mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
Appropriations (Executive Session)
Jeanne Shaheen (Democrat, NH) \u2014 2019-12-12

I came to the floor this morning to address what has been an alarming and inaccurate information campaign that is being spread about the international family planning amendment included in this year's State and Foreign Operations appropriations bill. prgtoken I would note that while this amendment is referred to as the ``Shaheen amendment'' in alarmist and inaccurate blog posts, it is actually bipartisan language that was agreed to by both the subcommittee and full committee chairs of the Appropriations Committee and ultimately approved unanimously by s and in the committee. Yet articles and op-eds online have condemned the amendment as pro-abortion. I was surprised to hear this given that, despite my objections, the amendment does not address the Mexico City policy--or the global gag rule, as it is known--abortion services, or information. In fact, this is the first time in 18 years--I am going to say that again. It is the first time in 18 years that members of the Appropriations Committee were prevented from offering a bipartisan amendment that would strip the bill of the Mexico City provision. prgtoken Instead of allowing the established committee process to amend the SFOPs bill with this provision, the entire bill was pulled from consideration. In response to that, in an effort to ensure the bill wasn't endangered, I worked with my colleagues Senator Collins of Maine and Senator Murkowski of Alaska and with leadership to limit the scope of the amendment so we could allow the appropriations bill to go forward. prgtoken It is false--absolutely, positively false--to say this amendment funds abortions abroad. In fact, it is wrong to say, and inaccurate to say, that any U.S. assistance goes to funding abortions at home or abroad. In compliance with U.S. law, family planning funding does not and never has gone to abortion services. I hope everyone is clear about that. Under our law, family planning funding does not go to support abortion services. prgtoken Now that I have outlined what this amendment does not do, let me discuss what it does do. It provides an increase of $57.5 million for a total of $632.5 million for existing international family planning accounts. This money funds programs and services that provide modern contraceptives, which 214 million women around the world who want to avoid pregnancy are not able to access. prgtoken Again, I don't know when the debate around abortion came to include contraceptives and family planning. It also would allow for the healthy timing and spacing of births, which is very important to the health of infants and it is important to the health of women to be able to space the births of their children to recover between births. It provides education information and counseling about family planning issues. It ensures access to antenatal and postnatal care for a healthy mother and baby. It provides for HPV vaccination and
LOWER DRUG COSTS NOW ACT OF 2019
Scott H. Peters (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2019-12-12

. Mr. Chair, such time as I may consume. prgtoken H.R. 3 is not perfect. No bill is. But I will support it today because it is our best chance to get moving on the very pressing issue of high prescription drug prices. I hope the Senate will work with us in a good-faith manner to come up with a final bill that both lowers prices and preserves incentives for innovation. prgtoken The concerns and some outstanding questions about the effect of this bill on innovation in the private sector are legitimate. My colleagues have referenced the CBO studies. Also, the California Life Sciences Association released a report in October that predicted that H.R. 3 would make drug development particularly challenging for small and emerging companies in California. prgtoken The amendment I offer today will go a long way toward preserving and supporting biopharmaceutical innovation, and that is not an abstraction. It can be measured in jobs, breakthrough cures, and even state-of-the-art research facilities. prgtoken Innovation, research, and development are the economic lifeblood of California and, particularly, San Diego. Over the past decade, California firms have received more than 30 percent of total biotech investment in the country, and in San Diego County there are over 48,000 jobs in the life sciences sector supported by $1.5 billion in venture capital. prgtoken In San Diego alone, we have five institutions that rank among the top recipients of National Institutes of Health funding in the country, and they are doing amazing things. prgtoken One La Jolla-based research and development facility in my district recently launched a one-time gene replacement therapy that essentially halts the progression of a rare and deadly genetic childhood disorder: spinal muscular atrophy. This company is also currently investing in research to cure a genetic form of ALS. prgtoken If we aren't careful, we might put those kinds of breakthrough therapies at risk of never treating a single patient. prgtoken From the NIH and academic research institutions to philanthropy and biopharmaceutical industry, there is a network of capital today in the public and private sectors that supports innovation. prgtoken At the risk of oversimplifying, the NIH focuses on basic biomedical science, investigating the underlying mechanisms of disease, while smaller biotech companies supported by institutional investors take the basic science to the preclinical and early-phase stages of drug development. prgtoken Drug companies conduct later-stage research, fund clinical trials, and invest in startups. These financial backers, like drug companies and venture capitalists, are important because they can help close the funding gap that exists between preclinical research and the early-and later-stage clinical trials. prgtoken If H.R. 3 changes investor behavior as some predict, that could widen the gap for smaller biotech companies, the so-called ``valley of dea
LOWER DRUG COSTS NOW ACT OF 2019
Katie Porter (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2019-12-12

