mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
DACA
Teresa Leger Fernandez (Democrat, NM) \u2014 2022-12-6

. I thank the gentleman for sharing the economic impacts of DACA recipients because we need to highlight that; that any opposition to the American Dream and Promise Act is not based on the benefits it brings to our country because the economic benefits are amazing, so I appreciate the fact that the gentleman raised it. prgtoken The gentleman said how much taxes are paid. Households with DACA recipients pay $5.6 billion in Federal taxes and $3.1 billion in State and local taxes every single year. They create lots of after-tax income that leads to economic activity in the communities that they come from. prgtoken In fact, the importance of DACA and our Dreamers is so great that on October 20, 80 major businesses and trade associations wrote to congressional leaders in support of a bipartisan American Dream and Promise Act. The letter was signed by, among others, the National Association of Manufacturers, the National Retail Federation, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, Microsoft, Amazon, and many, many more because we know that Dreamers are essential to our economy. prgtoken What would happen if we let DACA die? If we let DACA die, an average of 1,000 Dreamers will lose their jobs each week in labor markets already experiencing shortages, such as healthcare, education, service industries, food production, and more because they would lose their jobs as their ability to renew would disappear. So every week, we would lose that. prgtoken It is like a drum, a drum, a drumbeat toward financial trouble when we already need to address the need for more workers in our country. We would lose the benefit that they develop for our economy; $400 billion in economic benefit if we pass the American Dream and Promise Act, because we need to say, we are not just trying to save DACA, we actually want DACA to end because we are going to replace with the American Dream and Promise Act. We are looking for the American Dream and Promise Act because that ends DACA the way it should; not by death to a core that doesn't understand the benefit of this, but to the codification to give our Dreamers the path to citizenship they deserve. prgtoken That is why we are calling upon the Senate. We are asking to have-- all of the Senators presently support the American Dream and Promise Act. So what we are looking for is 10 Senators to join with the Chamber of Commerce, to join with the trade associations, to join with the people across this country, to join with their own constituents, with their own constituents. prgtoken I think we need to remember the amount of s who supported the Dream and Promise Act in the 1970s. It is what our constituents want us to do. It is what the Senate constituents want them to do, from whatever State you are in. prgtoken We must ask the Senate to take action now. Let's codify this. Let's not punt down the road any more times. Let's actually pass the American Dream and Promise Act. Everybody wa
DACA
Raul Ruiz (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2022-12-6

. Madam , I rise today as chair of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus, as a father of these two beautiful daughters, Sky and Sage, to call on the Senate to act now for Dreamers. prgtoken This October, the Fifth Circuit Court ruled that the DACA program is unlawful and set the stage for this incredibly successful and popular program to be struck down by the conservative courts in Texas. prgtoken If Congress does not act by the end of this year, the future of thousands of Dreamers will be on the line. prgtoken Dreamers like Juan Vasquez from my district--in fact, from Mecca-- who, as a senior in high school, was detained by ICE while working in the fields as a farmworker with his parents to help them pay the bills. prgtoken After taking him under my wing, as a pre-med student Juan graduated top of his class from UC Berkeley and finished top of his class at UC San Francisco School of Medicine. Now he saves lives. He saves American lives. He saves fathers, mothers, children, daughters, sons, and grandparents every day as an emergency medicine resident in New York City. I think I had some influence, being an emergency physician myself and mentoring him in that path. prgtoken If DACA ends, Juan and hundreds of thousands of others will lose their jobs--impacting labor market sectors already experiencing shortages, such as healthcare, education, service industries, food production, and more. prgtoken If DACA ends, our economy would lose more than a quarter of a trillion in lost GDP over the next decade. If DACA ends, prices will go up. prgtoken If DACA ends, we will see dire and insurmountable ripple effects across our communities and local economies. prgtoken For the sake of doing what is right and good and just, and for the sake of our economy and for the hundreds of thousands of Dreamers who call our Nation home and have known no other home, I call on the Senate s to join in good-faith negotiations to find a permanent solution for Dreamers based on the House-passed American Dream and Promise Act. Use it as the framework. prgtoken Madam , I urge every Member of this body, s and , to join the Congressional Hispanic Caucus in advocating for a bipartisan DACA deal to be included in the end-of-year omnibus package. prgtoken We absolutely must deliver peace of mind for Dreamers and their families. Keep their families together and create opportunity for our economy. The time to act is now. The time of urgency is now. prgtoken Madam , I thank the chairwoman for her leadership for being vice chair of communications for the Congressional Hispanic Caucus because your voice is powerful, your voice carries on, your voice is a voice of true leadership that will continue and be generational. prgtoken I appreciate this Special Hour to advocate for our Dreamers and to protect DACA.
HONORING MEL ORPILLA
Mike Thompson (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2022-12-6

