mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
PROVIDING FOR CONSIDERATION OF H.R. 5376, BUILD BACK BETTER ACT; AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES
Nancy Pelosi (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2021-11-5

. Madam , I thank the chairman for his great leadership in bringing this important legislation to the floor, a rule of the House, to expand opportunity for so many people in our country, to protect our planet for future generations, to do so with great equity in a way that builds back better for women. prgtoken Madam , thanks to the tireless work of so many in the House ic Caucus, all of our Members, our chairs of the committees of jurisdiction, the members of those committees worked so hard bringing their years of experience, knowledge, and judgment on how we would go forward to fulfill the President's vision. prgtoken President has a big vision for America and for our future, a vision that has equity in it so that we are building with fairness for all in our country to participate in the increased prosperity of our Nation. prgtoken We thank the President for his great leadership, the vision that he has put forth, the knowledge of all of his years in the Congress, and as Vice President, in terms of legislation, and his respect for all of our Members, paying so much attention to their concerns and, more especially, to how we can work together to meet the needs of the American people. This is build back better with women, build back better for the people. prgtoken It will be one of the most significant legislative undertakings that any of us has ever been part of. And I say that with great proprietary attitude toward the Affordable Care Act, which was transformative and historic. This is even bigger than that. In fact, it strengthens the Affordable Care Act. prgtoken So if you are talking about how we want to have immediate and enduring difference for the workers and families, creating jobs, securing middle class tax cuts, lowering costs for families, and making the wealthiest pay their fair share, all while contributing to reducing the national debt--making everyone pay their fair share. prgtoken Did I hear a laugh over there? Did I hear a laugh from those who added $2 trillion in tax cuts for the richest people in America, 83 percent of it going to the top 1 percent? prgtoken This is paid for. And more than paid for. prgtoken In terms of jobs, together with the also historic bipartisan infrastructure bill, it will create an estimated 2 million jobs each year, 20 million jobs into the next decade. And that is just immediately to this legislation, not talking about what it will generate as many more women are in the workplace. If you look at any piece of the bill, it would be extraordinary. prgtoken Madam , if we came to the floor and just talked about protecting our planet for our children, it is always about the children, the green aspects of this bill are for the children and their future. It is about creating good-paying jobs. It is about, again, a generational challenge that we have. It is about healthcare, the air our children breathe, the water they drink, an atmosphere in which they can thri
PROVIDING FOR CONSIDERATION OF H.R. 5376, BUILD BACK BETTER ACT; AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES
Frank Pallone, Jr. (Democrat, NJ) \u2014 2021-11-5

. Madam , I rise in strong support of the Build Back Better Act. prgtoken The Build Back Better Act builds on our efforts to make healthcare more affordable and accessible for all Americans. It extends premium subsidies that make healthcare more affordable for millions of Americans, and, finally, expands access to uninsured Americans who are unfairly caught in the Medicaid coverage gap. prgtoken The legislation also provides critical relief at the pharmacy counter by finally giving Medicare the ability to negotiate lower drug prices with the pharmaceutical companies. It also caps out-of-pocket prescription drug costs for seniors at $2,000 a year, lowers insulin prices for Americans with diabetes to $35 per month; and penalizes Big Pharma companies that unfairly raise prices. prgtoken It permanently reauthorizes the Children's Health Insurance Program, dedicates long overdue resources to provide maternal healthcare; and provides, for the first time, comprehensive hearing benefits under Medicare part B. prgtoken The legislation also includes $150 billion in funding for home and community-based care so seniors and people with disabilities can get the care that they need in their homes. prgtoken The Build Back Better Act also aggressively tackles the climate crisis with historic investments, moving us toward a clean energy economy while also producing millions of good-paying American jobs. The new $29 billion Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund will accelerate innovation in low- and zero-emission technologies, while also prioritizing the needs of environmental justice communities. prgtoken Rebates for homeowners to electrify and make their houses more efficient will save them money and reduce emissions. Investments in a 21st century electric grid will get more renewable energy online. A new Methane Emissions Reduction Program will drive down pollution from the oil and gas industry. prgtoken There is no time, Madam , to delay. Bold climate action is needed now, and the Build Back Better Act is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to invest in the American people and our future. It deserves strong support today.
PROVIDING FOR CONSIDERATION OF H.R. 5376, BUILD BACK BETTER ACT; AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES
Pramila Jayapal (Democrat, WA) \u2014 2021-11-5

