mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
MEDICAID
Robert P. Casey, Jr. (Democrat, PA) \u2014 2017-1-24

. Here is one of the headlines of that article, one of the basic inclusions by a respected organization that tracks this information. I will just read that headline: ``The block grant would cut federal Medicaid funding by $1 trillion from 2017-2026.'' prgtoken So if you are saying you are going to protect children and you are going to protect seniors and you are going to make sure that those with disabilities don't have any problems going forward, it is pretty difficult to do that if you take a trillion dollars out of the Medicaid Program over the course of a decade. prgtoken There was an op-ed in the New York Times on Christmas Day. It was interesting that it actually was printed on that holy day. There was an op-ed by Gene Sperling. Gene is someone who many people in Washington know. But for those who don't, Gene served two Presidents; he served both President Clinton and President as the Director of the National Economic Council. prgtoken Here is one of the conclusions that Gene reached, based upon his research and his vast experience. I will quote him directly from the December 25 op-ed in the New York Times entitled ``The Quiet War on Medicaid'': ``Together, full repeal''--and there he means full repeal of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act--``and block granting would cut Medicaid and the Children's Health Insurance Program funding by about $2.1 trillion over the next 10 years--a 40 percent cut.'' prgtoken So whether you look at it in terms of block granting's impact on Medicaid or the combination of that block-granting policy, which the administration has now embraced fully, and the repeal of the Affordable Care Act, the result of that is that you adversely impact two programs--the Children's Health Insurance Program and the Medicaid Program. prgtoken Let me bring this back to real people. I just want to highlight a couple of excerpts from a letter I received recently, and then I will conclude. prgtoken This is a letter from Coatesville, PA, the southeastern corner of our State, a letter sent to me by Pamela E. Simpson. I will just call her Pam, even though I don't know her personally. prgtoken She wrote me a letter about her son. Pam Simpson's son is Rowan. She said that Rowan, who I guess is now 5 years old, back in 2015 was diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder. She went on to say how much Rowan has benefitted from the Medicaid Program. We call it Medical Assistance in Pennsylvania. prgtoken She said that among the services he received was the behavioral specialist consultant helping him and a therapeutic staff support worker. They received direct help, direct intervention so that Rowan could grow and benefit from those direct services. prgtoken She said that the agency that administers these kinds of wraparound services for Rowan and children like him--in this case, the Child Guidance Resource Centers--started a particular program focused on social skills, especially for children with a
HONORING BISHOP FRANK OTHA WHITE
Kathleen M. Rice (Democrat, NY) \u2014 2017-1-24

I rise today to speak in honor of Bishop Frank Otha White, who passed away on Friday after serving for many years as the Senior Pastor of Zion Cathedral Church of God in Christ in Freeport, NY. prgtoken Born in 1940 in Oakley, South Carolina, Bishop White moved with his family to Long Island as a child, and went on to become a pillar of the Freeport community. In 1971, while serving as Assistant Pastor, Bishop White was the driving force behind the construction of the Zion Cathedral Church, a beautiful place of worship that still graces the Freeport skyline and will long stand as a visible testament to Bishop White's leadership, faith, and commitment to the Church. prgtoken I knew and worked with Bishop White both in my current position, and when I served as the Nassau County District Attorney. He was, first and foremost, a man of God, a man who dedicated his life to bringing people together and helping them to find in themselves the same enduring faith that motivated his work. And he was a leader not only in the Church, but in the community. He was deeply committed to the pursuit of justice, and to helping those who are most in need and so often overlooked by our society--the homeless, the poor, the sick, the elderly. He was a powerful advocate for children and for education. He saw tremendous value in every human life, he recognized that every human being had something unique to contribute to the community, and he worked to make others see the same. prgtoken I feel blessed to have had the opportunity to know Bishop White and tremendously grateful for all that he did to strengthen the community in Freeport and beyond. I offer my prayers and deepest condolences to Bishop White's family and loved ones and to the entire Zion Cathedral congregation as they mourn his loss and celebrate his life. I pray that he will rest in peace, and that his memory will continue to inspire us all to act with love and commit ourselves to the pursuit of justice in our communities every single day of our lives.
SOLIDARITY WITH AMERICANS PARTICIPATING IN WOMEN'S MARCHES
Gerald E. Connolly (Democrat, VA) \u2014 2017-1-24

