mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
Energy (Executive Session)
John Cornyn (Republican, TX) \u2014 2022-3-15

as all of America knows, prices at the gas pump are skyrocketing. Over the weekend, the average gas price in Texas exceeded $4 a gallon, and we typically have some of the cheapest gasoline in the country. We didn't even cross that line during the great recession of 2008. But we know that gas prices are not the only prgtoken commodity that is growing and that family budgets are strained by. Consumers are also paying more for everything from groceries to clothes, to appliances. prgtoken Folks in Texas and across the country want to know, what is President 's plan to address high gasoline prices? Last week, the President was, appropriately enough, asked this very question. His response? He said: Can't do much right now. Russia is responsible. prgtoken That is a quote--``Russia is responsible.'' Well, people across the country know that the price of gasoline, the spike that we are experiencing now, preceded the invasion of Ukraine. prgtoken Folks across the country can't afford to fill up their gas tanks to get to work, and the President points the finger at Vladimir Putin. Well, there is no question that the war in Ukraine exacerbated what was already an existing problem with the price of gasoline, but certainly it was not the cause of it. But the President conveniently omits the fact that gasoline prices were a problem long before Ukraine was attacked. For example, the week the President took office, Americans were paying an average of $2.38 a gallon. Month after month, those prices steadily climbed. By mid-May, the average price exceeded $3.10 a gallon, and by Thanksgiving, it was $3.30 a gallon. Just as a reminder, this was months before Russia invaded, which did not happen until February 24 of this year. Even in the last full week before the invasion, gas prices were painfully high at $3.50 a gallon. prgtoken So, yes, prices have risen since the invasion, and there is no question that the Russian aggression is a factor behind price jumps in the past few weeks, but this was a preexisting problem for which apparently the President had no solution. It is disingenuous for the administration to blame recordbreaking prices entirely on Russia. During 's first year in office, from January of last year to January of this year, gas prices increased 40 percent--40 percent. Those increases had nothing to do with President Putin and had everything to do with President . prgtoken One of the President's first actions after taking office was to cancel the Keystone XL Pipeline. This pipeline would have given Canadian crude a quick and affordable path to refiners and processors in the United States and then to global markets through the Gulf of Mexico. This increased supply would add to the domestic markets and top off the Strategic Petroleum Reserve and even make its way to our friends and allies overseas. Given the state of the world's energy security today, it is easy to see how the Ke
Energy (Executive Calendar)
John Barrasso (Republican, WY) \u2014 2022-3-15

I come to the floor today to talk about American energy. prgtoken is the President of high prices and of low approval ratings. Just yesterday, a gallon of gas sold for the highest price ever in the United States, and inflation is at a 40-year high. prgtoken Now, the American people clearly understand that radical energy policies are the cause of these high prices--the prices that people are paying every time they go to the pump to fill up. prgtoken On Thursday, the White House admitted, in terms of these high prices, that it is going to get worse. Of course, are trying to blame Vladimir Putin for the high price at the pump. Well, to me, it is dishonest, and it is desperate. Vladimir Putin didn't cause the inflation crisis that began in this country 12 months ago. prgtoken Now, Vladimir Putin has cashed in on America's inflation crisis. He has done it by selling more energy at high prices, and he has done it for more than a year. It has been his cash cow. prgtoken America's inflation crisis is specifically the result of spending and attacks on American energy. The two combined have added to the situation that we are in now, attacking American energy and massive spending. prgtoken Last March, signed the single-most expensive spending bill in American history. Even his own experts warned him not to do it. prgtoken economics expert Larry Summers, who had been Treasury Secretary for President Clinton, warned that this is going to cause inflation. Last February, the former and prgtoken Clinton adviser wrote in the Washington Post--this is from Larry Summers: There is a chance that . . . stimulus on a scale closer to World War II levels . . . will set off inflationary pressures. prgtoken He said: Inflationary pressures of a kind [that] we have not seen in a generation. prgtoken He is exactly right. That is what has happened. That is why we are at a 40-year high of inflation, and that is a generation. prgtoken adviser Jason Furman said the same thing. He said that bill was ``definitely too big.'' He said: ``I don't know any economist''-- ``any,'' he said--``who was recommending something the size of what'' President was doing. prgtoken Yet proved to be hard of hearing, refused to listen to what they had to say, signed the bill anyway, put $2 trillion on our Nation's credit card, and he flooded the country with government cash. Ever since then, this country has been in an inflation upward spiral. prgtoken At the same time, also had a stranglehold over American energy supply. He announced it during the campaign and enforced it the day he took office. prgtoken Energy is called the master resource for a reason. It powers our economy. It powers our military. It powers our Nation. It is critically important. When the price of energy goes up, so does the price of everything else. prgtoken
SUNSHINE PROTECTION ACT OF 2021
Marco Rubio (Republican, FL) \u2014 2022-3-15

