mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
Veterans Healthcare (Executive Calendar)
Jerry Moran (Republican, KS) \u2014 2024-7-10

it was just a few weeks ago that I stood in this position on this floor and raised concern about how the administration was undermining the law and restricting the ability of veterans nationwide to get healthcare closer to home. prgtoken Since then, 19 of my colleagues have joined me in calling on the administration to quickly reverse course and to lift these restrictions on community care that they have put in place, to the detriment of many of America's veterans. prgtoken One of those veterans, in my home State of Kansas, is Myca. Myca is an Air Force veteran and a single mother and a community leader. She does not have health insurance, and she relies upon the VA to help her manage her autoimmune disorder and many other health issues. prgtoken Myca lives about an hour from the closest VA clinic, which is small and has a limited amount of services, and she lives more than 3 hours from the nearest VA medical center. prgtoken In her own words, she said: I don't know what my health would be like or where I would be if I did not have my VA healthcare benefits in the community. prgtoken Congress passed and President signed the MISSION Act 6 years ago to expand and protect the right of veterans to seek community care. Community care offers veterans across the country--and is particularly useful in States like many of ours that are so rural, certainly in States like mine--a much needed lifeline. prgtoken Often, it is the distance that causes a veteran to choose that he needs or she needs care in the community. Sometimes, it is expertise and specialty. However, in all instances, the Department of Veterans Affairs is making it harder for veterans like Myca to get the care they are entitled to under the law in the community. prgtoken In President 's administration, community care has come under attack, and veterans--many of them--are paying the price. In January, the Department's Under Secretary for Health commissioned an outside panel to examine community care spending. After being provided with select data and briefings, the panel recommended that VA save money by, among other things, reducing community care referrals for veterans seeking emergency, oncology, and mental health care. prgtoken There is not enough mental health care anyplace in the country. How could we restrict--why would we restrict, why would the VA restrict-- access to mental health care in the community? These veterans are among our most vulnerable and high-risk veterans in the VA patient populations. prgtoken Since those recommendations were issued in the spring, veterans have been reaching out to me. As I have indicated on the floor before, many of the things I know about what is going on in veterans' lives come by the conversations I have with veterans or my staff has with veterans or phone calls, emails--the suggestion that something is not right in the way the VA is caring for a
NOTICE OF INTENTION TO OFFER RESOLUTION RAISING A QUESTION OF THE PRIVILEGES OF THE HOUSE
Anna Paulina Luna (Republican, FL) \u2014 2024-7-10

pursuant to clause 2(a)(1) of rule IX, I seek recognition to give notice of my intent to raise a question of the privileges of the House. prgtoken The form of the resolution is as follows: prgtoken H. Res. 1344, finding that Merrick Garland, Attorney General of the United States, is in contempt of the House of Representatives for disobeying a certain subpoena. prgtoken Finding that Merrick Garland, Attorney General of the United States, is in contempt of the House of Representatives for disobeying a certain subpoena. prgtoken Whereas, on February 27, 2024, Merrick Garland, Attorney General of the United States, was duly served with a subpoena to produce a narrow and specific set of materials possessed by the Department of Justice and related to Special Counsel Robert K. Hur's investigation of President 's ``willful'' mishandling of classified documents to the Committee of the Judiciary of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Oversight and Accountability of the House of Representatives in Washington, D.C.; prgtoken Whereas, Attorney General Garland has, in disobedience of such subpoena, failed to produce the set of materials; and prgtoken Whereas, a set of materials possessed by the Department of Justice is material and necessary in order that the House of Representatives may properly execute the functions imposed on it and may obtain information necessary prgtoken as a basis for such legislative and other action as the House of Representatives may deem necessary and proper: Now, therefore be it prgtoken Resolved, That-- (1) Merrick Garland, Attorney General of the United States, is found in contempt of the House of Representatives for disobeying the February 27, 2024, subpoena; and (2) the of the House of Representatives shall impose a fine, which may not be paid with appropriated funds, on Attorney General Garland of $10,000 per day, until such a time as Attorney General Garland complies with the subpoena of the House of Representatives by turning over the audio tapes.
PROVIDING FOR CONGRESSIONAL DISAPPROVAL OF THE RULE SUBMITTED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION RELATING TO "NONDISCRIMINATION ON THE BASIS OF SEX IN EDUCATION PROGRAMS OR ACTIVITIES RECEIVING...
Bob Good (Republican, VA) \u2014 2024-7-10

