mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
VA MISSION TELEHEALTH CLARIFICATION ACT
Earl L. "Buddy" Carter (Republican, GA) \u2014 2020-9-22

I thank the gentleman for yielding. prgtoken , I rise today in support of the VA Mission Telehealth Clarification Act, which I am proud to have introduced. prgtoken H.R. 3228, the VA Mission Telehealth Clarification Act, is a simple bill that builds on the VA MISSION Act's historic expansion of the veterans health system. prgtoken One of the most significant parts of the VA MISSION Act was the authorization for the VA to use telehealth and provide care across State lines. The bill began as the result of a visit I had to a VA facility before the current pandemic, as they laid out some of the issues they were trying to overcome. But now with the COVID- 19 pandemic, we are seeing how extremely beneficial these technologies can be for our veterans. prgtoken In fact, the VA Medical Center in Charleston, South Carolina, which serves part of my district along Georgia's coast, had an over 200 percent increase in telehealth medical services during the pandemic when we spoke in May. prgtoken Even more incredibly, the VA announced it had a 1,000 percent increase in telehealth video appointments using its VA Video Connect Program during the first months of the pandemic. This is an extremely important ability for the VA to have. However, the law did not authorize trainees within the VA to use telehealth technologies, only practitioners with a full license. prgtoken As telehealth medicine grows in prevalence, we need for interns, residents, and fellows to gain experience using these services, especially considering that many of these trainees later go on to work as doctors at the VA, bringing with them a wealth of experience. prgtoken Rather than depending on doctors to learn while on the job, which could delay the rollout of care, this bill would allow trainees to gain experience on telehealth systems while properly supervised by credentialed VA staff. prgtoken , I am pleased to say that the bill was further improved through the committee process after input from my colleagues in the VA. The bill will not only allow for trainees to participate in telehealth, but it will also expand the ability to practice telemedicine to all appropriately qualified healthcare professionals at the VA, fixing the issue once and for all. prgtoken While Congress intended for trainees and others to be included from the beginning, the VA's reading of the law did not include them, although they have expressed their desire to include them in telehealth services. prgtoken The VA Mission Telehealth Clarification Act will give VA the certainty to provide essential telehealth programs prgtoken to our veterans, improving the quality and timeliness of their care. prgtoken Again, this is a commonsense bill with bipartisan support and has received the support from the American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars, AMVETS, and Paralyzed Veterans of America, among others.
Unanimous Consent Request (Executive Calendar)
Ted Cruz (Republican, TX) \u2014 2020-9-22

this endeavor started with a resolution that the majority put forward that was intended to be a bipartisan resolution commemorating the life and service of Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg. That follows the bipartisan tradition this body has followed in commemorating Justices when they have passed. prgtoken Unfortunately, the ic leader has put forth an amendment to turn that bipartisan resolution into a partisan resolution. Specifically, the ic leader wants to add a statement that Justice Ginsburg's position should not be filled until a new President is installed, purportedly based on a comment made to family members shortly before she passed. prgtoken That, of course, is not the standard. Under the Constitution, members of the Judiciary do not appoint their own successors. No article III judge has the authority to appoint his or her own successor. Rather, judicial nominations are made by the President of the United States, and confirmations are made by this body, the U.S. Senate. prgtoken I would note that Justice Ginsburg was someone whom I knew personally. I argued nine times before Justice Ginsburg at the Supreme Court. She led an extraordinary life. She was one of the finest Supreme Court litigators to have ever practiced. She served 27 years on the Court, leaving a profound legacy. Justice Ginsburg understood full well that the position being put forth by the ic leader is not the law and is not the Constitution. Indeed, I will quote what Justice Ginsburg said just 4 years ago. prgtoken Reported in the Washington Post on September 7, 2016, Justice Ginsburg is reported to have said: The president is elected for four years not three years, so the power he has in year three continues into year four. Maybe members of the Senate will wake up and appreciate that that's how it should be. prgtoken Now, of course, when Justice Ginsburg said that, that was when President had made the nomination of Merrick Garland to the Supreme Court, and the Senate had declined to consider that nomination. Without even a hint of irony, every who is now screaming from the ramparts that we cannot consider a vacancy on the Court during this election year was screaming equally as loudly from the ramparts that we must consider a nomination during a Presidential election year just 4 years ago. prgtoken vociferously called for the Senate to consider that nomination. called for the Senate to consider that nomination. Hillary Clinton called for the Senate to consider that nomination. The ic leader said the Senate was not doing its job if we didn't consider that nomination. To my knowledge, every ic Member of this body, likewise, decried the decision not to take up that nomination and insisted the Senate was not doing its job. prgtoken Well, today, obviously, the situation has changed, whereby all of those
EXTENSION OF THE CARIBBEAN BASIN ECONOMIC RECOVERY ACT
David Schweikert (Republican, AZ) \u2014 2020-9-22

