mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
MARKETING AND OUTREACH RESTORATION TO EMPOWER HEALTH EDUCATION ACT OF 2019
Virginia Foxx (Republican, NC) \u2014 2019-5-16

the balance of my time. prgtoken , s predicted all the bad things that have resulted from the so-called Affordable Care Act. It has not been affordable and has actually increased the cost of health insurance and care. prgtoken Unfortunately, our colleagues are so invested in supporting this legislation that they blame s for its failure. prgtoken The legislation has failed because it is hopelessly flawed and cannot be fixed. prgtoken , the piece of legislation before us, as I said earlier, is a choice-limited, freedom-limiting bill, and should not pass. prgtoken I would also like to make one more observation. prgtoken My colleagues have made repeated references to junk plans. Every time they do that, they are insulting the person who has chosen that plan for one reason or another due to individual circumstances or preferences. prgtoken Just because a product isn't something I would buy, or you would buy, does that make it junk? No. prgtoken Dismissing less expensive and more flexible health plans as junk isn't taking up for anyone, it is actually putting them down. prgtoken That is not the way we should be in this country. prgtoken , .
54TH ANNIVERSARY OF HEAD START AND 25TH ANNIVERSARY OF EARLY HEAD START
Lisa Murkowski (Republican, AK) \u2014 2019-5-16

today I wish to pay tribute to the countless men and women in Alaska and across the Nation who have dedicated their talents to ensuring that young children and their parents have the tools they need to succeed. I speak of all those involved in their local Head Start and Early Head Start programs, the program directors, teachers, aides, and parent leaders. prgtoken This week marks the 54th anniversary of Head Start and the 25th anniversary of Early Head Start. Since 1964, more than 36 million children have participated in Head Start, a program that research has shown reduces intergenerational poverty by helping parents to gain parenting, work, and leadership skills and which gives young children at risk the academic, health, and nutritional services they need to build a foundation for success. prgtoken Children who attend Head Start begin school with better literacy, prgtoken numeracy, cognitive, and behavioral skills than they otherwise would have had. They are more likely to graduate and complete college. They are more likely to live healthy, productive lives as adults. Today, Head Start alumni are strong, resilient individuals who make positive contributions to their communities as doctors, nurses, athletes, parents, entrepreneurs, teachers, police officers, CEOs, authors, artists, and more. prgtoken Head Start and Early Head Start are more important now than they ever have been, helping families across the country so tragically hurt by the opioid crisis. Head Start and Early Head Start directors, teachers, aides, and parent leaders are on the frontlines, helping our most at- risk children survive and thrive in the face of the adverse childhood experiences caused by homelessness, neglect, and abuse. They are there in times of natural disaster, community violence, and personal crisis. They are helping parents and grandparents provide stable and nurturing environments. In Native communities, they are helping to revitalize languages and strengthen traditional ways of knowing and living. Our communities and the Nation as a whole are stronger because Head Start and Early Head Start programs help millions of families find their way to strength and resilience. prgtoken Head Start staff in Alaska and across the country are dedicated, innovative, caring, and motivated people who work hard each and every day to ensure that the children and families they serve have the tools they need to achieve their full potential. Beyond the voluminous research showing the positive impact of these programs, I know what they do makes a lasting difference. When I visit elementary schools across my State, principals tell me that the students who have participated in Head Start are better prepared in every way for school. prgtoken So I take this opportunity to wish every Head Start and Early Head Start staff member and participant. Happy anniversary. As a longtime supporter, I recommit to doing all I can to ensure that our
MARKETING AND OUTREACH RESTORATION TO EMPOWER HEALTH EDUCATION ACT OF 2019
Kevin McCarthy (Republican, CA) \u2014 2019-5-16

