mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
NOMINATION OF WILLIAM WEHRUM
Jeff Merkley (Democrat, OR) \u2014 2017-11-8

we have a very important role in this Senate--to provide advice and consent on nominees. Our forefathers, who wrote the Constitution, envisioned that this power would be used rarely because a President, knowing this power existed, would nominate highly suitable people for the post that they were intended to occupy. But we haven't seen highly suitable people coming through this Chamber this year. In fact, we have seen one person after another fabulously unsuited for the office or position to which they were nominated. prgtoken We saw Scott Pruitt, who took on and attacked regulations designed to create clean air across this country time after time, in a very close association with the fossil fuel industry that wanted to allow more particulates, more particulates that cause a tremendous amount of health damage in this country. prgtoken We saw Betsy DeVos come through this Chamber, an individual who was nominated to be Secretary of Public Education but had never stepped inside a public school, didn't respect public schools, hadn't had children in public schools, hadn't volunteered in public schools, and wanted to decimate public schools. The best thing we could have done for public schools would have been to turn down that nomination, but this Chamber said: Boy, you know, we are going to do everything we can to damage public education. prgtoken Many of us stood up against that and said: No, let's fight for someone who can make public education better, not tear it down. But that is not what we got. prgtoken Now we have another individual to be considered on the floor of the Senate, Bill Wehrum. Bill Wehrum was nominated to head EPA's Office of Air and Radiation. Bill Wehrum has made a career out of working for powerful special interests and attacking any effort to make the air cleaner. Is that a person suitable for this role of protecting the air we breathe and making it better, someone who has sought to make it worse? prgtoken During the nomination hearing, I put up a very simple chart. I wanted to understand his thoughts about what was driving climate disruption. I put up a chart showing what NASA data showed for the solar impact, solar flares, and so forth, about which sometimes people say: Well, maybe it is solar flares that are causing the warming of the planet. NASA had data that showed a flat line on that and then a rising temperature. prgtoken I said: Is there any sign of correlation between these two lines? prgtoken His response was: Well, what do you mean? It is correlation. prgtoken He didn't have any understanding of the basics of how to compare one thing to another. prgtoken I put up another chart. The other chart showed all of the activities that are considered to be ones that might contribute to global warming, that are not manmade activities, things like the solar flares and volcanic activity. Again, the NASA data showed a flat line and the rising temperature. prgtoken I said: Does ther
Healthcare (Executive Session)
Amy Klobuchar (Democrat, MN) \u2014 2017-11-8

I rise today to call for bipartisan action on healthcare. prgtoken I think it was interesting to learn that the citizens of Virginia who voted yesterday listed as their top issue healthcare. There was obviously an issue there where there had been no Medicaid expansion, and they were unhappy with the way it had been handled by the legislature there as well as s who were in charge of the legislature, and they appeared to be pushing for a change. prgtoken We have an opportunity here to make a bipartisan change. I think it is exactly the kind of message that we got yesterday. In my State, we have a legislature and a ic Governor. They came together to do something about some of the rates, particularly in our rural areas. They focused on reinsurance, cost sharing--some of the things in the bipartisan agreement reached between Senator Alexander and Senator Murray. We have 12 and 12 s cosponsoring that bill. Support includes the American Cancer Society, the American Diabetes Society, the March of Dimes, and the Arthritis Foundation--and those are just the A's. prgtoken The American people want us to work together to make fixes to the Affordable Care Act. The day it passed, I said that it was a beginning and not an end. Unfortunately, we have been stymied in trying