mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
ASSESSING IMPACT OF MEDICARE CUTS
Ami Bera (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2024-1-17

over 30 years ago I graduated from medical school. As you are kind of figuring out what you want to do as a resident, I chose to become a primary care internal medicine doctor. prgtoken The rationale for that decision was to take care of our seniors: Our moms, dads, grandparents, and so forth. prgtoken I love the job. You put that white coat on, you are there and able to help people immediately. That is the joy of being a doctor. prgtoken When I talk to my colleagues today, the practice of medicine has gotten harder and harder: The administrative burdens, the lack of reimbursement, the cost of care, the amount of physician burnout. prgtoken That is not why we went to medical school. That is not why we went into this profession. prgtoken We went into the profession to take care of folks, but if you can't cover your expenses, if you can't give the necessary care to those individual patients, to our parents and grandparents, then it becomes hard. It becomes challenging. We have to fix this. prgtoken We have to at least make sure the cost of care, what we give our providers, our doctors, keeps pace with inflation. You see it in every other aspect of healthcare, yet, physician reimbursement is going in the wrong direction. prgtoken , all we are asking for is to keep up with the pace of inflation and allow our doctors, America's doctors, to take care of our senior citizens. These are folks that have worked their entire life. They have paid into Medicare. They just want routine care. prgtoken So let's do what is right. Let's fix this. Let's do a temporary fix in this Congress. prgtoken We can do it. We have a few weeks left to get that done, then let's actually come together as and s, take a look at it, come up with new ideas so there is predictability so that America's seniors and America's doctors can take care of our patients. prgtoken , I thank the gentleman, Dr. Murphy, for his leadership.
LEGISLATIVE SESSION
Sherrod Brown (Democrat, OH) \u2014 2024-1-17

this is not the speech I really ever wanted to give. I appreciate being recognized to give it. prgtoken I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring Pam Rosado, a longtime member of my staff, dedicated public servant, and advocate, whom we lost last week. prgtoken I have known Pam from the community in her work as an advocate for unions and for social service agencies, and especially for people individually. And then she joined our office more than 4 years ago. I will get to that. prgtoken She embodied the true meaning of service. She spent her life fighting for others. She understood and supported the whole idea of dignity of work. She bettered our State. She bettered our country. She touched so many lives along the way. prgtoken She joined our staff in the beginning of 2019--almost 5 years ago--as a constituent advocate on our casework team. prgtoken We don't think about it enough around here, but the foundation of our work in these jobs--the foundation of our work--is individual service to individual people. We look at, you know, taxes and Medicare and Social Security and foreign policy and Ukraine. All of those things obviously are important. It is what we are elected to do. But, fundamentally, these jobs are about helping individual people when they have an issue--whether it is Social Security, whether it is Medicare, whether it is a passport, whether it is a tragedy in somebody's life-- and we cut through redtape and do that. prgtoken Nobody, nobody represented that service--and I have a lot of people in my office who represent that service, and a lot of people, on their first day, they understand the importance of individual service. We just interviewed someone who joined our staff this week. I interviewed her several weeks ago, and what made me want to hire her is she said the most important thing in these jobs is helping people one at a time, individually. We forget that in this job far too often. prgtoken Pam joined our office about 5 years ago. Not long afterward, we were taking on a record caseload as Ohioans dealt with the effects of the pandemic. Too many workers were reaching out. So many people were reaching out to our office for assistance. The world was an uncertain place. prgtoken Pam was a rock for Ohioans. She was a rock for other staff persons because she had already had a life of service and, especially, was a mentor to young people in the office. And she was a source of hope. She made things happen. prgtoken We have calculated this. She worked on 1,331 cases in those 5 years. She was a relentless advocate, known for quick responses in care and handling. And for every case, she provided a space for Ohioans to be heard and showed unwavering kindness. prgtoken In letters people sent us and descriptions people gave of Pam during the time and since her death, the word ``kindness'' comes back over and over and over again. Humility is the foundation of virtue, and I would say kindness
ADDITIONAL STATEMENTS
Richard Blumenthal (Democrat, CT) \u2014 2024-1-17

