill for years, and we thought the Federal Reserve and the regulators were going to solve this problem years ago. That is what they told us years ago. prgtoken But as those years have gone by, they found that they can't solve this problem in the regulatory agencies, and they have turned to Congress to legislate and craft a narrow fix to solve these tough contracts. prgtoken , that is why I am in favor of taking this action today. I encourage my colleagues on both sides of the aisle--this is a technical issue, and it is an eyes-glazed-over issue, but it affects all the families in our country. It affects the importance of the U.S. dollar in capital markets. When LIBOR concludes in June 2023, we don't want any gap, , in the ability to have those le
ENERGY
John Thune (Republican, SD) \u2014 2021-12-8

while I am on the topic of energy, I would like to briefly comment on yesterday's announcements from the EPA and USDA concerning biofuels. To put it simply, the administration can't have it both ways on the renewable fuel standard, something agriculture stakeholders in South Dakota know all too well. prgtoken Yesterday, the EPA announced a proposal to take the unprecedented step of clawing back previously set biofuel blending targets; 2020 volumes would be reduced by 2\1/2\ billion gallons, and 2021 would see a reduction. prgtoken Now, the EPA is trying to sell this by simultaneously proposing an increase in the 2022 blending volumes, which on its own would be favorable, but it is far from enough to make up for the lost gallons. prgtoken And keep in mind that the EPA's proposal pulls back blending obligations from a final rule, giving stakeholders little confidence that this promised 2022 increase won't meet the prgtoken same fate. Again, not every component of yesterday's announcement is bad on its own. prgtoken Signaling an end to the out-of-control small refinery exemption program is long overdue, and it is consistent with the renewable fuel standard and a Tenth Circuit Court ruling. It is also good to see the Department of Agriculture moving forward with assistance funds for biofuel producers, but this was funding signed into law last December. It is almost as if it was withheld from our producers for months so that USDA could help the EPA sell our ag stakeholders a bill of goods. prgtoken I urge the administration to make good on its commitments to our farmers and to finally leverage American biofuels for the energy and environmental solutions they can provide. prgtoken .
ACCELERATING ACCESS TO CRITICAL THERAPIES FOR ALS ACT
Jeff Fortenberry (Republican, NE) \u2014 2021-12-8

I thank my friend, Brett Guthrie, for his kind and generous words. It is very meaningful. prgtoken , one of the first books that I recall reading as a child was about the life of the famous New York Yankees first baseman named Lou Gehrig. He was nicknamed The Iron Horse due to his athletic ability and endurance. He could hit. He could run. He could field. He was an amazing athlete. And then, everything just changed. Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis stole that man's abilities, causing him to lose control of basic functions. prgtoken This merciless, cruel, and aggressive neurodegenerative condition mocked Lou Gehrig's famous durability. The disease became known as Lou Gehrig's disease, and today we call it ALS. prgtoken , there was no cure then, and there is no cure now. prgtoken Before he died in 1941, at a ceremony at home plate in Yankee Stadium, Lou Gehrig had this to say. He said: ``For the past 2 weeks, you have been reading about a bad break. Yet today, I consider myself the luckiest man on the face of the Earth.'' prgtoken That story, , Lou Gehrig's story, stayed with me as a child. I don't know why, but it did, and I remember it so well. prgtoken Now, fast-forward decades later. While serving here as a Member of Congress, this same cruel disease has swept upon my own family. prgtoken I want to do this, , if you will indulge me. Pictured here is my wife, Celeste, with her little brother and godson, Joe Gregory. In his mid-thirties, Joe began to notice that his hand was shaking. He started a battery of tests, but somehow, he just knew it was probably going to be the worst of the worst. He was diagnosed with ALS, but he faced his plight with both dignity and courage. He volunteered to be a part of an experimental trial. He said: Well, if it doesn't work for me, maybe it will help someone else. prgtoken He died when he was 37 years old, and he left behind Melanie, his wife, and four little children. On his tombstone are the words from the prophet Isaiah: ``Here I am; send me.'' prgtoken , as Joe began to die, we as a family quickly learned about this profound trauma that affects so many families all across America. It happens over and over out of view. Most of us never see it. prgtoken I soon became acquainted with this amazingly strong and determined ALS community. It was so uplifting to me to meet people filled with so much hope. You have heard that word over and over today, , and it is appropriate. So many people filled with so much hope amidst their own suffering but who rightfully sought a different approach and a better way. prgtoken Out of this experience was born the ACT for ALS. prgtoken , for over 50 years now and over 50 clinical trials, ALS patients have submitted themselves to tests, trials, therapies, and placebos in accordance with the rules of the current healthcare policy framework. But progress has been uneven, even debatable, with serious impediments to promising new treatments. Many have sa
Vaccine Mandate (Executive Calendar)
Mike Lee (Republican, UT) \u2014 2021-12-8

