mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
Introductory Statement on S. 191
Susan M. Collins (Republican, ME) \u2014 2017-1-23

first, let me commend the Senator from Louisiana for his extraordinary work on this bill. It has been a great pleasure to work so closely with him as we have made a genuine effort to put together a bill that would be a reasonable replacement for Care that would help to bring people together. prgtoken I wish to commend the Senator from Louisiana for his expertise. As a physician, Senator Cassidy brings an important perspective to this debate, particularly since he has practiced for so many years in hospitals in Louisiana that serve the uninsured. So I wish to personally thank him for the privilege of working together to craft this bill. prgtoken There has been much debate recently on the best approach to replacing and reforming the Affordable Care Act. Considerable confusion and anxiety exists about the current status of the law and about the future of health care in our country. However, what is often overlooked in this discussion is that while the ACA provides valuable assistance for some people who were previously uninsured, the system created by the law is under tremendous financial strain. prgtoken Care exchanges are on the verge of collapse in many States. The reality is that significant changes must be made. Doing nothing is not an option. prgtoken I am, therefore, both surprised and disappointed by the remarks of the ic leader to the press and on the floor today about the genuine effort that Senator Cassidy and I have put forward in introducing the Patient Freedom Act. prgtoken First of all, let me point out that the ic leader could not possibly have read our bill since we haven't introduced it yet, and it is evident that he has misunderstood many of its provisions. prgtoken For example, in a press statement, he said we gutted the preexisting condition protections that we strongly support and that are codified in our bill in section 101(b). Again, that is section 101(b). It ensures that insurers cannot discriminate against individuals with preexisting conditions who pay their premiums. prgtoken I guess what disappoints me most is that the ic leader's response really represents what is wrong with Washington, DC. The American people want us to come together. They want and s to work as a team to solve the problems facing our Nation. If we are going to have a leader on the other side of the aisle denounce to the press and come to the Senate floor to criticize a bill that has not even been introduced yet, where are we? I really hope this is an aberration and that we can work together and that the compromises we put in the bill are recognized as a good-faith effort to bring both sides of the aisle together in the interests of the American people and in providing access to affordable health care. That is our goal. prgtoken We are not saying our bill is perfect. We are open to refinements. We have made a good-faith effort, and to hear it describe
SCHOOL CHOICE WEEK 2017
Rick W. Allen (Republican, GA) \u2014 2017-1-23

at the heart of our American values is the belief that each of us, no matter our circumstance, can pursue our own success through hard work. That is how a small town boy like me wound up a businessman in Augusta and now a Member of Congress. prgtoken The value of education cannot be underestimated on the path to achieve the American Dream. That is why I proudly support school choice. prgtoken Support for school choice is growing. Evidence shows that 70 percent of Americans are in favor. prgtoken A great success story is in Dublin, Georgia, located in my district. Parents can choose an elementary school with learning tracks based on a student's individual needs and interest. And those tracks continue through their childhood education. prgtoken I am very proud to say that Dublin High School has a 96.3 percent graduation rate. prgtoken God created every child to be unique, each with special gifts and ideas that only he or she may have. prgtoken Families should have the opportunity to select a K-12 education and environment that is best suited for their children.
AUTHORITY FOR COMMITTEES TO MEET
Tom Cotton (Republican, AR) \u2014 2017-1-23

I have one request for a committee to meet during today's session of the Senate. It has 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 Foreign Relations prgtoken The Committee on Foreign Relations is authorized to meet during the session of the Senate on January 23, 2017, at 4:30 p.m.
AMATEUR RADIO PARITY ACT OF 2017
Adam Kinzinger (Republican, IL) \u2014 2017-1-23

