mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
Medicare (Executive Session)
Lamar Alexander (Republican, TN) \u2014 2019-7-16

last month, during National Nurses Week, Ballad Health, a healthcare system in East Tennessee, announced it would be giving several thousand nurses a raise. prgtoken The head of Ballad Health announced a $10 million investment in pay increases for nurses. prgtoken He said: ``Our nurses and those who work with them in the provision of direct patient care are heroes . . . however, it is also true that . . . we face significant national shortage of these critical health care providers.'' prgtoken Alan, the head of Ballad Health, said that his investment was, in part, because of a new rule proposed by the administration in April. prgtoken This new rule will update the formula that determines how much Medicare will reimburse hospitals for patient care. The formula takes into account, among other things, the cost of labor in that geographic area called the area wage index. prgtoken This new rule attempts to level the playing field between hospitals in areas that have higher wages, and therefore are reimbursed at a higher rate than hospitals in areas with lower wages. prgtoken The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services Administrator, Seema Verma, wrote in a recent op-ed in The Tennessean in Nashville: Many stakeholders have raised concerns that the Medicare hospital payment system disadvantages many rural hospitals. Our proposed rule brings payments to rural and other low-wage hospitals closer to their urban neighbors. prgtoken I say this standing in the Senate Chamber, where we have the chairman and the ranking on the Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry Committee--two experts on rural areas and rural hospitals in our country. prgtoken In recent years, too many rural Americans have seen their local hospital close and their doctors leave town. prgtoken Since 2010, 107 rural hospitals have closed across 28 States and another 637--about one-third of all rural hospitals--are at risk of closing. prgtoken In Tennessee alone, 12 rural hospitals have closed since 2010. prgtoken A recent survey by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation and the Harvard School of Public Health found that one in four Americans in rural areas couldn't access healthcare when they need it. prgtoken This new rule will help rural hospitals keep up with the cost of providing care and keep those hospitals open. prgtoken Alan from Ballad Health said: ``This proposed change indicates that Washington finally understands that rural health systems, like ours, have been historically unable to keep up with the real cost growth of nursing and other direct care providers.'' prgtoken Craig Becker, who leads the Tennessee Hospital Association, wrote in The Tennessean earlier this month that this rule ``is good news for our State's hospitals and will provide much-needed relief to many of them, especially those in rural areas'' and that the rule ``finally will address the significant inequities in the Medicare area wage ind
IN RECOGNITION OF DOUG WALKER'S RETIREMENT
Steven M. Palazzo (Republican, MS) \u2014 2019-7-16

I would like to recognize Doug Walker who has retired from his career in broadcast journalism after 43 years. Doug has served the people of south Mississippi at the WLOX news station for 30 years and has many notable accomplishments under his belt from his tenure with the station. prgtoken In 2005, Hurricane Katrina made landfall on the Mississippi Gulf Coast, causing mass amounts of devastation throughout south Mississippi. Doug and the WLOX team remained on the ground and on air during the storm so they could continue providing critical updates to south Mississippi. Because of this impeccable journalism, Doug and others at WLOX received the distinguished Peabody Award in 2006. This award recognizes broadcasting excellence in both news and entertainment. Without the coverage provided by Doug and the WLOX team, south Mississippi would not have received widespread updates before, during, and after the storm. We are grateful to have hap these individuals remain engaged on delivering coverage of the hUrricane and our recovery. prgtoken A year after Hurricane Katrina, Doug received a personal invitation to the White House for a one-on-one interview with President . During their discussion, Doug and President reflected through the events that unfolded after the storm passed, both recalling the utter devastation the storm brought to Mississippi. Doug has recounted this invitation and interview as the highlight of his broadcasting career. prgtoken Furthermore, Doug exemplifies the ``never quit mentality'' that is embodied by so many along the Mississippi Gulf Coast. Doug was diagnosed with kidney cancer in late 2006. Although that news may be defeating for some, Doug did not let it defeat his spirit. After many surgeries, Doug was cleared of his cancer and eventually returned back to his passion. prgtoken I have personally enjoyed working with Doug over the years, most often on the WLOX News this Week segment. I know he will be sorely missed on WLOX by many in south Mississippi. prgtoken I am pleased to recognize Doug for his many accomplishments over the years and wish him a very relaxing and well-deserved retirement.
DAMON PAUL NELSON AND MATTHEW YOUNG POLLARD INTELLIGENCE AUTHORIZATION ACT FOR FISCAL YEARS 2018, 2019, AND 2020
Joseph P. Kennedy III (Democrat, MA) \u2014 2019-7-16