as the day goes on, I look forward to others who will be coming to the floor here in a moment. You will see it is an eclectic collection of Members of the U.S. Senate in favor of what we have just done here in the Senate, and that is to pass a bill to make daylight saving time permanent. prgtoken Just this past weekend, we all went through that biannual ritual of changing the clock back and forth and the disruption that comes with it. And one has to ask themselves after a while: Why do we keep doing it? Why are we doing this? prgtoken This really began back in 1918 as a practice that was supposed to save energy, and since then we have adjusted it. prgtoken Today, daylight saving time, which started out as 6 months, was extended to 8 months in 2005, clearly showing you what people's preference was. So we are doing this back-and-forth of clock-changing for about 16 weeks of standard time a year. prgtoken Now, I think the majority of the American people's preference is just to stop the back-and-forth changing. But beyond that, I think their preference is, certainly, at least based on today's vote and what we have heard, is to make daylight saving time permanent. prgtoken I will just tell you a couple of the reasons why I think that is important. There is some strong science behind it that is now showing and making people aware of the harm that clock-switching has. We see an increase in heart attacks and car accidents and pedestrian accidents in the week that follow the changes. prgtoken The benefits of daylight saving time have also been accounted for in the research; for example, reduced crime, as there is light later in the day. We have seen decreases in child obesity, a decrease in seasonal depression that many feel during standard time, and then the practical one and the one that I have witnessed with my own eyes. prgtoken In many parts of this country--understand, we are a country where we desperately want our kids to be outside, to be playing, to be doing sports, not just to be sitting in front of a TV or a computer terminal or playing video games all day. And it gets really tough in many parts of the country to be able to do that because what ends up happening is, especially for these 16 weeks a year, if you don't have a park or an outdoor facility with lights, you are basically shut down around 5 p.m in some places as early as 4, 4:30 p.m. And these lights in parks and things like that are expensive, and then a lot of communities are resistant to them, right? prgtoken I have seen it with my own eyes. I have watched sporting events be called--youth sporting events--in the middle or near the end of the game before it has actually concluded because there is not enough light. prgtoken So I just think that is one of the practical reasons why, if you look at the way we live in this country, you want to have the ability to spend more time in the evenings outdoors, not just to enjoy the outdoors
CONGRATULATING TONY HASS ON RECEIVING THE TRAILBLAZER AWARD
Ken Buck (Republican, CO) \u2014 2022-3-15

. Madam , I rise today to congratulate Tony Hass, owner of the Walking Y Ranch, on being honored with the Denver Business Journal's 2022 Who's Who in Agriculture Trailblazer Award. After 36 years running a 200 cow-calf operation, Tony received this prestigious honor in recognition of his dedicated career to Colorado's ranching and agricultural community. prgtoken Tony graduated Lamar Community College with an A.S. in animal science before beginning his more than 5,000 acre ranching operation and local butcher beef business. This true American company is notable for its outstanding economic impact in southeast Colorado. prgtoken Tony married his wife Connie and raised two wonderful children-- Matthew and Breann--all while continuing to work for the Las Animas community. Today, he is the proud grandfather of Liam. prgtoken In addition to his many decades operating the Walking Y Ranch, Tony has proudly served the Las Animas community for more than three years as a County Commissioner with the hope of being a strong voice for the people of rural Colorado. prgtoken Through his work and service before self, Tony has garnered not only a well-earned reputation for ranching, but the respect of everyone in our community. prgtoken On behalf of Colorado's 4th District, I offer my sincerest congratulations to Tony for his well-deserved award and thank him for his outstanding role in our regions agriculture and tireless commitment to making his community a better place to live.
NATIONAL KIDNEY MONTH
Benjamin L. Cardin (Democrat, MD) \u2014 2022-3-15

