mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
PROVIDING FOR CONSIDERATION OF H.R. 2, INVESTING IN A NEW VISION FOR THE ENVIRONMENT AND SURFACE TRANSPORTATION IN AMERICA ACT
Mike Thompson (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2020-6-30

I rise today in strong support of H.R. 2. This vital legislation rebuilds our Nation's infrastructure, invests in American workers, and bolsters our Nation's economy, all at a critical juncture in our fight against COVID-19. prgtoken This pandemic has cost thousands of Americans their lives and many more millions their jobs. It is essential that we do everything in our power to drive investment and boost our economy, and this bill does just that. prgtoken I am particularly pleased that H.R. 2 includes my legislation, the GREEN Act, which invests over $150 billion in reducing car emissions and expanding clean energy technologies. That bill extends and expands Federal tax incentives, promoting investment in solar, wind, geothermal, and fuel cell technologies, all with the goal of decarbonizing our atmosphere. prgtoken The bill also increases Federal support for energy efficiency, including in commercial buildings, and revives the energy manufacturing credit, a successful Recovery Act program designed to spur investment in renewable energy jobs. prgtoken , H.R. 2 represents the kind of bold, forward-thinking investment our planet and our economy desperately need. prgtoken I urge everyone to vote for this bill.
INVESTING IN A NEW VISION FOR THE ENVIRONMENT AND SURFACE TRANSPORTATION IN AMERICA ACT
Max Rose (Democrat, NY) \u2014 2020-6-30

I thank the chairman for his extraordinary leadership on this extraordinary bill. prgtoken Last year, I stood up right on this floor and asked, ``Where is our infrastructure bill?'' Well, thanks to Chairman DeFazio, we finally have one. prgtoken This bill allocates $300 billion to rebuild our roads and our bridges so my constituents on Staten Island and in South Brooklyn don't have to pay thousands of dollars a year to repair road damage to their cars. prgtoken This bill invests $100 billion for more reliable mass transit so my constituents in Brooklyn aren't stuck waiting for an R train, F train, D train, that never seems to arrive. prgtoken This bill includes my legislation to overturn outdated rules, preventing agencies like the Port Authority and the MTA from using the tolls they collect to provide discounts for commuters, with no other choice but to pay the highest tolls in the country. prgtoken Eleven months ago, I stood here because we couldn't wait another year. And now I am proud to be able to tell my constituents they won't have to wait. The days of decrepit roads, endless congestion, delayed trains and buses will soon be over.
INVESTING IN A NEW VISION FOR THE ENVIRONMENT AND SURFACE TRANSPORTATION IN AMERICA ACT
Daniel Lipinski (Democrat, IL) \u2014 2020-6-30

as chair of the Railroads, Pipelines, and Hazardous Materials Subcommittee and coauthor of H.R. 2, I am proud that we have the robust road, rail, and transit bill that our country needs to start fixing our transportation system and put Americans back to work. prgtoken I want to thank Chairman DeFazio for his strong leadership on this bill. prgtoken H.R. 2 is a historic bill for rail infrastructure, containing a record $60 billion investment, a 400 percent increase. It was a priority for me to include, for the first time ever, in a surface reauthorization, a commuter rail policy section. prgtoken In addition to the 57 percent increase in funding for public transit, commuter railroads are made eligible for the significantly increased $7 billion CRISI grant program, and the top Amtrak stations used by commuter railroads have special access to these funds. prgtoken In another first, we established a grade separation funding program at $2.5 billion, which will help alleviate the problem of blocked rail crossings across our Nation. For Amtrak, we are making a record investment of almost $30 billion. prgtoken In the highway and transit division, I want to highlight the 37 percent increase in funding to our States for prgtoken roads, a greater focus on improving safety for bicyclists and pedestrians, and an increase in funding for University Transportation Centers, including one on autonomous and connected vehicles. prgtoken In addition, a $9 billion grant program focused on advancing projects of national and regional significance is included, which can help bring the CREATE rail modernization program in northeastern Illinois to completion, significantly improving the flow of freight across our Nation. prgtoken , H.R. 2 will put hundreds of thousands of Americans to work, make American businesses and workers more efficient, cut down delays on our roads and rails, increase safety, and improve our environment. prgtoken Let's get this done for the American people.
INVESTING IN A NEW VISION FOR THE ENVIRONMENT AND SURFACE TRANSPORTATION IN AMERICA ACT
Gregorio Kilili Camacho Sablan (Democrat, MP) \u2014 2020-6-30

