mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
TRIBUTE TO PETER LEE
Anna G. Eshoo (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2022-3-2

. Madam , I rise today to honor Peter V. Lee, the first and only Executive Director of the highly successful health benefit exchange, Covered California. He leaves the organization to `look for the next mountain to climb.' prgtoken The story of the extraordinary success of Covered California is the history of Peter Lee's tenure. As of January 31, 2021, Covered California announced that 1,744,000 people, a new record high, had signed up for health coverage. Under Peter Lee's leadership, uninsured rates dropped 20.5 percent for Latinos, 12.4 percent for Asian Americans and African Americans, and 8.3 percent for Caucasians. All this has been achieved with rate increases kept low. prgtoken Peter Lee was unanimously confirmed as Executive Director by the Covered California board on August 23, 2011. Prior to serving as Executive Director of Covered California, he was the Deputy Director of the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Innovation at CMS where he worked to improve care and reduce costs. He was the Director of Delivery System Reform for the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services from 1995 to 2000 and the Executive Director of the Center for Health Care Rights. From 2000 to 2008, Peter was the CEO and Executive Director for National Health Policy of the Pacific Business Group on Health and the former Director of Programs for the National AIDS Network. Prior to this, Peter was a practicing attorney in Los Angeles. prgtoken Peter Lee is a member of a pioneering California health care family and his work at Covered California continued in that proud tradition. His grandfather, Russel Van Arsdale Lee, founded the Palo Alto Medical Clinic (now the Palo Alto Medical Foundation). His father, Peter Lee, founded the Family Medicine Department at USC and, at risk to his career, spoke out in favor of Medicare in 1965. His uncle, Dr. Philip R. Lee, helped create and implement Medicare, and served in the Clinton Administration as an Assistant Health Secretary. His uncle, Dr. Hewlett Lee, was a highly regarded and well-loved surgeon. Peter earned his undergraduate degree from UC Berkeley and his law degree from USC. prgtoken Peter Lee's work has improved the lives of millions of Californians and created a national model for other states to emulate. His tenure as Executive Director created a strong, vital organization well suited to continue its mission of service and innovation after his departure. prgtoken Madam , I ask the entire House of Representatives to join me in honoring and thanking Peter Lee for his outstanding work and in wishing him every blessing as he enters the next chapter in his superb career.
HONORING OUR PROMISE TO ADDRESS COMPREHENSIVE TOXICS ACT OF 2021
Chris Pappas (Democrat, NH) \u2014 2022-3-2

I thank Chairman Takano for yielding and for his leadership on this issue, which answers the call of our Nation's veterans, their advocates, and our veterans service organizations. prgtoken I rise in support of the Honoring our PACT Act, which makes good on this Nation's promise to veterans. It is well past the time that we address the impacts of toxic exposure that have been endured by members of our military. I am glad that we are taking meaningful, comprehensive action today. prgtoken I am also pleased that this legislation includes a bill that I introduced, the PFAS Registry Act. PFAS chemicals have contaminated the environment and drinking water sources of hundreds of military bases across the country, including Pease Air Force Base in my district. These forever chemicals persist in the environment and the body and are linked to serious health conditions, including cancer. prgtoken This provision will give military servicemembers and veterans access to health information, research updates, and other resources to help protect public health and provide relief to those who have been exposed to PFAS. prgtoken The Honoring our PACT Act will help veterans already suffering from the impacts of toxic exposure. We also must do more to reduce the risk that more servicemembers will be exposed. That is why I have also submitted an amendment that will require our government to proactively raise awareness of the dangers of toxic exposure to Active Duty personnel. prgtoken These provisions will require DOD and VA to create a strategy for awareness and prevention that will protect Active Duty servicemembers from harm and save lives. prgtoken Our men and women in uniform already face numerous threats to life and limb for their service. We must minimize risks that environmental and toxic hazards pose and provide the care, benefits, and support that these veterans have earned. It is our solemn responsibility. prgtoken , I urge swift passage of my amendment as well as the underlying legislation.
PROVIDING FOR CONGRESSIONAL DISAPPROVAL UNDER CHAPTER 8 OF TITLE 5, UNITED STATES CODE, OF THE RULE SUBMITTED BY THE CENTERS FOR MEDICARE & MEDICAID SERVICES RELATING TO ``MEDICARE AND MEDICAID...
Richard J. Durbin (Democrat, IL) \u2014 2022-3-2

