mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
BUILD BACK BETTER ACT
Peter Welch (Democrat, VT) \u2014 2022-8-12

. Madam , as many of my colleagues know, I have worked for years to protect patient access to pharmacies across this nation. It is the intent of the United States House that this legislation, and in particular, Section 1860D-14C(c). MANUFACTURER DISCOUNT PROGRAM shall operate in the same manner as the Medicare Part D Coverage Gap Discount Program found under 42 USC 1395w-114a. CMS shall implement this provision to operate in the same manner with respect to a pharmacy. In that way, this section shall not result in any reduction in pharmacy reimbursement or require or permit price concessions or other remuneration from the pharmacy. We will convey this intent to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services as they develop the rules that will govern this discount program. I will continue to look for additional ways to help patients and to preserve and protect our pharmacies that are so essential to communities across Vermont and our country.
BUILD BACK BETTER ACT
Barbara Lee (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2022-8-12

I rise today to support the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022. I thank the chairman for yielding his time and also for his leadership. prgtoken This historic bill puts people over politics by lowering the cost of living for necessities like healthcare, creating good-paying jobs, and ensuring that the wealthy and corporations pay their fair share of taxes. prgtoken Now, we know that lower-income communities and communities of color face the brunt of pollution and climate change. This bill makes the single largest investment in combating climate change and works to reduce carbon pollution by 40 percent by 2030. We still have a lot ahead, though, and much more work to do, like fighting for investments that have deep impacts on communities of color, such as housing, the child tax credit, investments in our care economy, universal childcare, and insulin caps beyond Medicare which disproportionately impacts people of color. But make no mistake, this bill will make an impact on families and our planet. prgtoken It is a shame and disgrace that s won't vote for this bill. But this bill helps constituents also. prgtoken So I am so proud today to vote for this bill for our constituents.
BUILD BACK BETTER ACT
Sean Casten (Democrat, IL) \u2014 2022-8-12

. Madam , last November, our House delegation went to Glasgow for the COP26 conference. We told the world that we were back, that we had rejoined the Paris climate accord, and that we were committed to building back better and committed to putting science over politics. It felt pretty good. prgtoken But to be blunt, the world didn't believe us. As we sat at that press conference, all of these reporters from Europe said: What about the Senate? What about the filibuster? What if s take over in the midterms? prgtoken They had heard this song before. They admired our enthusiasm, but as you know, Madam , they really didn't share it. prgtoken Today, we are going to prove them wrong. We are going to remind them what the United States is capable of. We are about to pass the most impactful climate bill ever. You all should be proud of that. You were here to share this moment with us. We are on the path to reducing CO2 emissions by 40 percent by 2030. That is a really big deal. prgtoken But it is only a start because 40 percent ain't enough. We have reestablished U.S. credibility today, but we still have to establish U.S. leadership. The measure of our success is not what we pass today; it is whether the planet is cooler tomorrow. prgtoken Today, we remind the world and ourselves what we are capable of. I hope we celebrate. But tomorrow, let's get back to work.
INTRODUCTION OF THE FARMERS MARKET AND FOOD BANK LOCAL REVITALIZATION ACT OF 2022
Marcy Kaptur (Democrat, OH) \u2014 2022-8-12

. Madam , access to affordable, nutritious food is essential to leading a long and healthy life. Every day, more and more Americans are visiting their local farmers' markets and food stands for their daily needs. prgtoken As food prices have risen, families and seniors have shouldered a heavier burden when shopping at the grocery store. That is why the Senior Farmers' Market Nutrition Program (SFMNP) and the Women, Infant, and Children Farmers' Market Program (FMNP) are so critical. For more than 20 years, these tried and true programs have connected families and seniors with food produced by their neighboring farmers benefiting both in a remarkable partnership. prgtoken As we kick off National Farmers Market Week, I am excited to introduce the Farmers Market and Food Bank Local Revitalization Act to enhance these programs for the American people. My bill maintains and continues current funding for SFMNP, while authorizing up to an additional $100 million annually through 2028. Furthermore, my bill significantly increases the minimum and maximum individual benefit amounts for both SFMNP and FMNP. prgtoken Recognizing the vital role farmers' markets and food stands play in big cities and small towns all across the country, the Farmers Market and Food Bank Local Revitalization Act strengthens our support for the programs that bring together local farmers and the communities they feed. prgtoken By empowering the U.S. Department of Agriculture to provide new infrastructure loans and grants, my bill also invests to expand existing farmers' markets and food stands and provide opportunities for new ones to grow. prgtoken Finally, my bill establishes a pilot program for food banks to contract with local farmers--allowing those most in need to receive fresh produce and meals. prgtoken The Farmers Market and Food Bank Local Revitalization Act is a win- win for all--lifting up farmers who make and grow and feed families and seniors right in their neighborhoods.
BUILD BACK BETTER ACT
Angie Craig (Democrat, MN) \u2014 2022-8-12

