mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
AFFORDABLE CARE ACT
Benjamin L. Cardin (Democrat, MD) \u2014 2023-2-1

I take this time to celebrate the success of the Affordable Care Act. We just completed the open enrollment period for 2023. Over 16 million Americans signed up for health coverage under the Affordable Care Act. That is about a 100-percent increase from the first year's enrollment in 2014. In less than 10 years, we have doubled the number of enrollees under the Affordable Care Act. prgtoken It has contributed to a substantial reduction in the number of uninsured, which, in and of itself, is an important goal in healthcare. Uninsured individuals have less ability to access quality prgtoken care in this country. That is something we all need to be concerned about and do our best to make sure everyone has access to healthcare. prgtoken But they also contribute to what is known as cost-shifting, and it causes a dislocation of healthcare facilities in the proper locations in our community. It also makes our healthcare system less efficient. If an individual does not have coverage for preventive healthcare and diseases are discovered later, it makes it more expensive and less likely a successful result. prgtoken We all can celebrate the numbers but recognize we also are taking a big bite out of the uninsured medical population in this country. My numbers in Maryland are very impressive: 180,000 Marylanders enrolled in our State insurance exchange under the Affordable Care Act. That is, by the way, for minorities, a 9-percent increase in the Hispanic population and a 3-percent increase in the Black population. We are committed to eliminating health disparities in America. prgtoken There are many provisions in the Affordable Care Act. I want to mention one I am particularly proud of because I had something to do with its creation, and that is elevating the National Institutes of Health with the National Institute on Minority Health and Health Disparities. We made it a full Institute under NIH. We set up an office for minority health within the Health and Human Services Agencies. We did this so there would be a focus on dealing with the systemic challenges we have to medical care in this country. And the research that is being done by the National Institute on Minority Health and Health Disparities is cutting edge on reasons why we have disparities in this country, and it is leading to corrective action being taken. prgtoken I will just give you one example: NIH UNITE Program, which deals with incentives to create a more diversified workforce in healthcare, which is critically important to access, as well as to make sure that clinical trials include all of our population so that the results are meaningful for all communities in America. prgtoken The results that we have been able to move forward in bridging the disparities for access to healthcare in America, all this has been done under the Affordable Care Act. prgtoken But we didn't stop there. We recognized we had to improve the Affordable Care Act. I am
ANTI-SEMITISM: NEVER AGAIN
Lois Frankel (Democrat, FL) \u2014 2023-2-1

let me, just for a start, say that hatred and discrimination against any marginalized community are wrong, whether it be an ethnic minority, LGBT, a person with a disability, and women and girls. prgtoken Today, I want to focus on something that is personal to me. prgtoken My family was blessed. My grandfather came over to this country from Poland just before the rise of Hitler, and he saved his brothers and sisters by bringing them over. Too many people were not so blessed. prgtoken , I rise today and start my comments by saying, ``never again,'' as I address the growing concern of anti-Semitism in my home State of Florida and across the country. prgtoken This rise in anti-Semitism is deeply concerning, particularly given the lessons of the Holocaust, where we lost 6 million Jews and millions of others who were murdered by the Nazis in one of the worst human atrocities in the history of the world. These were precious lives who were tortured, gassed, shot, and treated as less than human. prgtoken It is terrifying that we find ourselves today having to defend the fact that it even happened. So we say ``never again'' to remind the world that we just didn't wake up one moment to gas chambers and genocide; it was a slow and deliberate effort, dehumanizing Jews and others, fomenting fear and normalizing extremism and prejudice. prgtoken Today, Holocaust denial and anti-Semitism is on the rise. Incidents of anti-Semitism reported--and this is just reported--to the Anti- Defamation League have risen by 34 percent in their last report. There were over 2,700 incidents that were reported in a year: Harassment, assaults, Molotov cocktails thrown at synagogues, defacing Jewish cemeteries, I could go on and on. The point is, it is clear that anti- Semitism is real. prgtoken In my own community in Palm Beach County, which is home to tens of thousands of Jews, this past January there were Nazi symbols projected on buildings and hundreds and hundreds of anti-Semitic flyers thrown into the yards of people. prgtoken , I say what should we do? What must we do? prgtoken Combating anti-Semitism is everyone's responsibility. There is something for all of us to do to promote a more inclusive and respectful society. prgtoken Let me just give a to-do list. It is not necessarily inclusive, but some things that we should all take to heart. prgtoken Believe it or not, a significant number of our young people don't have any understanding of the Holocaust; and so, of course, education and awareness about the Holocaust and the history of anti-Semitism and the harm it causes, education is something that is very important. prgtoken All of us must speak out and condemn anti-Semitism wherever and whenever it occurs, whether it is using your voice, your Facebook page, your Twitter, writing letters to the editor. If you see something, you must say something. prgtoken We should be working with our great partners across different sectors and levels of go
SUPPORT REPRESENTATIVE OMAR
Betty McCollum (Democrat, MN) \u2014 2023-2-1