. Mr. Chair, claims that H.R. 3 will devastate research and stop cures are fearmongering. prgtoken H.R. 3 makes substantial investment in public research to help create new cures and, most importantly, will make sure those cures actually can help people in their lives. prgtoken It is only fair that the government, elected by the taxpayers, and the administration, appointed by elected officials, should get to negotiate drug prices, and it will not come at the expense of innovation. prgtoken Mr. Chair, may I inquire as to how much time remains.
12 DAYS OF SALT
Mikie Sherrill (Democrat, NJ) \u2014 2019-12-12

. Madam , on the seventh day of SALT, my constituents have said to me that we cannot fix the SALT deduction cap by simply slashing our State and local taxes because these taxes fund critical community priorities like our public school system. prgtoken I am incredibly proud that New Jersey's public school system was just ranked number one in the entire country. A number of factors go into that achievement, including student achievement, the success of students once they leave school, and school funding. prgtoken Madam , New Jersey ranks third in the country in the percentage of our tax dollars allocated to education. That is because our residents know that investment in our schools is a downpayment on a bright future. It is why so many families make New Jersey their home. prgtoken This investment benefits not only New Jersey. Our students grow up to work, serve, and lead in organizations across the Nation and around the globe. prgtoken That includes four--yes, four--NASA astronauts produced by the public schools in my congressional district alone. prgtoken We need to restore the SALT deduction cap and stop penalizing States like New Jersey that prioritize investment in our children and the professionals who educate the next generation, investments that benefit the entire country.
NATIONAL DEFENSE AUTHORIZATION ACT FOR FISCAL YEAR 2020--CONFERENCE REPORT
Tom Udall (Democrat, NM) \u2014 2019-12-12

I rise to discuss Congress's ongoing failure to assert our constitutional war powers. This failure is the root cause of two pressing concerns that we currently face: first, the seemingly endless U.S. involvement in Middle East wars; and, second, the very real possibility that the administration will involve us in more of them. prgtoken The Founders were clear in their intent. The Constitution squarely places the authority to ``declare war''--that is the phrase in the Constitution--and places it clearly with Congress and Congress alone. The Founders did this for good reason. For centuries, European monarchs had drained royal coffers, levied heavy taxes, and lost countless lives in wars that benefited themselves and not the people. prgtoken As Elbridge Gerry from Massachusetts said during the Constitutional Convention, after another delegate suggested giving this war power to the President: ``[I] never expected to hear in a republic a motion to empower the Executive alone to declare war.'' prgtoken The Founders vested this most consequential power in the legislative branch so that any decision to go to war would have broad public support. Since the Republic's beginning, there has been a tension between the Congress and the executive branch regarding the use of this power. prgtoken In the modern era, the balance has been upended. Our ability and willingness to effectively check the Executive on war powers is dangerously diminished. Congress has not declared war for any of our major conflicts since World War II. But after the bloody, prolonged, and politically divisive Vietnam War, Congress passed a War Powers Resolution of 1973, overriding the veto of President Nixon. That resolution requires Congress to issue an authorization for use of military force, or an AUMF. prgtoken Immediately after 9/11, a nearly unanimous Congress--myself included--authorized force against the perpetrators, al-Qaida and those who harbored them, by which we meant the Taliban government in Afghanistan. The 2001 AUMF authorized the United States' entering conflict in Afghanistan to root out al-Qaida. prgtoken The Taliban was then expelled from power. Al-Qaida in Afghanistan has been defeated. Osama Bin Laden is dead. And the now 18-year-old AUMF has outlived its purpose, as a stunning Washington Post expose on the Afghan war has now made clear. prgtoken The war in Afghanistan is the longest in U.S. history, but it no longer has a clear purpose. The Washington Post successfully sued for access to previously undisclosed government documents, dubbed the ``Afghanistan Papers.'' These 2,000 pages of interviews and memos from senior military, diplomatic, and White House officials tell a shocking and tragic story. Three separate administrations have had no well- formed mission for the war but fought on anyway and repeatedly misled the American people. prgtoken According to the head of the NATO command in Afghanistan in 2006, `
LOWER DRUG COSTS NOW ACT OF 2019
Max Rose (Democrat, NY) \u2014 2019-12-12