. Madam , today is the day that we deliver on many of our promises to the American people. We are going to lower the cost of healthcare for millions of Americans. We are going to invest in American energy independence and reduce carbon emissions. We are going to do this in a responsible way, as we reduce the deficit in the process. prgtoken The Inflation Reduction Act takes historic strides to make healthcare more affordable by capping the cost of insulin at $35 a month for those on Medicare. Capping out-of-pocket drug costs for our Nation's seniors at $2,000 a year, and empowering Medicare to negotiate drug prices for our seniors. prgtoken We also extend the ACA tax credit, ensuring that we continue along the path of these historic rates of uninsured in our Nation. We are going to make the largest investment in clean energy in our Nation's history, reduce carbon emissions by 40 percent this decade, and invest in biofuels infrastructure for Minnesota's family farmers. prgtoken Madam , I say to my colleagues, today, the will of our constituents will prevail over special interests--at least on this side of the aisle. prgtoken Madam , this legislation will make a real difference in reducing costs for working families. I am proud to support it, and I encourage my colleagues to do the same.
BUILD BACK BETTER ACT
Terri A. Sewell (Democrat, AL) \u2014 2022-8-12

. Madam , I rise today in strong support of the Inflation Reduction Act. prgtoken This transformational legislation will lower healthcare costs for millions of Americans and thousands of Alabamians by extending ACA tax credits for an additional 3 years and reducing the prescription drug costs for our seniors by allowing HHS, for the first time, to negotiate drug prices with pharmaceutical companies and capping out-of-pocket drug costs to $2,000 per year. This is a big deal for American families and especially the families that I represent in Alabama. prgtoken This bill is also the single largest climate investment in America's history. This bill includes my Carbon Capture and Sequestration Expansion Act that will extend the 45 credit eligibilities for carbon capture projects to 2023. prgtoken When I think about all the great things that are in this particular bill, it is truly transformational for the people that I represent and for the American people. prgtoken Madam , I urge my colleagues to vote in favor of this bill. Let's put people first over politics.
BUILD BACK BETTER ACT
Katherine M. Clark (Democrat, MA) \u2014 2022-8-12

I thank the chairman for yielding. prgtoken , this is exactly what the American people need. It lowers costs, it creates great-paying jobs, and it makes our communities safer by addressing the lethal effects of climate change. prgtoken Seniors won't have to choose between putting food on the table and paying for their prescription drugs; prgtoken More families are going to be able to afford healthcare; prgtoken Homes and cars will be more affordable and efficient; prgtoken U.S. companies will be able to create great-paying jobs and lead the clean technology revolution; prgtoken Billionaires and corporations will finally have to pay their fair share while working people will have more money in their pockets; prgtoken Costs will be lower, water will be cleaner, green jobs will be plentiful, and our future will be brighter. prgtoken In every way, this game-changing bill moves America forward. are lowering costs for everyday Americans. We are standing up to special interests who have blocked cutting the cost of prescription drugs over and over again and America's critical transition to clean energy. prgtoken We are rebuilding a stronger, greener economy. We are infusing the tax system with fairness. This is a win for the American public. This is a win for people over politics.
BUILD BACK BETTER ACT
Ro Khanna (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2022-8-12

I thank the chairman for his leadership in passing the most historic climate legislation in the history of this Nation and in the history of the world. prgtoken It is appropriate that it would be named after Chairman Yarmuth after his distinguished service in this Congress. prgtoken But I also thank all the young people out there and the environmental activists who for so long had no hope that this body would do anything. They marched, they protested, and they organized. They deserve credit for the $369 billion that will build solar, wind, and that will build electric vehicles. prgtoken I understand it is only a down payment on what we need for climate. I understand there is more work to be done, so we eliminate fossil fuel subsidies, so we have more of a commitment to environmental justice, and so that we don't have mandates on oil leasing. But I am so proud of the young folks for recognizing that getting something done is better than getting nothing done. This is the first victory in many victories to come, and they deserve credit for our passing this bill today.
BUILD BACK BETTER ACT
Carolyn B. Maloney (Democrat, NY) \u2014 2022-8-12

