mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
ARMS SALES NOTIFICATION
Robert Menendez (Democrat, NJ) \u2014 2023-4-20

section 36(b) of the Arms Export Control Act requires that Congress receive prior notification of certain proposed arms sales as defined by that statute. Upon such notification, the Congress has 30 calendar days during which the sale may be reviewed. The provision stipulates that, in the Senate, the notification of proposed sales shall be sent to the chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. prgtoken In keeping with the committee's intention to see that relevant information is available to the full Senate, I ask unanimous consent to have printed in the Record the notifications which have been received. If the cover letter references a classified annex, then such annex is available to all Senators in the office of the Foreign Relations Committee, room SD-423.
TRIPLE-NEGATIVE BREAST CANCER
Sydney Kamlager-Dove (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2023-4-20

I rise today to bring greater awareness to triple-negative breast cancer and to talk about the pressing need for increased funding for triple-negative breast cancer research. Breast cancer is a devastating disease that overwhelmingly affects women, especially women of color. Triple-negative breast cancer is one of the most aggressive and deadly forms of breast cancer. prgtoken Women with triple-negative breast cancer often face a worse prognosis and limited treatment options. We need to increase funding for research into this disease so that we can find better ways to detect it early and to develop new treatments that will give women with triple-negative breast cancer a fighting chance. prgtoken But funding for research is not enough. We also need to ensure equitable access to treatment for all women with breast cancer, regardless of their race, ethnicity, or socioeconomic status. Women from marginalized communities often face barriers to accessing care, and we must work to break down those barriers. prgtoken No woman should have to fight breast cancer alone, and no woman should be denied the care she needs because of where she comes from or how much money she makes. We must come together as a community to ensure that all women have access to the care and treatment they need. prgtoken I urge my fellow lawmakers to join me in supporting increased funding for triple-negative breast cancer research and ensuring equity and access to care for all women with breast cancer. Together, we can make a difference and save lives.
DISAPPROVING THE ACTION OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA COUNCIL IN APPROVING THE COMPREHENSIVE POLICING AND JUSTICE REFORM AMENDMENT ACT OF 2022
Betty McCollum (Democrat, MN) \u2014 2023-4-20

I rise in opposition to H.J. Res. 42. prgtoken House s seem to think it is appropriate to stop the District of Columbia from enacting the kind of common-sense police reforms that many of our states, including my state of Minnesota, have already enacted. prgtoken My constituents did not elect me to interfere with the local politics of our nation's capital city. prgtoken Congress should respect the 700,000 residents of the District of Columbia by not interfering in their right to pass measures to improve their public safety and public trust. If my colleagues won't support D.C. statehood, they should at least support the autonomy of D.C.'s local government. prgtoken The D.C. bill which s are attacking was enacted to establish public trust with law enforcement and save lives. Banning chokeholds, limiting the use of deadly force, and requiring training on de-escalation are positive measures that duly elected D.C. officials have determined will make their community safer. Instead of using a Congressional vote to overturn D.C.'s law, Congress should be advancing law enforcement reform measures on a federal level, such as the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act. prgtoken My colleagues need to stop interfering with D.C.'s duly elected officials. Congress should instead get to work for the American people to cap insulin costs for everyone, make the wealthiest and the biggest corporations pay their fair share in taxes, or strengthen Social Security and Medicare. prgtoken President has already said he will veto this legislation should it make it to his desk. But s insist on wasting Congress's time with political stunts like this instead of solving problems for the constituents we all were elected to serve. prgtoken , H.J. Res. 42 should be rejected.
LEGISLATIVE SESSION
Debbie Stabenow (Democrat, MI) \u2014 2023-4-20

