mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
Over-the-Counter Monograph Safety, Innovation, and Reform Act (Executive Session)
Roger F. Wicker (Republican, MS) \u2014 2019-12-10

I would simply say in response to my good friend from Massachusetts: Where are the fast and slow lanes? They may happen sometimes. We have been warned for 2 years this is going to happen. It hasn't happened. prgtoken What has happened is the greatest growth in the internet that we have seen, as opposed to the stifled growth we had during the 2 years of title II regulation under the administration. prgtoken I want to work with them on nondiscrimination online. Everyone wants a fair and open internet, but I think everyone also wants the great growth we have had over the past 2 years, and we can have it with a bipartisan bill like the one Senator Sinema and I are working on and unlike the idea of putting us under depression-era rules. prgtoken .
USMCA (Executive Session)
Shelley Moore Capito (Republican, WV) \u2014 2019-12-10

I am privileged to be on the floor today with the Senator from Iowa, Ms. Ernst. I am here to join in a chorus of voices to ask this Congress to do better, to do our to-do list, and to do the things people sent us here to do. I am going to highlight some of the critical items Congress still needs to get done. Senator Ernst talked about them very eloquently. prgtoken When I am home in West Virginia, people ask me about policies that impact their everyday lives. They ask about healthcare. They ask about the pensions and healthcare for our retired miners. They ask about surprise medical bills. I have certainly received them, and many people in this country every day, 2 or 3 months after an operation or a visit to the hospital, may receive a bill in the mail they had no idea was coming their way. prgtoken The high cost of prescription drugs is an issue that hits many of us in our pocketbooks, and particularly for those who suffer from disease or who are elderly, it is a particular strain on their wallets. They ask about national security and caring for our veterans. Here is one everybody complains about, including all of us here--robocalls. Can somebody please stop the onslaught of robocalls? prgtoken We have legislation, but we are not getting the action on it that we need. We need better trade deals that will help grow our economy and support our American workers. prgtoken Do you know what they are not asking me about? My constituents are not asking me about the latest impeachment headline. They are not asking me about witnesses in front of a House committee or the newest ``breaking news'' over on the House side. In their minds--it is just a bunch of Washington hoopla to most people. prgtoken A few days ago, I ran into some constituents while I was running errands, and they said to me: Just stop this. Stop this. Something similar happened while I was grocery shopping. The butcher said to me: Aren't you just tired of it? prgtoken Well, yes, I am. prgtoken We have 2 weeks until Congress leaves for Christmas break and 21 days until the end of the month, and we still have so much to do. Our sole focus should be on legislating and making life better for people across the country. prgtoken I can tell you, as somebody who has been in this body and in the House for several years, when you rush to judgment and when you rush to legislate, that is when things that you don't know get into bills and things that you want in bills don't get into bills. So rushing into legislating is not the fairest way to do it. prgtoken I am pleased that at long last, we are going to pass the National Defense Authorization Act that protects our national security and supports our men and women in uniform. We still need to pass appropriations bills that fund much of our Federal Government. I am the chairman of the Homeland Security Subcommittee, so I very much want to see us enact a bill that will provide critical resources to prote
STATEMENTS ON INTRODUCED BILLS AND JOINT RESOLUTION
James Lankford (Republican, OK) \u2014 2019-12-10

2019 is almost over, but there is a lot that still has to be done on this floor. prgtoken A lot of bills have moved through this year. In fact, we have had 78 bills that have been signed into law so far this year. prgtoken This year, as we worked through the process, we have had quite a few judges and nominations that the Senate has actually worked through. In fact, by the end of this week, we will have confirmed our 50th circuit court judge. prgtoken There is a lot of engagement, but with a week and a half left on this floor, we still have issues like the United States-Mexico-Canada Trade Agreement. That agreement, which is called the USMCA, has been sitting over in the House for 14 months. It looks like the House is now going to take it up this week or next week after 14 months of its being there. We are pleased to see some movement there. We have to see the final implementing language on that. prgtoken We hope to move the national defense authorization bill. That has been waiting for months and months and months under the capable leadership of Senator Inhofe, who is trying to negotiate with the House to get that done. Hopefully that will get done either this week or next week, but it is cramming into the end of the year. prgtoken We have 12 appropriations bills that are still unfinished, and we face a deadline of December 20, or we will run into another government shutdown, which brings me to a bill that Senator Hassan and I are dropping today, something we have negotiated for months across party lines to be able to have a nonpartisan solution to how we can never ever again discuss government shutdowns. prgtoken This past week when I was flying back to DC from home, on the plane as I was coming up, there was a Federal employee who caught me in the aisle of the plane and said: Hey, I hear you are working on stopping government shutdowns. Thank you. prgtoken Her next comment surprised me, though. She said she has worked for a Federal agency for years, but she is retiring in January because she is so tired of constantly having to prepare for, get set for a government shutdown that may be pending in the days ahead. It has worn her out. prgtoken Someone who has great wisdom and experience and is serving in one of our Federal agencies is retiring in January, and we will lose those years of experience because she is tired of dealing with shutdowns. I don't blame her, quite frankly, although I wish she wouldn't leave. I don't blame her because year after year we end up in this same conversation: Are we going to have another shutdown? prgtoken It seems like every year, as we approach Christmas, Federal families across the country wonder if they are about to be furloughed and won't get a check soon. prgtoken Federal agency leaders--those who are Senate confirmed all the way through the process of leadership--aren't spending their time on vision-setting and on oversight; they are spending their time in their
RECOGNIZING GRANNY CANTRELL'S RESTAURANT
Marco Rubio (Republican, FL) \u2014 2019-12-10

