mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
GWENDOLYN A. FAISON
Donald Norcross (Democrat, NJ) \u2014 2021-11-4

. Madam , Gwendolyn A. Faison was a Clinton, North Carolina native, but has called Camden home for most of her life. A loving mother and grandmother, Faison dedicated her life to her family, city and her country. prgtoken Mayor Gwendolyn A. Faison retired with 27 years devoted to public service. Faison was first elected to the Camden City Council in 1983. Two years later she became a member of the Camden County Board of Commissioners, and in 1997 she would become the first female African- American Camden City Council President. prgtoken Mayor Faison's commitment to serving her city and country did not stop there. She would be elected as the first female African-American Mayor of Camden, New Jersey in the December of 2000. Her term began on July 1, 2001. She won reelection in 2005 and served until 2010.
CLIMATE RESILIENCE IN THE FACE OF DISASTERS
Earl Blumenauer (Democrat, OR) \u2014 2021-11-4

over this past week, it has been heartening to see the climate pledges and vows coming out of Glasgow. Our success in Glasgow, however, will not come from voluntary pledges and vows. It must include specific, effective steps that can be put in place now to begin making a difference. prgtoken I have worked on the climate issue since 1991 when I was a member of the city council that enacted the Nation's first carbon commitments which we have met over those years. But the cascade of recent extraordinary weather events has made it clear--as if we needed further reminders--that we are entering a new era in terms of impact and public awareness of climate disasters. prgtoken The Oregon experience has been searing. We had the worst air quality in the world last year due to extreme forest fires. And in my district when we set an all-time heat record of 116 degrees this summer after setting two other previous all-time highs, we recorded temperatures of 180 degrees in the heart of my district. No wonder hundreds of people died. prgtoken Working on these issues for years, we have had some successes, but we can no longer afford to be nibbling around the edges. We need bold, transformative action to meet the scale of this problem. We must continue to fight to reduce emissions and improve our resilience by passing the Build Back Better Act and the bipartisan infrastructure bill together. prgtoken But as we undertake that enormous effort, we must also undertake the massive issues of community preparedness, resilience, and risk mitigation. We can start with some of the basics: stop allowing new development in risky places like the fire zone, the urban-rural interface, or areas with high flood risk. We must deal with repetitive flood loss in a more thoughtful way, including paying to remove properties and people to ensure that the vulnerable aren't stranded in high-risk areas. prgtoken We must enhance the protections of the Stafford Act and help FEMA address the challenges of today's climate. FEMA does not actually have a mandate to deal with the extreme heat like we had in Portland that was killing people. We must empower cities and States to be both proactive and realistic in their approaches to planning, prgtoken development, and hazard mitigation. We must radically approach our agriculture and deforestation to stop making it worse. prgtoken I have introduced legislation that would make it illegal for products that were grown on illegally deforested land--palm oil, soy, and cocoa--from entering the stream of commerce, and having a border adjustment tax will make a big difference to stop people from exporting their carbon pollution. prgtoken Above all, we must mitigate climate change with an emphasis on equity, and we should harness the forces of nature to heal the land and reduce carbon. It is more effective, and it is cheaper. Instead of putting off much-needed policy changes, this will only delay the inevitable and make
LEGISLATIVE PROGRAM
Steny H. Hoyer (Democrat, MD) \u2014 2021-11-4

I thank the gentleman for the question, and then we will conclude. We hope to have not only a JCT score but also CBO scores. As the gentleman knows, the overwhelming majority of the bill has been pending for some time. Obviously, the CBO has been reviewing the individual items for some time. We expect to have very close to most of the bill. prgtoken It does not need a CBO score. It does need a CBO score, however, when it goes to the Senate, as the gentleman knows. That would be our intention, to have as much information available to Members as we have in hand. We do intend to move forward with the bill.
CONFIRMATION OF ADRIENNE WOJCIECHOWSKI
Patrick J. Leahy (Democrat, VT) \u2014 2021-11-4

