mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
RIGHTS FOR THE TRANSPORTATION SECURITY ADMINISTRATION WORKFORCE ACT OF 2021
Bennie G. Thompson (Democrat, MS) \u2014 2022-5-12

such time as I may consume. prgtoken , I am glad to see my colleague, the ranking member. But let me just correct him on his correction of the gentleman from New Jersey. A person that works in the Department of Homeland Security is not a labor representative. The labor representative that Mr. Payne referenced is an organized labor representative with the AFL-CIO. prgtoken The other thing my ranking member can do, he will have a chance to vote on the President's budget. The raise for the employees is in the budget. I look forward to that opportunity presenting itself. Our TSOs need a raise. If we don't, the gymnastics here on the floor doesn't pay rent, doesn't pay mortgage, doesn't pay tuition, doesn't even buy groceries. prgtoken So at the end of the day, let's give these good folks who do a good job an honest day's pay for an honest day's work. That is the spirit in which this legislation is put forward. prgtoken , I yield 5 minutes to the gentlewoman from Texas (Ms. Jackson Lee), a senior member of the Homeland Security Committee.
Ukraine (Executive Calendar)
Sheldon Whitehouse (Democrat, RI) \u2014 2022-5-12

I would say to Senator Blumenthal, absolutely, yes, and to Senator Graham, also yes, and thank you. prgtoken Let me just give a quick overview of my part of this colloquy as to where we are. prgtoken This began with the Munich Security Conference, which Senator Graham and I led this year, the so-called McCain codel. When we heard about the imminent invasion, we both became very ardent that we needed to get after Russia's oligarchs; first, because it was turning the oligarchs against Yanukovych, which freed up Ukraine, and, second, because these oligarchs in Russia are part and parcel of the way in which Putin has manipulated his country and acceded enormous hidden wealth to himself. prgtoken So we knew that the oligarchs needed to be a target. We talked about it so relentlessly that whenever Secretary of State Blinken saw us coming, he would say: I know. I know. Oligarchs, I get it. prgtoken Afterward, the President came back and he took the Treasury's Asset Forfeiture Section and the State Department's Asset Forfeiture Section and the Department of Justice's Asset Forfeiture Section and pulled them together into what he is calling the Kleptocratic Initiative. That is a good thing the President did. prgtoken In this bill, there is money for it. We give $67 million to that enterprise and another $30 million to FinCEN, which is the group within Treasury that tracks dirty money. So that is about $100 million to support the KleptoCapture operation. prgtoken What they still need is authorities, and that is what our bill would give them. When we got back, Senator Graham, Senator Wicker, Senator Blumenthal, and I drafted this bill, and a version of it has been passed in the House, thanks to the leadership of Representative Tom Malinowski. And after that bill was filed, the administration got together and they gave technical assistance to us from the Department of Justice as to what it was that they actually need to be more effective at going after these oligarchs to seize, to sell, and to send to Ukraine the proceeds. prgtoken So that is where we are right now. And one of the things that we need is to speed up the process; it can take forever to go through the process. We need to couch this process in the national security authorities of the President as much as possible, because this is primarily a national security issue. We need to speed up the process so that, for instance, you don't have to prove who the true beneficial owner is before you seize the yacht. prgtoken You can go on intelligence reports. You can go on whistleblowers. And, by the way, we want to reward whistleblowers. You remember the Ukrainian who sunk his boss's yacht and he got arrested because he pulled the plug out of that yacht and sunk it? prgtoken I would rather have that guy come to the Department of Justice and say: I can tell you all about who owns this yacht. You don't have to worry about going through the Cypriot bank a
PILOT TRAINING REQUIREMENTS
Brian Higgins (Democrat, NY) \u2014 2022-5-12

the National Transportation Safety Board found that pilot error was a major factor in the 2009 fatal crash of Flight 3407. prgtoken In the months following the tragedy, the families of Flight 3407 fought for safety standards and improvements, which were signed into law and have saved lives. prgtoken Now an application is before the Federal Aviation Administration to cut the minimum standard for pilot training in half. prgtoken We are calling on the Federal Aviation Administration to categorically reject this request and any attempt to circumvent pilot training requirements. prgtoken Families in my western New York community will never have their loved ones back, but we can ensure that every family moving forward is stepping onto an airplane with a fully trained pilot.
TRIBUTE TO RICHARD BRYAN
Jacky Rosen (Democrat, NV) \u2014 2022-5-12

