mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
MIDDLE CLASS HEALTH BENEFITS TAX REPEAL ACT OF 2019
Robert C. "Bobby" Scott (Democrat, VA) \u2014 2020-3-27

I say to the majority leader that the hard work that we have done is, to a large extent, due to the hardworking staff who have been up late at night doing this work that usually takes months. It has just been in days that they have been able to put this bill together. prgtoken , I rise with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to support the CARES Act. As a result of the significant changes made over the past few days, this legislation now takes important steps to give students, workers, and families the support they need during this public health emergency. prgtoken Many of the provisions of the bill fall within the jurisdiction of the Committee on Education and Labor. For example, one of our most important challenges is to help workers maintain their income because losing a paycheck exposes workers and families to so many other problems. prgtoken Yesterday, the new unemployment claims soared to over 3 million, and that is four times more than the previous record. The CARES Act responds to our challenge by dramatically increasing unemployment insurance by an additional $600 a week for up to 4 months. prgtoken The emergency unemployment insurance program also extends to self- employed workers, so-called gig employees, many of whom are not currently eligible for unemployment compensation because they are often misclassified as independent contractors rather than employees. prgtoken And to my colleagues who have expressed concern that these benefits are more generous than paychecks earned by many low-income workers, I would say that the problem is not with the bill; the problem is with the Federal minimum wage, which has not been increased for more than a decade. prgtoken The CARES Act also maintains access to healthcare. The bill specifically makes a $200 billion investment in hospitals, health systems, and health research. It also includes a requirement that all insurance policies cover the full costs of future vaccines within 15 days of the vaccines being officially approved. It also helps people maintain their insurance, if they are laid off. prgtoken Finally, the bill maintains students' access to education. The CARES Act now has more than $30 billion in relief for students, educators, schools, and institutions of higher learning. prgtoken For institutions of higher learning, it will provide financial relief to colleges and universities and also support grants to displaced students. For K-12, it will provide help to educators to adapt to long- term closures, fund purchases of education technology for online learning, and provide equitable access to education for students with disabilities. prgtoken The CARES Act moves us in the right direction, but it is important to recognize that the legislation is only a down payment on the relief that our communities will need in the weeks and months ahead. We must immediately start work on a fourth package that reflects the unprecedented scale of this crisis. prgtoken
MIDDLE CLASS HEALTH BENEFITS TAX REPEAL ACT OF 2019
Earl Blumenauer (Democrat, OR) \u2014 2020-3-27

today's vote is a welcome sign to the hundreds of thousands of Oregonians I represent who are worried about staying healthy, keeping their job, and paying their bills. This legislation is by no means perfect, nor does it do nearly enough to stop the spread of COVID-19, but it is immeasurably better than the Senate's initial bill. I strongly support this legislation today, but it is critical that we start working immediately on the next bill to speed the recovery of our economy and strengthen the healthcare system. Americans need a coordinated, whole-of-government response to provide healthcare and economic security during the coronavirus pandemic. prgtoken The Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act of 2020 includes many of the provisions that I advocated for in my Economic Stabilization Plan. First, the bill includes direct cash assistance of $1,200 per individual and $2,400 for married couples. The bill also includes a temporary expansion of Unemployment Insurance so that workers affected by COVID-19 and eligible for unemployment compensation--including non-traditional employment like the self- employed and gig workers--receive an extra $600 per week, resulting in weekly benefits that replace 100 percent of wages for the average worker. prgtoken For local businesses, the bill provides nearly $350 billion in forgivable loans and grants to small businesses and non-profits so they can continue to pay their employees and cover other expenses during this crisis, like rent, mortgage payments, or utilities. Small businesses also will have access to emergency grants of up to $10,000 to provide immediate relief for operating costs once a small business or non-profit has applied for an Economic Injury Disaster Loan. Finally, this legislation creates a new employee retention tax credit for employers to encourage businesses to keep workers on payroll during the crisis. prgtoken Importantly, House and Senate fixed a glaring flaw in the bill by adding important restrictions on the federal loan assistance for larger businesses, including a prohibition on excessive executive compensation and stock buybacks and a requirement that the businesses keep workers employed. We also set up an independent Inspector General and Congressional Oversight Panel to closely monitor this program, a marked improvement to the no-strings attached bailout we saw in 2008. While I still have strong concerns about how the administration will administer this program, I am committed to closely monitoring the program and working with my colleagues to add even more restrictions in future legislation. prgtoken This crisis is of course a health crisis, and this bill includes hundreds of billions of dollars in funding to support America's healthcare system. In particular, the bill creates a $100 billion fund for hospitals and providers hit hardest by the outbreak. These funds can be used to purchase pers
MIDDLE CLASS HEALTH BENEFITS TAX REPEAL ACT OF 2019
Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (Democrat, NY) \u2014 2020-3-27