I am pleased that yesterday, the Senate confirmed Adrienne Wojciechowski to be the Assistant Secretary for Congressional Relations at the U.S. Department of Agriculture--USDA--a role for which is eminently qualified. For more than a decade, Adrienne has been an indispensable staff member in the Senate, dedicated to supporting farmers, growing our rural economies, and tackling climate change and land stewardship challenges. Adrienne has earned deep respect from on both sides of the aisle. prgtoken Adrienne first joined my staff in 2007 and quickly became a key member of my legislative team on topics ranging from agriculture to water quality to climate change. Adrienne was immediately involved in 2008 farm bill negotiations and played an integral staff role in negotiating substantial portions of the 2014 and 2018 farm bills. prgtoken Over the years, I could always count on Adrienne's persistence, attention to detail, and sound judgement. Adrienne brought these same gifts to her work with USDA partners in Vermont, carefully building trusting relationships that enabled my legislative work to be informed by on-the-ground, State-level delivery of USDA programs. prgtoken Most recently, Adrienne has served as a professional staff member on the Senate Agriculture Appropriations Subcommittee, managing Senators' diverse spending priorities in the annual appropriations cycle and negotiating bipartisan final bills. prgtoken I have served on the Senate Agriculture Committee since I first came to the Senate. There is an old saying that Vermont without farms would still be a nice place, but it wouldn't be Vermont. While she is not a native Vermonter herself, it has been a pleasure to see Adrienne form such deep relationships with Vermont's agrarian traditions, our farmers, and our landscape. Whether it was navigating USDA bureaucracy or rebuilding a barn after a fire, farmers and the agriculture community in Vermont knew that a call to my office would get Adrienne on the case. prgtoken Although Senate staff work behind the scenes and their contributions can go unheralded, the impact of Adrienne's dedication, her contributions to conservation policy, farm viability, and farmland protection programs can truly be seen on the landscape of Vermont and across the country. On behalf of all Vermonters, I thank Adrienne Wojciechowski for her service to the U.S. Senate and wish her the best of luck as she joins the administration.
BUILD BACK BETTER AGENDA
Thomas R. Carper (Democrat, DE) \u2014 2021-11-4

. Thanks very much. prgtoken , I don't have enough time to respond to everything that my colleague from South Dakota has said. If I did, it would take a long while. prgtoken I would say this: A couple of years ago, when we passed with only votes in the House and Senate, signed by President , a tax-cut bill that was supposed to pay for itself, it didn't. It increased our deficit by hundreds of billions of dollars. prgtoken I think most of us know, with respect to abortion, the law of the land for many years--over 30 years--has been Roe v. Wade; and, essentially, after a certain point, when you have viability in the womb, abortions cannot be performed except in very limited cases, including rape, incest, and the life of the mother. prgtoken The legislation that we passed and considered in the House does not provide for changing those limitations, and that needs to be made clear. prgtoken The other thing I would say, with respect to the reconciliation bill, the Build Back Better legislation that the House is considering today in the Rules Committee, it is paid for. It is actually paid for, and it is paid for largely by making sure that everybody is paying their fair share. prgtoken Folks don't mind in my State--and other States don't mind--you know, seeing their taxes raised, but they want to make sure that everybody else is paying their fair share. As it turns out, there are a lot of wealthy people in this country and a lot of wealthy corporations who don't pay their fair share--in some cases nothing--and that is just wrong. prgtoken And the legislation actually cuts taxes for most Americans. Vote on Connor Nomination prgtoken , now to the issue at hand. We are about to vote today on the nomination of Michael Connor to serve as Assistant Secretary of the Army for Civil Works. prgtoken As we all know, this is a critical leadership position for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. The Corps of Engineers Civil Works program is the nation's primary provider of water resources infrastructure, and with the increasing impacts of climate change, having someone of Mr. Connor's caliber at the Corps is critical. prgtoken He has the experience and character to be successful in this role. During the administration, he served as Deputy Secretary of the Interior, and he proved himself to be a capable leader. He will bring that experience to the Corps. prgtoken If confirmed, Mr. Connor will lead efforts that dramatically impact every corner of this country, from coastal to inland to small, disadvantaged, rural, and Tribal communities. prgtoken It is critically important that we get Mr. Connor confirmed now, today. I urge my colleagues to support his nomination. prgtoken I think my time has expired. prgtoken .
Introductory Statement on S. 3203
Dianne Feinstein (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2021-11-4

