mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
The Economy (Executive Session)
Richard J. Durbin (Democrat, IL) \u2014 2019-3-5

when I hear my friend from South Dakota describe the state of the economy, it is amazing how political amnesia can take over on the floor of the Senate Chamber. prgtoken Do you remember the election of 2008 when was elected President of the United States? Was there anything going on with the economy when he took office? Oh, something that the Senator failed to mention--our country was facing the one of the worst recessions in the history of the United States. prgtoken You had to go back to the Great Depression to see the impact of this recession on the American economy, and it happened under a President--. President inherited that, and most people will never forget it because in 2008 and 2009, many people saw their savings devastated by the drop in value in the stock market. They saw this economy teetering on the edge and financial institutions failing. This all happened on President 's watch. President inherited it and had to turn it around--without the cooperation of the Party, I might add. A handful of them stepped up to join him in a bipartisan effort, but most of them opposed him. He did everything he needed to do to save this economy and then started turning it around with job creation--unprecedented job creation--throughout the 8 years of his term. prgtoken Now, of course, along comes a new President who wants to take credit for all of it and, as the Senator from South Dakota suggested, blame President for the state of the economy he inherited. History tells us a different story. prgtoken After this tax cut that the Senate s are so proud of, I think you ought to ask the American families paying their taxes now to take a look at their taxes and tell you how the tax cut helped them as working families. For some, there is some value to it, but for most, there is none. You see, over a long period of time, the vast majority of the benefits of this tax cut go to people in the highest income categories. If there were ever a group who didn't need a break, it is people who are already making millions of dollars each year. Yet this tax cut gave them the break. It added trillions of dollars to our deficit, it helped the richest people in America, and it forgot working families and left them behind. Yet Senators still come to the floor and boast about it with regularity. prgtoken There is a better way to approach this. Yes, I want to give tax incentives and tax relief to working families because we know they are not getting the paychecks they need to meet their obligations, to save for the future, and to make sure their kids have a better life. We should be focused on them, not the wealthiest among us--they are doing quite well, thank you. Let's focus on working families instead. The tax cut forgot that. (Mr. SCOTT of Florida assumed the Chair.)
NEVEAH PADILLA
Ed Perlmutter (Democrat, CO) \u2014 2019-3-5

. Madam , I rise today to recognize and applaud Neveah Padilla for receiving the Arvada Wheat Ridge Service Ambassadors for Youth award. Neveah Padilla is a student at Jefferson Jr/Sr. and received this award because her determination and hard work have allowed her to overcome adversities. The dedication demonstrated by Neveah Padilla is exemplary of the type of achievement that can be attained with hard work and perseverance. It is essential students at all levels strive to make the most of their education and develop a work ethic which will guide them for the rest of their lives. I extend my deepest congratulations to Neveah Padilla for winning the Arvada Wheat Ridge Service Ambassadors for Youth award. I have no doubt she will exhibit the same dedication and character in all of her future accomplishments.
Nomination of Chad A. Readler (Executive Calendar)
Chris Van Hollen (Democrat, MD) \u2014 2019-3-5

I come to the floor to oppose the nomination of Chad Readler to the Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals and to urge my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to oppose this nomination as well. prgtoken We have learned that both Senators from Ohio--one a and one a --had previously proposed mutually agreeable candidates to fill the Sixth Circuit Court position, but despite that prior support, the administration instead nominated somebody who did not have the support from both Senators, which is a device we use to try to encourage nominations that are not way out of the mainstream. We want judicial nominees who are not on the far right nor on any other extreme. Yet this administration decided to ignore that bipartisan support and nominated Mr. Readler for the position on the Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals. prgtoken Mr. Readler, unfortunately, has a record that falls well out of the judicial mainstream. I am very concerned about the kind of judicial reasoning and findings he will make as a member of the Sixth Circuit, if he is confirmed. prgtoken He has been the administration's point man at the Department of Justice to try to destroy the Affordable Care Act and eliminate the protections the Affordable Care Act has brought to tens of millions of Americans, including protections for people with preexisting health conditions--whether it prgtoken be a child with asthma, or somebody with diabetes, or anybody who has a preexisting condition health condition. Before the Affordable Care Act was passed, insurance companies would say either we are not going to insure you because you are going to be too expensive to treat or we will provide coverage but only at this price, and then they would quote a price the person couldn't possibly afford. prgtoken The Affordable Care Act did away with that discrimination based on preexisting conditions. Yet at the Department of Justice, this nominee, Mr. Readler, was the point person in trying to reimpose discrimination based on preexisting conditions. prgtoken Why do we say that? Because over the last couple of years there was a lawsuit filed in the State of Texas. It was filed by the attorney general of the State of Texas and a number of other attorneys general from other States around the country-- attorneys general-- that went after the Affordable Care Act. They argued that once the Congress passed legislation eliminating the penalties for the mandates, all the rest of the law collapsed. It is a position most legal scholars from all sides of the political spectrum think is an absurd legal conclusion that will not stand the test of time or the test of the courts in the long run. prgtoken Despite the fact that the conclusion was way out of the mainstream and directed more out of a political charge to try to undo the Affordable Care Act, nevertheless, Mr. Readler filed the case on behalf of the Justice Department--not in support of the
Recognition of the Minority Leader (Executive Session)
Charles E. Schumer (Democrat, NY) \u2014 2019-3-5