2 weeks ago, I came to the floor to request unanimous consent for the Senate to take up and confirm six U.S. attorneys and two U.S. marshal nominations. prgtoken These nominees are all highly qualified. They have critical law enforcement experience, and they want to serve this country at new levels. They were voted out of the Judiciary Committee, which I chair, by a voice vote. They have the support of their home State Senators. They have the support of other local law enforcement. They deserve to be confirmed. We need them--right now--without further delay. prgtoken And the obvious question is, Why are they being held up? Why are these dedicated men and women not yet in office, ready to tackle violent crime--which we know is a problem across America? Why aren't they in office to prosecute fraud and terrorism? Why aren't they there to protect families and children across America? One reason--the junior Senator from Arkansas. prgtoken You see, when I made my unanimous consent request--a request joined by the majority leader and Senators from all the affected States--one Senator objected. Only one Senator refused to allow these individuals' confirmation so that they could continue to serve this Nation and the cause of law enforcement. And that same Senator, the junior Senator from Arkansas, continues to engage in this mindless obstruction, jeopardizing the safety of communities outside of Arkansas for reasons which are still hard to understand. prgtoken Why is the junior Senator blocking well-qualified individuals from law enforcement? What has he got against law enforcement at this moment in America's history? Well, it doesn't have anything to do with the nominees themselves or their qualifications. We have asked him over and over. He has no complaint about any single one of them. He happened to pick these people out as his political targets. He is concerned about a completely unrelated issue. Let me tell you what it is. prgtoken In the summer of 2020, Federal law enforcement personnel were dispatched to Portland, OR, to help protect the Federal courthouse. A number of those Federal officers now face lawsuits relating to the events that happened there. prgtoken The Department of Justice often represents Federal employees who were sued in their individual capacity. Under governing regulations, the Department of Justice goes through a process to determine that such representation would be ``in the interests of the United States.'' prgtoken And in this matter, the Department of Justice has either represented or paid for the representation of more than 70 law enforcement officials who have been sued. The Department has declined to represent one individual--only one--and continues to review three additional requests for representation. prgtoken The Senator from Arkansas says he wants to know why, but the Department of Justice has made it clear it can't comment on these four cases. Remember what you first
PROVIDING FOR CONGRESSIONAL DISAPPROVAL UNDER CHAPTER 8 OF TITLE 5, UNITED STATES CODE, OF THE RULE SUBMITTED BY THE CENTERS FOR MEDICARE & MEDICAID SERVICES RELATING TO ``MEDICARE AND MEDICAID...
Charles E. Schumer (Democrat, NY) \u2014 2022-3-2

. I ask unanimous consent that at 11 a.m. on Thursday, March 3, S.J. Res. 38 be discharged from the Committee on Finance and the Senate proceed to its consideration; further, that there be 3 hours for debate only, with the time equally divided between the Leaders, or their designees, on the joint resolution; and that following the use or yielding back of that time, the joint resolution be prgtoken read a third time and the Senate vote on the resolution, with no intervening action or debate.
RECOGNIZING SHELTON JOHNSON
Katie Porter (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2022-3-2

I rise today to recognize an amazing Californian, Mr. Shelton Johnson. I commend his contributions to the National Park Service and his dedication to telling the stories of our history that often go untold. prgtoken Mr. Johnson has worked as a park ranger for over 35 years. In that time, he has enthusiastically recounted the special contributions of Black Americans to preserving Yosemite's wilderness. The all-Black 9th and 10th Calvary Regiments, known as the Buffalo Soldiers, were among the first park rangers, even before the founding of the National Park system. prgtoken I am inspired by Mr. Johnson's creativity and commitment to sharing our diverse history. Mr. Johnson was recently awarded the American Park Experience Award for his lifelong efforts in helping more families and youth feel welcome as they see their stories told. prgtoken As a fellow teacher and mom to three enthusiastic, park-loving kids, I am honored to recognize him today. Competition in Capitalism
SUPPORTING THE PACT ACT
Marcy Kaptur (Democrat, OH) \u2014 2022-3-2

