mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
INVESTING IN A NEW VISION FOR THE ENVIRONMENT AND SURFACE TRANSPORTATION IN AMERICA ACT
Lloyd Doggett (Democrat, TX) \u2014 2021-6-30

since they make such important decisions concerning mobility, social and economic opportunity, metropolitan planning organizations across the country have boards that should be fully representative of all those who are served within their jurisdiction. And while some MPOs do just that, my amendment No. 25, which was a part of en bloc No. 1, addresses those that do not by ensuring that MPO board membership is equal, equitable, and proportional to the population. prgtoken I would like to engage in a colloquy with the chairman. prgtoken , I thank you for supporting this amendment and trust that you share that objective.
INVESTING IN A NEW VISION FOR THE ENVIRONMENT AND SURFACE TRANSPORTATION IN AMERICA ACT
Mondaire Jones (Democrat, NY) \u2014 2021-6-30

people in suburban communities benefit from convenient, reliable public transportation to urban areas. It allows them to move to more affordable neighborhoods while maintaining access to the economic opportunities in the city. prgtoken This is evident in part of my district, where a one-seat ride on the east side of the Hudson River in New York makes it easy to get off the roads and commute by train between Westchester County and New York City. prgtoken Unfortunately, Rockland County, on the west side of the Hudson, lacks direct rail service to the city, making the commute deeply inconvenient and the area a more challenging place to live. prgtoken My amendment would commission a study on the economic benefits of one-seat ride commuter rail service between urban and suburban communities. This study would help Federal, State, and local governments plan for expansion of direct rail service to communities like Rockland County and identify areas where improvements are not only feasible but necessary. prgtoken I urge support for my amendment because communities like Rockland deserve convenient, reliable public transportation to urban areas like New York City.
TRIBUTE TO ANDREA HARRIS
Alma S. Adams (Democrat, NC) \u2014 2021-6-30

. Madam , I am honored today to stand on the floor of the House to honor the life of a cherished friend and extraordinary North Carolinian, Andrea L a resident of Henderson, North Carolina, who passed away on May 20, 2020. prgtoken Her death leaves a tremendous void throughout our State, but her life's work is a lasting reminder of her courageous fight for civil and human rights, social justice, and building Black wealth. prgtoken A bold voice of reason for the underrepresented, her work helped improve the quality of life for so many. prgtoken A proud alumna of Bennett College, an advocate for HBCUs, a shero for Black businesses, this ``mother of minority enterprise'' was always about making good trouble. prgtoken She cofounded the North Carolina Institute for Minority Economic Development, serving as president for more than two decades. prgtoken Andrea L. made our State, our community, and our world much better than she found it and fulfilled the Scripture in Psalms 84:10, which says: ``Better is one day in Your courts than a thousand elsewhere; I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God than dwell in the tents of the wicked.'' prgtoken Rest in peace, my friend. prgtoken Andrea, we love and miss you.
ESTABLISHING THE SELECT COMMITTEE TO INVESTIGATE THE JANUARY 6TH ATTACK ON THE UNITED STATES CAPITOL
Carolyn B. Maloney (Democrat, NY) \u2014 2021-6-30

. I thank the gentleman for yielding and for his leadership. prgtoken I rise today in strong support of Pelosi's resolution to establish a select committee to investigate the January 6 attack on our Capitol. I thank the for her unwavering commitment to uncovering the truth about what happened that day. prgtoken This select committee will be critical to fully understanding the root causes of the attack on our Capitol and to passing reforms to ensure that an insurrection never again reaches these Halls or threatens our democracy. prgtoken Over the past 5 months, the Oversight and Reform Committee has made substantial progress in investigating the attack on our Capitol. prgtoken The committee has asked why our Nation's law enforcement agencies failed to anticipate a domestic terrorist attack that was planned right out in the open on social media, television, and why critical assistance took so long to arrive during the attack. prgtoken In the course of our investigation, the Oversight and Reform Committee has found that officials made 12 urgent requests for security assistance at the Capitol, yet the National Guard did not arrive until more than 4 hours after the Capitol perimeter was breached and lives were threatened. prgtoken We have found that warnings of the impending assault were passed directly to the FBI in the weeks before the attack, including that insurrectionists planned in writing to take the Capitol building. We plan to take the Capitol building. Yet, in the face of these warnings, we have found that our Nation's intelligence agencies failed to act. prgtoken Our work is far from done, and we must continue to seek the truth about the January 6 domestic terrorist attack. I look forward to supporting this select committee and its investigation and working together to secure our democracy.
INVESTING IN A NEW VISION FOR THE ENVIRONMENT AND SURFACE TRANSPORTATION IN AMERICA ACT
Henry C. "Hank" Johnson, Jr. (Democrat, GA) \u2014 2021-6-30

