mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
AFFORDABLE CARE ACT
Ron Wyden (Democrat, OR) \u2014 2019-7-17

on October 22, 2018, the Departments of Health and Human Services and the Treasury issued a document, entitled State Relief and Empowerment Waivers, relating to section 1332 of the Affordable Care Act and its implementing regulations. prgtoken Although it was not submitted to Congress for review under the Congressional Review Act, CRA, this so-called guidance document seemed to me to be a substantive rule that should be subject to review under the CRA. Accordingly, I wrote a letter, along with Chairman Pallone of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, asking the U.S. Government Accountability Office, GAO, to determine whether the CRA applied. prgtoken This week, I received a reply, in which the GAO general counsel concludes that the 2018 guidance ``is a rule under the CRA, which requires that it be submitted to Congress for review.'' prgtoken I ask unanimous consent that the letter from GAO, dated July 15, 2019, be printed in the Congressional Record following my remarks. The letter I am now submitting to be printed in the Congressional Record is the original document provided by GAO to my office. I will also provide a copy of the GAO letter to the Parliamentarian's office. prgtoken Based on Senate precedent, my understanding is that the publication of the GAO legal opinion in today's Record will start the ``clock'' for congressional review under the provisions of the CRA.
American Miners Act (Executive Calendar)
Robert P. Casey, Jr. (Democrat, PA) \u2014 2019-7-17

I rise to discuss this urgent issue of pensions and our legislative proposal to address this looming crisis. prgtoken I commend and salute the work of Senator Manchin, my colleague from West Virginia, for his indefatigable work on this. There are probably a few other words I could use for his determination over time, and not just over months but literally now over years, as well as Senator Kaine's, from Virginia, and Senator Brown's, who will follow me. We are grateful for this combination of States coming together to stand up for workers. prgtoken We know this discussion on the floor of the Senate takes place at a significant time. The House Ways and Means Committee just passed the bipartisan Butch Lewis Act, H.R. 397, on the 10th of July. The House is taking much needed action, and it is long past time that the U.S. Senate does the same. prgtoken In my home State, there is a whole group of workers. Obviously, miners are a big part of this, the Teamsters, Bakery and Confectionery Workers, all of whom, through no fault of their own, are seeing their hard-earned pensions threatened. Failure to act could result in devastating economic consequences to communities across both the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania as well as throughout the Nation. Tens of thousands of pensions of Pennsylvanians could be at risk, including-- and these are just some of the numbers--11,831 coal miners and 21,460 Teamsters. prgtoken Despite the challenges ahead, the good news is, we have bipartisan legislation to deal with this pension crisis through the legislation known as the Butch Lewis Act. The bill creates a loan program for troubled pensions. It is a commonsense solution that brings the public and private sectors together to address this crisis. prgtoken We must also pass legislation so we can address coal miner health and pension benefits. Senator Manchin, as I referred to earlier, has shown great leadership throughout this process. We want to thank all the Senators who are with us today and others who are not with us on the floor, necessarily, but are with us by way of supporting this legislation. prgtoken We have a long way to go and a mountain to climb for several reasons. There are a number of Senators around this Chamber who, on a regular basis, when a multinational corporation needs help, will pull out all the stops. They will overturn any stone. They will surmount any barrier. They will fight through any wall of opposition or resistance. That is the same kind of persistence and determination and resolve we need for workers--in my case, whether it is a coal miner or a teamster or a bakery and confectionery worker. prgtoken It is long past due that we bring the same sense of urgency to the issues that involve workers as some here brought to corporate taxes. Just by way of one example, we were debating the 2017--November 2017 and December 2017 tax bill. My God, there were lobbyists all over town and people scurry
Climate Change (Executive Calendar)
Benjamin L. Cardin (Democrat, MD) \u2014 2019-7-17

