mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
LEGISLATIVE SESSION
John W. Hickenlooper (Democrat, CO) \u2014 2023-9-12

when I first arrived in this building a couple of years ago, Senator Klobuchar--one of the first things she brought up was the cost of pharmaceuticals, drug prescriptions for the American people. prgtoken Well, this is the beginning of the end for Americans getting the short end of the stick from pharmaceutical companies peddling prescription drugs. For years, we all have been paying much more than those in other countries pay for the same drugs. But now, Medicare has taken the first step towards ending that stranglehold on lifesaving drugs. prgtoken Let's be clear: This is not some unfair assault on global drug companies. Rather, this is a transition that is going to give Americans the same opportunity to afford lifesaving drugs as others in other countries are given. prgtoken According to Kaiser Family Foundation, the U.S. spends far more than any other industrialized country for prescription drugs, from getting charged $150 more for Xarelto--which reduces the risk of coronary artery disease--to getting ripped off by paying $1,600 for Enbrel, an arthritis drug. prgtoken Eliquis, a very common blood thinner--and one that I have occasion to use myself--prevents blood clots but costs an extra $514 out of pocket for Medicare enrollees in Colorado. In Germany, it is only $96. It is five times more in the United States. prgtoken Why should we pay more than Germans and Canadians and the Swiss? What possible rules of common sense should permit drug companies the right to charge us many times more than what the rest of the world pays for the same drugs? prgtoken Part of the answer is that, up until now, we have let them. Medicare--the largest buyer of prescription drugs in the United States--has never been allowed to negotiate the price of drugs with pharmaceutical companies. prgtoken As Senator Wyden was making painfully clear, the losses to the American people have been substantial. Until now, Medicare has had to accept whatever price Big Pharma dictated, even when Medicare knew we were subsidizing the rest of the world. prgtoken Well, that changes today. Thanks to the Inflation Reduction Act we passed last year, Medicare finally has the ability to negotiate with Big Pharma and get us a fair price for these drugs. Medicare will take the 10 most expensive drugs each year and negotiate their prices down. prgtoken But the impact goes far beyond the impact just on seniors or just for those 10 drugs. First, every year--every year--Medicare will negotiate down 10 more drugs, so the costs will keep coming down each year. In future years, Medicare will be able to negotiate even more drugs. prgtoken Second, because Medicare is the largest buyer in the American market, there is a darn good chance that other big buyers, like private insurance companies, are going to negotiate to bring the price they pay down to what Medicare will pay. A falling tide lowers all prices. prgtoken So what exactly does that mean now? Medic
ACCESS TO HIGH QUALITY, AFFORDABLE HEALTHCARE
Sylvia R. Garcia (Democrat, TX) \u2014 2023-9-12

ensuring everyone has access to high quality and affordable healthcare is a top priority for me. prgtoken That is why, together with House , we have fought tirelessly in Congress to bring down healthcare and prescription drug costs. prgtoken Finally, Medicare can negotiate lower prescription drug costs for seniors and other beneficiaries, which will take effect in 2026. prgtoken I am excited that the first 10 Medicare part D drugs have been selected for the Medicare Drug Price Negotiation Program. prgtoken In my home State of Texas, 623,000 seniors will save money thanks to these negotiations. prgtoken We are building a healthcare system that prioritizes the well-being of all Americans, regardless of their age, income, or background. prgtoken When it comes to healthcare, we are all in this together. We are putting seniors over profits. We are putting people over politics.
REPUBLICANS' LACK OF LEADERSHIP
Donald M. Payne, Jr. (Democrat, NJ) \u2014 2023-9-12

I rise today to discuss the lack of leadership from the House s. prgtoken Today, we should be discussing how to fund our government and prevent devastating service shutdowns for millions of Americans. Instead, s want to waste taxpayer dollars on a pointless impeachment inquiry. Even House s say there is no evidence for it. prgtoken Instead, they should look to President as an example of true leadership. His policies brought the economy back after the COVID-19 shutdown. They are repairing and rebuilding roads and bridges nationwide. They are making America more energy independent, and they are protecting American technology around the world. prgtoken Let us get back to doing the work of the American people and stop using taxpayer dollars for revenge politics and unpopular political agendas.
Student Loans (Executive Session)
John Thune (Republican, SD) \u2014 2023-9-12