first of all, I have to also lend my voice in congratulations to Senator Patty Murray. We are so proud of her and look to her for her leadership. It is an honor to serve with her in the leadership in the Senate, but she is just an extraordinary Member. And 10,000 votes--that is a lot of votes, and we should all continue to be very grateful for her leadership. So congratulations. prgtoken , this amendment is one that, in spirit--I mean, I agree with the need. Senator Sullivan and I have talked about the fact that I think he identified something that is very important for small rural communities. It is, however, duplicative of work we already do through rural development in USDA. prgtoken The USDA has Community Facilities Programs. They provide grants and loans and loan guarantees for essential community services in rural areas of 20,000 residents or less, including public safety. prgtoken Communities have used this for firetrucks, fire department construction, and fire equipment that Senator Sullivan has talked eloquently about. Last year, it was nearly $100 million in assistance to rural fire departments. prgtoken So I told Senator Sullivan that we will have, in the next number of months, the farm bill reauthorization on the floor. I want to work very much with him on how we might be able to more focus or strengthen this program that already exists. The farm bill is coming up. I believe that is the place for us to address what is a very important issue. prgtoken So I would urge my colleagues to channel their support to rural first responders into supporting this particular program in the upcoming farm bill reauthorization.
REMEMBERING THE HOLOCAUST
Al Green (Democrat, TX) \u2014 2023-4-20

and still I rise. I rise today, Mr with a departure from my message that I fully intended to give, one that I believe to be exceedingly important. prgtoken I rise today to deviate from my message because of circumstances that occurred in the course of events here at the House of Representatives. prgtoken Today, , we had a Holocaust remembrance take place. It is a memorial, if you will, a very special occasion that requires solemnity and commemoration; a commemoration for the victims of the Holocaust. prgtoken We were fortunate enough to have this opportunity to hear from victims of the Holocaust; survivors, if you will. prgtoken If you are a survivor, and a relative was lost, in my world, that makes you a victim too. Maybe all wouldn't agree with me. prgtoken This event took place in the Capitol Visitor Center, right in the area where the Statue of Freedom is. An appropriate place for it, I might add. prgtoken It was an event that I had been looking forward to because I had not attended this event in the years that have passed since I have been in Congress. I was looking forward to this for a multiplicity of reasons. prgtoken I was there at the event. The event started with the usual things that events will start with; music, bringing in persons who are to be recognized and commemorated. prgtoken The persons who are the survivors came in, a good many of them. The number I could not count because I came in as they were moving in, as well. prgtoken There were Members of Congress present. I wasn't the only one. We were there. As the ceremony proceeded, we had a vote, and I had to leave. prgtoken I am the grandson of a preacher. I was taught that there are some things that you don't do under certain circumstances. prgtoken In my church, you could not move when we arrived at a special portion of prgtoken the proceedings. When my grandfather was giving his message, there was no movement. So this is something that is a part of my DNA, to remain where you are. prgtoken I had to make a decision. There was a vote on, and it was something of importance. All votes are important, by the way, all are, but this was something of importance to a good many of my constituents. prgtoken I had to make a decision. Would I stay and honor the tradition that my grandfather instilled in me, or would I leave, walk out of the ceremony as it was taking place? prgtoken I want to apologize to the persons who were hosting this event. I want to apologize to the survivors who were present because I did walk out, and I did come, and I did cast my vote. prgtoken I would hope that ceremonies such as this would be recognized by us, we, the Members of this great body, the House of Representatives. prgtoken I would hope that they would be recognized to the extent that we could organize our much needed, much appreciated by our constituents, those votes that we cast. prgtoken I just believe that there is a way to have a Holocaust remembrance ceremony and not ha
CUTS TO VETERANS SERVICES AND THE VA
Christopher R. Deluzio (Democrat, PA) \u2014 2023-4-20