to make those kind of changes, and this is one bipartisan big opportunity to do it. I think it is a sensible bipartisan approach. prgtoken As we all know, both Senator Alexander and Senator Murray held a series of hearings and discussions on commonsense solutions to bring down insurance costs with Senators on both sides of the aisle. There were Governors and insurance experts, and we worked hard to make sure there was some agreement on this bill. I fought for provisions that would help States apply for and receive waivers to give them some flexibility to construct their healthcare system and to bring down the costs without losing Federal funding. That is something my State did. As I mentioned, my State, with a -led legislature and a ic Governor, came together to apply for a waiver and a reinsurance provision. prgtoken The bill would also expedite the review of waiver applications for proposals that have already been approved for other States that are experiencing certain circumstances--emergency circumstances--where they need to make changes. prgtoken The legislation also shortens the overall time period that States would have to wait for the Federal Government to decide whether to approve their waivers. prgtoken All of these are good fundamental concepts--this idea that States should have some flexibility, that they should be able to apply for waivers, and that they should be able to get their answers as soon as possible from the Federal Government. That is what this bill is about. Not only does the bill improve the process for waivers and flexibility for the States, like we h
ADDRESSING THE HUMANITARIAN CRISIS IN PUERTO RICO
Adriano Espaillat (Democrat, NY) \u2014 2017-11-8

I rise today, marking the 48th day since Hurricane Maria made direct landfall on the island of Puerto Rico. prgtoken Wreaking havoc for over 3.4 million American citizens living on the island, this administration's response has been beyond atrocious. I witnessed it myself a couple of weeks ago, and so did a group of 50 registered nurses from across the country who volunteered for a two- week disaster relief fund and mission. prgtoken What these courageous women described upon returning was not at all reassuring. The lack of efficient action has led to deadly conditions and consequences: lack of food, water, medicine, proper healthcare services, houses with roofs blown off or infested with black mold, and leptospirosis outbreaks across the island. prgtoken Laura Maceri, a registered nurse, said: ``It's hell there. The people have nothing, yet they are the first to offer you the shirt off their back.'' prgtoken Another nurse, Hau Yau, expressed: ``We couldn't believe this is part of the United States. We did home visits in low-income communities with the public health liaisons there who identified those in need, and helped them do basic blood pressure checks, blood sugar checks, to refill their medicine, et cetera. They have already had chronic diseases going on, and now their environment is full of hazardous materials, and the sanitation is very, very poor.'' prgtoken From another nurse, Erin Carrera: ``Spent the day in Rio Grande, a hard-hit area right outside of San Juan. No power or water here since Maria. We set up a clinic at the FEMA site for the first time here. People lined up blocks since 10 p.m. last night. But FEMA was only handing out papers--papers, which need to be filled out in order that they may receive some reimbursement eventually. Each person received a small bottle of water, a mini bag of Cheez-It and a little pack of vanilla cookies. Outrageous. We were able to provide care to some, not nearly enough, but one small contribution to this tragedy today.'' prgtoken Another nurse said: ``Today we went to a town called Barranquitas. They had almost no water or food there. They were desperate. They are relying on rainwater. One million chickens died during the storm and are now decomposed and causing people to get sick. Overwhelming is the only thing I can say to describe it.'' prgtoken , I stand with these nurses in their demands to address the humanitarian crisis on the island of Puerto Rico. This administration must respond immediately. prgtoken We need to waive FEMA's cost-sharing requirements in Puerto Rico. Yesterday, Representative Gutierrez and I introduced the WEPA legislation--the Waiver of Emergency Payments Act--that chooses and aims to do exactly that.
