mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
Motion to Discharge (Executive Session)
Mike Lee (Republican, UT) \u2014 2021-4-15

I stand today in opposition to this illegitimate motion to discharge the nomination of Vanita Gupta to become the Associate Attorney General of the United States. prgtoken I say that this motion to discharge is illegitimate because it was-- because the Senate Judiciary Committee and its chairman decided unilaterally to ram through a vote on Ms. Gupta in violation of the rules and precedents of the Senate Judiciary Committee. prgtoken As has been the longstanding tradition in the Judiciary Committee, members were debating the nomination of Vanita Gupta and expected that everyone would be given the opportunity to speak. prgtoken But in the middle of a speech being delivered by one of the Judiciary Committee's members, Senator Cotton from Arkansas, the chairman of the committee, Senator Durbin, cut him off and unilaterally proceeded to a vote, effectively nuking the committee rules that should have allowed Senator Cotton and others to speak. prgtoken Never, in the more than 10 years that I have served on the Judiciary Committee, have I seen a chairman of that committee so blatantly, brazenly violate rule and principle and precedent in this way. This behavior is not only unusual, but it is inexcusable. prgtoken Lengthy debate in committee markups is actually much more common than some in this Chamber might have you believe. For example, filibustered the nomination of former Attorney General Jeff Sessions for so long that then-Chairman Chuck Grassley was forced to delay a consideration of his nomination until the next markup. prgtoken You have got that right. Chairman Grassley actually followed the committee rules and allowed for all of our colleagues to speak, notwithstanding the fact that they disagreed with him, notwithstanding the fact that it was contentious, notwithstanding the fact that he didn't like what they were saying. prgtoken And by doing so, he was forced--because he was complying with the rules and the precedents of the Senate--to delay the consideration of Attorney General Sessions' nomination. But that is what he did. He did that instead because it was preferable to an act of unilaterally forcing a vote and thereby nuking the Judiciary Committee's rules. prgtoken Now, to put this in context, we need to understand that Judiciary Committee rule IV states: The Chair shall enter a non-debatable motion to bring a matter before the Committee to a vote. If there is objection to bringing a matter to a vote without further debate, a roll call vote of the Committee shall be taken, and debate shall be terminated if the motion to bring the matter to a vote without further debate passes with twelve votes in the affirmative, one of which must be cast by the minority. prgtoken Rule IV essentially preserves the right of minority members to speak. prgtoken Chairman Durbin decided to nuke that part of rule IV in particular because he knew that he didn't have 12
OPPOSE PACKING THE SUPREME COURT
Carlos A. Gimenez (Republican, FL) \u2014 2021-4-15

. Madam , I rise in strong opposition to the proposal by some Members to pack the Supreme Court. prgtoken At first glance, you would think this came from Hugo Chavez or Nicolas Maduro, pictured here. It is sad to see that it actually comes from some people in this institution. prgtoken As a Cuban exile who fled the Communist Castro regime, I know the consequences of these dictatorial moves to centralize power in the hands of a few ideologues. prgtoken Packing the courts is a tactic used by brutal dictatorships, like Venezuela, to consolidate the Socialists' power, which resulted in tens of thousands of court rulings in its favor and basically destroyed the country. prgtoken Packing the courts sets the precedent for the judicial branch being expanded at every transition of power, with each President wanting to put their four or more additional Justices, which eventually could result in hundreds of Justices of the Supreme Court. prgtoken This proposal to fundamentally rebalance our judicial system towards one political ideology should not only be opposed, but must be condemned to the fullest extent. prgtoken I will fight to my last breath the attempts by anyone to fundamentally change government in such a militant manner.
PAYCHECK FAIRNESS ACT
Rick W. Allen (Republican, GA) \u2014 2021-4-15