this March, as we mark National Kidney Month, we have the opportunity to remember those we have lost to kidney-related illnesses, recognize the work we have done to combat kidney diseases, and recommit to continue and expand on these efforts to improve the care available to those who are suffering. prgtoken Kidney disease is the tenth leading cause of death in the United States. Today, more than 37 million Americans have chronic kidney disease. One in three adults is at risk of developing chronic kidney disease, which can lead to kidney failure or end-stage renal disease, an irreversible condition that is fatal without a kidney transplant or dialysis. In Maryland alone, almost 93,000 Medicare patients have been diagnosed with chronic kidney disease, and almost 10,000 of these individuals are currently on dialysis. prgtoken As with many health issues, communities across the Nation do not suffer from kidney disease equally. Black Americans make up 35 percent of the people with kidney failure in the United States, despite only making up 13 percent of the U.S. population. Hispanic Americans are 1.3 times more likely to be diagnosed with kidney failure than non- Hispanics. End-stage renal disease is 3.7 times more likely in Black Americans, 1.4 times more likely prgtoken in Native Americans, and 1.5 more likely in Asian Americans than in White Americans. Patients of color also wait longer than White patients to receive a deceased donor transplant and are less likely to receive a living donor transplant. prgtoken While progress is often too slow, in the past year alone, we have made significant steps to understand and address factors leading to the overrepresentation of certain populations with chronic kidney disease. Following research from the National Kidney Foundation and the American Society of Nephrology, institutions like the University of Maryland Medicine ended the outdated use of race as a factor in diagnosing chronic kidney disease. This change will lead to earlier diagnosis and treatment of Black Americans. prgtoken Not surprisingly, the COVID-19 pandemic has had a devastating impact on those with severe chronic medical conditions like kidney disease. Patients with chronic kidney disease or end-stage renal disease are often immunocompromised, especially those on dialysis or taking immunosuppressive medicines as part of the process for a kidney transplant. Consequently, people with kidney disease are at a higher risk of developing a more severe case of, and dying from, COVID-19. prgtoken Last year, I reintroduced the Chronic Kidney Disease Improvement in Research and Treatment Act with Senator Blunt. This legislation takes important steps to expand kidney disease awareness and education, improve the accuracy and transparency of end-stage renal disease quality programs, incentivize innovation in dialysis care, and expand patient choices of insurance coverage. prgtoken Nearly one-half of the pe
Nomination of Shalanda D. Young (Executive Calendar)
Chris Van Hollen (Democrat, MD) \u2014 2022-3-15

I rise to support the historic nomination of Shalanda Young to be the next Director of the Office of Management and Budget. Ms. Young brings deep experience with the Federal budget process to her role at OMB, having served as staff director of the House Committee on Appropriations. She has been serving as Acting Director of OMB for the past year, and her top-notch performance in that role leaves no doubt that she is eminently qualified to be confirmed as OMB Director. prgtoken Ms. Young came into OMB in March 2021, the same month that Congress passed the American Rescue Plan. This was a time when the Nation faced an uncertain future, with coronavirus vaccines just starting to go out and unemployment remaining stubbornly high at 6 percent. Under Ms. Young's leadership, OMB played a key role to implement the American Rescue Plan to fight the pandemic and move our economy forward. The results have been widespread vaccinations, millions of new jobs, unemployment falling to 3.8 percent, and the fastest economic growth in nearly 40 years. prgtoken We have achieved a great deal during the first year of the administration, but we must recognize that there is still so much left to accomplish. Shalanda Young is the right person to have at the helm of OMB to craft responsible budgets and turn the policies we craft into actions that make a real difference for the American people.
SUNSHINE PROTECTION ACT OF 2021
Edward J. Markey (Democrat, MA) \u2014 2022-3-15

I want to join with the Senator from the Sunshine State, letting him know that the Senator from the Bay State, the Senator from the Ocean State, we share a common agenda. We bridge ideological divisions--liberal from the Northeast, conservative s from Florida coming together to show that this institution can work. prgtoken And why is that? prgtoken Well, it is because we know that daylight saving time helps to turn the corners of people's mouths upward into a smile. It is sunshine and smiles. prgtoken We have only had daylight saving time so far for 2 days, but all across the country, people are out in the evening with the extra daylight. Little League can start. People taking their evening walks feel more safe. People can just walk down to the town square, knowing that the daylight is out there. prgtoken And so this is something that should be bipartisan. It should bring us all together, and from Florida for his leadership on this issue. prgtoken And so many people are wondering, can the Congress work? And I think here is something that does have a big impact on every American life, and getting that extra hour of daylight of sunshine into people's lives is absolutely essential. prgtoken So we have been working, you know, together to, once and for all, deal with this issue of springing forward and falling back, and that is to make daylight saving time permanent. prgtoken This past Sunday, Americans had to once again change their clocks, all because of the outdated government policy on daylight saving time. This biannual ritual of toggling between daylight saving time and standard time isn't just an inconvenience to people everywhere, it has real repercussions on our economy and our daily lives. prgtoken Studies have found that year-round daylight saving time would improve public health, public safety, energy policy, mental health--an especially important commitment after this cold and dark COVID winter. prgtoken Seasonal affective disorder is real, and when they get that extra hour of Sun in the evening, it helps tens of millions of people all across the country to finally put the winter into a rearview mirror. But let's be honest. Spring really starts when we spring forward to daylight saving time. prgtoken So daylight saving time brings sunshine, smiles, and savings to every person in the country. And more evening sunshine also leads to fewer traffic fatalities, increased economic activity, and more recreation time. From afterwork shopping to Little League games and family bike rides, an extra hour of evening sunshine puts a spring in our step and offers a great reason to get outside and enjoy the outdoors. prgtoken The case for permanent daylight saving time is clear. So let's go from polar to solar. Let's finally make that change in our country because cutting back on the Sun during the fall and winter is a drain on the American people. We must pass the Sun
HONORING CARMEL ANGELO
Jared Huffman (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2022-3-15

