mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
LEGISLATIVE SESSION
Dianne Feinstein (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2021-4-28

I rise today in support of the joint resolution of disapproval, which would reinstate critical regulations on methane emissions from the oil and gas industry. prgtoken Last summer, the administration finalized a midnight rule that weakened and in some cases altogether eliminated requirements that oil and natural gas companies limit methane and volatile organic compound emissions from their operations. This action was taken despite methane's proven harmful impacts on air quality, health, and climate change. prgtoken Methane leaks from oil and gas wells are often accompanied by leaks of harmful carcinogens like benzene, resulting in health effects for the most vulnerable, including children and seniors. My home State of California is still dealing with the fallout of the Aliso Canyon gas leak--the worst gas leak in U.S. history-during which more than 100,000 metric tons of methane was emitted into the air. Many nearby residents reported having headaches, bloody noses, nausea, and rashes. prgtoken Methane also has more than 80 times the global warming potential of carbon dioxide and accounts for 10 percent of U.S. greenhouse gas emissions. According to one study, the aministration action will result in methane leaks equivalent to up to 592 million metric tons of carbon dioxide. This will have irreversible effects on our climate. prgtoken In California, we are already experiencing the destructive effects of climate change. California has seen recordbreaking and devastating droughts, floods, and wildfires. These disasters cannot be separated from global warming and the emissions of greenhouse gasses that cause it. prgtoken I am glad to see Congress taking action to reinstate necessary regulations on methane emissions, and I look forward to taking additional action, along with my conngressional colleagues, to combat climate change and ensure clean air for all Americans. prgtoken I encourage my colleagues to vote in favor of this resolution.
SUPPORTING H.R. 1996
Ed Perlmutter (Democrat, CO) \u2014 2021-4-28

. Madam , I include in the Record the following letters of endorsement for H.R. 1996, the SAFE Banking Act of 2021. April 19, 2021. Hon. Charles E. Schumer, Majority Leader, Washington, DC. Hon. Mitch McConnell, Minority Leader Washington, DC. Hon. Nancy Pelosi, of the House, Washington, DC. Hon. Kevin McCarthy, Minority Leader, Washington, DC. Hon. Sherrod Brown, Chair, Senate Committee on Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs, Washington, DC. Hon. Pat Toomey, Ranking Member, Senate Committee on Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs, Washington, DC. Hon. Maxine Waters, Chair, House Committee on Financial Services, Washington, DC. Hon. Patrick McHenry, Ranking Member, House Committee on Financial Services, Washington, DC. Dear Congressional Leaders: As our States' chief executives, we urge Congress to pass legislation allowing states with legalized medical or adult-use cannabis to operate safely under the national banking system. We strongly support the passage of the Secure and Fair Enforcement (SAFE) Banking Act of 2021 (H.R. 1996/S. 910) or similar legislation that would remove the legal uncertainty and allow banks and credit unions to provide services to state-licensed cannabis- related businesses. We were pleased that the House passed similar legislation in the 116th Congress (H.R. 1595). The SAFE Banking Act of 2021 already has more than 165 bipartisan House cosponsors and more than 30 bipartisan Senate cosponsors. The legislation has also received support from more than 30 associations. Currently, 36 U.S. states, four U.S. territories, and the District of Columbia have legalized the medical use of cannabis. Additionally, 18 states, two territories, and the District of Columbia have legalized recreational use by adults over 21 years of age. Despite legalization of cannabis at the state-level, our financial institutions face enormous legal risks and criminal and civil liability under the Controlled Substances Act. These barriers disincentive financial institutions from providing banking services to state-licensed and regulated cannabis businesses. Because few banks and credit unions provide these services, state-licensed cannabis businesses predominantly operate on a cash basis. Without banking services, state-licensed cannabis businesses are unable to write checks, make and receive electronic payments, utilize a payroll provider, or accept credit and debit cards. Cash only businesses pose a significant public safety risk to customers and employees. The cash-only environment also burdens state and local government agencies that must collect tax and fee pa
STATEMENTS ON INTRODUCED BILLS AND JOINT RESOLUTION
Alex Padilla (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2021-4-28