I want to spend 1 minute and thank my friend, Congressman Walden. I know the work that he puts in when it comes to healthcare for America. prgtoken , I know of a bill that Mr. Walden has in to protect preexisting conditions. We have asked many times to mark it up or bring it to the floor--no, not brought. It is talked about a lot, , but no bill to bring it here. prgtoken I know your care when it comes to not just healthcare, but the type of treatment one is able to get, the quality of care out there, because, , there are people out there who will run health facilities for the seniors but don't do a very good job. The quality is not there. prgtoken People have lost their own healthcare within there. People have been fined by the way they have treated individuals and seniors. People have lost eyes just because the treatment had been poor. prgtoken , we are here today on this floor because we all know that drug prices are too high. That is why the Energy and Commerce Committee worked tirelessly to pass three healthcare bills unanimously to address that. prgtoken Now, how often is that said on this floor? Not very often. It was a moment that I heard from almost every member on that committee, a moment of pride. prgtoken We could have legislation passed in a bipartisan fashion today. We could take it from that committee and bring it to the floor, and we would have the exact same thing happen. We could have the s and the coming together to lower the price of drugs. prgtoken You know who wins? All of America. prgtoken Sadly, however, these good faith efforts have been unnecessarily thrown into a partisan and senseless attempt to bail out pieces of the Affordable Care Act. prgtoken Now, I don't say that--but I guess I just did, . I knew it because I happen to be a Member of Congress. I watched it because I watched the committee work together, find common ground in a place where it is really difficult. prgtoken But when I looked at The Washington Post, it was very interesting. This is what they said. They actually put it best. are putting a ``political pothole''--yeah, that is what they said--a ``political pothole'' in the way of real drug pricing reform. prgtoken You know, if you ever spend time back in your district or across this country, I would promise you one of the top three issues you will get is the price of drugs. I think everybody in this body was looking forward to this day, prior to the playing with political potholes. prgtoken Make no mistake, the drug pricing component of H.R. 987 is very strong. The three drug pricing bills in this legislation get to the heart of the problem, the lack of competition in the generic drug market. Increased competition for generic drugs would lead to lower prices and make medication more accessible. Two things, I think, anybody in America would desire. prgtoken Just th
AUTHORITY FOR COMMITTEES TO MEET
Rob Portman (Republican, OH) \u2014 2019-5-16

I have 6 requests for committees to meet during today's session of the Senate. They have the approval of the Majority and Minority leaders. prgtoken Pursuant to rule XXVI, paragraph 5(a), of the Standing Rules of the Senate, the following committees are authorized to meet during today's session of the Senate: Committee on Energy and Natural Resources prgtoken The Committee on Energy and Natural Resources is authorized to meet during the session of the Senate on Thursday, May 16, 2019, at 10 a.m to conduct a hearing. Committee on Foreign Relations prgtoken The Committee on Foreign Relations is authorized to meet during the session of the Senate on Thursday, May 16, 2019, at 2 p.m to conduct a hearing on the following nominations: Bridget A. Brink, of Michigan to be Ambassador to the Slovak Republic, Kenneth A. Howery, of Texas, to be Ambassador to the Kingdom of Sweden, Matthew S. Klimow, of New York, to be Ambassador to Turkmenistan, and John Jefferson Daigle, of Louisiana, to be Ambassador to the Republic of Cabo Verde, all of the Department of State. Committee on the Judiciary prgtoken The Committee on the Judiciary is authorized to meet during the session of the Senate on Thursday, May 16, 2019, at 10 a.m to conduct a hearing on pending legislation and the following nominations: Ada E. Brown, to be United States District Judge for the Northern District of Texas, Steven D. Grimberg, to be United States District Judge for the Northern District of Georgia, David John Novak, to be United States District Judge for the Eastern District of Virginia, and Matthew H. Solomson, of Maryland, to be a Judge of the United States Court of Federal Claims. Committee on Veterans' Affairs prgtoken The Committee on Veterans' Affairs is authorized to meet during the session of the Senate on Thursday, May 16, 2019, at 10 a.m to conduct a hearing entitled, ``Oversight of the U.S. Election Assistance Commission.'' Select Committee on Intelligence prgtoken The Select Committee on Intelligence is authorized to meet during the session of the Senate on Thursday, May 16, 2019, at 2 p.m to conduct a hearing. Subcommittee on Science, Oceans, Fisheries, and Weather prgtoken The Subcommittee on Science, Oceans, Fisheries, and Weather of the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation is authorized to meet during the session of the Senate on Thursday, May 16, 2019, at 10 a.m to conduct a hearing.
RECOGNIZING JUSTIN MASSIELO AND EMELIE CURTIS
Brian K. Fitzpatrick (Republican, PA) \u2014 2019-5-16

