mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
Introductory Statement on S. 974
Patrick J. Leahy (Democrat, VT) \u2014 2017-4-27

over the past few years, the national headlines have been dominated by stories about the high cost of pharmaceuticals. We have seen jaw-dropping examples, such as the unconscionable price increase overnight by Turing Pharmaceuticals of their drug for patients with HIV, from $13.50 to $750 per pill. prgtoken Pharmaceutical companies should be compensated for their important work developing lifesaving treatments. But when companies engage in predatory practices at the expense of consumers, we must act. That is why today I am reintroducing the Creating and Restoring Equal Access to Equivalent Samples, or CREATES, Act, bipartisan legislation to end inappropriate delay tactics that are used by some brand-name drug manufacturers to block competition from more affordable generic drugs. I am glad to be joined by Senators Grassley, Klobuchar, Lee, and Feinstein, and several other Senators of both parties in introducing this bill today. prgtoken The first delay tactic addressed by the CREATES Act involves the withholding of drug samples that generic manufacturers need to gain regulatory approval. Federal law requires generic competitors to prove that their low-cost alternative is as equally safe and effective as the brand-name drug with which they wish to compete. Unfortunately, some brand-name companies are preventing generic manufacturers from obtaining the samples they need to make the necessary comparison. This simple delay tactic uses regulatory safeguards as a weapon to block competition. The FDA has reported receiving more than 100 inquiries from generic product developers who were unable to access samples of a brand-name drug to compare their generic product. prgtoken The second delay tactic addressed by the CREATES Act involves the development of shared safety protocols. For some high-risk drugs, Federal law requires a generic drug manufacturer to join the brand-name drug manufacturer in a single, shared safety protocol for distribution of the drug. Despite this requirement, some brand-name companies are refusing to negotiate shared safety protocols with potential generic competitors, again undermining those competitors' ability to gain FDA approval for their generic versions of such drugs. prgtoken The revised version of the CREATES Act also allows the FDA more discretion to approve alternative safety protocols, rather than require parties to develop shared safety protocols. Any safety protocol approved by the FDA must meet the rigorous statutory standards already in place. prgtoken These exclusionary practices thwart competition and deny consumers the benefit of lower drug prices. I share the concerns of Vermonters and Americans across the country that many prescription drugs are simply too expensive. When brand companies can artificially raise the price of drugs by using predatory practices, patients suffer. Illnesses get worse. Families, government programs, and other payers in the healthc
COMMEMORATING NATIONAL MINORITY HEALTH MONTH
Danny K. Davis (Democrat, IL) \u2014 2017-4-27

I am here to recognize the month of April as National Minority Health Month. The Affordable Care Act is a transformative piece of legislation that has helped millions of uninsured people to acquire affordable health insurance who otherwise would not have access to quality patient-centered care. This legislation was not just relegated to help the poor and the needy but also the 177 million employer sponsored insured employees with additional health benefits that never existed before the Affordable Care Act. For instance, ACA prohibited insurance companies from discriminating individuals with pre-existing conditions, and imposing lifetime cost caps on patients. Under ACA, parents can keep their children on their insurance plan up to the age of 26. Also, insurance companies are required to spend 80 percent of all premium dollars toward direct medical expenses and 20 percent toward insurance companies' administrative costs. Otherwise, they must reimburse the customer some of their money back. Currently, ACA has allowed more than 20 million U.S. residents to have health insurance coverage, which has improved the racial and ethnic disparities among minority population. prgtoken The purpose of the Affordable Care Act consisted of five basic goals: prgtoken 1. Expand health insurance coverage for nearly 50 million uninsured people in the United States, which consist of 44 percent Whites, 32 percent Latinos, 16 percent African Americans, 6 percent Asians, 2 percent Native Americans and 0.4 percent Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islanders. prgtoken 2. Reduce health care costs by establishing marketplaces called exchanges where federal and state-based marketplaces will have a single process to determine whether someone is eligible for tax credits to reduce the cost of premiums, in the form of cost sharing, Medicaid, or Children's Health Insurance Program. ACA requires a minimum standard of essential health benefits to include ambulatory patient services, prescription drugs, emergency services, rehabilitative and facilitative services, hospitalization, laboratory services, maternity and newborn care, preventive and wellness services and chronic disease management, mental health and substance use disorder services (including behavioral health treatment), and pediatric services (including oral and vision care). Whereas before, ACA's essential benefits did not exist, thus leaving the prospective patients without quality access to care. prgtoken 3. Reduce health care fraud and abuse prgtoken 4. Improve health care quality through several initiatives: (1) a national quality strategy; increased reliance on value-based purchasing; expansion of meaningful use of electronic health records (EHRs); better care coordination; development of quality measures for Medicaid and Medicare; and measures of quality in the marketplace. prgtoken 5. Improve population health that includes reducing racial and ethnic disparities among the mi
TRUMPCARE DROPS MILLIONS FROM COVERAGE
Chellie Pingree (Democrat, ME) \u2014 2017-4-27

