mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
Prescription Drug Costs (Executive Session)
Richard J. Durbin (Democrat, IL) \u2014 2019-11-7

I would say that my friend and colleague, the gentleman from Texas, has accurately stated the situation, but let me add a few sentences about the bill that we are trying to couple with his effort. I totally support what he and Senator Blumenthal are trying to do. The end goal we all have in mind is to bring under control or at least restrain the increases in prescription drug prices. prgtoken The Senators from Texas and Connecticut have their approach. What Senator Grassley--a from Iowa--and I have suggested with this approach is direct-to-consumer advertising. The pharmaceutical industry spends about $6 billion a year on ads on television. If you have not seen a drug ad on television, you clearly do not own a TV. prgtoken We want to make sure that each one of these ads contain, amid all the other information they give you, one other critical piece of information: the cost of the drug. prgtoken We think that will be at least an indication to the pharmaceutical industry that we are watching how much they are charging us. I think some people will be shocked when they see the actual cost of Humira and some other drugs. But that is it, a complementary approach. I hope we can do both. I think the American people want to see prescription drugs become more affordable. prgtoken .
REMEMBERING JOHN CONYERS
Gary C. Peters (Democrat, MI) \u2014 2019-11-7

I rise today to remember John James Conyers, Jr of Detroit, MI, the longest serving Black Congressman in history and a champion for civil rights and social justice. Sadly, Mr. Conyers passed away last week at the age of 90. Mr. Conyers was passionate about serving his country and his constituents, always fighting for those without a voice. prgtoken Mr. Conyers was born in Detroit, MI on May 16, 1929, to John and Lucille Conyers. After graduating from Northwestern High School, Mr. Conyers worked as a welder for Lincoln automotive while attending Wayne State University. He served in the Michigan National Guard before enlisting in the U.S. Army during the Korean war, where he served as a second lieutenant. After 4 years of service, he was honorably discharged and returned to Wayne State University to obtain his bachelor's degree in 1957 and his law degree in 1958. prgtoken In 1958, Mr. Conyers continued his life of service as a legal aide to Representative John Dingell, Jr of Detroit. He then ran for Congress in 1964 and for the next 53 years, represented metro Detroit in a career full of many historic firsts for civil rights and the Black community. prgtoken Mr. Conyers was on the frontlines of the civil rights movement. He was a cosponsor of the Voting Rights Act of 1965 and worked with Martin Luther King, Jr in Selma, AL to advocate for equal rights. In 1967, during the civil unrest in Detroit, Mr. Conyers was in the streets, encouraging peace and an end to the rioting. After the tragic assassination of Martin Luther King, Jr in 1968, Mr. Conyers introduced legislation to forever remember Dr. King's legacy with a Federal holiday. He reintroduced his bill every session until it was signed into law in 1983. He also hired civil rights legend Rosa Parks to work in his Detroit office, where she stayed for over 20 years. prgtoken In Congress, Mr. Conyers was a founding member of the Congressional Black Caucus. He also served on and was chairman of the House Oversight Committee and the House Judiciary Committee. By the end of his service, he was the longest serving African-American Congressman in history, as well as the dean of the House of Representatives. prgtoken As an activist, trailblazer, and leader, Mr. Conyers will be greatly missed across Michigan, as he touched the lives of many people throughout Michigan. Mr. Conyers is survived by his wife of 29 years, Monica, and his two sons, John and Carl. prgtoken , I cannot express enough the impact Mr. John Conyers, Jr had on the city of Detroit and the State of Michigan. He was a pillar of our community and a model of humble leadership. His passion and tenacity will be missed. However, I am confident his legacy will continue to inspire others to serve and fight for justice and equality for all.
EXECUTIVE CALENDAR (Executive Session)
Patty Murray (Democrat, WA) \u2014 2019-11-7