3 weeks ago, President officially launched the second part of his student loan giveaway--his dramatic overhaul of the REPAYE program, an income-driven repayment plan for Federal student loans. prgtoken The President's revamp flew under the radar a bit when it was first announced, overshadowed by his plan to forgive up to $10,000 of student loan debt outright--or $20,000 for Pell grant recipients. But the truth is that the President's new income-driven repayment plan, which he has dubbed the Saving on a Valuable Education plan--or the SAVE plan--is just as problematic, if not more, as the President's scheme to forgive student debt outright because the new SAVE plan will create a system in which the majority of future Federal borrowers will never fully repay their student loans. prgtoken The nonpartisan Penn Wharton Budget Model estimates that just 24.6 percent of future borrowers will repay their loans in full--in other words, less than a quarter of borrowers. prgtoken The Department of Education estimates that borrowers with only undergraduate debt enrolled in the SAVE program can, on average, expect to pay back just $6,121 for each $10,000 they borrow. That amount the Federal Government is taking on, on average, is almost 40 percent of the cost of these undergraduates' student loans. prgtoken Let's call this what it is: It is loan forgiveness by another name. You don't have to take my word for it. prgtoken One scholar from the left-leaning Urban Institute had this to say on NPR the other day: I think it's going to be less obvious that it's a big loan forgiveness program to both borrowers and onlookers as well. But, yeah, it's a big loan forgiveness program. . . . So no longer a safety net like it has been in the past for undergraduates--this looks more like a broad-based subsidy for undergraduate degrees through loan forgiveness. prgtoken That, from a scholar at the left-leaning Urban Institute. Let me repeat that: ``a broad-based subsidy for undergraduate degrees through loan forgiveness.'' prgtoken Or, in other words, in the words of one scholar from the American Enterprise Institute, ``a functional entitlement program'' whose costs, he adds, ``will prove difficult to control.'' prgtoken I don't need to tell anyone that the problems here are myriad. Just think about it. For starters, someone is going to have to bear the cost of all these unrepaid student loans. And that someone is the American taxpayers, including taxpayers who worked hard to pay off the full balance on their own student loans, without a handout from the Federal Government, and taxpayers who worked their way through school to avoid a heavy loan burden and parents who scrimped and saved to send their children to college debt-free and individuals who covered the cost of their education by enlisting in the military and risking their lives for their country. And I could go on. prgtoken I am at
HONORING THE CONTRIBUTIONS OF SHARON HENSON
Pat Fallon (Republican, TX) \u2014 2023-9-12

I rise today to honor the contributions to Rockwall County by Mrs. Sharon Sparkman Henson. Mrs. Henson currently serves as the County Chair of the Rockwall County Party and the Vice President of Legislature for the Rockwall County Women's (RCRW) club. prgtoken Mrs. Henson was born in Longview, Texas. She attended the University of North Texas where she earned a bachelor's degree in journalism and public relations. Shortly after graduation, Mrs. Henson began her career as a Marketing Manager for the John Deere company in Louisiana before moving back to the Lone Star State to serve as the Public lnformation officer for the City of Farmers Branch, Texas. While working on the marketing team at a medical sales company, she met and married the love of her life, Richard. Together, they have been happily married for over 27 years and raised 2 sons, Jace and Joshua. prgtoken During college, Mrs. Henson phone banked for the Ronald Reagan campaign, which sparked her interest in politics. This interest led to her continued involvement in grassroot political campaigns. She would go on to serve as the Publicity Chair for the Rockwall County GOP before becoming County Chair in 2021. Furthermore, Mrs. Henson is a devoted woman of faith, and regularly attends Lakeshore Church with her family. She credits her strong faith to her ultimate triumph over breast cancer, in which she is almost 8 years cancer-free. Without question, her resilience and tireless efforts have greatly strengthened the conservative movement and the Party of Texas. For her prominent work, Mrs. Henson has been recognized as the RCRW Woman of Influence. prgtoken I have requested the United States flag to be flown over our nation's Capitol to recognize Mrs. Henson's lifetime of service to the good people of North Texas. May God bless her.
Remembering Jimmy Buffett (Executive Session)
Cindy Hyde-Smith (Republican, MS) \u2014 2023-9-12

I rise today to pay tribute to the remarkable life of a legendary native of Mississippi whose music is synonymous with the spirit of summertime and enjoying life: Jimmy Buffett. prgtoken Born in Pascagoula, MS, Jimmy Buffett's journey began in the heart of the South. His music touches the heart of those well beyond Mississippi or the South, but there is no denying Jimmy's music embodies the very essence of the South, with its warm hospitality, vibrant culture, and distinctive charm. prgtoken Jimmy's early years were filled with the sights and sounds of Mississippi. The Sun shining over the Gulf of Mexico and many other beautiful experiences of the South would later inspire some of his most beloved songs. prgtoken But it was Jimmy's great appetite for adventure that ultimately propelled him to worldwide fame. He embarked on a journey that would take him to the Florida Keys, the Caribbean, and beyond those changes in latitudes. Amid more than 40 musical tours throughout his career, he churned his talents into a diverse business empire and charitable works. prgtoken As we reflect on the legacy of this son of a son of a sailor, we cannot help but be inspired by Jimmy Buffett's unyielding commitment to following his dreams and embracing life. His songs transport us to sandy beaches, where the stresses of life fade away. He reminds us that sometimes we all need to kick back, relax, and take a moment to savor the simple pleasures of life. As Jimmy would put it, ``it's 5 o'clock somewhere.'' prgtoken In honoring Jimmy Buffett, we celebrate the man who, through his music, brought us with him on many of his adventures around the Sun, from the Pascagoula Run to the shores of paradise, and we are all better for it. prgtoken I have so much gratitude for the joy, laughter, and the inspiration that Jimmy Buffett brought into so many Americans' lives. His music is a timeless reminder that no matter where we come from, we can all find a bit of paradise within ourselves, and, come Monday, it will be all right. prgtoken Jimmy Buffett is a true southern storyteller who was generous enough to share his piece of paradise with the world. I have no doubt his legacy will continue to inspire generations to come. prgtoken .
Appropriations (Executive Session)
Mitch McConnell (Republican, KY) \u2014 2023-9-12