as the chairman of the Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship, each week I am privileged to honor an American small business for its dedication to dignified work and its surrounding community. This week, it is my honor to recognize Granny Cantrell's Restaurant of Panama City, FL, for its achievements. prgtoken Founded in 2002 by Doug Crosby and his family, Granny Cantrell's is well known for its delicious southern comfort food and catering. Based on recipes from friends, neighbors, family, and local churches, Granny Cantrell's food consists of familiar items such as fried chicken, pot roast, and macaroni and cheese. Since opening more than 17 years ago, Granny Cantrell's has experienced success and continued growth. Their menu has expanded beyond comfort food to offer a variety of daily specials and health-conscious options. Today, they are an important part of the Panama City community, attracting and retaining customers who enjoy their food at the restaurant, as well as at catered events. prgtoken Granny Cantrell's dedication to the greater Panama City community is unmatched. In the days following the landfall of Hurricane Michael in 2018, Granny Cantrell's worked tirelessly with local authorities to ensure that the city's employees were fed. Additionally, with the help of likeminded community partners, Granny Cantrell's restaurant was able to provide and hand-deliver more than 500 prepacked Thanksgiving meals and 400 cupcakes to those in need after the hurricane. In recent years, Doug and the Granny Cantrell's team have also opened the restaurant's doors as a drop-off location for Coats for Kids, a Bay County program that collects and distributes gently used coats to prepare local children for the winter. Their dedication to the Florida community, their fantastic homemade dishes, and exemplary customer service has certainly not gone unnoticed. For 9 years running, Granny Cantrell's has been awarded Panama City News Herald's Best of the Bay Award, highlighting its customers' loyalty and integral place in the local economy. Furthermore, Granny Cantrell's has been awarded the Reader's Choice Award by Panama City Living for several years in a row to commemorate their outstanding food and customer service. prgtoken Small businesses play an important role in supporting and uplifting their communities. Granny Cantrell's is a prime example of the bonds that small businesses can create when such an integral role is bolstered. I am proud to recognize this Florida business for its reflection of America's unique entrepreneurial spirit and its dedication to the common good of its community. Congratulations to the entire Granny Cantrell's team. I look forward to watching your continued success.
PROVIDING FOR CONSIDERATION OF H.R. 729, TRIBAL COASTAL RESILIENCY ACT
Michael C. Burgess (Republican, TX) \u2014 2019-12-10