I thank the gentleman from New Jersey for yielding. I also want to thank Chairman Walden and Congressman Courtney for working with me to introduce this legislation and bring it to the floor for debate today. prgtoken Additionally, I appreciate the willingness of the associations impacted by this legislation, both the CAI and the ARRL, for working with our offices last Congress in order to come to an agreement on where this legislation needs to be in order to move forward in a bipartisan and a positive manner. prgtoken The legislation before us today is the same legislative text as H.R. 1301, which was able to gather over 100 bipartisan cosponsors and passed the House by voice vote in the 114th Congress. prgtoken The intent of this legislation is to remedy current law which prohibits the use of any antenna for amateur radio operators in certain areas with no consideration for the emergency ramifications that come about as a result. For some, this is merely a nuisance, but for others--those who use prgtoken their amateur radio licenses for emergency communications--a dangerous situation has been established by limiting the ability of hams to create effective communications for those in need. prgtoken For example, during times of emergency service, such as following a hurricane or a tornado, amateur radio operators are able to use their skills and equipment to create a network of communications that are utilized by first responders when other wired or wireless networks are taken down or are otherwise unavailable. This is a vital and lifesaving function. prgtoken Additionally, there are numerous hams that take their certifications even further by purchasing expensive equipment and going through extensive training to become part of MARS, the Military Auxiliary Radio System. I have personally used this system as a pilot in the military. What is amazing about MARS is that it gives our military members the ability to communicate both domestically and abroad when other systems are not available or are simply not able to establish communications the way that these hams are able to do. prgtoken MARS members are able to accomplish this not only due to their extensive training and knowledge, but due to their commitment to this program. MARS members must not only have access to expensive high- frequency radio equipment, but they must also file monthly reports and participate in a minimum of 12 hours of radio activity each quarter in order to stay in compliance with the requirements of this program. This is a great service provided by these individuals, and it is my hope that we can get even more amateur radio operators involved in the future with the passage of this bill. prgtoken Again, the purpose of this bipartisan legislation is to change current regulations hampering the ability of amateur radio operators to effectively communicate in certain areas, while respecting and maintaining the rights of local communities in w
FIXING OUR NATION'S HEALTH CARE
Jodey C. Arrington (Republican, TX) \u2014 2017-1-23

. I thank the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Sessions) for yielding. prgtoken , I want to talk about something that is near and dear to my heart and to the hearts of my constituents. prgtoken It has been 44 years since Roe v. Wade. Since then, 58 million precious American lives have been aborted. The Supreme Court got it wrong when it violated its authority by creating a constitutional right to abortion. To make matters worse, the Federal Government is now using our taxpayer dollars to subsidize these abortions. Tomorrow we will have the opportunity to put a stop to this. This is an area in which the Constitution, my constituents, and my conviction will not allow me to budge. prgtoken I believe that all life is ordained by God and begins at conception, as the psalmists so eloquently said: ``for You created my inward parts. You knit me together in my mother's womb.'' Our Constitution clearly defines that all Americans--even those who cannot vote, who cannot speak or defend themselves--have the same right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. prgtoken , I urge my colleagues to stand with me in support of H.R. 7; but, most importantly, I plead with them to stand up for generations of Americans yet unborn. prgtoken I thank the gentleman again.
MOMENT OF SILENCE FOR VICTIMS OF TORNADOES IN GEORGIA AND MISSISSIPPI
Steven M. Palazzo (Republican, MS) \u2014 2017-1-23

I come before this body tonight with my colleagues from Mississippi and Georgia to offer our prayers for those whose lives were lost, whose homes were destroyed, and whose neighborhoods were prgtoken shattered during this weekend's tornadoes across the Southeast. prgtoken We also extend our deepest gratitude to our first responders, local law enforcement, and emergency personnel for their quick, courageous, and compassionate response in the aftermath of the storm. prgtoken Finally, I also want to say thank you to the citizens of Mississippi who rushed toward the sites of devastation. Their generosity, bravery, and willingness to help their neighbors gives me hope that our community will rebuild again and be stronger than ever. prgtoken We will get through this difficult time together, confident in our ability to persevere through any trial, with neighbor helping neighbor, as we begin the difficult work of rebuilding our community following this terrible natural disaster.
FIXING OUR NATION'S HEALTH CARE
Pete Sessions (Republican, TX) \u2014 2017-1-23

I thank the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Arrington), one of our brand new freshman from Lubbock, Texas. Jodey not only comes from the high plains of Lubbock, a young man who has given great service to the State of Texas, but he also comes as our newest member from the Texas delegation who stands not only with the principles of that district, but with the principle of caring about other people. I thank the gentleman for letting his voice be heard about what will be a bill that will be before the House of Representatives tomorrow. prgtoken , continuing our discussion about health care and ideas. Back in 2013, some 4.7 million Americans that had their own health care were knocked off that health care because it didn't qualify in the way that President and wanted to have a comprehensive healthcare plan. So it knocked off 4.7 million Americans, and what it did is it placed America into a circumstance where we began looking for options and alternatives about how we would insure the uninsured. prgtoken We were told: Just watch and wait. This Affordable Care Act is going to make sure that it takes every single American and gives them an affordable healthcare plan. prgtoken Here is what happened, . We found out that we still have some 30 million people in this country--now in the sixth year of Care--that do not have coverage. We have learned that about 49 percent of those who are insured work for employers, about 20 percent of the marketplace is Medicaid, about 14 percent is Medicare, but we still have some 9 percent who were uninsured. prgtoken We then find out that what happened is that the Federal Government decided that insurance was not working, so we had coops that were invented out of the Affordable Care Act. Seventeen out of the 23 coops have now gone into bankruptcy. They could not provide the services that the Affordable Care Act was just so sure, with government-run programs, would work; and they wiped out almost unilaterally every single insurance plan where they came in. I don't know if it was just because they undercut them, but what they did is provided a false indicator for people. prgtoken Well, the Federal Government is here. and now have a healthcare plan for every single American. Only a few short years later, they are gone. They are gone from the marketplace after wiping out the insurance that was there. prgtoken Perhaps worst of all, as they left, there was a requirement by the administration that somebody had to come and renew insurance, even late in the year, or they would receive a $2,000 penalty because they did not have insurance at the end of the year. prgtoken , this is what the insured and the uninsured look like. A gentleman from Dallas, Texas, Kennis Ketchum told us: I am being penalized for being an entrepreneur. I am in here, and I want to be in here. I want to be able to go and to allow myself to be in insurance, but I c
Welcoming A New Day In The Country (Executive Session)
John Cornyn (Republican, TX) \u2014 2017-1-23