. Madam Chair, I begin by thanking the chairman of the committee and his staff for their dedication to getting this amendment here today and for their long and strong defense of our electoral system from foreign interference. prgtoken Madam Chair, a few weeks ago, Special Counsel Robert Mueller stood before the American people and issued a stern warning and an ominous challenge. In what he referred to as the central allegation of his 2- year-long investigation, he told us that there were ``multiple, systemic efforts to interfere in our election. That allegation deserves the attention of every American.'' prgtoken Our democracy was attacked, our government undermined, and our election system weakened. We were manipulated. prgtoken A foreign adversary exposed many of our worst impulses as they hacked, prodded, forged, stole, lied, and exploited in a coordinated and sustained effort to change the trajectory of this country. prgtoken We cannot change what happened in 2016, but we can learn from it because our adversaries certainly did. They watched as politicians were all too eager to use hacked material. They took notes as social media networks were used to inflame racial, geographic, and demographic divisions. prgtoken According to the ``Worldwide Threat Assessment'' by the Director of National Intelligence, Dan Coats, Russia, China, and Iran already have their eyes trained on 2020. prgtoken That is why we must proactively create a foreign threat response center tasked with identifying and rejecting any attempts by any adversary to influence our political process because we cannot hold ourselves up as a beacon of democracy if we are not willing to defend the institutions upon which our democratic system rests. prgtoken By removing politics from this response and coordinating it under one roof within the intelligence community, we can rebuild that faith in our system. prgtoken In this body, we have no greater responsibility than to protect the sanctity of our elections, to protect the trust of our citizens, and to protect our faith in government. That is what this amendment codifies. prgtoken Madam Chair, I encourage all of my colleagues to support this amendment, and .
DAMON PAUL NELSON AND MATTHEW YOUNG POLLARD INTELLIGENCE AUTHORIZATION ACT FOR FISCAL YEARS 2018, 2019, AND 2020
Ed Case (Democrat, HI) \u2014 2019-7-16

. Madam Chair, such time as I may consume. prgtoken Madam Chair, not far from here, on the slopes of Capitol Hill, is a small, serene, and unassuming memorial. On its walls are names not now known to too many Americans but indelibly etched in a dark chapter of our national story. prgtoken Tule Lake, Poston, Manzanar--these are the internment camps where 120,000 ethnic Japanese, most of them American citizens, were locked up in the hysteria of the Second World War just because they were Japanese. prgtoken This amendment, proudly sponsored by many of my colleagues in our Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus, including our chair, the gentlewoman from California (Ms. Judy Chu), asked us a question that must be asked: Are we repeating history or in danger of doing so? prgtoken In these recent years of justifiably heightened scrutiny on the intelligence activities of the People's Republic of China, a disproportionate number of Americans of Chinese descent have been investigated and prosecuted for espionage. prgtoken Those convicted have received disproportionately high sentences, and the too many exonerated have had their careers ruined nonetheless. prgtoken No doubt, China seeks to recruit Chinese Americans to its goals, and no doubt, our government should and must review specific cases of potential espionage by China on specific facts. But have we fallen into the same trap all over again of justifying investigations and other actions toward the ends of national security by means of general profiling and targeting based solely on ethnic identity? prgtoken The Committee of 100, a group of prominent Chinese Americans in diverse fields, reviewed the empirical evidence and concluded that ``Asian Americans, whether immigrant or native-born, may be facing unfair and increasing racial prejudice in this era of geopolitical competition.'' prgtoken It stated, and I believe correctly: ``A definite line can be drawn between appropriate prosecution that is based on actual evidence and free of bias and overreaching persecution that is triggered by unfounded suspicions and tainted by racial prejudice. All Americans, regardless of ethnicity, depend on that line.'' prgtoken This resolution is a flashing red light to our intelligence community: Stop, look, and listen. Take some time to think it through to be sure you are staying on the right side of that line, and then report back to us here in Congress that you have done so and have the procedures and mindset in place to ensure that we won't repeat history with Chinese Americans or any other broad ethnic or interest group. prgtoken Madam Chair, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from California (Mr. Schiff), the committee chair.
Treaties (Executive Session)
Robert Menendez (Democrat, NJ) \u2014 2019-7-16