Congress, not the Executive, makes the laws in this country. National laws have to be passed by the legislative branch. Our Constitution makes that very clear. In fact, it is the very clause of the first section of the first article of the Constitution. It states unambiguously: All legislative Powers herein granted shall be vested in a Congress of the United States, which shall consist of a Senate and House of Representatives. prgtoken You cannot make up Federal law without going through that formula-- passage in the House, passage in the Senate, followed by presentment to the President. prgtoken In the case of COVID-19 vaccine requirements, the President of the United States has decreed mandates--mandates that threaten the jobs and the livelihoods of 45 million Americans, including over half a million Utahns whose jobs are on the line. prgtoken Now, courts across the country have started--quite correctly--to recognize that these mandates are offensive to the Constitution. They are not authorized by the law. But that doesn't diminish in any way, shape, or form our duty here as Members of the U.S. Senate, as part of the legislative branch, to assert clearly, unambiguously, and swiftly that these mandates are unconstitutional, illegal, and morally indefensible. prgtoken I have heard from hundreds of Utahns who are themselves at risk of losing their jobs and therefore their ability to provide food for their children, specifically due to these mandates. Their stories are nothing short of heartbreaking. I have heard from countless businesses in my State, businesses that are afraid of losing key workers and having to shut their doors and no longer operate specifically due to these mandates. I have heard from people who happen to have medical or religious concerns over the vaccines, and their pleas are falling on deaf ears. prgtoken These Americans aren't asking for anything extravagant or unusual or unreasonable--far from it. These are Americans who are simply worried about their ability to put food on the table and gifts under the tree during challenging economic times--economic times that are difficult enough as it now stands, economic times that have been worsened by excessive government spending, economic times that are about to get a whole lot more difficult for a whole lot more people specifically because of these mandates. President seeks to make them not only unemployed but also unemployable, second-class pariahs. prgtoken Well, it is true the courts have offered temporary relief to some, but these Americans and these businesses look to Congress for immediate, lasting, and permanent relief. We do, after all, make the law. We are the only branch of the Federal Government authorized to do so. prgtoken So this will be one of the easiest votes that I have ever cast in my 11 years in the Senate. The American people agree. Only 14 percent of those polled support firing those
REMEMBERING SENATOR BOB DOLE
Tracey Mann (Republican, KS) \u2014 2021-12-8

America has lost a statesman, noble war hero, and service-minded Kansan who never forgot where he came from. Senator Bob Dole died peacefully at the age of 98, having left his district, State, and this country better for the many contributions he made over 79 years of public life. prgtoken I was blessed to spend some time with Senator Dole a few weeks ago. His love for Kansas and its people were on full display in his excited curiosity about our plans for the Big First District. prgtoken He was a thoughtful, committed, and energetic champion for our Nation and our way of life in rural Kansas. He always treated others with respect and kindness, especially his fellow veterans, as he attended nearly every Honor Flight that came to Washington, D.C. He was a fierce advocate for his political views, but he was equally committed to cross-aisle friendship and comradery. prgtoken I left our time together inspired and commissioned, as Senator Dole made it clear we must never forget where we come from. He knew deep down that the heartbeat of our Nation lies in places like his hometown of Russell, Kansas. His legacy will echo into the future, and his patriotic spirit serves as a benchmark for anyone who believes that our brightest days are yet to come. prgtoken I thank Senator Dole for working tirelessly to make our world a better place. May he rest in peace. prgtoken , my prayers and gratitude for Senator Bob Dole go out to his family.
Government Funding (Executive Calendar)
Shelley Moore Capito (Republican, WV) \u2014 2021-12-8

