mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
HAITI DEVELOPMENT, ACCOUNTABILITY, AND INSTITUTIONAL TRANSPARENCY INITIATIVE ACT
Chellie Pingree (Democrat, ME) \u2014 2022-3-9

I rise to support the Fiscal Year 2022 omnibus bill. prgtoken I want to thank Chair DeLauro for her leadership and perseverance in bringing this omnibus to the finish line. It has been hard fought and I can confidently say that the American people will benefit from the investments made in this bill. prgtoken Thank you, Ranking Member Joyce, for your collaboration and partnership through this process. And thank you, Ranking Member Granger. prgtoken For fiscal year 2022, the Interior and Environment division provides $38 billion. prgtoken This is an increase of almost $2 billion over last year's enacted level, which is a 5 percent increase. prgtoken This bill makes long-overdue investments to care for our planet, fight the climate emergency, and meet our trust obligations to tribal nations. prgtoken The bill prioritizes the protection and preservation of our landscapes and biodiversity, providing $14.4 billion for the Department of the Interior. prgtoken It supports the administration's initiatives on climate change and affirms the role of science as the foundation for decision making. prgtoken The bill provides necessary resources to deal with the threat of wildfires in the West, providing $5.5 billion for Wildland Fire Management and it invests in programs to improve the health of our forests and make them more resilient. prgtoken The bill also includes major investments to clean up pollution and protect human health and the environment. It invests heavily in environmental justice, and I am proud that we are providing an unprecedented $100 million for these efforts, which is a nearly 700 percent increase. prgtoken Additionally, the bill provides $3.3 billion for grant programs to make drinking water and sewer system improvements, remove lead from our taps, improve air quality, and strengthen our nation's recycling infrastructure. prgtoken These grants have profound impacts on public health and the environment, but they also are economic drivers that create good paying American jobs. prgtoken This bill supports the Arts and Humanities by providing the largest increase in twelve years to the National Endowment for the Arts and the National Endowment for the Humanities. prgtoken And finally, this bill supports Native American families by investing in a strong and resilient Indian Country, including through education and health care programs. prgtoken The investments in this bill will improve the lives of Americans and I urge my colleagues to support the bill.
HAITI DEVELOPMENT, ACCOUNTABILITY, AND INSTITUTIONAL TRANSPARENCY INITIATIVE ACT
Debbie Wasserman Schultz (Democrat, FL) \u2014 2022-3-9

I thank the gentlewoman for yielding. prgtoken , I rise to support this far-reaching spending bill that lowers costs, creates jobs, and rethreads our safety net. prgtoken As chair of the Subcommittee on Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies, I am very proud of our funding for veterans, servicemembers, and their families. prgtoken We steer $14.9 billion to critical base infrastructure to add new barracks and childcare centers and rid military family housing of mold and lead. It also invests in climate change and energy resilience on bases, devoting $150 million to PFAS contamination cleanup. prgtoken It provides more to NATO and the European Deterrence Initiative, devoting $631 million to confront Russian aggression. prgtoken For Veterans Affairs, it provides $112 billion to tackle disability claim backlogs, boost medical research, fully fund veteran medical care, and make major investments in women's health and mental health and suicide and homelessness prevention. prgtoken I thank Ranking Member Carter and Ranking Member Granger for our close work together on this good bill, and I thank both the majority and minority staff. prgtoken I am very proud of what this bill delivers to Florida, like investing $2 million into the Virginia Graeme Baker pool and spa safety grant program to curb drownings. prgtoken We also add a record $350 million to restore the Everglades, the lifeblood of south Florida. This is on top of the $1.1 billion President just allocated to our River of Grass in the bipartisan infrastructure law. prgtoken Florida cities win, too, because we unleash infrastructure funds and provide local government formula funding and fund local community projects for the first time in more than a decade. For Dania Beach, that is $3 million to rebuild the C.W. Thomas Park Community Center. In Sunrise, it is $2 million for flood protection. prgtoken There is tons more, from increased breast cancer screenings and reauthorizing the Violence Against Women Act to provide lifesaving funds to curb domestic violence and sexual assaults. We even create a cancer screening program for disadvantaged communities that honors our departed dear friend, Alcee Hastings. prgtoken , this bill helps every American every day. I urge my colleagues to support it.
HAITI DEVELOPMENT, ACCOUNTABILITY, AND INSTITUTIONAL TRANSPARENCY INITIATIVE ACT
Robin L. Kelly (Democrat, IL) \u2014 2022-3-9