. Mr. Chair, before I came to Congress, my job was to make sure that those without healthcare and those who could barely afford it, could have access. prgtoken Every day, we would see doctors and nurses do the impossible in the worst system. And without fail, we all would wonder why no one would do anything to change it. Well, today we are. This bill does not cater to a base. This bill does not cater to Big Pharma, but this bill does cater to that family tonight who is going to have to choose between paying for prescription drugs or putting food on the table. This bill caters to the American people. prgtoken Today, Big Pharma loses, and the American people win. Because what we are doing today is giving Medicare the power to negotiate skyrocketing costs of prescription drugs. This historic legislation also creates new out-of-pocket limits on prescription drug costs for Medicare beneficiaries. It reinvests savings so that we can create new breakthrough treatments and cures at NIH, and it provides $10 billion in funding to combat the opioid epidemic. prgtoken For decades, Big Pharma and corporate PACs could count on their lobbyists and politicians to keep them safe at the expense of the American people. Not anymore. Today, the American people win. I urge all my colleagues to vote ``yes.''
ANTI-SEMITISM THREATENS OUR COUNTRY
Josh Gottheimer (Democrat, NJ) \u2014 2019-12-12

. Madam , I rise today because violent anti- Semitism continues to threaten our country, including in my home State of New Jersey. prgtoken Investigations are still underway, but I was devastated to learn that the victims in a kosher market in Jersey City, New Jersey, were likely targeted because they were Jewish. prgtoken All Americans should be outraged when fellow citizens are targeted simply because of their religion. The Anti-Defamation League has reported that anti-Semitism remains at near historic levels, with New Jersey ranked third in the Nation last year. prgtoken We must stand together now to denounce hate targeted at anyone and prevent more violence. prgtoken New Jersey stands together to honor the police officers harmed in the attack, who were doing what they do every single day, getting our backs, especially Detective Joseph Seals, a wonderful father of five beautiful children and a 15-year police veteran who gave his own life protecting his community. prgtoken We mourn with his loved ones, and our prayers are with the officers and community members still recovering. prgtoken Together, as one New Jersey, and as Americans, I know we can combat this hate, which has no place in our community, in the State of New Jersey, or in our country. prgtoken May God continue to bless the people of Jersey City, the State of New Jersey, and the United States of America.
EXPRESSING THE SENSE OF THE SENATE THAT IT IS THE POLICY OF THE UNITED STATES TO COMMEMORATE THE ARMENIAN GENOCIDE
Christopher Murphy (Democrat, CT) \u2014 2019-12-12

I am on the floor briefly today to remind my colleagues to remind their constituents that December 15 is the open enrollment deadline for healthcare at healthcare.gov. This is incredibly important because if you are uninsured or you are currently on an Affordable Care Act plan, if you don't renew or sign up by the 15th, you will be frozen out of the marketplace unless you have what is called a qualifying event. prgtoken As we head back for the weekend, I want to ensure we do everything we can to make sure there are aren't more people who go into the New Year without insurance than absolutely necessary. This is especially important because we have seen a big decline in the number of people who have insurance in this country since President took office. prgtoken Obviously, we made enormous progress after the passage of the Affordable Care Act. We were able to get the percentage of Americans without insurance down to around 5 percent. That is really extraordinary. Yet we have seen that progress reverse. We have seen more and more people go without insurance since this administration started to wage what is a pretty consistent, remarkable war on the Affordable Care Act. prgtoken As we speak today, the administration is in court trying to get the court system--the Federal court system--to strike down the entirety of the Affordable Care Act. If they are successful in that endeavor, then next year's deadline will not matter because the Affordable Care Act will be gone; 20 million people will lose their health insurance; insurers will once again be able to charge you more because you have a preexisting condition or your kid has cancer or you are a woman. prgtoken As we fight that court case, we need to remember that the Affordable Care Act is still out there and is still very affordable for millions and millions of Americans. Seventy percent of enrollees who go on to healthcare.gov find they qualify for financial help, meaning the sticker price is not actually what you pay. The tax credits in Care will help you get that premium lower. prgtoken In fact, on average, folks are getting pretty sizable premiums--in the neighborhood of $500. That could make healthcare incredibly affordable, even if the sticker price looks out of your range. prgtoken A woman in Hartford, named Deborah, visited a local enrollment fair after receiving a letter saying her premiums actually might be going up. She said this: That scared me a little bit so I wanted to come in and have someone explain it to me whether it was going to go up, decrease, you know, what were my options. What ended up happening is that actually my premium went down for the same plan but I also learned that just because they renew you that I had the opportunity to go in and say no, I don't want that plan, I want to choose this plan. I am ecstatic with my new plan. . . . I got educated on the insuran
HONORING THE WILLINGBORO HIGH SCHOOL CHIMERAS FOR WINNING THE NJSIAA REGIONAL FOOTBALL CHAMPIONSHIP
Andy Kim (Democrat, NJ) \u2014 2019-12-12

