mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
Women's Healthcare (Executive Calendar)
Margaret Wood Hassan (Democrat, NH) \u2014 2019-5-8

as Mother's Day approaches, I rise to join my ic colleagues in sharing our constituents' stories about the importance of protecting women's access to healthcare. prgtoken No matter where they live and no matter their economic status, women in our country deserve access to comprehensive preventive care and family planning services that will enable them to stay healthy and to thrive. We know centers like Planned Parenthood have made a huge difference in the lives of the women they serve. My office recently heard from a woman named Ashley from Hooksett, who said: I am safe, healthy, and educated thanks to Planned Parenthood. prgtoken She continues speaking about Planned Parenthood: When I was fifteen, they were there to help me understand the changes that my body was going through and provide me with the information I needed to keep myself healthy and protected. Throughout the rest of my teenage years, I have trusted Planned Parenthood to provide me with all of my routine healthcare procedures. prgtoken Ashley continues: In more desperate times, they were there to explain my options and support my decisions with anonymity and compassion. prgtoken Ashley goes on to say: I am deeply concerned about the Title 10 gag rule and the implications it may have on my getting the care I need. I'm thankful for elected officials who are fighting back and speaking out for me and the thousands of people like me who deserve access to quality, affordable care, no matter their income or zip code. prgtoken Ashley's story is one of thousands that speak to the importance of title X-supported health centers, including Planned Parenthood, which are a major source of preventive care and reproductive health services, including cancer screenings, birth control, HIV and STI tests, and counseling services. prgtoken In New Hampshire, title X-funded centers deliver care to nearly 18,000 Granite Staters annually, and title X-supported Planned Parenthood centers serve 60 percent of those 18,000 Granite Staters. This is why the administration's actions to discriminate against providers and to cut investments in family planning clinics are so dangerous, and it is why we have to keep fighting for women like Ashley, who are rightfully concerned about this constant barrage of attacks on healthcare. prgtoken I am going to continue standing with my ic colleagues on behalf of women's constitutionally protected rights and against the administration's partisan attacks on women's access to healthcare.
NORTHERN MARIANA ISLANDS SMALL BUSINESS ACT
Gregorio Kilili Camacho Sablan (Democrat, MP) \u2014 2019-5-8

. Madam , today, I introduce the Northern Mariana Islands Small Business Act, which would ensure small businesses in my district have access to the Small Business Administration's (SBA) Small Business Development Center (SBDC) Lead Center grant program, the Federal and State Technology (FAST) partnership grant program and the Microloan program. The Marianas are the only U.S. jurisdiction not included in these programs, which help small businesses access the knowledge and capital necessary to succeed and compete for federal contracting opportunities. prgtoken Last fall, our islands were struck by two catastrophic natural disasters. Typhoon Mangkhut and Super Typhoon Yutu, the second most powerful storm ever in United States history, caused widespread destruction of homes, businesses, schools and infrastructure. Under presidential disaster declarations, the SBA set up temporary disaster recovery centers on Saipan, Tinian, and Rota to assist small businesses to apply for loans and other funds to cover damages resulting from the storms. prgtoken We are grateful for the SBA's assistance during these disasters. However, all SBA disaster outreach centers in the Marianas are now closed and our economy is projected to take years to fully recover. The SBA estimates there are over 1,700 small businesses in the Marianas which employ over 18,000 people. These businesses and employees do not have access to the full range of SBA programs to help them fully recover. My bill would correct that by ensuring access on the same basis as their counterparts across the nation, many of whom are also recovering from natural disasters. prgtoken Under my bill, the Marianas can apply to establish a Lead SBDC, which would make available around $600,000 in renewable funding to expand the reach and capacity of the existing SBDC service center on Saipan. With additional funding, small businesses on Saipan, Tinian and Rota will have better access to free or low-cost services such as incubator workspaces for entrepreneurs, assistance with loan applications, business planning, operations, personnel administration, marketing, export assistance, sales and other areas required for small business growth and success. prgtoken The bill would benefit aspiring entrepreneurs and small business owners in the Marianas who are not able to access conventional loans at commercial banks. This legislation would provide them access to the SBA's Microloan program which provides loans up to $50,000 typically not offered by banks for working capital or the acquisition of materials, supplies, or equipment. In addition, the SBA microloan program, which is designed to assist women, low-income, veteran, and minority entrepreneurs, provides marketing, management, and technical assistance to borrowers. prgtoken The Northern Mariana Islands Small Business Act would also help our small businesses participate in federal research and development opportunities. The bill in
ORANGE BOOK TRANSPARENCY ACT OF 2019
Robin L. Kelly (Democrat, IL) \u2014 2019-5-8