I am pleased, at long last, to speak on the floor today in support of four protocols amending the tax conventions between the United States and Spain, Switzerland, Japan, and Luxembourg. prgtoken I have long been a strong supporter and proponent of these tax protocols and worked to advance them across multiple Congresses. In the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, I voted to advance Japan and Spain protocols three times and voted four times to advance the protocols with Luxembourg and the Swiss Confederation. I am pleased that, after too many years of waiting, the majority leader has finally decided to take up these protocols. prgtoken I am a strong believer in the benefits these treaties provide our country. They play a critical role in relieving U.S. citizens and companies of double taxation, encouraging foreign investment in the United States, and enforcing U.S. tax law on those who seek to evade it. There are no downsides to these treaties. prgtoken As I conveyed directly to Secretary Mnuchin, the Treasury Department's initial interaction on these treaties without consulting the Foreign Relations Committee was completely inadequate. This botched effort resulted in a completely avoidable delay in taking up these four protocols. However, I am pleased that Treasury responded quickly to my concerns, including providing a written commitment on behalf of the administration that the Foreign Relations Committee chair and ranking member would be consulted on any changes to the model tax treaty prior to negotiations based on a new model or new model provisions. Therefore, I support moving the tax treaties as expeditiously as possible and urge my colleagues to support them. prgtoken . prgtoken .
DAMON PAUL NELSON AND MATTHEW YOUNG POLLARD INTELLIGENCE AUTHORIZATION ACT FOR FISCAL YEARS 2018, 2019, AND 2020
Adam B. Schiff (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2019-7-16

. Madam Chair, this amendment clarifies section 602 of the bill dealing with domestic terrorism. This section would require the FBI, DHS, and the National Counterterrorism Center to produce an annual report and joint strategic intelligence assessment on domestic terrorism. prgtoken Chairman Thompson's amendment would add safeguards to protect the civil liberties and privacy of individuals whose information would be contained in the report and mandate compliance with the Data Quality Act. prgtoken It also would require DHS to disclose information on the allocation of personnel working domestic terrorism matters, enhancing oversight in this area. prgtoken I would like to recognize Chairman Thompson for his work that the House Homeland Security Committee has done on the issue of domestic terrorism. Together we will continue our lines of effort to address this significant threat. prgtoken Once again, Madam Chair, for his work, and I urge support for the amendment.
RECOGNITION OF MADAM C.J. WALKER AND RENAMING OF WEST 136TH STREET BETWEEN LENOX AVENUE AND ADAM CLAYTON POWELL BOULEVARD AS ``MADAM CJ WALKER WAY''
Adriano Espaillat (Democrat, NY) \u2014 2019-7-16

. Madam , Madam C.J. Walker is the first self- made American female millionaire and the wealthiest African American woman of her time as an inventor and entrepreneur. prgtoken Madam C.J. Walker born as Sarah Breedlove on December 23, 1867 in Louisiana to Owen and Minerva Anderson Breedlove was the first of her family born into freedom. prgtoken Madam C.J. Walker was orphaned at a young age. She first married during her adolescent years and became a widow only a few years later. After the death of her husband Moses McWilliams, she overcame adversity and moved to St. Louis, Missouri as a single mother to her young daughter A'lelia Walker working as a laundress--barely earning one dollar a day--she persevered through the hardships of poverty solely focused on supporting herself and her daughter. prgtoken Madam C.J. Walker was determined to make a better life for her and her daughter and she was inspired to start her own line of beauty products. Her inspiration stemmed from her own struggle as an African American woman who had difficulty finding hair-care products that were not only aimed for a specific hair type, but were also owned by an African American woman. prgtoken Madam C.J. Walker was an activist and philanthropist who worked alongside her daughter A'lelia Walker, leading the vanguard of women and women of color in the world of business, philanthropy, advocacy with the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, the National Negro Business League, and the National Conference on Lynching, and rich history and culture of Harlem during the Harlem Renaissance. prgtoken Madam C.J. Walker dedicated her wealth and success to better the lives of young African-American men and women through scholarships for the Young Men's Christian Association, the Tuskegee Institute, Bethune- Cookman University, and the Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church as a testament to her fervent belief in furthering African Americans as they pursue economic independence and financial security which continues to pave the way for African Americans nationwide. prgtoken As the Representative of the Thirteenth Congressional District of New York in the United States House of Representatives, I am proud to recognize Madam C.J. Walker for her inspiration and achievement impact in the African American community and celebrate the renaming of West 136th Street between Lenox Avenue and Adam Clayton Powell Boulevard as ``Madam CJ Walker Way''.
DAMON PAUL NELSON AND MATTHEW YOUNG POLLARD INTELLIGENCE AUTHORIZATION ACT FOR FISCAL YEARS 2018, 2019, AND 2020
Denny Heck (Democrat, WA) \u2014 2019-7-16