. Madam , I rise to support the INVEST in America Act, which is landmark legislation that provides critical funding to repair our crumbling infrastructure, makes long-overdue investments in public transit, and improves overall safety. prgtoken Together, the reforms respond to the climate crisis by reducing emissions from transportation, which represents the largest share of greenhouse gas emissions in our economy. This bill includes several provisions that I authored, including a boost to disadvantaged business enterprises, a requirement that trucks be equipped with lifesaving, automatic emergency braking systems, and critical funding for public transit. prgtoken The bill would also fund five projects in my district to expand or add public transit service and improve rider safety, including the Stonecrest Transit Hub. prgtoken Moving forward, I am hopeful that a final law will include a dedicated public transit operating program, such as the one that I have proposed, to grow and improve service around the Nation. prgtoken Madam , I applaud the chairman for his leadership.
REMEMBERING JOHN KLEIN
Tim Ryan (Democrat, OH) \u2014 2021-6-30

. Madam , I rise today to honor the life of John Klein, who passed on June 20, 2021 in Columbus, Ohio at the age of 72. prgtoken John was a passionate family man who treasured his time coaching his two boys in basketball. He was the assistant basketball coach for Belpre High School from 1996 through 2002. Throughout, he also coached all kinds of teams from junior high school to AAU. John would readily admit that his sons' trips to the Ohio High School Athletic Association basketball state tournament were the highlights of his coaching career. prgtoken Mr. Klein is a graduate of Aurora High School and Indiana State University. He retired from AEP in 2019 having worked at Zimmer Power Plant, Muskingum River Power Plant, Pickaway Power Plant and the Darby Gas Plant. prgtoken John was one of the most caring men you could ever meet with a quirky sense of humor that would have people in stitches. He loved going to the track and playing poker at the casinos. There wasn't a Hallmark movie that John didn't like. He was the ultimate Cincinnati Reds and Bengals fan. Always anticipating the upcoming season. prgtoken He was predeceased by his parents, Gene and Lucille Klein, and his sister, Emily Klein. prgtoken John is survived by his wife, Theresa, sons, Zach (Jennie) and Patrick (Whitney); grandchildren, Stella and Rocco; and brothers, Dave (Marcia) and Mike (Jill). John also had a myriad of nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews. prgtoken John's love and dedication for his family and for life was something special. Not only did John serve as a devoted coach of basketball, but as a role model for all those he knew, touching many lives along the way. My deepest condolences go out to his dear family and friends.
INVESTING IN A NEW VISION FOR THE ENVIRONMENT AND SURFACE TRANSPORTATION IN AMERICA ACT
Troy A. Carter (Democrat, LA) \u2014 2021-6-30

. Madam , I rise today to offer a bipartisan, commonsense amendment. prgtoken This amendment will protect America's equines from being moved across State lines then exported to Canada and Mexico to be butchered for human consumption. prgtoken Horses aren't bred for food, and Americans don't want them bought under false pretenses, forced into overcrowded trailers, tormented on a thousand-mile journey and then prodded to slaughterhouses. prgtoken However, a legal loophole still allows tens of thousands of American equines to be exported each year to Canada and Mexico for slaughter. prgtoken This is a heinous practice, and Congress should take every step and chance we have to end it for good. prgtoken I thank the chairman and all of my colleagues for working with me to make this amendment possible. I thank the amazing advocates who work to protect horses, equines, and all animals day in and day out, year in and year out. This amendment wouldn't be on the floor today without their support. I tip my hat to them. This is a huge amendment that is bipartisan.
INVESTING IN A NEW VISION FOR THE ENVIRONMENT AND SURFACE TRANSPORTATION IN AMERICA ACT
Sharice Davids (Democrat, KS) \u2014 2021-6-30