as chairman of the Subcommittee on Early Childhood, Elementary and Secondary Education, I want to highlight how H.R. 2 helps America's schools. prgtoken Schools began the coronavirus crisis already in significant need of repair, but revenue shortfalls caused by the virus are causing local governments to cut teaching staff. They cannot afford to invest in facilities. So H.R. 2 includes the Reopen and Rebuild America's Schools Act, a $100 billion plan of Federal investment from the Education and Labor Committee. prgtoken Funds are front-loaded to address emergency needs to reconfigure schools to meet CDC guidelines. Our bill also helps the 16 million students nationwide without online access gain reliable, high-speed internet for digital instructions. And there is a special $500 million set aside for insular area schools, which are particularly challenged. prgtoken , I thank Chairman DeFazio for this time to speak and also for adding the Marianas to the AMBER Alert system, which I asked for and is included in H.R. 2. prgtoken I urge my colleagues to vote ``yes'' for H.R. 2, and the Reopen and Rebuild America's Schools Act.
INVESTING IN A NEW VISION FOR THE ENVIRONMENT AND SURFACE TRANSPORTATION IN AMERICA ACT
Josh Gottheimer (Democrat, NJ) \u2014 2020-6-30

I rise today in support of my amendment to the Moving America Forward Act. prgtoken The train tunnel underneath the Hudson carries 200,000 people daily between New Jersey and New York. It is literally crumbling after damage from a century of use and flooding during Superstorm Sandy. It is in imminent danger of being shut down. They are literally patching up cracks. It is outrageous. Part-time fixes aren't enough. It is time we actually do something about it. prgtoken Building the Gateway Tunnel is the most pressing infrastructure need in our country. It is crucial to our economy. This tunnel connects 20 percent of America's GDP. If we don't fix it, it will literally be a doomsday. prgtoken The Department of Transportation must explain why they have downgraded this project to low priority. prgtoken What is their secret backup plan when we have to shut down the tunnel? prgtoken What are we going to do for the economy? prgtoken We deserve to know. My amendment requires the DOT to develop and publish their contingency plan within 60 days. We want to know their doomsday plan because we have the right to know how they will address this urgent crisis. prgtoken , I urge my colleagues to vote ``yes''. prgtoken I thank Chairman DeFazio. It is time we fix this doomsday before it occurs.
SETTING U.S. ON PATH TO REACH NET-ZERO GREENHOUSE GAS EMISSIONS
Julia Brownley (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2020-6-30

in December 2017, the Thomas fire destroyed over 280,000 acres, with almost all of it in my district in Ventura County. It is the second largest wildfire in all of California's recorded history. prgtoken The day it started, my constituents Trisha and Jed received a terrifying call. Evacuation orders were just issued. A wildfire was fast approaching their home, and their children were put in a car and whisked away. prgtoken It was an unbearable week for Trisha and Jed. They couldn't stop thinking of what might have happened to their children, all while mourning the loss of their home that was burned to the ground, including the invaluable keepsakes Jed had just moved to the house after his father's passing. prgtoken Natural disasters like these are becoming all too common, not only in Ventura County, but throughout California and the Western States. prgtoken Floods, tornadoes, and hurricanes, from Texas to Florida and all along the East Coast, are increasing with alarming frequency. Glaciers in the Arctic are melting faster than ever before. Ocean temperatures have increased in the last three decades at a pace greater than recorded history. Sea level rise is accelerating. Atmospheric temperatures are also on the rise. prgtoken These are facts. They are destroying homes. They are taking lives. They are wreaking havoc on our communities and communities across the planet. prgtoken Over the last year and a half, the Select Committee on Climate Crisis has been tasked with finding bold and transformative solutions to tackle this global emergency. prgtoken This report, the most comprehensive report on the impact of climate change and how to address it in the history of Congress, lays out policies, legislation, and a roadmap that will put the brakes on global warming while creating equitable, good-paying jobs of the future, and, at the same time, putting American innovation and ingenuity first. prgtoken The select committee has written a report that identifies 12 pillars on which Congress can make actionable changes and sets the U.S. on a path of reaching net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. prgtoken The report takes a deep and wide dive into all the sectors of our economy that contribute to climate change, from agriculture and transportation to how we build our buildings; to water, electric, and telecommunications infrastructure; to energy production, manufacturing, tax policy, and national security. prgtoken The impact of climate change is broad, and it can be addressed only through comprehensive and bold solutions. prgtoken I am very proud that the select committee offers up so many of those solutions, and where solutions don't exist, it lays out the challenge that American ingenuity can and will overcome. prgtoken Today, we face what appears to be an even more imminent crisis: a pandemic that has crushed the global economy and taken almost 130,000 American lives and half a million lives worldwide. prgtoken We are s
RECOGNIZING UNITED BIOLOGICS
J. Luis Correa (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2020-6-30