. Madam , I rise today to recognize a faith community in Bucks County, Pennsylvania, that recently celebrated a very special milestone. prgtoken St. Michael's Evangelical Lutheran Church in Sellersville commemorates its 150th anniversary this year. prgtoken First commissioned in 1869, St. Michael's was to be a union church between Reformed and Lutheran Christians. Nearly 2,000 people attended one of St. Michael's consecration ceremonies. prgtoken The church is rich with tradition and history. Early sermons were spoken in German, and in 1904, the church became the first building in Sellersville to have electricity. prgtoken Today, the St. Michael's community is as active as ever, participating in community meals, working on community gardens, and providing food for Pennridge FISH and Keystone Opportunity Center, and offering numerous educational programs. prgtoken Madam , we congratulate the St. Michael's faith community on their 150th anniversary of such an amazing and special place. prgtoken I would also like to thank Pastor Julie Bergdahl for her pastoral care and leadership.
MARKETING AND OUTREACH RESTORATION TO EMPOWER HEALTH EDUCATION ACT OF 2019
Greg Walden (Republican, OR) \u2014 2019-5-16

it is amazing to me that 17 navigators, according to CMS, during the grant year 2016 to 2017, 17 of these navigators that my friends on the other side of the aisle are such big fans of enrolled fewer than 100 people at an average cost of $5,000 per enrollee. That doesn't seem to be very cost efficient to me. prgtoken As I have said before, today, The Wall Street Journal investigation found one grantee got 200 grand and enrolled one person. This is a great program. prgtoken You can't understand why the administration wants to cut back and put some boundaries around? I can't imagine why you would embrace that. I just don't get it. prgtoken The top 10 most expensive navigators collected $2.77 million, and they signed up 314 people. Let that one sink in. I mean, if you all want to embrace that, that is up to you. Not the way I would do business. prgtoken The Las Vegas Review-Journal editorialized: ``The navigator scheme is a make-work government jobs program rife with corruption and highly susceptible to scam artists. It's a slush fund for progressive constituent groups.'' prgtoken That is a respected newspaper. The journalist is writing this, Wall Street Journal's investigation. prgtoken We figure out $62.5 million in grants enrolled 81,426 individuals. That is less than 1 percent. That is your navigators, , that some are so enthralled with; that is their body of work: $62.5 million, 1 percent. prgtoken Now, if you just run a simple calculation, that means about $767 was spent prgtoken per individual that was enrolled. That is a lot of money. prgtoken By contrast, agents and brokers assisted with 42 percent of the federally facilitated exchange enrollment for plan year 2018, which cost the FFE only $2.40, $2.40 per enrollee to provide training and technical assistance. prgtoken So we have before us this opportunity to either fund a program that appears to be susceptible to scam, according to one paper: One person gets enrolled, and one person gets paid $200,000 to enroll that one person. That is the outcome. That doesn't seem to make a lot of sense to me. prgtoken So I would say to my colleague from California that where we really need the transparency and accountability is on the navigators themselves. That is where we ought to be investigating. prgtoken And on the short-term duration plans, it is unfortunate that Ms. Eshoo's amendment was not made in order, because I agree that we need more transparency on those plans so people know what they are buying. I don't want anybody to get a plan that doesn't cover what they need. I don't think any of us do. prgtoken So, , I oppose the gentleman's amendment, and unless any other Member requests time, .
TRIBUTE TO JONATHAN MIKLOS
John Thune (Republican, SD) \u2014 2019-5-16

today I recognize Jonathan Miklos, an intern in my Rapid City, SD, office, for all of the hard work he has done for me, my staff, and the State of South Dakota over the past several months. prgtoken Jonathan is a graduate of Stevens High School in Rapid City, SD. Currently, he is attending South Dakota State University in Brookings, SD, where he is double majoring in political science and history. He is a hard worker who has been dedicated to getting the most out of his internship experience. prgtoken I extend my sincere thanks and appreciation to Jonathan for all of the fine work he has done and wish him continued success in the years to come.
MARKETING AND OUTREACH RESTORATION TO EMPOWER HEALTH EDUCATION ACT OF 2019
Tim Walberg (Republican, MI) \u2014 2019-5-16

