mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
SUPPLEMENTAL APPROPRIATIONS ACT, 2019
Jon Tester (Democrat, MT) \u2014 2019-3-28

the decision earlier this week to undo the Affordable Care Act--the decision made by a bunch of unelected bureaucrats at the Department of Justice--is nothing short of a slap in the face to our democracy. prgtoken The Affordable Care Act was passed by majorities in the House and the Senate; it was upheld by the Supreme Court; and it continues to be supported by folks on both sides of the aisle. prgtoken Nonetheless, the Department of Justice, through the direction of the President of the United States, has decided to undo the ACA and all the things that are in the ACA. prgtoken This isn't the first time. For the last nearly decade, I have heard a seemingly endless number of speeches on the floor of this body, and we have seen vote after vote after vote after vote, under both and ic leadership, to repeal the ACA. It hasn't succeeded. prgtoken So what the Department of Justice decided to do is take the law into their own hands and circumvent the legislative process. I guess they felt they had no other choice. prgtoken It didn't just happen this week. Last summer, they refused to defend a provision of the ACA that protects people with preexisting conditions. That is pretty interesting. prgtoken My best friend in life, other than my wife, has diabetes, and he is somebody who has fought diabetes since we were in junior high. His folks didn't have diabetes, but he did. He still does. prgtoken He was not able to have health insurance that was affordable until the ACA came along. He wasn't even allowed to change jobs for fear that when he did get health insurance when he changed jobs, he would lose it and then have to go uninsured until--until--the ACA came along. prgtoken So when the DOJ decided to not defend the provision for preexisting conditions, it left many of us scratching our heads. prgtoken Then, earlier this week, the administration took it even further by lending its full-throated support for overturning the ACA in its entirety, which would result in ripping healthcare away from tens of millions of Americans. prgtoken This administration's actions would put millions of Americans at risk by getting rid of every last protection that was enshrined in the law, including Medicaid expansion and coverage for preexisting conditions that are, without debate, providing lifesaving and affordable healthcare to folks across this country. prgtoken If they, the administration, succeed in dismantling our healthcare system, I guarantee you the cost of healthcare will rise through the roof. prgtoken Oh, yes--no, no--they will point to junk plans. There are junk plans out there. They are cheap, but they are called junk for a reason. Just hope, if you have a junk plan, you never get sick because they are junk. prgtoken Dismantling this healthcare system not only will cause healthcare to go through the roof--because we are going back to the old system--there is no replace here. They will replace it with
EXECUTIVE CALENDAR (Executive Session)
Thomas R. Carper (Democrat, DE) \u2014 2019-3-28

I am pleased to join my friend and colleague, Senator Barrasso, to speak on behalf of the nomination of Nicole Nason to serve as Administrator of the Federal Highway Administration. prgtoken Ms. Nason is currently serving as the Assistant Secretary for Administration prgtoken at the State Department. Right now, though, there is no Administrator leading the Federal Highway Administration. In fact, it has been more than 2 years since we had an Administrator in charge at that important Agency. The last time our country went this long without top leadership at the Federal Highway Administration was more than 100 years ago, back when the Agency was known as the Bureau of Public Roads. Henry Ford had just introduced the Model T, and the idea of speedy and safe transcontinental travel was still outside of our imagination and even further from being realized. prgtoken Today the Federal Highway Administration oversees more than 220,000 miles of our National Highway System and some 145,000 bridges. The sad truth is, many of these roadways and many of these bridges are in poor, in some cases, even dangerous condition, having been in use far beyond the intended duration of their original design. prgtoken Moments from now, when Ms. Nason is confirmed--and I hope she will be confirmed--to be our Administrator, I think she is going to inherit responsibilities and political realities far more challenging and complex than perhaps all of her predecessors. prgtoken As our next Administrator, Ms. Nason will find herself at the center of a national crisis because our highway trust fund is going broke, and the system of paying for it is broken. prgtoken Last year, we spent about $11 billion more from the highway trust fund than we collected in revenues. When that happens, the highway trust fund turns to the general fund, Treasury, and says: How about $11 billion? The general fund doesn't have $11 billion, so what Treasury does is it issues debt in order to finance the hole in the trust fund, the general fund, so we can actually fund the hole in the highway trust fund. It is crazy. In fact, to pay for the FAST Act, we took $70 billion from the general fund and other programs. prgtoken For the next Transportation bill, we need to find an additional $68 billion--$68 billion--just to prevent the highway trust fund from going broke for 5 more years and to keep our programs at the current funding level. prgtoken We all know that the current funding isn't sufficient, either. Despite spending more than we collect, we still aren't spending enough. The backlog of money to rehabilitate and improve highways and bridges in this country has grown to $800 billion. The backlog for roads, highways, and bridges is $800 billion. The 800-pound gorilla in the room is really an $800 billion gorilla. prgtoken We have to figure out how we are going to pay to maintain or better yet rebuild and modernize our roads, highways, bridges, and transit
OPPOSING BAN ON TRANSGENDER MEMBERS OF ARMED FORCES
Salud O. Carbajal (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2019-3-28