. Madam , I rise today to honor Mel Orpilla in recognition of nearly a decade as an invaluable member of my district staff and his service to Vallejo's Filipino community. prgtoken Mr. Orpilla was born on September 6, 1961 at the Vallejo General Hospital to Nazario and Ofelia Orpilla. After studying at California State University, Sacramento and San Francisco State University, he became the Executive Director of the Fighting Back Partnership in 1996. In this capacity, Mr. Orpilla played a major role in the fight against substance abuse in Vallejo, leading an anti-drug coalition, meeting with political leaders, and assisting with grant requests. In 2004, he joined Kaiser Permanente as a Community and Government Relations Manager and in 2013, joined our team as a district representative and was later promoted to a Senior District Representative for the Solano and Contra Costa portions of California's 5th District. He has successfully assisted over 975 constituents with a wide range of requests from government financial assistance to immigration. prgtoken Mr. Orpilla has made immeasurable contributions to Vallejo, and in particular its Filipino community. Over the course of more than 25 years, he has led countless workshops and speaking engagements on substance abuse, community support, and the challenges facing Asian American and Pacific Islanders in Northern California. Mr. Orpilla's passion for sharing the Filipino American story, led to him founding the Filipino American National Historical Society of Vallejo and writing his 2004 book Filipinos in Vallejo. He has served on the boards of the Salvation Army of Solano County, Rebuilding Together Solano County, the Filipino American National Historical Society and the Benicia Vallejo Humane Society. A descendent of the Cordilleras tribes in the Northern Philippines, Mr. Orpilla is an expert in the ancient Filipino fighting art Balintawak Arnis and teaches it at the Island Warriors Dojo in Vallejo. His heritage can also be seen on the various Ifugao warrior markings tattooed across his body. prgtoken Mr. Orpilla is a devoted husband to his wife Nancy, proud father of Jacob and Tony, stepfather to Justine and Gabe and loving caretaker of three dogs, Chiko, Boo-boo and Fatboy. prgtoken Madam , we thank Mr. Orpilla for his dedication and hard work for the people of California's 5th District. His efforts to better his community, build coalitions and preserve proud Filipino traditions will undoubtably be felt for decades to come. Therefore, it is fitting and proper that we honor him here today.
SUPPORTING H.R. 8025, TO DESIGNATE THE FACILITY OF THE UNITED STATES POSTAL SERVICE LOCATED AT 100 SOUTH 1ST STREET IN MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA, AS THE MARTIN OLAV SABO POST OFFICE
Betty McCollum (Democrat, MN) \u2014 2022-12-6

