mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
INVESTING IN A NEW VISION FOR THE ENVIRONMENT AND SURFACE TRANSPORTATION IN AMERICA ACT
Robert C. "Bobby" Scott (Democrat, VA) \u2014 2020-6-30

I rise today in support of several en bloc amendments to H.R. 2, the Moving Forward Act. This bill delivers transportation and infrastructure solutions to the American people, improves the safety of commuters and communities, and increases community resilience to the climate crisis, while also creating jobs for the American people. I was pleased that the Rules Committee ruled in order a number of my amendments to further these goals, improving water quality in the Chesapeake Bay, supporting National Labs, and ensuring that modeling and simulation technology is used to ensure federal dollars are spent in cost-effective ways to improve safety and protect the environment. prgtoken I urge my colleagues to support an amendment I introduced with my colleague from Florida, Representative Stephanie Murphy, which is included in amendments in part B, proposed to be considered en bloc. Our amendment adds an important sense of Congress that the U.S. Department of Transportation ought to maximize the utilization of modeling and simulation technology to analyze federally funded highway and public transit projects. In doing so, we can best ensure that these projects will increase transportation capacity and safety, alleviate congestion, reduce travel time and environmental impact, and are as cost-effective as possible. prgtoken Modeling and simulation technologies have beneficial purposes--from medicine and vaccine development to natural disaster response. Urban and transportation planners across the country understand the significant benefits of modeling and simulation and as the technology continues to rapidly advance, its precision in mimicking real-world factors and variables continues to yield incredible savings both in manpower and money. prgtoken I also want to urge my colleagues to support the Chesapeake Bay, one of America's greatest treasures, by supporting two amendments included in part E, proposed to be considered en bloc to improve water quality and the quality of life within the Chesapeake's 64,000 square-mile watershed. I am pleased to introduce the Chesapeake WILD amendment with Representatives Rob Wittman and John Sarbanes, who co-chair the Chesapeake Bay Watershed Task Force with me and introduced the Chesapeake WILD Act with me last year. A great deal has changed since that time, as Americans respond to the COVID-19 pandemic: many have lost jobs and outdoor recreation has become an even more important way for people to stay physically and mentally healthy; yet not everyone in the Chesapeake region has access to safe recreational spaces. In the midst of this year's hurricane season, communities throughout the Chesapeake Bay watershed are also bracing for the possibility of another emergency, made more severe by the climate crisis. Each of these challenges has made the Chesapeake WILD grant program more urgent than ever. prgtoken This amendment will help restore and protect the Chesapeake Bay water
LEGISLATIVE SESSION
Richard J. Durbin (Democrat, IL) \u2014 2020-6-30

in the course of America's immigration history, there have emerged leaders whose names are synonymous with the struggle and triumph of these immigrants. Stanley Balzekas was that leader for Lithuanian Americans, especially in the city of Chicago. prgtoken Stanley was my friend. His devotion to Lithuania, to America, and to the cause of human freedom and dignity was legendary. Whether you bumped into him on the streets of Vilnius or Pulaski Road, he always had a smile and story to share. He was as gracious and as comfortable with the Chicago hotdog salesmen as he was with heads of state. prgtoken He died last week, passing peacefully at his home at the age of 95. As his family said in his obituary: ``His failing heart could no longer keep up with his zest for life.'' prgtoken What a heroic heart he had. Stanley Balzekas was a decorated war hero in World War II, one of the thinning ranks of the Greatest Generation. He joined the U.S. Army in 1943 and served in the infantry. He fought in key battles, including the Battle of the Bulge and the Battle of Huertgen Forest, for which he was awarded a Bronze Star and a Purple Heart for rescuing 12 wounded soldiers. prgtoken He landed at Normandy and marched with other U.S. soldiers under the Arc de Triomphe and along the Champs-Elysees to celebrate the liberation of prgtoken Paris from Nazi occupation. He was captured by a Waffen SS unit in France in February 1945 and spent four months as a POW at a camp in Germany. There, he was brutally mistreated, starved, and lost half of his body weight. prgtoken After the war, he returned to Chicago and earned a bachelor's degree and master's degree from DePaul University and joined his father running the family business, Balzekas Motor Sales, which was run continuously by the family from 1919 until 2009. prgtoken Stanley's father emigrated from Lithuania to the United States in 1912. He grew up in Marquette Park, in Beverly, the heart of Chicago's Lithuanian community. His father made the leap from a butcher shop to start an auto dealership in 1919. Over the years they sold many models of cars, from Hupmobiles to Chryslers. The Balzekas name became synonymous with Lithuanian entrepreneurship. Young Stanley was at his father's side during the formative years and after he returned from World War II. prgtoken Next to his success in business, Stanley Balzekas' most lasting gift to Chicago is the Balzekas Museum of Lithuanian Culture, which he and his wife Irene founded in 1956 in a building next to the family car dealership. The mid-1960s, when Stanley opened the Balzekas Museum, were some of the darkest days in the Cold War. Lithuania, once a massive medieval empire that stretched from the Black Sea to the Baltic Sea, was then an occupied state within the old Soviet Union, and the USSR did all it could to erase the Lithuanians' sense of their own history and culture. Stanley and Irene Balzekas founded the museum to he
INVESTING IN A NEW VISION FOR THE ENVIRONMENT AND SURFACE TRANSPORTATION IN AMERICA ACT
Henry Cuellar (Democrat, TX) \u2014 2020-6-30