. Madam , I thank Ms. Sewell and Dr. Wenstrup for taking this on. prgtoken My reason for being here behind the microphone is more than Arizona grows an amazingly high-quality cotton and this is one of our markets. I think, actually, it is part of a vision a number of us have, and I thank Chairman Blumenauer for hopefully sharing this vision, and that is thinking of the world post the change of NAFTA, USMCA. prgtoken How do we start to become more hemispheric-centric? Our neighbors, particularly our neighbors who do truly still have overwhelming poverty, how do we engage in pieces of legislation that make it so we can trade with our neighbors, trade with those who are right around us? That is what is so powerful about what is being done here. prgtoken Being someone who has spent, not a lot of time but a little time in Haiti, you see things that are optimistic, hopeful, and heartbreaking at the same time. But these are parts of the building blocks of how we build an economic circle of virtue in our region. prgtoken So I am hopeful that we move this forward and the Senate takes it up quickly, but I am also hopeful that we start to see this in a more holistic vision of we now have a change in our trade agreement with Mexico, Canada. prgtoken Now, if we can update our trade agreements with the Caribbean Basin, what else can we do to make our region economically prosperous, economically fair, economically something that the rest of the world will look forward to and say: This is what trade, when it is done properly, can bring to people who have actually had really rough times, when you think of earthquakes and of hurricanes in the region. prgtoken These are some of the good things, as a country, we can do to our brothers and sisters who are our neighbors.
IN RECOGNITION OF AUSTIN HICKLE SELFLESS EFFORTS TO DEFEAT COVID-19
Michael C. Burgess (Republican, TX) \u2014 2020-9-22

. Madam , I rise today to express appreciation for Southern Methodist University Student Body Vice President Austin Hickle of Lubbock, Texas. prgtoken During this pandemic Austin has demonstrated true leadership. He used his position as SMU Student Body Vice President to establish the College Health Alliance of Texas and recruited other student body presidents from colleges and universities across Texas to become a unified voice. Together, this alliance would be able to amplify the urgency of public health compliance and coordinating greater student engagement in all necessary measures to decrease the risk of outbreaks among students. By creating this alliance, Austin eliminated a leadership vacuum in the COVID-19 response due to the absence of a strong student voice encouraging students to do their part and maintain best safety practices on campus. The message of these campus leaders was carried throughout the state in various media outlets. It encouraged students to step up to keep their campuses and communities safe. prgtoken For leadership that advanced the cause of public safety during a global pandemic, I would like to thank Austin Hickle for his selfless efforts on behalf of the State of Texas.
HONORING HAROLD LEE DICK
Vicky Hartzler (Republican, MO) \u2014 2020-9-22

