mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
TRANSPORTATION, HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT, AND RELATED AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS ACT, 2023
Earl L. "Buddy" Carter (Republican, GA) \u2014 2022-7-20

. Mr. Chair, I thank the gentlewoman for yielding. prgtoken Mr. Chair, I rise to speak on the need to provide certainty to blueberry producers who have been affected by freezes. prgtoken We all know how difficult the job of being a farmer can be. So much of their success is completely dependent on things outside of their control. This is particularly true when it comes to foul weather and disasters. Farmers are at nature's mercy when it comes to these events. prgtoken This past year, a number of specialty crops across the country saw significant losses caused by freezes, particularly blueberries in my home State of Georgia. The statewide freeze event this past March resulted in losses that exceed $140 million. prgtoken The last time a similar devastating freeze occurred, Congress was able to come together and provide funding for those losses. prgtoken I thank the Appropriations' Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies Subcommittee chair, Sanford Bishop, from Georgia, for all of his support already for this effort. prgtoken The underlying bill includes $10 million for disasters occurring in 2022 and report language expressing Congress' concerns about the impact of extreme weather events on blueberry producers. However, that $10 million will not be enough to assist with the damages from disasters. Chairman Bishop has committed to continue working on this issue and to ensure adequate funding is available to blueberry and other producers affected by freezes in 2022. prgtoken Mr. Chair, I hope we can continue to demonstrate Congress' commitment to not only providing relief when farmers need it the most but also fixing the larger issue for good so we no longer need to return to this after future freezes.
LEGISLATIVE SESSION
Mike Lee (Republican, UT) \u2014 2022-7-20

. Thank you to the Senator from Florida. prgtoken , President has wasted no time--no time at all--in embarking on his crusade to hamstring American energy production. prgtoken On day 1 of his Presidency, President halted all new oil and gas lease sales on Federal land. Now Americans are paying the price. Across the Nation, people struggle to fill their gas tanks, as prices climb to over $5 a gallon, but there is apparently no need to worry. According to the President, Americans' pain at the pump is merely part of an energy ``transition,'' as he puts it. prgtoken It is important to note here that this transition is a transition away from affordable, reliable fossil fuels. prgtoken It is not that high gas prices are a problem to be fixed but, rather, high gas prices somehow are the solution. They are what will facilitate this transition. The President is getting the results that he wants. This is a feature, the ultimate feature. It is the end goal, not a bug in his plan. prgtoken Despite this being part of the plan and, in fact, his objective, it didn't take long for the President to realize how unpopular high gasoline prices really are. Now he is trying to take credit for even a slight reduction in gasoline prices. First, by no means is this reduction sufficient. Second, we can't attribute that reduction to the President's policies. prgtoken To be clear, placing a moratorium on the sale of oil and gas leases on Federal land is outside the President's authority. If the President actually possessed that authority, he wouldn't have attempted to portray this as a temporary pause. It is clear that this is a thinly veiled attempt to enact the most radical climate policies our country has prgtoken ever seen--policies that have never been enacted by Congress and policies that Congress would not enact. prgtoken Our suspicions were confirmed when Gina McCarthy, the President's climate adviser, said during an interview: President remains absolutely committed to not moving forward with additional drilling on public lands. prgtoken So much for a temporary moratorium. prgtoken Confused as to whether Ms. McCarthy's statement represented the administration's policy, I asked Interior Secretary Deb Haaland whether it was indeed the administration's intention to indefinitely pause the sale of all Federal oil and gas leases. She responded: ``I don't know.'' ``I don't know'' is not an acceptable answer to the Utah communities who rely on those oil and gas leases. ``I don't know'' is not an acceptable answer to Americans paying over $5 a gallon for gas. ``I don't know'' isn't an answer to the Americans who have found every aspect of their lives rendered unaffordable by this administration's policies, and now this only adds insult to injury. prgtoken The American people simply cannot endure President 's clear-as- mud policies any longer. I have introduced legislation to reaffirm that under the
UNLEASH AMERICAN ENERGY INDEPENDENCE
Mike Johnson (Republican, LA) \u2014 2022-7-20