just briefly, I heard my good friend, the leader, decry H.R. 1. He called it the ic protection act. Well, if making it easier for people to vote and getting Big Money out of politics hurt the Party and is good for , what a sad commentary on the Party that they don't want to see people vote, make it easier to vote, and that they don't want Big Money out of politics--a sad commentary on the Party to be afraid of H.R. 1.
Nomination of Chad A. Readler (Executive Calendar)
Joe Manchin, III (Democrat, WV) \u2014 2019-3-5

I don't come to the floor that often to ask about or to talk about any person who is being recommended by our President, whether I agree or disagree. This is one time I feel very compelled to do so. prgtoken I rise today to urge my colleagues not to confirm Chad Readler to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit. I would say this: A vote for him, in my estimation, is a vote against every West Virginian and every American with a preexisting condition, and I will tell you why. prgtoken After 20 State attorneys general and Governors challenged the constitutionality of the Affordable Care Act and its protections for people with preexisting conditions in Texas v. United States, as Acting Assistant Attorney General, Readler refused to defend the Affordable Care Act. That is his job. That is the law of the land. He refused, basically, to protect and defend it, which resulted in putting nearly 800,000 West Virginians with cancer, heart disease, asthma, or diabetes and women who care to have a baby at risk of financial jeopardy if they get sick. prgtoken Readler was not just a participant but the chief architect of the Department of Justice's decision to not defend the current law in the case. Let me make sure we all understand how devastating this could have been but also the intent. Coming from the Assistant Attorney General, he was not just a participant, but he was the chief architect of the Department of Justice's decision to not defend--to not do his job, to not defend--the current law in the case. prgtoken He wrote and filed a brief arguing that the Affordable Care Act's individual mandate is unconstitutional, and that if the mandate is stricken as unconstitutional, the Affordable Care Act's protections for the people with preexisting conditions should also be stricken. prgtoken He is taking the position as one person, not as an elected official, saying that it is unconstitutional when we voted in this body not to repeal it. We voted in this body, representing the people of the United States, not to repeal it. He made a decision as one person, not an elected official, saying it is unconstitutional. prgtoken This brief was so controversial and inhumane that several career lawyers with the Civil Division refused to sign their name to this brief, and one senior career Department of Justice official resigned because of his decision. prgtoken After the Department of Justice's announcement, I introduced a resolution to authorize the Senate legal counsel to intervene in this lawsuit on behalf of the Senate and defend all Americans' right to access affordable health insurance. Because of Readler and the Department of Justice's decision to abandon its responsibility, the court ruled against Americans with preexisting conditions in December. prgtoken This misguided and inhumane ruling will kick millions of Americans and tens of thousands of West Virginians off their health insurance. So 800,000 West
HONORING REPRESENTATIVE WALTER B. JONES, JR.
Earl Blumenauer (Democrat, OR) \u2014 2019-3-5