I rise today as a Representative from Minnesota's Fourth Congressional District in support of my colleague, Representative Ilhan Omar, of Minnesota's Fifth Congressional District. Together, we are the Twin Cities. prgtoken Representative Omar, alongside of our colleagues, Representatives Schiff and Swalwell, have been unfairly targeted for removal from committees, despite their valuable experience, their expertise, and their perspectives. prgtoken The American people elected us to solve problems, to strengthen Social Security and Medicare, and lower everyday costs. But, instead, there is prioritizing of issues that the s are engaged in as a political stunt--no better than their extreme MAGA members who traffic in hate and violent threats. prgtoken My fellow Minnesotans and I see this for what it is: a petty vendetta that not only undermines our democracy, but it puts the safety of those Members at risk. Minnesotans and all Americans deserve better. prgtoken , I encourage my colleagues to support Representative Omar and vote ``no'' on H. Res. 76.
REINTRODUCTION OF LEGISLATION TO AWARD THE CONGRESSIONAL GOLD MEDAL TO HUMANITARIAN AND SPORTING LEGEND MUHAMMAD ALI
André Carson (Democrat, IN) \u2014 2023-2-1

as we kick off the start of Black History Month, I am proud to reintroduce legislation to award the Congressional Gold Medal to Muhammad Ali in recognition of his contributions to our Nation. l believe it is long past time to recognize this American civil rights activist and sporting legend with Congress' highest honor. Sadly, we were unable to act swiftly enough to honor him prior to his passing at age 74 in 2016, so that is why I am asking my colleagues to join me now in honoring an American hero. Over the course of his illustrious career, Muhammad Ali produced some of our Nation's most lasting and impactful sports memories. From winning a Gold Medal at the 1960 Summer Olympics, to lighting the Olympic torch at the 1996 Summer Olympics, his influence as an athlete and a humanitarian spanned over 50 years. prgtoken Despite having been diagnosed with Parkinson's disease in the 1980s, Ali devoted his life to charitable endeavors. Ali, and his wife Lonnie were founding directors of the Muhammad Ali Parkinson Center and Movement Disorders Clinic in Phoenix, AZ and helped raise over $50 million for Parkinson's research. In addition to helping families cope with illness, Ali led efforts to provide meals for the hungry and helped countless organizations such as the Make-A-Wish-Foundation and the Special Olympics. prgtoken Muhammad Ali's humanitarian efforts went beyond his charitable activities in the United States. In 1990 Muhammad Ali travelled to the Middle East to seek the release of American and British hostages who were being held as human shields in the first Gulf War. After his intervention, 15 hostages were freed. Thanks to his devotion to diplomatic causes and racial harmony, Ali was the recipient of many accolades, including being chosen as a ``U.N. Messenger of Peace'' in 1998 and receiving the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2005 from President . prgtoken Through his unyielding dedication to his sport and to struggling populations around the world, Muhammad Ali still serves an example of service and self-sacrifice for generations of Americans. The Congressional Gold Medal is a fitting commemoration of his life and work, for which he is deservingly known as ``the Greatest.'' prgtoken , I hope my colleagues will join me in recognizing one of our Nation's most lasting and influential figures by signing on to this important legislation.
COMMENDING PENNSYLVANIA HERO BENJAMIN STEIDINGER
Susan Wild (Democrat, PA) \u2014 2023-2-1

