mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
CORONAVIRUS
Mitch McConnell (Republican, KY) \u2014 2020-6-29

on another matter, each time I have returned home over the last several weeks, I have had the opportunity to travel to different Kentucky hospitals to safely meet with healthcare professionals and thank them for their incredible work, as well as to listen to what is on their minds. prgtoken For more than 3 months now, our Nation's doctors, nurses, and health professionals have been fighting day and night to heal strangers and protect our Nation. I said in mid-March that our country was about to meet a lot of new heroes and that among them would be many people who wear scrubs, who rush toward the sick, and who wash their hands until they bleed. prgtoken Well, Americans and families from coast to coast have met just such heroes. The frontline professionals I am meeting are proud to do their work, and you had better believe they are appreciative that the sacrifices and smart precautions taken by the American people stopped health systems from being overrun in the springtime, allowed them to continue giving each patient the care they deserved, and bought our country time to plan a smart, safe, and gradual reopening. prgtoken So until we have a safe and effective vaccine, it will remain all of our jobs as American citizens to help our Nation settle into a middle ground between unsustainable emergency lockdowns and our ordinary life from before all this. In short, we cannot go back to April, and we cannot go right back to normal. We need new routines, new rhythms, and new strategies for this new middle ground in between. prgtoken It is the task of each family, each small business, each employer, and all levels of government to apply common sense and make this happen. To name prgtoken just one example, we must have no stigma--none--about wearing a mask when we leave our homes and come near other people. Wearing simple face coverings is not about protecting ourselves; it is about protecting everyone we encounter. prgtoken In fact, the more we hate the pain and suffering that accompanied the strict stay-home guidelines a few months ago, the happier we should be to take responsible, small steps every day to ensure our country can stay on offense against the virus. prgtoken Now, the Senate should take pride in the degree to which our historic response has helped the country get where we are. All of the health leaders and professionals I meet continue to be glad for the CARES Act, the historic bipartisan legislation that Senate s wrote and then negotiated across the aisle. prgtoken We sent historic resources to hospitals and health providers to help them do their healing work and to fight this new invader. That was in addition to the historic relief we provided to households and small businesses, which economists across the political spectrum say saved millions of jobs and prevented an economic freefall. prgtoken In May and June, while the -led House has been mostly absent, the Senate has kept
LEGISLATIVE SESSION
Lisa Murkowski (Republican, AK) \u2014 2020-6-29

I am awaiting my colleague, the ranking member on the Energy and Natural Resources Committee, to come. We are going to engage in a short colloquy about our energy bill. prgtoken But before we do that and before he arrives, I would like to comment on a matter that my friend and also fellow traveler on the Energy and Natural Resources Committee, Senator Cantwell, raised on the floor just about an hour ago, and this is with regards to a provision within the National Defense Authorization Act. This is section 3111, related to the review of the adequacy of the nuclear weapons budget at DOE. prgtoken She has raised the concerns and articulated them extraordinarily well. Know that, as the chairman of the Energy and Natural Resources Committee, I joined with my friend and colleague, the ranking member, in sending a letter to the chairman of the Armed Services Committee, as well as the ranking member, outlining the concerns that we had with this provision and really very, very clearly alarmed about the lack of the Energy Committee's involvement in drafting this section 3111. prgtoken But as Senator Cantwell had outlined, what this provision would do is effectively empower sub-Cabinet level officials, primarily from DOD, to make potentially sweeping decisions about DOE's budget, going against what we think is good governance, in contravention of the Department of Energy Organization Act, and, as she outlined, it could put you in a situation where the priorities from the Department of Energy through the Secretary of Energy, whether it is cleanup of legacy defense waste, cyber security, funding for energy innovation, all of these priorities could basically be put at the wayside. We have significant, significant concerns about this. prgtoken I ask unanimous consent that the copy of the letter that Senator Manchin and I sent to Chairman Inhofe and Ranking Member Reed, outlining the concerns that we have, be printed in the Record
EMERGENCY HOUSING PROTECTIONS AND RELIEF ACT OF 2020
Bryan Steil (Republican, WI) \u2014 2020-6-29