I join my colleagues in bringing up the challenges of climate change and our responsibility to do something about it. prgtoken Climate change is real. It is putting our communities at risk. Our activities here on Earth are affecting climate change, and we can do something about it. By reducing carbon emissions, we can make a real difference in the trajectory of the catastrophic impact of climate change. I just want to give a couple examples. prgtoken Last Monday, we had record flash flooding in this region. In less than 1 hour, we had 1 month's worth of rain. That is becoming typical as a result of climate change. In our region, we saw streets that were flooded, sinkholes that developed, water pouring into our Metro stations, and roads that were literally ripped apart. prgtoken This shows one major road in Potomac, MD--not very far from here-- that is critically important for a community to be connected. The road was destroyed by the record rainfall during that period of time. prgtoken We had CSX and Amtrak put high-speed restrictions on the rail service. In Baltimore, we had 1.3 million gallons of sewage from the Jones Falls river flow into the Inner Harbor, which produced a sight in the Inner Harbor of Baltimore that is truly regrettable. prgtoken This photo I think shows beautiful downtown Baltimore. It doesn't look very beautiful. That was just this past Monday and was as a result of the high amount of water flow and the inability of our sewage treatment facilities to treat that amount of runoff. We are just not prepared for it. It is another example of why we need to act. prgtoken We need to act now. Climate change is here. The catastrophic impacts are here, and we can do something about it. prgtoken Let me just make a couple of suggestions. We need to upgrade our stormwater systems in this country. We have a 21st-century problem with 20th-century infrastructure. It can't handle it. We need to invest in adaptation and deal with the realities of the new weather systems we are confronting every day. prgtoken Yes, we have to act on climate change. As I said, it is real. Our activities are impacting it, and we could do something about it. There are many examples I could give that are affecting our lives. I have already shared some about some water. We have wildfires in the West. We have extreme weather conditions throughout. We have unprecedented concentration and frequency of rainfall in the mid-Atlantic, driven by climate change. prgtoken Studies have shown that tropical storms move more slowly, with much more precipitation. We saw that with Hurricanes Harvey and Irma in 2017 and Florence in 2018. All those were slower moving hurricanes, dropping a lot more water, saturating our inlands, and making it more difficult to deal with the next weather condition. We have warmer ocean temperatures that are making these storms more costly to our communities. We have what is known as compound flooding as a r
PROVIDING FOR CONSIDERATION OF H.R. 582, RAISE THE WAGE ACT
Joseph D. Morelle (Democrat, NY) \u2014 2019-7-17

such time as I may consume. prgtoken , I appreciate the opportunity to spend some time on the floor with my distinguished colleague from Texas, though we disagree strongly about this. prgtoken I would just once again reiterate that the CBO estimate on this is nowhere near 4 million jobs lost. That is not mentioned anywhere in the CBO report. It talks about a range from zero to 3.7 million. The median is 1.3 million. prgtoken But, again, this is as much a question of values and what we stand for and a moral imperative as it is for statistics, because the statistics would argue for it. prgtoken 1.3 million Americans would be lifted out of poverty the moment we pass this and this becomes law. Nearly 30 million Americans would see their annual wage increased, in some cases dramatically. prgtoken And this, as I indicated earlier, makes certain that, as a matter of public policy, we make certain that there is no erosion of the purchasing power of the minimum wage because of the indexing on this. prgtoken I really feel, , that those are the statistics that we ought to be mindful of, not just the worst possible, which is overstated by my colleague and friend. prgtoken There should be, , no place in this great Nation where a minimum wage employee working full-time cannot afford the basic essentials. prgtoken The work we are doing here today does not dictate a one-size-fits-all model for every State. It simply creates a floor, but a floor that is important, a Federal standard that says, if you work full-time in this country, if you put in the effort to earn for yourself and your family, you will achieve, at a minimum, a wage that lets you afford the basic necessities of life. prgtoken I believe this bill is just; I believe it is moral; I believe it is long overdue; prgtoken and I look forward to supporting its passage. prgtoken , I would like to thank my colleagues for their words of support for H.R. 582, the Raise the Wage Act. I would especially like to thank Chairman Scott for his leadership and his commitment to this effort, and Chairman McGovern of the Rules Committee for his work to move this significant legislation to the floor. prgtoken , I urge a ``yes'' vote on the rule; I urge a ``yes'' vote on the previous question.
Nomination of Lynda Blanchard (Executive Calendar)
Robert Menendez (Democrat, NJ) \u2014 2019-7-17

I regret that I come to the floor to announce my opposition to one of President 's political nominees, Ms. Lynda Blanchard. To be honest, I cannot even believe that we are considering her nomination on the floor of the Senate. prgtoken U.S. Ambassadors are supposed to represent the best of America to nations around the world, and I challenge my colleagues, and alike, to look at this nominee's record and tell me with a straight face that Lynda Blanchard should represent the United States anywhere. prgtoken Look, I have made a good-faith effort to work with this administration to confirm a number of well-qualified individuals to State Department positions that are vital to advancing America's interests around the world. I don't think anyone can deny that. prgtoken But there are some nominees who just raise too many red flags, and I raised this to Secretary of State Mike Pompeo in a letter I sent in June of 2018, shortly after his confirmation. prgtoken I explained that a number of nominees before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee had demonstrated histories of questionable temperament and judgement, of questionable conduct, of #MeToo issues, just to mention a few, and I expressed my hope that we could work together to find qualified nominees to the U.S. Department of State. I am disappointed that that effort went unheeded. prgtoken Ms. Blanchard has a history of using Facebook as a platform to post incendiary, false articles and disturbing statements. For example, she once shared an article titled ``The Clinton `Body Count' EXPANDS--5 Mysterious DEATHS in the Last 6 Weeks,'' resurrecting the vicious lie and preposterous conspiracy theory that President Bill Clinton and Secretary of State Hillary Clinton have systematically murdered political opponents and associates. prgtoken Then, on election day of 2016, she posted on Facebook ``Make God our Father paint this country Red with the Blood of Jesus!''-- inappropriately using religion as a blunt instrument in a political campaign. prgtoken She has also shared articles by the far-right Conservative Tribune, some of prgtoken which were taken down for failing to meet its ``editorial standards''-- quite literally, fake news. prgtoken What is perhaps most disappointing to me is that 2\1/2\ years into the administration, none of this is particularly new. We have had diplomatic appointments call for putting political opponents in prison, such as Kyle McCarter, President 's Ambassador to Kenya, who tweeted on election night of 2016: ``Hillary for prison. No, really!'' prgtoken We have had diplomatic appointments, already at their posts, make totally inappropriate and inflammatory forays into American politics, which is taboo for the Foreign Service, such as in June of this year, when Carla Sands, President 's Ambassador to Denmark, appeared to accuse former President of an ``attempted coup d'etat in Am
MIDDLE CLASS HEALTH BENEFITS TAX REPEAL ACT OF 2019
Suzan K. DelBene (Democrat, WA) \u2014 2019-7-17