H. Res. 750 expresses the sense of Congress that individual choice in health insurance should be protected. Almost 160 million Americans under 65 years of age are enrolled in employer- sponsored health insurance, and another 14 million Americans under 65 have purchased their own private health insurance. prgtoken Additionally, an increasing number of Americans are taking advantage of the robust choices in Medicare Advantage plans. According to the Congressional Budget Office, the number of individuals with employer- sponsored insurance has increased by 3 million since President took office, largely an effect of our great economy. prgtoken Right now, the Energy and Commerce Committee is holding a hearing on one-size-fits-all healthcare. Being discussed are nine bills that serve to lay the groundwork toward socialized medicine in the United States. prgtoken I fear that if House declare this their north star, as they did in the hearing today, it abandons the health insurance options that Americans have said are working for them. prgtoken Medicare for All would eliminate private insurance, eliminate employer-sponsored health insurance, eliminate Medicaid, and eliminate the Children's Health Insurance Program, upon which many Americans depend. I am concerned about the consequences for existing Medicare beneficiaries, as this policy would more rapidly deplete the Medicare trust fund, which is already slated to be insolvent in 2026. prgtoken The practical effect of that is no doctor, no hospital, could be reimbursed by Medicare under law once that trust fund is exhausted. prgtoken Our Nation's seniors depend on the existence of Medicare for their health needs in retirement. More than 70 percent of Americans are satisfied with their employer-sponsored health insurance. It provides robust protections for all individuals, and since 1996, it has provided protections for preexisting conditions. prgtoken This is why it is so important that we protect individuals' employer- sponsored insurance for the majority of Americans who would like to keep it. According to one study by America's health insurance plans, consumers prefer greater market competition rather than greater government involvement. prgtoken Medicare for All is a complete government takeover of the healthcare industry. This same study found that consumer satisfaction is driven by comprehensive coverage, affordability, and choice. A one-size-fits-all health program results in no choice for Americans. prgtoken Consumers value discounts for good health, flexible spending accounts, and health savings account programs that would all but disappear in a Medicare for All world. prgtoken The New York Times reported rural hospitals are saying that they would virtually close overnight, while others have said they would try to offset the steep cuts by laying off hundreds of thousands of workers and abandoning lower paying services, such as services for mental healt
LEGISLATIVE SESSION
Johnny Isakson (Republican, GA) \u2014 2019-12-10

from Pennsylvania. prgtoken If you want to go home on time, if you want to take something home to give to the American people that they want and they need, then you will vote with me and the other Members who have spoken on the Over-the- Counter Monograph bill today. prgtoken There are sunscreens on the market in Europe that are 12 years short of being on the market in America all because of an antiquated approval system to make sure they are safe but to get them to the market in time. It is about time we ended melanoma, and it is about time we got American consumers what they want. It is about time we settle the problem. It has been a problem for a long time. prgtoken So I ask you--in fact, I plead with you--to vote for this bill, and you will make everybody happy, nobody mad, and you will save a life. There is nothing better than that. prgtoken .
EXECUTIVE SESSION--Continued
Mike Crapo (Republican, ID) \u2014 2019-12-10

I think the record really needs to be set straight. The picture that is being painted here is that the s or President or both don't care about the fact that Russia is and has been trying to interfere in our elections and that, for some reason, our refusal to allow this specific act to move forward until it is fixed is evidence of that. prgtoken In support of that, he said that there is no penalty on the Russians because of their actions. I will remind my colleagues that I am the chairman of the committee that has jurisdiction over economic sanctions. On this floor, last Congress, we had this very debate. I was making the case then that we needed a broad, strong sanctions law against Russia for its election interference and not only for its election interference but also for its invasion of Crimea and for its cyber security attacks on the United States. prgtoken What happened then? We passed what I believe is probably the strongest, most extensive legislation putting into effect sanctions on Russia for election interference, for cyber security violations, for invasion of Crimea, and other malign conduct. Under that legislation, the administration has been active. prgtoken I want to read you just a little--I think that President has probably put more sanctions on the Russians than any other President in our history. The Treasury's Russia sanctions program is among the most active of the sanctions programs that the United States has. This administration has sanctioned 335 Russian-related individuals and entities, 317 of which were sanctioned under Treasury authority. prgtoken By the way, the bill I referred to has an acronym. It is the Countering America's Adversaries Through Sanctions Act, or CAATSA. That is the legislation that the administration is using to deter Russian election interference and other activities in addition to other malign conduct. prgtoken Now, I want to state again, as my colleague knows, I agree and have agreed that we can work on further legislation, but we need to get it right because economic sanctions legislation is a two-edged sword. It hurts the United States and our allies often as much as it hurts the entities sanctioned, and because of that, we have to have the ability to be flexible in when to apply, how to apply, and how to adjust the impact of our sanctions; otherwise, we will see that we will do more damage to ourselves and our allies than to Russia. prgtoken By the way, we don't just need legislation dealing with Russia. We need legislation dealing with the same types of activities from Iran and China and North Korea, to name just a few of the others. We need to do it with the appropriate mechanisms. prgtoken The mechanisms in this bill have been designed more to attack the administration and s than to attack the Russians and those who would attack our country and our elections. I have said again and again and again that i
TRIBAL COASTAL RESILIENCY ACT
Tom McClintock (Republican, CA) \u2014 2019-12-10

