mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
Prescription Drug Costs (Executive Session)
Richard J. Durbin (Democrat, IL) \u2014 2022-7-18

I wonder if Americans think the cost of prescription drugs are too high. I wonder if Americans realize that the cost of prescription drugs are so high in this country that they are driving the cost of health insurance premiums up. prgtoken Don't take my word for it. BlueCross BlueShield of Illinois told me that directly. Why are premiums going up? Prescription drug prices are going up. prgtoken I wonder if the American people realize there are only two nations on Earth that allow drug companies to advertise drugs on television. You know one of them: United States of America. The other: New Zealand. No other country allows them to take place. prgtoken I wonder if the American people realize that the same exact American drugs that are sold here at the highest prices are sold at a deep discount in other countries: Canada. In Canada, the reason American drugs cost less than they do in America is because the Canadian people won't tolerate the prices pharmaceutical companies charge people in this country. So they established standards and cut the prices for the exact same drugs made, manufactured, and sold in the United States. They are not alone. Europe does the same thing, bringing down these prices. prgtoken So we decided that at least in one area--one area--we were going to make an exception to this overpricing of prescription drugs: the Veterans' Administration. We said it costs a lot to keep our promise to veterans who have served this country and need medical care afterward. So we are going to allow the Veterans' Administration--we do under law--to negotiate with the drug companies to bring prices down. It works. They are brought down dramatically. prgtoken For the longest time, many of us have thought that isn't enough because most of the drugs are being sold outside the Veterans' Administration, and there is no negotiation; it is a take-it-or-leave- it. Medicare--tens of millions of Americans who are covered by Medicare face the cost of drugs which are sky-high. prgtoken So we decided, on the ic side, that we were going to listen to the people we represent, who have told us over and over again that when it comes to the cost of living and expenses families face, many of these families were facing a choice of their money or their lives to buy drugs that doctors told them were essential for their survival. So we proposed that, finally, the pharmaceutical companies have to negotiate with the government when it comes to Medicare drug pricing. prgtoken Now, you didn't hear that directly from the Senator from Kentucky who just spoke. He talked about socialism in pricing drugs. Socialism? For the government to suggest we want to bargain for prices? These companies, incidentally, are not getting by hand to mouth. They are doing quite well, and they are making a lot of money. prgtoken And they didn't do it on their own. I want to address that issue, this notion that if they were paid less for th
NORTH CAROLINA IS AMERICA'S TOP STATE FOR BUSINESS
Kathy E. Manning (Democrat, NC) \u2014 2022-7-18

. Madam , I rise today to celebrate a recent milestone in my home State of North Carolina. CNBC just recognized North Carolina as America's Top State for Business in 2022. prgtoken Thanks to the American Rescue Plan and bipartisan infrastructure law, North Carolina's economy persevered through the pandemic and is continuing to grow rapidly. prgtoken Major companies like Toyota and Boom Supersonic Jets are building innovative manufacturing operations in North Carolina's Sixth District, proving that we have what businesses want. prgtoken With a well-equipped workforce, investments in infrastructure and research, and stellar institutions of higher education, it is no surprise that North Carolina is garnering national recognition for its business-friendly climate and strong economy. prgtoken I thank Governor Cooper for his leadership. I will continue to work with our elected officials and businesses to ensure that North Carolina remains the strongest economic State in the country.
EXPRESSING SUPPORT FOR THE SOVEREIGN DECISION OF FINLAND AND SWEDEN TO APPLY TO JOIN THE NORTH ATLANTIC TREATY ORGANIZATION (NATO) AS WELL AS CALLING ON ALL MEMBERS OF NATO TO RATIFY THE PROTOCOLS...
Jim Costa (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2022-7-18