the recent Supreme Court term has come to an end and the Court's decision has sent Washington into a tailspin. prgtoken Members of this body have called to abolish the Supreme Court--and by the way, some of those very same Members have also called to expand the Supreme Court, so we are not really sure which one they are committed to. prgtoken Just yesterday, Members of this body were pretending to be handcuffed over their support for taxpayer-funded abortion on demand until birth. Washington are making excuses for the outright harassment of the Supreme Court Justices, their families, their children, and even the assassination attempt on the life of Justice Kavanaugh. prgtoken Washington are silent on attacks against pro-life pregnancy care centers across this country. Some have even called for these centers to be shut down all across the Nation. It is appalling. It is unhinged. Why would anyone want to shut down pregnancy centers that are designed to help struggling mothers in their time of need? But that is where we are. prgtoken Why all the hysterics though? My constituents are really curious about this. Why are they so animated right now? Why do they want to tear this institution to the ground? prgtoken Well, here is the simple reason, because the Supreme Court has made some very thoughtful constitutionally based decisions in this term. prgtoken They correctly said, for example, that a football coach was exercising his First Amendment rights when he privately prayed on the 50-yard line. prgtoken The Supreme Court correctly said that citizens don't have to ask the government for permission to exercise their fundamental rights to keep and bear arms. prgtoken The Supreme Court correctly said that if Congress wants to address climate change, then Congress has to legislate on that issue instead of just outsourcing that work to unelected bureaucrats. prgtoken Because the Supreme Court correctly said that elected Representatives of the people may again be allowed to place restrictions on the killing of innocent unborn children. prgtoken That is why they are motivated. That is why they are so unhinged. That is why they want to tear the institution to the ground. prgtoken I guess we shouldn't be surprised by all of this. We are, after all, only a couple of months removed from Senator Schumer's infamous, dangerous, unhinged rant on the steps of the Supreme Court itself. He called out Justices Gorsuch and Kavanaugh by name, and he said, Hey, we are going to release the whirlwind on you. prgtoken Well, it happened. And it is clear what is happening here. are doing anything and everything they can to try to use these obvious and straightforward Supreme Court decisions to stoke fear and change the subject before the November election. prgtoken But we are here today to say that this election will be about three things. It is going to be primarily about soaring inflation, uninhibited ille
HONORING VITA SWARERS
Kevin Brady (Republican, TX) \u2014 2022-7-20

. Madam , today I rise to honor Vita Swarers on the occasion of her birthday, July 24th. Vita serves as the Deputy Director of Casework and the Deputy District Director in my Conroe district office, and she has spent the past 15 years serving the people of the Eighth Congressional District of Texas. prgtoken Vita started working for me as a caseworker in January of 2008 when my district office was originally in Orange, Texas. Vita has always been a devoted member of my team and I have experienced the depth of her commitment firsthand. Following the last redistricting of Texas in 2010, Vita chose to relocate her home from Orange to Huntsville in order to continue her work in my new district office. prgtoken When Hurricane Ike struck the 8th District, Vita's own home was flooded but she helped countless victims' recover first. Thousands of Texans' lives have been improved because of Vita's tireless efforts on behalf of the community. prgtoken In addition to her amazing casework success, Vita also directs our Military Service Academy Program which, because of the academic and athletic accomplishments of our prospective cadets, typically sends 15 or more cadets to the four service academies. The staff of the academy admission offices refer to the program Vita spearheads as a ``model program'' and Vita frequently consults with new Congressional offices on how to set up and run a successful program. prgtoken Outside of the office, Vita is a natural caregiver, loves serving others, and gives her all in every aspect of her life. Vita is the type of person who can overcome anything--when life gives her lemons, she throws them right back--very hard. Vita is a devoted mother to three, grandmother to seven, and great-grandmother to four. She loves her family deeply and says that one of her goals in life is to live long enough to meet her greatgreat-grandchildren. prgtoken One of Vita's favorite ways to spend time with her family is to compete in local competitions. Vita is a well-decorated Texas champion--holding first place trophies throughout Texas for her famous chili. prgtoken On behalf of the Eighth Congressional District of Texas, it is a pleasure to formally recognize Vita for her long years of dedicated service and the instrumental role she has played on behalf of the constituents of the 8th District of Texas. It is an honor to work with someone as special as Vita, and I am grateful for her service. I thank Vita for everything, and wish her a Happy Birthday.
TRIBUTE TO JIM HALVORSON
Steve Daines (Republican, MT) \u2014 2022-7-20