this week, the Senate will begin consideration of the first package of full-year appropriations for the coming fiscal year. This is an important milestone and a downpayment on our goal of funding the Federal Government through regular order. prgtoken Our progress on this front has been due in large part to the leadership of Senator Collins and Senator Murray of the Appropriations Committee. For months--months--our colleagues have worked diligently to build consensus and process as many bills as possible with deadlines looming large. prgtoken The legislation before us this week is designed to address a trio of important commitments--to America's farmers, to our veterans, and to investing in transportation infrastructure. prgtoken Seven percent of American adults are veterans of the Armed Forces. Ten percent of American jobs are supported by agriculture. And our entire economy hinges on safe and efficient airports, roads, bridges, and ports. So it is difficult to overstate the importance of this legislation, but it is especially important that we get it right. To that end, I hope and expect that all Senators will receive ample opportunity to offer amendments for consideration. prgtoken Ultimately, our work will need to earn the support of a divided Congress and earn the President's signature. So I am grateful to our colleagues' commitment to regular order appropriations, and I look forward to supporting a sensible step forward in the coming days.
LEGISLATIVE SESSION
Rand Paul (Republican, KY) \u2014 2023-9-12

in no way, shape, or form have I opposed vaccines for those who are at risk. Back when my in-laws, who are 92 and 86, first became eligible for the vaccine, the first thing we did was call the health department to see if we could get them a vaccine. Unfortunately, the health department wouldn't answer the phone, but they did have a useful message. They said, if we knew anybody who was not wearing a mask, we could report them to the police, but they didn't do anything about vaccines. prgtoken But I have never been opposed to vaccines. In fact, a lot of the vaccine hesitancy that we have in our country comes from the unscientific, unfounded, and half-baked ideas of the on this. When tell you that we should force 15-year-olds to be vaccinated--because that makes no sense and because their parents know it makes no sense and they know it makes no sense--that leads to the distrust of the government on other fronts. prgtoken So I mentioned earlier--and this, apparently, was lost and not necessarily received by the other side--that the FDA committee, in looking at boosters, advised not to give boosters to teenagers. Now, they hide behind that by saying: Oh, there is no mandate. Ask these kids if there is a mandate. Ask their parents. Ask the media. Call them up. Ask them: Is there a mandate? No, they can't be here unless they have three vaccines. There is a mandate. We have the chance to undo the mandate, and that is what the vote would be about. prgtoken The FDA didn't even advise giving it. The FDA didn't even advise giving it to them, but they definitely didn't advise mandating it. The CDC said the same thing. The only reason we got any kind of approval for this booster is that the political appointee of the administration overrode both of the vaccine committees in order to approve it. prgtoken Normally, you would have to prove efficacy--a reduction in hospitalization. Well, transmission would be one. The Senator came to the floor and said this is a vaccine-preventable disease. Well, this isn't a vaccine-preventable disease because it doesn't stop transmission; it doesn't stop you from getting it. prgtoken But here is the thing: If you look at kids and boosters and you want to prove whether they are good for kids--and this is all we are talking about. We are not talking about the elderly or the infirm or people who have risk factors. We are talking about these kids. If you look at these kids and you ask, ``Do they have any risk factors or are any of them dying?'' we will refer to some statistics here. Well, the statistics aren't accurate. If you look at healthy kids--there was not one healthy kid. The answer wasn't a few. It was zero. In Germany, zero healthy kids died. In Israel, zero healthy kids died. A handful of unfortunate cases of children in our country did die. I think it was a little over 100 kids in a country of 330 million, and, sadly, every one of those cases
LEGISLATIVE SESSION
John Cornyn (Republican, TX) \u2014 2023-9-12