. Madam , I rise today to congratulate the Willingboro High School Chimeras football team, who last week won the NJSIAA Group 1 South Regional Championship. prgtoken Led by head coach Steve Everette and a strong roster from starters to reserves, the Chimeras showed outstanding teamwork and perseverance all season. From a dominant offensive line to their lockdown defense, the team's balance and focus helped them bring home the Group 1 South Regional title. prgtoken In the final, Willingboro's strong defense, rushing attack and ability to stretch the field helped propel them to a 50-14 victory over Penns Grove. The Chimeras played through pressure in the final to finish the season on a 12-game winning streak, ending the year 12-1. prgtoken I'm proud to be able to celebrate the success of some of the talented student-athletes from my district in New Jersey. I want to congratulate Coach Everette and the Willingboro team on their tremendous season, and for bringing the title back to Burlington County.
MR. HENRY COLE'S 100TH BIRTHDAY
John Lewis (Democrat, GA) \u2014 2019-12-12

. Madam , on Thursday, December 19, 2019, Mr. Henry Cole of Washington, D.C. will celebrate his centennial birthday. prgtoken Mr. Cole and his nine siblings were born and raised right here in the nation's capital, where he developed a love for his family, his hometown, and his nation. During World War II, Mr. Cole honorably served in the United States Navy and was stationed at Pearl Harbor in Honolulu, Hawaii. prgtoken After the war, he returned home to Washington, D.C where he continued his pursuit of the American Dream. Mr. Cole worked as a machinist at the Washington Navy Yard, opened a family-owned restaurant with his sister, and eventually retired from the United States Postal Service in 1980 after a long, distinguished career in public service. prgtoken I believe one of the most moving and inspirational aspects of Mr. Cole's legacy and life is the love affair he shared with Gloria, his beloved wife of 68 years. Together, they raised seven children-- Theodore, Shelia, Sylvia, Linda, Rex, Alice and Don. Those seeds planted with love continue to flourish in their 25 grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren. prgtoken Madam , there is an African proverb that says, ``What you help a child to love can be more important than what you help him to learn.'' Mr. Cole adored his family, his country, and his community; however, he never restricted his devotion and wisdom to his immediate family and maintained an open door and served as a father figure and role model to countless others. prgtoken As we strive towards realizing the dream of a nation at peace with itself and her neighbors, Mr. Cole witnessed and was an agent of change. On the behalf of a grateful nation, I thank this beloved patriarch for embodying courage, character, compassion for the last century. prgtoken For these reasons, Madam , I am proud to join the family and all who know and love Mr. Henry Cole in honoring him on the occasion of his 100th birthday.
LOWER DRUG COSTS NOW ACT OF 2019
Nancy Pelosi (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2019-12-12

I thank the gentlewoman from Michigan, a leader in the freshman class, for yielding time and for her extraordinary leadership in so many ways. prgtoken It is just so invigorating to see the freshmen Members of this class taking prgtoken the lead on this important legislation. Many of us just came in from the steps of the Capitol where, again, the freshmen Members took the lead. prgtoken Following up on a promise made last year during the election, For the People, we will lower the cost of healthcare in America by lowering the cost of prescription drugs. H.R. 3 does just that, named for our great and departed--may he rest in peace--Elijah E. Cummings Lower Drug Costs Now Drug Act. prgtoken This is very, very important. And it may come as news to some of our friends who were saying things to the contrary, but this is a product of the work of three committees in Congress. prgtoken I thank Chairman Pallone of the Committee on Energy and Commerce, Chairman Richie Neal of the Committee on Ways and Means, and Bobby Scott, chair of the Committee on Education and Labor, for their relentless and persistent work on this lifesaving legislation where many freshmen are speaking now, controlling the time. prgtoken But in the course of the debate of yesterday, under the aegis of the committees of jurisdiction, many of them spoke at that time as well, demonstrating their leadership on this issue, making it a reality on the floor of the House. Again, I thank them for their bold urgency to lower the cost of drugs. prgtoken The crushing burden of prescription drugs is an issue that impacts every family in America. Much talk is given around here about having a seat at the table. The most important seat at the most important table is the kitchen table of America's working families where they enjoy family, but also address challenges that face them, whether it is in their health or in their financial health and how that is related. prgtoken This legislation today speaks to that important table of concerns. prgtoken In my travels across the country, I have seen grown men cry about how they cannot meet the needs of their families when it comes to prescription drug costs, a spouse with a long-term illness, children with chronic diseases, and the rest. prgtoken Prescription drug prices are out of control. The price of insulin invented nearly a century ago--when people say we have to cover our research costs--doubled from 2012 to 2016 because of Big Pharma. prgtoken Many people use it. A lot of people buy it. Let's increase our profits, they say. prgtoken Americans are paying four times or more for what Big Pharma charges for the exact drugs in other countries. prgtoken While Big Pharma companies reap record-breaking profits and multibillion-dollar windfalls from the GOP tax scam, 58 million Americans couldn't afford to fill a prescription they needed to stay healthy in the past year--58 million Americans. prgtoken Thirty