. Madam , I rise in strong support of the PACT Act that Chairman Takano and the Committee on Veterans' Affairs brought before us today. I was very pleased to vote for it. prgtoken When those who go to serve our country abroad or even here at home come back to civilian life, they often carry with them the injuries of toxic exposure, such as burn pits, and we have a moral obligation for their care. prgtoken Madam , to shift to a different subject, as we watch the slaughter in Ukraine, I would urge the Government of the United States and the President of the United States to mobilize our National Guard Partnership for Peace programs across the various States. Ohio is linked to Serbia and Hungary, and Illinois to Poland. prgtoken There are ways for us as a country to use idle aircraft, like C-130 sitting on the ground in this country, where the American people want to donate blankets and bandages in ways of caring for those who are being killed and injured, who are hungry in the Nation of Ukraine. That is an unrealized asset we have. prgtoken We could do that overnight if we had the will to do it, the Partnership for Peace, the State Partnership for Peace, which is part of the U.S. Department of Defense under the National Guard Bureau. prgtoken Madam , I ask the President to help us help Ukraine.
USVI HISTORY MONTH: THEME OF FIRSTS
Stacey E. Plaskett (Democrat, VI) \u2014 2022-3-2

let me start by saying that I am a proud Virgin Islander. I stand on the shoulders of strong Virgin Islanders who came before me and who are known for their courage, leadership, sacrifice, and, most importantly, their resilience. We are known for so much more than just white sandy beaches and as a popular vacation destination. We are made of culture-rich lands and a diverse history. prgtoken March is Virgin Islands History Month. Though not always pretty, there is great beauty in our past that has shaped the Virgin Islands of our present. Like most Caribbean countries, the Virgin Islands' history, too, begins with the story of pre-Columbian inhabitants of the islands and of slavery. prgtoken Almost 3,000 years prior to Christopher Columbus landing in 1493, Native American tribes, such as the Ciboney, the Caribs, and the Arawak Indians, have long inhabited the islands. prgtoken In 1493, when Columbus attempted to land on the island that I live on, St. Croix, he was repelled at Salt River, where he met the Carib Indians who kept him and his troops from landing and making landfall there. prgtoken The period of Columbus' visit ultimately set the course for seven other European flags to claim the Virgin Islands and, unfortunately, brought demise to the indigenous people. prgtoken Today, they are found on reserved lands, and only for a few islands, and no longer exist in the Virgin Islands. prgtoken Much of our global history was built upon slavery and colonization, especially in the Caribbean islands. By the early 1700s, the Virgin Islands was no stranger to enslavement and European colonization. prgtoken On the island of St. John, a Ghanaian by the name of Breffu is credited with leading the first and one of the longest-lasting rebellions in the Americas on the island of St. John. She empowered more than 150 enslaved Africans to fight for their freedom and held that island for over 6 months, where the Danes had to bring in the Spanish Armada and the French fleet to get the slaves back in line. prgtoken Several years, almost a century, later, in 1848 on the island of St. Croix, slaves led a rebellion, an armed insurrection, which led to the emancipation--15 years before the United States emancipation. The Virgin Islands and Haiti are the only two places to gain freedom through violent overthrow. prgtoken The celebration of V.I. Emancipation Day on July 3 marks this day. Virgin Islands' history does not end with just the bleak stories of European colonialism and forced slavery. We have so many celebrated heroes, from individuals who were the founders of San Francisco; Denmark Vesey, who led the rebellion in South Carolina; Hubert on, the great socialist mind who was the thought leader for Marcus Garvey; Edward Wilmoth Blyden, who was the founder of Pan- Africanism; Nella Larsen, one of the Harlem Renaissance writers; Ruby Rouss, who was an aide-de-camp to Eisenhower; Sam Ebbesen, a general and friend of Colin Po
HONORING OUR PROMISE TO ADDRESS COMPREHENSIVE TOXICS ACT OF 2021
Jahana Hayes (Democrat, CT) \u2014 2022-3-2