. Madam , I rise today in strong support of this resolution to nullify the administration's harmful Title IX rule that for the first time includes sexual orientation and gender identity in the definition of sex. prgtoken With the stroke of a pen, the administration is making law apart from congressional action, destroying Title IX's promises of equal opportunity for women and eliminating single-sex spaces like bathrooms, locker rooms, and campus housing for female students from kindergarten through grad school. prgtoken This forces schools to adopt progressive ' radical worldview that sex is something that can change on a whim and is not a God- created, scientifically immutable design embedded in our DNA. prgtoken would rather perpetuate the harm of gender confusion than stand up for women and girls. Thankfully, the courts have intervened, and this rule is temporarily blocked from going into effect in 14 States, including my home State of Virginia, but if this resolution isn't successful today, a majority of American schoolchildren and teachers will suffer under this policy when they return to school next month. prgtoken This school year, we can expect to see more boys joining girls' sports teams in middle school and high school, thanks to ' radical progressive policies. prgtoken You can thank our radical friends when your daughter finds out her freshman roommate is actually a man. prgtoken Brace yourself for the onslaught of investigations at the Department of Education's Office of Civil Rights when teachers and students who refuse to use nonbiological pronouns are reported to the authorities. prgtoken I appreciate Representative Miller's effort to protect women and girls. I am proud to support this legislation, and I urge all of my colleagues to nullify the administration rule by supporting H.J. Res. 165.
PROVIDING FOR CONGRESSIONAL DISAPPROVAL OF THE RULE SUBMITTED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION RELATING TO "NONDISCRIMINATION ON THE BASIS OF SEX IN EDUCATION PROGRAMS OR ACTIVITIES RECEIVING...
Nathaniel Moran (Republican, TX) \u2014 2024-7-10

. Madam , today, I rise in support of H.J. Res. 165 introduced by Congresswoman Miller. prgtoken It is disheartening that there is even a need for this legislation, but it is needed because President has led a crusade against biological reality and common sense. prgtoken This new Title IX rule erodes underlying protections for women and girls. As a father of two young ladies, I can tell you that I am devastated and appalled by the action of the Department of Education. prgtoken Title IX was written to protect women by ensuring equal opportunities for young women and girls in educational programs. However, this new rule, promoted by radical ideologies, shatters it by redefining ``sex'' to include sexual orientation and gender identity. prgtoken By redefining ``sex'' under Title IX, the administration will effectively allow biological males into female-only spaces, including locker rooms and bathrooms. prgtoken Additionally, this rule will impact women's sports as the final rule does not create any carve-out for women's athletics. Under this rule, local school districts will be required to allow biological men to compete in women's sports or risk losing their funding. prgtoken Contrary to the administration's new rule, this resolution today guarantees a level playing field to uphold athletics' core principles of integrity and fairness, and it reaffirms that boys will be boys and girls will be girls. prgtoken are weaponizing the Department of Education by blurring the lines between men and women, and this new rule blatantly disregards common sense and the natural laws of this world and, frankly, of God, putting women and girls at a disadvantage and a risk. It is vital that we pass this Congressional Review Act to uphold the original intent of Title IX. prgtoken We must vote to protect our girls and our women in support of this resolution and dismantle the left's radical ideology and undo this nonsensical rule by the Department of Education. We must pass this resolution.
SAFEGUARD AMERICAN VOTER ELIGIBILITY ACT
Dan Bishop (Republican, NC) \u2014 2024-7-10

with the administration's allowance of 10 million illegals into the country, the immigration issue does have a bearing on this issue. prgtoken Radical, progressive answer the merits of this legislation with logical fallacies. The 2020 election was perfect, they say; therefore, we should not think about, act to end, or prevent unlawful voting by noncitizens, should not speak of the possibility, should avoid the issue entirely, all to improve Americans' confidence in elections. prgtoken Since noncitizen voting is unlawful, they say, it does not occur. Since undetectable conduct in the ordinary course is not evidenced by huge masses of evidence, then the absence of evidence is evidence of absence. prgtoken In other words, debate logic. Every vote cast by an illegal alien cancels out the vote of an American citizen, and with millions of ``newcomers'' flooded into the country by the administration, the threat is greater than ever. prgtoken Without secure elections, the American experiment is finished. We must pass the SAVE Act.
SAFEGUARD AMERICAN VOTER ELIGIBILITY ACT
Gary J. Palmer (Republican, AL) \u2014 2024-7-10

in an Oversight Committee hearing, I asked prgtoken the former directors of the Census if they supported Federal laws that prohibit noncitizens from running for office, making financial contributions to candidates, and voting. All three said they support these safeguards to our elections, and all three were ic appointees. prgtoken , my question to my ic colleagues is: Do support sensible safeguards for our elections? The minority can demonstrate their support and their answer by voting for the SAVE Act. prgtoken I appreciate Representative Roy's leadership in this process and Representative Steil's leadership and encourage all my colleagues to vote for the SAVE Act.
LEGISLATIVE SESSION
Debbie Stabenow (Democrat, MI) \u2014 2024-7-10