I rise today to recognize my friend and fellow Connecticut resident, Chris George, on the occasion of his retirement from Integrated Refugee & Immigrant Services--IRIS-- after 18 years of remarkable leadership in resettling individuals and families seeking to build a new life in our country. prgtoken In 2005, Chris joined the organization that would later be known as IRIS, which operated out of a small office in New Haven with an eight- person staff. Over the following 18 years, Chris guided an enormous expansion of the organization, with 150 employees now helping to resettle 1,000 people per year across Connecticut. During Chris' tenure, IRIS has been at the center of Connecticut's response to refugees and other immigrants fleeing from persecution and violence, working with those displaced from Iraq, Afghanistan, Syria, the ic Republic of Congo, Ukraine, and many other places worldwide. Chris and IRIS performed lifesaving work to accommodate refugees, especially through the expansion of their community cosponsorship program. prgtoken The success of IRIS under Chris' leadership has made New Haven and Connecticut national leaders in refugee resettlement. In January 2023, the organization was selected by the U.S. Department of State as one of five agencies to lead a consortium of nonprofit organizations as a part of the launch of the Welcome Corps program. In this role, IRIS is responsible for coordinating and managing the newly created Welcome Corps program infrastructure, which includes vetting, certifying, and training private sponsors, as well as monitoring and evaluating the overall success of the program. prgtoken I have been deeply honored to work with Chris over the years and witness his incredible accomplishments firsthand. I will always remember collaborating with him closely during the evacuation of Americans and allies from Afghanistan in 2021. From the outset of the crisis, Chris worked tirelessly, oftentimes communicating with those trapped in Afghanistan directly in order to secure their safe evacuation. Chris was quick to recognize the complexities that the evacuation from Afghanistan presented and was able to secure humanitarian parole for hundreds of refugees resettling across Connecticut. Chris has also been a key contributor and spokesperson for the Afghan Adjustment Act, aiming to affirm the legal status of the refugees who have been able to make it to the United States. Chris and IRIS were critical in not only advocating for and assisting in the safe escape of these individuals from the Taliban, but also in helping them to find housing, connect with healthcare, enroll in school, find jobs, and learn English. prgtoken Chris has been a fierce advocate on behalf of all fleeing oppression across the world, and his remarkable career is a testament to his diligence, leadership, and compassion. Although he is stepping down from IRIS, he plans to continue advocating for h
PROVIDING FOR CONSIDERATION OF H.R. 6914, PREGNANT STUDENTS' RIGHTS ACT; PROVIDING FOR CONSIDERATION OF H.R. 6918, SUPPORTING PREGNANT AND PARENTING WOMEN AND FAMILIES ACT; AND PROVIDING FOR...
Mary Gay Scanlon (Democrat, PA) \u2014 2024-1-17

this report studies crisis pregnancy centers in Alaska, California, Idaho, Montana, Oregon, Washington, Pennsylvania, and Minnesota. Overall, its findings show that crisis pregnancy centers provided virtually no medical care, promoted false medical claims, and used deceptive practices; State-funded crisis pregnancy centers are more harmful than privately-funded centers; and crisis pregnancy centers appear to be local, but are actually part of a global anti-abortion network. prgtoken It is clear that these sorts of manipulative and unregulated centers are not what is best for women and children's health, and actually have been proven to misuse Federal taxpayer dollars. We absolutely shouldn't be allowing Federal dollars to flow to them without any scrutiny. prgtoken , I yield 4 minutes to the gentleman from Massachusetts (Mr. McGovern), the distinguished ranking member of the Committee on Rules.
MORNING BUSINESS
Ron Wyden (Democrat, OR) \u2014 2024-1-17

ensuring Americans' right to access, read, and understand the law is critical to the functioning of our democracy. Whether text with the force of law is found in statute or regulation or whether it has been incorporated by reference, it is essential that all members of the public have fair and equitable access to the legal standards by which they must abide. prgtoken Unfortunately, I have concerns that the Protecting and Enhancing Public Access to Codes (Pro Codes) Act would hinder, rather than enhance, the public's access to technical or voluntary consensus standards that have been incorporated into law by reference. This bill explicitly allows standards-setting organizations to require that a member of the public create an account or agree to terms of service as a condition of access. Requiring that an interested party surrender personal information to, or enter into a binding contract with, a private entity in order to read the law raises concerns of privacy and fairness. prgtoken I am also troubled that the bill lacks robust standards for public accessibility. It does not require standards to be made available in print or in person, and it does not require standards to be searchable, machine-readable, or accessible to persons with disabilities. In this way, the Pro Codes Act risks creating barriers to access for many Americans, including researchers and reporters, those without reliable internet service, and individuals with visual impairments. prgtoken For these reasons, I will object to any unanimous consent agreement regarding the Pro Codes Act.
PREGNANT STUDENTS' RIGHTS ACT
Suzanne Bonamici (Democrat, OR) \u2014 2024-1-18

