mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
RECOGNIZING THE AFRICAN AMERICAN VETERANS MONUMENT IN BUFFALO, NEW YORK
Chris Jacobs (Republican, NY) \u2014 2022-12-23

. Madam , I rise today to join the Western New York Community in commending the honorable service of African American veterans throughout the history of the United States military. prgtoken The recently unveiled African American Veterans Monument in Buffalo, New York, highlights the contributions made by African American service members to our country. These contributions cannot be understated. prgtoken I commend all who supported the development and construction of this project, including the Erie County Chapter of the Links for taking the steps necessary to honor these veterans. This unique monument now stands as a symbol and reminder on the Buffalo waterfront to all Western New Yorkers of the sacrifices that these brave individuals made to preserve our freedoms. prgtoken From the Revolutionary War onwards, 2.1 million African Americans served this country with unconditional valor. Over 90 African Americans have been awarded the Medal of Honor, our nation's preeminent military commendation. Out of admiration for these esteemed veterans, many of Western New York's community leaders banded together to demonstrate our thanks for their sacrifices--a gesture that many of us believe is long overdue. prgtoken The symbolism undergirding this monument uniquely pairs with the traits displayed by the generations of African American men and women who have served our country. Located at the Erie County Naval & Military Park, the monument consists of 12 pillars representing the 12 military conflicts in which these veterans demonstrated their strength, courage, and patriotism. The top of each pillar is illuminated by a beacon of light, referencing the practice that active-duty military families used to guide their loved ones home. These illuminations will glow eternally, along with our nation's everlasting appreciation to its African American servicemembers. prgtoken We must continue to recognize and commemorate those who sacrificed on behalf of our nation and fought on our country's many historic battlefields. Our selfless and courageous African American veterans of Western New York and the greater United States will forever be remembered within our local community. It is my honor to represent these veterans, along with the members of our community who crafted this historic monument.
HONORING THE LIFE AND LEGACY OF FORMER MONROE COUNTY COMMISSIONER SYLVIA MURPHY
Carlos A. Gimenez (Republican, FL) \u2014 2022-12-23

. Madam , I rise today to honor the life and legacy of former Monroe County Commissioner and first responder Sylvia Murphy. From the age of 18, when she first moved to Monroe County, Commissioner Murphy spent her life serving the Florida Keys in many ways. prgtoken Sylvia Murphy was elected County Commissioner for District 5, which covers the Upper Keys from North Key Largo to Tavernier, in 2006, where she served for 14 years. Before becoming commissioner, she served the public as an EMT with Monroe County Emergency Medical Services and with the Tavernier Volunteer Fire Department, where she spent 2 decades. prgtoken Commissioner Murphy was a tireless champion for the Florida Keys. Her proudest accomplishment was brokering the deal that purchased the land that became Key Largo's Rowell's Park, located at mile marker 104. She was remembered by friends and colleagues as a tenacious public servant who truly loved the Florida Keys. prgtoken Sylvia Murphy will be remembered for her lifelong service to the Florida Keys, and her life of service will remain a role model for so many in our community. It was an honor knowing commissioner Murphy. She will be missed.
PROVIDING FOR CONSIDERATION OF THE SENATE AMENDMENT TO HOUSE AMENDMENT TO SENATE AMENDMENT TO H.R. 2617, AGRICULTURE, RURAL DEVELOPMENT, FOOD AND DRUG ADMINISTRATION, AND RELATED AGENCIES...
Kevin McCarthy (Republican, CA) \u2014 2022-12-23