I am pleased today to speak on my bill, H.R. 1503, the Orange Book Transparency Act, and the critical issue of transparency in the drug and medical device development space. prgtoken Should my colleagues vote in favor of this significant bill, the Orange Book Transparency Act will more efficiently achieve lowered costs and higher quality life-saving medicines for consumers. It will enhance market competition by getting generic drugs to market more rapidly. As much data show us, enhancing the market for generic drugs is one of the quickest ways to lower the costs that consumers pay at the pharmacy. prgtoken Two things matter to me with respect to healthcare costs. One, we must be proactive in enhancing transparency with regard to the information made available to generic drug developers. Most importantly, we must improve efficiency in the market for prescription drugs in order to ultimately lower costs to patients, their families, and their caregivers. prgtoken The Orange Book Transparency Act addresses both of these points by ensuring clarity in patent and exclusivity information maintained by FDA. It also requires that the Government Accountability Office study the effects of listing drug delivery patents in the Orange Book. prgtoken To be very clear, I support intellectual property protections for those researching and developing innovative treatments, but we have the responsibility to close loopholes that allow drugmakers to prevent timely access to information that would lead to new generic drug development, increasing patient access and affordability. prgtoken Today, I present a strong and straightforward piece of legislation in order to get lower-cost drugs to Americans in my district and across the country. I am ecstatic that this bill is not only straightforward but also bipartisan. prgtoken , from Kentucky, Mr. Guthrie, for his work on this bill and key stakeholders for their feedback throughout the process. prgtoken The Orange Book Transparency Act moves us in the right direction toward transparency and lower drug costs. prgtoken , I urge all my colleagues to vote in support of H.R. 1503 today.
MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS MONTH
Grace F. Napolitano (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2019-5-8

I bring to the floor a topic very near and dear to my heart, and I rise today to recognize the entire month of May as Mental Health Awareness Month. prgtoken I cochair the Congressional Mental Health Caucus along with my colleague, Mr. John Katko from New York, and we work to educate Members of Congress and their staff on the work still needed to expand mental health access and protections, and also to reduce the ever-present stigma. prgtoken The topic of mental health in Congress has and is building momentum, and it is spurring action to increase delivery of mental health services, something I have worked to do for over 2 decades. prgtoken This year alone, our House Mental Health Caucus has grown from 47 Members of Congress to 92. However, mental health still affects millions of Americans of all ages, genders, races, and remains woefully underfunded and misunderstood. prgtoken Suicide currently plagues our veteran community. Roughly 20 veterans per day take their own lives, according to the VA. prgtoken A 2005 to 2016 Department of Veterans Affairs' Suicide Data Report found that the veteran suicide rate is 1.5 times greater than the nonveteran population, with over 6,000 veterans dying by suicide each year. prgtoken In the Hispanic community, my own community, approximately one in ten individuals with mental illness use prgtoken mental health services from a general health provider, while only one in 20 receive such services from a mental health specialist. prgtoken Machismo and other cultural tendencies are preventing our loved ones from being open and honest about what might be troubling them. The stigma ranks high. prgtoken We must continue to let our loved ones know that there is absolutely zero, I reiterate, zero shame in asking for help and that seeking support is a sign of strength. prgtoken We also have seen that one in four Latina adolescent children, I say children because they are still children, report contemplating suicide, a rate higher than any other demographic. prgtoken The increasing diversity of our country underlines both the need and the importance of assessing culturally and linguistically appropriate services. prgtoken The 2018 election focused on healthcare and the future of the Affordable Care Act, ACA. prgtoken One of ACA's most critical successes was increasing mental health service and delivery. Insurance companies for decades denied coverage for patients needing mental health services. prgtoken We inserted provisions to end this appalling practice and made mental health an essential part of basic coverage, including screenings and other preventive services. prgtoken Together, we made sure that no American is discriminated against when seeking mental health care, and that mental health and substance abuse, these disorders, are covered equal to physical illnesses like diabetes, asthma, high blood pressure, and other illnesses. prgtoken As we head into 2019, these reforms and the A
ADVANCING CRITICAL CONNECTIVITY EXPANDS SERVICE, SMALL BUSINESS RESOURCES, OPPORTUNITIES, ACCESS, AND DATA BASED ON ASSESSED NEED AND DEMAND ACT
Paul Tonko (Democrat, NY) \u2014 2019-5-8

again, I urge my colleagues to support H.R. 1328. It underscores the very relevance and importance of broadband in today's society. It speaks to fairness for all communities, certainly for all households, businesses, and the like. It is a way for us to offer a greater partnership with government, more effective governance, with this given phenomenon of technology. I encourage my colleagues to support that. prgtoken , .
CREATION OF THE SKYLINE DRUG TASK FORCE
Denver Riggleman (Republican, VA) \u2014 2019-5-8