. Madam , I missed Roll Call 368 on November 5, 2021. Had I been present, my vote would have been yea. Members Recorded Pursuant to House Resolution 8, 117th Congress Axne (Clark (MA)) Babin (Nehls) Baird (Mooney) Barr (McHenry) Barragan (Huffman) Bilirakis (Fleischmann) Boebert (Franklin, C. Scott) Brooks (Moore (AL)) Buchanan (Smucker) Bucshon (Banks) Cardenas (Gomez) Cawthorn (Nehls) Clarke (NY) (Kelly (IL)) Costa (Sanchez) Crawford (Stewart) Crenshaw (Ellzey) Cuellar (Veasey) Demings (Kelly (IL)) Deutch (Rice (NY)) Duncan (Rice (SC)) Frankel, Lois (Clark (MA)) Gaetz (Greene (GA)) Gibbs (Smucker) Gonzalez (OH) (Meijer) Gonzalez, Vicente (Gomez) Gosar (Greene (GA)) Green (TN) (Joyce (PA)) Hagedorn (Carl) Hartzler (Walberg) Kind (Connolly) Kinzinger (Rice (SC)) Kirkpatrick (Stanton) Krishnamoorthi (Spanberger) Lawson (FL) (Evans) Lesko (Miller (WV)) Long (McHenry) Luetkemeyer (McHenry) Maloney, Carolyn B. (Clark (MA)) McEachin (Wexton) Meeks (Kelly (IL)) Meng (Clark (MA)) Moolenaar (Bergman) Mullin (Lucas) Napolitano (Correa) Newman (Manning) Obernolte (Steel) Payne (Pallone) Pingree (Kuster) Porter (Wexton) Reed (McHenry) Rodgers (WA) (Herrera Beutler) Rush (Underwood) Sewell (Kelly (IL)) Sires (Pallone) Smith (WA) (Courtney) Speier (Scanlon) Steube (Franklin, C. Scott) Strickland (Clark (MA)) Swalwell (Gomez) Tiffany (Fitzgerald) Van Duyne (Jackson) Walorski (Banks) Waltz (Salazar) Wilson (FL) (Hayes) Wilson (SC) (Timmons) Yarmuth (Beyer)
PROTECT VOTING RIGHTS
Barbara Lee (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2021-11-5

. Madam , I thank Pelosi, Leader Hoyer, Whip Clyburn, Chairman Nadler, and all my distinguished colleagues for their work to ensure the House passed legislation to protect voting rights. It is time for the Senate to do the same. prgtoken We have seen an uptick in voter suppression efforts across our nation to undercut the representation of communities of color, specifically African Americans. With historic levels of voter turnout in recent elections, our colleagues have interpreted this increased participation in civic life as a threat and campaigned to disenfranchise Black voters under the guise of protecting against ``voter fraud.'' prgtoken Sadly, voter suppression efforts are not new to African American communities. I remember growing up in El Paso, Texas when the poll tax was still being collected. We have endured decades of abuse by political parties and election officials seeking to deny us our constitutional right to vote. Therefore, it is urgent that the Senate pass The John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act. This critical legislation would restore Section 5 and Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act, which prohibits racially discriminatory changes to the voting process and restrictions to the right to vote. prgtoken Lastly, I'd just like to say that the world is watching us. As Chair of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on State, Foreign Operations and having served as an election observer in other countries, I know the importance of a free and fair election and how it strengthens a democracy. Across the country we are witnessing a coordinated assault on the integrity of our electoral process. We need to live up to our own ideals to stand as an example for other countries to follow. prgtoken The Senate must pass the John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act. It will strengthen our democracy and give us the tools to fight voter suppression.
HONORING WORLD WAR II VETERAN HEINZ G. BACHMAN
Joaquin Castro (Democrat, TX) \u2014 2021-11-5