. Madam , I appreciate the gentlewoman's courtesy and my friend, Congressman Price, in bringing us together. prgtoken I am standing in front of the chair here on the floor that I routinely occupied, and Walter sat next to me hundreds of hours. It was fascinating watching the dynamic on the aisle. I think some people like to be on the aisle because it is a place where people come together. prgtoken I watched a parade of people in both parties who would stop, greet him, and talk about issues large and small, radiating a sort of humanity that at times is in short supply around here. prgtoken Walter epitomized what I think politics should be. prgtoken We talked often about how he was creating problems for himself at home. There is probably not a district in the United States that is more oriented towards the United States military, as we have heard already. prgtoken He comes from a district that is intensely patriotic and more than a little . Yet, he charted a path--once he had determined that he had made a mistake--he charted a path to try and make it right, not just to the Gold Star families, but to having that interaction here on the House floor, not in an accusatory fashion for people who may have disagreed with him, but just humbly focused on the human consequences on the political foibles of Congress. prgtoken He willingly took that burden on; even though he knew that it could have cost him his position in Congress. And this is family tradition, as is mentioned, I mean his father before him. It mattered a great deal to Walter to carry that banner, to serve his constituents and his State, but he walked into that storm willingly because he thought it was the right thing to do. prgtoken We don't see a lot of that around here, people who can face up to mistakes--which we all make. How many of us have as graciously and publicly acknowledged our mistakes, attempted to make them right, and accept the consequences? prgtoken Walter was a singular human being, and I feel privileged to have sat next to him all those hours.
HONORING LEE ARTHUR HOWE III
Joseph D. Morelle (Democrat, NY) \u2014 2019-3-5

. Madam , I rise today to honor a constituent of the 25th district, Lee Arthur Howe, III. Mr. Howe passed away on January 8, just 2 months shy of his 87th birthday. Mr. Howe graduated with his master's in education from Fredonia State Teacher's College before spending two years in the army during the Korean War. After an honorable discharge, he moved to Rochester in 1955 to begin his devotion to public education. He began teaching 6th grade at Lincoln Avenue School, known today as Sutherland High School. His promotion to principal came in 1962, and he would serve in that role at three other elementary schools until his retirement in 1988. The oldest son of a Baptist preacher, he moved to different towns around Western New York along with his mother and three brothers. While he was young, he developed two lifelong loves: jazz, especially big band jazz, and making those around him howl with laughter. He learned the trumpet and played it at every opportunity. He served as a first chair trumpet for the Perinton Concert Band for many years, entertaining countless big band concert fans all around the Rochester region. Mr. Howe was beloved by his family, and whenever he went, music and laughter followed him. He was a gentle man, who took more pride in the accomplishments of his children and grandchildren than he did in his own accomplishments. Patient beyond words, a trait that is vital to being as avid of a golfer as he was in his retirement, he was able to enjoy his life to the fullest. While I am saddened by Mr. Howe's passing, I am proud to have represented a man who brought so much joy to so many people for so many years. My heart is with his entire extended family.
Government Funding (Executive Session)
Christopher Murphy (Democrat, CT) \u2014 2019-3-5

I appreciate the remarks of my good friend, the Senator from Oklahoma. I look forward to working with him on ways that we can try to come together and solve some of these big problems. prgtoken In a minute, I am going to talk about the Affordable Care Act, which is probably the signature accomplishment of a ic Senate and Congress. It is notable that the Affordable Care Act, for all of its controversy, reduced the deficit. It did not increase the deficit. It is also notable that the signature accomplishment of the Congress and the Senate was a tax reduction bill that has dramatically spiraled the deficit out of control. There is $2 trillion of additional deficits in that provision. prgtoken I share the concerns about the deficit, and I find it curious that this Congress, under control, has chosen to dramatically increase deficits, making us on pace for having the biggest deficits in our legislative history--with enormous additional new elements of debt as well.
INTRODUCTION OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA ZONING COMMISSION HOME RULE ACT
Eleanor Holmes Norton (Democrat, DC) \u2014 2019-3-5

. Madam , today, I introduce the District of Columbia Zoning Commission Home Rule Act. This bill would give the District of Columbia the authority to appoint all members of the D.C. Zoning Commission (Commission). Currently, the Commission consists of two federal officials (the Architect of the Capitol (AOC) and the Director of the National Park Service (NPS), or their designees), and three mayoral appointees, subject to D.C. Council approval. The federal officials are members even though the Commission has no authority over federal property. prgtoken Land use is a quintessential local matter in our country. Despite the D.C. Home Rule Act, which gave the District jurisdiction over its local matters, 40 percent of the members of the Commission are federal officials, who are unaccountable to the more than 700,000 residents who live in the District. The federal government would lose nothing as a result of this bill because the federal government's land-use interests in the nation's capital are protected by federal law and federal agencies. prgtoken The Commission creates the zoning maps and regulations, which must ``not be inconsistent with the comprehensive plan for the national capital.'' The mayor is responsible for the local elements of the comprehensive plan, subject to Council approval. The National Capital Planning Commission (NCPC), which is the central federal planning agency for the federal government in D.C. and approves federal projects here, is responsible for the federal elements of the comprehensive plan. This bill would not alter the comprehensive plan process or the authority of NCPC and the Commission. prgtoken This bill would immediately remove the AOC and the Director of the NPS from the Commission, and the Commission would, at least initially, consist solely of the three mayoral appointees. The District would have the authority to reconstitute the membership of the Commission through local legislation. prgtoken This is an important step to increase home rule for the District, and I urge my colleagues to support this bill.
AFRICAN AMERICAN COMMUNITY HEALTH
Danny K. Davis (Democrat, IL) \u2014 2019-3-5