I am really proud to be joining the senior Senator from Hawaii and other colleagues who will be coming to the floor to talk about such an important topic and bill as the Reproductive Freedom for Women Act. prgtoken We know that for 50 years, Roe v. Wade protected our freedom to make our own healthcare decisions, and then 2 years ago, it was gone. I can't believe that today's young women, including my daughter and granddaughters, have fewer freedoms than their mothers and their grandmothers did. prgtoken Frankly, we are furious in Michigan. Do you want to know just how furious? Well, in Michigan, we turned our anger into action, and in November of 2022, we had the largest voter turnout for a midterm election ever. One of the measures on the ballot enshrined a right to reproductive freedom in our Michigan Constitution. It passed by a strong 13-point margin because Michiganders understand that healthcare decisions should be made by individual women--not by judges, not by politicians. prgtoken By the way, we hear all the time on the other side that it is a debate between, should it be Federal politicians or State politicians? Neither. Neither. This is about individuals having the freedom to make their own healthcare decisions. I can't believe we have to debate this in 2024 in America, but a lot of folks just haven't gotten the message yet. prgtoken Today, 22 States now have near total bans or severe restrictions on abortion services, and that means one out of three women now lives under an extreme or dangerous abortion ban. We know who is to blame for this because they brag about it all the time: and the MAGA s. prgtoken Since the fall of Roe, s have continued their assault on access to contraception, on IVF, a choice for those who desperately want a baby and need some additional help from science to help make that happen, to severe and total restrictions on abortion services. prgtoken Unfortunately, MAGA s want total control of our lives and total control of our fundamental freedoms. Last month, acted to protect these freedoms for women. Unfortunately, every time we brought bills to the Senate floor, s blocked them, and unfortunately, we know they won't stop there. We know that the Party, if they have their way, will create a national abortion ban, which means Michigan's constitutional protections that people worked very hard to achieve--hundreds of thousands of signatures, working hard, voting to put this protection for our freedoms into the Michigan Constitution--will all be ripped away if that happens. prgtoken Imagine what this would mean for a woman who learns that the pregnancy she desperately wants is not viable and her own life is at risk. This is actually happening, unfortunately, all the time right now in the States that have severe restrictions. prgtoken I will never forget hearing a woman talking about her own ex
HONORING IAN BASTEK
Ami Bera (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2024-7-10

I rise today to recognize Lieutenant Jarek Neczypor for his perseverance and participation in the Department of Defense's 2024 Warrior Games. prgtoken A native of Sacramento, Lieutenant Neczypor joined the Navy with a desire to serve his country and see the world. His service took him across Asia, where he proudly represented our Nation. prgtoken Following his injuries, Lieutenant Neczypor's involvement with the Navy Wounded Warrior connected him with fellow servicemembers fostering a supportive community crucial to his healing journey. prgtoken In this network, Lieutenant Neczypor and his shipmates have shared valuable resources related to education, employment, and veteran support organizations. These experiences inspired him to attend law school where he continues in his commitment to serve others through his involvement in Yale's Veterans Legal Services Clinic and Medical-Legal Partnership. prgtoken This year in the Warrior Games, Lieutenant Neczypor competed in cycling, precision air sports, track, wheelchair basketball, and wheelchair rugby. prgtoken Please join me in celebrating Lieutenant Jarek Neczypor's outstanding achievements and continued dedication to his fellow veterans. California Capital Airshow
LEGISLATIVE SESSION
Charles E. Schumer (Democrat, NY) \u2014 2024-7-10