I come to the floor today to talk about the appropriations process for the fiscal year 2022, in particular, the Homeland Security bill, where I serve as ranking member of that subcommittee. prgtoken Unfortunately, as I stand here today, as all of us know, in December, there is still no clear path for the fiscal year 2022 bills. And you know, that is a real shame, and I am going to talk about that. prgtoken Every year, it is a challenge to come up with a bipartisan bill. It is difficult to fund the government. But every year, we manage to do it. The main reason being that we have agreed on certain rules--rules that transcend unique political situations, where both sides know that you are required in order to reach an agreement. We realize we have to give on each side. prgtoken These rules are what Vice Chairman Shelby has been insisting we agree on now so we can proceed with meaningful negotiations. So I support Vice Chairman Shelby, and I encourage my colleagues to come to the table, akin to the Shelby-Leahy agreements of the past. This isn't a partisan demand, but, rather, an appeal that we all recognize at the outset what is so obviously necessary for us to achieve an outcome at the end of the day. prgtoken As the ranking member of the Homeland Security Appropriations Subcommittee, I come today to address that bill. I have been pleased over the past year to work with our new chairman, Chairman Murphy, on our subcommittee. We have had several meetings. And, thankfully, there are vast areas of agreement between us on a majority of issues. I look forward to continuing to work with him to advance agreement for the FY22 Homeland Security bill. prgtoken A full-year continuing resolution would be a massive challenge for the Department of Homeland Security. We know we have a continuing resolution going until February. prgtoken Like all Agencies--and I argue probably more than most Agencies--DHS exists in a dynamic, ever-evolving threat environment, and its priorities and commensurate funding levels must be updated through the Appropriations Committee. prgtoken Further, the DHS is personnel heavy, and we need to ensure that funding keeps up with the salaries and the benefits of the public servants in this Department who are striving every day to keep our Nation safe. prgtoken We also need to invest in our Coast Guard and our Coast Guard readiness, which is a part of this bill, and ensure that its important procurement efforts remain on schedule. I think we have great agreement on all of that. prgtoken So in the midst of the holiday season, we all know the critical work of the men and women of the TSA. And more recently, we, as a nation, are relying more and more on the constant diligence of the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency--CISA--otherwise known as someone trying to keep us safe in cyber space. prgtoken These Agencies and all those within the Department stand ready to protect
Vaccine Mandate (Executive Calendar)
Ron Johnson (Republican, WI) \u2014 2021-12-8

I come to the floor of the Senate today to make a few points and ask a few questions. prgtoken First of all, can we all acknowledge that there is so much that we do not know about the coronavirus, about COVID, the disease, or about the COVID vaccines? Our response to COVID, as a result, has been a reaction to very imperfect information. prgtoken So, very early in the pandemic, I gave those individuals in a position to have to make very tough decisions with imperfect information a great deal of latitude in making those tough calls, but over the course of the months, we have learned a lot. prgtoken We have always been told to follow the science, but it sure seems our healthcare Agencies--as I refer to them, the COVID gods; the Dr. Faucis of the world, the Agency heads, the administration, the mainstream media, and social media--have never allowed second opinions. There has been one narrative, and they simply have not been willing to consider alternative measures. prgtoken So a question I think we should all be asking ourselves is, Does that response work? Over 780,000 Americans have lost their lives. The human toll of the economic devastation of the shutdowns, the year of lost learning for our children, the psychological harm to our children, the record overdose deaths, the increase in suicides--I don't know how you can take a look at America's death rate--the last time I looked, it was a couple weeks old; about 220 per 100,000 population. By the way, Sweden was at 145 per 100,000 a couple of weeks ago. I don't see how anybody can take a look at the response imposed in our country by the COVID gods and say it was a success. prgtoken So acknowledging the fact that there is still so much we don't know, I would prgtoken appreciate a little modesty on the part of the COVID gods. I would appreciate that we actually follow the advice that I have always heard when dealing with a serious medical condition: Get a second opinion. Get a third opinion. As I said, that is not allowed. prgtoken I think it also calls for a little respect for our fellow citizens. These are some tough decisions. They are tough decisions whether or not you want to get vaccinated. prgtoken Even more gut-wrenching than tough decisions based on these idiotic and pointless vaccine mandates is, do I subject to the coercion, to the pressure, to the fear of reprisal and take the jab or lose my job? These are tough decisions. prgtoken I am a big supporter of Operation Warp Speed. I have had every vaccination until this one because I had COVID. The COVID gods aren't acknowledging natural immunity. They are not acknowledging vaccine injuries. They are not acknowledging the fact that even if you are fully vaccinated, you can still get COVID and you can still transmit COVID. So what is the point of a mandate? But, of course, that is not what we are getting from the COVID gods. prgtoken This weekend, something happened that is not unusual. My w
UYGHUR FORCED LABOR PREVENTION ACT
Christopher H. Smith (Republican, NJ) \u2014 2021-12-8