every single American who ever raised their right hand, as I did, to serve in uniform signed a blank check to this country, to lay it all on the line, if asked; to put this country before their lives and their families. prgtoken America has a sacred obligation to all of us. And let me be clear: The plan to slash billions of dollars from veterans and the VA is an absolute betrayal. It is a disgrace. prgtoken They are threatening to blow up our economy, to push us into default unless we agree to cuts to the VA and resources for veterans, and so much else. prgtoken There is not a single protection, not one for veterans in their bill. It will mean massive cuts for veterans. Millions of veterans are going to be screwed over by this plan. They won't get the care they have earned. They are going to have to wait longer for their claims, and so much else will happen. prgtoken My fellow veterans should know we are going to fight hard to protect our healthcare, our VA, and the benefits they have earned. prgtoken , it is a BS plan.
INTRODUCTION OF THE NUCLEAR WEAPONS ABOLITION AND CONVERSION ACT OF 2023
Eleanor Holmes Norton (Democrat, DC) \u2014 2023-4-20

today, I introduce the Nuclear Weapons Abolition and Conversion Act of 2023. This bill would require that, beginning on the date that the President certifies to Congress that all countries possessing nuclear weapons have begun the verifiable and irreversible elimination of such weapons under the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons (Treaty), the United States redirect resources that are being used for nuclear weapons programs to be used for addressing the climate crisis and human and infrastructure needs, such as housing, health care and restoring the environment. prgtoken In 1993, District of Columbia peace activists were successful in getting a ballot initiative in D.C. passed that called for nuclear disarmament. Every Congress since then, I have introduced a bill based on that initiative, including this bill. In March 2019, the D.C. Council passed a ``Sense of the Council'' resolution urging the United States to approve the Treaty. These actions show that D.C. residents were early, prescient leaders on this important issue. It seems that the rest of the world is, thankfully, starting to catch up to D.C. prgtoken As the only Nation that has used nuclear weapons in war, and that still possesses one of the largest nuclear weapons arsenals, my bill would help the United States reestablish its moral leadership in the world by redirecting funds that would otherwise go to nuclear weapons to address the climate crisis and urgent domestic needs. prgtoken I strongly urge my colleagues to support this bill.
STATEMENTS ON INTRODUCED BILLS AND JOINT RESOLUTIONS
Richard J. Durbin (Democrat, IL) \u2014 2023-4-20

most Americans spent more time at home watching television during the pandemic. I know I did. And what was one of the most common commercials we saw? Direct-to-consumer drug ads. You know, those fancy commercials with catchy music, celebrity actors, and swinging golf clubs? Even before COVID, Americans saw an average of nine ads per day. Every year, the pharmaceutical industry spends more than $6 billion on ads--$6 billion. That is the same as the entire budget of the Food and Drug Administration. In fact, we know that most top Pharma companies spend more on their advertising budget than on drug research and development. prgtoken It turns out, the United States is one of only two countries in the world that even allows these commercials. Can you guess the other? New Zealand. prgtoken Do you want to know why Pharma spends so much money promoting their drugs? Because it increases their profit margins. Pharma pushes these ads because they steer patients to specific, expensive medications-- whether a patient actually needs the drugs or not. And sometimes it is easier in a 10-minute meeting for the doctor to just write the prescription than to take the time to explain why the drug may not be needed or a less expensive, generic version might be a better choice. Pharma thinks if they pummel you with enough ads that you finally learn how to spell Xarelto, you will insist to your doctor that this is the blood thinner you need though a less expensive option would be just as effective. prgtoken With billions in targeted spending, patients are bombarded with information--don't take Xarelto if you are allergic to Xarelto--but kept in the dark on one crucial factor--the price. prgtoken Take Rinvoq, which is manufactured by Illinois-based AbbVie for eczema and arthritis. It is now the most-advertised drug on television--replacing two other AbbVie medications, Humira and Skyrizi. AbbVie spent $315 million last year on TV ads for Rinvoq alone. But nowhere in the ad do they tell you it costs $6,100 per month. prgtoken Well, Senator Grassley and I think it is time for Big Pharma to end the secrecy. If they are advertising a drug, they should disclose the price right up front. It is a basic transparency measure for patients. Consumer protection 101. So today, we are reintroducing bipartisan legislation to require price disclosures in direct-to-consumer drugs ads, or DTC ads. Our plan is simple, and it has actually passed the Senate once before. prgtoken Here is why we think this transparency in drug ads is so important. Earlier this year, a study found that more than two-thirds of drugs advertised on television were considered, quote, ``low-value.'' Those pricey drugs that show you whitewater rafting or rock climbing? They are often no better than other, more affordable drugs. prgtoken One-in-five Americans do not take their medications as prescribed because of the cost. They cut their pills in half or skip doses b
LEGISLATIVE SESSION
Chris Van Hollen (Democrat, MD) \u2014 2023-4-20