. Madam , I rise today to recognize the significant career and accomplishments of Ms. Carmel Angelo on the occasion of her retirement from the County of Mendocino as Chief Executive Officer (CEO). prgtoken Ms. Angelo was hired to be the director of Health and Human Services and Assistant CEO for Mendocino County in 2007. Just three years later, she was appointed to serve as County CEO by the Mendocino County Board of Supervisors in 2010, becoming the first woman to hold the County's top executive position. prgtoken Throughout her 15-year tenure, Ms. Angelo was a strong advocate for Mendocino County, and she was well-respected for her ability to address the unique challenges facing rural counties. As CEO, she led the County through a fiscal crisis and provided effective leadership during multiple fire and flood disasters. Drawing on her experience in health and human services, she navigated the public health response to the global pandemic of COVID-19 with skill. prgtoken Ms. Angelo's advocacy for rural counties extended beyond Mendocino County through her leadership work with multiple statewide associations. She served on the California Association of County Executives (CACE) as a member and president, earning the 2021 President's CACE Award. In addition, her efforts with the Rural County Representatives of California (RCRC) resulted in the 2018 RCRC President's Award, and her work with California State Association of Counties (CSAC) was honored with its 2019 CSAC Circle of Service Award. prgtoken Madam , Carmel Angelo's career is a sterling example of service and dedication to improving the effectiveness of local government and meeting the needs of rural communities. Please join me in honoring Carmel Angelo on the occasion of her retirement, and in wishing her the best of luck in her future endeavors.
HAITI DEVELOPMENT, ACCOUNTABILITY, AND INSTITUTIONAL TRANSPARENCY INITIATIVE ACT
Nancy Pelosi (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2022-3-15

the House will proudly pass an omnibus government funding bill that delivers For The People: strengthening national security, bolstering economic prosperity and advancing democratic governance. prgtoken And this legislation will offer a strong foundation on which will continue our focus on Building a Better America: with lower costs, bigger paycheck and more jobs. prgtoken Thank you, Madam Chair Rosa DeLauro, for your tireless work in assembling this omnibus package. You have been a masterful force in crafting a package that will help us meet the needs of American families. prgtoken Let us also salute Ranking Member Kay Granger, as well as our committed counterparts in the Senate: Chairman Pat Leahy and Ranking Member Richard Shelby. prgtoken This legislation addresses many of the top priorities for our country and in our communities for the long-term. prgtoken For families, this means strong public schools; clean air and water; more public health resources; safe food and lower costs of insulin. With this bill, we are especially proud to increase the maximum Pell Grant by $400; as well as establishing funding for President 's bold new ARPA-H initiative to finally defeat cancer. prgtoken For workers, it means better-paying jobs, support for our small businesses and a strong social safety net. prgtoken For women and girls, it means the long-overdue reauthorization of the Violence Against Women Act: one of our nation's most powerful tools to safeguard safety, dignity and rights. prgtoken For our veterans, it means reliable benefits, reducing backlogs for veterans and their families seeking assistance, and meeting the needs of the VA's health care system. prgtoken For our national security, it means honoring the service of our troops with improvements to defense readiness and modernization, stronger defenses against cyber attacks and promoting our democratic values abroad. prgtoken Enacting this omnibus will also unlock billions in more federal dollars under our Bipartisan Infrastructure Law--delivering key investments in nearly every community across the country. prgtoken Doing so will help us rebuild our nation while reinvigorating our middle class: creating millions of good-paying jobs improving roads and bridges, public transit, ports and airports, water systems and broadband, and more prgtoken As we proceed on this legislation, war rages on in Ukraine. This omnibus includes $13.6 billion in emergency supplemental funding for humanitarian, military and economic assistance for Ukraine. prgtoken Today, I had the privilege of an extensive telephone conversation with President Zelensky. It afforded me the opportunity to praise the extraordinary courage and resolve of the Ukrainian people as they defend their communities and their democracy. prgtoken I also conveyed to him the sympathy of the Congress for the loss of life and livelihood in Ukraine--especially after Putin's barbaric attack on a maternity hosp