we all agree that every American should be compensated for the quality of their work and not face discrimination in the workplace based on race, color, national origin, religion, or sex. prgtoken That is why Congress passed the Equal Pay Act in 1963 and broader nondiscrimination laws under title VII of the Civil Rights Act the following year. prgtoken However, unlike those bills, H.R. 7 offers no new protections. It is simply a messaging bill to score political points. prgtoken What will the bill actually do? For job creators, they can expect more lawsuits and more regulatory burdens. prgtoken While limiting legal options for women by changing EPA class action lawsuits from an opt-in system to a mandatory opt-out system, H.R. 7 allows trial lawyers to pursue unlimited compensatory damages, making it nearly impossible for employers to defend against frivolous lawsuits. prgtoken Additionally, it requires employers to make intrusive data disclosures to the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission regarding the sex, race, and national origin of employees and, for the first time, the hiring, termination, and promotion data of those employees, ultimately posing a threat to workers' privacy. prgtoken The compliance costs to satisfy these requirements can total more than $600 million a year. We have already seen a number of small businesses forced to close this year because of COVID lockdowns, and now my ic colleagues want to impose more regulatory burdens on businesses that were lucky enough to survive. prgtoken Thankfully, my colleague from New York, Congresswoman Elise Stefanik, has a solution that will actually address pay discrimination and support women in the workplace. The Wage Equity Act protects workers' privacy by encouraging voluntary pay analysis while bolstering women's employment through the creation of a grant program for women in college or career and technical programs to provide negotiation skills education. prgtoken I urge my colleagues to oppose H.R. 7 and work with s on meaningful legislation to ensure all workers have the opportunity and wages they deserve.
MOTION TO DISCHARGE--Continued
Roy Blunt (Republican, MO) \u2014 2021-4-15

. The following Senators are necessarily absent: the Senator from Wyoming (Mr. Barrasso), the Senator from Indiana (Mr. Braun), the Senator from North Carolina (Mr. Burr), the Senator from Montana (Mr. Daines), the Senator from Oklahoma (Mr. Inhofe), the Senator from Wyoming (Ms. Lummis), the Senator from Kansas (Mr. Marshall), the Senator from Kansas (Mr. Moran), the Senator from Kentucky (Mr. Paul), and the Senator from Ohio (Mr. Portman). prgtoken Further, if present and voting: the Senator from Kansas (Mr. Marshall) would have voted ``nay.''-
WORKPLACE VIOLENCE PREVENTION FOR HEALTH CARE AND SOCIAL SERVICE WORKERS ACT
Mondaire Jones (Democrat, NY) \u2014 2021-4-16

. Madam , my amendment makes a simple change that would help improve the development of workplace violence prevention plans required under H.R. 1195, the Workplace Violence Prevention for Health Care and Social Service Workers Act. prgtoken As you know, our Nation's nurses, social workers, and other caregivers suffer from workplace violence injuries at far higher rates than any other profession. In fact, these workers are nearly five times as likely to suffer a serious workplace violence injury than workers in other sectors, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. prgtoken The underlying legislation would require employers within these sectors to develop and implement a workplace violence prevention plan to reduce the incidence of injuries and create safer working conditions for their workers. prgtoken In order to ensure that covered employers in the healthcare and social service industries develop thoughtful and comprehensive workplace violence prevention plans, my amendment clarifies that employers are able to outreach to experts and specialists who lead in the issue of workplace violence. prgtoken Healthcare and social service workers have unique needs and face many difficult challenges in the workplace.
HOPE IN THE VACCINE
Mark Takano (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2021-4-16

. Madam , the COVID-19 pandemic has cast a dark cloud over the world. Many have lost family members, friends, and other loved ones to the virus. And after many dark months, hope is here. prgtoken With the help of public health experts and science, we have vaccines to protect us and save lives. fought hard for a robust $20 billion national vaccination program in the American Rescue Plan. With these funds, we can ensure that everyone has access to a vaccine. prgtoken In my district, everyone 16 and older is eligible to get vaccinated. And as of this week, Riverside County reported that at least 1.3 million doses have been administered and over 400,000 residents are fully vaccinated, but to reach herd immunity, everyone must get vaccinated. We are all in this together and we can beat this virus together.
WORKPLACE VIOLENCE PREVENTION FOR HEALTH CARE AND SOCIAL SERVICE WORKERS ACT
Haley M. Stevens (Democrat, MI) \u2014 2021-4-16