our firefighters put their lives on the line every single day, charging into danger whenever duty calls. That is why we have a duty to back them up--not just in words but also in deeds by providing them with the resources and facilities they need and deserve. prgtoken The underlying bill today extends critical programs to provide training, equipment, and personnel, and I commend the chairman of the committee and the full committee for their action on this. But there is also an urgent need to repair crumbling, insufficiently safe firehouses. Nearly half of the fire stations across the country require major repairs. Forty-six percent of them do not have systems that prevent our first responders from being exposed to mold or cancerous carcinogens. prgtoken Some have proposed that we address this by taking funds from the assistance to firefighters grants for station construction, but that program is already overprescribed. In fact, in 2020 alone, over $2 billion in requests competed for just $319 million. That is why the firefighters oppose the amendment to poach moneys from the underlying fund. prgtoken This measure--this amendment does not poach those moneys. It adds an authorization so that we can have additional funds, when appropriate and if appropriated by the Congress, to provide for fire stations that are crumbling. prgtoken This is based on a bill, a bipartisan bill I introduced with Senator Murkowski, and I appreciate her support for this amendment. In the House, this is also a bipartisan bill led by Congressman Bill Pascrell. So I urge my colleagues to support this amendment.
DENOUNCE MAGA REPUBLICANS' TRANSGENDER BILL
Donald M. Payne, Jr. (Democrat, NJ) \u2014 2023-4-20

I rise today to discuss the Protection of Women and Girls in Sports Act, or H.R. 734. This bill is yet another attack by the s on a vulnerable population in America. It is nothing more than an attempt to score cheap political points and bully transgender youth. I question why the s are so eager to pass this bill now. prgtoken Do you remember what the s said before the last election? They told Americans that they would work with President to lower inflation, that they would work with the President to lower gas prices, they would protect the economy, support a rise in the debt ceiling, and offer an alternative budget. prgtoken Now that they have the House majority, they have done none of those things. The priorities are not aligned with the needs of the American people, and the American voters are paying attention to it.
DEBT CEILING
Charles E. Schumer (Democrat, NY) \u2014 2023-4-20

on the issue of avoiding default, yesterday, McCarthy made it clear how unprepared s in the House are to resolve our Nation's default crisis. prgtoken With a default approaching, McCarthy yesterday capitulated to the MAGA right and rolled out a partisan wish list masquerading as legislation. This MAGA wish list has no chance of moving forward in the Senate, and it doesn't move us any closer than we were yesterday to avoiding default. prgtoken To quote one hard-right conservative House : The leadership just picked up the House Freedom Caucus plan and helped us convert it into the legislative text. prgtoken That shows you how hard right this wish list truly is. prgtoken Again, let me quote one of the most well-known hard-right conservatives in the House: The leadership just picked up the House Freedom Caucus plan and helped us convert it into the legislative text. prgtoken Wow. That is what Leader McCarthy is doing--maybe not as a surprise after what happened with the many votes he needed to get elected. prgtoken Americans who look at this package will overwhelmingly agree: The biggest losers in McCarthy's agenda are parents, kids, law enforcement, small businesses, and countless others who work hard every single day to make ends meet. prgtoken Do you want to talk about reducing debt? Wall Street billionaires are not asked to pay even a nickel under McCarthy's bill. Hurt the parents. Hurt the kids. Hurt law enforcement. Hurt small businesses, but leave the billionaires alone. That is what McCarthy is doing over there in the House. prgtoken Let me say that again. The biggest losers in McCarthy's blueprint are parents, kids, law enforcement, small businesses, and countless others who work hard every single day to make ends meet. Wall Street billionaires are not being asked to pay a nickel. Americans will not accept this transparently unfair and draconian package. prgtoken If these MAGA cuts become law, it will decimate everything ranging from food nutrition programs to funding for mental health, opioid addiction, and childcare. Parents who need help buying groceries and baby formulas will see their out-of-pocket costs go up. It is so cruel and heartless that parents who get $6 a person a day to feed their families would see it disappear. Can you imagine? Can you imagine? prgtoken If this MAGA wish list becomes law, untold thousands of clean energy and advanced manufacturing jobs could leave our shores and go to China. prgtoken This MAGA wish list will also make Americans less safe by slashing funding for the Department of Justice by billions of dollars and eliminating tens of thousands of law enforcement positions nationwide. We hear a lot of talk from the other side about helping the police. prgtoken This helps defund them, this legislation. prgtoken called for s to defund law enforcement, and now s seem to be following thro
HONORING DENVER'S SOUTH HIGH SCHOOL'S HISTORY
Diana DeGette (Democrat, CO) \u2014 2023-4-20

