mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
Affordable Care Act (Executive Calendar)
Ron Wyden (Democrat, OR) \u2014 2019-7-9

. and colleagues, at Fourth of July picnics and parades, it is likely that complicated healthcare policy debates are not exactly a central topic of conservation. I am pretty sure that is the way the administration wanted it to be. prgtoken Today, lawyers representing the administration and a number of Governors are attempting to have the Affordable Care Act ripped up and thrown out by a Federal court. They were unable to do that in the Congress, so now they have headed off to try to get it done in the courts. The case is happening in the Fifth Circuit in Louisiana. This is not some theoretical exercise; this is an immediate threat to the healthcare of millions and millions of Americans. prgtoken I want to be clear at the outset of these remarks what the bottom line is. The bottom line is that eliminating protections for preexisting conditions is now the official position of the Party. That is the centerpiece of what this court case attacks--the ironclad, airtight guarantee at the heart of the Affordable Care Act that insurance companies cannot discriminate against those with a preexisting condition. The fact is, the Party wants that eliminated. prgtoken This attack on Americans' healthcare goes way beyond preexisting conditions. What about prescription drug costs? Prescription drugs are outrageously expensive right now, and the problem is getting worse under the administration. Prices are up more than 10 percent just in the past 6 months. Americans are forced to make life-threatening choices where they really have to balance their food bill against their medicine bill and medicine against other necessities, like shelter. In effect, Americans self-ration because their prescriptions just cost too much. prgtoken If this lawsuit succeeds, prescription drug costs are going to skyrocket even higher. If the Affordable Care Act is prgtoken thrown out, that will be the end of the requirement that health insurance companies have to cover prescription drugs. Patients will be forced into junk insurance plans that don't cover the care they actually need. Millions of people of limited means would be kicked off their Medicaid coverage. Millions of seniors would face higher drug costs. prgtoken The bottom line: If this case is successful, it will launch a forced march back to the days of yesteryear when healthcare was for the healthy and the wealthy. The reason I say that is that is the way it used to be. If you had a preexisting condition in the past, you were just out of luck unless you had an enormous amount of money. The only people who really could benefit were people who were healthy and people who were wealthy. The Affordable Care Act changed that. More than 100 million people got a lifeline protection against discrimination if they had a preexisting condition. prgtoken If the lawsuit succeeds, the biggest winners are going to be the largest of the insura
Affordable Care Act (Executive Calendar)
Debbie Stabenow (Democrat, MI) \u2014 2019-7-9

I first want to thank my friend and colleague from Ohio for his passion and for caring so deeply, as we all do in our caucus, fighting for people's healthcare. prgtoken It seems every week I am down on the floor saying exactly the same thing: Healthcare is personal; it is not political. Healthcare is personal to every single person in Michigan; it is not political. prgtoken Whether a senior is able to afford the medication she needs to treat her chronic condition, that is personal. Whether a single dad is able to take his children to a trusted doctor when they get sick or hurt and keep them on his policy until age 26, that is personal. Whether a woman is charged more for the health insurance coverage she needs to detect cancer early enough so it can be cured, that is personal. prgtoken Unfortunately, the law that helps seniors afford their prescriptions, ensures children can remain on their parents' insurance until age 26, requires health insurance policies to charge women the same as a man and to cover lifesaving, preventive care, that law is currently in the intensive care unit on life support. prgtoken As we know, since 2010, Senate and House s have voted to repeal or undermine the Affordable Care Act more than 100 different times--100 different times. That didn't sit right with families across Michigan and across the country. They stood up with us, they fought back with us, and together we won. prgtoken What s couldn't do in Congress, they are trying to do through the courts. Today, literally, the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals begins hearing arguments in a case brought by 18 different attorneys general and Governors. prgtoken In short, these 18 attorneys general and Governors, backed by the administration and President , are trying to take away your healthcare. If they win, healthcare reform could be completely overturned and healthcare taken away. That would take everything away, including Medicaid expansion, which we call Healthy Michigan. In Michigan, we have about 700,000 people getting healthcare now who don't have to pick between working a minimum wage job and getting healthcare. They can do both. Children staying on their parents' insurance plans until age 26-- prgtoken gone. More affordable drugs for seniors--gone. Protections for people with preexisting conditions--gone. prgtoken In other words, it would put insurance companies back in charge of your healthcare, and we all remember what that was like. prgtoken Women could once again be charged more for coverage and have to get a rider if they want to get maternity care coverage and prenatal care coverage. Remember when being a woman was considered a preexisting condition? I do. Members of my family do. prgtoken Families could once again face yearly or lifetime caps on care when they need it the most, when you think about it. prgtoken If the Affordable Care Act is repealed through the co
CONGRATULATING JOE DIETTERICK
Jefferson Van Drew (Democrat, NJ) \u2014 2019-7-9