from Michigan for yielding. prgtoken I rise today in opposition to the act. prgtoken The coronavirus pandemic has affected every community in our country. As this disease hit our shores, our economy has contracted dramatically. Businesses were forced to close; workers have been sidelined; and Americans are staying home. prgtoken While we recognize the public health benefits of this strategy, the serious economic harm is very hard to ignore. Families are still worried about making ends meet, even as States have begun to reopen. prgtoken With that in mind, I understand my colleagues' desire to do something to keep affected families in their homes. I remain committed to just that, helping families who are directly impacted by the coronavirus to stay in their homes and to stay in their apartments. But this bill fails on multiple fronts. prgtoken At a time when our national deficits are rising, and our national debt now exceeds $26 trillion, my colleagues are proposing more than $194 billion in new spending. More than half of that, $119 billion, is earmarked for HUD, the Housing and Urban Development Department. prgtoken This would triple HUD's 2020 budget. Importantly, it does it without implementing meaningful reforms to ensure accountability and transparency. prgtoken The new spending comes on top of trillions of dollars in relief already provided in the form of expanded unemployment benefits and other types of economic relief. prgtoken We have seen legislation come before us in the HEROES Act, a grab bag of liberal ideas. We now come back to the table with this. prgtoken One of those ideas, which I think is important to highlight the impact that this will have in our community, is a resurrection of misguided ideas, long-term eviction moratoriums. prgtoken Under the Emergency Housing Protections and Relief Act, the CARES prgtoken Act eviction moratorium now would be extended until June 25, 1 year from the date of enactment. This moratorium would apply to all renters regardless of whether or not they have been negatively impacted by the coronavirus.
STATE HEALTH CARE PREMIUM REDUCTION ACT
Mike Kelly (Republican, PA) \u2014 2020-6-29

. ``My simple message to you, Mr. Kelly, and the rest of the committee''--and the rest of Congress--``is: There is no cure or treatments for Pearson's syndrome. Each day is a struggle to keep Maddie balanced so her body is able to better cope with symptoms of this terrible disorder. All we have, as well as many other families across the world, is hope. Please, don't let partisan bickering impact the ability of researchers to discover and innovate new therapies that could save Maddie's life one day. The clock is ticking, and Maddie is waiting.'' prgtoken Madam , it simply comes down to this: if you want to develop new drugs, then don't penalize the people who develop them. Don't hold them as the bad guys when we require them. Please come up with something to address COVID-19.
STATE HEALTH CARE PREMIUM REDUCTION ACT
John R. Curtis (Republican, UT) \u2014 2020-6-29

. Madam , today, I rise in opposition to H.R. 1425. Right now, we must deliver the most effective treatments to patients infected with COVID-19 and all those suffering from other life- threatening illnesses. Breaking down barriers to receiving timely care must remain our number one priority in order to halt transmission of the virus. prgtoken H.R. 1425 does the opposite by dramatically expanding the role of government through unconstitutional inventions in our pharmaceutical industry and broader healthcare system. This would put our brightest scientific minds in handcuffs and threaten their ability to develop future cures for COVID-19 and other life-threatening diseases. prgtoken These are especially concerning decisions to make without bipartisan input. We have to work together in order to deliver solutions that give Americans more control over how they are receiving their health care. Solutions could include expanding access to health savings accounts or association health plans to be sold across state lines and with more portability. I recently introduced legislation to increase access to both options and I encourage my ic colleagues to join me as I look for creative solutions to make health care more affordable for millions of hard-working Americans. prgtoken Finally, I want to point out that Congress has already taken unprecedented steps to increase access to care for the uninsured and any American household dealing with the effects of COVID-19. It is critical that our focus remains defeating this virus, keeping Americans healthy, and allowing hard-working men and women across our great nation to return to work. We cannot place greater strains on our already over-worked health care system through one-size-fits-all policy making.
MEMORIALIZING MAYOR LEONARD SCARCELLA
Pete Olson (Republican, TX) \u2014 2020-6-29