I rise today to honor an institution that has shaped countless lives in my community, Denver's South High School. prgtoken First established before the turn of the century, this renowned institution has been educating students living in the south side of Denver for more than 130 years, including two generations of my family. prgtoken South's traditions date back to the city's earliest days, and its storied history has recently earned it a coveted spot on the National Register of Historic Places. prgtoken What started as a two-room schoolhouse now enrolls more than 1,700 students a year, each and every one of them helping to shape the school's rich history and continuing to build upon its tremendous legacy of success. prgtoken As a proud second-generation alumna of South High School, I can tell you that what makes it so special is not just the ornate brick and mortar building you see from the outside, or the gargoyle that stands watch over its entrance, it's the people. prgtoken It's the faculty and staff who have dedicated their lives to giving every student who walks through the door an opportunity to be the very best version of themselves. prgtoken It's the students who are driven not only to achieve their own success, but to help their classmates and peers succeed as well. prgtoken Some of my fondest memories are from my time at South High School-- including as the captain of the debate team, where I found my passion for the law and developed a drive that led me down the path to serve my community as a member of this distinguished body. prgtoken Alumni of South High School have gone on to achieve amazing success-- from Olympians to professional athletes, from actors to filmmakers, from world-renowned scientists to Nobel laureates. That type of remarkable success doesn't come by accident, or by chance. It's the product of tireless dedication by countless people who have made South High School what it is today. prgtoken The friendships I formed at South remain strong to this day. And I frequently make new South alumni friends from all walks of life who are making a difference in our community. prgtoken So, I want to congratulate everyone at Denver's South High School for their continued success and becoming one of the newest additions to the Nation's prestigious National Register of Historic Places. Go Ravens.
HONORING THE VICTIMS OF COLUMBINE
Jason Crow (Democrat, CO) \u2014 2023-4-20

I rise today to honor the victims of the horrific mass shooting that occurred at Columbine High School in Littleton, Colorado. prgtoken Twenty-four years ago, 12 teenagers and 1 teacher went to school and never came home. I stand before you all today and ask: What has changed since Columbine? prgtoken Two weeks before his death, one of the victims expressed concern to his dad about America's gun laws. He asked his dad about the loopholes in the Brady Bill that allowed individuals to obtain guns online or at gun shows. His life was taken from him by a gun purchased through one of those loopholes. prgtoken The gun show loophole remains open to this day. Gun violence in this country is the worst it has ever been. Our children fear going to school every single day, and s in Congress refuse to take any steps to protect them. prgtoken Americans have had enough, and I have had enough. We can and must do more to protect our children and our communities from gun violence. We must ban assault weapons and ensure these weapons of war are inaccessible to the general public. prgtoken As Members of Congress, we have a responsibility to act to stop these tragedies from occurring all over our country.