I thought the plan for repealing the Affordable Care Act and dropping 24 million Americans from healthcare coverage could not get any worse, but I was wrong. The latest iteration of Care still drops millions from their coverage, but will now make coverage worse and more expensive for those who can get it. prgtoken I believe all Americans deserve protections for the coverage of essential health services and preexisting conditions, not just Members of Congress. Swiss cheese insurance plans that don't cover ER visits or prescriptions and charge you more if you have ever been sick aren't worth the paper they are printed on. prgtoken This bill undermines our healthcare system in so many damaging ways. And for what? prgtoken Let's not forget that the bill includes nearly $600 billion in tax breaks for drug companies, insurers, and the wealthy. Millionaires would get an average annual tax cut of more than $50,000 while hardworking families and older Americans would struggle to afford meaningful coverage. prgtoken I won't stand for a bill that endangers the well-being of my constituents to benefit the very wealthiest Americans. I urge my colleagues to do the same.
PROVIDING FOR CONSIDERATION OF H.R. 1694, FANNIE AND FREDDIE OPEN RECORDS ACT OF 2017; PROVIDING FOR CONSIDERATION OF MOTIONS TO SUSPEND THE RULES; AND WAIVING A REQUIREMENT OF CLAUSE 6(A) OF RULE...
Katherine M. Clark (Democrat, MA) \u2014 2017-4-27

I want to thank my colleague from Massachusetts. I am glad to share in this bipartisan moment of admiration for his work with my colleague from Georgia. prgtoken , I rise today to urge my colleagues to defeat the previous question so that we can bring a resolution to the floor. This resolution will ensure that the House meets its constitutional responsibility to conduct oversight of the executive branch by investigating potential conflicts of interest of President Donald J. . prgtoken It reads: ``Whereas, on October 18, 2016, then-candidate Donald J. communicated via Twitter: `I will Make Our Government Honest Again--believe me. But first, I'm going to have to #draintheswamp in DC'; ``Whereas, President subsequently nominated a team of wealthy and connected insiders to lead his Cabinet, many of whom have been forced to withdraw from consideration because of irrevocable conflicts of interest; ``Whereas, as President-elect, President announced that he would be `leaving his great business' to his adult children, a move he felt would be `visually important'; ``Whereas, President has taken no steps to untangle his financial interest in his business holdings, to limit his ability to advise the nominal managers of The Organization, or to prevent other interests from currying favor with the White House by doing business with companies that might benefit the President's bottom line; ``Whereas, President has reversed White House policy and now refuses to release visitor logs to the public; ``Whereas, on May 30, 2014, President stated: `If I decide to run for office, I will produce my tax returns, absolutely'; ``Whereas, on January 24, 2016, President stated that he would release his `very big returns . . . in the next period of time'; ``Whereas, on February 25, 2016, President changed his position and stated that, although he could not release his tax returns while under audit, he would do so `as soon as the audit is done'; ``Whereas, on May 11, 2016, President communicated via Twitter: `In interview I told @AP that my taxes are under routine audit and I would release my tax returns when the audit is complete, not after election!'; ``Whereas, on January 22, 2017, White House senior adviser Kellyanne Conway stated that `the White House response is that he's not going to release his returns'; ``Whereas, President has directed the Congress to act on comprehensive reform of the Internal Revenue Code; ``Whereas, without the President's tax returns, the public cannot know prgtoken how the full extent to which any proposed reforms will personally benefit the President; ``Whereas, on January 11, 2017, President insisted that he has `no dealings with Russia'; ``Whereas, it has been widely reported that President sought and received funding from Russian investors, especially when American banks stopped lending to him
REMEMBERING CLYDE SEE, JR.
Joe Manchin, III (Democrat, WV) \u2014 2017-4-27