in reserving the right to object, earlier this year, the House passed the SECURE Act--a bipartisan package--in a nearly unanimous vote of 417 to 3. This bill has overwhelming bipartisan support, and it takes many good steps toward improving retirement security for families across our country. It would help Gold Star families, small businesses, long-term and part-time workers, and more. prgtoken With families in our country, nationwide, in the middle of a retirement crisis, we should take the opportunity we have right here in front of us today to offer them some relief as soon as possible. prgtoken This bill, the SECURE Act, has wide bipartisan support here in the Senate, prgtoken and are ready to pass it today as is. But now we have a few Senators who want to sidetrack it with last-minute amendments, including proposals that are not in the interest of working families and will kill any chance this bill has of becoming law. For example, one of the amendments strips out an important provision the House made sure to include, while another one tries to jam back in a proposal that the House took out before it passed it so it could pass by an overwhelming margin. prgtoken Well, let me be clear. don't think families relying on this relief should have to wait while s try to chip away at it. We want to pass this bill today as it is, which is why I would like to ask the Senator from Pennsylvania to modify his unanimous consent request; that the Senate proceed to the immediate consideration of H.R. 1994, which is at the desk, the SECURE Act, the bipartisan House bill; and that the bill be considered read a third time and passed and the motion to reconsider be made and laid upon the table with no intervening action or debate.
Veterans Day (Executive Session)
Tim Kaine (Democrat, VA) \u2014 2019-11-7

I rise today to say just a word about Veterans Day, but then to talk about our Nation's historically Black colleges and universities and other minority-serving institutions. prgtoken We will celebrate Veterans Day as a nation on Monday, so this will be an opportunity to stand as a Member of the Armed Services Committee and as a Senator from a very militarily connected State to echo the words of Senator Thune from a few minutes ago that we owe a huge debt to our veterans. prgtoken Also, November 10 is the 244th anniversary of the Marine Corps. As a father of a U.S. marine, I also want to specifically offer my congratulations to the Corps. prgtoken One of the joys of serving in the Senate and being on the Armed Services Committee from a State that has the prgtoken military tradition of Virginia is the ability to meet wonderful leaders all around my commonwealth, all around the country, and all around the globe. For those serving our country, we are in their debt. prgtoken I do want to point out that we are having a debate on the floor over the Defense appropriations. The Senator from South Dakota spoke a little bit about that. I just want to lay out from the ic perspective what is at stake. It is not support of the military that is at stake. As an Armed Services Committee member, I am devoted to making sure we get to the right appropriations level for the Department of Defense. prgtoken What is holding this up is not one party or the other not supporting the military. What is holding this up is that do not approve of the practice that has been engaged in by President of rummaging through the Defense Department's budget to come up with money for a border wall, which our military leadership says is a nonmilitary issue. prgtoken We do not believe that once Congress appropriates money for a defense budget, the President should be able to use an emergency declaration to go into the coffers of the Pentagon and cannibalize projects that affect our military families to use for the border wall. To the extent there is a dispute right now, that is what the dispute is about. It is not support for the Defense Department or not; it is whether we should allow a rummage sale in the Pentagon budget to fund a border wall. prgtoken If you are going to have a discussion about border wall funding, let's do that separately, but let's not cannibalize the Defense Department's budget to do it.
VETERANS DAY
Benjamin L. Cardin (Democrat, MD) \u2014 2019-11-7