we are 2 days away from Christmas. The Christmas season is the season of giving, but in Congress, it appears the season of giving will line the pockets of ' special interests and stick hardworking Americans with the tab. That is what this omnibus does. prgtoken As I listen to this debate, , I listened to the other side. My friend says: No, it is the who have put people before politics. They are so giving that they are putting the people before politics. prgtoken What does that mean? What is the definition when you are so caring and you care so deeply about the people that you put them first before any politics? Well, let's look because that is what they say this omnibus does for them. prgtoken First, guess how many pages. Over 4,000, so pet projects, pork, and progressive priorities. Guess how much it costs. They say, oh, about $1.7 trillion. If you really add it all up, and you add the paygo and the other things that have been done before, we are talking more than $2 trillion because the people need to borrow more. That is really looking out for them. prgtoken Guess who wrote it. Well, two retiring Senators who face no accountability from the voters again. Now, they probably really cared about the people. They cared so much about the people that Senator Leahy gets numerous projects named after himself because the people wanted that. prgtoken Do you know who requested that? Just one person, so you don't have to use plural--no people, just Leahy. prgtoken Shelby gets something named after him, too. prgtoken Pelosi, she gets a couple of things named after her because the people are more important than the politics because that is what the people of America want right now. prgtoken Guess when it was made public so the people would know how hard the worked for them. Well, it was in the dead of night, at 2 a.m on Tuesday before Christmas. prgtoken The care so much about the people that they are home with the people and not here to read the bill or even vote on it. prgtoken I am not sure you don't put a medal in here for the people who don't show up for work because they care so much. prgtoken This is a monstrosity that is one of the most shameful acts I have ever seen in this body. The appropriations process has failed the American public, and there is no greater example of the nail in the coffin of the greatest failure of a one-party rule of the House, the Senate, and the Presidency than this bill here. You controlled it all. prgtoken , I just heard him brag about how great the Rules Committee is. They are so great because they care about the people. They care so much about the people that they never did their work. prgtoken The Senate didn't pass one appropriation bill, not one, so that people could read it or have debate. They passed a continuing resolution for the people so the government wouldn't shut down. prgtoken What date did they pick? Well, let's pick it right before C
PROVIDING FOR CONSIDERATION OF THE SENATE AMENDMENT TO HOUSE AMENDMENT TO SENATE AMENDMENT TO H.R. 2617, AGRICULTURE, RURAL DEVELOPMENT, FOOD AND DRUG ADMINISTRATION, AND RELATED AGENCIES...
Larry Bucshon (Republican, IN) \u2014 2022-12-23

I am against the rule and the underlying bill. It is a little Christmas tree of unnecessary earmarks, billions and billions of dollars of the American people's taxpayer money. prgtoken But you know the one thing that is not in there? Full funding for our Nation's physicians. It is a travesty. In fact, there is a pay cut. The very people who helped get us through the pandemic, and this is how we thank them. prgtoken Shortages, burnout, low morale, retirements; I wonder why? prgtoken The American people should know what Washington is doing to America's physicians and subsequently what is happening to the American people's access to quality medical care. prgtoken Washington, D.C needs to wake up and reform the way that we fund our healthcare plans, both Medicare and Medicaid, and make sure the very people that are taking care of the American people are properly compensated for the years and years of training and expertise that is necessary to provide quality care in this country.
AGRICULTURE, RURAL DEVELOPMENT, FOOD AND DRUG ADMINISTRATION, AND RELATED AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS ACT, 2023
Mike Gallagher (Republican, WI) \u2014 2022-12-23