. Madam , I rise in support of the INVEST in America Act. prgtoken This comprehensive bill builds our economy back better than before, creates good-paying jobs, and tackles climate change. prgtoken In the Kansas Third, there is a particular highway that has been a priority since my predecessor's predecessor. It is the busiest four- lane road in the State, experiencing increased crashes and constant congestion. prgtoken Folks in our district disagree on plenty, but not this. U.S. 69 must be addressed. prgtoken I am now the vice chair of the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, the first Kansan to serve on the committee in a decade. I am proud to say this bill puts us one step closer to bringing home the Federal investment necessary to reduce congestion, increase safety, and attract economic development. prgtoken It also includes two provisions I introduced on resiliency and responsible financing, saving taxpayer money and bringing smart investments home. prgtoken For the people sitting in traffic, waiting for the bus in Wyandotte County, or wondering why that one road floods every year no matter how many times we fix it, this cannot wait. If we fail to act, these authorizations will run out by October. prgtoken Madam , I urge my colleagues to support the INVEST in America Act to create jobs and propel our infrastructure into the modern era.
TIME TO STEP UP
Matt Cartwright (Democrat, PA) \u2014 2021-6-30

. Madam , I am thrilled that, this week, we bring up the INVEST in America Act, part of 's American Jobs Plan, something that we have been waiting for for many years. prgtoken We have had infrastructure week after infrastructure week. We actually have a real one this week because we will be voting on the INVEST in America Act, something that will invest $700 billion into America's roads, bridges, tunnels, rail systems, water systems, and sewer systems, things that the Greatest Generation handed down to us. They came back from World War II after all the suffering and all the losses, and they sucked it up and actually contributed more. prgtoken All of these investments in American infrastructure that happened after World War II, we have been disinvesting in those things. It is time for us to step up to the plate and invest in America with the INVEST in America Act. prgtoken Let's get it done, and let's do it on a bipartisan basis. We all need to invest in our great Nation.
CELEBRATING DR. MONTE E. PEREZ ON HIS RETIREMENT FROM LOS ANGELES MISSION COLLEGE
Tony Cárdenas (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2021-6-30

. Madam , I rise today to recognize and celebrate the retirement of Dr. Monte E. Perez as President from Los Angeles Mission College, located in Sylmar, California. prgtoken Dr. Perez graduated from James A. Garfield High School in East Los Angeles, obtained his bachelor's degree in Social Science Government at California State University, Los Angeles, and his master's and PhD in Public Policy and Administration from the University of Southern California. prgtoken His career in higher education began as the assistant director of Admissions at Stanford University. Subsequently, he served as the director of the Educational Opportunity Program and Student Support Services at California State University, Los Angeles while also teaching Political Science and Chicano Studies. He implemented numerous outreach and retention programs at Stanford and California State University, Los Angeles. prgtoken Selected as a policy fellow for the U.S. Department of Education, he became the Secretary's senior policy analyst with expertise in financial aid, career education, TRIO, and youth employment. prgtoken Upon returning to California, he was appointed to be the Director of Community and Organizational Relations for the Educational Testing Service's Western Regional Office and later promoted to Regional Office Director. prgtoken In 1997, Dr. Perez joined the National Hispanic University (NHU) in San Jose, California as the director of Institutional Research and was promoted to provost and vice president of Academic Affairs. He engineered the successful WASC accreditation for NHU as the first Latino non-profit independent senior college on the West Coast. In 2004, Dr. Perez was selected as the vice president of Student Services at Golden West Community College in Huntington Beach, California where he was a senior administrator engaged in construction, enrollment management, accreditation, and fiscal management. prgtoken On July 1, 2008, Dr. Perez became the President of the Moreno Valley Campus which prepares students for vocational careers in various sectors. prgtoken In May of 2011, Dr. Perez assumed the presidency of Los Angeles Mission College (LAMC), which serves the San Fernando Valley and is one of the nine colleges of the Los Angeles Community College District. LAMC provides accessible, affordable, high-quality learning opportunities that result in a high transfer rate to four-year universities and colleges. prgtoken Dr. Perez has contributed to numerous academic presentations including his papers on the integration of academic affairs and student services at Oxford University, revising the California Master Plan in Higher Education at the University of Vienna, and Exemplary Enrollment and Retention Strategies in Community Colleges at the Education Testing Service's National Community College symposium. prgtoken Dr. Perez also serves as the President of the national Board of Governors for the Hispanic Association of Colleges
INTRODUCING THE INVESTING IN COMMONSENSE BALLISTIC MISSILES (ICBM) ACT OF 2021
John Garamendi (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2021-6-30