I am honored and humbled to congratulate former Nevada Governor and U.S. Senator Richard Bryan on his retirement last month from Fennemore Craig. A dedicated public servant and champion for Nevada, Senator Bryan spent over half a century advocating for others, serving in just about every position in government, from the Nevada Senate to the Governor's mansion to the U.S. Senate. Throughout his extensive and storied career, Senator Bryan always put Nevadans first. As the person with the privilege to serve in his Senate seat today, I think frequently about Senator Bryan's steady, unwavering leadership, and his pragmatic approach to addressing issues that mattered most to the people of Nevada. prgtoken To note only a few of Senator Bryan's incredible accomplishments would be a disservice to his long history of achievements for the public good, but I will do my best. As a young man, Senator Bryan served his country in the U.S. Army, the Las Vegas community as a prosecutor, and later Clark County as its first--and youngest--public defender. Young Richard Bryan showed Nevada's youth that anything is possible when you are dedicated and determined. Later, he served as Nevada's 27th attorney general, and as Governor of Nevada, Senator Bryan helped shape our State during a pivotal time in its history, helping Nevada attract the best and brightest, inviting businesses of all different sectors and sizes, to call Nevada home. prgtoken As a U.S. Senator for two terms, Senator Bryan never stopped fighting to protect Nevada's natural beauty. He stood up for policies that safeguarded our public lands, leading the charge for passage of the Southern Nevada Public Lands Management Act of 1998, which to this day makes land and resources available for various public purposes to better the communities in our State. I also want to recognize Senator Bryan and the late Senator Harry Reid for being the leading voices in the fight against Yucca Mountain, standing up for Nevadans and against our State becoming the Nation's nuclear dumping ground. During his time in the Senate, Senator Bryan also worked tirelessly to advance civil rights, empower women in government, make our roads safer, and protect consumers from fraud. As a senior member of the Senate Commerce Committee, Senator Bryan was the lead sponsor of seven consumer protection and highway safety bills that passed the Senate. And as chair of the Senate Ethics Committee, Senator Bryan demonstrated his commitment to the notion that public servants should fight for the interests of their constituents, not their own interests. prgtoken Senator Bryan has been beloved his entire career--by his staff, by his constituents, and by his late wife Bonnie, who was the light of his life and stood by his side throughout Senator Bryan's public life, serving Nevada with poise and grace. Those who worked for Senator Bryan remember him as the kind of boss who made everyone feel l
RIGHTS FOR THE TRANSPORTATION SECURITY ADMINISTRATION WORKFORCE ACT OF 2021
Sheila Jackson Lee (Democrat, TX) \u2014 2022-5-12