. Madam , as I rise in support of the Workplace Violence Prevention for Health Care and Social Service Workers Act, I pose the question: Where were you, Madam , at 2 a.m. last night when a gunman stormed into a FedEx facility in Indianapolis killing eight colleagues who did not have a workplace safety plan because their phones were in their lockers, unable to text their loved ones that they were alive? prgtoken This is what we are asking our colleagues on the other side of the Chamber this morning as we debate this very important legislation. Because when you refuse to change the laws to enact gun safety in this country, when you refuse to enact a bill that will allow for workplace safety prevention plans to be put into place, you are simply accepting the status quo of the perpetuation of violence in our workplaces. prgtoken We are at a moment of crisis in this country when it pertains to gun violence. We have the testimonies of the doctors and the nurses. This has been extremely well-vetted. prgtoken Madam , I include in the Record a letter from National Nurses United in support of this legislation. National Nurses United, February 23, 2021. Dear Representative: On behalf of the 170,000 registered nurses represented by National Nurses United, we write to urge you to cosponsor the Workplace Violence Prevention for Health Care and Social Service Workers Act, introduced by Representative Joe Courtney. Across the country, registered nurses and other health care workers are put at risk every day when providing quality care for patients in need. Over the course of the past year, the dangerous working conditions in our nation's hospitals and health care facilities have been exposed due the Covid-19 pandemic. But these hazardous working conditions pre-date Covid-19. The danger of violence in the workplace has become its own epidemic in our nation's health care and social service workplaces. In 2019, nurses reported more than three times the rate of injuries due to workplace violence than workers overall. Nurses report being punched, kicked, bitten, beaten, and threatened with violence as they provide care to others-- and far too many have experienced stabbings and shootings. Violence on the job has increased for nurses during the Covid-19 pandemic. According to a recent survey conducted by National Nurses United, twenty percent of nurses report facing increased workplace violence on the job over the course of the pandemic, which they attribute to decreasing staffing levels, changes in the patient population, and visitor restrictions. There are practical steps that healthcare and social service employers can take to fulfill their obligations to protect their employees from th
WORKPLACE VIOLENCE PREVENTION FOR HEALTH CARE AND SOCIAL SERVICE WORKERS ACT
Alma S. Adams (Democrat, NC) \u2014 2021-4-16

. Madam , I include in the Record letters from the American Society of Safety Professionals, who actively support this bill. American Society of Safety Professionals, March 25, 2021. To: Contacts, Stakeholders and Participants Workplace Prevention Legislation [HR 1195] From: Joseph Weiss, ASSP External Affairs Comments of the American Society of Safety Professionals (ASSP)--The Workplace Violence Prevention for Health Care and Social Service Workers Act (HR 1309 & S 851)-- Confirming ASSP's Position on HR 1195. Greetings: The attached statement and comments were originally submitted by the American Society of Safety Professionals (ASSP) in support of The Workplace Violence Prevention for Health Care and Social Service Workers Act (HR 1309 & S 851) in April 2019. We understand this legislation has been reintroduced as HR 1195. Our comments in the April 2019 statement remain current and reflect our position on HR 1195. ASSP stands ready to assist with initiatives and endeavors to help move occupational safety and health forward. Please contact us if you have any questions regarding our support of
WORKPLACE VIOLENCE PREVENTION FOR HEALTH CARE AND SOCIAL SERVICE WORKERS ACT
Al Green (Democrat, TX) \u2014 2021-4-16