I represent one of the hardest hit communities in the hardest hit city in this country, Queens, New York-- 13 dead in a night in Elmhurst Hospital alone. Our community's reality is this country's future if we don't do anything. prgtoken Hospital workers do not have protective equipment. We don't have the necessary ventilators. But we have to go into this vote eyes wide open. prgtoken What did the Senate majority fight for? One of the largest corporate bailouts with as few strings as possible in American history. Shameful. prgtoken The greed of that fight is wrong for crumbs for our families. And the option that we have is to either let them suffer with nothing or to allow this greed and billions of dollars, which will be leveraged into trillions of dollars to contribute to the largest income inequality gap in our future. prgtoken There should be shame about what was fought for in this bill and the choices that we have to make.
MIDDLE CLASS HEALTH BENEFITS TAX REPEAL ACT OF 2019
Gerald E. Connolly (Democrat, VA) \u2014 2020-3-27

America is bleeding. America is in deep suffering and even deeper anxiety, and it counts on its Congress to respond with alacrity, thoughtfulness, and action. prgtoken We have no time to dither. We have no time to engage in ideological or petty partisan fights. Our country needs us as one. prgtoken , 3.28 million people filed for unemployment last week. In my State, that translated into a 17-fold increase in 1 week. The number of coronavirus victims quadrupled in that time period in my State, and those figures are reflected throughout the country. prgtoken Now is the time to come together. Now is the time to show our fellow countrymen that we can rise to this occasion and re-instill in them the hope and confidence that will come.
MIDDLE CLASS HEALTH BENEFITS TAX REPEAL ACT OF 2019
Richard E. Neal (Democrat, MA) \u2014 2020-3-27

we have been whisked here this morning in one of the grave challenges of our lifetimes. prgtoken Usually, in March, we talk about brackets. Well, the brackets this morning are clear. Those brackets are about the health of the American people and the economic security of the American family. prgtoken This is not about corruption. This is not about military conflict. Certainly, it is not about malfeasance. prgtoken Our country is weathering an unprecedented public health crisis that demands an unprecedented response from the United States Government. I am really proud of the critical solutions our Ways and Means Committee colleagues and I contributed to this legislation. prgtoken This legislation could be called the families' health and economic security stabilization act because that is what we are doing this morning, providing stability. prgtoken The healthcare workers on the front lines of this crisis are being pushed to their limits, both financially and physically. They need more masks, tests, ventilators, and beds to combat this virus. This legislation will help them secure these fundamental resources with $100 billion in funding for hospitals and our healthcare system. prgtoken As we work to protect the health of all Americans, we are also focused on the health of our economy. Just yesterday morning, we learned that this week's unemployment claims skyrocketed by over 1,000 percent. prgtoken As we face this record economic challenge, families need benefits that will allow them to cover essential expenses like food, rent, and medication. From the beginning of this crisis, Ways and Means have understood that expanding unemployed benefits must be a top priority. prgtoken The additional $600 per week in unemployment benefits that we fought for is the least we can do to help those who, through no fault of their own, find themselves without a paycheck. Similarly, the direct infusion of $1,200 in cash for American adults whom we fought for will help families through these challenging times. prgtoken We also fought to include provisions to shore up the financial health of small business and other struggling employers. We were adamant about the inclusion of the employee retention credit because we know that the American economy will bounce back from this, and employers who take action to keep their employees on the payroll should be rewarded. prgtoken This legislation is the product of two very different sides coming together to protect the health and financial security of all Americans in the face of this crisis. prgtoken I thank the many Members on both sides of the aisle, and the Capitol, who have worked to get us to this bill this morning. I also thank my Ways and Means Committee staff who have been working around the clock since this crisis began and have provided the committee and the Congress with unparalleled technical expertise and counsel. They deserve our appreciation. prgtoken We are facing this
MIDDLE CLASS HEALTH BENEFITS TAX REPEAL ACT OF 2019
Jody B. Hice (Republican, GA) \u2014 2020-3-31