IN RECOGNITION OF THE 60TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE CITY OF PACIFICA
Jackie Speier (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2017-11-8

I rise to honor Pacifica, California, a sea- sprayed city in my district blessed by salty breezes, soaring shorebirds and the collective smile of residents that rivals in intensity the warmth of the sun itself. On November 22, 2017, Pacifica is a spritely 60 years old. prgtoken Residents love this town, and there's no doubt as to why. The views of the Pacific Ocean are spectacular, the shoreline is captivating. If you wish to stroll through the sand and to hunt for seashells, bring your children to the beach and spend a few hours listening to the waves and gazing at the gulls overhead or the snowy plover nearby, Pacifica is the place to be. prgtoken Although sunshine is the predominant feature of Pacifica, fog occasionally arrives. Well, actually, more than occasionally. But it is quiet and serene in Pacifica when fog shrouds the shore and the mountains. prgtoken For hundreds of years, Pacifica was home to a village of the Ohlone tribe. Pacifica's creeks and ample supply of fish and nuts fed generations. These residents lived in balance with nature, thriving on the ocean side of the San Francisco Peninsula and trading with other villages on the bay side. prgtoken The Spanish explorer Don Gaspar de Portola arrived in 1769 and climbed the mountain behind Pacifica to a point now known as Sweeney Ridge. From that point, Portola was the first European to discover the existence of San Francisco Bay. In the next decades, thousands followed, leading to the establishment of Mission Delores and the creation of early San Francisco. Pacifica fed San Francisco from crops planted throughout the San Pedro Valley. In 1839, a Mexican land grant to Don Francisco Sanchez was made and it almost exactly matched the boundaries of modern-day Pacifica. prgtoken While much of modern-day Pacifica might be unrecognizable to the Ohlone or to Don Francisco Sanchez, one characteristic of those early times would easily be recognized: families. Both in the distant past and today, Pacifica teems with families. The school district is highly regarded and has over 3,000 students from grades K through 8. Parents from biotech companies and other global corporations drive a few extra miles to work every day so that they may live in a community with quality schools and a web of soccer teams and gymnastics programs that allow children to thrive amidst friends. The annual family-friendly Pacifica Fog Fest draws tens of thousands from throughout the Bay Area to enjoy the sun, music, a hometown parade, and all of the cheese and nachos needed to earn a mother's scorn. prgtoken Civic life in Pacifica is energetic, to say the least. In recent years, the city has completed such notable projects as the undergrounding of utilities, the creation of a dog park, the commencement of a parking program at state beaches, improvements to the senior/community center, protection of environmental resources around the creeks and on the beaches, and numerous other pub
Healthcare (Executive Session)
Al Franken (Democrat, MN) \u2014 2017-11-8

I rise today to talk about the importance of bipartisan action on healthcare, as the Senator from New Hampshire just did. prgtoken Over the past year, I have traveled all around Minnesota to talk with individuals and families and community leaders about healthcare. I have heard from mothers and fathers who have been worried about losing the healthcare their children need to access lifesaving services. I have heard from daughters who have been panicked about how to pay for their parents' long-term care and prescription drug costs. I have heard from hospital executives in rural areas, much like the rural areas in Arkansas, who have been concerned about how they are going to keep their doors open. prgtoken What is abundantly clear from all of these conversations is that Minnesotans want Congress to work together to build on the Affordable Care Act, lower healthcare costs, and support policies that work. That is why I believe, first, that Congress must act immediately to prgtoken pass bipartisan legislation to stabilize the individual market. Second, we must do all we can to support strong enrollment in our health insurance exchanges so that all consumers, regardless of their health needs, can find