I rise today as we approach the 1-year anniversary of the heroism of Benjamin Steidinger, of Germansville, Pennsylvania. prgtoken When Benjamin saw smoke coming from a house across his street, he didn't just call 911. He climbed up a ladder to the second story, knocked out a window, and crawled across the floor, where he rescued two women, a baby, and a dog from the smoke and flames. prgtoken Benjamin thought he might not make it out of that house alive, but he put his life at risk in sacrifice for others. He is among the best of us. prgtoken Today, I commend Benjamin for representing and living out the values of our community: grit, determination, and courage in the face of immense challenges. prgtoken On behalf of Pennsylvania's Seventh District, we thank Benjamin for his courage.
RELATING TO A NATIONAL EMERGENCY DECLARED BY THE PRESIDENT ON MARCH 13, 2020
Rick Larsen (Democrat, WA) \u2014 2023-2-1

I just note that there is no record that the national emergency exacerbated supply chain problems in the U.S. There is every record in evidence that COVID exacerbated supply chain problems in the U.S bringing our economy to a standstill, and in my view, every evidence that the investment in the bipartisan infrastructure law and the CHIPS and Science Act are doing exactly what they needed to do, to bring our economy back. There is no evidence otherwise. Just saying that for the record. prgtoken , .
HONORING AND CELEBRATING THE LIFE OF CHARLES "CHUCK" ALEXANDER OF SAN JOSE, CA
Zoe Lofgren (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2023-2-2

I rise to pay tribute to Mr. Charles ``Chuck'' Alexander, whose lifetime of service and commitment to California's South Bay warrants special recognition. Chuck had a relentless commitment to bettering others and his community. His loss will be profoundly felt by myself and so many others in the South Bay. prgtoken Born in Vernon, Texas, Chuck and his family made their way to Stockton, California in 1950. A few years later, Chuck graduated from Thomas Jefferson High School and moved to San Jose State University on a football scholarship. He was one of the founding members of San Jose State University's Kappa Alpha Psi-Delta Rho fraternity. During this era of great unrest and long overdue calls for racial justice, Chuck operated the Good Brothers home in San Jose, which ensured Black students and Black student-athletes had housing. Chuck graduated from San Jose State University after meeting the love of his life, Ms. Saphrona Williams. prgtoken Chuck's dedication to his community did not end with completion of his undergraduate studies. Instead, he embarked on a career with the Santa Clara County Probation Department. Serving first as a counselor for one of the Juvenile facilities, Chuck assiduously worked his way up in the department, eventually becoming head of the County's Juvenile Hall. prgtoken Chuck was a crucial member of the South Bay's civil rights movement. Chuck's spirit, character, and gregariousness made him one of the area's most beloved historians. Among many others, Chuck captured iconic photographs from his time at the Good House in the 1950's and at the San Jose Woolworth sit-ins in the 1960's. On the occasion of his passing, I join Chuck's many loved ones in mourning his loss, while also celebrating and honoring his extraordinary life.
FIGHT AGAINST ANTI-SEMITISM
Wiley Nickel (Democrat, NC) \u2014 2023-2-2

on International Holocaust Remembrance Day, seven Jewish worshippers were murdered in cold blood outside a synagogue in Jerusalem. prgtoken Make no mistake, , this was no random act of violence. This was a heinous and cowardly attack rooted in hate, bigotry, and anti-Semitism. prgtoken In the face of such evil, it is imperative that we come together not as or s but as Americans committed to fighting against anti-Semitism and defending the sacred relationship between the United States and Israel. ``Never again'' is more than a mere hashtag for social media. It is a solemn oath. prgtoken I look forward to working with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to act against anti-Semitism wherever it is or whomever it comes from.
STATEMENTS ON INTRODUCED BILLS AND JOINT RESOLUTIONS
Alex Padilla (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2023-2-2

