mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
LEGISLATIVE SESSION
Richard Blumenthal (Democrat, CT) \u2014 2024-6-13

when I introduced the Women's Health Protection Act a little more than 10 years ago, the idea that Roe v. Wade might be reversed was unthinkable--in fact, unimaginable. We are living now in the post-Dobbs era, which is one of horror and heartbreak for women across the country. prgtoken Let's be very clear that the ramifications in our law, in our families, in bedrooms of Americans are widespread and real. The Alabama Supreme Court's ruling is absolutely horrifying to women and families who want IVF to give them the miracle of childbirth, the wondrous magic of a new life as part of their family. prgtoken Now, a lot of people are going to look to today's Supreme Court decision and say: Isn't it comforting? No, it is not. This decision on mifepristone was made on a legal technicality. It does nothing to restore the reproductive rights and access to abortion that the Supreme Court dismantled in Dobbs, and it does nothing to reassure families that IVF will be accessible and affordable to them. That is why we need the Right to IVF Act--to reassure Lisa, who lives in Norwalk, CT, who has a healthy and happy baby girl as a result of IVF and cannot imagine life without it. Families like Lisa's wouldn't exist if it weren't for IVF, and many will not exist if we do not pass this measure. prgtoken Those who vote against this measure are not in favor of life; they are anti-women, anti-choice, anti-science. This miracle is the result of scientific advance. prgtoken I am going to close by just recalling a trip that I recently took to Normandy on the 80th anniversary of D-Day. Walking through the American cemetery, row upon row of gravestones, white, silently eloquent testimony to the importance of freedom and the American determination to expand freedom and liberty across our country and the world, and then to walk on Omaha Beach and see the absolutely insurmountable, three-football-field-long terrain that those soldiers had to confront and overcome on D-Day. I would guess that few, if any, of those young men knew of Roe v. Wade--they were kids, 17 and 18 years old, had never been away from home before, farm boys, mechanics--but they knew they were fighting for freedom. That is why they jumped into that 8 feet of water, under a hail of bullets and mortar fire, fighting for the ideal that America respects and expands the frontiers of freedom. prgtoken If we have one-tenth, one-hundredth of their courage and determination, today this body will vote for the Right to IVF Act because it is about freedom. prgtoken One Justice of the Supreme Court called the right of privacy ``the right to be let alone,'' and that is what American families want--the right to prgtoken be let alone from politicians or government bureaucrats telling them what to do with their families. prgtoken We owe it to Americans. We owe it to the great tradition of our veterans of military service, to all who have given their lives to preserve Americ
LEGISLATIVE SESSION
Mazie K. Hirono (Democrat, HI) \u2014 2024-6-13

as we approach the 2-year anniversary of the disastrous Dobbs decision, I am struck by the chaos it has sown across our country. prgtoken Last week, on this floor, I was joined by a number of my ic colleagues in speaking out against the s' attacks on contraception. Despite the relentless attacks from my colleagues across the aisle that they actually support the right to contraception, when it came down to it, nearly every single voted against a bill protecting the right to contraception. prgtoken Today, I rise in defense of another tool that has helped millions of people across our country start or grow their families. This tool is called in vitro fertilization. For decades, IVF and other assisted reproductive technologies--or ART--have helped people who otherwise couldn't start families of their own. prgtoken While some on the right like to paint IVF as some sort of new or untested technology, that is not so. The first baby delivered via IVF was more than 45 years ago, and since then, IVF has helped bring more than 10 million babies--10 million babies--into this world. In fact, as a State representative in the Hawaii Legislature in the 1980s, I led the passage of a bill making Hawaii one of the first States in the Nation to require health insurers to cover IVF treatment. That was in 1987, years before the iPhone, before email, before some of my colleagues in Congress were even born. And earlier this year, I met Dr. Lori Kamemoto, an OBGYN who helped deliver the first baby born in Hawaii via IVF. prgtoken And yet, thanks to the chaos created by Dobbs, a whole range of reproductive rights are on the chopping block. Look at Alabama, where the State supreme court invoked a fetal personhood law to call into question the legality of IVF, effectively halting IVF treatments in the State. In this Chamber, earlier this year, s blocked our attempts in passing a bill protecting IVF. prgtoken The impacts of these concerted attacks are being felt far beyond the red States. In Hawaii, a doctor who practices in the OB-GYN field on Oahu reported that he ``[O]bserved an increasing level of anxiety among both [his] fertility patients and staff.'' So Hawaii being one of the first States to protect IVF and promote IVF, this doctor is saying that even his patients are seeing the impact of all of these attacks on our reproductive rights. prgtoken IVF is a complicated process as it is, even under the best of circumstances. The last thing people trying to conceive need to worry about is being criminalized by some of the States I mentioned-- Alabama--because of the whims of far-right jurists and politicians. prgtoken That is why this bill is so important. It would establish a nationwide right for patients to access IVF and other ART services and a right for doctors to provide IVF treatment. And, crucially, it would require and expand health insurance coverage of IVF because we know
NATIONAL ORAL HEALTH MONTH
Benjamin L. Cardin (Democrat, MD) \u2014 2024-6-13