such time as I may consume. prgtoken , I rise today in support of Chairman Keating's resolution expressing support for the sovereign decision of Finland and Sweden to apply for the North Atlantic Treaty Organization, also known as NATO, and calling on all members of NATO to swiftly ratify the protocols of accession. prgtoken Since Russia's invasion of Ukraine in February of this year, the world has changed. The world has watched as Vladimir Putin ordered his military to march through Ukraine, brutally attacking civilians and civilian infrastructure, making it exceptionally clear that his senseless imperial aspirations go far beyond the Donbas and even Ukraine in its entirety. As a matter of fact, he has stated such. prgtoken In response, our transatlantic allies and partners have had to completely rethink, as is clear, our security postures, tighten our ranks, and counter global challenges. prgtoken In response to the Russian Federation's unthinkable aggression in Ukraine, Sweden and Finland, both long-term security partners of the United States and NATO as a whole, have made the sovereign decision to apply for NATO membership. This did not come about easily or automatically. prgtoken Both Chairman Keating and I believe Finland and Sweden's accession to NATO presents a strong, unified message against Putin's aggression in Ukraine, and this would support peace and the values that we all adhere to in the NATO alliance. Finland and Sweden's militaries, already equipped with modern technology and weapons, some of which have already been delivered to Ukraine, are fully interoperable with NATO systems, which makes them a good fit. prgtoken Additionally, NATO's land border with Russia will now include significantly more territory, thereby acting as a greater deterrence to Russian threats and aggression. Their accession will also bolster NATO's capabilities in the Baltic Sea region, building on the capabilities of our Baltic partners, as well as Poland, who have each been steadfast in their commitments to countering Russian aggression and responding to this grave humanitarian crisis that is Russia's responsibility and Russia's responsibility solely on their part. prgtoken For this decision, as Finnish President Niinisto has rightly said, when Vladimir Putin looks in the mirror, he has only himself to blame. Putin's entire warfighting efforts--the bombings, the airstrikes, the ground movements--have been counterproductive. Instead, Putin and the military of the Russian Federation, as I and many others have said, have committed war crimes, forced Ukrainians from their homes into filtration camps and deported them to far-away Russian territories, and singlehandedly instigated the largest humanitarian crisis in Europe since World War II. prgtoken Despite his goals of dividing the transatlantic alliance, Putin has instead united us more resolutely than ever before against his attempt to spread hate and vio
Introductory Statement on S.J. Res. 57
Tim Kaine (Democrat, VA) \u2014 2022-7-18

today, I am introducing legislation to remove ``Robert E. Lee Memorial'' from the official name of Arlington House. prgtoken This legislation is partially inspired by requests from descendants of General Robert E. Lee and people who were enslaved at Arlington House. This is also an effort to promote a society that is more just and equitable for all, regardless of race, by moving on from a public symbol that honors a figure that fought to protect slavery. prgtoken Arlington House is the first name of the historic mansion, which sits on Federal land within Arlington National Cemetery. The property is administered by the National Park Service and overlooks the Potomac River and the Nation's Capital. The house was built by Martha Custis Washington's grandson, George Washington Parke Custis, as the Nation's first memorial to George Washington. Later, his daughter married Robert E. Lee, and the couple lived in the home until the Civil War. During that period, the site was chosen to serve as a national military cemetery in part to prevent Lee from returning. Congress passed legislation in 1955 designating the house the ``Custis-Lee Mansion'' to memorialize Lee and subsequently amended the official title to ``Arlington House, The Robert E. Lee Memorial.'' The legislation would remove the latter part of that name and return the house to its original name, ``Arlington House.'' prgtoken Today, the National Park Service is dedicated to telling the story of those who were enslaved at the Arlington House. I am hopeful that this name change will help to do just a little bit more to encapsulate the full history of the site, which included the presence of many families and generations throughout history, such as the Syphax, Burke, Parks, and Gray families. prgtoken I am pleased that companion legislation is also being introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives by my colleague, Representative Don Beyer, who has led this effort for years.
CELEBRATING CITY OF HOPE AND THE GRAND OPENING OF THE LENNAR FOUNDATION CANCER CENTER
Katie Porter (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2022-7-18

. Madam , I rise today with my Orange County colleagues Congressman J. Luis Correa, Congresswoman Young Kim, Congressman Mike Levin, Congressman Alan Lowenthal, and Congresswoman Michelle Steel to recognize City of Hope and celebrate the grand opening of their Lennar Foundation Cancer Center in Irvine, California. prgtoken We are proud that City of Hope, one of the largest cancer research and treatment organizations in the United States, has chosen Orange County for this advanced comprehensive cancer center. City of Hope's innovative research and world-class care will now be available to Orange County's 3.2 million residents. This will save lives. prgtoken Nearly twenty percent of people with cancer in Orange County have left the area for advanced cancer care, with many spending hours commuting to the City of Hope facility in Los Angeles. Now, City of Hope's Lennar Foundation Cancer Center will offer Orange County patients a fully integrated experience--from prevention through survivorship--in a convenient location close to home. This Center will be home to some of the nation's most acclaimed physicians and scientists with expertise in lung, breast, gastrointestinal, gynecological, genitourinary, blood, and other cancers. prgtoken On behalf of the residents of Orange County, we thank City of Hope for their unwavering commitment to cancer care and join in celebrating the grand opening of their Orange County Lennar Foundation Cancer Center.
ENHANCE, DON'T CUT, SOCIAL SECURITY
John B. Larson (Democrat, CT) \u2014 2022-7-18