I acknowledge, again, the shooting incident of Gerardo Hernandez, who became the first officer killed in the line of duty. There was the machete attack at the Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport that resulted in injury to Senior Transportation Security Officer Carol Richel. prgtoken This bill represents longstanding priority. It is breaking news. I stand with TSOs, and I stand with the TSA. It is long overdue. They saved us after 9/11. They came in and stood in the gap. We must fix the morale. We must get rid of the allegation of mismanagement and wasteful procedures, retaliation against whistleblowers, low morale, and security gaps within the agency. This will do that. prgtoken So I ask my colleagues to support it. I am on the Budget Committee, and it is paid for. This is going to be the pathway of professionalism at the airport, saving lives, protecting the public, and ensuring that we have a professional, young, and growing team that is going to be part of America's front lines. I ask my colleagues to support it. prgtoken , I rise in strong support of H.R. 903, Rights for the TSA Workforce Act, which bill modifies the workplace rights, protections, and benefits applicable to Transportation Security Administration (TSA) personnel. prgtoken Specifically, the bill: prgtoken Within 180 days, eliminates personnel authorities of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and theDepartment of Transportation governing the conditions of employment for TSA employees, thus making TSA employees subject to the personnel management system applicable to other federal employees; prgtoken Sets forth transition rules that protect the pay rates, leave rights, and other rights of TSA employees; and prgtoken Requires DHS to consult with the labor organization certified by the Federal Labor Relations Authority to carry out the conversion of such positions. prgtoken The bill also: prgtoken Directs the TSA to consult with public and private entities associated with the Federal Air Marshal Service to address concerns regarding federal air marshals, including mental health and suicide rates; prgtoken Prohibits TSA employees from using or installing the social media video application TikTok on U.S.government-issued mobile devices; prgtoken Requires DHS to prioritize the hiring of veterans, including disabled veterans; and prgtoken Directs the TSA to ensure its employees are provided proper guidance regarding prevention and protections against the coronavirus (i.e the virus that causes COVID-19). prgtoken I view the work of the TSA as vital to our Nation's homeland security. prgtoken The agency mission is to protect the Nation's transportation systems to ensure freedom of movement for people and commerce. prgtoken The Committee on Homeland Security provides the needed policy guidance and funding to ensure that the TSA has what it needs to create and sustain the most effective transportation security as a high performing counter
Coronavirus (Executive Session)
Richard J. Durbin (Democrat, IL) \u2014 2022-5-12

1 million deaths--unbelievable. But this week, it became very, very real. One million of our fellow Americans now have died from COVID, 1 million parents, grandparents, siblings, children, friends, neighbors. That is more Americans who lost their lives than the casualties in World War I, World War II, or the Civil War. That is the size of San Jose, CA, the 10th largest city in our Nation. prgtoken But behind those 7 stark figures are real people, including more than 33,600 in my home State of Illinois. One of those was a woman named Maria Elena Sifuentes. Maria lived in Chicago, where she worked at Communities United and organized for housing and education equity in her community. She had received her first COVID shot when she contracted the virus last summer. She passed away on June 10 at the age of 57 and left behind five children. prgtoken We also grieve the loss of Sergeant Ken Thurman and Officer Brian Shields, two 51-year-old veteran police officers who worked in Aurora at the police department. They succumbed to COVID infections last year, both within the same week. prgtoken When the pandemic first hit, this degree of loss was unimaginable. Some people dismissed COVID-19 and said that it was just like the ordinary flu prgtoken and that it would go away and mysteriously disappear. But now that we have crossed this tragic threshold, we must take stock of where we are and where we are headed. prgtoken More than 2 years into this pandemic, COVID is still a threat to America and the world. In fact, infections nationwide are up 50 percent over the past 2 weeks. Hospitalizations are up 20 percent. That is the case in Illinois as well as our neighbors in the region. The Commonwealth of Kentucky, home of Minority Leader McConnell, had the highest COVID death rate in the country over the past week. prgtoken The one thing worse than being swamped with another wave of COVID cases is being caught unprepared. Right now, we are sleepwalking into the next potentially deadly wave, and we know the virus will continue to mutate and pose threats. We need to learn from our 2 years of experience with Delta and Omicron and act now and be ready, be prepared. prgtoken Over the weekend, the administration warned that new subvariants could fuel a wave that is forecast to infect 100 million Americans--almost a third of our population--over this fall and winter. Yet last week, Health and Human Services Secretary Becerra testified to the Senate Appropriations Committee: ``[B]ut in order to be ready for that, we have to start purchasing today.'' That is what Secretary Becerra said. If we wait for the surge to hit, it is too late. prgtoken Last week, it also was reported that the administration will run out of COVID vaccines by September 1 if the FDA authorizes second boosters for all adults. How can America be caught in this situation again--even with vaccines--unprepared? prgtoken Because Federal funding has dri
RECOGNIZING CODY ROUGE COMMUNITY ACTION ALLIANCE
Rashida Tlaib (Democrat, MI) \u2014 2022-5-12