. Madam , I rise today in support of H.R. 8025, which designates the United States Postal Service facility located at 100 South Street in Minneapolis, Minnesota as the ``Martin Olav Sabo Post Office.'' prgtoken Congressman Martin Sabo's public life began 45 years ago when he was elected to the Minnesota State House of Representatives at the young age of 22. He went on to serve with distinction as both House and minority leader until his election to Congress in 1978. Congressman Sabo served the people of Minnesota for 28 years in the house, retiring in 2006. His Chairmanship of the House Budget Committee in the 1990s set the country on a course that resulted in a federal budget surplus. While serving on the esteemed House Appropriations Committee, Congressman Sabo's astute ability to direct federal funds to key infrastructure projects, like light rail transit, transformed Minneapolis, positioning the Twin Cities for the 21st Century. prgtoken It was my profound honor to serve with Martin Sabo as a colleague in the U.S. House. Congressman Sabo was liberal, smart, and his values reflected the very best of Minnesota's traditions and heritage. Congressman Sabo was reserved and quiet Norwegian, but when he spoke the room went silent because everyone knew something worth hearing was about to be said. This made him a giant as a legislator and public servant in both the Minnesota Legislature and Congress. I will always remember Martin as the kindest of souls and one of the most effective and wise public servants I've ever known. prgtoken I want to thank Rep. Ilhan Omar for sponsoring this piece of legislation that pays tribute to a dedicated public servant, wonderful human being, and dear friend and mentor.
Nomination of Elizabeth Frawley Bagley (Executive Session)
Mark R. Warner (Democrat, VA) \u2014 2022-12-6

I rise today in support of a dedicated and well-qualified individual who has been nominated by President to fill an increasingly important role. That person is Elizabeth Bagley, who has been nominated to be the U.S. Ambassador to Brazil. prgtoken Elizabeth Bagley has been involved in public service for decades. Twenty-eight years ago, as a matter of fact, she appeared before the U.S. Senate, then being considered as President Clinton's nominee to be Ambassador to Portugal. She went on to serve in that role from 1994 to 1997, which was a period of growth and positive development in this important bilateral relationship. prgtoken For the service in Portugal, she received distinguished awards from the Portuguese Navy and Air Force as well as the Grand Cross of Prince Henry the Navigator, which is the President of Portugal's highest civilian commendation. prgtoken She is also the recipient of the Global Democracy Award from the International Women's Democracy Center, the Ellis Island Medal of Honor, and the 2013 Secretary of State's Distinguished Honor Award. prgtoken In 2013, she served as Alternative Representative of the United States to the United Nations, and prior to that was the first Special Representative to the Secretary of State for Global Partnerships. prgtoken In her years of diplomatic service, she has also worked as a senior adviser to Secretaries Kerry, Clinton, and the late Madeleine Albright. prgtoken President has nominated her to an especially critical role, and that is to be our Nation's Ambassador to Brazil--the largest economy in South America, a country that is going through dramatic transitions right now. As a matter of fact, Brazil will be inaugurating its new President at the beginning of January. And I believe--frankly, it has been an embarrassment that we have gone almost 2 years without an Ambassador to Brazil--I believe it is critically important that Ambassador Bagley be in Brasilia, having been presented her credentials in time for the inauguration of the new Brazilian President. prgtoken As a matter of fact, in terms of north-south relations, our relations with Brazil are as critical as virtually any nation in the Southern Hemisphere. We have got lots and lots of work to do on this important relationship, and it is important that we move forward. prgtoken Originally, I was going to come down and ask UC to both have Elizabeth Bagley discharged from committee and also confirmed now on the floor. Working with my friends, I appreciate the fact that I believe they are going to allow us to move forward on the discharge from committee but not move forward on Ms. Bagley's confirmation as Ambassador. I know there may be some holds on all north-south Ambassadors at this point, but I implore my colleagues on the other side of the aisle. This is a talented, well-suited, appropriately experienced individual. This relationship between the United States and Braz
HONORING KITSAP COUNTY COMMISSIONER EDWARD WOLFE
Derek Kilmer (Democrat, WA) \u2014 2022-12-6