. Madam , the COVID virus has impacted our senior citizens more severely than any other population. With over 1 million deaths now in the country, more than 750,000 of them are people over the age of 65. prgtoken This global pandemic has also brought with it inflation, as well, and people on fixed incomes are the people who are most hurt by inflation. prgtoken Madam , those are our fellow senior citizens who are struggling now in this pandemic. Martin Luther King used to say that it is important to always recognize the fierce urgency of now. The fierce urgency for the 65 million Americans on Social Security is that we do something now. prgtoken It has been more than 51 years since Congress enhanced Social Security benefits. This is not something the President can do by executive order, although I commend President for his straightforward support of Social Security, calling it a sacred trust with the American people. Indeed, it is. prgtoken Now, in the midst of this pandemic and in the midst of what has transpired with regard to inflation, our senior citizens need direct relief from Congress. Congress is the only body that can provide it. prgtoken The good news is that President and the House of Representatives have a bill to do just that, a bill that will enhance benefits that haven't been taken up in more than 51 years. People will see an across-the-board increase in their Social Security. People who were paying taxes on Social Security will no longer be paying those taxes. People who have gotten a COLA some years and other years not will now get a COLA based on their actual expenses. There will be no more waiting period for disability victims. prgtoken There will also be the repeal of WEP and GPO, as the President of the United States has called for, making sure that firefighters, policemen, and teachers all across this country will now be able, as will their spouses, to receive the benefits that they richly deserve. prgtoken These are consequential times that we live in, Madam , and the spotlight is upon us as we approach the summer recess. prgtoken There are plans as to how to deal with Social Security, and they are pretty straightforward. The s have put forward three plans. Rick Scott from Florida calls for ending Social Security in 5 years. The Study Group has more than 20 specific cuts and a 21 percent across-the-board cut to Social Security by raising the age of Social Security recipients. For every year you raise the age, it is a 7 percent cut. There is no logic to the fact that people are living longer so they should receive less. prgtoken Madam , you know that, in 1971, the last time Congress expanded Social Security benefits, Richard Nixon was President of the United States and a gallon of milk cost 72 cents. There has not been an improvement and enhancement to Social Security since 1971. It is our responsibility as a Congress to do so. prgtoken The s have a p
BIKING ON LONG-DISTANCE TRAILS ACT
Jared Huffman (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2022-7-18

such time as I may consume. prgtoken I rise in strong support of H.R. 6337, the Biking on Long-Distance Trails Act. prgtoken This bill would expand outdoor recreational opportunities by developing and completing long-distance bike trails and expanding mapping resources prgtoken for long-distance biking on Federal land. prgtoken The legislation would expand outdoor recreation opportunities throughout the country and boost local economies that rely on tourism and the outdoor industry. prgtoken Additionally, ensuring Americans have access to public lands is critical to the development of multiple-use management, which includes outdoor recreation, resource development, and grazing. This bill identifies long-distance bike trails on Federal lands, making them easier for the public to explore and use for personal enjoyment. prgtoken , Representative Neguse, for introducing this important legislation and championing it on behalf of his constituents. prgtoken I urge my colleagues to vote ``yes,'' and . House of Representatives, Committee on Natural Resources, Washington, DC, July 15, 2022. Hon. David Scott, Chair, Committee on Agriculture, House of Representatives, Washington, DC. Dear Chair Scott: I write to you concerning H.R. 6337 the ``Biking on Long-Distance Trails Act.'' I appreciate your willingness to work cooperatively on this legislation. I recognize that the bill contains provisions that fall within the jurisdiction of the Committee on Agriculture. I acknowledge that your Committee will not formally consider H.R. 6337 and agree that the inaction of your Committee with respect to the bill does not waive any future jurisdictional claim over the matters contained in the bill that fall within your Committee's Rule X jurisdiction. Additionally, the Committee on Natural Resources confirms our mutual understanding that the Committee on Agriculture will be appropriately consulted and involved as the bill or similar legislation moves forward so that you may address any remaining issues within your jurisdiction. I am pleased to support the appointment of members of the Committee on Agriculture to any conference committee to consider such provisions. I will ensure that our exchange of letters is included in the Congressional Record during floor consideration of the bill. I appreciate your cooperation regarding this legislation and look forward to continuing to work with you as this measure moves through the legislative process. Sincerely, Raul M. Grijalva, Chair, House Natural Resources Committee.
PERSONAL EXPLANATION
Angie Craig (Democrat, MN) \u2014 2022-7-19