as chair of the Committee on Oversight and Reform, I rise in strong, strong support of the Inflation Reduction Act. prgtoken My committee conducted a 3-year investigation of prescription drug prices. Our findings overwhelmingly support the need for this bill's reforms to curb the drug industry's outrageous pricing practices and make prescription drugs more affordable for patients and taxpayers. prgtoken These reforms include empowering Medicare to negotiate prices for certain drugs, a step that is long overdue. prgtoken My committee's investigation into the fossil fuel industry showed that Big Oil is refusing to take adequate steps to cut emissions, even though burning fossil fuels is a primary driver of the climate crisis. This bill will finally bring down emissions from fossil fuels, helping our environment. prgtoken I am proud to have championed other provisions in the bill, including a historic investment of $3 billion to electrify the Postal Service delivery fleet. This will replace tens of thousands of gas-guzzling trucks with clean, electric vehicles, helping our environment. prgtoken , I am honored to cast my vote for the Inflation Reduction Act today. prgtoken , as Chairwoman of the Committee on Oversight and Reform, I rise in support of the Inflation Reduction Act. prgtoken My Committee conducted a three-year investigation of prescription drug pricing. Our findings overwhelmingly support the need for this bill's reforms to curb the drug industry's outrageous pricing practices and make prescription drugs more affordable for patients and taxpayers. prgtoken These reforms include empowering Medicare to negotiate prices for certain drugs, a step that is long overdue. prgtoken My Committee's investigation into the fossil fuel industry showed that Big Oil is refusing to take adequate steps to cut emissions, even though burning fossil fuels is a primary driver of the climate crisis. prgtoken This bill will finally bring down emissions from fossil fuels. prgtoken I'm also proud to have championed other provisions in this bill, including a historic investment of $3 billion to electrify the Postal Service delivery fleet. This will replace tens of thousands of gas- guzzling trucks with clean electric vehicles. prgtoken I am honored to cast my vote for the Inflation Reduction Act today.
HONORING THE LIFE OF JOE PARADISO
Joe Courtney (Democrat, CT) \u2014 2022-8-12

. Madam , I rise today to pay tribute to a true hometown hero of Eastern Connecticut, attorney Joseph Paradiso, of Stafford Springs, Connecticut, who passed away sadly but peacefully at his home on Monday, August 8, 2022, at the age of 87. prgtoken Born a Stafford Springs native to Joseph Sr. and Rachele Paradiso, Joe was always destined to serve as a steward of his community. Having graduated from Cheshire Academy, he was educated and trained in the Jesuit tradition at the College of Holy Cross and Georgetown Law in Washington, D.C. That tradition which infuses the highest standards of learning with a deep ethical core, clearly molded Joe's thoughtful, caring approach to the practice of law and his interaction with people from all walks of life. prgtoken A gentleman who was captivated by opportunities to serve in any form, Joe joined the U.S. Army after earning his law degree. Upon his discharge, the pull of his roots in his home state of Connecticut brought him back to Stafford Springs to begin his career in law. Joe in many ways was a Stafford Springs version of the iconic small-town lawyer, Atticus Finch from ``To Kill a Mockingbird.'' Joe wore the badge of his alma mater with a sense of duty, gaining a reputation as a balanced, fair-minded prosecutor with a deep fidelity to the law. Madam , as a lawyer practicing in the same Tolland County community as Joe, I spent a lot of time in the courtrooms with him, working on cases that are a staple to small town America. I was fortunate enough over many years of working side by side, to earn Joe's friendship and get a close-up view of exactly who Joe was during his 37-year-long career as a prosecutor in the Rockville Superior Court system. I can attest, Madam , to the vibrant spirit that was Joe's heart--his fierce stance for taking the moral path regardless of the forces in opposition, and his respect for both people and clients regardless of their identity or background. Joe was both highly competent and fair, causing residents from all over the surrounding region to seek out his help in their moments of need. His big heart was willing to help them all. prgtoken A beloved pillar of the community in Stafford, Joe wore many hats outside of his own practice. Even as I left the court room to run for public office, it is worth noting that I, too, continued to have dealings with him under his various roles within the community. Reflective of his lifelong passion to lift the voices of those around him, he was a staunch advocate for individuals with disabilities. Joe in fact co-founded Journey Found, a nonprofit organization with a mission to advance disability support services for individuals. Journey Found was organized in 2013 to fill the void left by a facility closure, which would have resulted in the disruption of the lives of more than 250 clients and staff, had Joe and the team at Journey Found not stepped in. Outside of his elective roles of advocacy, J
BUILD BACK BETTER ACT
Henry Cuellar (Democrat, TX) \u2014 2022-8-12