. Madam , I want to thank the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics who prepared this statement for me in acknowledgement of Black History Month. prgtoken Minority populations, especially the African American population, continue to remain in relatively poor health when compared to the majority population, and also continue to be underserved by the health care system. prgtoken One of the biggest health challenges facing our country today is obesity, and the African American community is especially at risk. In a 2015-2016 study by the CDC, the report found non-Hispanic black (46.8 percent) adults had a higher prevalence of obesity than non-Hispanic white adults (37.9 percent). prgtoken Compared to other states, Illinois' obesity rate is a significant area of concern, with 31.1 percent adults having obesity. This statistic is higher than the U.S. median. Illinois has the twenty-seventh highest adult obesity rate in the nation, and the seventh highest obesity rate for youth ages 10 to 17. prgtoken Chicago's African American community is the demographic with the highest obesity rate at 39.8 percent. prgtoken With such a high percentage of the African American community falling in the obese category, the demographic runs a higher risk for obesity- related conditions, including heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes and certain types of cancer that are some of the leading causes of preventable, premature death. Compared to the general population, African Americans are disproportionately affected by diabetes. prgtoken Adult Illinoisans with hypertension is 32.32 percent, while 11 percent have diabetes--both illnesses directly related to obesity. 13.2 percent of all African Americans aged 20 years or older have diagnosed diabetes. prgtoken African Americans are 1.7 times more likely to have diabetes as non- Hispanic whites. prgtoken African-Americans are significantly more likely to suffer from blindness, kidney disease and amputations. prgtoken Diabetes is the leading cause of kidney failure in African Americans. African Americans are twice as likely to be diagnosed with diabetes as Caucasians. prgtoken Approximately 4.9 million African Americans over 20 years of age are living with either diagnosed or undiagnosed diabetes. prgtoken African Americans constitute more than 35 percent of all patients in the U.S. receiving dialysis for kidney failure, but only represent 13.2 percent of the overall U.S. population. prgtoken High blood pressure is the second leading kidney failure among African Americans, and remains the leading cause of death due to its link with heart attacks and strokes. prgtoken With these troubling statistics, where do we go from here? Awareness, education, and access are the keys to changing our nation's health. And food and nutrition practitioners play a very important role in leading the health revolution. prgtoken Obesity is partially attributed to poor nutritional intake and has been implicated as a contribut
CONGRATULATING DR. STEPHEN BASH ON HIS RETIREMENT
Cheri Bustos (Democrat, IL) \u2014 2019-3-5

. Madam , I rise today to recognize Dr. Stephen Bash for his retirement. Dr. Bash currently serves as Professor of Pediatrics, Section of Cardiology, in the Department of Pediatrics at the University of Illinois College of Medicine in Peoria. prgtoken Dr. Bash has had a long and distinguished career as a doctor. He graduated from Indiana University Medical School in 1967 and began his medical career with an internship at Strong Memorial Hospital in Rochester, New York. Dr. Bash then returned to Indiana where he completed his Pediatric Residency and a Pediatric Cardiology Fellowship at Riley Children's Hospital in Indianapolis. Academia has also been an important aspect of Dr. Bash's career as he worked as an instructor at the Fort Wayne Family Practice Residency and an assistant professor at the University of Illinois. Additionally, Dr. Bash served our country honorably as a Lieutenant Commander in the U.S. Navy and was a visiting cardiology consultant for the Riyadh Armed Forces Hospital in Saudi Arabia. Dr. Bash is part of several professional societies and has received several awards for his work. I would like to wish Dr. Bash well as he begins his well-earned retirement and thank him for his many contributions to medical research. prgtoken It is because of dedicated leaders such as Dr. Stephen Bash that I am especially proud to serve Illinois' 17th Congressional District. Madam , I would like to again formally congratulate Dr. Stephen Bash on his retirement and thank him for his service to our country.