I rise to speak in support of the bipartisan American Music Fairness Act, which I have reintroduced with Senator Blackburn today. prgtoken Artists pour their heart and soul into the music we enjoy. Unfortunately, our current copyright laws do not adequately reflect the value of what they have produced. prgtoken Currently, the United States is the only democratic country in the world in which artists are not compensated for the use of their music on AM/FM radio. prgtoken By requiring broadcast radio corporations to pay performance royalties to creators for AM/FM radio plays, the American Music Fairness Act would close an antiquated loophole in our copyright law which has prevented artists from receiving compensation for the use of their music for far too long. prgtoken This royalty stream would be particularly meaningful for the thousands of working-class artists who are a critical part of our country's vibrant music industry. prgtoken Additionally, when American-made music is played overseas, other countries collect royalties for American artists and producers but never pay those royalties to our artists because we do not reciprocate. This inequity costs the American economy and artists more than $200 million each year. This is a serious injustice considering that America is the origin of so much of the music listened to around the world. prgtoken So it is time, once and for all, to create a regime that is platform neutral and which respects the hard work and dignity of our artists. prgtoken But I also want to be clear about something. I am a huge fan of and true believer in the importance of local radio to the music industry and to communities all across the United States that rely on radio to receive timely and relevant news, entertainment, and emergency response information. The American Music Fairness Act recognizes and acknowledges the important role that locally owned radio stations play by including protections for small, college, and noncommercial stations. prgtoken I want to thank Senator Blackburn for introducing this bill with me, and I hope our colleagues will join us in supporting the thousands of artists across this country who create the music that contributes to the soundtrack of our lives.
DENOUNCING THE HORRORS OF SOCIALISM
Steny H. Hoyer (Democrat, MD) \u2014 2023-2-2

I rise to lament the failure today to consider a resolution which would reflect the overwhelming consensus in this House: that capitalism, not socialism, has proven to be the very best economic system. prgtoken It is the most effective system to create dynamic economies and incentivize individual innovation, entrepreneurship, and risk-taking to achieve economic security and success. Such a resolution would have brought us together. It would give confidence to our fellow citizens that we are united in our support of our ic capitalist system. prgtoken The resolution before us today, however, does not do that. Instead, it is an intellectually bankrupt screed of political demagoguery. All it aims to do is to divide and distract this institution and this country. It is a political gotcha and a distraction from the real issues that face the American people. prgtoken As our departed colleague Elijah Cummings said, ``We are better than this.'' prgtoken We just came from an annual prayer breakfast where we gave voice to reconciliation and unity. We prayed to one God, and we recited our pledge to one nation, under God, indivisible. prgtoken This resolution seeks to divide. Americans expect more of us. This resolution does not, sadly, , further that goal.
Insulin (Executive Session)
Debbie Stabenow (Democrat, MI) \u2014 2023-2-2