I thank Chairman Lipinski for yielding to me. prgtoken , my amendment is very simple. What it does, it directs funding for road crossings at international bridges. prgtoken An area like my hometown in Laredo, which is the largest inland port, handles more trucks than any other place across the country, handles more trains than any other place across the country. In fact, it is the number one truck crossing and rail crossing in the country. In fact, 60 percent of all the trade between the U.S. and Mexico comes through one port, and that is the Port of Laredo. prgtoken This grant money is going to be important to make sure that we help fix those grade crossings at international crossings because, again, when a train stops in the middle of a street for hours and hours and hours, that creates traffic congestion. We have to make sure that we allow trade to go through but at the same time not stop the people going to school, work, or going on an emergency basis. prgtoken , I ask my colleagues to pass this amendment and ask for approval of this bill.
INVESTING IN A NEW VISION FOR THE ENVIRONMENT AND SURFACE TRANSPORTATION IN AMERICA ACT
Carolyn B. Maloney (Democrat, NY) \u2014 2020-6-30

I thank the gentleman for his extraordinary leadership on H.R. 2, the Moving Forward Act, and I support it. prgtoken , this is landmark legislation that would make investments not only in highways, transit, and bridges but also for schools and housing. Importantly, it would set America on a path toward a greener future by encouraging investment into zero-emission technologies. prgtoken The bill would authorize $25 billion for the Postal Service, which has bipartisan support to modernize their aging fleet. It is critical that the Postal Service begin replacing its fleet of small trucks, most of which are now over 25 years old, and the bill includes $6 billion for this. The bill would require the Postal Service to purchase zero- emission vehicles and to install publicly accessible electric charging stations at Post Offices to help expand the infrastructure needed for electric vehicles. prgtoken , these measures will help the Postal Service meet its mission and advance sound environmental policy, and I urge a strong ``yes'' vote on H.R. 2.
STOPPING IMPROPER PAYMENTS TO DECEASED PEOPLE ACT
Thomas R. Carper (Democrat, DE) \u2014 2020-6-30

. I think the concern raised by Senator Wyden is if the Social Security Administration is going to be sharing this information not just with the IRS and a handful of agencies, there is going to be some cost involved in that sharing. That is a legitimate concern. Speaking for myself--and my guess is speaking for my friend from Louisiana--if there is an additional cost incurred by the Social Security Administration, I am sure it is going to be a lot less than $1.4 billion that we have just wasted in sending out these $1,200 checks over the last several months. prgtoken I will pledge--and will invite my friend from Louisiana to join me-- to assure Senator Wyden that we will work with him and his staff and the folks at the Social Security Administration to make sure that the Social Security Administration is made whole if the legislation that we have just apparently adopted here--if it actually is adopted and signed into law, we will make the Social Security Administration whole. That is a very fair thing to ask of us, and we should do that.
INVESTING IN A NEW VISION FOR THE ENVIRONMENT AND SURFACE TRANSPORTATION IN AMERICA ACT
Abigail Davis Spanberger (Democrat, VA) \u2014 2020-6-30