I honor the service and sacrifices of our veterans and their families every day. As we approach the 101st Veterans Day on Monday, I want to take a moment to pay special tribute to the men and women who have worn a uniform in defense of our great Nation, its people, and our values. prgtoken Progress usually is a good thing, but sometimes it comes with frightful consequences. The industrial revolution brought the development of weapons and tactics that enabled humankind to wage war and carnage upon itself at a level never before seen. By the end of World War I, there were approximately 40 million military and civilian casualties. H.G. Wells predicted it would be ``the war to end war.'' Tragically, that was not the case. prgtoken The United States played an instrumental role in ending World War I, then known as the Great War. On the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month in 1918, Germany signed an armistice with the Allies in a railroad car outside Compiegne, France. One hundred years ago, on November 11, 1919--exactly 1 year after the signing of the armistice with Germany--President Woodrow Wilson proclaimed the first ``Armistice Day'' to commemorate the day. On that occasion, he stated: ``To us in America, the reflections of Armistice Day will be filled with solemn pride in the heroism of those who died in the country's service and with gratitude for the victory.'' prgtoken Maryland played a critical role in ending that conflict with victory. Prominent military installations such as Fort Meade and Aberdeen Proving Grounds rapidly trained and deployed troops to Europe, and about 2,000 Maryland servicemembers made the ultimate sacrifice in defense of our freedom and ideals. prgtoken Congress passed legislation to establish Armistice Day as a legal holiday in 1938, ``dedicated to the cause of world peace.'' prgtoken The advent of World War II brought new challenges to America. Just as before, countless brave men and women stepped forward to do their part in service of their country. And just as before, Marylanders stepped forward arm-in-arm with their fellow citizens. The mighty Bethlehem- Fairfield Shipyard in Baltimore produced hundreds of ships at dizzying speed to fight a war across a great ocean. Just a few miles from there, Glenn L. Martin Company's Aircraft produced A-22 Maryland bombers among other critically important aircraft in the battle for air superiority. prgtoken Marylanders heroically fought on battlefields across the European and Pacific theatres. In all, 6,454 Marylanders lost their lives in World War II. Their names are memorialized in the granite of the Maryland World War II Monument in Annapolis. prgtoken In 1954, after the Korean war, veterans service organizations urged Congress to amend the 1931 act by striking out the word ``Armistice'' and inserting the word ``Veterans.'' With the approval of this legislation on June 1, 1954, November 11 became a day to thank and honor
REMEMBERING KAY HAGAN
Patrick J. Leahy (Democrat, VT) \u2014 2019-11-7

it is great sadness that Marcelle and I learned of the passing of Senator Kay Hagan of North Carolina on October 28. I have served in the U.S. Senate with nearly 400 Senators. Like many of them, Senator Hagan fought day and day out for her constituents in North Carolina and for the ideals and morals on which our country was founded. prgtoken Senator Hagan followed a line of public service in the Hagan family. Her father and brother served in the Navy, and her uncle, Lawton Chiles, represented Florida here in the U.S. Senate. Recognizing the sacrifice and importance of our Nation's service members, Senator Hagan was a tireless advocate for our military members and their families. During her time in the Senate, she was an active partner in our efforts to strengthen the National Guard, and she authored such important legislative initiatives as the Hire a Hero Act. She was also a tireless advocate for women and children, for efforts to support victims of crime, and for the advancement of civil rights. Her tenure in the Senate, in my view, was too short. prgtoken After Senator Hagan's work in the Senate, she went on to become a senior policy consultant for Akin Gump, where she held a particular focus on the health and financial services sectors. Additionally, in 2015, Senator Hagan became a resident fellow at the Institute of Politics at Harvard University, where she studied the influence money has in our politics. She said, ``I worry how we are going to get good people to run for office if you have to spend so much time raising money.'' I agree. Our public servants at every level of our govemment should be more focused on advocating for their constituents, rather than raising a war chest to fight against wealthy corporate interests, pressure groups, or dark money influencers. prgtoken Her tragic affliction with Powassan virus, which ultimately led to her passing last month, robbed us of Senator Hagan's dedication to public service far too soon. It was also a stark reminder of how precious our time really is. prgtoken I know Marcelle and I join with North Carolinians and our Senate family in mourning the passing of Senator Hagan. Our hearts go out to Chip, their prgtoken children, Jeanette, Tilden, and Carrie, and the entire Hagan family. Our prayers are with Kay, as we mourn this dedicated public servant.
Impeachment (Executive Session)
Robert P. Casey, Jr. (Democrat, PA) \u2014 2019-11-7