I rise to join Senator Cornyn in introducing the ``Preventing Outages With Enhanced Resilience and Operations Nationwide (POWER ON) Act of 2021''. prgtoken This legislation would authorize the Federal government to offer grants to States and Tribal governments to modernize the electrical grid and better withstand extreme weather events and natural disasters. prgtoken It would also serve as a catalyst for our Nation's research and development and deployment of new technologies that will ensure our Nation's grid can meet the challenges of climate change and continue to provide reliable electricity to our citizens. prgtoken The ``POWER ON Act'' is a bipartisan step-forward to combating the devastating impact of climate change and keep the lights on for everyone. prgtoken This legislation would help protect America's electric grid and make it more resilient. prgtoken Climate change is real and nowhere is that fact more clear than in my State of California. As the State continues to experience historic wildfires, droughts, dangerous mudslides, prolonged heatwaves, and extreme wind events that prompt sustained power shutoffs, the Federal government can and must help. We must work with States to invest in our electrical infrastructure and make our grids more reliable. prgtoken This legislation would establish a grant program through the Department of Energy for States and Tribal governments to award funds to eligible entities to deploy projects that enhance the resilience of the electric grid. prgtoken This legislation specifically includes natural disasters, such as wildfires, and extreme weather such as heatwaves, drought, and high winds as threats to the resiliency of the electrical grid. Additionally, it explicitly includes Public Safety Power Shutoffs, which have become all too routine in California in recent years, as eligible events. prgtoken To protect ratepayers, this legislation ensures that a utility may not seek any cost recovery for any grant awarded through this new program. prgtoken Lastly, this legislation would establish a grant program through the Department of Energy for research, development, demonstration, and commercial application of innovations to enhance resilience and strengthen emergency response and management of the electric grid. prgtoken California has always been a leader in research and development, and this new program would allow universities, national laboratories and others to make our grid smarter and more resilient. This legislation will not only work to harden our grid but it will allow our world- renowned institutions to usher in new technologies that will keep our grid and our citizens safe. prgtoken Senator Cornyn and our House partners, Representatives Doris Matsui, Jared Huffman, Doug LaMalfa, Eddie Bernice Johnson, Kevin Brady, and Michael Burgess for championing this bill. prgtoken I look forward to working with my colleagues to pass the ``POWE
TRIBUTE IN HONOR OF THE LIFE OF THE HONORABLE GENE MULLIN
Anna G. Eshoo (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2021-4-28

. Madam , I rise to honor the life of Eugene Mullin, known to all as Gene, who died on April 5, 2021, three years after being diagnosed with cancer. He was born in the San Francisco Bay Area on April 21, 1937, and lived most of his life in South San Francisco. prgtoken Gene Mullin gave generously of his time and considerable talents in service to our country, serving in the Judge Advocate Corps of the U.S. Army from 1959 to 1960, and earned a Bachelor's degree and a lifetime secondary teaching certificate from the University of San Francisco (USF). prgtoken A lifelong teacher, Gene Mullin taught Social Studies at South San Francisco High School for 32 years. He was named the San Mateo County Teacher of the Year in 1991, was honored as Alumnus of the Year 2011 by USF's School of Education, and Riordan High School's first Alumnus of the Year in 2010. He coached basketball for two decades, served as President of the SSF CTA, and made educational videos on social studies topics. Thousands of South San Francisco students benefitted from his complete dedication to them and his commitment to their education. prgtoken Gene Mullin began his career in local public service in 1972 when he was appointed to the South San Francisco Planning Commission. He served seven years on the South San Francisco City Council, two of them as Mayor. He was elected to the California State Assembly in 2002, representing California's 19th Assembly District, and served for three exemplary terms. Gene wrote several books about local government and received numerous well-deserved awards and honors for his public service. He will be remembered for his devotion to the people of South San Francisco, and particularly to the youth of the community and his role in getting them involved in government. He was a hardworking legislator who set the gold standard for public office with his integrity and commitment to his constituents. prgtoken Gene Mullin was preceded in death by his beloved wife Terri. He leaves his son, Kevin Mullin, who is currently the Pro Tempore of the California State Assembly, his daughter Jennifer, and five adored grandsons. prgtoken Gene's son Kevin said ``His legacy on civic engagement lives on through the lives of his legions of students, as well as his children and grandchildren. He was our proverbial north star and we'll never be the same with him gone.'' prgtoken Madam , I ask the entire House of Representatives to join me in extending our condolences to Gene Mullin's family. Gene was a cherished friend and I had the deepest admiration and respect for him. He was a great and good man, a superb educator, a highly effective legislator and a mentor to many. He made his community better by the way he lived, led and worked, and he strengthened our nation immeasurably.
IN RECOGNITION OF THE 77TH ANNIVERSARY OF EXERCISE TIGER
Emanuel Cleaver (Democrat, MO) \u2014 2021-4-28