I rise today in solidarity with the millions of Americans who participated in Women's Marches around the country on Saturday. prgtoken I attended the march in DC, and it was heartening to see such incredible enthusiasm. prgtoken According to Metro, the system has not seen crowds that large since 's first inauguration. prgtoken But not even 72 hours after more than 500,000 mothers, daughters, husbands, and fathers descended onto our nation's capital in collective opposition to President 's appalling misogyny, the House majority has decided to double down on its anti-woman, anti-health care assault. prgtoken The only bill to be considered under a rule on the floor this short work week, H.R. 7, is yet another attempt by the majority to restrict a woman's right to choose and put Congress between a woman and her doctor. prgtoken As it cloaks itself in a complete state of denial about the message America sent them on Saturday, the House majority is taking its cue from President . prgtoken The House majority and the White House seem bound and determined to ignore the powerful message sent by a protest march that no doubt shook the Eisenhower china.
44TH ANNIVERSARY OF ROE V. WADE
Jeanne Shaheen (Democrat, NH) \u2014 2017-1-24

I am pleased to follow my neighbor from Vermont, Senator Patrick Leahy. We also had a very inspiring march in the capital of New Hampshire on Saturday that Senator Hassan and I both attended. But I am not here to talk about that so much as about the 44th anniversary of the Roe v. Wade decision. That anniversary happened this past Sunday. That ruling affirmed the constitutional right of women to control our own reproductive choices. It made birth control safer and more accessible for women across this country. prgtoken On Saturday, as Senator Leahy said so eloquently, we saw millions of women and men come together in Washington and Concord, NH, and other cities across New Hampshire and across the United States and all across the globe. There were events in all 50 States and in 32 countries. We came together to defend this constitutional right, as well as other critical gains for women in recent years. Our message, expressed peacefully and powerfully, was that we will not allow these gains to be taken away. We will not be dragged backward. prgtoken Despite the progress since the 1973 Roe v. Wade decision, women's reproductive health care remains under constant assault. States have passed restrictions intended to shut down clinics and limit access. Sadly, leadership here in Congress has repeatedly attempted to defund Planned Parenthood, which is one of this Nation's leading providers of high-quality, affordable health care for women, and over 95 percent of the work that is done by Planned Parenthood is done to provide preventive services and health care to women, such as mammograms, cervical cancer screenings, and other important preventive care. prgtoken Unfortunately, the administration and leaders here in Congress have exhibited a dangerous obsession with rolling back women's reproductive rights. President has promised to nominate Supreme Court Justices who will overturn Roe v. Wade. It is interesting--he has talked about court decisions around LGBT rights as being settled law, and yet we have the Roe v. Wade decision, which is 44 years old, and for some reason he doesn't include that as settled law. prgtoken Just yesterday, in one of his first official acts, the President signed an Executive order reinstating the global gag rule, also known as the Mexico City policy that began with Ronald Reagan's Executive order. That Executive order prohibits U.S. financial aid to many international organizations that offer contraception and comprehensive family planning services to women. But what we have seen with this Executive order that President signed is a broad expansion of that Mexico City policy. prgtoken The new administration has joined with leaders in Congress in pledging a much broader assault on women's rights and the gains women have made in recent years. In addition to terminating funding for Planned Parenthood, which more than 12,00
CONFIRMATION OF MICHAEL POMPEO
Christopher Murphy (Democrat, CT) \u2014 2017-1-24

I oppose Mr. Pompeo's confirmation to be Director of the Central Intelligence Agency because I believe he will take the CIA in a dangerously wrong direction. prgtoken America needs a CIA Director who will uphold American values by resolutely condemning torture and mass surveillance. Mr. Pompeo's last- minute attempt to walk back his opposition to torture is very disturbing and suggests the administration is readying to abandon our commitment to international human rights. prgtoken Second, Mr. Pompeo's enthusiasm for bringing back programs that sweep up massive amounts of Americans' private information is deeply troubling. I have no confidence that would sufficiently protect the private emails of Americans if he had access to them, and Mr. Pompeo's support for large-scale data collection programs is inconsistent with the bipartisan reforms of the PATRIOT Act that passed in the last Congress. prgtoken Third, I am very worried that Mr. Pompeo, as CIA Director, will continue the trend of covert agencies usurping the power of the State Department and the Defense Department. Mr. Pompeo, under questioning, refused to acknowledge the longstanding precedent of diplomatic embassies having primary authority for final signoff on overseas operations. This suggests Mr. Pompeo could lead a rogue agency that will frustrate rather than aid our diplomatic objectives overseas.
NOMINATION OF SCOTT PRUITT
Sheldon Whitehouse (Democrat, RI) \u2014 2017-1-24