I rise today in support of amendment No. 319 to H.R. 2. prgtoken The Moving America Forward Act includes a historic investment in high-speed broadband internet infrastructure. prgtoken , I would like to thank Whip Clyburn for his leadership on the Rural Broadband Task Force. prgtoken In central Virginia, like across so much of the country, we urgently need funding for broadband projects, particularly as COVID-19 lays bare the realities of the digital divide. prgtoken In our district, for example, I have spoken with teachers who, when schools closed, were unable to maintain contact with so many of their students because they simply cannot access the internet. prgtoken As we talk about making a significant investment in the future of high-speed internet, we need to take appropriate steps to ensure this new infrastructure meets the needs of the next generation of wireless technology. prgtoken For many years, the FCC has set the threshold for determining the speed at which areas are found to have sufficient broadband service. However, experts have indicated that the current speed threshold is outdated. My amendment would require the GAO to examine the efficacy of the FCC's process for updating its broadband speed threshold.
INVESTING IN A NEW VISION FOR THE ENVIRONMENT AND SURFACE TRANSPORTATION IN AMERICA ACT
Debbie Mucarsel-Powell (Democrat, FL) \u2014 2020-6-30

I thank Chairman DeFazio for this transformational bill. I stand in strong support of the Moving Forward Act. prgtoken I have to tell you, , people in south Florida are so tired of being stuck in traffic for hours and dealing with terrible public transit options. This is one of the top concerns that I get from my constituents. prgtoken What they have asked for is rail, better buses, and a reasonable commute to and from work. This bill would make investments to make that a reality and create good-paying jobs. prgtoken South Florida also needs a solution to climate change and to know that their roads, bridges, and streets will be able to withstand sea level rise. This bill does just that. prgtoken This is a transformational bill. It is what people from South Dade to Florida City have been waiting for. prgtoken I have fought to include funding for energy-efficient wastewater infrastructure projects that reduce our environmental footprint and monthly bills for families. prgtoken This also includes one of the bills that I introduced, the Shovel- Ready Restoration Grants for Coastlines and Fisheries Act, which creates jobs for fisheries and tourism-dependent communities hit by the COVID-19 pandemic. It protects our coastal communities from sea level rise and stronger and more frequent storms. prgtoken , I urge my colleagues to support this bill.
INVESTING IN A NEW VISION FOR THE ENVIRONMENT AND SURFACE TRANSPORTATION IN AMERICA ACT
Maxine Waters (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2020-6-30

I rise in support of H.R. 2 and this en bloc amendment. prgtoken , Chairman Peter DeFazio, for his work on this bill and for including my amendment to assist airport concessionaires. prgtoken , my amendment requires airports that receive supplemental airport funding to provide financial relief to airport concessionaires experiencing economic hardship. This amendment is a critical down payment toward the long-term financial assistance needed by concessionaires that are a vital part of our Nation's air travel system. prgtoken Concessionaires are small businesses and often minority-owned businesses. They are completely dependent upon thriving airports and robust demand for air travel. As the coronavirus continues to wreak havoc on the aviation industry, concessionaires need targeted relief. prgtoken , I urge all of my colleagues to support this amendment.
NATIONAL DEFENSE AUTHORIZATION ACT FOR FISCAL YEAR 2021--Continued
Patrick J. Leahy (Democrat, VT) \u2014 2020-6-30