. Madam , it is with a deep and poignant gratitude that I rise today to celebrate the American heroes who lost their lives seventy-seven years ago during Exercise Tiger. Paving the way for the D-Day invasion that would take place on June 6, 1944, Exercise Tiger, while once kept secret, is now regarded as having been both a tragedy and a critically instructive component of the Allies' mission to end World War II. The lives lost on that fateful day were honored by the soldiers who learned from Exercise Tiger and carried their memory into battle during the liberation of France. It is a story we must never allow ourselves to forget. prgtoken Before the assembled British, Canadian, and American forces could carry out the D-Day invasion, 4,000 soldiers conducted a massive simulated landing to rehearse and prepare for that immeasurably vital military act. However, what started as a military exercise ended as one of the greatest military tragedies of World War II. The calm, dark night of April 28, 1944, burst into chaos and combat when German U- boats ambushed the Tank Landing Ships (LSTs) transporting American soldiers. Almost 750 American servicemen, including over 200 Missourians, would give their last full measure of devotion when their vessels were either destroyed or severely damaged. But Allied forces would not be deterred, as the brave soldiers on those vessels banded together to repel enemy attacks and move forward with their mission. Even in the face of immense loss, a well-equipped enemy force, and little help from nearby Allied forces, the tenacity and determination of the soldiers and sailors involved ensured that the landing operations would continue mere hours after the initial attack. Allied Commanders planning the eventual D-Day invasion learned from Exercise Tiger and incorporated new strategies to ensure soldiers would be protected from barrage before landing on the beach. Without the bravery of the forces that fought that day, it is possible that even more American, Canadian, and British lives would have been lost on D-Day, and that the invasion of France, which hinged on secrecy, speed, and synchronicity, would have failed. It is not hyperbole to say that the soldiers and sailors of Exercise Tiger changed the course of world history and that we are forever indebted to their sacrifice. prgtoken It is a time-honored tradition in the United States for us to gather and celebrate the heroism and sacrifices of the countless fathers, mothers, brothers, sisters, and children who have died to protect our nation from foreign and domestic threats. On the last Monday of May, thousands congregate to quietly observe and remember the names found on marble headstones cascading across Arlington National Cemetery. On the fourth day of July, we join friends and family for a celebration of our nation's independence. On each November 11th, we reach out to the veterans in our lives, thank them for their service, a
S.J. RES. 14
Martin Heinrich (Democrat, NM) \u2014 2021-4-28

I ask unanimous consent that a letter from attorneys general of New York, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Iowa, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Washington, and the District of Columbia, and the chief legal officers of Chicago and Denver on the importance of passing this resolution be printed in the Record.
PERSONAL EXPLANATION
Cheri Bustos (Democrat, IL) \u2014 2021-4-28

. Madam , I was unable to vote on the Legislative Day of April 19, 2021. For the purposes of supporting human rights around the world, had I been present for the roll call vote H. Res. 130--Condemning the continued violation of rights and freedoms of the people of Hong Kong by the People's Republic of China and the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative, I would have cast the following vote: prgtoken Roll Call 121: Yea
Nomination of Samantha Power (Executive Session)
Edward J. Markey (Democrat, MA) \u2014 2021-4-28

the methane problem is not a new one. It has quickly and drastically warmed our planet since the Industrial Revolution, and today it accounts for one-quarter of global warming. prgtoken We have no time to lose. In the short term, methane is more than 80 times more powerful and damaging than its better known cousin named CO2. prgtoken And while we have made more progress reducing our carbon dioxide levels, methane pollution has continued to surge in the background. Even last year, with more cars off the road and many stuck in their homes, methane pollution levels just kept rising. prgtoken And it rose in record amounts. In 2020, we saw the largest ever annual increase in methane emissions. If we continue to fail to act, methane pollution from the oil and gas industry is projected to cause as much near-term global warming as 260 coal-fired powerplants every year by 2025. prgtoken This is a crisis brought on by humanity, but, thankfully, it is one that we can solve as well by humanity. We have the technology and we understand the science and we need now to summon the political will and the regulatory leadership in order to solve this methane problem. prgtoken Last week, I sent a letter to President asking him to lead the world in developing a bold domestic methane strategy, and although the administration's economy-wide goals for greenhouse gas emissions are a good baseline start, we need robust and specific targets for methane. prgtoken By voting today to rescind the -era attacks on methane regulations, we can protect the Clean Air Act instead of undermining it. By reinstating strong standards, we can protect public health and create new jobs in detecting and repairing leaks. By taking a stand today for environmental progress and good governance, we can begin to repair the immense damage done by . He was an enemy of science, a roadblock to progress, and a willing saboteur of American jobs and health as long as he could pursue his anti-environmental agenda. prgtoken Today, we have an opportunity to recommit to climate action and to environmental justice. The COVID-19 pandemic has helped expose the deep, systemic, and historic injustices our communities of color and low-income neighborhoods continue to face, communities like those in Chelsea, MA, which has been affected by both poor air quality and some of the highest COVID-19 infection rates in the State and the Nation, or Weymouth, MA, which grapples daily with the public health and public safety threat of a natural gas compressor station. prgtoken Big oil and big gas corporations have used places like Weymouth as a way station for pollution, without fear of reprisal for emissions of methane and toxic compounds. This week, we can stand up for justice for these communities instead of idly standing by. prgtoken By passing this resolution on the floor this afternoon, we can make real progress for the climate, for our global communit
Fentanyl (Executive Session)
Chuck Grassley (Republican, IA) \u2014 2021-4-28