today I have the distinct honor of recognizing Jim Halvorson of the Montana Board of Oil and Gas Conservation for his dedication to Montana and his 32 years of public service. prgtoken Raised near Pendroy, MT, Jim graduated from the Montana School of Mines, better known today as Montana Tech University. After years of work in both Wyoming and Colorado, Jim made his way back home to the Treasure State and went on to begin his career with the Montana Board of Oil and Gas Conservation. He started out as a petroleum geologist and was eventually appointed as Administrator. Jim's role included administering Montana's oil and gas conservation laws, promoting conservation, and overseeing oil and gas exploration and production in the State. prgtoken As Jim enters into retirement, he can rest assured that he has made a lasting impact on Montana's oil and gas industry. He will now have the opportunity to enjoy the fruits of his labor as he plans to spend more time in the great outdoors, whether that be fishing or enjoying time with his wife of 40 years, Diana. prgtoken It is my honor to recognize Jim Halvorson for his dedication to the Montana Board of Oil and Gas Conservation and for his 32 years of public service to the great State of Montana. Jim, thank you for your many years of public service and your commitment to preserving our State's oil and gas reserves. I wish you all the best in your retirement. You make Montana proud.
RECOGNIZING AIR FORCE VETERAN AND FOUNDER OF 2M COMPANY, MR. BILL MILLS
Matthew M. Rosendale, Sr. (Republican, MT) \u2014 2022-7-20

. Madam , I rise today to recognize Mr. Bill Mills, a United States Air Force veteran and founder of 2M Company in Montana. prgtoken In 1978, Mr. Mills founded 2M Company in Billings, Montana because he was inspired to create a water product and service company that directly meets the needs of Montana's families and farmers. prgtoken Over the last 30 years, 2M Company has done just that--while serving Montanans' water-related needs, it became the leading wholesale supplier of pumps and pumping systems within Montana's water industry. prgtoken Along with 2M Company's business locations in Montana, it has expanded over the years to serve customers in Idaho, Colorado, New Mexico, Arizona, Oregon, Washington, and Texas. prgtoken The growth and success of 2M Company is certainly a testament to Mr. Mills' exceptional entrepreneurial leadership and 2M Company's excellent service, products, and customer-first philosophy that Mr. Mills established in its inception. prgtoken Additionally, I also want to thank Mr. Bill Mills for his service to his country as part of the United States Air Force. prgtoken Mr. Mills' hard work, resourcefulness, and outstanding service to his community exemplify the core principles of being a Montanan.
ABORTION STORY
Susie Lee (Democrat, NV) \u2014 2022-7-20