I rise today to talk about an issue of grave concern in my district. The Skyline Drive corridor in central and western Virginia has become the center of a drug trafficking problem that is ravaging my district. prgtoken This challenge has warranted the creation of a Skyline Drug Task Force to combat drug problems in the community. This counter-drug team has carried out searches and made arrests, including of an individual suspected to be a high-level member of a Mexican drug trafficking organization, a cartel, who had, according to the judge, caused unfathomable damage to the community. prgtoken The damage caused by this organization and the many others trafficking in our communities and in the Fifth District of Virginia is very real and very lasting. prgtoken It is necessary, for the safety of my constituents, to have the region designated as a High Intensity Drug Area to give law enforcement the funding and support they need to continue the fight against the dangerous drug dealers.
National Small Business Week (Executive Calendar)
Tim Scott (Republican, SC) \u2014 2019-5-8

National Small Business Week is about so much more than simply saying thank you to our small business owners and entrepreneurs. It is about recognizing everything they do for our communities. They aren't simply the economic backbone but a common thread that binds us together. prgtoken We all remember the stores we visited when we were young or with our families to pick out a new pair of shoes. They host bake sales, donate to local churches and charities, as well as support local youth teams. They invest in us, and we invest in them. prgtoken South Carolina is home to more than 400,000 small businesses employing nearly 800,000 people. prgtoken Having been a small business owner myself, I have to tell you that one of the more exciting times you could ever have in life is starting a small business. I know Senator Braun can talk about what ABC Sports used to call the thrill of victory as well as the agony of defeat. Sometimes, for me, the thrill of victory was when I was signing the front side of a paycheck for my employees, and the agony of defeat was when I was not signing the back side of that paycheck for myself. prgtoken Being a small business owner certainly teaches you incredible lessons about life, about people, and certainly about the community you want to serve. Owning your own small business is a rewarding and sometimes challenging experience. prgtoken As part of National Small Business Week, it is also my honor to recognize VetFriends of Mount Pleasant, SC, as the Senate's Small Business of the Day. prgtoken Dale Sutcliffe, a U.S. Marine veteran of Desert Storm, founded VetFriends nearly 20 years ago with the simple mission of reuniting veterans. Following his service, Dale recognized the benefit that reconnecting veterans could have and quickly set up a platform where veterans can reunite with their fellow servicemembers during the time in which they served our great Nation. prgtoken The VetFriends platform has over 2.5 million veteran members and has brought together thousands of veterans. In the process, the platform has helped veterans share their stories, share their photos, as well as stay informed about upcoming events and reunions. prgtoken Currently, VetFriends employs over 25 South Carolinians and almost all have a close relationship with a veteran. The team at VetFriends has a longstanding tradition of supporting the veterans community and are regularly seen volunteering at the Ralph Johnson VA Medical Center. Additionally, the business has taken an active role working with the Wounded Warrior Project and Patriots Point in Charleston. prgtoken It is clear that VetFriends' values and goals not only enhance their business plan but also improve the community they belong to. VetFriends is an amazing example of what our small businesses are capable of, and I thank Dale Sutcliffe and our small business owners throughout South Carolina for pouring their heart and their soul as well as the
Remembering Ellis ``Reed'' Parlier and Riley Howell (Executive Calendar)
Thom Tillis (Republican, NC) \u2014 2019-5-8

I come here with a heavy heart. prgtoken On April 30, at 4:40 p.m a shooting occurred in the Kennedy Building on the campus of the University of North Carolina at Charlotte. It is a college campus. It is only about 15 minutes from my house. The shooting occurred on the last day of classes. When a lot of family members and friends were thinking about graduation and thinking about what they were going to do over the summer, their lives were shattered. I am here to celebrate the lives of two of the victims. prgtoken Before I do that, I thank all of the first responders and the people on campus who did an extraordinary job. The first among them would be Chancellor Dubois, and there are so many more first responders. prgtoken What makes this particularly difficult for me is the loss of life of two young men--one who was 19, Ellis ``Reed'' Parlier, and Riley Howell, who was 21 years old. These kids were in school. prgtoken One, Ellis, enrolled in 2017. He loved video games. He wanted to be a video game developer. He was a volunteer. He actually tutored middle schoolers on computer programming. His professor described him as independent and motivated. prgtoken Another young man, Riley, who has an extraordinary story within this horrible act, enrolled in UNC Charlotte in 2018. He had gone to A-B Tech before that. He was in environmental studies. He loved the outdoors. He loved Star Wars. He loved pizza and playing soccer. He was just a normal kid who was going to college. He was also enrolled in the ROTC at UNC Charlotte. What makes his story extraordinary are the accounts from police officers. If you understand the Kennedy Building, there are a lot of people around and a lot of classrooms. There are a lot of potential victims. This young man actually charged the gunman. Although he lost his own life, most police credit him with saving the lives of so many more. prgtoken So, on this sad day that we will never forget--the day of April 30--I come before this body to let them know and their families know that we are praying for them. prgtoken .
ENRIQUE PADRON OP-ED REGARDING CUBAN SOCIALISM DANGERS
Mo Brooks (Republican, AL) \u2014 2019-5-8