in regards to Division P, Title III--Medicare, Subtitle A--Telehealth Flexibility Extensions, Sec 308. Reports on Telehealth Utilizations, an analysis of racial and ethnic minorities as well as dual Medicare and Medicaid eligible beneficiaries should be considered by the Commission. By not including racial and ethnic minorities in this study, Congress will be unable to identify potential health inequities that occur with regard to accessing telehealth services. Furthermore, the inclusion of dual eligible populations will allow Congress to account for differences in socio- economic status with telehealth services. By including racial and ethnic minorities and dual eligible beneficiaries, we can ensure vulnerable populations have equitable access to telehealth services.
HAITI DEVELOPMENT, ACCOUNTABILITY, AND INSTITUTIONAL TRANSPARENCY INITIATIVE ACT
Marcy Kaptur (Democrat, OH) \u2014 2022-3-9

please let me thank Chair DeLauro for her persevering leadership on this critical bill, and I would like to thank Ranking Member Simpson for his productive partnership, as well as the Energy and Water Subcommittee staff and majority clerk, Jaime Shimek, for their work. prgtoken The Energy and Water division of this bill is a historic investment in American jobs, innovation, and competitiveness. It engages and advances all energy technologies to assure America's energy independence in perpetuity and for our security while sustaining life on Earth. prgtoken Our bill delivers for the American people by investing $8.3 billion in the Army Corps of Engineers to rebuild America's water infrastructure and prepare for increasing rainfall, rising sea levels, and desertification; $1.92 billion in the Bureau of Reclamation for the West's water management; $44.9 billion in the Department of Energy, including $3.2 billion for energy efficiency and renewable energy programs to spur good-paying jobs and lower costs for the middle class. prgtoken Importantly, our bill responsibly funds our nuclear deterrent and enhances nonproliferation efforts. prgtoken In sum, the energy and water division builds forward for America's critical goals. Our bill invests in the hardworking men and women who make, build, and grow America. Now more than ever, our bill is needed to unleash American progress in this new century. prgtoken Finally, as chair of the Congressional Ukraine Caucus, I want to highlight the Congress' swift and essential support for Ukraine. On a bipartisan basis, it is this House, as Article 1 of the Constitution, that has always led on providing aid to Ukraine. The $13.6 billion in emergency funding includes vital resources for Ukraine and her brave people to meet their urgent economic and humanitarian needs. prgtoken , I urge my colleagues to support this measure unanimously.
RECOGNIZING THE RECIPIENTS OF THE 2022 PRINCE WILLIAM COUNTY HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION AWARDS
Gerald E. Connolly (Democrat, VA) \u2014 2022-3-9

. Madam , I rise today to recognize the recipients of the 2022 Prince William County Human Rights Commission Awards. prgtoken On January 15, 1993, the Prince William Board of County Supervisors (BOCS) implemented the Human Rights Ordinance which formally established the Prince William County Human Rights Commission. Two years prior, the BOCS had formed the Human Rights Study Committee to explore the needs of a community that was growing in population and diversity. After an exhaustive effort that included numerous committee meetings and public hearings, the study found that many residents of Prince William County felt that the county needed a human rights ordinance and an agency to enforce it in order to ensure that every resident is treated fairly. prgtoken The Human Rights Commission seeks to eliminate discrimination through civil and human rights law enforcement and to establish equal opportunity for all persons within the county through advocacy and education. The Human Rights Ordinance prohibits discriminatory practices based on race, color, sex, national origin, religion, marital status, or disability, as well as in the consideration of employment, housing, public accommodations, education, and credit, in Prince William County. The Commission receives and investigates complaints filed by any person who believes that he or she has been discriminated against. prgtoken In celebration of Universal Human Rights Day, the Human Rights Commission recognizes individuals and organizations that promote the principles of human rights in Prince William County. It is my honor to include in the Record the recipients of the 2022 Prince William County Human Rights Commission Awards: prgtoken Carried to Full Term; Frank Washington and the Coalition to Save Historic Thoroughfare; Prince William County Police Department; Tummy Yum Yum; Yaqub Zargarpur; Omicron Zeta Sigma Chapter of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc.; Pi Lambda Lambda Chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. prgtoken Madam , I ask that my colleagues join me in commending the recipients of the 2022 Prince William County Human Rights Commission Awards. Theses honorees dedicate themselves to the residents of Prince William County and through their work, they make sure that all residents, including the most vulnerable in our society, are being looked out for. We owe a deep debt of gratitude to these honorees for their efforts to safeguard our most basic rights and remind us of our common humanity. Let us use their example to rededicate ourselves to the fight against inequity and injustice.
SUSPENDING ENERGY IMPORTS FROM RUSSIA ACT
Mike Thompson (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2022-3-9