I rise today to speak in support of my bipartisan bill, the National Commission on the COVID-19 Pandemic Act. This bill would establish a 9/11-style Commission to conduct an investigation on the COVID-19 outbreak and identify lessons learned regarding preparedness, response, and recovery. I would like to thank my cosponsors, Senators Marshall, Gillibrand, and Ernst, for joining me in introducing this crucial bill. prgtoken Like we did after the devastating September 11 terrorist attacks, our bill would establish a bipartisan Commission on the COVID-19 pandemic to better understand the vulnerabilities it has revealed in our national security and healthcare system and improve our preparedness for future crises. prgtoken It is crucial to improve our understanding of pandemic threats and health issues that the United States could face in the coming decades to better protect our population and mitigate the risk of a similar human and economic catastrophe in the future. prgtoken To date, COVID-19 has caused more than 750,000 deaths in the United States and infected at least 46 million people. prgtoken Beyond the devastating toll it has taken on human lives, the pandemic revealed vulnerabilities in our preparedness for dealing with such a deadly virus. prgtoken At the beginning of the U.S. outbreak, hospitals struggled to secure enough personal protective equipment to keep health workers safe. As the pandemic worsened, we saw additional shortages in critical medical equipment like ventilators and other medical products that save lives, including testing supplies. prgtoken As we waited for effective treatments and vaccines to be developed and approved, testing and mask wearing supplemented with physical distancing and other nonpharmaceutical tools were our only weapons combating the spread of the virus. However, we knew these tactics alone wouldn't ultimately defeat the virus. prgtoken After unprecedented scientific collaboration and innovation, we now finally have three FDA-approved COVID-19 vaccines that are safe, effective, and free for all Americans. While getting as many people vaccinated as possible remains the only path out of the pandemic, barriers to access and misunderstanding about the safety of the vaccines have delayed too many Americans from getting their vaccine. prgtoken Disturbingly, throughout the pandemic, we have seen an increase in hate crimes against the Asian American and Pacific Islander community due to racially discriminatory language related to COVID-19. Possible underreporting means this problem may be even more prevalent than we know. prgtoken Finally, after examining all available intelligence reporting and information, the intelligence community remains divided on the most likely origin of COVID-19. According to the latest declassified assessment on COVID-19 origins, more information is needed to provide a more definitive explanation of how the virus emerged. prgtoken The Commi
RENACER ACT, S. 1064
Peter A. DeFazio (Democrat, OR) \u2014 2021-11-4

. Madam , on November 3, 2021, I voted Present on S. 1064, the Reinforcing Nicaragua's Adherence to Conditions for Electoral Reform (RENACER) Act of 2021. prgtoken Let me be clear: I strongly oppose Nicaraguan dictator Daniel Ortega and his repressive and antidemocratic regime. The ills of Ortega's authoritarian regime are manifold. Ortega and his cronies have intimidated or arrested virtually all potential political opposition in the country. Ortega has engaged in numerous human rights abuses, and he has enriched himself and his allies while decimating the Nicaraguan economy and its people. prgtoken While I sympathize with this legislation's intent to crack down on Ortega and his cronies, it's not clear that the legislation as written would effectively achieve these aims. Instead, the legislation's text appears to require broad-based sanctions that could contribute to further economic collapse in the country, negatively impact the Nicaraguan people, exacerbate a migration crisis, and further consolidate Ortega's grip on power. prgtoken This legislation also did not go through the normal legislative process in the House. Instead of receiving scrutiny through the traditional committee and amendment process, this legislation was put on the floor last-minute as a suspension without adequate input from Members or the House Financial Services Committee--which I understand had significant reservations with the legislation's text. prgtoken As we've seen in other countries where the U.S. has engaged in broad- based sanctions, these types of sanctions do not always achieve their intended result. When appropriate, I support smart, targeted sanctions that limit adverse effects on civilian populations. Unfortunately, this legislation--and the lack of adequate legislative scrutiny--does not meet that standard.
Introductory Statement on S. 3177
Ron Wyden (Democrat, OR) \u2014 2021-11-4

Social Security provides vital benefits millions of Americans who work and pay into the system with each paycheck. Because Social Security is fundamental to workers' retirement security, the law protected benefits from creditors. The only exceptions were unpaid Federal taxes, child support or alimony payments, and court-ordered victim restitution. These protections ensured that the social safety net programs would be there for basic needs. That protection was weakened over 20 years ago when the law was changed. Now, more and more seniors face cuts in their Social Security benefits because of student loan debts. While Congress and the - Administration took significant steps to protect Americans from facing crushing debt during a global pandemic, exempting the economic impact payments from garnishment and extending the freeze on student loan payments through January 2022, seniors will still be on the hook for cosigning their child or grandchild's student loan debt when those payments resume. We need to take action today to restore the strong protections to Social Security and other benefit programs. prgtoken We now realize what a profound effect the loss of these protections has had on retirees and individuals with disabilities, who often live on fixed incomes. More and more seniors and people with disabilities are having their Social Security and other lifeline benefits taken away to pay Federal debts. For example, according to recent data from the U.S. Bureau of Fiscal Service, over 167,000 Americans had their benefits garnished for student loan debt. While 167,000 seems small compared to a nation of over 320 million, those 167,000 had nearly $200 million garnished from their earned benefits. This is just the tip of the iceberg as more Americans start receiving benefits. Between 2008 and 2018, the number of individuals whose Social Security benefits were offset to pay student loans debt increased by 133 percent, from about 72,000 to 169,000. Over that same period, the amount collected from Social Security benefits ballooned from almost $63 million to nearly $200 million, a 217-percent increase. prgtoken Social Security plays a critical role in keeping seniors and people with disabilities out of poverty. In Oregon alone, Social Security cuts the poverty rate of the elderly from about 35 percent to 5 percent. However, despite Social Security's critical role in the safety net, close to 1 out of every 10 seniors over age 65 and 1 in 5 disabled workers still live in poverty and that is simply unacceptable. prgtoken I, along with Senators Brown, Whitehouse, Leahy, Warren, Hirono. Sanders, Padilla, Van Hollen, and Murray am reintroducing the Protection of Social Security Benefits Restoration Act. The bill would restore the strong protections in the law that prevented the government from taking away earned benefits to pay Federal debts, and guarantee beneficiaries will be able to maintai
CONGRATULATING DREW HALL FOR WINNING THE IHSA CLASS 1A STATE CHAMPIONSHIPS FOR GOLF
Cheri Bustos (Democrat, IL) \u2014 2021-11-4