such time as I may consume. prgtoken , I rise in opposition to H.R. 6914, the so-called Pregnant Students' Rights Act. This legislation requires institutions of higher education to distribute information about some of the rights of and accommodations for pregnant students. I opposed this legislation in committee and do so again today because, among other reasons, what is required in this bill is incomplete and biased by not providing information about comprehensive family planning resources and a full range of reproductive healthcare options for pregnant students. prgtoken Additionally, amendments adopted in the committee added controversial misinformation to this bill, including the myth that having an abortion can lead to breast cancer. This claim has been refuted by the National Cancer Institute, the American Cancer Society, and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. prgtoken These scare tactics unmasked the true intention of this bill, which is to further the agenda about attacking reproductive healthcare in their attempt to pass a nationwide ban on abortion. prgtoken As I mentioned to my colleagues in committee, if you want to encourage pregnancy and childbirth, join with in passing legislation that will make childcare more affordable, support access to affordable healthcare and affordable housing, expand the Children's Health Insurance prgtoken Program, and join the rest of the world in offering paid family leave. prgtoken The intent of this bill is clear. It is another attempt to have politicians interfere in the very intensely personal decision of whether and when to have a child, a decision that should be made only by the pregnant student and their healthcare provider, not by judges, and certainly not by Members of Congress. prgtoken , I oppose this bill. I encourage my colleagues to vote ``no,'' and .
PREGNANT STUDENTS' RIGHTS ACT
Lauren Underwood (Democrat, IL) \u2014 2024-1-18

. Madam , I stand in strong opposition to H.R. 6914, the reproductive misinformation in higher education act. prgtoken Just days before the anniversary of the Roe v. Wade decision, this legislation is the latest in extreme MAGA s' assault on comprehensive reproductive healthcare services in America, including abortion. prgtoken Abortion is healthcare, and we must ensure that everyone who needs it has access to the full range of reproductive healthcare services they deserve. prgtoken Let me say that again for the people in the back: Abortion is healthcare, and Americans have been clear that they want reproductive freedom for all. prgtoken Yet, the majority continues to spend week after week in the House pushing their extreme anti-choice and antifreedom agenda. prgtoken Let's not forget, as s ignore calls for reproductive freedom, they are ignoring the tragic realities that moms and expectant moms face every day. American families are being torn apart by our country's maternal mortality crisis and with the highest maternal mortality rate of any high-income country. prgtoken Instead of addressing the urgency of this crisis and providing moms with the healthcare and resources they need to thrive, my colleagues are advancing legislation that would do the exact opposite. Despite its misleading name, this bill makes access to reproductive care even more difficult for women who need it. prgtoken It is a new year, but the extreme MAGA agenda has stayed the same: erode our freedoms and restrict abortion rights despite the suffering that is happening all over our country in a post-Dobbs world. prgtoken Instead of passing legislation that will fund the government throughout 2024, they are using these precious hours before a government shutdown to advance anti-choice legislation. prgtoken I am proud that are committed to safeguarding these same freedoms, and we will not be silent on this issue. prgtoken This bill is not an effort to protect pregnant students. It does not address the barriers these students face in our education system. prgtoken If it did, it would include provisions that also inform students about Medicaid, SNAP, and WIC. Instead, this legislation is an obvious attempt to limit students' access to reproductive healthcare decisions and influence pregnancy outcomes. prgtoken When we act on legislation like H.R. 6914, we are sending a clear message to women in our country that we do not prioritize their health and well-being, and we do not value their ability to make their own choices. prgtoken We must do better. prgtoken On this anniversary of Roe v. Wade, we must pass legislation that provides women with the freedom to make decisions aligned with their health and reinstates our Federal right to abortion. Furthermore, we must support women and mothers along the way. prgtoken As you may be aware, the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children, also know
LEGISLATIVE SESSION
Charles E. Schumer (Democrat, NY) \u2014 2024-1-18

I ask unanimous consent that the order from yesterday be modified so that the only remaining amendments to H.R. 2872 be the following: Paul No. 1384, Marshall motion to commit; further, that there be up to 6 minutes equally divided prior to each vote; and that upon disposition of the Marshall motion to commit, the Murray substitute amendment No. 1381, as amended, if amended, be agreed to, and all remaining provisions remain in effect.
DTE WINTER OUTAGES
Rashida Tlaib (Democrat, MI) \u2014 2024-1-18