I had a chance to listen to our friend, the ic leader, and it is becoming clearer exactly what his strategy is for dealing with the aftermath of the November 8 election, in which s retained the majority in both Houses of Congress and picked up the White House to boot. I realize it was a shock to our ic friends--the election that occurred on November 8 and the verdict of the American people, given the choices they were presented. What is becoming increasingly clear is that the ic leader, the Senator from New York, believes that and the country are better served by being an opposition party--in other words, opposed to everything that is proposed by either the President or anybody on this side of the aisle. prgtoken Rather than working together with us to try to build consensus, to try to address the challenges that face the country, what they are going to do is to sit back and enjoy the failure--which is what they are hoping and praying for--when we try to do this alone. We know our system is built on bipartisan cooperation and consensus building, and I have to tell my friend, the Senator from New York, Mr. Schumer, that I doubt his party's political prospects are going to improve as long as people see them as a restoration of the status quo at a time when they voted for change. Rather than working together to find solutions to the challenges that face our country, they have decided to sit back, drag their heels, oppose, and say no to each and every constructive solution offered by either the White House or this side of the aisle. I really do hope they decide that this is a recipe for political failure, continuing to wander in the political wilderness. prgtoken At a time when the voters voted for change, they are arguing for a restoration of the status quo--the direction that the country, the majority of voters, and certainly those whose votes are reflected in the Electoral College felt was a wrong direction for our country. prgtoken So I believe that most Americans greeted the peaceful transfer of power prgtoken as reflected by the inaugural ceremonies of last Friday with relief and welcomed a new day in the country. prgtoken My wife and I had the chance to attend those inauguration ceremonies. Let me first say to President , the First Lady, and his family, as they start this journey leading the Nation, that I wish you well and offer my help, because I believe if President succeeds and if his administration succeeds, then there is a better chance that the country will succeed, and it is not going to happen by opposing each and every idea of the administration, which our ic colleagues seem bound and determined to do, being seen as merely obstructionist and being naysayers rather than constructive solution finders for the problems that confront the country. I am very hopeful about what the future holds, and I look forward to working w
ARMS SALES NOTIFICATION
Bob Corker (Republican, TN) \u2014 2017-1-23

section 36(b) of the Arms Export Control Act requires that Congress receive prior notification of certain proposed arms sales as defined by that statute. Upon such notification, the Congress has 30 calendar days during which the sale may be reviewed. The provision stipulates that, in the Senate, the notification of proposed sales shall be sent to the chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. prgtoken In keeping with the committee's intention to see that relevant information is available to the full Senate, I ask unanimous consent to have printed in the Record the notifications which have been received. If the cover letter references a classified annex, then such annex is available to all Senators in the office of the Foreign Relations Committee, room SD-423.
CONSTITUENT EXPERIENCES WITH OBAMACARE
Larry Bucshon (Republican, IN) \u2014 2017-1-23

last week, I met with a group of my constituents to discuss their experiences with the Affordable Care Act. prgtoken Here is what I heard: My deductible went from $2,500 to $6,000, so it wasn't even worth it. prgtoken The first year wasn't too bad until I found out I needed a knee replacement, said a constituent who found out her surgery wouldn't be covered because her physician was excluded from her plan's network. prgtoken A professor who saw his hours cut after passage of Care and lost his insurance because it didn't comply with the law's mandates said: I had to get a second job and sometimes a third job, and it made it very difficult. prgtoken A local small business owner saw premiums on his group plan increase by as much as $2,500 a month for family coverage and $975 a month for single employee coverage. prgtoken There were skyrocketing premiums, unaffordable deductibles, restricted access to physicians, and loss of coverage. prgtoken , these are real stories from real people in my district who want relief from the Affordable Care Act. prgtoken We are working to save patients from this disastrous law and to build a better healthcare system that lowers costs, expands access, and empowers patients.
TRIBUTE TO TODD NOVASCONE
Jerry Moran (Republican, KS) \u2014 2017-1-23