I rise today to recognize June as National Oral Health Month. This month provides us an opportunity to reflect on the significant role oral health plays in overall health and to recommit our efforts to ensure that Americans have access to quality oral health care. prgtoken While oral diseases alone contribute to negative outcomes, there are proven relationships between poor oral health and other medical conditions like cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, cancers, pneumonia, premature birth, and infectious diseases. The World Health Organization estimates economic productivity losses from oral diseases at $323 billion in 2022. prgtoken Oral disease affects Americans of all ages. For children, dental cavities remain one of the most common chronic diseases. About one in four preschool children experienced caries in primary teeth and at least one in six children aged 6 to 11 years experienced dental cavities in permanent teeth. According to the CDC, 34 million school hours are lost each year--on average--because of emergency dental care. prgtoken In Maryland, like many other States, we have witnessed firsthand the consequences of neglecting the oral health of young people. Deamonte Driver, a 12-year-old Prince George's County resident, tragically died in 2007 due to a lack of comprehensive dental services. Deamonte's death was particularly heartbreaking because it was entirely preventable. What started out as a toothache turned into a severe brain infection that could have been prevented by an $80 extraction. After multiple surgeries and a lengthy hospital stay, sadly, Deamonte passed away. prgtoken We must ensure everyone has timely, affordable access to oral health care. prgtoken In recent years, dentists nationwide have seen a significant decrease in operating room access for dental procedures. This problem has primarily impacted children and adults with disabilities who are in need of urgent dental care and cannot access it in an office-based setting, necessitating care in an operating room. Earlier this Congress, Senator Blackburn and I sent a letter to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services urging them to include the recently established code for dental surgical services in the 2024 Medicare Hospital Outpatient Prospective Payment System. I am glad to say that the code was included in CMS's final rule to expand access to these critical procedures and shorten the waitlists to receive care under general anesthesia in operating rooms. prgtoken I am proud to say that we have since made significant progress in improving access to pediatric dental care in our country and in Maryland. In 2009, Congress reauthorized the Children's Health Insurance Program--CHIP--with an important addition: a guaranteed pediatric dental benefit. Research shows that CHIP generally offers more comprehensive benefits at a much lower cost to families than private coverage. Additionally, the Affordable Care Act--
SERVICEMEMBER QUALITY OF LIFE IMPROVEMENT AND NATIONAL DEFENSE AUTHORIZATION ACT FOR FISCAL YEAR 2025
Sean Casten (Democrat, IL) \u2014 2024-6-13

. Mr. Chair, I rise today in support of my amendment to require the Department of Defense and HHS to examine barriers to access for military pilots and air traffic controllers seeking mental health care. prgtoken Today, when military and civilian aviators report that they have sought mental health care, they are faced with delays, confusion, and overbroad regulations in the process of returning to work. prgtoken What that means practically is that even minor mental health concerns can derail careers for safe, well-trained pilots and air traffic controllers who just want to get better. That has created a culture of silence and has disincentivized aviators from seeking care and ultimately made our skies less safe. prgtoken In May, the Air Force took a good first step forward by allowing these pilots and air traffic controllers to receive an extra 60 days of treatment without losing their wings. My bipartisan amendment builds on that to help destigmatize mental health care and ensure that those who seek care face no more consequence nor any less scientifically robust standards for being re-cleared for duty than they would if they were seeking physical healthcare. prgtoken Mr. Chair, I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting access for mental health care for pilots and protecting the health and readiness of our Armed Forces and keeping our skies safe.
RECOGNIZING ILWACO FIRE DEPARTMENT AS FIREHOUSE OF THE YEAR
Marie Gluesenkamp Perez (Democrat, WA) \u2014 2024-6-13