. Madam , I rise today to recognize United Biologics in Santa Ana, who stepped up during the pandemic to help our local healthcare workers. prgtoken After I called on local manufacturers in my district to retool and manufacture PPE, United Biologics' President, John Barnhill, stepped up to the plate. The company designed a face shield, ordered supplies, and even added more employees to their workforce to produce thousands of face shields. Not only did this effort keep the company running and in business, but John Barnhill decided to donate the PPE to the local healthcare workers. prgtoken United Biologics shows what happens when we call on American companies to do the right thing.
INVESTING IN A NEW VISION FOR THE ENVIRONMENT AND SURFACE TRANSPORTATION IN AMERICA ACT
Jimmy Panetta (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2020-6-30

I rise in support of my amendment to H.R. 2, for added flexibility to funding that goes to local Economic Development Administrations. prgtoken As we fight this pandemic, our communities have relied on EDA funding in regard to other revolving loan funds. As we progress through this crisis, however, those same communities will start to look at forms of economic recovery and should be able to use those same funds to repair roads, bridges, and water systems; to support downtown revitalizations; and to help market tourism. prgtoken That is where H.R. 2, with my amendment, can help all of our communities, by allowing recipients of these revolving loan funds to first lend out those funds and then, after those loans have been repaid, to repurpose that money and use it for new infrastructure projects that initially were outside the purpose of the revolving loan fund. prgtoken This type of flexibility will allow our communities to best target Federal dollars as needs change over time. prgtoken , that is why I urge passage of this amendment and passage of H.R. 2.
INVESTING IN A NEW VISION FOR THE ENVIRONMENT AND SURFACE TRANSPORTATION IN AMERICA ACT
Andy Levin (Democrat, MI) \u2014 2020-6-30

my amendment alters the charging and fueling infrastructure grant program in this bill, laying the groundwork to deploy zero-emission EV charging infrastructure nationwide. prgtoken This amendment strengthens plans for renewable or zero-emissions energy sources to power EV chargers. It directs DOT to study financing options for a national network of EV chargers and determine the right distance between those chargers so Americans can drive across the entire National Highway System without running out of power. prgtoken It makes sure environmental justice organizations have a seat at the table as we build this beautiful green future. prgtoken We must transform our transportation sector and end our reliance on fossil fuels. Today, we take an important step in that transformation. prgtoken I hope we can take up this work and advance ever-bolder proposals to fight climate change and protect life on Earth as we know it. prgtoken , I thank Chairman DeFazio for including this amendment in the en bloc package and for his great work on this bill.
INVESTING IN A NEW VISION FOR THE ENVIRONMENT AND SURFACE TRANSPORTATION IN AMERICA ACT
Albio Sires (Democrat, NJ) \u2014 2020-6-30

I want to thank Chairman DeFazio for including a provision in this bill that is a triumph in national transportation financing. prgtoken Our States are riddled with bridges that are too old, roads that are in disrepair, and passenger rail that is falling apart. Regionally and nationally significant projects, projects that everyone can agree are important and need to be built, have languished for years because of no Federal help. This bill changes that. prgtoken I am proud to say that this bill's provision on projects of national and regional significance is a victory for the Gateway Project. New Jersey knows how important it is to get the project done. The whole region knows how important the project is to its economy. This bill puts $9 billion into the pot. prgtoken The bill provides money for clean energy investments to keep our air clean, money for resiliency projects to protect us from stronger storms, and more money for public transit to keep cars off the road. prgtoken There is no reason why we can't have a modern, efficient, clean national infrastructure. This bill puts us on our way, and I am proud to have been involved in the development since the beginning. I am proud to cosponsor, and I ask everyone to support this bill.
HONORING ERIC TEWS
Rashida Tlaib (Democrat, MI) \u2014 2020-6-30

. Madam , I rise today in tribute to Fire Fighter Eric Tews on the occasion of his retirement from the Garden City, Michigan Fire Department. prgtoken It is evident that Mr. Tews has a strong sense of duty and public service. After he graduated from high school, Mr. Tews immediately enrolled in the United States Navy, serving for four years. He explored a career in welding before once again taking up the mantle of public service and becoming a fire fighter in 1990. In September of 1997, Mr. Tews joined the Garden City Fire Department as a full-time firefighter. Not satisfied with stopping there, he went on to earn his paramedic license. Beyond proudly performing his duties in an exemplary manner, Eric Tews has served as a mentor to newer members, sharing his knowledge and experience. prgtoken Please join me in recognizing Garden City Fire Fighter Eric Tews' twenty-three years of service as we wish him well on his retirement.
NATIONAL DEFENSE AUTHORIZATION ACT FOR FISCAL YEAR 2021--Continued
Rand Paul (Republican, KY) \u2014 2020-7-1