. Madam , the city of Stafford, Fort Bend County, the State of Texas, and all of America lost a great man Sunday: Mayor Leonard Scarcella. prgtoken He was a true Texas force of nature. He listened to all, regardless of what country you came from or where you worshipped. His life was about making all human life better. prgtoken Madam , for 51 years as mayor, he did just that. He helped bring Texas Instruments to Stafford in 1967, opening the door to Fort Bend to attract corporate America. prgtoken Not happy with the public education in Stafford, he fought for the only city-run school board in Texas. prgtoken Tired of people going to the big city of Houston for concerts and conventions, Leonard opened the Stafford Centre in 2004. prgtoken He proudly governed without one penny of property tax. prgtoken It was Leonard who brought the stunning 30,000-piece BAPS Hindu Temple to Stafford in 2004. prgtoken Madam , to close, nearly 1 million Texans in Fort Bend County are mourning now. I join them. God bless Mayor Leonard Scarcella.
STATE HEALTH CARE PREMIUM REDUCTION ACT
Earl L. "Buddy" Carter (Republican, GA) \u2014 2020-6-29

. Madam , I rise today in opposition to this Care wish list legislation. prgtoken I want to start off by saying, Madam , how disappointed I am. How disappointed I am that this comes--this partisan healthcare legislation is being moved at such a serious time in our Nation's response to the pandemic. prgtoken This bill was developed and written without input, which seems to be the thing to do these days. I was up here last week talking about the policing bill, same thing, no input. Now we are talking about the healthcare bill. No input. Partisan legislation, at a time when our country needs bipartisan solutions. prgtoken You know, when a bill is developed and written without input, that is usually a good sign that there is no real intention of moving this legislation; and there is not. The other side, Madam , knows that this is not going to move. prgtoken Unfortunately, Americans are suffering right now, they are suffering from COVID-19. We should be working together, s and , to create solutions that benefit every American. Unfortunately, this bill has many issues, it is a big government- controlled healthcare agenda. prgtoken Once again, are trying to mandate the price of drugs, or tax manufacturers out of the U.S. market if they don't comply, at a time when we need to be bringing back manufacturing to the United States. Now we are doing just the opposite with this partisan legislation. prgtoken My colleagues across the aisle want fewer cures during the pandemic. Fewer cures during the pandemic. Are you kidding me? That is the last thing America needs right now. prgtoken This legislation also expands Care subsidies, allowing some of the wealthiest Americans to get subsidies for insurance paid for by the hard-earned taxpayers' dollars. prgtoken This is not the time to be partisan, Madam , this is a time for us to work together. I hope my colleagues across the aisle can set aside these efforts and work with us to pass meaningful, bipartisan legislation.
STATE HEALTH CARE PREMIUM REDUCTION ACT
Greg Walden (Republican, OR) \u2014 2020-6-29