first, let me thank the Senator from Washington State, the Senate's President pro tempore, for her amazing leadership on this issue. She is the lead sponsor of the legislation and is on so many other issues across the spectrum but particularly on women's rights and women's healthcare. There is no stronger clarion voice than the Senator from Washington, so I thank her for that. prgtoken Now, today, Senate s must answer a simple question: Do they believe that women should have the right to make their own healthcare choices--yes or no? prgtoken The Reproductive Freedom for Women Act is exceedingly simple. All it does is express support for a woman's right to choose. That is it--no more, no less. It should be an easy ``yes'' vote. prgtoken My colleagues have a choice: Vote yes, and stand with women who want their rights protected or stand with and the MAGA radicals who want to see those rights taken away. prgtoken We know where the American people stand on freedom of choice: Over 80 percent of Americans, including two-thirds of s, agree that healthcare decisions, including abortion, should be between a woman and her doctor. But Americans are rightfully worried that reproductive rights are becoming extinct in this country. They see what is happening at the Supreme Court. They see the attacks against women's rights in States like Texas and Florida and Alabama and Idaho and beyond. prgtoken The American people want to know where their Senators stand on freedom of choice. By voting on reproductive freedoms, we are moving the issue forward because it is very important and very reasonable for Members to be asked to take a position on such a vital issue. If Senate s genuinely trust women to make their own reproductive choices, then they should not block this bill today. prgtoken I want to tell our colleagues: The American people are prgtoken watching how we vote. You can run, but you can't hide. All of America is going to know whether you are for women's reproductive rights or not by this vote--no excuses. This is it. They--the American people--want to see who will defend their fundamental freedoms and who will not. prgtoken Again, let me thank Senator Murray for leading on this bill. Let me thank every female Senator on our side of the aisle for cosponsoring it along with me. prgtoken We need a ``yes'' vote. prgtoken . Cloture Motion
CELEBRATING COLMA'S 100TH ANNIVERSARY
Kevin Mullin (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2024-7-10

I rise to honor the Town of Colma and join in celebrating the 100-year anniversary of the town's incorporation, and its unique history and significance to my district. prgtoken Nestled in the north of San Mateo County, California, Colma is the smallest incorporated community by living population in the county that has a remarkable story to tell. As a San Mateo County native, I'm very familiar with Colma and its fame as a necropolis. Referred to as the ``City of Souls,'' Colma has approximately 1,500 residents but over 1.5 million graves, brandishing the motto ``It's great to be alive in Colma.'' In the early 1900's, San Francisco was growing and developing at a rapid pace, and areas and space for burials became scarce. The San Francisco Board of Supervisors prohibited new burials within city limits, prompting cemeteries to relocate to the more spacious and convenient surroundings of Colma. prgtoken Today, Colma boasts 17 cemeteries altogether, including a pet cemetery. This astonishing number of remains includes notable figures such as Levi Strauss, the founder of the namesake blue jean company, Wyatt Earp, the infamous lawman of the Wild West, Joe DiMaggio and Willie McCovey, legendary baseball players, William Randolph Hearst, newspaper tycoon, Bill Graham, famed music promoter, and California political leaders like Governor Edmund ``Pat'' Brown. Their resting places, along with many others, attract visitors from near and far, making Colma a place of reflection and pilgrimage. Colma's cemeteries are not just places of mourning; they are also spaces of beauty and history. The grounds and historic monuments serve as a living museum, presenting the stories of countless individuals and preserving the history of the region. These cemeteries also significantly contribute to the local economy. Colma's unique position as a necropolis means that cemetery related industries like flower shops and monument businesses have sprung up across town. By supporting local employment and commerce, the town and its residents have utilized their unique circumstances to foster strength and sustainability within their community. prgtoken Colma's significance extends beyond its role as a final resting place. Long before incorporation, Ohlone natives settled in the area and the Spanish used the land for farming and ranching. During the Gold Rush, the area that is now Colma was crucial for its agricultural products, dairies, and ranches to feed the greater San Francisco Bay Area and the large influx of people. As the greater San Francisco Bay Area grew, so did Colma, incorporating as Lawndale in 1924. The name changed in 1941 due to a conflict with a post office of the same name in Southern California. prgtoken After World War II, Colma saw an increase in new housing subdivisions driven by returning veterans and continued adapting to changing needs and diversifying its economy. Colma is home to the famous ``Serramonte Auto Row'
EXECUTIVE CALENDAR (Executive Session)
Peter Welch (Democrat, VT) \u2014 2024-7-10

I ask unanimous consent that the Senate proceed to executive session to consider the following nomination: Danny Lam Hoan Nguyen, to be Associate Justice of the Superior Court of the District of Columbia; that the Senate vote on the nomination, Calendar No. 508, without intervening action or debate; that the motion to reconsider be considered made and laid upon the table; that the President be immediately notified of the Senate's action; and the Senate resume legislative session.