as a veteran, I rise in support of this resolution. When this country first debated the possibility of African Americans, women, or LGBT people serving in our military, the same doubts, the same reports, and the same concerns were raised regarding their service. prgtoken One of these misleading claims is that allowing transindividuals to serve could harm our military readiness allowing patriotic Americans who are willing, capable, and ready to serve their country does not harm readiness. prgtoken I will tell you what does: diverting military personnel and billions of dollars in military construction funding to build an unnecessary wall to respond to a nonmilitary fabricated emergency. prgtoken I want to ask my friends who support this shameful service ban whether they believe they have the right to deny an individual their right to be who they are, to limit opportunities because of their gender identity? Are these the values America was founded upon? prgtoken We as a nation are much better than this. During the repeal of Don't Ask, Don't Tell, critics invoked fear upon America saying that it would disrupt unit morale and readiness. Today, 9 years later, we have the most powerful and capable military in the world. prgtoken For almost 3 years, transgender troops have been able to serve openly. During that time, there has been no evidence of lack of military readiness or unit cohesion. Unfortunately, in return for their service, we are requiring they suppress their identity. This is absolutely unacceptable and discriminatory. prgtoken I believe former chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, General Dempsey responded best when he stated: ``The service of the men and women who volunteer and who meet our standards of service is a blessing, not a burden.''
SUPPLEMENTAL APPROPRIATIONS ACT, 2019
Robert Menendez (Democrat, NJ) \u2014 2019-3-28

I am glad to have been here to hear the distinguished chairman of the Judiciary Committee talk about the oversight and the responsiveness that the executive branch agencies owe to the U.S. Senate and its committees. prgtoken In doing so, I am having a similar problem with the State Department as it relates to getting information about actions that have taken place with reference to political reprisals and firings at the State Department and subject to being investigated right now by the inspector general of the State Department and special counsel. So I can share in his concerns about the inability to get information from the executive branch as a legitimate exercise of oversight. prgtoken I rise today, as I have so many times in my career, to be the voice for the people of Puerto Rico in the U.S. Senate. prgtoken On September 20, 2017, Hurricane Maria--a powerful category 5 storm-- ripped through the center of the island of Puerto Rico, wiping out its electrical grid and leaving millions of American citizens disconnected and in the dark. This was preceded by Hurricane Irma, which also struck the island--a double body blow. What ensued were months of absolute darkness, hunger, despair, and death. prgtoken While the President played golf in Mar-a-Lago, thousands of our fellow Americans were dying due to the lack of electricity to power oxygen tanks, dialysis centers, or refrigerated medications--problems that, as I said at the time, could not be solved with paper towels. prgtoken I will never forget this moment, one of the most insulting moments to the people of Puerto Rico--a people who are a part of the United States, 3.5 million U.S. citizens who have served and worn the uniform of this Nation, whose names on the Vietnam Memorial here in Washington are disproportionate to the number of their population. The President said: [They] want everything to be done for them. . . . I hate to tell you, Puerto Rico, but you are throwing our budget out of whack. prgtoken No other American citizen in any other of the areas of disaster heard anything--anything--near to that. prgtoken Today we know that nearly 3,000 Americans perished in what is now known as one of the worst natural disasters to strike our Nation in all of American history. prgtoken Now, let me be clear. We know that a President cannot prevent a natural disaster, but when the lives of Americans are on the line, we expect our Commander in Chief to do everything in their power to come to their aid. These are the moments that are supposed to reveal the very best of America. In the face of disasters of this magnitude, we do not turn our backs on our fellow citizens. We face the challenge head- on. We save as many lives as we can. We strive to stem suffering, and we lend a helping hand. That is the American way. prgtoken Just imagine how many lives could have been saved had President directed the Federal Emergency Management Agen
OPPOSING BAN ON TRANSGENDER MEMBERS OF ARMED FORCES
Barbara Lee (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2019-3-28