the question I bring to the floor today is what is Scott Pruitt hiding? Last week, the Environment and Public Works Committee held a hearing on President 's nominee to the Environmental Protection Agency. Today, for my 155th ``Time to Wake Up'' speech, I have unanswered questions about Mr. Pruitt's fitness for that role. His evasiveness at his hearing signaled nothing good about his ties to the industry he would regulate if confirmed, and the lack of curiosity about these industry ties from my colleagues speaks volumes about the political clout of that industry. prgtoken One question stood out. Our new chairman, Senator Barrasso, posed the standard question of nominees to Mr. Pruitt in our hearing: ``Do you know of any matters, which you may or may not have disclosed, that might place you in any conflict of interest if you are confirmed?'' prgtoken Mr. Pruitt answered: ``No.'' prgtoken Scott Pruitt crawls with conflict of interest. He has conflicts of interest with the fossil fuel industry from his political fundraising. We just don't know how bad. He likely has conflicts of interest from confidential private meetings with fossil fuel companies at Attorneys General Association get-togethers, but we just don't know how bad. There is almost certainly evidence of conflict of interest in his undisclosed emails with fossil fuel companies, but again we don't know how bad. He came clean on none of this in his confirmation hearing. prgtoken This chart is a simple, and a likely incomplete, representation of the many financial links reported between Pruitt and the fossil fuel industry. At the top are the companies and the entities that have supported Mr. Pruitt with political funding. Down below are the political organizations for which he has raised money. prgtoken Pruitt for Attorney General was his reelection campaign. The polluters gave to Pruitt for Attorney General. Oklahoma's Strong PAC was his leadership PAC, a separate political fundraising vehicle. The polluters gave to Oklahoma Strong. prgtoken There was another one here called Liberty 2.0, Mr. Pruitt's super PAC, but he closed it down so we don't list it. While it existed, his super PAC took nearly $200,000 in fossil fuel industry contributions. Mr. Pruitt served as the chair of the Attorneys General Association in 2012 and 2013 and was a member of RAGA's executive committee through 2015. Between 2014 and 2016, RAGA received $530,000 from Koch Industries. It received $350,000 from Murray Energy. It received $160,000 from ExxonMobil, and it received $125,000 from Devon Energy. prgtoken Devon Energy, by the way, is the company whose letter Mr. Pruitt transposed virtually verbatim onto his official letterhead to send to the EPA as the official position of the Oklahoma attorney general. prgtoken During his hearing, Mr. Pruitt refused to provide details about any solicitations he made from regulated industries for
MEDICAID
Brian Schatz (Democrat, HI) \u2014 2017-1-24

more than 50 years ago, when Medicaid was prgtoken created, Congress made a smart decision. Lawmakers designed a program so that if health care costs rise, if the economy starts to struggle, Medicaid would be there for the American people, no matter what. prgtoken A couple of days ago, the counselor to the President said that, as part of the replacement plan for the Affordable Care Act, Medicaid will be converted to block grants. Let's be clear about what this means. prgtoken People like grants, and they like Medicaid. Maybe they are not sure about whether they like block grants. Whether intentional or not, this kind of technocratic, bureaucratic language can trick people. It sounds fine. Maybe it is even the smart thing to do. prgtoken Let me be totally explicit about what block granting Medicaid actually means. It means cutting Medicaid. It means less money for Medicaid. It means less health care for people. It is a euphemism. It is not quite a lie, but it is a way of describing something so that you don't know exactly what it is. They are calling it a block grant because they don't want to say that they are cutting Medicaid. prgtoken These cuts are going to hurt millions of people. They will hurt working families who rely on Medicaid to pay for nursing home care for their families. We have to be pretty out of touch to not know anyone who at some point in their life will rely on nursing home subsidies from Medicaid. It is happening in my extended family right now. prgtoken It is important to remember that Medicaid certainly helps children. Medicaid certainly helps people who are economically disadvantaged. It helps poor people. But it also helps middle-class families, because at the end of a family member's life, who can pay for nursing home care out-of-pocket? You may have saved all of your life, but, for instance, in Hawaii a nursing home costs around $10,000 a month. So it is a rare family who can pay $10,000 a month for a grandmother or a great- grandmother or a father or a mother. Nobody can do that. This is going to harm middle-class families. prgtoken It is also going to hurt women in particular. Women need Medicaid for maternal health services and for family planning. These cuts are going to hurt seniors and people with disabilities. These people have nowhere else to turn. That is the point of Medicaid. Medicaid is their only option. prgtoken Now, I have heard some people say: Well, this is going to expand local control. That is preposterous. The truth is that block granting Medicaid, which is the same thing as cutting Medicaid and giving a fixed amount to the States, gives States less control, not more control. They force States to choose between seniors and kids, between people with disabilities and women, or between health care and education. prgtoken Look, it does not matter whom you voted for. American voters--left, right, and center--have this sense that what we do in Washington is tha
PROVIDING FOR CONSIDERATION OF H.R. 7, NO TAXPAYER FUNDING FOR ABORTION AND ABORTION INSURANCE FULL DISCLOSURE ACT OF 2017
Eleanor Holmes Norton (Democrat, DC) \u2014 2017-1-24