I returned home to Green Bay, Wisconsin to attend to a family matter and avoid dangerous travel ahead of the powerful snow storm. Had I been present, I would have voted ``nay'' on rollcall No. 547, ``yea'' on rollcall No. 548, and ``nay'' on rollcall No. 549. Members Recorded Pursuant to House Resolution 8, 117th Congress Adams (Ross) Aguilar (Soto) Amodei (Balderson) Auchincloss (Wasserman Schultz) Axne (Pappas) Babin (Nehls) Bacon (Flood) Baird (Bucshon) Barr (Donalds) Barragan (Clarke (NY)) Beatty (Cherfilus-McCormick) Bentz (Fitzgerald) Bera (Beyer) Bishop (GA) (Strickland) Bishop (NC) (Donalds) Blumenauer (Beyer) Boebert (Clyde) Bonamici (Wasserman Schultz) Brooks (Moore (AL)) Brown (MD) (Ruppersberger) Brown (OH) (Cherfilus-McCormick) Brownley (Correa) Buchanan (Bucshon) Budd (Kustoff) Burgess (Weber (TX)) (Bowman) Bustos (Pappas) Cardenas (Soto) Carter (GA) (Murphy (NC)) Carter (TX) (Nehls) Cartwright (Beyer) Castor (FL) (Wasserman Schultz) Castro (TX) (Takano) Chu (Takano) Cleaver (Davids (KS)) Clyburn (Wasserman Schultz) Cohen (Casten) Conway (Valadao) Cooper (Beyer) Costa (Correa) Courtney (Perlmutter) Crawford (Moore (AL)) Crow (Blunt Rochester) Cuellar (Garcia (TX)) Curtis (Armstrong) Davis, Danny K. (Evans) Dean (Evans) DeFazio (Pallone) DeGette (Blunt Rochester) DelBene (Strickland) Demings (Evans) DeSaulnier (Beyer) DesJarlais (Fleischmann) Dingell (Raskin) Doggett (Takano) Doyle, Michael F. (Evans) Duncan (Weber (TX)) Escobar (Garcia (TX)) Ferguson (Kustoff) Fletcher (Evans) Flores (Weber (TX)) Foster (Casten) Frankel, Lois (Wasserman Schultz) Gallego (Beyer) Garamendi (Correa) Garbarino (Fischbach) Garcia (IL) (Correa) Gibbs (Joyce (PA)) Gimenez (Diaz-Balart) Gomez (Torres (CA)) Gonzales, Tony (Weber (TX)) Gonzalez, Vicente (Garcia (TX)) Good (Clyde) Gooden (TX) (Joyce (PA)) Gosar (Weber (TX)) Gottheimer (Craig) Graves (MO) (Fleischmann) Greene (GA) (Moore (AL)) Grijalva (Torres (CA)) Grothman (Fitzgerald) (Clyde) Hartzler (Weber (TX)) Hayes (Raskin) Hern (Flood) Herrell (Joyce (PA)) Herrera Beutler (Valadao) Hice (GA) (Bishop (NC)) Higgins (NY) (Pallone) Houlahan (Evans) Hudson (Rouzer) Huffman (Casten) Issa (Calvert) Jackson (Nehls) Jacobs (NY) (Zeldin) Jayapal (Cicilline) Johnson (LA) (Nehls) Johnson (TX) (Pallone) Joyce (OH) (Valadao) Kahele (Correa) Katko (Kim (CA)) Keating (Perlmutter) Kelly (IL) (Casten) Kelly (PA) (Keller) Khanna (Blunt Rochester) Kildee (Evans)
PROVIDING FOR CONSIDERATION OF THE SENATE AMENDMENT TO HOUSE AMENDMENT TO SENATE AMENDMENT TO H.R. 2617, AGRICULTURE, RURAL DEVELOPMENT, FOOD AND DRUG ADMINISTRATION, AND RELATED AGENCIES...
Mike Garcia (Republican, CA) \u2014 2022-12-23

it is cold outside. It is about 24 degrees outside of the Chamber right now, and as a kid from southern California, that is especially cold. But that is not as cold as what is happening inside this Chamber. prgtoken Right now, as we speak, our Nation is $31 trillion in debt. We are suffering from record-high inflation, and we are about to vote on a $1.7 trillion spending bill, a record-high spending bill that is going to aggravate these things; and more than half of the Members of Congress have not shown up to vote on this bill, not to engage in debate. prgtoken The ic Party has not allowed us to bring this forward through the normal debate process, through the committees, through markups, just bringing it to the floor. prgtoken , that is cold. The fact that this bill pays more credence to the borders of foreign nations like Tunisia and Egypt than to ours-- the fact that the of the House speaks of the personal desires and necessities of Members of Congress and prioritizes that over American citizens is cold. prgtoken The fact that we, this week, had more Members of Congress show up to listen to a speech by a president of a foreign nation than to vote on the annual operating budget for our entire Nation is cold. prgtoken We have to do better. We knew this budget was due on September 30 of this year, yet we decided to wait. The Appropriations Committee, the s within the House Appropriations Committee, worked our tails off to make sure that we had something that was responsible; that gave back to America; that provided the security of Americans, and the in this House and in the Senate failed to bring that budget forward until the last minute. prgtoken It is cold outside, but what we are doing as a body, what Members of this body are doing to the American people is so much colder. prgtoken This $1.7 trillion will aggravate our debt. It will aggravate our inflation. During a season where families are now making decisions whether to buy their kids presents--
RECOGNIZING MADISON SEILER
Adrian Smith (Republican, NE) \u2014 2022-12-23