last month, I received a message that reminded me of just how important the work we do here is for people and families in Michigan and all across the country. prgtoken Diane of Bloomfield Hills wrote to me about the cost of her prescription medicine. Diane is diabetic and she takes two types of insulin or four injections per day. Diane is retired. She is on Medicare, with a supplemental policy for prescriptions. prgtoken Diane told me that usually, when she goes to the pharmacy, she owes a copay of $650, and sometimes more, for a 3-month supply of just one of her prescriptions. prgtoken But the good news is, not anymore. prgtoken Thanks to a unified ic majority last year, people on Medicare now have the cost of their insulin capped at $35 a month--$35 a month for anyone who is on Medicare. prgtoken Last month, Diane went to the pharmacy like usual. The pharmacist told her that her 3-month supply would now be $105 instead of $650. prgtoken She says: I paid and walked away with a big smile. prgtoken She added this: I know that for many seniors, the cost of insulin has been difficult, or impossible, to afford if they have a limited income or live on the margins. Thank you for your support of this important legislation helping seniors (and others) by reducing the cost of insulin. prgtoken , this $35 cap per month on insulin is helping millions of people on Medicare breathe a little easier, and I know because of your strong ``yes'' vote, as well as mine, this is the reason we get up every day, to be able to help people, to be able to reduce costs, to be able to make sure that they can enjoy their life and actually have a life--save their life. Insulin is a serious medication. prgtoken And so this was a really important accomplishment that we came together on. prgtoken It was disappointing we didn't have one colleague join us in the House or the Senate, but we stood together and were able to get that done. prgtoken Unfortunately, people who need insulin and aren't on Medicare are still paying outrageous prices for a medication their lives literally depend on. prgtoken We tried to cap insulin costs per month for everyone, for children. We know for children with juvenile diabetes, this is incredibly serious. We have families who come here to DC every year. We have a wonderful group from Michigan who comes every year to share their stories; the children sharing their stories, showing us pictures, talking about what it is for them to manage this every day; their families talking about the cost. And we tried to cap their costs at $35 a month as well. prgtoken But, unfortunately, because of budget rules, the s were able to force that to be a 60-vote margin, and they blocked it. Shockingly to me, they blocked it. So they blocked a $35 insulin cap for children. prgtoken Why? prgtoken Unfortunately, to protect pharma profits. I am going to re
Family and Medical Leave Act of 1993 (Executive Session)
Patty Murray (Democrat, WA) \u2014 2023-2-2

it was 30 years ago to this very day that I came here to give one of my first speeches on the Senate floor, and I talked about a friend of mine back in Washington State. She was a mom. She had just gotten heartbreaking news. Her son was dying of leukemia. And then another gut punch: Her employer told her she had to choose between being in the hospital with her son or being at her job, and if she wasn't there, she was going to lose it. prgtoken To this day, that makes me so angry. No one should face such a cruel decision. No one should ever be forced to choose between taking care of themselves and their loved ones and being able to make ends meet. prgtoken So at the time, 30 years ago, I was on the floor to urge my colleagues to pass the Family and Medical Leave Act, which provided job-protected, unpaid leave to workers across the country, because the bottom line was that every worker should know that if they have a family emergency, they can prioritize their family's health without jeopardizing their family's economic security. prgtoken I was so thrilled when, just a few days later, we won, and that bill became law. But even back then, it was clear that bill was just a first step. It was clear we needed to keep fighting for the next one. And I am still here, and I am still fighting because we are way behind where we should be. We are way behind our peers in the world when it comes to giving working families the support they need, and it is holding us back. prgtoken For one thing, there are still too many loopholes that leave people without the simple promise of unpaid leave. Too many workers today in this country are denied the basic protections of the Family and Medical Leave Act that we passed into law 30 years ago. I have been fighting to close those loopholes and expand protections for decades so workers are not left out in the cold during an emergency just because they work at a small business or they work part time or just because their family might look little different--for example, if they are a caregiver for a niece or a nephew or a grandchild. No one should be punished for that. So it is time that we pass legislation to guarantee that those workers get the same protections as everybody else. prgtoken Let me be clear. Passing bills to do this, that is just updating our laws to guarantee unpaid leave for all. That is just making good on the promise we made to workers 30 years ago. In other words, that is just the next step, but it is far from the last one. Our families need a lot more. They deserve so much better. There is no excuse for our utter lack of a national paid leave program. It is bad for families, as any working mom or dad can tell you or anyone who cares for a family member with a serious health condition. They know this all too well. prgtoken By the way, it is bad for our economy because the lack of paid leave means that employees lose their wages and businesses lose their