. Madam , the Investing in Commonsense Ballistic Missiles (ICBM) Act of 2021 bill will pause the development of the Ground Based Strategic Deterrent (GBSD) Intercontinental Ballistic Missile program, the planned replacement to the current Minuteman III missile, and the associated W87-1 nuclear warhead. Additionally, it requires the service life of the currently deployed Minuteman III missiles to be extended until 2040--something that is both technically feasible and more cost-efficient. prgtoken The world is witnessing a new nuclear arms race, and this one is extremely dangerous as tensions rise between the Great Powers. As the United States, Russia, and China rush to modernize their nuclear arsenals, the trip wire is growing more taut. Observation and communication satellites and systems are increasingly vulnerable to attacks. All three countries are fielding stealth and hypersonic nuclear delivery systems designed to evade detection. The risk of a false alarm or a political miscalculation has always haunted the nuclear landscape and they do even more today. prgtoken As long as nuclear weapons exist we must have a safe, secure, and effective nuclear deterrent. The simultaneous modernization efforts across all three legs of the nuclear triad are an unnecessary and costly way to achieve our deterrent. The modernization includes the Ground Based Strategic Deterrent (GBSD), the B-21 bomber, the Columbia- class submarine, the Long-Range Standoff (LRSO) air-launched cruise missile, the sea launched nuclear cruise missile, and new nuclear warheads. The costs are extraordinary: a 2017 Congressional Budget Office (CBO) report estimated that the 30-year cost of nuclear weapons spending would be $1.2 trillion ($1.7 trillion adjusted for inflation). As the Government Accountability Office recently noted, the current plan to modernize every part of the arsenal at the same time is a recipe for schedule delays and cost overruns. prgtoken The ICBM leg of the Triad deserves special attention. The total price tag to procure the GBSD is projected to be at least $95 billion, and $264 billion when accounting for total life-cycle costs. A GBSD pause will help defray short-term costs for the Air Force and will also defer a long-term expenditure. Additionally, the W87-1, the warhead that is being designed for the GBSD, will cost at least $12 billion to build-- and is not part of the estimated GBSD procurement cost of $95 billion. To build new warhead cores for the W87-1, the National Nuclear Security Agency (NNSA) is expanding plutonium pit production, which will cost at least another $9 billion through the late 2020s according to the Congressional Budget Office. prgtoken We do not need a new ICBM to provide a robust deterrence. The existing MMIII can serve until 2040 with one more life extension, which is technically feasible. Lieutenant General Richard M. Clark, then-Air Force Deputy Chief of Staff for Strategic Deterrence and
NO TIME TO WASTE ON INFRASTRUCTURE
Susan Wild (Democrat, PA) \u2014 2021-6-30