. Madam , I rise today to honor my friend and Kitsap County Commissioner, Edward Wolfe. After 8 years of service in his role as County Commissioner, he is retiring. prgtoken Prior to serving as County Commissioner, he was a Kitsap attorney for 20 years, founding the litigation firm Wolfe Law Offices in 1997. He is a past president of the Kitsap County Bar Association and a former judge pro tem in county, municipal, and district courts. prgtoken Raised in Norfolk, Virginia, Commissioner Wolfe is a graduate of the George Mason University School of Law. He served in the U.S. Army and was confirmed by the U.S. Senate as Ambassador and Deputy Assistant Secretary of State in both the Ronald Reagan and George H. W. administrations. Community service has long been a part of Commissioner Wolfe's career in Kitsap County. He has been a Bremerton Rotarian for 20 years and board member of the Bremerton Boys & Girls Club and Olympic College Foundation and is past president of the Puget Sound Naval Bases Association and Bremerton Chamber of Commerce. prgtoken Ed brought logic, rationality and reason to his discussions and negotiations in all of his responsibilities as county commissioner, fighting for what he thought was the right thing to do. He treated all people respectfully. He stopped to listen to his constituents, advocating for their needs with compassion and a commitment to community. And he worked collaboratively with other elected officials-- serving as a productive partner on issue after issue. prgtoken Commissioner Wolfe has a long list of accomplishments during his tenure. He led the charge on the opening of the new Bucklin Hill Bridge in Silverdale and invited the Crista Shores residents to be the first to cross it. He was a partner in supporting the opening of a new state of the art hospital in Silverdale. He's been an advocate of funding for a new county courthouse to replace an aging and inadequate facility. Personally, I appreciated his long-time partnership as we worked to turn the dream of a new VA Clinic in Kitsap County into a reality. In addition, throughout the pandemic, Commissioner Wolfe pushed for proactive communication with the community about resources the County and Kitsap Public Health District were providing to support health and safety. He also ensured business needs were heard, proactively communicating local needs to Washington State's governor. prgtoken Commissioner Wolfe and his wife, Wendy, are looking forward to spending more time with family including their son Steven, grandson, Owen, and a granddaughter coming in late December. prgtoken Madam , beyond his many accomplishments, I would also like to express gratitude for the partner that Ed Wolfe has been to the members of my team--and to me. I'm proud to call him a friend. Please join me in congratulating Ed Wolfe on his service to Kitsap County and the state of Washington. I wish him all the best in his retirement.
HONORING DR. DOUGLAS NECKERS
Marcy Kaptur (Democrat, OH) \u2014 2022-12-6

I rise to honor a one-of-a-kind, remarkable man and consummate researcher and teacher, Dr. Douglas Neckers of northwest Ohio, who passed away just last week at the age of 84. prgtoken Dr. Neckers had an accomplished career as a photochemical scientist. He was a true Renaissance man: a lover of history, the arts, and the written word. He shared his wisdom in the opinion pages of newspapers across our State. prgtoken Doug served as the head of Bowling Green State University's chemistry department, founded its Center for Photochemical Sciences, and was a pioneer of 3D printing technologies and so many successful companies that were born from that. Even in later years, he raised awareness and kept learning about topics such as the mindset of Nazi scientists who invented chemical weapons during World War II. He was seeking always to build understanding and to promote and uplift humankind. prgtoken When thinking of Dr. Neckers, I call to mind the words of Mahatma Gandhi: Strength does not come from physical capacity. It comes from an indomitable will. prgtoken An indomitable will coursed through every fiber of Doug's spirit. He was a force of nature in every one of his days. prgtoken Today, as we mourn Doug's passing, may his family and we find comfort in the knowledge that his legacy lives on in all who knew him: every institution that he built, every student he influenced, and every person blessed to call him friend.
Twitter and the 2020 Election (Executive Session)
Chuck Grassley (Republican, IA) \u2014 2022-12-7