. Madam , whatever employers are doing in the main is not enough. Workplace violence is the third leading cause of job death. Whatever they are doing is not enough. prgtoken Twenty percent of registered nurses in one survey reported an increase in workplace violence. Whatever they are doing is not enough. prgtoken It is not unreasonable to ask people to have a plan to protect employees. It is not unreasonable to ask them to enforce that plan. And it is not unreasonable to provide cover for those who report these workplace violence incidents in the form of protection from retaliation from reporting. It is just not enough.
WORKPLACE VIOLENCE PREVENTION FOR HEALTH CARE AND SOCIAL SERVICE WORKERS ACT
Steve Cohen (Democrat, TN) \u2014 2021-4-16

. Madam , I appreciate Mr. Courtney for yielding to me, and I appreciate him for bringing this bill. He has a long history of now 15 years of looking out for workers, laborers, and their fair place in our country, and I thank him for that. prgtoken Over the past 13 months, our healthcare and social service workers have gone over and beyond in their efforts to keep us healthy and free during this COVID-19 pandemic. This bill, the Workplace Violence Prevention for Health Care and Social Service Workers Act, is one way Congress can help keep them healthy and look out for their safety. prgtoken This amendment is a simple one. It simply says that Alzheimer's and memory care facilities are added to the type of residential treatment facilities covered by this bill. Alzheimer's and memory care facilities are sometimes overlooked in the definition and should not be. prgtoken With our aging population, Alzheimer's and dementia is growing in prevalence. In the United States, more than 5.5 million people now are living with Alzheimer's. The number is expected to increase to 14 million people by 2060. Alzheimer's is the sixth leading cause of death in our country, but third among senior citizens, behind only cancer and heart disease. This increase in Alzheimer's diagnoses means more healthcare workers and social workers will be needed to help patients and their families to try to manage this disease and cope with the effects. prgtoken This bill doesn't only help the workers, but it helps the victims of these diseases that put them in the institutions by making it more likely that people will want to go into those professions and not fear for their health. prgtoken As anyone who has or had a loved one with Alzheimer's knows that Alzheimer's patients can become aggressive for many reasons. Sometimes it is just the inability to grasp a subject or to remember something or they are hungry or whatever, and they get violent. prgtoken That is the reason oftentimes they are put into long-term facilities caring for Alzheimer's patients, and that is going to continue to grow. They have these outbursts of aggression. Healthcare professionals and social service workers need to be protected similar to their colleagues that work in residential treatment facilities. prgtoken I appreciate your consideration. I appreciate this amendment being put in the en bloc. Hopefully, we pass it and pass the bill and we look out for healthcare workers and the people who are the beneficiaries of their work. And they will need more and more service providers as the years go on.
HONORING THE LIFE OF DENNIS CAPRARA
Jimmy Panetta (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2021-4-16

. Madam , the Salad Bowl of the world lost a key ingredient this week with the sudden passing of Dennis Caprara. In his 74 years, Dennis contributed so much to our leading industry of agriculture and our fundamental identity in the Salinas Valley. prgtoken A true local boy, Dennis grew up in Gonzales, grew fond of farming, and grew to appreciate the hard work and sound judgment necessary to succeed in agriculture. prgtoken Starting RC Farms and RC Packing, Dennis and his family became the definition of what it means to be a successful family farm. prgtoken But Dennis was not just a farmer, he was a leader; chairman of the Grower-Shipper Association, director of the Salinas Valley River Coalition, and a distinguished fellow at a local college. prgtoken Dennis also gave back to the community that gave him so much; as a member of the Swiss Rifle Club, and always attending the local livestock auctions where he and his wife, Janice, were active bidders, supporting the kids of 4H and FFA. prgtoken Dennis was a friend and a mentor to many, including myself. And although he often fondly called me a donkey, not necessarily referring to my political party, he offered so much more to those who knew him, who worked with him, who listened to him, and who loved him. prgtoken Madam , today we mourn the loss of Dennis Caprara. But because of Dennis, every day we realize that the Salad Bowl of life tastes so good, not just because of its products, but also because of its people.
LARA LARSON
Jennifer Wexton (Democrat, VA) \u2014 2021-4-16