. Madam , I rise today to congratulate Drew Hall for winning the IHSA Class 1A State Championships for Golf. prgtoken Drew Hall first picked up a golf club 15 years ago, and with his skills on the green and the support of his family, he won first place at the IHSA State Championships. Drew recorded a 36-hole score of 144 at state and now joins Rockridge boys' golf history as one of the only state champions in golf in Rockridge High School history. At the end of the season, Hall's 3-under par 68 at Riverdale's Wayne Brinkmeier Invitational tied the 18-hole record and was the third of his three tournament titles. He also won gold at the Monmouth-Roseville Invite and Kewanee's Boiler Invite. As a former athlete, I commend the determination and hard work Drew has shown this season. I am proud to see him represent his community so well throughout the state with his dedication and passion for golf. prgtoken It is because of student leaders such as Drew Hall that I am especially proud to serve Illinois' 17th Congressional District. Madam , I would like to again formally congratulate Drew Hall for winning the IHSA Class 1A State Championship in golf.
CLOTURE MOTION
Richard J. Durbin (Democrat, IL) \u2014 2021-11-4

my friend from North Carolina expressed his point of view. I would like to express mine. prgtoken Do you think that those who are making incomes in America in the highest levels should pay their fair share of taxes? prgtoken I do. prgtoken Do you think that those who get the tax break from the tax plan of 4 years ago, which added $2 trillion to our deficit, should pay more in taxes? prgtoken I do. prgtoken Do you think we should help families who are struggling with the cost of living to defray those costs, for example, for daycare? prgtoken Well, I do; and I can tell you from my family experience, so do my kids. prgtoken What do you think about the possibility of starting kids in school, a possibility at 3 years of age or 4 years of age, if that is a parent's choice? Is that a good idea? prgtoken I think it is. And so do educators. prgtoken If kids get a flying start at education, they have a much more likely chance to succeed and to graduate and to progress to a point in life where they are making a living and more. That is part of it. prgtoken So do you support, as I do, cutting the rate of childhood poverty in the United States in half? prgtoken I think we ought to at least do that, maybe even more. prgtoken If your answer was yes to these questions, what I describe is the mechanism which we have taken into the reconciliation process. It is a long Senate word for a bill that we are going to consider in about 10 days to 2 weeks. What we are trying to do is to alleviate and reduce the costs that families face. prgtoken It is a legitimate question raised by the Senator from North Carolina: Well, who is going to pay for this? prgtoken It is paid for by people in the highest income categories. If you are making less than $400,000 a year, your taxes will not go up. That is what said in the campaign, and that is the standard we have been governed by. For those who are not paying their fair share of taxes, they may have to. prgtoken And I am not nervous about putting more auditors in the IRS to look at how much taxes people pay because I know what the numbers are. Working families, particularly those who have withholding, are paying their fair share within a few percentage points; but at the highest income level, these folks are finding ways to avoid their taxes. So working families are paying their fair share and the wealthiest Americans--some of them--are not. So these new IRS auditors will make sure everybody pays their fair share. prgtoken How is that for a starting point? prgtoken You shouldn't be afraid of hiring more cops on the beat if you are not violating the law, and that, I think, is a reality that most of us realize in life. prgtoken In terms of other payments, corporations that have profited, declaring millions of dollars in booked gains and profits, don't you think they ought to pay something? prgtoken I sure do. There ought to be a minimum tax that these corporations pay if they are profita