I rise to recognize the hard work, resilience, and achievements of Nebraska distance running standout, Madison Seiler. prgtoken As a high school freshman running for my alma mater, Gering High School, Maddie was a top-four finisher in class B at the Nebraska State cross country meet and a member of the State class B girls State championship team. The following year, she won her first individual State championship as a sophomore. prgtoken Prior to her junior season, Maddie suffered a serious ankle injury which required surgery. Despite missing the entire summer training period and all but one competition leading up to the district and State championship races, she began running just 45 days after surgery and overcame improbable odds to repeat as individual State champion in 2021. It was an extraordinary achievement. prgtoken This October, Maddie's determination and discipline once again led to another individual State championship, and in doing so, she became just the 13th runner in Nebraska high school cross country history to be a three-time State champion. Maddie is an honor roll student, and her family and community are incredibly proud of her. Go Bulldogs.
AGRICULTURE, RURAL DEVELOPMENT, FOOD AND DRUG ADMINISTRATION, AND RELATED AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS ACT, 2023
Jerrold Nadler (Democrat, NY) \u2014 2022-12-23

I rise in strong support of the Senate Amendment to H.R. 2617--Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2023, which includes my bill, the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act. The Pregnant Workers Fairness Act will make a positive difference in the lives of hundreds of thousands of pregnant and postpartum workers every year by ensuring the availability of reasonable accommodations for those pregnant workers who need them. prgtoken Far too many workers are forced to choose between the health of their pregnancies and their jobs when they are denied a reasonable accommodation at work--like a stool to sit on or an extra bathroom break. When pregnant women are denied accommodations, they face health risks including miscarriage and premature births, according to the March of Dimes. Studies have shown an increased risk of miscarriage and preterm birth as a result of heavy lifting, extended hours, or prolonged periods of sitting or standing. prgtoken Courts have interpreted the Pregnancy Discrimination Act of 1978 narrowly and allowed employers to refuse to accommodate workers with medical needs arising out of pregnancy even when they routinely accommodate other physical limitations. By requiring pregnant employees to identify a nonpregnant employee who received the same accommodation they need, courts have placed pregnancy accommodations out of reach for most workers. In addition, while the Americans with Disabilities Act requires employers to make reasonable prgtoken accommodations for employees with disabilities, courts have consistently held that a normally progressing pregnancy is not a disability. prgtoken As a result, pregnant workers are still being routinely asked to choose between their paycheck and a healthy pregnancy. Those who continue to work without necessary accommodations, because they can't afford not to work, risk a range of health complications that can and do routinely endanger workers and their pregnancies. prgtoken After bipartisan negotiation in the Senate, the Cassidy-Casey Pregnant Workers Fairness Act Amendment (S. Amdt. 6558 to H.R. 2617) contains a narrow rule of construction that states, ``This Act is subject to the applicability to religious employment set forth in Sec 702(a) of Title VII of the Civil Rights Act:'' It thus references Title VII's existing religious exemption. By affirming the continued applicability of 702(a), the rule of construction allows religious institutions to continue to prefer coreligionists in the pregnancy accommodation context. As a rule of construction, it differs from the Foxx amendment that was proposed and defeated by the House of Representatives, which changed the definition of those employers covered by the Act and thus removed certain employers from the reach of the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act entirely. prgtoken Section 702(a) of Title VII reads, ``This subchapter shall not apply to an employer with respect to the employment of aliens outside any State, or to a
RECOGNIZING THE 2022 LORDS AND LADIES OF FAIRFAX
Gerald E. Connolly (Democrat, VA) \u2014 2022-12-23