when Joe Dietterick was told by his guidance counselor that he should join the Vineland High School crew team, the Fighting Clan, he wasn't interested at first. But Joe, a 16- year-old with cerebral palsy, isn't one to back down from a challenge. All he needed was one practice on the lake, pushing his boat through the water with his doubles partner, Jason Wheeler, to immediately fall in love with rowing. prgtoken Joe and Jason went on to become Vineland High School's first adaptive boat to row in the Atlantic County rowing championships, and they also went on to compete in the Stotesbury Cup Regatta. prgtoken Joe's perseverance and willingness to challenge himself is an inspiration to prgtoken his teammates; to his coach, Paul Myers; and to all who gave him the Most Courageous award at their team's award banquet. Joe says that the comradery and friendship that he has found with his teammates is what means the most to him. prgtoken , I thank Mr. Dietterick for being an important part of our community. He is an inspiration and he is a hero.
Affordable Care Act (Executive Calendar)
Catherine Cortez Masto (Democrat, NV) \u2014 2019-7-9

I want to talk today about Kyle Bailey from Sparks, NV. Kyle is 27 years old, and he is an amazing success story. He was born with cystic fibrosis, a genetic condition that affects the lungs and digestive system, making it hard to breathe normally or absorb nutrients. prgtoken Cystic fibrosis has no cure, so patients like Kyle spend hours every day on treatments to keep themselves as healthy as possible. With good medical care and lifesaving medications, he has been able to live a full life, creating music and artwork. He is engaged to be married. prgtoken Yet Kyle lives in fear. He is afraid he will lose his health insurance and coverage for treatments that keep him alive. That could happen if the Party succeeds in its latest attempt to use the courts to attack the Affordable Care Act and to end its protections for preexisting conditions. prgtoken Just today, a Federal appeals court has heard more arguments about whether the ACA is constitutional. On one side are patients like Kyle; on the other side are the administration and 18 State attorneys general, who all want the court to strike down the Affordable Care Act. prgtoken We have seen it before. The s have tried to defeat the ACA in Congress and in the courts over 100 times, and each time they have failed because the American people have raised their voices and said: Stop. We want our healthcare coverage. prgtoken But just because the ACA survived those attacks doesn't mean it is safe. It is especially scary for those who gained coverage and peace of mind thanks to the Affordable Care Act's strong safeguards for patients. prgtoken One of the most important parts of the ACA is its guaranteed protections for people with preexisting conditions. Insurers used to be able to discriminate against people because of their medical history. They would weed out people who were born with genetic conditions, like Kyle, or people who had gotten seriously ill, like Ivy Batmale from Incline Village. At 5 years old, Ivy was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia, one of the most common childhood cancers. Ivy beat leukemia, but the years of harsh therapy triggered a reaction that affected her legs. Ivy was told that she would never walk again. She spent years in wheelchairs undergoing surgery and other treatments. prgtoken With costly therapies, Ivy got better. This spring, she and her family marched into breakfast with me right here on Capitol Hill to advocate for childhood cancer research. But Ivy, like other childhood cancer survivors, has had lingering health conditions over the course of her life and will need careful monitoring until she is 40 years old. That is why if s give insurance companies the choice, insurers will either refuse to cover people like Ivy and Kyle or they will charge sky-high rates. The ACA keeps the insurance companies from doing that. If judges strike down the ACA, people like I
REMEMBERING THE LIFE OF MICHAEL THOMAS GEORGE
Tim Ryan (Democrat, OH) \u2014 2019-7-9

. Madam , I rise today to honor the life of Michael ``Mikey'' Thomas George, 16, who passed away surrounded by his loving family on Sunday, June 23, 2019. prgtoken Mikey was a proud student of St. Edward High School in Lakewood and a dedicated Michael Buble and Roman Reigns fan. His friends and family knew Michael for his contagious smile, laughter, and quick wit. prgtoken His favorite summers were spent on Kelley's Island, enjoying the sun and island lifestyle. Mikey was known to entertain all with his singing, dancing, and with the creative nicknames he gave to people. prgtoken Mikey loved his family dearly. He is survived by his loving parents, Kristine and Tony George, his triplet siblings, David and Julia, his older siblings, Joseph George, Justin Rose (Lisa), Robert George, Krystle George-Kearns (Christian) and Jonathon Rose (Amber); grandmother Glenna Botkins, along with numerous aunts, uncles and cousins. prgtoken My deepest condolences go out to the George Family, and all whose lives were touched by Mikey. He will most certainly live prgtoken on in the hearts and minds of all that knew him.
DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY MUST SERVE THE NATION
Sheila Jackson Lee (Democrat, TX) \u2014 2019-7-9