I thank Chairman Smith for his leadership and for yielding time. prgtoken I also want to recognize Congressman Kennedy for his tremendous leadership on this issue. prgtoken , I rise in strong support of H. Res. 124, rejecting the President's discriminatory ban on openly transgender servicemembers in the military. prgtoken Transgender servicemembers have served with honor and distinction in the defense of our country for decades, yet President announced on Twitter that transgender servicemembers would no longer be allowed to serve, despite the fact that many military leaders concluded that being transgender does not impact our readiness. President 's own Chief of Staff said he hadn't received any reports of problems with unit cohesion or morale regarding transgender servicemembers. prgtoken The President's cowardly ban makes it clear that prejudice, not patriotism, guides his decisions. prgtoken As the daughter of a career military officer who served in a segregated military, I know what it is like for our country to betray our American values. As a person of faith, I was taught to treat everyone equally. As an African American woman, I will fight discrimination wherever it surfaces. prgtoken , I urge my colleagues to vote ``yes'' on this resolution.
SUPPORTING TRANSGENDER TROOPS
Debra A. Haaland (Democrat, NM) \u2014 2019-3-28

I rise today in support of our transgender troops. prgtoken The United States is stronger and safer when our military reflects our Nation's diversity. This administration's transgender ban makes a mockery of that commitment. And let's be clear: This is a ban. prgtoken We must not ask transgender servicemembers to go back in the closet or tell them: You are less than other Americans. prgtoken I wholeheartedly support every single American who wants to serve our country. My father was a 30-year career marine, and he would never judge another marine on anything other than their ability to complete their mission. Why should there be another standard? prgtoken Trans servicemembers meet the same standards as every servicemember, and this was confirmed during a subcommittee hearing when trans troops testified as witnesses. These transgender troops were highly decorated and earned recognition on the basis of the quality of their work. prgtoken As all military personnel do, transgender troops deserve our respect. I challenge anyone who favors this kind of discrimination to look at their transgender constituents and tell them they are not fit to serve. prgtoken s for taking a stand for all of our servicemembers today.
LEGISLATIVE PROGRAM
Steny H. Hoyer (Democrat, MD) \u2014 2019-3-28

. I appreciate, , a lot of words of the minority whip. prgtoken He didn't pass the budget last year. There was no fiscal year 2019 budget. He is correct that we had reached a caps deal. That is not the budget, . prgtoken A budget is a plan that is reported out and brought to the floor and passed and sent to the Senate, and the Senate passes it and we have a budget that is in the same position on each side of the aisle. That is a budget. That has rarely been done in the last 8 years. prgtoken A caps deal has been reached. I would like to see a caps deal reached. prgtoken I have been talking to Mr. McConnell, who wants a caps deal reached; I have talked to Mr. Shelby--both of those, leaders. I have talked to the White House about a caps deal. prgtoken Unfortunately, I don't think Mr. Mulvaney wants to reach a caps deal. He wants to use it as leverage as opposed to allowing us to proceed in the regular order. prgtoken But a budget is a different kettle of fish, I will tell my friend, than a caps deal. A caps deal does, in fact, set the 302 level of discretionary funding for both defense and nondefense spending. prgtoken Yes, we reached the 2-year cap deal. I have been trying for the last 2 months to get meaningful negotiations underway to do the same. I have not been successful, largely because the President, apparently, and Mr. Mulvaney are not interested in reaching such a deal. I regret that. prgtoken But the Budget Committee is meeting this week--it is going to meet next week, and we are going to be reporting out what will be what the minority whip refers to as a budget. It will certainly speak to the levels of funding that we need to spend. prgtoken I want to pass the appropriation bills by June 30. That has never been done, but I want to do it. I think we can do it, , and I am going to work towards that objective. It will require reaching what numbers are going to be for discretionary spending. prgtoken Unfortunately, the budget that the President of the United States sent down to Congress is totally unreasonable and irrational, and there is not a single person, I think, on this floor who will support his budget. prgtoken I will tell the minority whip that I will be glad to give his party the opportunity to vote on the President's budget. If he asks me, I will have it put on the floor. prgtoken , it is unfortunate that we are not able to get to a budget caps deal. We passed and began, in my view, an irrational--and I voted for it, and I am sorry that I voted for it--Budget Control Act, creating the sequester. ``Sequester'' is a complicated word which starts with S, which I tell my people in my district and town, many, stands for ``stupid.'' It was an irrational document that took numbers out of the air without regard to our responsibilities and our opportunities. prgtoken But I am hopeful, and I tell the whip, my friend, that we are going to try to--hopefully, working with his party--establis
RECOGNIZING JOHN OSTENBURG OF PARK FOREST, ILLINOIS
Robin L. Kelly (Democrat, IL) \u2014 2019-3-28