it may seem like a long time ago, but it was only 3 months ago when Congress came together, in a rare bipartisan fashion, and we passed the CARES Act. We did that to help address the unprecedented needs of the country and the American people as we began to address the global pandemic. It was the third emergency appropriations bill Congress has passed this year to address the impact of the coronavirus. Yet despite its scope and size, we knew then, and we all acknowledged then, that absent a miracle, it would not be the last emergency appropriations bill required. prgtoken At that time, we all knew the number of COVID cases would continue to grow at an alarming rate, as would the number of deaths. Each death has left in its wake friends, family, and loved ones, all devastated by a loss that can never be undone. In those 3 months, we have also seen our economy grind to a halt. More than 47 million men and women have filed for unemployment. Families are struggling to pay their bills. They are worried about putting food on the table, paying their rent, and caring for their children. Lines at food banks are at historic highs, including in my home State of Vermont. For many, the situation is desperate. prgtoken I wish we could say we were through the worst of it and things could now return to normal. We know that we cannot. Florida, Texas, Arizona, North prgtoken Carolina, Alabama, and Oklahoma, just to name a few, are seeing an alarming spike in cases. Health experts are ringing the alarm bell, including the Secretary of Health and Human Services, who had previously spent a lot of time trying to defend this administration's anemic response. prgtoken We all know this virus is far from vanquished. As numbers continue to rise across the Nation and new hot spots emerge, it is clear we are going to need another emergency appropriations bill to address this epidemic, and, frankly, we need it now. prgtoken At times like this, the country needs real leadership and vision. We need to get out in front of this crisis, not make all kinds of response after the fact. We know our leadership is not coming from the White House. The President has made very clear in his statements that he believes opening the economy and fighting the virus are competing actions. He gives the American people a false choice. prgtoken I believe that only if we effectively fight the virus are we then able to open the economy, whether in my State or any other State. Now, 6 weeks ago, the House of Representatives passed the Heroes Act. It is a strong proposal. It provides assistance to struggling families. It supports State and local governments. It battles the virus by sponsoring a responsible testing program. It recognizes the sacrifices being made by grocery store clerks, first responders, nurses, doctors, truckers, and more. It makes critical changes to programs such as SNAP, which supports those among us who are struggling the most. <
STOPPING IMPROPER PAYMENTS TO DECEASED PEOPLE ACT
Ron Wyden (Democrat, OR) \u2014 2020-6-30

. All right. Well, I will just tell my colleagues--and I made it clear I was on my way here--I think that this is a flawed approach to a very serious problem, and the reason I feel this way, as the ranking on the Finance Committee, is this gives Social Security more responsibilities without any additional resources, and it comes at a time when I think there are going to be real challenges for Social Security as it tries to pay benefits. prgtoken Around here you always have a chance to take another crack at it. I was on my way over here to offer to work with my colleagues--the Senator from Louisiana, the Senator from Delaware--but apparently it was so important that I couldn't come over here and make that offer, and I think the Senate will regret this. prgtoken .
INVESTING IN A NEW VISION FOR THE ENVIRONMENT AND SURFACE TRANSPORTATION IN AMERICA ACT
Lisa Blunt Rochester (Democrat, DE) \u2014 2020-6-30

I rise today in support of H.R. 2 because it is a critical investment in our roads, bridges, schools, and other vital infrastructure. Not only that, this plan ensures we build a clean energy economy that will address the climate crisis and make our communities healthier and safer. prgtoken Amendments Nos. 37 and 71, which we are debating today, are two of my bills that prioritize investments in environmental justice communities. These are the communities that are overburdened with pollution and are being hit the hardest with impacts of both the climate crisis and COVID-19. prgtoken The Climate Action Planning for Ports Act creates a competitive grant program at EPA that will incentivize ports to implement climate action plans, reduce their air pollution, and engage the communities to reduce the cumulative impacts of the pollution from the nearby port. prgtoken EPA is uniquely equipped to manage a grant program like this and will complement the Ports Initiative that already exists at the agency. Most importantly, though, this program provides flexibility for ports and port authorities while requiring strong emissions targets and near-port community engagement. prgtoken , I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting the passage of these amendments and H.R. 2.
NATIONAL DEFENSE AUTHORIZATION ACT FOR FISCAL YEAR 2021--Continued
Robert P. Casey, Jr. (Democrat, PA) \u2014 2020-6-30