. Madam , I rise today in honor of Mr. Heinz G. Bachman, a 100-year-old World War II veteran who hails from my hometown of San Antonio, Texas. Mr. Bachman was stationed at Hickam Field, Hawaii during Pearl Harbor. Throughout his life Mr. Bachman exemplified the best of us and I am proud to recognize him on this Veterans Day. prgtoken Mr. Heinz Bachman was born on October 22, 1921 in Mulhausen, Germany. Shortly thereafter, his family immigrated to the United States, landing on Ellis Island in 1924. By 1934 his family fully emigrated and became U.S. citizens. With the rise of the Axis powers and seeing conflicts across the globe, Mr. Bachman's father encouraged him to enter the armed forces. By 1939, Mr. Bachman joined the United States military beginning at Fort Dix, New Jersey. During his time in service, Mr. Bachman worked as a translator serving in the Army Air Corps, reaching the rank of Staff Sergeant. prgtoken In 1941, Mr. Bachman was stationed at Hickman Air Force Base when the Imperial Japanese Forces bombarded Pearl Harbor and surrounding military installations throughout Hawaii. Mr. Bachman was fortunate to be away from the main building on detached service where bombardments hit the buildings center. Upon completion of service in 1945, Mr. Bachman went on to interview German civilians for the U.S. Strategic Bombing Survey. Mr. Bachman married the love of his life, Mrs. Virginia Bachman and raised a family together. prgtoken Madam , please join me in recognizing Mr. Heinz Bachman for service and commitment to our great country. I thank Mr. Bachman for everything he has done for our community and country. It is my hope that he will continue to share his story. Happy Veterans Day.
CELEBRATING THE 60TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE DELAWARE RIVER BASIN COMMISSION
Lisa Blunt Rochester (Democrat, DE) \u2014 2021-11-5

. Madam , I rise to celebrate the anniversary of the Delaware River Basin Commission. Sixty years ago this month, President John F. Kennedy gathered with the Governors of New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, and Delaware, as equal partners to sign the Delaware River Basin Compact, which created the Delaware River Basin Commission. prgtoken For six decades, the Commission has carefully balanced the economic and environmental needs of the public, setting a model for the nation and the world on how to manage a vital, common resource. As we continue to battle the impacts of climate change, it is more important than ever to work together to maintain the health of the Delaware River Basin and the communities it serves. prgtoken I congratulate and thank the Delaware River Basin Commission for all that they do.
HONORING THE LIFE OF FRANK VAJDA
Gerald E. Connolly (Democrat, VA) \u2014 2021-11-5

. Madam , I rise to celebrate the life of Frank Vajda, a dedicated public servant who passed away on January 27, 2021, at the age of 84. prgtoken Frank Vajda grew up in New Brunswick, New Jersey, and went on to attend Rutgers University on a full academic scholarship. He graduated with a degree in electrical engineering which he used throughout his 28 years of service in the United States Air Force. His military assignments included the Air Force Weapons Laboratory, the Los Alamos, NV Test Site, the Air Force Institute of Technology, the Defense Nuclear Agency, two tours at the Pentagon and a tour with the Foreign Technology Division, where he met his future wife, Judith. prgtoken After retiring from the Air Force, Frank and Judith relocated to Fairfax County where he became very active in community activities. Frank quickly got involved with his local civic association, the Court of Camelot Civic Association, where he went on to serve as president. He also founded the Camelot annual holiday charity fund drive which raised thousands of dollars for the Children's Hospital. Frank's years of dedication to the Court of Camelot was recognized in 2016, as Frank was named a Knight of Camelot by the civic association. prgtoken In addition to his work with the Civic Association, Frank served on the Camelot Neighborhood Watch Group, which is the oldest continuing Neighborhood Watch in the nation. He organized and promoted the first park watch group at Pine Ridge, a local neighborhood park, and because of his public safety efforts, the Park Authority, the Fairfax County Police, and the Rose Purple have established the countywide PARKWATCH system. prgtoken Frank dedicated countless hours to the Fairfax County Parks, starting with his time as a member of the Steering Committee for the Friends of Mason District Park. He went on to serve as a park volunteer for numerous festivals and events and was selected as the prgtoken Mason District Representative to the Public Safety and Park Bond Referendum Committee for his dedication to safety during all park events and activities. In 2001, Frank was appointed to the Park Authority Board where he dutifully represented Mason District for 16 years. prgtoken Public service was at the core of who Frank was. Although he did not do any of this for the recognition, his dedication to his community earned him numerous awards, including the 1998 Elly Doyle Park Service Award and the Mason District Council of Civic Associations' Man of the Year award. prgtoken Madam , I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring the life and legacy of Frank Vajda. His leadership and commitment to public service and safety was inspirational, and he will be missed by all who knew him. I also extend my deepest condolences to his wife, Judith, and his faithful companion, Jake.
WORLD SERIES CHAMPIONS--ATLANTA BRAVES
Lucy McBath (Democrat, GA) \u2014 2021-11-5