I rise today to recognize a recent harmful spike in paralytic shellfish poisoning, known as PSP, that has partially shut down shellfish fishing in Willapa Bay. prgtoken The PSP biotoxin is caused by a harmful microorganism that can spread in coastal waters. This spike was the first to cause commercial closures in Willapa Bay since 1997. prgtoken The shellfish industry plays a critical role in southwest Washington's economy and ecosystem. However, due to this outbreak, most commercial shellfish farming was halted for over 10 days, costing growers, their families, and employees financial hardship and challenges. prgtoken Testing requirements have put constraints on growers, and shutting down harvesting operations has threatened the jobs of hundreds of southwest Washingtonians. Imagine what 10 days of lost pay would do to your ability to pay rent or make a payment on your car. prgtoken I stand by the shellfish farmers during this difficult time. Local farmers are a staple in southwest Washington, and it is essential that they get the support they need to be able to continue their operations. My staff and I are closely monitoring the situation as more information is discovered. Remembering Mayor Rob Gordon
ORDERS FOR MONDAY, JUNE 17, 2024
Catherine Cortez Masto (Democrat, NV) \u2014 2024-6-13

I ask unanimous consent that when the Senate completes its business today, it stand adjourned until 3 p.m. on Monday, June 17; that following the prayer and pledge, the Journal of proceedings be approved to date, morning hour be deemed expired, the time for the two leaders be reserved for their use later in the day, and morning business be closed; following the conclusion of morning business, the Senate proceed to executive session to resume consideration of the Oler nomination; further, that the cloture motions filed during today's session ripen at 5:30 p.m. on Monday.
LEGISLATIVE SESSION
Ron Wyden (Democrat, OR) \u2014 2024-6-13

I rise and want to thank my colleague from Washington State who has been leading on these issues for years and years and my friend from Illinois. And what I am going to do just briefly, my colleagues have been so eloquent, is talk about why Senator Duckworth's legislation is so important at this crucial time. It is absolutely essential that we pass the Duckworth bill. prgtoken And as far as I am concerned, I am prepared to stay on this floor--I mentioned this to my colleague--for as long as it takes. We are just going to stay at it until we get this done. And the reason I feel so strongly about this is, several decades ago, as a young Member of the Congress--the other body, the House, with a full head of hair and rugged good looks--I wrote a law called the Fertility Clinic Success Rate and Certification Act. It was supported by the profession. It was supported by patient groups. prgtoken And I never imagined, after we passed that law, that people would be out here on the floor of the U.S. Senate trying to unravel the progress that has been made. And when we passed it, it was all about some simple ideas, particularly clarity for the families trying to navigate the system. It was largely information. prgtoken It was a new technology then, decades ago. It is not now. Now it is proven. Families rejoice being able to use it. prgtoken And never did I imagine that we would have an effort on the floor of the U.S. Senate trying to turn back the clock, trying to unravel the progress that has been made. That is what Senator Murray and Senator Duckworth are taking on: a rearguard action to turn back the clock and unravel the progress that has been made for so many families. prgtoken And, unfortunately, this is kind of where we have been for a while, trying to unravel the progress with respect to contraceptives, trying to unravel the progress with mifepristone. We will have more to talk about all of this. prgtoken But the court ruling out of Alabama earlier this year would have effectively turned back the progress, made IVF impossible. And since then, we have seen the far right, as my colleagues have said, trying to build on the effort to take away our freedom. prgtoken And none of this seemed to me, Senator Duckworth, imaginable several decades ago when people were rejoicing because they knew how to navigate the system and get information, figure out what providers were right for them, and it worked so well, as it does today. prgtoken And your bill is absolutely essential business for the Senate. I would just prgtoken say to my colleagues here: Do not vote to unravel all of this progress that families rejoice in. Support the Duckworth legislation. prgtoken .
CELEBRATING LOS ANGELES BOYS AND GIRLS CLUB'S 80TH ANNIVERSARY
Jimmy Gomez (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2024-6-13

I rise today to celebrate and honor the Los Angeles Boys and Girls Club for their 80 years of providing essential services to some of the most vulnerable residents in California's 34th Congressional District. prgtoken Founded in 1944, the Los Angeles Boys and Girls Club has nurtured and empowered generations of youth and families, providing them with essential resources and opportunities for growth. prgtoken Over the years, the Los Angeles Boys and Girls Club has evolved, adapted, and expanded to meet the changing needs of the Northeast Los Angeles community. prgtoken Some of the essential services provided by the Los Angeles Boys and Girls Club include developmental programming for children, academic support, sports, psycho-educational groups, leadership development, pre-employment preparation, art and dance, and gang prevention and intervention. prgtoken These programs have resulted in improved math proficiency, improved reading test scores, a lifelong interest in regular exercise leading to an improved health-conscious habits that prioritize health, and proper nutrition for the youth of Northeast Los Angeles. prgtoken Additionally, the Los Angeles Boys and Girls Club provides services to support the entire family unit through case management, weekly food distribution, positive community events, and emergency and crisis response services. prgtoken , I ask my colleagues to join me in celebrating this milestone for the Los Angeles Boys and Girls Club, and I look forward to seeing all that they do in the next 80 years and beyond.
HONORING MARTIN ESCALANTE ORTIZ
J. Luis Correa (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2024-6-13