. Madam , I would like to clarify for any of my colleagues who might be concerned that these three offshore prgtoken lease sales provided through the Inflation Reduction Act are somehow being rushed through or will be conducted with insufficient administrative process. That is simply not the case. prgtoken These sales were scheduled under the Administration under the 2017-2022 five-year plan. That Interior department subjected the plan to a large programmatic environmental impact statement. They then underwent a multi-sale EIS. These sales then also went through a supplemental EIS. Thus, the idea that any further process should be required is just not credible and that is why the bill requires them to occur by a date certain. prgtoken It is in our national interest to do so as quickly as possible so that the energy crisis does not become even worse and so that the fuel and revenue these sales will generate can find their way into our economy sooner than later.
HONORING PHILIP BRYCE OF THE NEW HAMPSHIRE DIVISION OF PARKS AND RECREATION
Chris Pappas (Democrat, NH) \u2014 2022-8-12

. Madam , I rise today to honor Philip Bryce of the New Hampshire Division of Parks and Recreation who is retiring after 25 years of service to the community. Prior to his most recent service as the Director of the Division of Parks and Recreation for the past 11 years, Philip served his community as the Director of the Division of Forest and Lands. prgtoken Philip has dedicated his distinguished career to preserving our state's public lands. His love of nature began when he spent summers with his grandparents in Ontario and continued to grow as he studied forestry at the University of Maine. During his tenure as Director of the Division of Parks and Recreation Philip managed nearly 100 parks, including lakes, beaches, trails, and forests, and oversaw a $30 million operating budget that is entirely self-funded. prgtoken New Hampshire's state parks provide Granite Staters with outstanding educational and inspirational experiences. They provide vital services in the conservation of our natural lands and are special places of cultural and natural significance. Philip's leadership and dedication has been integral to the continued success of these parks. prgtoken On behalf of my constituents in New Hampshire's First Congressional District, I want to thank Philip for his continued dedication to the Granite State. I congratulate him again on his incredible career and wish him the best in retirement.
BUILD BACK BETTER ACT
Daniel T. Kildee (Democrat, MI) \u2014 2022-8-12

I rise in support of the Inflation Reduction Act to help fight inflation and lower costs for the Michigan families and seniors that I represent. prgtoken With this bill, we will be able to lower healthcare costs for Michigan families and seniors. This bill will allow Medicare to negotiate the cost of prescription drugs, including capping the cost of insulin for seniors at $35 a month. prgtoken With this bill, we will create good-paying jobs to combat the climate crisis. This bill will invest in domestic clean energy production and manufacturing facilities to lower costs. It will support making solar panels at companies like Hemlock Semiconductor and electric vehicles in Michigan, not in China. prgtoken With this bill, which is fully paid for, we will ensure the biggest corporations and the wealthiest individuals pay their fair share of taxes. Right now, 55 of the Nation's biggest corporations pay zero in Federal taxes while making billions in profits. A Flint nurse, a Saginaw farmer, or a Bay City teacher should not pay more in taxes than the largest, wealthiest, most profitable corporations. prgtoken , I support this legislation.
CONGRATULATING HUCKLEBERRY'S PIZZA ON 30 YEARS OF SERVICE TO THE QUAD CITIES COMMUNITY
Cheri Bustos (Democrat, IL) \u2014 2022-8-12

. Madam , I rise today to congratulate Huckleberry's Pizza in Rock Island, Illinois for having provided excellent customer service, delicious pizza and calzones and lasting memories to residents of the Quad Cities community for 30 years. prgtoken Located in downtown Rock Island, Huckleberry's Pizza has been a staple in the Quad Cities region since it opened. The restaurant's owner, Jon Keim, has been instrumental in growing the popular eatery into what it is today. He purchased the restaurant's current building three decades ago, and despite it not originally being a restaurant, he built a kitchen, knocked down interior walls, and worked tirelessly to make his vision a reality. As it continued to grow, so did his dedication to his business and his desire to forge a dining environment that would unify the region. When the COVID-19 pandemic and ensuing labor shortage challenged small businesses like Huckleberry's Pizza, it forced the iconic dining room to close. But once again, Mr. Keim did not relent. Thirty years later, his restaurant is still serving customers. I look forward to Huckleberry's Pizza's continued presence in downtown Rock Island for many years to come. prgtoken It is because of seminal establishments such as Huckleberry's Pizza that I am especially proud to serve Illinois' 17th Congressional District. Madam , I would like to, again, formally congratulate Huckleberry's Pizza in Rock Island for their contributions to the Quad Cities community for over 30 years.