I rise today to discuss the impeachment inquiry currently underway in the House. prgtoken First, I want to recognize the courageous public servants who have testified in the House in recent weeks in defense of U.S. national security and in defense of the rule of law and our democratic institutions. I will cite just four: Lieutenant Colonel Vindman, Ambassador Yovanovitch, Ambassador Taylor, and Ambassador McKinley. prgtoken Despite the two decades of military service by Lieutenant Colonel Vindman and the Purple Heart he earned for his sacrifice for our country in Iraq, his character has faced brutal attacks from cable news and from some current and former Members of Congress. prgtoken As former U.S. Ambassador to Russia Michael McFaul put it in a Washington Post column last week, ``Such smear tactics are revolting and un-American. [Lt. Col.] Vindman has served our country with honor and distinction, both on and off the battlefield. . . . And he is a patriot--as you would expect from someone with his outstanding resume.'' prgtoken So said former Ambassador McFaul, and I agree with him. I think most Americans would agree with him. prgtoken Lieutenant Colonel Vindman is just one of the many brave patriots who have testified as part of this impeachment inquiry. prgtoken Ambassador Yovanovitch has dedicated over 30 years to U.S. foreign service. She has rightfully earned the respect and credibility that she has within the U.S. national security community for her anti-corruption efforts in Ukraine and for her unwavering commitment to U.S. national security interests. prgtoken Ambassador McKinley has served this country as Senior Advisor to the Secretary of State and Ambassador to Brazil, Afghanistan, Colombia, and Peru. He has demonstrated fierce loyalty to his colleagues in the State Department and to the United States itself. prgtoken Ambassador Taylor's life has been marked by his service to our Nation, from West Point to the 101st Airborne in Vietnam, to his work as Ambassador to Ukraine and other significant foreign policy roles. prgtoken We should all be inspired by these and countless other public servants who work to protect and serve the United States every day. When I reflect upon their service to our country and their integrity, I am reminded of one of the lines from ``America the Beautiful": ``Oh, beautiful for patriot dream That sees beyond the years.'' That is what these patriots are doing--trying to understand and deliberate about what their actions should be now that will help America over time, to see beyond the years. That is part of the dream of a patriot, and these individuals have demonstrated that. They have a care and a concern about our institutions, our government, our democracy, our Constitution, and, of course, a concern about what their actions mean for the future. prgtoken Over the past week, the House committees leading the impeachment inquiry regarding President 's, in
IN RECOGNITION OF MAYOR DINA LONG
Frank Pallone, Jr. (Democrat, NJ) \u2014 2019-11-8

. Madam , I would like to congratulate the Honorable Dina Long on her retirement this year as Mayor of Sea Bright, New Jersey. The Mayor's 17 years of service to Sea Bright are indicative of her dedication to the community and her leadership is highly deserving of this body's recognition. prgtoken Following three terms on the Sea Bright Borough Council, Mayor Long was elected as mayor and began her term on January 1, 2012. Less than 10 months later, Superstorm Sandy struck New Jersey, devastating several coastal communities, including Sea Bright. Leading the recovery efforts, Mayor Long established important partnerships within the community and state to bolster resources and programs available to the town and its residents. Her vision, determination and proactive response helped rebuild and revitalize the town. prgtoken Mayor Long has been an outstanding public servant, receiving commendations for her leadership. Her tireless efforts in the wake of Superstorm Sandy earned her an appointment as a local Advisory Group member on the President's Hurricane Sandy Rebuilding Task Force, a Telly Award and an American Shore & Beach Preservation Association Local Government Award. As a speaker and panelist, she has shared her insight and experiences with several organizations and institutions such as Brookdale Community College Women in Learning and Leadership, the Jewish Foundation of Monmouth County Sandy Teen Fellows Program and the NJ Council of Grantmakers, among many others. prgtoken In addition to her service to the Borough of Sea Bright, Mayor Long has also established a successful career as an educator, teaching at Brookdale Community College and previously at Rutgers University, her undergraduate alma mater. She also holds a master's degree from The New School. prgtoken Madam , I sincerely hope that my colleagues will join me in congratulating Mayor Dina Long on her retirement. Her impact on the Sea Bright community is evident and serves as an example of what steadfast commitment and perseverance can accomplish.
TRIBUTE TO THE LATE REP. ELIJAH CUMMINGS BY HIS STAFF
Ayanna Pressley (Democrat, MA) \u2014 2019-11-8