I rise in strong support of H.R. 6968 which will cut off oil and other energy imports from Russia which provide key support to Putin's war machine. prgtoken This bill stands in solidarity with the proud Ukrainian people fighting for their homeland and builds on President s executive actions to ban Russian energy imports. prgtoken The crippling sanctions the Administration has coordinated with our allies have isolated Russia to an unprecedented degree: are weakening Russia's ability to fund their illegal military offensive. prgtoken I believe that we can and should do even more. Although our European allies have moved quickly to support punishing sanctions against Russia and its corrupt leaders, other countries are providing aid and comfort by actually stepping up trade with Russia. prgtoken As we look to ratchet up the pressure on Russia to force them to stop the needless bloodshed, we need to ensure that every country is doing their part to help end this war and hold Russia accountable. prgtoken , as an original cosponsor of this bill, I urge my colleagues to vote yes to send a strong unified message that we are committed to doing everything we can to fight Russian aggression, stand with the Ukrainian people, and provide the military assist Ukraine desperately needs to defend itself.
SUSPENDING ENERGY IMPORTS FROM RUSSIA ACT
Richard E. Neal (Democrat, MA) \u2014 2022-3-9

such time as I may consume. prgtoken This evening's debate is about holding Putin accountable for his unprovoked attack on the Ukrainian people. What we are talking about here is responsible use of trade policy as a powerful tool not only to condemn prgtoken Putin's aggression and pursue peace but to act. prgtoken I hope in this moment, when we are in such a dire state, we would not use the opportunity just for partisan argument but try to focus very hard on the real task at hand, which is holding Putin accountable. prgtoken , .
SUSPENDING ENERGY IMPORTS FROM RUSSIA ACT
Jimmy Panetta (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2022-3-9

I support tonight's bills because we must fund the government, and of course, we must support Ukraine. prgtoken As the American people get out of COVID, get back to work, and get on with our lives, they are yearning to help Ukrainian lives. Tonight's bills do that by providing aid and armaments so that the Ukrainians can continue to punch Putin right in the face. prgtoken This bill, H.R. 6968, also punches Putin right in the gut by banning imports of Russian oil, by taking steps to remove Russia from the WTO, and by holding Putin accountable for his violating of rights with tougher sanctions. prgtoken The last thing we want is war with Russia. However, in order to stop Putin's paranoid adventurism, we need to bolster our commitment to NATO, and we must bleed him of his resources to wage war by crumpling his ruble and collapsing his economy. This will affect us, and it will force all of us to play our part. prgtoken But despite these costs, we must continue to be as united as we are inspired by this fledgling democracy that has flourished under fire. That is why we must play our part and pass this legislation to support the livelihoods of prgtoken Americans, to support the lives of Ukrainians, and to ensure that Putin pays his price for his attacks on a peaceful democracy.
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE
Chuck Grassley (Republican, IA) \u2014 2022-3-10

it has been a year since we in the Senate confirmed Merrick Garland to be Attorney General. prgtoken During his confirmation hearing, I outlined what a successful Department of Justice looks like and what I expected of him as our new Attorney General. I gave him the answers to the tests. By this rubric, he has failed. For instance, I urged him to build off the successes from the previous Justice Department to reduce crime, maintain the rule of law, and protect our civil liberties. But violent crime continues to rise, the rule of law is undermined, and our civil liberties are in danger. prgtoken Instead of condemning all violent crime, Attorney General Garland's Justice Department targets lawful gun owners and blames those gun owners for the rising murder rates, carjackings, and attacks against law enforcement. prgtoken But the explosion of crime in blue cities is actually tied to depolicing measures, hiring progressive prosecutors, and enacting disastrous bail reform policies. Lawful gun owners are not to blame for this rise in crime. prgtoken And in the midst of a crime spike, a number of appointees and judicial nominees strongly backed by Attorney General Garland have supported radical ideas in the past, like defunding the police or at least reducing funding for police. And some have even advocated not prosecuting certain crimes. So how do you expect to effectively fight crime with the lineup that I just gave you? prgtoken Instead of tackling the opioid crisis, the Garland Justice Department wants to make it easier for fentanyl traffickers to spread their poison. Fentanyl analogs are responsible for most overdose deaths and are lethal in very tiny amounts, as we all know. But the Garland and administration support eliminating mandatory minimums for these fentanyl analog dealers. Really? prgtoken In addition, Garland has wielded his power to undermine the rule of law and cave to political pressures. The Attorney General has summarily reversed a number of decisions issued by Attorneys General Sessions and Barr that helped enhance the integrity of our asylum system. prgtoken This Attorney General has also issued memos, interpretations, and filings to the Supreme Court that contrast with previous Department of Justice positions. prgtoken Let me give you an example. His Department of Justice reinterpreted the law to make sure that inmates released to home confinement under COVID relief stay there. His Solicitor General also switched positions on a cocaine sentencing case that was before the Supreme Court. Now, it happens that both of these policy outcomes align with my positions. I agree with those outcomes. But his way of getting there is political. Rule of law must be consistent and not political. prgtoken So Garland's flip-flopping also jeopardizes our Nation's security. Instead of protecting the American people from the Chinese Communist Party's espionage, he disbanded the previous admi
RECOGNIZING BURCHETT'S HEATING AND COOLING
Rand Paul (Republican, KY) \u2014 2022-3-10