I would like to take just a few moments of the Senate's time this evening. We all work in an environment in which we are surrounded by dedicated people. One of those in my world, Todd Novascone, who has been my chief of staff for 12 years, has had his last day of work in our office today. I wanted to take just a few moments to pay tribute to him and others like him. prgtoken I think we are here because we want to make a difference. I have no doubt that is the case for my 99 colleagues here on the Senate floor, but it is also true for all the folks who work here in the Senate Chamber, who work in our individual offices, and who work in the committees. The goal is to be in the Nation's Capital in the hope that we can make better things happen for America. I have had the privilege of being surrounded by many dedicated individuals--most of them Kansans--over the period of time that I have served in the Congress of the United States of America. I know that my ability to work on behalf of Kansans and on behalf of the citizens of our Nation is greatly altered and improved by the fact that people who care about America, who care about our home State, are there by my side. One of those most important to me has been my chief of staff. prgtoken Todd was an elected official in his own right. He was elected to the Kansas House of Representatives and served there with distinction. Twelve years ago, back in the days when I was a Member of the U.S. House of Representatives, I asked him to uproot his family and move to Washington, DC, and assume the task of managing our office and helping accomplish the things that we all wanted to accomplish. He has done it with great style and with grace and with friendship. He has been the person who has motivated us to do better and has always done it in a way in which we felt good about what we were doing, in a management style that made us feel good about ourselves, bringing us together, not taking us apart, making certain we knew that the outcome was important, but how we got there--matters that are important to us as individuals, as human beings with integrity, doing things right, telling the truth-- those things were always honored and achieved because of his leadership. prgtoken People are hard to replace, and Todd is especially difficult to replace. I spend almost every week in the Nation's Capital, away from my own family. Like many people here in the Senate, those who work in our offices become part of our family. That is certainly true with the people who work in my office today. I feel that, although when I came to Congress I was more their age, now there is a significantly wider gap in the age of our staff and me. But my wife and I believe that I am surrounded by people who are part of our family, and Todd is certainly that. In fact, his family grew while he was my chief of staff. His two children, Grace and Will, were born during the days of his time as a
Welcoming A New Day In The Country (Executive Session)
Tom Udall (Democrat, NM) \u2014 2017-1-23

I rise to oppose the confirmation of Congressman Mike Pompeo as Director of the Central Intelligence Agency. I respect Congressman Pompeo's background and service to our Nation. However, I strongly believe that his positions on at least three key issues undermine his qualifications to lead the Central Intelligence Agency. prgtoken First, he has supported broad surveillance programs that allow the government to spy on the American people--programs that were far- reaching, invasive, and violated law-abiding citizens' constitutional rights to privacy. prgtoken These programs were hastily passed as a part of the PATRIOT Act in the wake of the 9/11 terrorist attacks. I was one of only 66 Members in the House of Representatives to vote against the PATRIOT Act. prgtoken Since then, we have learned through reviews by the Privacy and Civil Liberties Oversight Board, as well as the unauthorized disclosure of programs by Edward Snowden, that these programs did go too far. There is no doubt about it. They did go too far. prgtoken The government collected massive amounts of personal cell phone information, with no probable or reasonable cause to justify the collection, and the PATRIOT Act was used to obtain hotel records, car rental records, apartment leasing records, credit card records, and other personal information. While the government collected personal information from innocent Americans, there is no credible evidence that it made us more secure. prgtoken The majority of the American people opposed the surveillance program. They understood it went too far and violated our basic American right to privacy. So Congress responded and passed the USA FREEDOM Act-- bipartisan legislation to rein in the surveillance programs. prgtoken Congressman Pompeo was skeptical of the USA FREEDOM Act, and he introduced his own bill to resume and expand the spying programs. prgtoken I believe in strong national security, and I have consistently supported our prgtoken military and our National Labs to ensure that we have the strongest and most effective defense in the world. However, in the United States of America, we protect national security and our constitutional rights. The United States is not a police State. The U.S. Constitution protects us from overreaching invasions of our privacy. Congress struck an appropriate balance in the USA FREEDOM Act between security and civil liberties. I hope the new administration will not try to return to mass surveillance programs that don't work, aren't supported by the American people, and invade our civil liberties. prgtoken Second, Congressman Pompeo's views on torture are deeply concerning. He has stated that the so-called enhanced interrogation programs used by the CIA in the administration ``were within the law'' and ``within the Constitution.'' That is his quote, ``were within the law'' and ``within the Constitution.'' They were not. They violated Federal law prohibiting to