. Madam , I rise today to congratulate Ms. Lara Larson on her retirement and to thank her for over 30 years of dedicated public service with Fairfax County. prgtoken Lara dedicated her career to supporting the Fairfax-Falls Church Community Services Board (CSB), which provides services for people of all ages who have mental illnesses, substance use disorders, or developmental disabilities. She contributed her wisdom and guidance to the staff agency-wide, and especially with the CSB Communications Team. Her career is exemplary of her commitment to the many residents of Fairfax County, and the Cities of Fairfax and Falls Church. prgtoken I thank Lara for all the years of faithful service to her community and wish her all the best in her future endeavors.
WORKPLACE VIOLENCE PREVENTION FOR HEALTH CARE AND SOCIAL SERVICE WORKERS ACT
David N. Cicilline (Democrat, RI) \u2014 2021-4-16

. Madam , our Nation owes a great debt to the healthcare and social service workers fighting on the frontlines of the COVID-19 pandemic. These essential workers treat the ill, administer vaccines, care for the elderly, and respond to emergencies across the country. Their efforts are critical to our Nation's response to the pandemic. prgtoken Yet, Congress has abdicated its responsibility to protect these essential workers from violence in the workplace. These workers are almost five times as likely to experience a serious injury from workplace violence than workers in other sectors. prgtoken That is why I am proud to cosponsor H.R. 1195. I want to acknowledge the principled, compassionate, committed and effective leadership of Congressman Courtney for shepherding this bill to the floor. prgtoken This legislation would direct OSHA to quickly issue an interim final standard mandating healthcare and social service employers implement workplace prevention plans. prgtoken This is not a partisan issue. I hope we can all agree that everyone deserves to feel safe at work. I urge my colleagues to vote ``yes.'' prgtoken Madam , I include in the Record a letter from the American Public Health Association in support of the legislation. American Public Health Association, Washington, DC, March 23, 2021. House Committee on Education and Labor, Washington, DC. Dear Representative: On behalf of the American Public Health Association, a diverse community of public health professionals that champions the health of all people and communities, I write in strong support of H.R. 1195, the Workplace Violence Prevention for Health Care and Social Services Workers Act. This important bipartisan legislation would require the Occupational Safety and Health Administration to develop a workplace violence prevention standard to protect workers who are at the greatest risk from violence on the job. Workplace violence is a serious problem that has increased substantially in the last decade. Every day, nurses, psychiatric aides, social workers and other caretakers are assaulted on the job. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that in 2019 health care and social service workers experienced the highest rate of workplace violence injuries at 14.7 per 10,000 workers, compared to a national average of 4.4 for all workers. In the same year, psychiatric hospitals had a recorded rate of serious injury due to workplace violence at 152.4 per 10,000 workers. Since 2010, the rate of serious workplace violence injuries has increased by 52% in health care and social assistance jobs. Health care and social service workers are at greatest risk because they are on the frontlines of patient and cl
AMERICA'S OPIOID EPIDEMIC
Carolyn B. Maloney (Democrat, NY) \u2014 2021-4-16

. Madam , I rise to speak on a commonsense bill I introduced to promote accountability for America's opioid crisis. The opioid epidemic has taken almost as many lives as the COVID-19 crisis. prgtoken The Sackler family has amassed billions of dollars, in large part, through the sales of Purdue Pharma's OxyContin. Members of the Sackler family have been directly involved in the company's efforts to flood our communities with this dangerous painkiller and to mislead the public on the danger it poses to their health. Purdue has declared bankruptcy, and members of the Sackler family are seeking legal releases from individual lawsuits brought against them by government entities. prgtoken My bill, H.R. 2096, the SACKLER Act, ensures that individuals accused of wrongdoing by government actors, like the Sacklers, are prevented from evading responsibility through bankruptcy proceedings. prgtoken I ask my colleagues for their support in this crucial effort to ensure accountability for the harm the Sacklers have inflicted on our communities, and to promote justice for lives lost to the opioid epidemic.