as ranking member of the Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship, each week I recognize an outstanding Kentucky small business that exemplifies the American entrepreneurial spirit. This week, it is my privilege to recognize the small business, Burchett's Heating and Cooling of Paintsville, KY, as the Senate Small Business of the Week. prgtoken Rogell Burchett had a keen eye for business opportunities, which is why he opened Burchett's Heating and Cooling in 1978. As a gas company employee, he could not ignore all the new homes being built in his area when he knew there was little market for natural gas and furnace installations. So he started what was then a side venture called Burchett's Heating and Cooling. Rogell's vision and dedication allowed prgtoken that side venture to grow into a family business, now entering into its third generation of management. prgtoken When the business was first founded, Burchett's operations mainly involved natural gas and furnace work. However, as Kentucky saw the coal industry abate, Burchett's Heating and Cooling adapted to include more geothermal work, as well as some light commercial work. Clearly, Rogell passed his sharp intuition for running a business along to his children and grandchildren, as this transition took place over multiple generations. Growing into what his father created, Neal Burchett took over the business when his father Rogell retired. Later on, Neal's son Ryan Burchett would also become part of the operation, serving as the management arm of this family-owned business. Together, these three generations of Burchett men have kept Paintsville warm during the cold Kentucky winters and cool in the summers, with the comfort of Paintsville citizens remaining their top priority. prgtoken With over 40 years of experience, Burchett's Heating and Cooling maintains close relationships with customers that count on them for quality, year after year. Of course, when the business stays in the family as it has with the Burchett men, it is easy to see how the community of Paintsville could place their trust in their services. That being said, Burchett's Heating and Cooling remains an active member of the Paintsville community outside of their normal business operations. Staying true to their family-owned nature, the business sponsors the local high school basketball and football teams, teams that both Neal and Ryan used to play for during their high school years. Burchett's Heating and Cooling also provides free services to their local church so that parishioners can worship comfortably. prgtoken Small businesses like Burchett's Heating and Cooling are the lifeblood of small towns across Kentucky, and they serve as an inspiring example of how the entrepreneurial spirit transcends multiple generations. Congratulations to Neal and Ryan and the entire Burchett's Heating and Cooling team. I wish them the best of luck and look forward to wa
LEGISLATIVE SESSION
John Barrasso (Republican, WY) \u2014 2022-3-10

I did listen with great interest to every word of my colleague from Maine. We spend time together on the Energy Committee. He has lots of very good ideas, and we discuss things constructively. prgtoken When we talk about supply and demand, I just find it very interesting that for something like natural gas, of which we have an abundance in Wyoming--and when I was in the Wyoming State Senate, natural gas prices were over $16. With the renaissance of American natural gas energy and the production of something called fracking, prices dropped dramatically to the kind of numbers that the Senator from Maine mentioned earlier--to about $3. It went down, way down. prgtoken That doesn't help the people in Massachusetts, where the price is $18, because they can't get permission to have pipelines to deliver the affordable gas that we produce here. I mean, it is fascinating to take a look at Pennsylvania, which is half the price than in Massachusetts; and they are not too far apart. I just went out here, as the Senator was speaking, just to take a look and see what the differentials were in the prices. The price of natural gas is twice as high in Massachusetts as in Pennsylvania when they are less than 200 miles or 300 miles apart. prgtoken It has nothing to do with the availability of gas in the ground; it has to do with the delivery to the end user. That is the result of political decisions being made on the ground, in States, to prevent the infrastructure to deliver the material, to deliver the natural gas, that those people need. prgtoken It was even an issue on the ballot in my colleague's home State of Maine to move energy from Canada down to Massachusetts, and it was blocked by the voters in Maine, which is their right to do. They have a right to make those decisions as to what they want to vote for or against. And that was on the transmission of even renewable energy. Politics and decisions by either the administration or a State or voters make those decisions. So there is an abundance of natural gas, and there is a limitation on how you can get it to people because of political decisions. prgtoken I heard my colleague mention the number of leases that are out there. There are about 9,000 leases the administration continues to talk about, saying there are 9,000 leases of which nobody is exploring or that drilling hasn't been done. prgtoken Well, that is just the first step of getting a lease. It is like leasing an apartment: You pay the rent, but you need a key to get into the building. I mean, you pay the rent, and it is your apartment, but you can't actually get in until they give you the key. That is the same thing that happens here. You need to apply for permission to drill, and we know that the administration has said: We are not going to give any of those. There is no permission. Sorry. I know you paid for the lease, but we are not giving anybody a key. And they did that to about 4,600 recen