in recognition of Mayor John Ostenburg of Park Forest, Illinois: son, husband, father, grandfather, mayor, trustee, legislator, leader, collaborator, author, teacher, speaker, editor, reporter, environmentalist, unionist, merchant, director, adviser, lecturer, painter, reader, traveler, neighbor, humanitarian, and ubiquitous friend. ``We do not exist for ourselves,'' his mentor once said. prgtoken When theologian Thomas Merton uttered those simple words, it likely tickled the eardrums and, certainly, the fancy of our friend, John Ostenburg. prgtoken To be clear, John enjoys his various vocations, but it just so happens that many endeavors share a common thread: to serve others for the greater good. prgtoken He makes sure everything he does, every role he plays, positively impacts others. That is who he is. prgtoken A perpetual student of mankind and relentless advocate of Chicago's Southland, John's omnipotence comes complete with the genuine chuckle of a friend, the wise grin of a mediator, the dignified humility of a monk. prgtoken With career highlights too long to list and colleagues too numerous to count, I commend and thank John Ostenburg for his longtime service to residents across the Second Congressional District of Illinois. prgtoken On their behalf and on behalf of the Congress of the United States, I wish Park Forest Mayor John Ostenburg Godspeed as he retires from elective office, if not from public service.
COMMEMORATION OF THE OPENING OF THE LIFE MESSAGE VETERANS RESOURCE & OUTREACH CENTER IN ROWLETT, TEXAS
Colin Z. Allred (Democrat, TX) \u2014 2019-3-28

. Madam , I am honored to commemorate a milestone for the community of Rowlett, Texas, the grand opening of the Life Message Veterans Resource & Outreach Center. prgtoken This facility is already making a difference in veterans' lives in this community, but Friday, March 29, 2019 will mark the ground- breaking and official opening ceremony of the center. prgtoken We owe a great debt to our veterans and their families, and I thank the people of Rowlett for their work on this effort. This is a great example of a community coming together to support those who have sacrificed so much for our nation. prgtoken It is an honor to represent them in Congress, and I know that I am deeply dedicated to being a strong and reliable partner for this new center as it works to become a source of long-term support and solutions for our veterans.
DISPARITIES IN PAY
Stacey E. Plaskett (Democrat, VI) \u2014 2019-3-28

I rise today to talk about the disparities in pay between men and women in this country. prgtoken Today, women are paid only 80 cents for every dollar paid to men, resulting in a gap of $10,169 each year. The gap exists in every State, regardless of geography, occupation, education, or work patterns. prgtoken This disparity is worse for women of color. On average, Hispanic women are typically paid 53 cents; Native American women, 58 cents; and Black women, 61 cents for every dollar paid to White, non-Hispanic men. prgtoken The Paycheck Fairness Act would help to close these punishing gaps by eliminating loopholes in the Equal Pay Act. prgtoken The wage gap between America's men and women denies women $900 billion in income each year. Across the country, this disparity directly affects children. In my district of the Virgin Islands, 32 percent of families with children live in poverty. Of that number, 76 percent are headed by a single mother. prgtoken We know that families who live in poverty have higher rates of instability and that children living in poverty perform worse in school than their counterparts. By paying each woman the $10,000 they lose per annum to the wage gap, we can do the right thing, and the fiscally responsible thing, and raise millions of families above the poverty line.
OPPOSING BAN ON TRANSGENDER MEMBERS OF ARMED FORCES
David N. Cicilline (Democrat, RI) \u2014 2019-3-28

I rise in strong support of this resolution expressing opposition to President 's decision to ban transgender individuals from serving in the Armed Forces. I am proud to be a cosponsor of this resolution, and I thank my friend, Mr. Kennedy, for his extraordinary leadership on this issue. prgtoken The President's decision in 2017 to prohibit transgender individuals from military service is disgraceful and wrong. Not only is the decision based on ignorance and bigotry, but the evidence shows there is absolutely no need for this discriminatory policy. prgtoken America has the strongest and most effective military in the history of the world, and that is because of the brave individuals who serve in uniform. Excluding an entire group of highly qualified and skilled individuals from service undermines our national security. prgtoken In 2016, the administration removed the ban on transgender individuals after thoroughly and carefully studying how it would impact the military and military readiness. A year later, President announced he would resume prohibiting transgender individuals from serving in a tweet and didn't even bother to tell his Secretary of Defense about it. prgtoken The National Center for Transgender Equality estimates that over 15,000 trans people are currently serving in the military. In 2016, a study by RAND Corporation found that service by transgender individuals does not adversely affect readiness, and, in fact, many military leaders have acknowledged that the ban will degrade military readiness. prgtoken This cruel ban seeks to force transgender members of our military back into the closet or out of service. It is a policy that is not based on any factor or any careful deliberation, but merely an attempt to score points with the hard right faction of his political base. By doing this, the President is hurting our military, making our country less safe, and making our country less just. prgtoken Transgender individuals who serve our country in the Armed Forces are American heroes. They deserve our thanks, and they deserve more than to be used as a political prop by their Commander in Chief. We as a country are better than this. prgtoken , quite simply, it is un-American and immoral to deny transgender individuals who want to serve our country in uniform the right to do so simply because of who they are, and I urge my colleagues to support this resolution.