. Madam Chair, I thank very much the graciousness of the gentleman from Ohio, although I think his amendment is wrongheaded. prgtoken Here is what is real: prgtoken Climate change is real, number one. prgtoken Number two, it has significant national security implications. prgtoken Number three, the only smart thing to do is to borrow the old motto from the Boy Scouts, ``Be prepared.'' Passage of this amendment, which would remove the Climate Security Advisory Council, renders us less prepared. prgtoken We all know that the intelligence community and the DOD have, time and again, assessed the measurable effects of climate change--rising sea levels, higher temperatures, more frequent extreme weather events, new stressors on natural resources and agriculture--have tangible impacts that exacerbate economic distress, human insecurity, political instability, and other humanitarian conditions detrimental to our national security. prgtoken The smart thing to do is to be prepared, to have the advisory council that can work across the intelligence community, that can collect the information, coordinate the information, so that we know what is coming, we know what we are being presented with, and we can confront it in a smart way. prgtoken Madam Chair, I urge my colleagues to please defeat this amendment and pass the underlying bill.
DAMON PAUL NELSON AND MATTHEW YOUNG POLLARD INTELLIGENCE AUTHORIZATION ACT FOR FISCAL YEARS 2018, 2019, AND 2020
Bradley Scott Schneider (Democrat, IL) \u2014 2019-7-16

. Madam Chair, I rise in support of the Murphy-Schneider amendment that makes abundantly clear it is of the utmost importance to prevent Iran from establishing any enduring presence in Syria. prgtoken The amendment also requires the Director of National Intelligence to report on Iran's efforts to establish a foothold in Syria on the threat this poses to the United States and our allies, in particular Israel. prgtoken Madam Chair, I stood before Congress in the last Congress urging support for my amendment to require a report on Iran's support for proxy forces in Syria and Lebanon, and I am pleased that this report remains in this bill. Today we are building on this important effort with the Murphy-Schneider amendment. prgtoken I thank my good friend from Florida, Stephanie Murphy, for her leadership on this issue. prgtoken Iran is a bad actor that has spread its maligned influence and continued to engage in destabilizing activities throughout the Middle East region, as well as beyond. The Iranian regime has and continues to establish deep ties within Syria through military, political, economic, social, and cultural means. This is a dangerous behavior that must be checked. Iran must not be allowed to maintain a permanent foothold in Syria that threatens our allies and stability in the region. prgtoken To stand up to Iran, we must first understand the full extent of Iran's activities in Syria, and that is what this amendment does. I look forward to seeing this report and engaging on how we can prevent Iran from maintaining a permanent presence in Syria. prgtoken I hope my colleagues will join me in supporting this important amendment, and .
INTRODUCTION OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA FEDERAL OFFICIALS RESIDENCY REQUIREMENT EQUALITY ACT
Eleanor Holmes Norton (Democrat, DC) \u2014 2019-7-16

. Madam , today, I introduce the District of Columbia Federal Officials Residency Requirement Equality Act, which would amend federal law to require certain federal officials who serve the District of Columbia to actually live within its boundaries. In nearly every other jurisdiction in the United States, federal district court judges, federal circuit court judges, U.S. Attorneys and U.S. Marshals are required by federal law to reside within the jurisdictions where they have been appointed--but these same officials appointed to serve only the people of the District are not bound by these same requirements. Even in the territories, such officials are required to live in those districts, other than the U.S. Attorney and U.S. Marshal appointed for the Northern Mariana Islands who at the same time are serving in the same capacity in another district. The only other exceptions exist for such officials appointed to the Southern District of New York and the Eastern District of New York, which are the only districts that serve different parts of the same city. My bill would put the District on equal footing with almost every other jurisdiction by ensuring that our judges, U.S. Marshals and U.S. Attorney live among the residents they have been appointed to represent, in keeping with the federal law that applies elsewhere in the United States. prgtoken The requirement that these federal officials ought to live in the jurisdictions they serve is significantly related to knowledge of the effect of their decisions, an important reason the residency requirement is enshrined in federal law. As stated in the official commentary to the Code of Conduct for United States Judges, ``a judge should not become isolated from the society in which the judge lives.'' The same holds true for other federal officials. My bill recognizes that the District deserves federal officials with the same understanding and links to the community as Congress has seen fit to require for federal officials in other jurisdictions. prgtoken I urge my colleagues to support this bill.