. Madam , I include in the Record letters of support for H.R. 748. The ERISA Industry Committee, Washington, DC, July 15, 2019. Dear Member of Congress: This week, the House is expected to vote on H.R. 748, the ``Middle Class Health Benefits Tax Repeal Act of 2019.'' The ERISA Industry Committee (ERIC) is the only national trade association that advocates exclusively for large employer plan sponsors on health, retirement, and compensation public policies on the federal, state, and local levels. ERIC member companies employ workers in every state and community and provide health coverage that is valued and relied upon by families across the country. ERIC urges members of Congress to vote YES and support this legislation. H.R. 748, supported by more than 360 cosponsors in the House, would eliminate the impending 40% ``Cadillac'' excise tax on high-cost employer-sponsored health insurance. The tax does not target overly-generous benefits; instead, it attacks plans based upon their costs. As such, plans that insure more individuals with chronic conditions, more seniors, more women, and populations more likely to incur health care costs will be unfairly taxed at an unsustainable rate--as will those based parts of the country where health care is more expensive. If Congress fails to repeal the Cadillac tax, employers may have to: Directly shift costs to employees. This could include increasing the portion of the plan premium employees pay, increasing deductibles, copays and coinsurance. Eliminate employer contributions to consumer-directed accounts. This includes Health Savings Accounts (HSAs), Health Reimbursement Arrangements (HRAs), or Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs). Reduce access to care. This includes tightening networks and excluding high-cost providers, implementing barriers to high cost treatments and providers (step therapy, prior authorization), moving expensive medicines deeper into Rx formularies, and eliminating coverage for some medications. Eliminate coverage for spouses and dependents, and separate out or eliminate excepted benefits. These include dental, vision, hospital indemnity, cancer-only, or other ``add-on'' benefits. Drastically redesign plans. For instance, ending preferred provider organization (PPO) or similar plans, and implementing a high-deductible health plan (HDHP) or a health maintenance organization (HMO). Eliminate investments in health. Investments that plan sponsors make to improve health may save money later, but the costs of those investments could be considered to add value to the plan. As such, plans may consider eliminating on-site clinics, w
OPPOSING THE MOTION TO TABLE H. RES. 498
Jerrold Nadler (Democrat, NY) \u2014 2019-7-17

. Madam , today, I voted against the motion to table the article of impeachment offered by Congressman Al Green of Texas. To be clear, President has consistently invoked nativist and racist tropes that have a long and shameful history in this country. His recent vile and hateful comments were not just an attack on our colleagues, they were an attack on all immigrants and minorities, and on our fundamental values as a nation. prgtoken I opposed this procedural motion because this article of impeachment should have been referred to the House Judiciary Committee. One resolution related to impeachment has already been referred to the Committee. The subject matter of Congressman Green's resolution was separate and distinct and did not go directly to the issues of obstruction, corruption, and abuse of power at the core of our investigation--but it, too, should have been referred to us. My hope is that future impeachment resolutions be referred here as well, so that they can also be considered as part of the Committee's overall response to clear allegations of presidential misconduct. prgtoken Today's vote has no effect on that important work. Our investigation will continue. We will hear directly from Special Counsel Mueller one week from today. I very much doubt that today will be the last action we must consider to hold President accountable.
PERSONAL EXPLANATION
Lloyd Doggett (Democrat, TX) \u2014 2019-7-17