socialist advocate dictatorial and guaranteed-to-fail socialism over liberty and the free enterprise economic system that has created America's prosperity. prgtoken Merriam-Webster dictionary defines ``evil'' as ``morally reprehensible,'' ``causing harm,'' or ``pernicious.'' By that definition, socialism is evil, and anyone in America who supports socialism supports evil. prgtoken Enrique Padron recently published an editorial in the New York Post entitled: ``Hey, : Here's the price I paid for your Socialist dream.'' It is such a revealing test of the evils of socialism that today I read it in part into the Congressional Record: ``American are pining ever more loudly for socialism these days, for `free' education, `free' health care and much else. ``Let me tell you about socialism as I lived it under the Fidel Castro regime. ``The house where I was born in Communist Cuba had a dirt floor, a bathroom hole in the ground, which we shared with six other families, and a zinc roof that left us unbearably hot in the summer and shivering in the winter. ``We had no running water, no refrigerator and no door in the back of the house. We cooked with charcoal. My mother raised four boys by herself in that `house,' working 12 hours a day to earn 160 Cuban pesos, or approximately $6, a month. ``Why didn't we fix it? ``In addition to the meager income, we had no access to hardware stores to buy nails or cement to fix our humble house. In fact, the local member of the national assembly was the only person authorized to approve whether we could buy a bag of cement or a roll of roof paper-- if they were available. ``We couldn't buy these simple materials without that precious piece of paper. ``Can you imagine going to your congressional Representative to ask for permission to buy a box of nails? Or roof tiles? Or roof paper? It seems unthinkable in the United States. But in Cuba, where we lacked the necessities of life, we had to. And when we complained, the authorities scolded us to be grateful for free education and free healthcare. ``In Cuba, it is illegal to speak against the government or complain about living conditions. We were prohibited from speaking with local media, but the journalists were state employees and wouldn't publish our stories anyway. We couldn't express our unmet needs and were reminded that we shouldn't complain anyway, because we were promised-- you guessed it--free education and free healthcare. ``In Cuba, doctors make the equivalent of 25 cents an hour and teachers 21 cents an hour. Pharmacists earn eight cents an hour. ``In Cuba, there is no right to free speech and virtually no independent media. There are no free, fair, multiparty elections. In fact, there is just one political party, Communist, and only members of the Communist Party may run as candidates for any office. But we were told we couldn't object to this system, lest we lose our free
ORANGE BOOK TRANSPARENCY ACT OF 2019
Michael C. Burgess (Republican, TX) \u2014 2019-5-8

such time as I may consume. prgtoken , I rise today in support of H.R. 1503, the Orange Book Transparency Act of 2019. This is a bipartisan product that moved through the Energy and Commerce Committee, and I would like to thank Representative Robin Kelly for introducing this legislation. prgtoken The publication of the Approved Drug Products with Therapeutic Equivalence Evaluations, known as the Orange Book, lists drug products that have been approved by the Food and Drug Administration on the basis of safety and effectiveness. Importantly, the Orange Book lists therapeutic equivalence evaluations for approved multisource prescription drug products in addition to relevant patent and exclusivity information. prgtoken This publication provides information to State health agencies, prescribers, and to others to inform decisionmaking, and allow for the containment of healthcare costs, as well as educate the public. prgtoken A preliminary version of the Orange Book was produced in 1979. It was not until 1984, with the enactment of the Drug Price Competition and Patent Term Restoration Act of 1984, more commonly known as the Hatch- Waxman Act, that Congress codified the Orange Book. prgtoken This bill amends existing statute to make the Orange Book more useful, particularly for manufacturers of generic drugs. Enactment of this bill will allow these manufacturers to know which branded products face competition and when those products will no longer be protected by patents. Insurance companies, doctors, and patients will be able to determine when a generic alternative is available for a more expensive branded product. prgtoken The Food and Drug Administration is already performing the practices contained in this bill, but the legislation would codify current practices and ensure that certain patents are listed in the Orange Book. Additionally, patents that are found invalid would have to be removed following the conclusion of any appeals process. prgtoken , .