. Madam , I stand here today to celebrate the passage in this Chamber, the House of Representatives, of our bill, H.R. 6614, to honor the mother of the civil rights movement and the beloved resident of the 13th Congressional District, Rosa Parks. prgtoken I am proud to lead this effort, in partnership with her family, to rename a United States Post Office near her Detroit home after this incredible leader. This comes at a time when the radical love and beautiful strength embodied in leaders like Rosa Louise Parks and so many others whose footsteps we march in today, like Dr. King, Malcolm X, Fred Hampton, Congressmen Cummings and John Lewis, is really under extreme attack. We can't allow any of our beloved civil rights leaders to be erased. prgtoken We know our struggle against racism is a lifelong pursuit. As mother Rosa Parks would say, and she wrote: ``Freedom fighters never retire.'' As her memory continues to guide us, I will add that the spirit of freedom fighters never dies. prgtoken I urge my colleagues in the Senate to please pass this bill, H.R. 6614. They Will Not Silence Us
National Police Week (Executive Calendar)
Charles E. Schumer (Democrat, NY) \u2014 2022-5-12

I am offering this unanimous consent on behalf of myself and Leader McConnell. Let me explain the unanimous consent. prgtoken As the war in Ukraine extends into its third month, we have a moral obligation--a moral obligation--to stand with Ukraine in its fight against Putin's immoral war. prgtoken Earlier this week, the House passed a Ukraine package with overwhelming bipartisan support. It should be no different here in the Senate. The package is ready to go. The vast majority of Senators on both sides of the aisle wants it. There is now only one thing holding us back. The junior Senator from Kentucky is preventing the swift passage of Ukraine aid because he wants to add, at the last minute, his own changes directly into the bill. His change is strongly opposed by many Members from both parties. He is not even asking for an amendment; he is simply saying: My way or the highway. prgtoken When you have a proposal to amend a bill, you can't just come to the floor and demand it by fiat. You have to convince other Members to back it first. That is how the Senate works. If every Member held every bill in exchange for every last little demand, it would mean the total and permanent paralysis of this Chamber. The junior Senator from Kentucky knows that perfectly well. He knows that is not how this Chamber works. prgtoken Again, when you have a proposal to change a bill, you have to convince Members to support it. The junior Senator from Kentucky has not done that. prgtoken So right now, in conjunction with Leader McConnell, I am giving Senator Paul an opportunity to do just that. I am offering to hold a vote on his amendment, even though I disagree with it. Let the Chamber speak its will. Let both sides of the aisle have input. And, for Heaven's sake, let's get Ukraine funding done ASAP. prgtoken We must keep our promise to the people of Ukraine, and I hope the junior Senator from Kentucky does not stand in the way of keeping that promise. If Senator Paul persists in his reckless demand, we will not allow him to insert his language into this bill without a vote, and all he will accomplish is to singlehandedly delay desperately needed Ukraine aid. prgtoken I yield to the leader.
NATIONAL POLICE WEEK
Val Butler Demings (Democrat, FL) \u2014 2022-5-12