today I rise to urge my colleagues to support the Honoring our PACT Act, which upholds the promise we made to servicemembers that we would care for them if they became sick or wounded while fighting to protect this country. prgtoken This legislation recognizes the full range of military toxic exposure that servicemembers have faced. prgtoken This monumental package also includes my bill, the Palomares Veterans Act, which would remove barriers to benefits and compensation for those veterans who responded to one of the largest nuclear disasters in history. prgtoken Over 55 years ago, a B-52 bomber collided with aircraft over the Spanish village of Palomares, causing radiation exposure to more than 1,600 U.S. airmen who had no protection when they responded to the crash. prgtoken Decades later, many of these airmen are suffering and dying from health conditions that likely came from radioactive material. But the VA still does not count Palomares as a radiation risk event or provide these veterans with benefits or disability. prgtoken My bill, the Honoring our PACT Act, would address this, ensuring these veterans get the healthcare and benefits they deserve and ensuring their surviving spouses and children are eligible for benefits. prgtoken The job of Congress is to appropriate funds, yet whenever we want to help people, my colleagues say no. If we are not willing to support our veterans, what are we willing to support?
HONORING SERGEANT MARLENE R. RITTMANIC
Tammy Duckworth (Democrat, IL) \u2014 2022-3-2

I rise today to pay tribute to the remarkable life of Sergeant Marlene R. Rittmanic, a 21-year veteran of law enforcement who was fatally shot and passed away on December 30, 2021, while serving in the line of duty. Sergeant Rittmanic started her remarkable career at the Iroquois County Sheriff's Police Department, serving 7 years before transferring to the Bradley Police Department in 2007, for the last 14 years. prgtoken Throughout her years of protecting and serving, Sergeant Rittmanic received the Officer of the Year Award for Kankakee County and countless letters of commendation for her service to the community. She will be remembered by her colleagues as a model officer and someone who looked forward to making memories with her fellow officers as the department's photographer, posting inspirational and team-building photographs of the officers and the community. prgtoken Sergeant Rittmanic was not only a dedicated law enforcement officer, but also a devoted wife and citizen who was loved and respected in her community. Sergeant Rittmanic served in the U.S. Army and was a proud disabled veteran. Sergeant Rittmanic, a poet, also penned the prophetic poem, ``The Color We Bleed is That of Deep Blue,'' in 2001. prgtoken Sergeant Rittmanic was tragically killed in the line of duty while fulfilling her oath to serve and protect the people of the Village of Bradley, IL, and I am grateful for her years of service. She leaves behind her wife, Lyn, and their 2 rescue dogs, Trigger and Abeline. May her service, sacrifice, and kind spirit serve as an inspiration to us all.
PRESIDENT BIDEN'S ADDRESS TO THE NATION
Teresa Leger Fernandez (Democrat, NM) \u2014 2022-3-2