. Madam , a scheduling conflict in Texas prevented my presence for the July 12th vote on H.R. 1327, the Never Forget the Heroes: James Zadroga, Ray Pfeifer, and Luis Alvarez Permanent Authorization of the September 11th Victim Compensation Fund Act, which was approved 402 to 12. I would have voted for this bill, which I have sponsored. prgtoken Had I been present, I would have voted YEA on Roll Call No. 474.
50TH COMMEMORATION OF APOLLO 11
Sheila Jackson Lee (Democrat, TX) \u2014 2019-7-17

what a glorious week to celebrate the 50th commemoration of Apollo 11. prgtoken I rise as someone whose eyes were wide open when this magnificent act occurred. prgtoken I had the privilege of serving on the House Science, Space, and Technology Committee, as well, and on the Space and Aeronautics Subcommittee. I even served as they were building this massive space station. prgtoken It is likewise a privilege to represent the area on which NASA's Johnson Space Center is located. Just a few weeks ago, I walked through mission control and saw those outstanding men and women symbolizing those who were at their station on the very day that Neil Armstrong touched this magnificent planet. And then to be able to say, ``one small step for man, and one large step for mankind,'' but to know what the astronauts go through, and the stars in the eyes of children. prgtoken Every year, I hold a Christmas party of 15,000 for the children in our community. The most popular people that come are the astronauts that I invite. prgtoken I am excited about celebrating this 50th commemoration of Apollo 11. I salute the astronauts, the teams, and NASA because it opens our eyes to the wideness of space, the wonderment of science, and the greatness of America. prgtoken God bless them. Congratulations. And God bless America.
INSPECTOR GENERAL PROTECTION ACT
Harley Rouda (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2019-7-17

. Madam , such time as I may consume. prgtoken Madam , I am proud to support the Inspector General Protection Act, which would improve the independence of inspectors general. prgtoken This bipartisan bill, introduced by Representative Ted Lieu and Representative Jody Hice, would also address the disturbingly slow nomination of IGs that have been the norm across multiple administrations. prgtoken The bill would require notification of Congress 30 days prior to an IG being placed on leave. Such notification is already required prior to an IG being removed from duty. prgtoken The bill would also require the President to report to Congress if he has not nominated an IG after 210 days of a vacancy occurring. prgtoken The report must include the reasons for failing to make the nomination and a target date for doing so. The requirement will hopefully prod the executive branch to nominate IG's in a more timely manner. prgtoken Inspectors general provide critical oversight and accountability within Federal agencies, and the positions need to be filled more quickly than is currently the case. prgtoken Madam , I urge Members to support this bipartisan bill, and .
STOP CRUELTY TO MIGRANT CHILDREN ACT
Jeff Merkley (Democrat, OR) \u2014 2019-7-17

tonight I am rising to talk about legislation that I have introduced that now has 40 Senators sponsoring it. It is called the Stop Cruelty to Migrant Children Act. prgtoken I think all of us in America have seen so many stories of refugee children being treated in a horrific manner at the border or beyond the border in a system of child migrant prisons. prgtoken Just recently, we have had the story about 3-year old Sofia and her parents--Tania and Joseph--proceeded to experience horrific circumstances in which a gang killed Tania's mother and her sister-in- law. A note was posted on the door that they would be killed, that they had 45 minutes to leave. I imagine all of us would flee with our children under those circumstances. prgtoken They made it to the border of the United States. They did get through an initial hearing which is designed to determine if there is credible fear of return, and that sets the stage then for an asylum hearing. prgtoken But we are shipping folks back into Mexico to await that asylum hearing. In this case, the little girl in the family--she has a heart problem, and she had suffered a heart attack--a 3-year old girl--yet we sent that family back into Mexico without friends, without family, without funds. prgtoken It is only because a Member of Congress heard about it--a Member in the House, Congresswoman Escobar--and intervened, that the little girl was allowed to remain in the United States. Even then, the administration said you--the little girl, the 3-year old--you have to choose between which parent will be in the U.S. and which one will be sent back without funds, family, and friends into Mexico with the rest of the children. prgtoken It is a horrific situation to split the family in this process, horrific to ask a little girl to have to decide who would be in the safety of the U.S. and which parent would be sent back into very dangerous territory across the border. This is just one example out of thousands. prgtoken President John F. Kennedy said: ``This country has always served as a lantern in the dark for those who love freedom but are persecuted, in misery, or in need.'' prgtoken If President Kennedy were speaking today, he couldn't say those words because today our country, under the current leadership, is not conducting itself in a manner that serves as a ``lantern in the dark for those who love freedom but are persecuted, in misery, or in need.'' prgtoken Instead, we have a new policy. It is a policy that was articulated by John Kelly just weeks after the administration took office. The policy was that if we inflict pain and suffering on refugees, it will deter immigration. The strategy of deliberately inflicting pain on refugees is not supportable under any moral code, under any religious tradition, or under any system of ethics. prgtoken Shortly after John Kelly, who was then head of Homeland Security, expressed this, there was a reaction. This was in the ear