I rise today in opposition to H.R. 987, and I truly lament the fact that the other side is once again, under their leadership's direction, trying to score political points instead of truly solving problems. prgtoken s and agree on the need to tackle out-of-control prescription drug costs. It is an issue that touches all of our districts. People are struggling and in need of relief. prgtoken All of the names mentioned today, the illustrations, from the of the House on to my colleagues, names that were mentioned of people who are hurting and need relief from drug costs, are being let down by the leadership today. prgtoken Up until today, we have been working together on solutions. On the Energy and Commerce Committee on which I sit, as well, we passed three drug pricing bills with overwhelming bipartisan support: The CREATES Act, the Protecting Consumer Access to Generic Drugs Act, and the Bringing Low-cost Options and Competition while prgtoken Keeping Incentives for New Generics Act. These bills would foster greater competition and help bring generic drugs to market as soon as possible and at more affordable prices. prgtoken Once again, they all had bipartisan support. They were bills that were good bills. prgtoken Unfortunately, the turned this bipartisan issue into a political football by adding several partisan provisions to this bill package, and they let down everyone that they have talked about today who needs affordable prescription drugs. They are costly provisions that bail out failed Care programs and strip away affordable healthcare options for families. prgtoken The also rejected a number of commonsense amendments, including one I offered to protect expanded access to association health plans. These association health plans give more affordable options to workers and small businesses to purchase healthcare that fits their needs. We should be encouraging these options, not removing them. prgtoken But most of all, today should be a moment of bipartisanship, a moment of meaningful results. We had an opportunity to get something done today on behalf of our constituents who are struggling with skyrocketing costs of prescription drugs. Instead, politics got in the way and we missed that opportunity. prgtoken The American people deserve better than that, and I think most of us are better than that. We stand ready to work on lowering prescription drug costs. prgtoken I hope our colleagues on the other side of the aisle will talk to their leadership and put politics aside and join us in that effort. I believe we and they are better than that and that, by standing up to leadership that wants to make it political, if they do that, we can get this done. I stand ready to work. prgtoken I hate to do this, . I want to keep talking about this and get a solution, but my time is up.
MAY IS MENTAL HEALTH MONTH
Glenn Thompson (Republican, PA) \u2014 2019-5-16

May is Mental Health Month, a time when we are encouraged to break down the stigmas that surround mental health. prgtoken Normalizing conversations about depression, anxiety, and other conditions will help those affected by mental illness seek the quality care that they need and deserve. prgtoken One group that is overwhelmingly impacted by mental health disorders is veterans. prgtoken Unfortunately, we know that about 22 veterans commit suicide each and every day. prgtoken Congress understands how dire the situation has become and is working diligently to find a solution. Fortunately, we have made progress over the past few years. prgtoken Last year's passage of the VA Mission Act significantly increased the care available to our veterans, ensuring they have access to a medical professional before resorting to suicide. prgtoken This is a step in the right direction, but more can certainly be done. prgtoken These men and women answer the call of duty, and as a Nation, we must care for them when they return home. prgtoken Until veteran suicide rates dwindle to zero, I will continue to work with my colleagues to support veterans' mental health programs.
NOMINATIONS
Mitch McConnell (Republican, KY) \u2014 2019-5-16