. Madam Chair, I thank the gentleman for yielding. prgtoken Madam Chair, I rise in opposition to this measure. A collection of minor, flawed bills was presented to our Subcommittee on Water, Oceans and Wildlife a few months ago, and instead of correcting the flaws, they have simply been repackaged and rebranded as a landmark climate change bill. prgtoken The net result is the climate is going to continue to change and our country will be about $1.5 billion a year poorer for it. prgtoken Take, for example, H.R. 1023 included in this package, it creates a new Federal fishery monitoring program for the Great Lakes Basin. Well, the National Marine Fisheries Service and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service already conduct similar fishery studies right now. Instead, this bill would task an agency that has little experience in fishery, science, and management, the U.S. Geological Survey, to do basically the same thing. prgtoken And this is especially baffling since we are currently paying NOAA some $28 million a year for ocean, coastal, and Great Lakes research, and another $2.9 million for interjurisdictional fisheries grants, which could be used for Great Lakes management and science. prgtoken Another measure is H.R. 2405, this reauthorizes NOAA's Sea Grant Program, bumping it $10 million higher than currently appropriated, and then increasing that authorization by nearly 5 percent annually thereafter. This program is one that the President rightly sought to eliminate in his budget in order to free up funding for NOAA to complete its most important core functions. prgtoken Another bill in this package purports to modernize and enhance the Coastal Zone Management Act. This is my favorite. What it actually does is to place the seaside resort of Washington, D.C into the Coastal Zone Management Act. Now, I don't deny that Washington is a world-class swamp, but it is not a coastal community, and placing it in a coastal zone doesn't make it one. What it does do is to rob legitimate coastal communities of funding and influence, and it opens the door to further encroachments as more and more inland cities seek to claim coastal zone status. prgtoken Another measure thrown into this package is H.R. 3115. This bill, which never had a hearing and was rushed through markup, costs over $631 million and inserts Federal priorities into coastal zone management, which counters the CZMA's original intention of assessing coastal management needs according to the unique and diverse conditions and desires of the communities along our coast. prgtoken Another measure thrown into this package is H.R. 1314, which reauthorizes the Integrated Ocean Observing System. Now, this system is good. It provides data to coastal communities and local fishermen on weather conditions. It is critical. So far, so good. prgtoken But then it follows up on very good public policy with very bad fiscal policy by providing open, limitless authorization of funds for
FOSTERING UNDERGRADUATE TALENT BY UNLOCKING RESOURCES FOR EDUCATION ACT
Kevin Brady (Republican, TX) \u2014 2019-12-10

I thank Congressman Johnson for yielding me time, and I thank him for his leadership for that great State. prgtoken , I rise in opposition--to be clear--not to the underlying bill. I strongly support the education provision; the one that would strengthen historically Black colleges and universities and other minority-serving institutions. In fact, that provision has passed this House with, I believe, unanimous support. But I do rise in opposition to the dangerous precedent set by the tax provision included in this bill. I don't believe taxpayer rights should be trampled in this process. prgtoken The Senate, as you know, airdropped an unrelated $2.5 billion provision that threatens taxpayer privacy and creates a dangerous opportunity to potentially misuse our private tax information. The bill, for the first time, now authorizes new large-scale sharing of previously protected taxpayer information. With hundreds of contractors, thousands of educational institutions, and other bureaucrats, in many cases, without taxpayer consent and, potentially, without the safeguards that protect it. prgtoken The scale we are talking about here is huge. We are talking about at least 31 million individual disclosures of taxpayer information every year and hundreds of thousands a year after that. prgtoken This would be the third largest disclosure of taxpayer information for non-tax purposes in the history, second only to the Census and the Affordable Care Act. prgtoken It doesn't have to be this way. We have another option that pays for this bill but protects taxpayer information. prgtoken And why is that privacy so important? The IRS has more information about you than almost any other agency in the Federal Government. They know how many kids you have, how much money you make, whether you have a home office, you bought a hybrid car. They know how much money you donate; they know your marital status. That kind of information is valuable. Almost every Federal agency would like access to it. prgtoken More importantly, a lot of bad actors would like to have access to it. And out of this bill, these bad actors could have access for many years after you go to school. We know Watergate the hearings revealed a White House attorney who had tried to use IRS information to target political enemies. And administrations have tried to do this for farmers, unsuccessfully. prgtoken Congress recognized this vast amount of private information could be abused, and we acted to protect it. Those protections ensure taxpayer information is kept confidential unless it meets certain exemptions. prgtoken Over the years, we have added exemptions and we have deleted them, but every time Congress has carefully considered the cost and the consequences of those actions. But this bill's amendment is being rushed through the House without that appropriate care or consideration. prgtoken Today, when you file a form for a loan or a repayment or all that, you fill