I rise today to congratulate my good friend Ernie Cecil on his retirement after serving nearly 28 years as senior pastor at Antioch Southern Baptist Church. prgtoken Ernie impacted the lives of so many through his weekly services and through the pivotal role he played in our community as a spiritual leader. During his time at Antioch, Ernie expanded the reach of the church by using modern technology during services, a revamped website, and social media pages. prgtoken During the pandemic, Ernie was instrumental in establishing a drive- in worship service even though it prolonged his retirement. These virtual services, complete with live music, united our community during these difficult times. prgtoken Through his love for his community, his leadership, and his dedication to his faith, Ernie touched the lives of many people during his time at Antioch Southern Baptist. His legacy of love and service will be felt into eternity. Missouri's Fourth Congressional District is blessed to have Cecil serving others and the Lord. prgtoken , let us wish Ernie the best and God's richest blessings in his well-deserved retirement. Recognizing Ken and Sue Molzahn
Supreme Court Nominations (Executive Calendar)
Bill Cassidy (Republican, LA) \u2014 2020-9-22

I thank the Presiding Officer, Senator Hyde-Smith, and Senator Lee for organizing this colloquy and participating in it in support of the Support and Value Expectant Moms and Babies Act. I love that title: Support and Value Expectant Moms. Isn't that great? We should. prgtoken I am a doctor--not an obstetrician, but, nonetheless, I have delivered babies. As a doctor, my mission was to save lives--I don't practice anymore; I use the past tense--and improve health outcomes for all patients. prgtoken We are here talking about chemical abortions. Chemical abortions don't do any of that. The health risks can be severe, obviously, for the unborn child but also, potentially, for the mom, and, particularly, when the mother has this without supervision by a healthcare provider. prgtoken The total absence of medical support is the total absence of care, and using potentially dangerous chemicals without medical support can lead to the absence of health. If Americans care about a woman's health, they should be concerned when such procedures are allowed. prgtoken Yet chemical abortions are on the rise. I am told that in 2017 they represented nearly 40 percent of all abortions. Due to a recent court case, women can begin to receive these through the mail, prescribed without even receiving a physical exam. prgtoken Now, the mom who selects that may not know the potential consequences, but, as a physician, I do. The potential prgtoken complications include, for example, if the mother has what is called an ectopic pregnancy, where the unborn child and the placenta are not in the womb but are outside of the womb. If that occurs and these pills are taken--the pill known as Mifeprex, RU486--it can cause that pregnancy to rupture, and instead of the bleeding coming out as the child would, through the vagina, it means that internal bleeding occurs, which can result in the mother's death. prgtoken Chemical abortions have four times the complications that surgical abortions do in the first trimester, and as many as 6 percent of women taking these abortion drugs require surgery to complete the abortion-- potentially painful and life-threatening and, of course, horrific for the unborn child. prgtoken The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists has stated that ``compared with surgical abortion, medical abortion takes longer to complete, requires more active patient participation, and is associated with higher reported rates of bleeding and cramping.'' prgtoken The bill we are discussing today, the SAVE Moms and Babies Act, or the Support and Value Expectant Moms and Babies Act, takes substantive steps to protect the health of women and the unborn child. The bill prevents approval of new abortion drugs by the FDA, keeps the risk evaluation and mitigation strategy, or REMS, protocol, and curtails abortion pills from being dispensed by mail or through telemedicine. prgtoken I introduced the Teleabortion Prevention Act
DEMOCRACY DEMANDS JOURNALISM
Dusty Johnson (Republican, SD) \u2014 2020-9-22

. Madam , it was Thomas Jefferson who said that, if he had to choose, he would prefer newspapers without government over government without newspapers. prgtoken Now, that is quite a dramatic statement, but I think it highlights how critical journalism is to holding government accountable. Indeed, as my lapel pin notes tonight, ``Democracy demands journalism.'' prgtoken Now, journalism is not a comfortable duty. I suspect every good reporter has faced the wrath of a wronged politician and has had disgruntled viewers or readers or listeners cancel their patronage. prgtoken It is tempting for us to be among the disgruntled, but if we want a free society, we have to support a free press, one whose loyalty is not to partisan endeavors or to stoking division and conflict but, rather, is to the truth. prgtoken Yes, Madam , democracy does demand journalism.
THE REPUBLICAN COMMITMENT TO AMERICA
Virginia Foxx (Republican, NC) \u2014 2020-9-22