. Madam , I rise in honor of an event 26 years in the making. This week, Georgia, and the entire nation, watched as our Atlanta Braves shut out the Houston Astros in Game 6, clinching the World Series for Atlanta for the first time in decades. prgtoken I am so proud of this team. They fought through adversity, carrying a losing record until August 6th. They overcame injuries and fought hard for their teammates whose season ended early. Every part of the Atlanta Braves organization deserves credit for this win: from the players, to the management, and the front office staff that still believed in this team when so many others might have given up. I am thrilled for every player and every fan who has dreamed of this moment for over two decades. prgtoken The odds were against us, but to paraphrase the words of Joc Pederson, ``We just might be those World Series Champs.''
IN SUPPORT OF THE SENATE AMENDMENT TO H.R. 3684 INFRASTRUCTURE INVESTMENT AND JOBS ACT
Suzanne Bonamici (Democrat, OR) \u2014 2021-11-5

. Madam , I rise today in support of the bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA). prgtoken The American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) gives the overall infrastructure in the United States a dismal C- rating--and many of ASCE's scoring categories, including roads, waterways, levees, transit, and wastewater, score lower than the nation's overall average. Our national infrastructure is crumbling, outdated, and in urgent need of significant upgrades. Additionally, the largest source of energy- related carbon dioxide emissions in the country comes from the transportation sector, which disproportionately affects low-income communities and communities of color. Though this legislation leaves out many of the crucial climate provisions in the House-passed INVEST in America Act, it still represents a robust and meaningful investment in a more connected and resilient nation. prgtoken The IIJA makes overdue investments in our nation's transportation sector. IIJA provides $110 billion for roads, bridges, and major projects, and makes some notable investments in clean transportation by providing more than $20 billion for electric vehicle prgtoken charging infrastructure--the single largest federal investment of its kind in history. These investments are necessary, because 43 percent of public roadways are in poor condition, 40 percent of the 600,000 bridges in the United States are at least 50 years old, and more than one-third of all bridges need repairs. In addition, the IIJA includes over $16 billion for waterway and coastal projects, including $2.25 billion for the Port Infrastructure Development Program (PIDP), which supports investments in projects to upgrade and modernize ports. Coastal communities like mine in Oregon understand how important these investments are to maintain and expand ports as hubs for commerce, employment, and transportation. prgtoken Widespread and dependable public transit systems are necessary to create more equitable communities and reduce carbon emissions. Public transportation provides communities with affordable commuting options that facilitate access to employment, school and daycare, vital health care services, and more. The Department of Transportation reports that nearly half of the total carbon footprint of the typical American family with two cars comes from car transportation. The IIJA provides more than $39 billion to support public transit, which will help reduce congestion and carbon emissions. This investment is estimated to support repairs for more than 24,000 buses, 5,000 rail cars, and thousands of miles of tracks, all of which will help connect communities and support emissions reductions. The bill also includes $5 billion for low- and zero-emission buses--including school buses--which will help cut emissions that hurt vulnerable communities and students. prgtoken Climate change is increasing the intensity and frequency of severe weather events like the
ATLANTA BRAVES WORLD SERIES WIN
Austin Scott (Republican, GA) \u2014 2021-11-5