. Last Friday, Elon Musk released documents and very good information relating to Twitter's interference in the 2020 Presidential election by censoring the New York Post Hunter reporting. Just yesterday, Musk reportedly fired Twitter's general counsel, Jim Baker, for his involvement in the censorship scandal. Baker, you might remember, was general counsel at the FBI and was involved in the Crossfire Hurricane investigation. prgtoken You can't make up these stories. prgtoken Musk also released information that showed that the campaign was involved in the censorship efforts. The information shows that Twitter employees knew--actually knew--that they had no legitimate basis to censor the Hunter reporting but proceeded to do it anyway. Twitter also removed links and blocked the reporting from being shared by direct messaging on its platform. Folks that fought the good fight against Twitter's extraordinary censorship were also locked out of their accounts. prgtoken These documents that Musk made public made very clear that Twitter was effectively an arm of the ic Party and the campaign. Twitter essentially gave the campaign a massive in-kind campaign contribution. prgtoken What Twitter and other big tech companies did in 2020 with respect to censorship was as much an outrage then as it is today. Simply put, what they did is expected of communist China, not the United States of America. prgtoken Reports also indicate that the FBI warned Twitter during weekly meetings before the 2020 election that hack-and-leak operations involving Hunter material were likely to occur in October of 2020. Well, the FBI had the Hunter laptop since December of 2019, almost a year before the election. prgtoken Information on it has been verified by liberal news outlets. It took a long time for those liberal news outlets to admit that this wasn't Russian disinformation. prgtoken So, then, I ask this question: Did the FBI do the same or did they fail to do their due diligence? prgtoken I find the FBI's action in advance of the 2020 election to be more than suspicious. It is too bad that just now, 2 years later, we get this information from a person that bought Twitter and wants the public to know what actually went on. prgtoken Now, some of you remember that Senator Johnson and I released our first report on the family connections to communist China on September 23, 6 weeks before the 2020 election. And you know, if you remember, at that time it was swept up into the Hunter censorship fiasco not long after. So, too, was our second report, which we released on November 18, 2020. prgtoken But we were more than just censored. Before we even made the first report public, the liberal media and even some of our ic colleagues tried to smear us with false claims that our work was connected to you know what--Russian disinformation. My Senate colleagues went into full protecti
REPUBLICAN CONTROL WILL PROVIDE ACCOUNTABILITY AND PRODUCE RESULTS
John W. Rose (Republican, TN) \u2014 2022-12-7

. Madam , I thank the gentleman from Louisiana for yielding and for claiming the time this evening. prgtoken Madam , in 27 days, adherence to the constitutional principles will be returned to this institution. prgtoken In 27 days, accountability will be returned to our government. prgtoken In 27 days, s will take the majority in this Chamber, secure the committee gavels, and begin the long climb to deliver a strong economy, a safe Nation, a free future, and an accountable government. prgtoken I say ``the long climb'' because over the course of the last 2 years of one-party ic rule in Washington, America has lost its way. We have seen trillions of hard-earned tax dollars and trillions borrowed from the next generation wasted. We have seen our national border overrun with millions of illegal immigrants and enough illicit and deadly fentanyl to kill every American many times over. prgtoken After decades of trying, America finally successfully achieved energy independence under the administration. But in 2 years we have seen this country driven back into the ditch of energy dependence on foreign dictators and the high energy prices that come with it. prgtoken We have seen the funding of an army of 87,000 new IRS agents to go after the middle-class, working Americans in this country, catastrophic failures in Afghanistan and elsewhere around the world, and a justice system targeting concerned parents, vaccine mandates damaging our military readiness, unelected bureaucrats run amok in virtue signaling, and Big Tech in cahoots with our government to stifle free speech for half of the American citizenry. prgtoken That is a mind-boggling amount of damage over 2 short years, and even a strong Nation like America can only take so much. But, thankfully, the turnaround begins on January 3, 2023, when s retake the majority in the U.S. House of Representatives. prgtoken All of these issues are vitally important to the good folks back in my home of middle Tennessee. But I truly believe no issue is more important than that of the right to free speech. George Washington said, ``If freedom of speech is taken away, then dumb and silent we may be led, like sheep to the slaughter.'' prgtoken We recently learned that Twitter colluded with the campaign and allegedly the FBI to suppress damaging information to President 's campaign. This only makes me wonder: prgtoken What else are these Big Tech companies hiding? prgtoken Soon enough, we will be able to find out. prgtoken Additionally, Securities and Exchange Commissioner Gary Gensler appears to be on a mission to destroy our small farms and businesses. He failed to provide proper oversight of crypto companies while cozying up to the biggest crypto fraud of the last decade, all while not appearing before the House Financial Services Committee in over 428 days. prgtoken Proper oversight will be on its way in 27 days. prgtoken Madam , for too long unelec