. Madam , I rise to recognize a dedicated group of men and women in Northern Virginia, the Lords and Ladies of Fairfax. prgtoken Every year, each member of the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors selects two people from his or her district who have demonstrated outstanding volunteer service, heroism, or othel exceptional commitments and contributions to our community. Since the program's inception in 1984, approximately 720 individuals have earned the honor of being named a Lord or Lady Fairfax by his or her representative on the Board of Supewisors. prgtoken This year. the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors will recognize those individuals who have made tremendous impacts through their support of our public schools, parks. youth sports leagues, arts community, public safety. and human service programs. It is nearly impossible to fully describe the diversity of accomplishments of the honorees. Their efforts contribute greatly to the quality of life for the residents of Fairfax County and are worthy of our praise and sincere appreciation. prgtoken It is my honor to include in the Record the names of the 2022 Lords and Ladies Fairfax: At-Large: Lady Nelfred Tilly Blanding and Lord Robert Pizzano, Jr. Braddock District: Lady Diane Hoffman and Lord Jim Hickey Dranesville District: Lady Lisa Merkel and Lord Steven Bloom Hunter Mill District: Lady Raba Alwan Letteri and Lord Kurt Rose Franconia District: Lady Juana Cruz and Lord Edward D. Joseph Mason District: Lady Honorable Penney Azcarate and Lord Eduardo ``Eddy'' Azcarate Mount Vernon District: Lady Maria Severa Pangelinan and Lord Jeff Gauger Providence District: Lady Robbie Snow and Lord Rafael L. Marin Springfield District: Lady Caroline Sieber and Lord Sam Gray Sully District: Lady Malini Puli and Lord Sekhar Puli prgtoken Madam , I ask my colleagues to join me in commending and expressing our gratitude to these men and women who volunteer their time and energy on behalf of our community. Their efforts, which are deserving of our highest praise, provide immeasurable benefits to their fellow residents and serve as a reminder of why Fairfax County remains such a great place to live, work, and raise a family.
PROVIDING FOR CONSIDERATION OF THE SENATE AMENDMENT TO HOUSE AMENDMENT TO SENATE AMENDMENT TO H.R. 2617, AGRICULTURE, RURAL DEVELOPMENT, FOOD AND DRUG ADMINISTRATION, AND RELATED AGENCIES...
James P. McGovern (Democrat, MA) \u2014 2022-12-23

such time as I may consume. prgtoken I love my friends on the other side of the aisle. They complain they are going to vote ``no,'' and then they are going to go home and do press conferences announcing all the Members' projects that they got, but that is what we have come to expect from my friends here in the House. They don't want to come to the table. They don't want to be constructive. They are just no, no, no, no on everything. They are more interested in Twitter followers than they are in actually legislating. That is their problem, but that is not going to be the problem today. prgtoken , I yield 1 minute to the gentlewoman from Texas (Ms. Jackson Lee).
PROVIDING FOR CONSIDERATION OF THE SENATE AMENDMENT TO HOUSE AMENDMENT TO SENATE AMENDMENT TO H.R. 2617, AGRICULTURE, RURAL DEVELOPMENT, FOOD AND DRUG ADMINISTRATION, AND RELATED AGENCIES...
Hakeem S. Jeffries (Democrat, NY) \u2014 2022-12-23

I thank the gentleman for yielding and for his leadership in shepherding this legislation forward. prgtoken I rise today in strong support of the rule, as well as the underlying spending agreement. This spending agreement was the product of bipartisan negotiation with and s in the Senate. prgtoken I thank Pelosi, Chairwoman DeLauro, and all of the members of the House ic Caucus for their leadership in helping to make sure that this bill includes strong democratic priorities. prgtoken This legislation invests in children and families; invests in education and job training; invests in the creation and preservation of affordable housing; invests in hardworking Americans and organized labor; invests in research and development; invests in transportation and infrastructure; invests in technology and innovation; and invests in the health, safety, and well-being of the American people. prgtoken This legislation reflects ic values. prgtoken in the new year will continue to fight for lower costs, better paying jobs, and safer communities, and will always put people over politics. prgtoken Happy holidays and happy new year.
GOVERNMENT IS WORKING FOR THE AMERICAN PEOPLE.
Betty McCollum (Democrat, MN) \u2014 2022-12-23

the day is finally here. Today, we are going to vote to make sure that our government is working for the American people. prgtoken I would especially like to thank chair of the Appropriations Committee, Rosa DeLauro, for her amazing patience and her steadfast work to make this day happen, as well as Pelosi and Mr. Schumer in the Senate. prgtoken Members, this bill will not only keep the government open so that our constituents don't find themselves in a lot more distress with the economic hard times that we are facing during the holiday season, but it is also going to guarantee that children have access to healthcare, schools remain open, hospitals can treat flu patients; so many things that are all important to the constituents we serve. prgtoken I am especially proud of the work that I do as the Appropriations Defense Subcommittee chair to make sure that our troops receive the pay that they deserve, the support that their families need, the work that I was able to do in PFAS remediation, research in healthcare, and to work on climate change. Because all those are important to our national security. prgtoken I will have more remarks provided in the Record.