. Madam , in the wake of the Supreme Court's destructive decision overturning Roe v. Wade, women across this country have shared their stories. From Facebook to the dinner table to streets in protest, women have shared the details of the deeply personal and often difficult moments in which they exercised their right to choose. prgtoken Madam , I rise today to share the story of a constituent of mine named Misty. prgtoken His name was Miles. I knew something was wrong at 12 to 16 weeks. At 20 weeks, it was too late. I spent a terrible night in the ER hemorrhaging. Miles survived that incident and there was still a heartbeat. The next day was traumatic at an ultrasound. prgtoken I had lost so much fluid and Miles was being smashed. They said that he wasn't getting the blood he needed to his kidneys and other places. They literally sent me home to wait for him to die. There was still a heartbeat at 20 weeks, but I was informed that Miles could not live to full term and that I would have to deliver conventionally if I had made it to 24 weeks. prgtoken The news continued to get worse, and I waited. That was the longest week of my life. I waited through fear, depression, anxiety, and immense sadness. At the end of that week, I decided, with my fetal medicine specialist, to terminate the pregnancy. It was one of the toughest decisions I have ever faced. prgtoken The trauma that I would have experienced by delivering a dead baby, Miles, would have been more than I could handle. Going to the doctor every other day and seeing him dying was enough to make me realize this. prgtoken Misty closes by saying: We are not careless, immoral, or monsters. prgtoken Madam , I stand with Misty, and I stand with her right to make her decision. The trauma and pain that women like Misty face in these moments should be met with care, compassion, and the right to privacy. prgtoken But instead, my colleagues on the right would rather inflict more trauma during what can be an extremely challenging moment in a woman's life: forcing them to cross State lines to access abortion; forcing them to give birth when it threatens their health, their mental health, and their financial well-being; forcing them to defend miscarriages in front of a court of law; forcing young girls to carry a pregnancy to term that is the result of a sexual assault or rape. prgtoken We cannot become complicit in the destructiveness of these extreme policies. Behind each pro-life policy are the very real and very personal stories of women whose lives will be forever turned upside down. I thank Misty for her story, but she shouldn't have to share it. prgtoken For 50 years, the law of the land respected individual choice and privacy. In Nevada, our law still reflects that today, but tomorrow may look different. prgtoken National s stand ready to ban and restrict abortion nationwide, even in States like Nevada where the right to choose is protected by law. Just last we
WOMEN'S HEALTH RIGHTS UNDER ATTACK
Brian Higgins (Democrat, NY) \u2014 2022-7-20

. Madam , under the Affordable Care Act, contraception is covered as an essential benefit, recognizing its importance to overall healthcare. Yet, this essential health component is one of the many rights under attack by an extreme, politicized Supreme Court. prgtoken Congress must act now to protect the freedom of individuals to make their own decisions about reproductive health and family planning. prgtoken I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting the Right to Contraception Act and ensure this fundamental healthcare benefit isn't the latest right stolen from the millions of Americans who rely on it.
HOUSING MARKET NEEDS HELP
Norma J. Torres (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2022-7-20

. Madam , I rise today to express concern about the building material supply change bottlenecks and elevated construction costs that continue to put a damper on the single-family housing market. prgtoken For the first time since June 2020, both single-family starts and permits fell below a 1 million annual pace. Additionally, builder confidence in the market for newly built single-family homes declined for the seventh straight month in July, falling 12 points to 55. prgtoken According to the National Association of Homebuilders and the Wells Fargo Housing Market Index released just this week, this marks the lowest HMI reading since May 2020 and the largest single-month drop in the history of the HMI, except during the pandemic. prgtoken Building material prices during the pandemic have hit record highs with low stock, and prospective buyers are faced with unaffordable home prices as a result. Affordable housing is a critical need in the Inland Empire, the district that I represent, and I urge the administration to prioritize the ability and the availability and price of lumber to make more homes affordable.
ORDERS FOR THURSDAY, JULY 21, 2022
Jeff Merkley (Democrat, OR) \u2014 2022-7-20

I ask unanimous consent that when the Senate completes its business today, it adjourn until 10 a.m. on Thursday, July 21; that following the prayer and pledge, the morning hour be deemed expired, the Journal of proceedings be approved to date, the time for the two leaders be reserved for their use later in the day, and morning business be closed; that upon the conclusion of morning business, the Senate resume consideration of the House message to accompany H.R. 4346; further, that at 11:30 a.m the Senate execute the previous order with respect to the Brigety nomination and the Senate vote on confirmation of that nomination; finally, that if any nominations are confirmed during Thursday's session, the motions to reconsider be considered made and laid upon the table and the President be immediately notified of the Senate's action.
HONORING ANDREW PIERCE FOR HIS SERVICE IN THE PEACE CORPS
Eleanor Holmes Norton (Democrat, DC) \u2014 2022-7-20