I stand in solidarity with the billions of people all around the world who are demanding a cease-fire now. prgtoken The majority of Americans support de-escalation and a lasting cease- fire, yet the President has threatened to escalate this into a regional war instead prgtoken of doing anything to stop Netanyahu's genocidal bombing campaign. prgtoken Palestinians in Gaza and the West Bank are being murdered by American weapons funded by our tax dollars. Lebanese national civilians are being killed, and now the Yemeni people are under threat. prgtoken Prior to the Israeli Government's assault on Gaza, Yemen was facing the worst humanitarian crisis on Earth, with much of the population living on the brink of famine. prgtoken President was legally required to seek authorization from Congress prior to launching these strikes. He did not do so and, as a result, has violated the United States Constitution. This is completely unacceptable. prgtoken Many of my colleagues have correctly called out the administration for bypassing Congress. The American people do not want to be dragged into yet another endless war in the Middle East. Zeta Phi Beta Sorority Founders' Day
ASSAULT ON WOMEN'S RIGHTS CONTINUES
Earl Blumenauer (Democrat, OR) \u2014 2024-1-18

in the last 1\1/2\ years, we have seen the horrific impact of overturning the right to an abortion, and the assault continues. prgtoken The Supreme Court just announced that it would be hearing a challenge to the administration's policy that abortion remains a form of emergency treatment for women whose lives are at risk. prgtoken This was done to ensure that even in States that have draconian abortion bans, doctors are able to provide needed emergency medical care. prgtoken It is unconscionable that doctors are calling their lawyers while patients are dying on the operating table. prgtoken Too often the so-called pregnancy crisis centers are a sham that peddle misinformation, and they certainly shouldn't be eligible for Federal dollars meant to help people in need. prgtoken Why are we wasting our time on culture wars instead of policies that actually help American families? prgtoken This is a disservice to the American people, and I urge my colleagues to reject this legislation.
REPUBLICAN WAR ON WOMEN
Donald M. Payne, Jr. (Democrat, NJ) \u2014 2024-1-18

I rise today to discuss the war on women and their continued efforts to lie about it in Congress. Their bill, H.R. 6918, is named the Supporting Pregnant and Parenting Women and Families Act, but it does not do that at all. prgtoken It takes food money away from lower income families, and it gives it to the most extreme antiwomen and antifamily groups in America. prgtoken Also, it would force women to give birth before they are ready to have families, and numerous studies show such births create more poor children who will need government assistance or go hungry. prgtoken A bill that helped families would include provisions for childcare and paid family leave, but s only want to force women to give birth. After they do that, they don't care about the child or the mother. In fact, they seem to want to control who can get pregnant in the first place. prgtoken We must do everything we can to stop this extreme and unpopular agenda.
SUPPORTING PREGNANT AND PARENTING WOMEN AND FAMILIES ACT
Jerrold Nadler (Democrat, NY) \u2014 2024-1-18

I rise today in opposition to H.R. 6918, the so called Supporting Pregnant and Parenting Women and Families Act. prgtoken This bill would achieve the exact opposite of its purported goal of supporting parenting women and families--instead, it would divers funding away from the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families program, or TANF. TANF provides cash assistance directly to struggling families with children to pay for essential needs. Hypocritically, this extreme GOP bill would siphon off funding intended for our neediest families to prop up a network of unlicensed, unregulated Crisis Pregnancy Centers run by anti-choice activists. prgtoken If the GOP was truly the ``pro-life'' party, they would know that TANF is the only federal assistance program that struggling families can use to buy diapers for their babies. Families who receive direct cash assistance prgtoken through TANF can purchase diapers for their children at their nearest store. Some of my colleagues have argued that many Crisis Pregnancy Centers provide diapers for families. However, if parents had to instead rely on Crisis Pregnancy Centers for essential childcare needs, they could be forced to travel long distances to centers that might not be accessible through public transportation. Additionally, an investigation by this very body found that 87% of anti-abortion counseling centers provide false or misleading information about reproductive care. prgtoken If the GOP was in touch with the needs of their constituents, they would know that diaper need is a crisis in America that can overwhelm families who are already financially struggling. An average monthly supply of diapers for a single child costs $80 to $100. As of 2023, half of U.S. families report not being able to afford enough diapers to keep their child clean, dry, and healthy, and 3 in 5 parents report missing work or school because they can't afford the diapers required to leave their baby in childcare. Tell me, how is taking away the only federal funding for diapers pro-life? prgtoken I strongly oppose this farce of a bill that would only harm struggling families. prgtoken Ms. JACKSON LEE, , I am here today to speak in strong opposition to the proposed legislation, H.R. 6918--Supporting Pregnant and Parenting Women and Families Act. prgtoken This legislation, in my view, represents a concerning step in the wrong direction. prgtoken It has been characterized by critics as part of a broader effort by conservative s to limit women's reproductive freedom. prgtoken With nearly 18 months having passed since the pivotal Roe v. Wade decision was overturned, the introduction of this bill signals a continued push towards what some view as a national ban on abortion. prgtoken I believe that reproductive rights are a fundamental aspect of individual autonomy, and any legislative measures that may restrict or impede these rights warrant scrutiny. prgtoken Furthermore, the potenti