. Madam , I intended to vote Yea on Roll Call No. 320, Mr. Foster's amendment (No. 18) to H.R. 7900, the National Defense Authorization Act, which repeals the restriction on funding for the Preparatory Commission for the Comprehensive Nuclear--Test-Ban Treaty Organization. I inadvertently voted Nay when it was my sincere intention to vote Yea. Mr. Foster's amendment is a welcome addition to this bill and it has my support.
Semiconductors (Executive Calendar)
Maria Cantwell (Democrat, WA) \u2014 2022-7-19

I know we are expecting a vote soon here, and I know that our colleagues know that we will have two votes-- one on a nominee and the second one on a motion to proceed to what has been known as the Innovation and Competition Act. I just wanted to say, because I know there have been a few people out here on the floor--and I won't spend a lot of time now--that, hopefully, we will proceed on the motion to proceed and that we will have a much larger discussion. prgtoken I do want to clarify that today's vote is really about whether we are going to stop shipping jobs overseas and instead invest in American R&D. If we invest in American R&D, then we will see the plant, like is being talked about in Ohio, get built instead of getting immediately built in Europe. We will see other companies make investments in States like Texas and Arizona and Idaho and in many other parts of the United States. We will help build an ecosystem here in the United States of technology and next-generation development. prgtoken I encourage my colleagues to vote for a bill that makes an investment and competes with the next-generation semiconductors so that we can go even faster with innovation than we are currently doing because so much of that development is happening overseas. It is happening in Taiwan, and it is happening in Korea. They have had ``game on'' for a while. They have had ``game on'' and have literally taken a page out of what the United States has done to attract and keep industry here. Innovation is in the DNA of Americans, and if we want to create the economy of the future, we need to invest in the R&D of today. That means passing this next motion to proceed, getting on the bill, and passing as much of it as we can today. That way, we can be assured that we are not going to lose out in this round of investment that is, yes, very challenging on a global basis. prgtoken We should be really realistic. We have a chip shortage today, and it is costing our economy, and it is increasing inflation. We know that there is going to be a chip demand that is going to be threefold from where we are today in the very near future. That means, if we don't start building here, we are not going to catch up. More importantly is the national security element of making sure that the United States is making the most advanced semiconductors. prgtoken So today's vote is to say to our colleagues that we believe in the R&D ecosystem of the United States--we believe in the NSF; we believe in our universities; we believe in the DOE--and that we believe that we can do translational science and help our manufacturing base be more competitive whether it is autos or airplanes or other aspects of the tech sector. prgtoken This underlying bill invests in 10 key technology areas that we need to make investments in, and it makes sure that we in the United States of America are saying: We want to see that innovation here. We want to see these i
RESPECT FOR MARRIAGE ACT
Sean Patrick Maloney (Democrat, NY) \u2014 2022-7-19

I thank the gentleman for yielding. prgtoken , the s want to talk about anything but marriage equality today. It is almost like they don't have any good arguments to make on marriage equality. prgtoken , my husband, Randy, and I have been together for 30 years. We have raised three remarkable kids from diapers to college diplomas. During all those years, during all that time together, we have only been legally married since 2014. We had a 22-year engagement before an 8-year marriage. prgtoken When I was elected as a Member of Congress in 2012, my husband, Randy, couldn't have health insurance through this body. His spouse ID said companion on it, and we had to fight to get him one of these security pins we all wear. prgtoken But through hard work and a historic coalition, through great allies and partnerships, love won. On the day the Supreme Court decided we had equality rights for marriage in this country, a bunch of us stood in front of the Court and sang the national anthem because it is a beautiful thing when your country catches up to you. prgtoken Today, we are going to vote for the Respect for Marriage Act to decide and to make clear whether or not we will go back.