high-quality, affordable health insurance coverage. Third, it is time to reauthorize the Children's Health Insurance Program. Let me take each of those in turn. prgtoken When efforts to repeal the Affordable Care Act failed, the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee got to work and developed a bipartisan plan to stabilize the individual market. As a member of that committee, I participated in numerous hearings with witnesses who spanned the ideological spectrum, solicited input from State and national leaders, and worked in good faith with all of my colleagues to develop legislation that is truly a compromise bill. prgtoken This legislation, referred to as the Alexander-Murray deal, will contain healthcare costs for consumers, provide certainty to insurers participating in these markets, and provide States with the flexibility they need to develop innovative, local solutions. I am proud of what we were able to accomplish. prgtoken What I am most proud of is that this bill includes a provision that will reverse a decision by the administration that would effectively punish Minnesota for pushing forward a bipartisan plan to stabilize the individual market--a bipartisan plan in our State legislature. prgtoken Last year, after our State experienced dramatic premium rate hikes in the individual markets, State leaders worked together in a bipartisan way to pass a reinsurance program to contain these costs, but the program's enactment was contingent upon approval from the Federal Government. prgtoken After months of foot-dragging, the Federal Government finally approved the State's reinsurance plan as part of the 1332 waiver proposal, but the Federal Government simultaneously cut
ASIAN AMERICAN MEDICAL ASSOCIATION 41ST ANNUAL GALA
Peter J. Visclosky (Democrat, IN) \u2014 2017-11-8

it is with sincere admiration that I recognize the Asian American Medical Association, which hosts its 41st Annual Gala on Saturday, November 11, 2017, at Avalon Manor in Merrillville, Indiana. Each year, the Asian American Medical Association pays tribute to prominent, outstanding citizens and organizations for their contributions to the community. In recognition of their efforts, these honorees are awarded the prestigious Crystal Globe Award. The Asian American Medical Association has been a tremendous asset to Northwest Indiana. Its members have dedicated themselves to providing quality medical services to the residents of Northwest Indiana and have served their communities through many cultural, scholastic, and charitable endeavors. At this year's Annual Gala, the Asian American Medical Association will present the Crystal Globe Award to one of Northwest Indiana's finest citizens, Mr. Joseph Costanza. Mr. Costanza began practicing law after graduating from the Northwestern University School of Law in 1961. Throughout his illustrious career, Mr. Costanza has served as counsel for many organizations including the East Chicago Economic Development and Redevelopment Commissions, East Chicago Parks Department, Ogden Dunes Parks Department, and the former American Trust and Savings Bank of Whiting, Indiana. Mr. Costanza also served as special counsel for the Town of Ogden Dunes and as general counsel for the former First National Bank of East Chicago, Indiana. Mr. Costanza has volunteered much of his time and efforts to numerous charitable and civic organizations throughout the region, including Calumet College of Saint Joseph, the East Chicago Chamber of Commerce, Saint Catherine Hospital, the Community Foundation of Northwest Indiana, the Indiana Historical Society, and the East Chicago Urban Enterprise Academy, to name a few. For his lifetime of dedication to the community of Northwest Indiana, Joseph is worthy of the highest praise. Joseph's commitment to the community and his career is exceeded only by his devotion to his amazing family. He and his beloved wife, Aurelia, have four children, eight grandchildren, and two great- grandchildren I ask that you and my other distinguished colleagues join me in commending the members of the Asian American Medical Association, as well as this year's Crystal Globe Award recipient, Mr. Joseph Costanza. For his devotion to his remarkable career and his outstanding service to the community of Northwest Indiana and beyond, Joseph is most deserving of the honor bestowed upon him and serves as an inspiration to us all.