. Madam , I believe neither of us has any more speakers. such time as I may consume to close. prgtoken Madam , we have had a good debate here on the floor. Unfortunately, it is not a debate over a bipartisan piece of legislation. It is a debate over a partisan bill that will never become law. The President's office has issued a recommendation that he would veto this bill, should it ever get out of the Senate and to his desk. prgtoken Beyond that, let's talk about what impact this will have in this pandemic. prgtoken We have heard a lot about drugs. We know from the Congressional Budget Office that this legislation will reverse the gains and innovation made in the bipartisan 21st Century Cures Act, that it would result in fewer new drug products developed and coming to market. In fact, the Congressional Budget Office estimates that up to 38 fewer medicines would be developed to cure diseases. prgtoken My friend from Massachusetts talked about Therese on the doorstep in Lowell, Massachusetts, with COPD. What a tragedy it would be if one of those 38 medicines under development happened to cure COPD. prgtoken Maybe it is a cure for COVID-19. Maybe it is a cure for ALS or Alzheimer's or some form of cancer, like the ovarian cancer that claimed my mother. prgtoken What we do know is it puts a dagger in the heart of innovation. In fact, those scientists we are all turning to right now, Madam , these brilliant young men and women in laboratories all across America, especially those out in California at California Life Sciences Association, said this legislation, H.R. 3, part of which is incorporated in this bill, could lead to as much as a 58 percent reduction in revenue, which would significantly reduce investment in partnerships, licensing agreements, and emerging companies, and, therefore, lead to an 88 percent reduction in new medicines developed by small U.S. biotech companies. That number was an 88 percent reduction. prgtoken Further, they expect it to eliminate 80,000 high-paying biotech and R&D jobs nationwide. Why would you do that now? Why would you knowingly enact a provision in legislation that would cut 80,000 American high- tech and R&D jobs in the healthcare field, where we are pleading for a cure. We are, dare I say, praying for a cure or a treatment not only for COVID but for these other diseases. The legislation before us today would do that. prgtoken We have heard a lot about international price controls this legislation would put in place, government price setting. Now, let's talk about what that means. prgtoken For example, when looking at a sample of 270 new medicines launched in the United States from 2011 to 2018, of those available in the United States under our formula, 67 percent are available in Germany, 64 percent in the U.K 48 percent in Japan, 53 percent in France, about 52 percent in Canada, 41 percent in Australia. prgtoken Even in countries where treatment may have been la
HONORING ELIZABETH BRUNER
Glenn Thompson (Republican, PA) \u2014 2020-6-29

I rise today to recognize Elizabeth Bruner of Blairsville, Pennsylvania. Elizabeth was recently honored by the National 4-H Shooting Sports Teen Ambassador program. prgtoken 4-H has a storied past across the country--in rural America in particular--and has created youth programs that have fostered agricultural innovation. prgtoken Some of Elizabeth's favorite 4-H activities include breeding and market livestock, wildlife, forestry, and her favorite: shooting sports. prgtoken Elizabeth was selected as one of two individuals by a committee of 4- H educators from across the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania to be a teen ambassador for Pennsylvania to promote 4-H and 4-H shooting sports. Ambassadors receive training that they can take back to their communities to advocate for 4-H at the county, regional, and State level. prgtoken During her experience as an ambassador, Elizabeth will further her skills in public presentation, citizenship, community service, as well as many other areas. prgtoken I am certain Elizabeth will represent this organization and promote its purpose well.
UNANIMOUS CONSENT REQUEST
Rick Scott (Republican, FL) \u2014 2020-6-29

reserving the right to object, this is clearly a challenging time for every level of government. I think we will all admit that this crisis was unprecedented, and Congress has already taken bold action to stem this virus and save our economy. But if we are not careful, Congress will create another equally devastating crisis down the road--a crisis of our own making. prgtoken Our national debt and deficits, already at unsustainable levels, have skyrocketed as Congress has spent almost $3 trillion--$3 trillion--to address this crisis. To put that in perspective, Congress has spent $9,000 for every American. prgtoken At some point we need to start thinking about the impact this spending will have on the future of our children and our grandchildren, how we are impacting our ability to fund our military and our safety nets like Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid. prgtoken Again, I know everyone here wants to help our States. I want to help our States, too, which is why I support maintaining the existing restrictions tied to the Coronavirus Relief Fund that were included in the CARES Act to make sure this spending is for coronavirus response. prgtoken Congress has already allocated billions in direct and indirect aid to States and localities. Total direct funding from the Federal Government already exceeds $1 trillion. Let me just go through it. prgtoken We gave them $150 billion for COVID-19 expenses. To put that in perspective, while I was Governor of Florida, we had four hurricanes. The Federal Government never funded 100 percent of my cost. We are funding 100 percent of the COVID-19 cost. prgtoken We have given our State and local governments $500 billion in short- term loans. We have given them $45 billion in FEMA disaster funds, $30 billion in education funds without any information on whether education costs have gone up, $34 billion for mass transit and community grants, $270 billion for CARES Act emergency appropriations, and $50 billion for Medicaid--and as we have all seen with the healthcare costs, Medicaid costs have gone down around the country. prgtoken Even this doesn't begin to count another $1.3 trillion in indirect assistance to small businesses, individuals, and increased unemployment benefits to families in all of our States. prgtoken We have given $175 billion to our healthcare community. We have given $11 billion to our States to deal with testing. prgtoken Now my colleagues want to spend another $1 trillion before the other trillion dollars that was already allocated has even been spent. prgtoken I sent a letter this month to all U.S. Governors to get more details on exactly how they are allocating the Federal coronavirus response funds that they have already received. I have heard back only from four States. prgtoken Do you think I have heard back from New York? Of course not, and I don't expect to. Why? Because politicians in these liberal States have refused to live within thei
STATE HEALTH CARE PREMIUM REDUCTION ACT
Kevin Brady (Republican, TX) \u2014 2020-6-29