I have known the men and women who have served in the Department of Homeland Security and have dealt with the border for many, many years. I have respected the work that they have done. It is tragic, however, that as we continue to serve under this administration, we now find the Department of Homeland Security in a major cover-up: the unaccompanied children who have been separated from their families, the disallowances of Members to visit and do their oversight work to see the conditions, and the rejection of the Department of Homeland Security's Office of Inspector General who wrote a direct memo to the secretary that said there is an urgent crisis that you must deal with at the border, and for this secretary to go on national television and deny it. prgtoken You can applaud the men and women who work, but you cannot applaud bad acts. You cannot applaud what is happening in Mexico, which I just came back from. The migrants who are there are not being taken care of. They are in desperate need. Some of them will prgtoken not have a place to live, some of them will not have food, and it is because of the policies of this administration. prgtoken The Department of Homeland Security must serve the Nation, it must not serve one single President. I maintain that we are going to fight to fix this broken immigration system.
Affordable Care Act (Executive Calendar)
Patty Murray (Democrat, WA) \u2014 2019-7-9

today President and attorneys general are explaining in court why they think people who got their healthcare through the exchanges or Medicaid expansion should have it ripped away. They are explaining why limits on patients' out- of-pocket costs should go away while limits on their annual and lifetime benefits should come back and why protections for people with preexisting conditions should be struck down. prgtoken In other words, s are, once again, fighting to take us back to the bad old days to give big insurance companies all the power, to leave millions of people without any hope of getting the quality affordable care they need and to leave patients and families with fewer protections and higher bills--patients like Lily from Gig Harbor, WA, in my home State. prgtoken Lily is a rising high school sophomore. She is a rising soccer star, and she is a patient living with cystic fibrosis. To stay healthy and stay on the field, Lily needs to take several prescriptions a day. She needs to keep expensive medical devices on hand and visit specialists every other month, not to mention the hospital a couple of times a year. Even on a good month, her healthcare can cost thousands of dollars. prgtoken For families like hers, the stakes could not be higher. If s win their blatantly partisan lawsuit, insurance companies could kick patients like Lily off their parents' insurance before they turn 26, meaning that instead of worrying whether Lily will continue her soccer career at Gonzaga or UW or somewhere else, her family could spend her senior year worrying how to make sure she can get the healthcare she needs. prgtoken If s win, insurance companies could also avoid covering essential health benefits patients need--things like prescription drugs or emergency care. They could remove limits on how much patients have to pay out of pocket and put limits on patients' annual and lifetime benefits, which is particularly challenging for patients, like Lily, who need expensive drugs to treat chronic preexisting conditions. prgtoken If s win, insurance companies could discriminate against patients who have preexisting conditions, like cystic fibrosis, by charging them more, excluding benefits, or even denying them coverage completely. prgtoken Let's be clear. Lily is just 1 of 30,000 patients in our country with cystic fibrosis and 1 of over 100 million patients in our country living with a preexisting condition. prgtoken Like the woman who wrote to me about her severe arthritis, which could be debilitating without treatment, or her husband whose high blood pressure could be deadly without medication, or the mom who wrote to me about her son's rare form of epilepsy and how, without insurance, the medical costs would crush her family. For these families and so many other patients living with a preexisting condition, the lawsuit s are bringing today
COLORADO RAILROAD MUSEUM
Ed Perlmutter (Democrat, CO) \u2014 2019-7-9

. Madam , I rise today to recognize and commend the Colorado Railroad Museum on their 60th anniversary. prgtoken Railroads have played a unique role in the development and history of the state of Colorado, enabling the safe transportation of people and goods across Colorado's rugged geography and serving as the backbone of Colorado's economy and culture since 1876. prgtoken Connecting the past and future of Colorado, the Museum serves to tell the story of America from the First Nations of the region to the immigrants and their families who came after to build their new lives in Colorado. Servicing more than 100,000 visitors annually, the Museum provides hands-on educational opportunity, preserves and displays educational historical artifacts, and offers exemplary educational programs to the community including: ``Day Out with Thomas'' events for children and ``Living History'' train rides in a restored steam locomotive. Thanks to a fundraising effort the Museum has expanded their work to include a climate-controlled library to handle archival records and a roundhouse to ensure the safety of their rolling stock so generations to come may continue to enjoy them. As such they have continually ranked amongst the top 10 paid attractions in the Denver metro area and as one of the top 10 railroad museums in the United States. prgtoken The Museum has been recognized by the Smithsonian Institute and others for their work in preserving the history of the Rocky Mountain West. I extend my deepest congratulations to the Colorado Railroad Museum for their well-earned accolades and I look forward to another 60 years of their service to our community and the people of Colorado.
EXECUTIVE CALENDAR--Continued
Dianne Feinstein (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2019-7-9