. We have no access, , to the concentration camps in Xinjiang. We have no idea the supply chains. It is closed. It is a dictatorship. There are no onsite inspections. Again, we are talking genocide against these Muslims who are being wiped off the face of the Earth. prgtoken The Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act prohibits imports from Xinjiang to the United States by creating a rebuttable presumption. That is the core of this bill, that all goods produced in the region are made with forced labor unless U.S. Customs and Border Protection certifies by clear and convincing evidence that goods were not produced with forced labor. So the rebuttable presumption is the key to this legislation. prgtoken It is very workable. As my good friend and colleague noted, cotton, solar panels, and so many other things are produced there. We need to know. We need to stop them from coming here.
HONORING JESSICA GARRELS
Elissa Slotkin (Democrat, MI) \u2014 2021-12-8

. Madam , I rise today to honor an essential member of our team who helped us identify--and eventually evacuate--vulnerable Afghans after the fall of Kabul, Ms. Jessica Garrels of Michigan State University. prgtoken For nearly a decade, Ms. Garrels has worked in project management, including direct oversight and implementation of humanitarian assistance programs. Through her work, she's helped vulnerable communities around the world--growing their institutional and human capacity, building resilience, and expanding school nutrition and education initiatives. Community organizing is ingrained in Ms. Garrels' DNA--she's also served as a Peace Corps volunteer in Niger, a director with the Wisconsin League of Conservation Voters, and senior manager with Catholic Relief Services in places like Burkina Faso, Mali, and Laos. prgtoken It's this knack for finding solutions that led her to play such a key role in our mission to evacuate Afghans affiliated with Michigan State University when Kabul fell to the Taliban. In early August, she was part of the team that submitted initial visa applications for staff and scholars associated with the university's Grain Research and Innovation (GRAIN) program. However, when the evacuation window shrunk from a few months to a matter of days, she sprang into action. With desperate pleas for help flooding her inbox, she turned them into an outreach campaign to contact Members of Congress and anyone else who could help. prgtoken Thankfully, Ms. Garrels was able to join our ragtag effort--whereupon she immediately set out to gather critical information from GRAIN scientists and their immediate families. When our group of evacuees made it onto a caravan of buses and began their perilous journey to safety, Ms. Garrels worked around the clock to handle bureaucratic obstacles as they came up. I have no doubt that thanks to her quick and efficient response, lives were saved that would have otherwise been lost. prgtoken Madam , I rise to honor Ms. Jessica Garrels for her willingness to go above and beyond the call of duty in our effort to evacuate Afghan allies from Kabul and support them in their new life. For her skill in handling logistical challenges as they came up and for fast-tracking the requests for funding that allowed vulnerable MSU- affiliated Afghans to make it on the flight, I submit these words-- prgtoken may they stand as a tribute to her dedicated service when the moment called for it most.
CELEBRATING THE 200TH BIRTHDAY OF CLARA BARTON
Andy Kim (Democrat, NJ) \u2014 2021-12-8

. Madam , I rise today to celebrate the upcoming 200th birthday of Clara Barton and the efforts of the Bordentown Historical Society to have the City of Bordentown, New Jersey officially proclaim December 4, Clara Barton Day. prgtoken Clara Barton was a trailblazer throughout her life, with a commitment and passion for prgtoken humanitarian work and uplifting others. She became one of the first women ever to work in the United States federal government, working as a recording clerk in the United States Patent Office. She would go on to become an advocate for public education and in 1853 became involved in helping the City of Bordentown establish the first ever public school in New Jersey. Perhaps, though, she remains best known for her work as a nurse during the Civil War; learning from those experiences to found the American Red Cross in 1881. prgtoken I am incredibly proud of the work the Bordentown Historical Society is doing to preserve the original Clara Barton schoolhouse, that remains standing in downtown Bordentown, and her legacy as an American pioneer. prgtoken As the Bordentown Historical Society prepares to celebrate the official proclamation of Clara Barton Day this December 4, I extend my best wishes to the members of the society and my neighbors in Bordentown.