as the Members of the Senate know, this week, we are expected to vote on a series of three appropriations bills--3 out of the 12 appropriations bills that passed out of the Senate Appropriations Committee a couple of months ago. With just 2\1/ 2\ weeks left before the end of the fiscal year, time is of the essence. Unless Congress funds the government in the next 18 days, the government will shut down. prgtoken Now, you might ask yourself, if these appropriations bills passed out of the committee with strong bipartisan votes months ago, why are we waiting until 18 days before the deadline to begin the debate and vote on these appropriations bills--and not all of the appropriations bills, just a subset of three. prgtoken Well, we know shutdowns do not benefit anybody. I notice on social media there is a lot of anger out there in Washington, and people say: Yes, let's shut down the government. That is a good thing. It is too big. It is too intrusive. It is doing things I don't like. prgtoken But, if you think about this for a moment, with a shutdown, servicemembers--members of our military--will have to work without pay. Veterans won't get the benefits or services that they have earned. Mortgages and other loan applications will be delayed. Passport processing will grind to a halt. Maybe there is even a risk that Medicare and Social Security payments will not be delivered on time. So shutdowns are a blunt instrument. I think we have realized that, with a shutdown, when the government reopens, the same problem is staring you right in the face, so you might as well deal with it on the front end rather than on the back end. prgtoken From minor inconveniences to major disruptions, the American people are affected by lapses in government funding. We have learned that lesson before. The surest way to avoid any funding drama, which is what we are experiencing now, drama--the surest way to avoid that is to pass spending bills on time and in a transparent, normal process, something we call regular order around here. That means using the processes that are already in place to write, debate, and pass quality legislation. And it is done in a transparent sort of way, where every Senator--all 100 Senators--can participate. If they have got a better idea, they can offer an amendment. They can try to persuade colleagues, and they can get a vote. prgtoken Well, at the start of this summer, I was feeling somewhat optimistic about the government funding process. The day the Senate passed legislation to lift the debt ceiling and curb government spending, Leader Schumer and Leader McConnell issued a joint statement about the funding process. They asked the chair and vice chair of the Appropriations Committee to get the regular process back on track. They also pledged to work in a bipartisan fashion to advance funding bills and noted ``expeditious floor consideration would be key to preventing automatic funding cut
HONORING GINA SPAGNOLA
Randy K. Weber, Sr. (Republican, TX) \u2014 2023-9-12

. Madam , I rise to honor and recognize the president and CEO of the Galveston Regional Chamber of Commerce, a fighter for small businesses, an advocate for our youth, and a dear friend of mine, Mrs. Gina Spagnola. prgtoken I am very proud to stand here on the House floor and celebrate the remarkable Gina Spagnola for her 20 years of unwavering service to the Galveston Regional Chamber of Commerce. Under her guidance, the chamber has thrived. prgtoken For over 178 years, the Galveston Regional Chamber's mission has been to foster business and community development, and Gina's leadership has elevated this historic institution to unprecedented heights. prgtoken Gina has not only embraced this mission, she has embodied it. Her unwavering commitment to Galveston Island and the broader Texas Gulf Coast region has been a driving force behind the chamber's success. prgtoken I could go on about the great work and things Gina has accomplished, but we could be here for hours. Instead, Madam , I will highlight a few things to give you a little picture of how lucky Galveston is to have her advocacy and passion for the businesses in our community. prgtoken One of Gina's proudest accomplishments has been the inauguration of this very Galveston Women's Conference she started 16 years ago. After prgtoken years of surprising and celebrating the amazing women in Galveston, we get to surprise her by celebrating her. Surprise, Gina. prgtoken Gina's ability to build effective relationships with elected officials has facilitated numerous achievements. prgtoken She championed the creation of Lemonade Day to help today's youth become the business leaders, the social advocates, the community volunteers, and the forward-thinking citizens of tomorrow. prgtoken In times of adversity, Gina's resilience and commitment shine through. Just 2 months after Hurricane Ike wreaked havoc on Galveston Island, she spearheaded a successful recovery expo that enabled local businesses to reopen their doors. This initiative garnered State and national recognition, showcasing Gina's effectiveness in driving impactful initiatives. Gina's compassion extends beyond our District 14 and its borders. prgtoken Gina's remarkable leadership has been widely acknowledged. In December 2022, the Galveston Regional Chamber of Commerce received a five-star accreditation from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, the highest rating in the industry. Out of the 7,000 chambers in the Nation, only 142 hold this prestigious distinction, with the Galveston Regional Chamber of Commerce being just 1 of 27 in Texas and the only one in Galveston County, not to mention all of the awards and recognition she has received and all the boards she sits on and has sat on. prgtoken As I said, I could go on and on. prgtoken Madam , we thank Gina for two decades of remarkable service, but let us also celebrate the values of dedication, leadership, and community that she embodies. prgtoken Gina's legacy is o