yesterday the Senate voted to confirm Kenneth Lee of California to serve as a U.S. circuit court judge for the Ninth Circuit. Yet another well-qualified nominee will now bring impressive legal experience and fine academic credentials to the job of upholding the rule of law as a Federal judge. prgtoken Mr. Lee is far from the only nominee to an important position whom the Senate confirmed this week. prgtoken On Tuesday we confirmed Michael Truncale of Texas to the Federal bench in the Eastern District of Texas, and today we will consider three more of the President's abundantly qualified picks to fill vacancies in the executive branch and in the judiciary. prgtoken First, we will vote on Wendy Vitter of Louisiana, who has been nominated to be a U.S. district court judge for the Eastern District of Louisiana. Ms. Vitter's impressive legal career includes experience in private practice and a decade in the Orleans Parish District Attorney's Office, where she handled more than 100 felony jury trials. Ms. Vitter has been favorably reported twice by our colleagues on the Judiciary Committee. I would urge every one of our colleagues to vote to confirm her today. prgtoken Following the Vitter nomination, we will turn to Brian Bulatao, nominated to serve as Under Secretary of State for Management. As I have mentioned, the job description is essentially that of chief operating officer at the State Department, ensuring that tens of thousands of diplomats, civil servants, and staff are provided for and a host of important missions around the world can actually be carried out. prgtoken Fortunately, we have a strong nominee who is up to the task. Mr. Bulatao is a graduate of West Point and Harvard Business School. After service in the Army, he founded a business and worked in financial management before entering public service as chief operating officer at the CIA. prgtoken In Chairman Risch's assessment, he is ``eminently qualified.'' Our colleagues on the Foreign Relations Committee certainly agree, having favorably reported his nomination with no opposition. prgtoken It has been 11 long months since the Senate first received his nomination--11 months. I am glad that today we will finally be able to put partisan delay behind us and get the nominee confirmed. prgtoken Finally, the Senate will vote today on the nomination of Jeffrey Rosen to serve as Deputy Attorney General. As I have discussed earlier in the week, the President has chosen a nominee with a rock-solid legal reputation who served with distinction as the Deputy Secretary of Transportation and who would be a clear asset to the Department of Justice and to the Nation in this new capacity. prgtoken So I would urge my colleagues to join me in voting to confirm each of these three well-qualified nominees for Federal service.
REMEMBERING RICHARD LUGAR
Susan M. Collins (Republican, ME) \u2014 2019-5-16

I wish to honor our former colleague Senator Richard Lugar, who passed away recently and whose memorial service was this week. As the longest serving Senator from his beloved Indiana, Richard Lugar dedicated 36 years of service to his State, the Senate, and our Nation. He was a dear friend and mentor who already had 22 years of Senate service when I joined the Senate. prgtoken What I remember most fondly about Senator Lugar is that he combined an extraordinary intellect with good humor. He knew so much about foreign policy and was also so approachable that new Senators like myself never hesitated to seek his guidance. prgtoken Senator Lugar's commitment to bipartisanship guided his engagement on issues from international affairs to agriculture. He sought compromises to achieve results, regardless of the political calculus. He eschewed polarization and cautioned colleagues that, ``whatever is won today through division is usually lost tomorrow.'' Instead he sought to foster good will to bring together opposing sides. He continued this effort after his service in the Senate with the Lugar Center, a nonprofit public policy institution that seeks to improve the quality of debate and bridge ideological divides on important issues. prgtoken It is this approach that led to great success in international affairs from South Africa to the Philippines. prgtoken Senator Lugar viewed support for democracy and development as a stabilizing force to counter international threats. Around the world, partners trusted his foreign policy expertise and judgment. Perhaps his greatest achievement was his bipartisan work with Senator Sam Nunn in developing the Cooperative Threat Reduction Program to dismantle weapons of mass destruction in the former states of the Soviet Union, eliminating nuclear arms in Ukraine, Belarus, and Kazakhstan. His work to limit weapons of mass destruction led to the deactivation and destruction of thousands of nuclear warheads and ballistic missiles. Due to Senator Lugar' s vision, leadership, and bipartisan approach, we live in a safer world. prgtoken Through his contributions to international security, Senator Lugar serves as a reminder of what we can achieve if we work together to face the challenges that pose dangers to world peace and stability and, of course, to the interests of the United States and our international partners. As we reflect on his life and his lessons, I hope my colleagues will honor his legacy by building bipartisan bridges to resolve the pressing problems of today.