in 1962, President Kennedy proclaimed May 15 as National Peace Officers Memorial Day, and the week of May 15 as National Police Week. Established in 1962 by a joint resolution of this body, National Police Week pays special recognition to law enforcement officers who lost their lives in the line of duty. prgtoken Last year, in my home State of Florida, we lost 51 law enforcement officers. I pause to honor them today. I was sworn in as a police officer in 1984. I shall never forget my oath or the indescribable feeling of being a police officer. Police officers do it all: they coach little league baseball, football, basketball, they deliver meals to seniors, mentor teens, and buy teddy bears for abused and neglected children. We also know they run to murders, rapes, robberies, burglaries, and other vicious assaults, including domestic violence calls. They respond, without hesitation, hoping and praying for a peaceful resolution, but never really knowing what the outcome will be. prgtoken This year, 617 new names will be added to the memorial wall, fallen officers who lost their lives through violence, crashes, assaults. There were 439 officers that lost their lives to COVID-19 while doing everything they could to protect and serve their communities. prgtoken Representing central Florida, I will take a moment, , to remember my brother, Orange County Deputy First Class Craig Seijos. Every day Deputy Seijos went to work, ``Making a Difference'', serving the Orange County Sheriff's Office and the citizens of Orange County, Florida, for 30 years. He is gone but will never be forgotten. prgtoken The 62 law enforcement officers added to the memorial wall this year lost their lives through gunfire. As the 36th chief of police of the Orlando Police Department, I would like to tell you about one of them, Officer Kevin Valencia. prgtoken On June 11 of 2018, Officer Valencia responded to a domestic violence call involving a convicted felon holding a woman and four children at gunpoint. While attempting to rescue those children, the gunman shot through the door critically injuring Kevin. prgtoken Kevin fought hard but succumbed to his injuries last year. Kevin Valencia, only 29 years of age, was a good police officer, one full of courage, full of pride, and commitment. Officer Valencia is gone, but he will never be forgotten. prgtoken , as we honor these men and women for their service, we here in this body--the same one in 1962 who passed the joint resolution--have an obligation to continue to support legislation that will help keep our law enforcement officers safe and will give them the tools needed to perform the tough job, the dangerous job that they do every day. prgtoken Protectors, guardians--when they need to be--warriors--when they need to be--public servants, America law enforcement officers, my brothers and sisters in blue, many have given much. These officers whose names appear on the memorial wall have given
WOMEN'S REPRODUCTIVE RIGHTS
Mondaire Jones (Democrat, NY) \u2014 2022-5-12

. Madam , it is absurd, absurd that in the year 2022 I have to speak to defend every human's right to make their own healthcare decisions, but because six far-right Supreme Court Justices are set to impose their unpopular views on everyone in this country, I stand here to urge my colleagues to do everything we can to protect the right to abortion, including expanding the Supreme Court. prgtoken Madam , I stand here for people in my family and folks in my community who could soon have their rights stripped away, people who, if they aren't able to get the abortion they need, will be trapped in a cycle of poverty, folks who will no longer be able to work their job or get the education that they fought so hard to get. prgtoken For me, this is personal because it is people like my single mother who worked multiple jobs just to provide for our family, Black and brown folks, and the poorest people in our society who will suffer most from the extreme decision to overturn Roe v. Wade--50 years of settled precedent out of the window because s on the Supreme Court want to interfere in people's healthcare decisions. prgtoken Yes, the Senate must follow our lead here in the House and pass legislation that will secure the right to an abortion, but let's not fool ourselves into thinking that the 6-3 far-right Court, which is preparing to overturn a 50-year-old Supreme Court precedent, and which has spent the last decade dismantling the Voting Rights Act, is all of a sudden going to start respecting the will of Congress. prgtoken That is why we have to pass the Judiciary Act of 2021 to add four seats to the Supreme Court to restore balance and finally respect the will of the American people, who overwhelmingly support Roe v. Wade. prgtoken Madam , I want to now read an abortion story from a resident in Westchester County, New York, Lisa Hofflich, into the Record. prgtoken Lisa writes: ``For almost 30 years, I could count on one hand the people who knew I had an abortion. One was my boyfriend, and two were the nurse and the doctor who performed the procedure. Until now. I am finally sharing a story I never thought I would tell, one that I have kept personal and private because of the fear of judgment and stigma I thought I would receive from the outside world. ``I was barely 20 years old and a college junior dreaming of becoming a television journalist. My boyfriend and I had been dating for only a few months. Like many women, my cycle was irregular, and so by the time I realized I was pregnant, I was 8 weeks along. I was terrified that my very strict parents would force me to quit school, move back home, and have the baby. I couldn't do that. I was a baby myself. It took me 2 weeks to save up the $500 in cash and finally get an appointment with a doctor to perform the abortion. ``I will never forget that day, the fear and the guilt I was made to feel. After learning that I was 10 weeks pregnant, the nurse shook