. Madam , I thank my good friend for yielding. prgtoken I stand here in a unique position; first, to oppose this sweeping attack on women's reproductive health in its entirety, but I also am compelled to discuss the unique provision that singles out the District of Columbia, permanently barring the District of Columbia from spending its own local funds--not a cent of it raised in this Congress--on abortion services for low-income women, thus uniquely denying the District of Columbia government the right that local and State governments exercise throughout the United States using their own local funds. prgtoken Madam , H.R. 7 goes further. It insults the District of Columbia. prgtoken Just to make sure everybody understands that the bill means to include the District of Columbia, it tortuously defines or redefines the term ``Federal Government'' to include a local jurisdiction, the ``District of Columbia government.'' prgtoken The District of Columbia government is thrown in with the Federal Government. We are talking about U.S. citizens, the people I represent, who are number one per capita in taxes raised to support the government of the United States of America.
NO TAXPAYER FUNDING FOR ABORTION AND ABORTION INSURANCE FULL DISCLOSURE ACT OF 2017
David N. Cicilline (Democrat, RI) \u2014 2017-1-24

. Madam , I was proud to join thousands of women in the Women's March, both here in DC and in my home state of Rhode Island. prgtoken We marched to demand that women's rights be respected and that women should be trusted to make their own decisions. prgtoken However, a mere three days later, the GOP seeks to trample on women's rights by considering H.R. 7, a bill that will deny access to basic healthcare to millions of women. prgtoken This bill is also just another pathetic attempt by some politicians in this town to get between a woman and her doctor. prgtoken Under current law, no federal money can be used to fund abortion. And it's been that way since 1976. prgtoken This bill is a Trojan horse that effectively bans abortion coverage even for women who use their own money to pay for health insurance. prgtoken It penalizes small business owners who offer their employees health care coverage for abortion. prgtoken And it tells doctors who are employed by the federal government that they can't provide the care that is in the best interests of their patients. prgtoken Madam , the women of this country do not need Congress telling them how to make their health care decisions. prgtoken Having an abortion is a decision that should be left between a woman and her doctor. prgtoken None of us has a license to legislate our own personal morality in this chamber. prgtoken I urge my colleagues to vote no on H.R. 7.
DEFENDING CHOICE
Bradley Scott Schneider (Democrat, IL) \u2014 2017-1-24

44 years ago this week, the Supreme Court ruled in Roe v. Wade in favor of a woman's right to make her own decisions about her own body. It is outrageous that today, more than four decades later, President and my colleagues have made restricting choice their first order of business. prgtoken Yesterday, President signed an executive order banning health organizations that receive U.S. funding from even mentioning abortion as a medical option for their patients. And today, this House is launching a radical assault on women's health care that penalizes women and small businesses that choose private health insurance plans that cover abortion services. prgtoken The effect of these unprecedented restrictions is clear: restricting the comprehensive health coverage available for women. prgtoken Terminating a pregnancy is a personal choice that should be a woman's alone, made in consultation with her family and her physician. Politicians have no role in this process. prgtoken I urge my colleagues to end this backward attack on women's rights and start tackling the real challenges voters sent us here to address.
NOMINATION OF BETSY DeVOS
Patty Murray (Democrat, WA) \u2014 2017-1-24

I came to the floor today to talk about women's health. But before I do, I want to address an issue that my colleague, the Senator from Tennessee, just talked about: President 's nominee for Secretary of Education, Betsy DeVos. prgtoken This is a nominee the have significant numbers of concerns about. In her hearing, where s blocked us from asking questions in an unprecedented and disappointing way, Mrs. DeVos gave what has been widely seen as ill-informed, confused, and concerning responses to serious and reasonable questions. She refused to rule out slashing investments in or privatizing our public schools. She was confused that Federal law provides protections for students with disabilities. She actually argued that guns needed to be allowed in our schools across the country to ``protect from grizzlies.'' And even though she was willing to say that President 's behavior toward women should be considered sexual assault, she would not commit to actually enforcing Federal laws protecting women and girls in our schools. So that nominee is absolutely not ``in the mainstream.'' She is far from it. prgtoken When it comes to policy, many of us have serious concerns about whether she would stand with students and parents who care about strong public education for all or with President and other millionaires and billionaires like them. And that does not even touch on the serious questions that remain regarding her ethics paperwork, her tangled finances, and her potential conflicts of interest--questions that have continued to demand answers to. prgtoken After her first hearing, Mrs. DeVos announced that she would have to divest 102 separate assets, many of them investments in education companies that were unable to ask her about. So have requested another hearing to get information on those issues and to do our job scrutinizing this nominee. I am hopeful that my colleague, the Senator from Tennessee, does allow that to happen because here in the Senate, we owe it to our constituents to scrutinize these nominees. That is our job. It is not our job to protect them from tough questions; it is our job to ask them tough questions. prgtoken While I suspect that my colleague, the Senator from Tennessee, supports Mrs. DeVos and I respect that he is the chairman of the committee, I am hopeful that he does not simply jam this nominee through without allowing us to do our job.