maligned policies from that seek to defund, destroy, and dismantle our country are dangerous. Quite frankly, these policies pose a threat to the liberties and freedoms that define the American dream as we know it. s understand this threat, and we refuse to sit idly on the sidelines. prgtoken That is why we have developed our Commitment to America. The message is simple. Restoring, renewing, and rebuilding America is a mandate that we must work every day to uphold. We are fighting for families, for generations of Americans to come, and for a country that has always served as a beacon of hope to the world. prgtoken In short, it is a blueprint that gets our country back on track. The American people deserve leaders who fight for freedom, the values that we hold dear, and the promise of the American Dream. prgtoken , at such a pivotal moment in the history of our country, we must work to advance policies that are pro-growth, pro-family, and pro-America. Anything less is unacceptable. prgtoken Time and time again have turned their backs on the American people with a ``my way or the highway'' approach to legislating. prgtoken This year alone, the House of Representatives has taken up a myriad of bipartisan messaging bills that do nothing to help our country. If anything, these bills send a concerning message about the vision for America. prgtoken Substantive legislation has been pushed to the back burner, the spirit of bipartisanship has been rendered virtually nonexistent, and political posturing has replaced meaningful conversations on pressing issues. We have had ample opportunities to work together, but have taken it upon themselves to prolong a partisan blockade that stifles progress. prgtoken , that is wrong and that is not leadership. Leadership is fighting for the American people at every turn. Leadership is defending the promises of the American Dream. Leadership is advancing policies that raise America to new heights. prgtoken I am proud to stand alongside Leader McCarthy and my colleagues as we chart a meaningful pathway forward. The road ahead may seem uncertain, or even arduous, but we are confident that with steadfast leadership and commonsense policies, America will flourish.
Supreme Court Nominations (Executive Calendar)
Mike Lee (Republican, UT) \u2014 2020-9-22

I appreciate the thoughtful discussion that we have had today between my colleague from Mississippi and my colleague from the State of Washington. I also appreciate the thoughtful insight that the Senator from Louisiana provided in his remarks. prgtoken I feel it necessary to address a couple of issues that were raised by my friend and distinguished colleague from the State of Washington. There are differences that Members have--differences of opinion--when it comes to a wide variety of issues. prgtoken When it comes to abortion, people have different approaches they take. I know my own view, and I know the views taken by many of my ic colleagues. But it is important to point out here what we are talking about and what we are not talking about. prgtoken One of the first arguments that we heard today from the Senator from Washington related to Roe v. Wade. And as long as we are on the topic of imputing to another person improper motives or motives not apparent on the face of a piece of legislation, if one is going to impute to the Senator from Mississippi the intention of undoing a Supreme Court precedent, I would like to point out that is manifestly not within the scope of this legislation, nor is it the place of any Senator to purport to know the subjective motivation behind Senator Hyde-Smith's legislation here. prgtoken I am not going to purport to know the reason why she said that. I just want to point out, that is not the point of this bill. This bill has nothing do with Roe v. Wade. You can feel however you want about Roe v. Wade. This isn't it. I know that is a convenient excuse to not have to deal with something--something real, something that has to do with the lives and the health and the well-being of women, to say nothing about the unborn human lives within them. prgtoken From those who would invoke science in opposing this bill, I would ask, on what planet does science back the idea we should remove the REMS restrictions from this supposed so-called form of healthcare--a form of healthcare that, as I mentioned a few moments ago, has resulted in thousands upon thousands of complications in the two decades it has been on the market? On what planet can one contend that one can't support this legislation without being opposed to science? prgtoken Back to the Roe v. Wade question. If every single time someone gets up to try to present legislation--legislation that as far as I can tell, the Senator from Washington wasn't claiming was outside of our legislative purview as Federal lawmakers--if every single time someone gets up to try to raise legitimate questions of public policy regarding the health, safety, and welfare of the American people, of the American patient, of American women subjected to very serious side effects from a piece of legislation--if no one can present legislation without being accused of trying to undo a 1973 court decision, which is, on its face, not even
RECOGNIZING THE SCHEDULER
John Shimkus (Republican, IL) \u2014 2020-9-22