. Madam , I include in the Record the following op-ed article, authored by the current and former staff of our dear friend, and forever Chairman, Elijah Cummings of the Oversight and Reform Committee, who passed away last month. The op-ed ran in USA Today on October 25, paying tribute to the man who served his constituents and country so well in this House for more than twenty- three years. [From the USA Today, Oct. 25, 2019] How We Will Remember Our Boss, Chairman Elijah Cummings: Moral Clarity in All He Did (By Current and Former Staff of Rep. Elijah Cummings) As current and former congressional staff of the late Rep. Elijah E. Cummings, chairman of the House Oversight and Reform Committee, we had the great honor and privilege of working with him over the course of more than two decades. Many public figures have praised the chairman in recent days, extolling his unmatched integrity, courageous leadership and commitment to service and justice. To these well-deserved tributes, we would like to add our own eulogy, based on our experience working by his side. He was inspiring, both in public and even more so in private. He brought moral clarity to everything he did, and his purpose was pure--to help those among us who needed it most. He taught us that our aim should be to ``give a voice to the voiceless,'' including families whose drinking water had been poisoned, sick patients who could no longer afford their medicine and, most of all, vulnerable children and ``generations yet unborn.'' Whether in a hearing room full of members of Congress or in a quiet conversation with staff, his example motivated us to become our best selves in the service of others. He was genuine. He insisted on personally interviewing every staff member he hired so he could ``look into their eyes.'' Each of us has a personal memory of sitting down with him for the first time, and it was like nothing we had experienced before. He would ask why we were interested in public service, how we thought we could contribute and what motivated us. Then he would lean in and ask in his low baritone voice, ``But . . . what feeds your soul?'' More than a few of us left those interviews with tears in our eyes, perhaps feeling that we had learned more about ourselves than about him. He made that kind of personal connection with everyone he met, from the people of his district, to witnesses who testified at hearings, to whistleblowers who reported waste, fraud or abuse. Since his passing, we have been inundated with messages from many whose lives he touched. He was demanding. He would boast that he had the hardest working staff in Congress and that he sometimes would call or email
IN RECOGNITION OF THE OPENING OF THE IHA HEALTH CENTER
Debbie Dingell (Democrat, MI) \u2014 2019-11-8

. Madam , I rise today to recognize the opening of the IHA community health center. The new facility will transform patients' access to health care and improve the lives, health, and well-being of many within the Ypsilanti community. This endeavor is worthy of commendation. prgtoken Eastern Michigan University (EMU) is the cornerstone of Ypsilanti. Founded in 1849, EMU is renowned for its distinguished programs that not only provide students a stellar higher education, but also have a significant community impact. Over the span of 170 years, EMU has demonstrated a clear commitment to this mission, striving to find new ways to serve the EMU community and beyond. prgtoken The launch of the new health center exemplifies EMU's continued dedication to strengthening the Ypsilanti community and represents the culmination of years of work between EMU and other community health care providers. Thanks to the collaboration of EMU, Saint Joseph Mercy Health System, and IHA, the new health facility will provide high- quality and innovative health care services to members of the Ypsilanti community, as well as EMU students, faculty, and staff. The state-of- the-art facility will offer comprehensive health care and 7-day-a-week urgent care services, among a host of other critical services and tools that will improve patients' health care experiences. The IHA community health center will be an important resource to many, strengthening health care offerings for both residents and students alike. prgtoken Madam , I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring and celebrating the opening of the new IHA health center on the EMU campus. It is critical that health care providers adapt to meet the changing medical needs of communities nationwide, and I am grateful for Eastern Michigan University's, Saint Joseph Mercy Health System's, and IHA's continued commitment to this cause. Their advocacy and efforts help provide quality, accessible, and affordable health care to patients community-wide, truly making a meaningful impact in their lives.