. Madam , yesterday President stood in this very room and addressed a Nation during the State of the Union that was looking to the kind of unity, strength, and commitment that we heard last night. We saw a President who is concerned as our leader for the people. We saw a President who has the empathy for the families and what they have gone through because he, himself, has lived that experience. We saw a leader who is not afraid to stand up to those that threaten all we love. prgtoken America sent a clear message to the world that the United States stands steady and steadfast with the people and government of Ukraine. We are united against the unforgivable, unjust, and unprovoked Russian invasion. America is united against Putin, his actions, and what he represents. prgtoken The difference is striking. The difference is striking as to what Putin represents with his strong-man mentality, with his autocracy, with his hatred of those he does not know versus what America stands for. prgtoken America stands for the embrace of democracy because it is democracy that looks to maintain that when a people elect their government, that when a people vote for a President, such as we have seen in Ukraine, that that democracy must be honored, and nobody should be allowed to take it away. President Putin is not allowed to take it away. prgtoken We saw a President who is building bridges. He is building bridges across our country and the world. He is building actual bridges, the kind of bridges that will connect a school bus to the student who needs to get to school in my district. He is building the kind of bridges that needed to be fixed decades ago that are falling down right before our eyes when he goes to dedicate them. prgtoken Those are real bridges that we need in America, that so many Presidents--the President before talked about bridges and infrastructure, but who delivered? President delivered together with this Congress. He delivered together with a bipartisan House vote where we actually thought it was bipartisan because we got 10 s in this House to vote for that Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. prgtoken But the other kind of bridges he is building are equally important to talk about because those are the bridges of unity. Our former President, he cared about walls. He cared about walls that divide us. He cared about walls that did not do anything that we need. Instead, we now have a President who builds the bridges of unity. prgtoken Imagine the kind of work and diplomacy that this President had to do to overcome the threats that the United States would leave NATO, which is what our former President tried to do. Imagine the unity that had to be called out and that had to be cajoled, given that this President was faced with overcoming from our former President's admiration for Putin. Everyone might remember, he has even recently called him a genius. Right? prgtoken Instead, we had a Pres
PROVIDING FOR CONGRESSIONAL DISAPPROVAL UNDER CHAPTER 8 OF TITLE 5, UNITED STATES CODE, OF THE RULE SUBMITTED BY THE CENTERS FOR MEDICARE & MEDICAID SERVICES RELATING TO ``MEDICARE AND MEDICAID...
Cory A. Booker (Democrat, NJ) \u2014 2022-3-2

I have to preface my remarks with my deep respect for the senior Senator from Iowa. I respect him not just because he slays it on Twitter, but I respect him because of his heart, because we have a great working relationship, and because we have worked together to deal with the drug crisis in America. We have worked together to make the judicial system more just. prgtoken What you hear from the senior Senator is passion that comes from the crisis, as he said. I have traveled his State considerably, and the opioid crisis is a crisis from New Jersey to Iowa--all over our country. He read the statistics, but you could hear from his heart that these are families he knows; that these are people who have seen the tremendous loss of young people through opioid overdoses. prgtoken We cannot in this country tolerate one more overdose. I agree with the Senator's sense of urgency in that we cannot tolerate one more death and that we have to address this public health crisis. But with this goal in mind, I cannot support the bill as it is offered today because extending the temporary scheduling of fentanyl analogs alone is a failed experiment. prgtoken We have seen this temporary scheduling. We are in it right now. Classwide scheduling has not curbed the overdoses. In fact, overdoses have increased during the period that fentanyl analogs have been scheduled by nearly 40 percent from June 2019 to May 2020. prgtoken Here is what makes it even worse. prgtoken As a result of just blanket classwide scheduling--this broad sweep approach--the FDA recently testified that there is a potential lifesaving antidote to these fentanyl analogs. It is basically a stronger version of naloxone. That stronger version has been placed, because of this blanket scheduling, as a schedule I. The FDA knows that this could actually endanger more people. prgtoken Why in the midst of a public health crisis are we criminalizing the next naloxone instead of rushing it to the hands of researchers for study and evaluation? prgtoken When you put something in schedule I, it is a declaration that doesn't even have any health benefits. This is bad science and, therefore, bad policy. prgtoken This bill, as it is now, would not prevent the steady increase of fentanyl-related overdoses that we are seeing nationwide. It wouldn't achieve that because we have had temporary scheduling, and it is still going up. It will not prevent the loss of one loved one that we see happening right now or the pain that motivates my friend and senior Senator from Iowa. prgtoken This is a public health crisis, and our strategies should be informed by the science as a public health response. It requires a response that is dictated by science- and evidence-based interventions. Temporary scheduling, again, is not simply that. Classwide scheduling impedes scientists' and impedes researchers' abilities to develop evidence- based public health solutions that are needed to overcom