. Madam , I rise today to talk about the INVEST in America Act, an important moment in the fight to upgrade our national infrastructure. prgtoken I am so glad to see the House take a critical step toward fulfilling many of the key priorities laid out in the American Jobs Plan by passing this bill. prgtoken I want to be really frank. There is no time to waste on this. We urgently need to fix the roads, bridges, tunnels, and drainage systems that we see crumbling around the country. prgtoken Not only does the INVEST Act address some of the key infrastructure needs of our country, but it also creates good-paying, middle-class jobs that will turbocharge economic growth. prgtoken The INVEST Act also includes $20 million in key infrastructure investments for my district, Pennsylvania's Seventh, that will support our economy and make roads safer for both motorists and pedestrians. I am proud to have secured this funding for my community. prgtoken We have more work to do to get an infrastructure package finalized, sent to the President's desk, and signed into law. Our country simply cannot wait any longer, but I am proud to support the INVEST Act and to get us one step closer to that goal.
ESTABLISHING THE SELECT COMMITTEE TO INVESTIGATE THE JANUARY 6TH ATTACK ON THE UNITED STATES CAPITOL
Madeleine Dean (Democrat, PA) \u2014 2021-6-30

. Madam , I thank the chairman for yielding. prgtoken Madam , what are they afraid of? The truth? prgtoken On January 6, I came to this Chamber to try to understand why some of my colleagues were engaged in a lie that the 2020 election was stolen from their candidate. I never expected to finish that day forever shaken and changed by what happened in this Chamber. prgtoken Madam , I was up in the Gallery, right up here. I remember the terrifying banging on those doors as we were exited and wearing gas masks--my fear for my colleagues, the staff, the press, the custodial staff, the Capitol Police, and the anxiety that my family suffered with their mom inside as they watched an insurrection on television, wondering if we would make it out alive. prgtoken To be clear, this was a domestic terrorist attack on everyone who works in this Capitol complex. It was an attack on democracy. It was an attack on the peaceful transfer of power. It was an attack on our Nation. prgtoken We need a select subcommittee to understand what happened on January 6, where many of our lives were at risk. We need to know the facts and circumstances. We need to know the truth so that it never happens again.
INVESTING IN A NEW VISION FOR THE ENVIRONMENT AND SURFACE TRANSPORTATION IN AMERICA ACT
Haley M. Stevens (Democrat, MI) \u2014 2021-6-30

I thank the vice chair of the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee from the State of Kansas. prgtoken , I rise in support of the INVEST in America Act which authorizes billions of dollars in direct infrastructure investment over the next 5 years to address America's crumbling wastewater and local water quality challenges--something we know all too well in Michigan, particularly in the wake of our communities being deluged by storms and deluged by wastewater coming up into our roads and into people's homes. prgtoken Less than 50 years ago, many U.S. rivers were little more than open sewers with some so polluted that they literally caught fire--something that, yet again, motivated Members of Congress from Michigan to enact landmark legislation. But even today, communities are struggling. prgtoken For instance, for decades, to this day, residents of Centreville, Illinois, a nearly all Black town of 5,000 in southern Illinois, just a 12-minute drive from downtown East St. Louis, had been dealing with persistent flooding and sewage overflows. prgtoken The smell of it is in the air and all over the town after a rain, and bits of soggy toilet paper and slicks of human waste cling to the grass in the neighborhoods where children used to play on warm days. prgtoken This, , is why we commit to an infrastructure bill because we are standing for the guarantee that everyone deserves to live safely and in clean environments. prgtoken With that, , I urge my colleagues to support this bipartisan bill that will get us the wastewater spend and make our country great.
INVESTING IN A NEW VISION FOR THE ENVIRONMENT AND SURFACE TRANSPORTATION IN AMERICA ACT
Jesús G. "Chuy" García (Democrat, IL) \u2014 2021-6-30

I commend both Chairman Pallone and Chairman DeFazio for their excellent work on moving forward the INVEST in America Act and clean water work as well. prgtoken I fought hard to advance equitable transit oriented development, create a National Frontline Transit Workforce Development Center, and ensure that our transportation system is focused on providing access to jobs and services for those who need it. prgtoken As we move forward toward a reconciliation package, I will keep fighting for robust investments to reduce carbon emissions and air pollution from transportation; expand mass transit and biking and walking options; and electrify every public transit bus, school bus, and commuter railroad in this country. prgtoken , we cannot wait any more for bold action. The climate crisis certainly won't wait.