. Madam , I rise today to honor Andrew Pierce for his exceptional leadership and service as the Acting Chief Financial Officer, Deputy Chief Financial Officer and Director of Accounting and Financial Reporting at the Peace Corps. prgtoken During his nearly 7 years at the Peace Corps, Mr. Pierce played a vital role in ensuring resources were effectively and efficiently managed to support the important mission of the Peace Corps. He provided solutions during the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, when global evacuations of thousands of Peace Corps volunteers were necessary. prgtoken Mr. Pierce was instrumental in ensuring that the Peace Corps received a clean audit opinion during his entire tenure. This is particularly remarkable because of the inherently transient nature of the Peace Corps workforce and the global footprint of the agency's financial operations. He was highly respected by his colleagues for his keen intellect, professionalism; kindness, dedication to service and being a consummate team player. prgtoken President Kennedy said that by establishing the Peace Corps, ``[W]e intend to make full use of the resources and talents of private institutions and groups. Universities, voluntary agencies, labor unions and industry will be asked to share in this effort--contributing diverse sources of energy and imagination--making it clear that the responsibility for peace is the responsibility of our entire society.'' Mr. Pierce answered the call and did his part, enabling the Peace Corps and our nation to strengthen bonds of friendship and foster global peace. prgtoken I ask my colleagues to join me in thanking Andrew Pierce for his service and wishing him continued success in his role as the Executive Director for Budget and Analysis for Maryland.
SUBMITTED RESOLUTIONS
Benjamin L. Cardin (Democrat, MD) \u2014 2022-7-20

I rise today to draw the attention of the Senate and the American people to a dark anniversary on the near horizon. prgtoken On July 24, the world will have seen 5 full months of the brutal, unjustified, and utterly senseless war Russia's dictator Vladimir Putin has unleashed on Ukraine, a peace-loving democracy that has never threatened Russia or any of its other neighbors. prgtoken It will be 150 days of Mr. Putin and his army's killing and raping Ukrainian women and children; destroying homes, hospitals, museums, schools, and churches; displacing almost 13 million people; and unleashing chaos and havoc on the world. The blockage of the southern ports of Ukraine has interrupted the vital supply of Ukrainian food supplies to a hungry world, wreaking pain and havoc on societies across the Middle East, Africa, and South Asia. An existing global food security crisis has now been severely worsened by Russia's violent assault, as the Senate Foreign Relations Committee examined earlier today in a hearing where USAID Administrator Samantha Power and our permanent representative to the United Nations, Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield, testified. They spoke about the U.S. role in trying to avert this additional global tragedy resulting from Russia's aggression and the immensity of the task ahead. prgtoken Who could forget the horrors of Bucha and Irpin, the shell-shocked look in the eyes of Ukrainian children who will forever carry the burdens of unimaginable trauma or the Ukrainian women who had to be carried from a maternity ward after the Russians struck their hospital with a cruise missile. prgtoken This is an everyday reality now for Ukrainians--unspeakable, cruel military assaults. Yet they demonstrate the indomitable will to fight for their land and freedom; they do not give up; and they are truly an inspiration for the rest of the world. prgtoken When Mr. Putin started this attack, he assumed Russia would conquer Ukraine and seize its capital in 3 days. Yet it is now day almost 150, and Russia has suffered heavy losses and retreated from Kyiv. While several towns in the south of the country have been flattened and then occupied, in most of the country, the Russian invaders have barely advanced from their initial positions. prgtoken In the towns and cities the Russians occupy, they have met heavy resistance from Ukrainian guerillas and regular citizens who do not want to be part of Putin's evil empire. Despite efforts to indoctrinate Ukrainian children in occupied areas with a counterfactual narrative of the contemporary history, Russian speakers are learning Ukrainian, and what have been generally positive relations with the people of Ukraine and Russia before this invasion have now been completely destroyed. prgtoken Independent analysts have described the ongoing violence as a genocide in prgtoken Ukraine, and there is a growing body of evidence that it is, sadly, true. A May of 2022 study con