the Federal Government has the responsibility to help individuals and businesses through this crisis because it is the government that shut down the economy--not American workers. Americans and their employers are not responsible for the economic damage being wrought by coronavirus, and I am pleased that the CARES Act will provide an unprecedented amount of immediate relief. However, I have deep concerns about this legislation, and I will be voting in opposition. prgtoken First, there has been absolutely no discussion on how we will ultimately pay for the trillions of dollars of new federal spending in this bill. As we incur this massive debt, we should be at least considering how we will one day pay it. The House has failed in its duty to take up consideration of this legislation by regular order. There has been no due diligence to review the language in detail within our committees, no opportunity to hear from expert witnesses regarding its effectiveness, and no option for our Members to address concerns or provide thoughtful solutions through the amendment process. Moreover, language within the bill willfully shirks our oversight authority and responsibility by waiving the open meetings requirement. prgtoken Furthermore, I fear this legislation is still just the tip of the iceberg. In a short period of time, we have moved from a few billion in phase one to over a hundred billion in phase two, and we now are considering $2.2 trillion in phase three. There is already talk of a fourth and fifth package to allow to advance many of their liberal partisan policies that did not make it into this bill during a time when no funding that is not directly related to crisis assistance should be considered. We must also weigh what precedents we are establishing. The CARES Act brings with it a massive expansion of the size and role of the Federal Government outside the scope of what our Founders intended. What we are doing here today is unsustainable and cannot be repeated for subsequent future emergencies that will undoubtedly and unfortunately occur. Maximum freedom exists within a context of limited government, and we have seen on countless occasions that once the Federal Government institutes new programs or spending that it is almost impossible to reverse the trajectory of its new footprint on our lives. prgtoken Secondly, while I am supportive of providing Americans a bridge of assistance through the coronavirus, I am concerned that this legislation will cause some to obtain significantly more in unemployment benefits than they would normally earn through their jobs, inadvertently incentivizing unemployment. We must strike a balance between smart health policy and smart economic policy, and that means Americans should be allowed to go back to work as soon as it's safe to do so. Unfortunately, the language in the bill creates a disincentive for many to return to the workforce over the next four mon
MIDDLE CLASS HEALTH BENEFITS TAX REPEAL ACT OF 2019
John Ratcliffe (Republican, TX) \u2014 2020-3-31

as the American people do their part to stop the spread of coronavirus, they've made enormous personal sacrifices on behalf of the entire country's health and safety. Over the past few weeks, this deadly pandemic has taken over 1,000 lives in the United States and infected tens of thousands more, with a negative ripple effect plaguing nearly every family and individual to some degree. prgtoken During this time, I've heard from business owners in Northeast Texas who are worried prgtoken about how they'll pay their employees and the possibility of being forced to close up shop for good. I've heard from mothers and fathers who are unable to bring paychecks home to feed their children. I've heard from health care providers who are struggling to gain access to the medical equipment they need to treat the patients exposed to this highly infectious disease. They asked for their elected representative to step up to the plate and help. prgtoken It's no secret that I don't ordinarily support sweeping legislative packages that cost trillions of dollars. But this pandemic presents us with dire and sweeping circumstances on a level I hope we'll never have to face again in our lifetime. Due to the gravity of situation that the coronavirus pandemic has placed us in, I support the Coronavirus, Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act. While this bill is certainly far from perfect, it contains critical relief for the people I represent in Northeast Texas and throughout the country, which will help ensure we successfully defeat this invisible enemy in the days, weeks and months ahead. prgtoken I'm grateful this critical legislation will finally head to President 's desk. Let's get the American people the relief they need, as we continue fighting this battle together.
MIDDLE CLASS HEALTH BENEFITS TAX REPEAL ACT OF 2019
John Shimkus (Republican, IL) \u2014 2020-3-31