I rise today to thank a group of courageous Federal employees: Matt Nordquist; Janet Hartman, now Schmautz; Jake Gibson; Carren Crossley; Virginia Mueller, now Partridge; Jordan Haverly; Joy Henrichs; Perry Ford Stamp; and Molly Mackenzie . prgtoken There is no more difficult job in Washington than that of a congressional scheduler. My thanks and apologies go to those who served in my office these past 24 years. prgtoken For me, being away from home was the worst part of the job. Who booked the flight and told me I had to get back to D.C.? The scheduler did. Who would meet me in the office at 7:30 a.m. to get me to a breakfast meeting at 8 a.m.? Who would hang around to pick me up at 9 a.m just to race me to the Hill for a 9 a.m. meeting? The scheduler did. Who received an irate call from me wondering why no one was at the meeting in HC-5, only to be told that if I had looked at my schedule, I would have seen that the meeting location had changed to the Capitol Hill Club? The scheduler did. prgtoken Who took the frustrating call asking how I can be in a meeting in the Capitol from 10:30 a.m. to 11 a.m and then in my office in the Rayburn Building for an 11 a.m. meeting? The scheduler did. Who took the blame when I finally cried out that I needed a bathroom break after consecutive 30-minute meetings? The scheduler did. Who picked me up after votes at 6:30 p.m. to hit a reception at 6:45 p.m another prgtoken one at 7 p.m and then dinner at another location at 7:30 p.m.? The scheduler did. prgtoken Who scheduled the flight to get me home, and then had to sweat as to whether I could make the early flight or not? Who received my continuous calls asking them if I thought I could make it? The scheduler did. Who waited in the car for that final vote just to see me run down the stairs and tell them, let's go, just to get caught in traffic in the plaza, traffic on Independence Avenue, and traffic on Interstate 395? The scheduler did. prgtoken Who had to put up with the worst backseat driver in Washington, D.C.? The scheduler did. My schedulers took the brunt of my frustration as we tried to fit 36 hours of work into a 24-hour day. They took the barbs of criticism when I missed my family. prgtoken If there was ever a single group that I need to apologize to, it is them. Having said this, this group of workers professionally conducted their job with poise, confidence, efficiency, and compassion. I can say without hesitation that because of me, the toughest job in my office is that of the scheduler. Matt, Janet, Jake Carren, Virginia, Jordan, Joy, Perry, and Molly, I thank you.
COMMENDING THE WORK OF JOHN MOLIERE AND STANDARD COMMUNICATIONS
Denver Riggleman (Republican, VA) \u2014 2020-9-22

. Madam , I rise today to recognize the work being done by 5th District residents to combat the COVID-19 pandemic. The employees of Standard Communications, Inc. have worked diligently with the Department of Veterans affairs to install medical IT solutions. This work has included a new device to aid in the decontamination of medical equipment using ultraviolet light. prgtoken As we continue to face the COVID-19 pandemic, we have had to adapt and change the way we practice medicine in America. As the Congressman for Virginia's 5th District, I have been meeting with doctors, nurses, and other frontline healthcare workers to address our medical needs. One thing has become clear: Increasing our telehealth capabilities is critical to treating patients during the ongoing pandemic. In rural communities, we have seen a drop-off in patients seeking medical treatment for non-coronavirus related illnesses and injuries. This can create serious long-term issues in our healthcare system, where veterans can be vulnerable. prgtoken The work done by Standard Communications and their founder John Moliere is helping to alleviate some of these issues. During the COVID- 19 pandemic we must strive to find innovative solutions to the medical needs of our community. Telehealth is now helping connect patients with healthcare providers in a way we had not considered before the outbreak. By increasing the number of doctor visits that can be done without face-to-face meetings we can continue to slow the spread of the virus and flatten the curve. I am grateful for the work of John Moliere and Standard Communications.