. Madam , such time as I may consume. prgtoken I have here a host of letters in opposition to this dangerous legislation, one signed by more than 40 State and regional life science organizations and another signed by over 130 small biotech companies, many of whom are currently working to develop COVID-19 therapies and vaccines. In these letters, they emphasize that this bill will deter badly needed investment that will harm their ability to manufacture and produce therapies and cures for American families. prgtoken Madam , in the midst of a pandemic, we just heard a question: Why do we oppose this bill? In the midst of a pandemic where countless lives will depend upon the development of these new cures, this cannot happen on our watch. We will not stand idly by. prgtoken Madam , I include in the Record the letters, and . October 16, 2019. Hon. Mitch McConnell, Majority Leader, U.S. Senate, Washington, DC. Hon. Charles Schumer, ic Leader, U.S. Senate, Washington, DC. Hon. Nancy Pelosi, , House of Representatives, Washington, DC. Hon. Kevin McCarthy, Leader, House of Representatives, Washington, DC. Dear Senate Majority Leader McConnell, Senate ic Leader Schumer, House Pelosi, and House Leader McCarthy: As state and regional life sciences organizations across the country, all dedicated to supporting the development and delivery of innovative life-enhancing and life-saving products, we write to express our strong concerns about recent legislative proposals that seek to introduce international reference pricing and foreign price controls as a strategy to reduce prescription drug costs. We are gravely concerned that such polices will consequentially threaten patient access and choice and cede America's global leadership in biomedical innovation. At the outset, we underscore our appreciation for the bipartisan and bicameral efforts underway to provide relief to patients from unaffordable out-of-pocket costs for prescription drugs. This is a critical challenge for our nation, and we are committed to being part of the solution to address it, while also ensuring that incentives still exist to spawn future innovation. However, we are deeply concerned by proposals by some in Congress to introduce price controls, particularly foreign reference pricing, into government and private healthcare programs. These proposals are concerning for states and regions of the country with established life sciences communities, as well as for emerging biomedical innovation ecosystems working to attract capital investment and support entrepreneurship to build the companies and therapies of the future. Most
SMITH REYNOLDS AIRPORT
Virginia Foxx (Republican, NC) \u2014 2020-6-29

. Madam , the Smith Reynolds Airport--located in North Carolina's Fifth District--is set to be designated as North Carolina's first legacy airport. prgtoken Originally named Miller Municipal Field in 1927, the airport was soon renamed in 1942 after the Z. Smith Reynolds Foundation made a donation to the airport. prgtoken Since its inception, the airport has served as an Army Corps facility and was the birthplace for Piedmont Airlines, the legacy carrier that merged with US Airways. prgtoken The Smith Reynolds airport has been a vital component of the Piedmont community. Through this designation, its impact will lead to further growth and innovation within North Carolina's aviation sector and will serve as a boon to the stat and local economy.