I am 5 minutes late in coming to the Senate floor. I was supposed to be here on the fentanyl issue to support Senator Cotton. I know that an objection has been raised, but I want people to know how important I think this issue is. prgtoken Today, we were considering--hopefully, by unanimous consent--passing a bill to permanently schedule fentanyl substances. Proactively scheduling fentanyl-related substances ought to be a big priority because too many Americans' lives have been lost to reject this critical measure. prgtoken Some wrongly assert that controlling fentanyl analogs is partisan and unnecessary. That is simply untrue. Legislation to schedule fentanyl analogs is a bipartisan issue. Just last year, this body passed a bipartisan, 15-month extension bill unanimously. Also, such authority is necessary. The CDC estimates that fentanyl analogs have killed 50,000 Americans in the last 12 months. We must prevent overdose deaths. Prevention is possible when we use our laws to force China to stop the flow of fentanyl analogs. prgtoken Opponents of permanent scheduling assert that the authority is broad and could result in too many arrests, but since the Drug Enforcement Administration placed fentanyl analogs in schedule I, the Justice Department has convicted only 80 people under that authority. So too many people being arrested as an argument against their permanent extension is hogwash. This authority hasn't resulted in vast and wide prosecutions; rather, this authority has been targeted and deliberate, and, of course, that is the way it should be. prgtoken So if controlling fentanyl analogs is, in fact, bipartisan and necessary, why isn't supporting legislation then a no-brainer? Perhaps because of heightened partisanship, the can't vote for legislation that helps law enforcement, or maybe they can't be seen as supporting any drug control law even if it could save thousands of lives. This position goes against the unfortunate truth that 50,000 Americans have died from these deadly fentanyl analogs. Politics has no place above human life. prgtoken As frustrated as I am by this, it is not my nature to throw in the towel. I will always work hard to find middle ground. That is why I am asking every Senator to support Senator Cotton's permanent extension or, at a minimum, my bill, the Temporary Extension of Fentanyl Scheduling Act. This bipartisan measure extends the authority to schedule fentanyl analogs for 14 months. It keeps fentanyl analogs in schedule I until July 2022, which is long enough for the administration to come to a permanent scheduling solution and allow for a deliberate and transparent dialogue with Congress. prgtoken Simply put, we need to give ourselves enough time to find a solution to this major problem causing 50,000 lives to be lost every year. As history shows us, lengthy fentanyl scheduling legislation is not controversial. I am simply asking for a similar, bi
LEGISLATIVE SESSION
John Thune (Republican, SD) \u2014 2021-4-28

this evening President will deliver his first address to Congress. I have been asked, I think as most Members have, by the media: What do you expect to hear? What do you want to hear? prgtoken Honestly, I am interested to hear the direction the President will set in his speech. The President's inaugural address leaned heavily into the theme of unity and bipartisanship, but unity and bipartisanship have not been a distinguishing feature of the Presidency. prgtoken The President's first major bill, a COVID relief bill, broke the streak of bipartisanship on COVID legislation--a streak that goes back to March of last year. Since that time, when we were the majority, we passed five bills, all of them with big bipartisan majorities. Under President , shoved through a totally partisan bill filled with non-COVID-related liberal priorities. prgtoken s were more than ready to work with on additional coronavirus legislation. In fact, 10 s developed a COVID proposal and then met with President to discuss it. But and the President were having none of it. It was ``their way or the highway'' on COVID legislation. No bipartisanship. No compromise. It was, support the ' bill and its wasteful spending on non- COVID-related priorities or be left out of the discussion. As I pointed out, only about 10 percent--10 percent--of that ``COVID bill'' was actually COVID related. prgtoken It was a deeply disappointing start to the Presidency and a betrayal of the unity that President had pledged himself to in his inauguration address. prgtoken Unfortunately, the Presidency has mostly continued along in the same partisan fashion. The President promised to be a President for the whole people yet seems more focused on making sure that he is the President for the far left. You don't have to take my word for it. One of the leading voices of the far left in this Congress recently stated that President had exceeded--not met; exceeded--progressives' expectations. prgtoken Between and the White House, the first 3 months of the Presidency have been a long stream of policies and proposals that seem to have come right from the progressives' playbook--proposals for tax hikes and more tax hikes and still more tax hikes to pay for new government programs like the President's Green New Deal-esque Civilian Climate Corps; a sharp retreat from border security, with a huge crisis going on at the border as a result; a bill that would place unprecedented restrictions on the free exercise of religion in the name of equality; legislation to dramatically revise our electoral system to ensure ' hold on power. The list goes on. prgtoken Once an ardent defender of America's core institutions, the President recently established a commission to explore the idea of court- packing--perhaps the most outrageously partisan and poli