. Madam , I rise today to recognize and celebrate the Atlanta Braves for winning the 2021 World Series. prgtoken It's been 26 years since ``America's Team'' clinched a World Series. I remember the stars of that 1995 World Series team--Tom Glavine, John Smoltz, Chipper Jones, and Greg Maddux, just to name a few. Just like that World Series lives in the minds of many, the 2021 World Series against the Houston Astros will hold a special place in the minds of baseball fans across our state--and all throughout Braves country--for years to come. prgtoken Despite Atlanta having the All-Star Game taken away in July and not having the chance to honor the late, great Hank Aaron on a national stage, the Braves found a way to bring the Fall Classic back to Georgia and pay tribute to Hank--and fittingly clinched the series in the 44th week of the year. prgtoken This team fought the entire season--despite having as low as a 0.3 percent chance to win the World Series back in mid-July and not having a winning record until August 6th. They overcame a tremendous number of obstacles to bring the trophy back to the Peach State. They have made Georgia very proud, and I look forward to them defending their title next year. prgtoken Chop On and Go Braves.
PROVIDING FOR CONSIDERATION OF H.R. 5376, BUILD BACK BETTER ACT; AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES
Daniel Meuser (Republican, PA) \u2014 2021-11-5

. Madam , after elections where the American people rebuked the left's tax, spend, and Big Government control agenda, our colleagues are doubling down on failed and unpopular policies that will exacerbate inflation, workforce and supply shortages that are hurting everyone, including waste, abuse, and fraud. prgtoken Madam , this reconciliation bill has no return on investment for the American people. In fact, independent analysis shows it decreases GDP and it will weaken U.S. economic strength worldwide. prgtoken The bill raises $420 billion in taxes on small businesses while giving a massive tax break for high earners in high-tax states. prgtoken It gives amnesty and driver's licenses to illegal immigrants while a crisis rages at the border. It spends big on entitlements that disincentivize work and, as stated, are ripe for fraud. As well, it misses any mark for pay-for by $2 trillion to $3 trillion. prgtoken This irresponsible spending bill, coupled, by the way, with a bipartisan prgtoken Transportation and Infrastructure bill, has made it very, unfortunately, impossible to support both, because the net effect of these dependent bills is detrimental to our economy, national security, and global competitiveness.
SALUTING THE CAREER OF BARBARA RYAN
Darrell Issa (Republican, CA) \u2014 2021-11-5

. Madam , I rise today to pay tribute to a community leader who is retiring after four decades of service to the people of San Diego County. prgtoken Over the last three decades, Barbara Ryan has served as Vice President of Government Affairs at Rady Children's Hospital, a Level 1 Pediatric Trauma Center that is the largest children's hospital in California serving patients from San Diego, Riverside, and Imperial Counties. Rady is a thriving hub of the region's healthcare system that employs more than 700 physicians, 1,000 nurses, 3,000 employees, 450 active volunteers and 1,200 auxiliary staff. Barbara has been a powerful and successful advocate for children and healthcare, for the region's healthcare systems and providers, and for patients. She is among prgtoken the most trusted voices regularly sought out by local, state, and federal elected officials. Prior to joining the Rady team, she worked as a senior staff member to a state senator. prgtoken Barbara's leadership and advocacy extends far beyond the industry where she was employed. Since 1979 she has served as a Member of the Board of Education serving the Santee School District, where she has held terms as President, Vice President, Clerk, and Legislative Representative over the course of her tenure. prgtoken She has also been a leader in statewide education groups, serving as a delegate to the California School Boards Association and as a member of its Masters in Governance Faculty, service that helped earn her the San Diego County School Boards Association School Board Member of the Year in 2011. Barbara has been recognized with the YWCA Women in Business Award; the Santee Chamber of Commerce President's Award; Santee Kiwanis Citizen of the Year; California State Assembly Woman of the Year; Citizen of the Year from Phi Delta Kappa and the Women in Leadership Award from the San Diego East County Chamber of Commerce, among many other honors. prgtoken But perhaps her greatest honor is being a parent and grandparent--and this experience has guided every aspect of her career as a children's health advocate, education leader and community leader. I am proud to call her my friend and am grateful for her decades of service to the children, families, and healthcare professionals in San Diego County. Rady Children's is consistently ranked top in the nation across many categories, and that exceptional leadership is reflected in its community engagement, professionalism, and advocacy, demonstrated by Barbara throughout her career. prgtoken I ask my colleagues to please join me in extending our gratitude for her decades of service community leadership, and commitment to education and healthcare.