in my congressional career I've served during many challenging times. Each one required Members of Congress to understand the national crisis, appreciate the separation of powers, and know his or her district. prgtoken Some events were long and protracted like impeachment, but others, like 9/11 for example, hit like a lightning strike, unpredictable, powerful and life altering. The coronavirus outbreak is one of these events that struck out of the blue. prgtoken Yes, it started in China. Yes, the world was slow to understand its true danger. But even as the world scurries around in an attempt to mitigate its damage and slow its spread, the United States is rising to the challenge with unheard of speed--amazingly so during this time of divided chambers and divided government. prgtoken On March 4, the Coronavirus Preparedness and Response Supplemental Appropriation Act was signed into law. This quick response provided $4 billion to increase the availability of tests. $2.2 billion went to the Centers for Disease Control and $1 billion to state and local response efforts. It also jump-started public and private efforts toward developing a vaccine (which is already being tested). prgtoken On March 18, the Families First Coronavirus Response Act was signed into law. The bill's $2.5 billion ensured that the government would cover the cost of testing. Anyone becoming sick themselves, or needing to care for an infected loved one, would be entitled to paid leave. Food assistance was expanded for the needy. Some federal Unemployment Insurance requirements were also relaxed, making it easier to apply and quicker to receive benefits. prgtoken On March 27, the Coronavirus Aid and Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act will be signed into law. This bill directed cash assistance to most Americans. In my district, two-thirds of my constituents are eligible for the full amount and 97 percent of all households in my district should be eligible for some amount. For those who may not need this cash assistance for themselves, the bill also authorized a $300 charitable tax deduction whether a taxpayer itemizes or not. prgtoken To help ensure workers have jobs to return to, the CARES Act provided $500 billion to the Treasury Stabilization Fund to make loans, loan guarantees and other investments. To benefit, borrowers must maintain employment levels as March 24, 2020 and retain 90 percent of employees. The bill also directed $349 billion to the Small Business Administration's 7(a) Loan Program. These loans will be administered through local financial institutions and are available to eligible to small businesses, independent contractors, self employed individuals, nonprofits and veteran organizations. prgtoken Other notable provisions of the CARES Act included $100 billion for unreimbursed COVID-19 costs, $1.32 billion for community health centers, $15.5 billion for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (known more common
MIDDLE CLASS HEALTH BENEFITS TAX REPEAL ACT OF 2019
David Kustoff (Republican, TN) \u2014 2020-3-31

I rise today in support of The CARES Act. prgtoken The COVID-19 Pandemic has greatly affected the health and livelihoods of people around the globe. prgtoken , this bill is not perfect but it is a solid step forward to providing the stimulus needed to revive our economy. prgtoken There is no that doubt that as a nation we have endured tough times in our history, but we have always come back stronger and more resilient. prgtoken I am proud to be here today, representing West Tennessee during this trying time. prgtoken There may be more challenges coming in the days ahead, but we know that the American people will meet them head on and we will prevail-- just like we always do. prgtoken As a body, we need to demonstrate our support for all of the brave men and women working to protect us, for our fellow citizens and for the President--and pass the CARES Act.
MIDDLE CLASS HEALTH BENEFITS TAX REPEAL ACT OF 2D19
Doug Collins (Republican, GA) \u2014 2020-3-31

in recent weeks, this crisis has devastated our families, our communities, and our entire way of life. Americans are suffering, our health care workers are exhausted, and businesses are struggling. Americans need relief, and they need it now. prgtoken We are battling an unprecedented global crisis, and it calls for an unprecedented response. While no legislation is perfect, I'm glad Congress could come together to send this package to the President's desk to quickly deliver the relief our country desperately needs. prgtoken The CARES Act will provide families with immediate support by putting cash in their pockets. It will protect Americans' livelihoods by keeping workers employed and helping businesses stay afloat to ensure American workers have jobs to come back to. This package stands up for our heroes fighting on the frontlines by ensuring our nurses, doctors, and countless health care professionals have the resources they need to continue saving lives. prgtoken When faced with a challenge, America always rises to the occasion. I'm proud of the way our country has rallied together to support one another in the face of this crisis, and I'm proud we can finally deliver the quick relief Americans have been asking for. We will beat this virus, and our nation will emerge stronger than ever before.
MIDDLE CLASS HEALTH BENEFITS TAX REPEAL ACT OF 2019
David P. Joyce (Republican, OH) \u2014 2020-3-31

as we prepared to appropriate supplemental funding for Indian Country through the Bureau of Indian Affairs budget, my colleagues and I became keenly aware of the need to mitigate the hardships that this pandemic has caused for Tribal governments who have to rely on business revenues--rather than taxes-- to fund essential services for their Tribal members. In addition, Tribal governments are often the largest employers on reservations, where unemployment rates are already significantly higher than the rest of the country. prgtoken For these reasons, this bill directs that not less than $400 million--nearly 90 percent of the Bureau of Indian Affairs supplemental appropriation--shall be made available to meet the direct needs of Tribes. For these same reasons, this bill directs that not less than $450 million of the Indian Health Service supplemental appropriation be distributed to directly operated programs and to Tribes and Tribal organizations by utilizing existing contracts, compacts, and other agreements to speed up the process. prgtoken In addition, I was pleased to see and support an additional $8 billion for payments to Tribal governments through the Coronavirus Relief Fund in this bill. Because of the Federal Government's unique government-to-government relationship with Indian Tribes, providing these funds to Tribes directly--rather than through the States--is the right approach. It is critical that the Secretaries of the Treasury and the Interior consult with Tribal leaders immediately to determine the most expeditious, transparent, and fair method of allocating these funds.