BRINK Act (Executive Calendar)
Tammy Duckworth (Democrat, IL) \u2014 2017-11-8

from Maryland for his thoughtful words on North Korea. prgtoken I come to the floor today to urge my colleagues to oppose the nomination of William Wehrum to lead the Office of Air and Radiation at the EPA. prgtoken If confirmed, Mr. Wehrum would be responsible for implementing critical programs like the Renewable Fuel Standard Program and other key public health standards under the Clean Air Act. prgtoken Mr. Wehrum is part of a larger trend within President 's administration. Many of the nominees who are being sworn in are unqualified, incompetent, and have actually built their careers on dismantling the agencies they are now leading. prgtoken To be clear, Mr. Wehrum's nomination represents yet another broken promise by President --this time, to our Nation's farmers. As a candidate, Mr. pledged to champion the RFS, a policy with broad bipartisan support that reduces our greenhouse gas emissions, helps us revive rural economies, and makes our Nation less dependent on foreign oil. prgtoken Yet the President continues to surround himself with advisers intent on sabotaging the RFS, like Scott Pruitt, Carl Icahn, and, now, Mr. Wehrum. Mr. Wehrum has proven, time and again, that he is not a friend of the Renewable Fuel Standard Program. prgtoken He sued the biofuels industries--not once, not twice, not three times, but at least four times--representing groups like the American Petroleum Institute which are strong opponents of the RFS. During his nomination hearings, Mr. Wehrum refused to commit to supporting the RFS, claiming he was ``unfamiliar'' with the program. He wouldn't even acknowledge the unprecedented attacks launched on the biofuel industries by this administration. prgtoken If you support the RFS, as Illinois farmers and I do, it should be obvious that the right thing to do is to oppose Mr. Wehrum. This is not about having blanket opposition to President 's nominees; this is about our national security, our rural communities, and our environment. prgtoken I have already fought a war over oil, and I would rather run my car on American-grown corn and soybeans than oil from the Middle East. Our farmers deserve better than a President who makes campaign promises to protect the RFS in Iowa but will not honor them when he gets to the White House. prgtoken I understand that Administrator Pruitt has written a letter to my colleagues on the other side of the aisle regarding a pending petition requesting to move the ``point of obligation'' and a rulemaking on renewable volumetric obligations. Both of these decisions, as Administrator Pruitt's letter states, will be final in the coming days. That is why I am calling on my colleagues to simply hold Mr. Wehrum's nomination until after EPA finalizes these decisions. prgtoken There is no rush to confirm Mr. Wehrum this week. Better yet, let's oppose his nomination altogether. prgtoken I am also concerned that he wil
Healthcare (Executive Session)
Jeanne Shaheen (Democrat, NH) \u2014 2017-11-8

I am pleased to join my colleague from Washington, Senator Murray, and congratulate her and Senator Alexander on being able to reach agreement to move forward to address the uncertainty in the marketplace. prgtoken Like Senator Murray, I also want to begin with what we are seeing going on in this open enrollment period. Despite all of the efforts to undermine the Affordable Care Act, to shorten the time prgtoken period in which people can sign up, to make it more difficult by having the site closed for part of Sundays, we are seeing a record number of people enroll in the initial days of open enrollment. prgtoken According to news reports, on the first day alone, about 1 million people visited healthcare.gov and more than 200,000 people selected a plan for 2018. That is almost double the number who signed up last year on the first day. prgtoken For anybody who is still thinking about it, you have until December 15, so sign up early. As my colleague from New Hampshire, Senator Hassan, says, it is the best Christmas shopping you can do--take care of your healthcare. Go to healthcare.gov and shop around, get the best deal, and enroll during this open enrollment period. prgtoken This surge in signups is especially remarkable in light of the widely publicized efforts by the administration to depress enrollment. The administration has slashed the advertising and outreach budget by 90 percent, cut the open onrollment period by half, and shut down the marketplace website for 12 hours on Sundays, taking away valuable weekend hours when people have free time to explore plans. prgtoken I think the healthy volume of enrollments sends two very important messages. prgtoken First, it shows again that ordinary citizens, faith groups, insurance navigators, and other private organizations have done an amazing job of filling the outreach void that has been created by this effort by the administration to cut back on letting people know about the website and how to enroll. Those folks have spent countless hours getting out the word that the Affordable Care Act remains the law of the land and that those who qualify for financial assistance can purchase high-quality, affordable coverage. prgtoken The second message that I think is important from this strong enrollment is a message that has been echoed in recent public opinion polls. It is one that we saw in the turnout in the Virginia elections last night. It is that a clear majority of the American people support the Affordable Care Act, that they reject efforts to sabotage it and they want Members of Congress to work together to strengthen it, just as Senator Murray said. prgtoken I am very pleased that we have come together in the Senate to do just that. We have come together in support of bipartisan efforts led by Senator Murray and Senator Lamar Alexander, the chair and ranking member of the HELP Committee. They have come together to stabilize the Affordable Ca