I rise today to oppose the nomination of Daniel Bress to the Ninth Circuit in California. prgtoken First, by history and tradition, this is a California seat on the Ninth Circuit. The fact is that Mr. Bress is neither a California attorney nor a California resident. In fact, he has not been a resident of the State for over a decade. He has lived and practiced in the Washington, DC, area for almost his entire adult life. prgtoken As California Senators, Senator and I know that experience and connection to California are really necessary for a Ninth Circuit judge to be effective on the bench. We know our State, we know our constituents, and we know the challenges they face. prgtoken That is why the blue slip is so important. Honoring the blue slip ensures that Senators who understand and are accountable to their constituents have a say in judicial nominations for their home States. prgtoken Senator 's and my blue slips were not returned. That ultimately symbolizes our objections. I was also very disappointed that the White House ignored that and moved forward with Mr. Bress's nomination. prgtoken Senator and I worked in good faith with the White House to find nominees acceptable to the President and to us. During our negotiations that took place, we informed the White House that we could support several other nominees who were, in fact, selected by the White House. Yet the White House and the members of the Judiciary Committee have claimed we were at an impasse. That is simply not true. For reasons still unknown to us, the White House abandoned our negotiations and nominated Mr. Bress for this seat instead. prgtoken I am very disappointed that leadership decided to schedule a vote on Mr. Bress's nomination, given both of our objections to his nomination and our concerns about a lack of connection to our State. prgtoken Next, I want to discuss what I mean by a lack of connection to our State. prgtoken The White House has greatly exaggerated Mr. Bress's connections to California to justify their decision to move forward with a non- California nominee. prgtoken I have studied Mr. Bress's record extensively, and I would like to run through some of what I have found. prgtoken Mr. Bress claims to spend a substantial amount of time working in his law firm's San Francisco office. However, as recently as November 2018, Mr. Bress's profile on the Kirkland & Ellis LLP website listed him as an attorney working exclusively in the firm's Washington, DC, office. His profile page likewise provided contact information--phone and fax-- only for the Washington, DC, office. prgtoken Just before he was nominated, Mr. Bress's Kirkland & Ellis profile was revised to list him as an attorney in both the Washington, DC, and San Francisco, CA, offices of the firm. prgtoken In addition, according to a review conducted by my staff, every public legal filing signed by Mr. Bress lists his office a
HONORING THE FAMILY OF GREG McDANIEL
Jim Costa (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2019-7-9

. Madam , I rise today to honor the family of Greg McDaniel on Atwater's 2019 4th of July parade. On December 25, 2018, the greater Atwater community lost one of their most dedicated leaders who served as the President of Atwater's 4th of July Committee for over 20 years. In honor of Mr. McDaniel's many years of commitment to organizing this parade, his wife Pinky has been named the Grand Marshal of this year's parade. prgtoken As President of the Atwater 4th of July Committee, Mr. McDaniel played an integral role in the planning of Atwater's annual 4th of July parade and celebration. Each year he successfully helped raise the necessary funds and oversaw many of the operations that helped make the parade the event it has grown into today. Mr. McDaniel was committed to making each year's celebration better than the year before, which is reflected in what Atwater's 4th of July celebration has become. prgtoken Atwater's 4th of July celebration is now a day consisting of a morning run, parade, and fireworks that attracts thousands from throughout the City of Atwater and other cities in Merced County. The positivity Mr. McDaniel exuded in this endeavor is now present in the Atwater community members that have stepped up to continue the traditions Mr. McDaniel cared so deeply about. prgtoken Mr. McDaniel was joined in all he did by his wife of 45 years, Pinky. She was by his side assisting him in all his tremendous community contributions. In addition to planning the 4th of July celebration, Mr. McDaniel spent many years with local youth sports organizations, announced the Atwater High School football games, and served many times as the president of the Atwater Chamber of Commerce, among various other civic engagements. Though he is deeply missed, his wife Pinky, sons Christopher and Jeffory, grandchildren, and residents of Atwater continue to carry on the legacy he left. prgtoken Madam , I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring the family of Greg McDaniel. It is both fitting and appropriate that we honor them as his wife Pinky is recognized as the Grand Marshal of a parade and celebration her husband dedicated so many years to. I wish his family and the residents of Atwater the best as they celebrated the 4th of July.