I rise today to honor the life and legacy of Espiridion Castillo, known in our community as Speed. prgtoken Speed was an Air Force veteran, cherished father, dedicated educator, and esteemed community leader. prgtoken How did he get the nickname ``Speed''? He ran the 400-meter in Flagstaff, Arizona, in 50 seconds and covered 800 meters in 2 minutes. prgtoken Speed dedicated over 30 years of his life to Anaheim Union High School District as a teacher, counselor, truant officer, principal, and director of Federal projects. He also spent almost 50 years as a high school sports referee. prgtoken Speed often helped those in need, including students who couldn't afford the graduation expenses. prgtoken He leaves behind a lasting legacy and is survived by son, Michael; daughters, Michelle and Lisa; and three grandchildren. prgtoken I thank Speed for his service. We love him, and we will never forget him. Recognizing Dr. Christopher Downing
LEGISLATIVE SESSION
Christopher A. Coons (Democrat, DE) \u2014 2024-6-13

I am the Senator from Delaware, and I am joined by my colleague from Delaware. And one of the things that has long distinguished Delaware--it was one of the first States in the whole country where, because of her personal experience with IVF, a former , Delaware insurance commissioner, helped drive through mandatory insurance coverage for IVF in the State of Delaware years ago. The idea that today we would be on the floor of the Senate advocating on behalf of Senator Duckworth's bill to put in law protections, the right to access IVF, would have been unthinkable. prgtoken I still remember, as someone hoping to become a parent, struggling with the challenge of working through difficulties that we as a couple faced in becoming pregnant and talking all the time to friends and neighbors and others who were going through similar challenges. There is nothing more important in life than being a parent. And sometimes all of these activities and debates here on the floor don't connect. People have a hard time understanding why this matters. One of the reasons I am so thrilled that Senator Duckworth is leading this effort here on the floor today is it is easy to understand. Because of her service to our Nation, because of her grievous wounds in combat is why, perhaps, this is so important to her and her family. prgtoken But I wanted to share the story of a Delawarean, and I am so grateful she has allowed me to share her story today. prgtoken Lindsay Griffin was diagnosed with Stage IV endometriosis, which prevented her from ever conceiving naturally. Lindsay and her husband were determined to become parents. And like so many of us, knew that it would be expensive and difficult and take a long time. They even took out a $25,000 loan to pay for IVF. prgtoken Lindsay endured procedure after procedure, surgeries, embryo transfers, even the loss of a pregnancy. Now, today, years later, they are parents to two healthy boys, 7 and 2. prgtoken Why would we in this country put this blessing of parenthood for so many in Delaware and Illinois and throughout our Nation at risk? It is already hard enough. prgtoken Today, Lindsay and her husband are blessed with two children. But in States like Alabama, far-right lawmakers and judges have already tried to deny families this precious gift. prgtoken The vast majority of Americans want us to pass this bill today, want us to protect the right to IVF. Eighty-six percent of Americans in a recent poll want us to do this. So why is this even controversial? In the best of circumstances, the journey to the blessing of parenthood is difficult. The journey to the blessing of parenthood through IVF is incredibly hard: emotionally, financially, physically. prgtoken Let's stand up for families for the common and shared principle that the blessing of parenting should not in any way be barred by threats to the procedure of in vitro fertilization. I stand before you today as some
SERVICEMEMBER QUALITY OF LIFE IMPROVEMENT AND NATIONAL DEFENSE AUTHORIZATION ACT FOR FISCAL YEAR 2025
Adam Smith (Democrat, WA) \u2014 2024-6-13

. Mr. Chair, to respond to the issue of why recruitment is down, there are actually three reasons why recruitment is down. prgtoken Number one is the pandemic, when they were restricted in their ability to recruit for a year and a half. prgtoken Number two is because we have very low unemployment. Recruitment is always down when we have low unemployment. prgtoken Number three is because the rightwing has decided to demonize the military as some sort of woke place that no one should serve in. prgtoken Yes, some people do listen to that message. I have spoken to Members and others who are pushing that message who say, well, it is not really a problem. They say, well, it is out there. It is out there because you all are putting it out there and creating this level of division that doesn't need to be created. prgtoken Recruitment can be just fine with diversity. In fact, it would be better.