Senator Udall and I are pleased to present a bipartisan amendment that will finally end America's longest war. Our amendment will finally and completely end the war in Afghanistan. prgtoken Over 4,000 Americans have died in Afghanistan, and over 20,000 have been wounded. It is time to bring our soldiers home. prgtoken I supported going into Afghanistan originally. Had I been in Congress at that time, I would have voted in favor of it. But the people who attacked us on 9/11 have all been killed or captured. Most of the people fighting us today are their successors or children or the children of their children. In fact, we now have soldiers who were born after 9/11 serving in Afghanistan. prgtoken The cycle shows no sign of ending. The war shows no sign of ending. It is not sustainable to keep fighting in Afghanistan generation after generation. We have been fighting in Afghanistan for so long that our youngest soldiers fighting there weren't even born at the time. prgtoken We have spent about $1 trillion to establish an Afghan Government--a government that is rife with corruption and dysfunction. We spent more to rebuild Afghanistan than the Marshall Plan to rebuild Europe after World War II. We have built infrastructure in Afghanistan and then watched it deteriorate and watched the Afghans be unable to even maintain the infrastructure we built for them, and then they ask us for more money to maintain the structure. Meanwhile, our roads and our bridges crumble here at home as we rebuild the infrastructure in Afghanistan. prgtoken One example is, several years ago, we reportedly hired a local security consultant to help secure the roads at a cost of $1 million per year. But according to the report by the Special Inspector General for Afghanistan Reconstruction, American officials came to suspect that the money was being funneled to insurgents to stage attacks on our infrastructure to justify the security contract. So our money was going to a guy who was paying insurgents to pretend to attack him so he could provide security for their infrastructure. It is crazy. prgtoken We spent $43 million on a natural gas gas station. Guess how many vehicles in Afghanistan run on natural gas. Zero. You can't even find the gas station. My staff went there to see if the money had been spent, and they couldn't go there because it was too unsafe. Now the report is that the gas station has been abandoned--$43 million. prgtoken We spent nearly $80 million on a luxury hotel. Why is the American taxpayer building luxury hotels in Kabul? Guess what. A contractor ran off with the money. It is a skeleton. The Taliban are now said to climb up into the structure and shoot down at our Embassy. What kind of foolhardy nature of government are we that we continue to stay there? prgtoken These are just a few of the many examples that have had us spend more than we spent in Europe on the Marshall Plan. prgtoken We continue to pour good
IN MEMORY OF ANN VARNUM
Martha Roby (Republican, AL) \u2014 2020-7-1

. Madam , I rise today to recognize the honorable life and work of a beloved Alabamian, Mrs. Ann Varnum. Mrs. Varnum passed away on Wednesday, June 10, 2020, after a full life of 80 years. A Dothan native, local media personality, and friend to many, Mrs. Varnum will be dearly missed. prgtoken Ann Varnum was born in Dothan on January 15, 1940, to the late Elizabeth and J.P. Jones. Mrs. Varnum attended and graduated from Huntington College and Auburn University with a degree in English. Following graduation, she began a career in teaching before getting her big break at Dothan's WTVY television station. prgtoken Mrs. Varnum devoted nearly 50 years to WTVY, working her way into the hearts of Alabamians through her dedication to the community, charming personality, and devotion to God. She is best remembered for hosting the station's morning show, beginning in 1974 until the late 1990s. prgtoken Madam , I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring the life of Mrs. Ann Varnum. Her life was one of service, grace, and love for her family and community. She will be greatly missed by all whom she encountered, and her remarkable legacy will be remembered for years to come.
CELEBRATING PRINCE WILLIAM COUNTY POLICE DEPARTMENT'S 50TH ANNIVERSARY
Robert J. Wittman (Republican, VA) \u2014 2020-7-1

. Madam , I rise today to celebrate Prince William County Police Department's 50th Anniversary. The Prince William County Police Department is a vital part of the safety and community of the First District of Virginia, and it is an honor to serve as their U.S. Congressman. prgtoken In March 1970, the Prince William County Board of Supervisors unanimously passed Resolution 11 to establish a Police Department for Prince William County. On July 1st, 1970, a group of 42 individuals met at the Old Bennett School in Manassas as the first members of the Prince William County Police Department. They started small with limited resources, and have grown into a leading organization within Prince William County and Virginia. prgtoken The mission statement of the Prince William County Police Department is to enhance the quality of life by providing police services through shared responsibility with the public. The Prince William County Police Department is committed to protecting constitutional guarantees and impartially enforcing the law. The department does so through integrity, trust, and honesty, all of which they believe are essential to providing exceptional police services. prgtoken Therefore, Madam , I ask that you rise with me in celebrating Prince William County's Police Department's 50th Anniversary. I have full confidence that the department will continue to be an integral part of the wonderful Prince William County community as well as the First District of Virginia.