in reserving the right to object, I don't have a problem--nor do, I am sure, a number of Senators--with Senator Johnson's bill. I am objecting on behalf of the ic Senators so we can start a conversation about helping all of the air traffic controllers in this country receive 12 weeks of paid parental leave, starting on September 30, 2020. prgtoken We did a great thing here in the Senate for other Federal employees last year in the National Defense Authorization Act that the President signed, but these air traffic controllers were accidentally left out. I think--and I am sure this is true of many who agree with me--that if the chairman would take a look at Senator Schatz's bill to fix that, these hard-working moms and dads would be very appreciative. prgtoken Therefore, I object.
INVESTING IN A NEW VISION FOR THE ENVIRONMENT AND SURFACE TRANSPORTATION IN AMERICA ACT
Dina Titus (Democrat, NV) \u2014 2020-6-30

I thank the chairman for yielding. prgtoken The Moving Forward Act is transformative legislation that will help revive and strengthen our economy for years to come. prgtoken In Las Vegas we welcome nearly 43 million visitors from all over the world every year, and it is vital that we make smart investments in our infrastructure to help travelers get there easily and then move them around safely and efficiently once they arrive. prgtoken As a member of the committee, I am proud of the provisions I secured in this bill to: prgtoken Prioritize the completion of I-11 between Las Vegas and Phoenix; prgtoken Promote projects related to the movement of travelers to destinations, not just the movement of freight; prgtoken And to ensure that there is dedicated funding in every State for child passenger safety programs for underserved populations. prgtoken I urge my colleagues to support this legislation, which also takes significant action to address global climate change by investing in renewable energy, resilient housing and schools, green transit, and more efficient road infrastructure. prgtoken I thank the chairman for his leadership.
NATIONAL DEFENSE AUTHORIZATION ACT FOR FISCAL YEAR 2021--Continued
Jeanne Shaheen (Democrat, NH) \u2014 2020-6-30

I am pleased to join my colleagues on the floor in support of legislation that would address what is happening in our long-term care facilities across this country as a result of the coronavirus. prgtoken I applaud Senator Casey for his leadership on this legislation and am pleased to be able to join in cosponsoring the bill, along with my colleague from New Hampshire, Senator Hassan; Senator Whitehouse, who was here; and Senator Blumenthal. We are all here because this country is not doing enough to support long-term care facilities and nursing homes in America. prgtoken Before I talk more about the legislation, I begin by expressing my outrage at the fact that this administration has directed the Department of Justice to weigh in to try and overturn the Affordable Care Act at a time when we have millions of Americans who are vulnerable during the coronavirus pandemic. As of today, 2.5 million Americans--nearly 6,000 patients in New prgtoken Hampshire--have been infected with the coronavirus. prgtoken Nationally, more than 125,000 Americans have died. In New Hampshire, nearly 400 Granite Staters have died from complications from the virus. Yet what this administration is doing is trying to strike down the Affordable Care Act and take away healthcare coverage from 23 million Americans, including over 90,000 residents of New Hampshire. prgtoken That means, if they are successful, that we will have millions of Americans with preexisting conditions who will lose protections that they rely on. We will return to the days when insurers can deny coverage to people with preexisting conditions or charge them higher premiums based on their health status. Insurers will, once again, be able to put caps on the dollar value of health services that can be covered in a year or a lifetime. prgtoken At a time when unemployment has risen to levels that we have not seen since the Great Depression, this administration is asking the Court to strike down the Affordable Care Act's Medicaid expansion provisions which, in New Hampshire, has been the most significant factor in ensuring that people who are struggling with substance use disorders are able to get treatment. prgtoken This Senate should not stand silently by while the administration tries to tear down the Affordable Care Act at a time when people are most in need of assurances that they can get healthcare coverage. prgtoken We need to come together to address what needs to change about the Affordable Care Act to make it better, but we need to do that together because if this administration is successful in striking down the Affordable Care Act, they don't have a plan of what is going to replace it. prgtoken During this global pandemic, it is not enough just to protect the Affordable Care Act from ongoing sabotage. We have also got to do more to support frontline healthcare providers, especially in nursing homes and long-term care facilities that are caring for vul