I rise today to honor Clyde See, Jr a noble veteran, a dedicated community leader, and a beloved member of my home State of West Virginia. prgtoken Clyde and I were friends for many years, and I witnessed his unwavering dedication to public service, firsthand. prgtoken Clyde was born in Hardy County and continued to give back to his community throughout his life. He was a high school dropout, who received his GED after serving in the U.S. Army. With use of his G.I. Bill, Clyde earned his undergraduate degree from West Virginia University and then attended WVU's Law School. He served as an attorney in Hardy County for 47 years. prgtoken Clyde always took great pride in helping others achieve their goals. From 1975 through 1984, he served in the West Virginia House of Delegates, with 6 years as speaker of the house. Among his many achievements and roles in leadership, he served as president of the board of directors of the Mutual Protective Insurance Association for the 20 years, serving on its board for more than 40 years. prgtoken He ran unsuccessfully for Governor in 1984 and 1988, but never gave up the opportunity to give back to the State he loved. prgtoken He was a member of the Moorefield Volunteer Fire Company and fought prgtoken fires years ago because he believed so deeply in public service. He knew that, if you can count your blessings, you can share your blessings, and he did indeed share them with the Moorefield region and with our entire State. prgtoken Clyde was especially passionate about the passage of Hardy County School Bonds that would enable new schools to be built in the county. He worked tirelessly for this cause and was so very proud to see the passage of the bond for the new Moorefield High School. Clyde knew that our students are the future of our State and Nation and that we must do everything in our power to equip them with the tools they need for success. He had great compassion for students who needed support and was very proactive in making sure they were prepared for the future. prgtoken One of Clyde's favorite projects was Brighton Park, located just outside of Moorefield. It is a project that came to fruition, thanks to Clyde's design, development, and funding efforts, as well as with his determination to create something special for the entire region to enjoy. Clyde often enjoyed walking through this beautiful park, and now it remains in our hearts as a place to cherish his memory. prgtoken Clyde had the most wonderful sense of humor and such a quick wit. He was also one of the most brilliant and eloquent speakers I have ever heard. It is my hope that his friends and family have found comfort in one another and in the support of our entire home State for their loss. prgtoken What is most important is that he lived a full life, surrounded by his loved ones. Clyde was a true West Virginian, always willing to help a neighbor in need. I extend my condolences to his loving c
LET'S START FOCUSING ON MAIN STREET AND AMERICAN WORKERS
Brendan F. Boyle (Democrat, PA) \u2014 2017-4-27

President campaigned throughout this country, including my home State of Pennsylvania, as a great populist, as a champion of the working class. prgtoken , I want to thank President and his administration for revealing their true intentions yesterday when they revealed their Wall Street written and designed tax plan--a giveaway for millionaires and billionaires. And not one thing--not one--for 99.9 percent of the working American people. prgtoken , we do need tax reform, and you would see broad bipartisan support for that. But it has to be real. It has to be paid for. And it must include relief for those three-quarters of the American people who pay more in payroll taxes than they ever do in individual income taxes. prgtoken Enough of focusing on Wall Street and the corporate income tax rate, and let's start focusing on Main Street and American workers.
FANNIE AND FREDDIE OPEN RECORDS ACT OF 2017
Henry C. "Hank" Johnson, Jr. (Democrat, GA) \u2014 2017-4-27

I would like to first commend Chairman Chaffetz for introducing H.R. 1694, the Fannie and Freddie Open Records Act of 2017. I would also like to thank the gentleman from Maryland (Mr. Cummings) and members of the committee for all of their hard work on this legislation. prgtoken H.R. 1694 would amend the Freedom of Information Act, FOIA, to make its provisions apply to Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac when the two entities are in Federal conservatorship or receivership. My amendment makes commonsense improvements to the underlying bill to ensure that all nine FOIA exemptions apply to government-sponsored entities in conservatorship. prgtoken By passing this amendment, we will ensure that personal privacy and sensitive information is appropriately protected, while ensuring the highest level of transparency for the American taxpayers. prgtoken I am pleased to have the support of Chairman Chaffetz on this amendment, and I urge all of the Members to support this amendment. prgtoken .
Climate Change (Executive Session)
Sheldon Whitehouse (Democrat, RI) \u2014 2017-4-27

on Monday night we confirmed former Georgia Governor Sonny Perdue to be President 's Secretary of Agriculture, and I am here for my 164th ``Time to Wake Up'' speech to urge Secretary Perdue to listen to his agency, to scientific researchers in farm States across the country, to our major food and agricultural producers, and to farmers, fishermen, ranchers, and foresters about the serious and growing effects of climate change. prgtoken Carbon dioxide from burning fossil fuels is changing the atmosphere and the oceans. We see it everywhere. We see it on drought-stricken farms and in raging wildfires. We see it in fish that are disappearing from warming, acidifying waters. We see it in our dying pine forests. We see it in extreme weather events. prgtoken Secretary Perdue is taking the helm of an agency with a key role in mitigating those very effects. The USDA provides farmers, foresters, commodities markets, and State and local officials with analyses of trends and emerging issues affecting agriculture, the food supply, the environment, and rural communities. In its own Climate Change Adaptation Plan, the Department notes: ``Climate change has the potential to confound USDA efforts to meet these core obligations and responsibilities to the Nation.'' prgtoken During his tenure as Governor, Secretary Perdue issued a State energy strategy, stating: ``Strong scientific evidence exists that increasing emissions of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases are affecting Earth's climate.'' prgtoken That is encouraging. Yet, when asked by Senator Leahy about climate change during the Secretary's confirmation process, he backpedaled and said: ``It is clear that the climate has been changing,'' but there is ``significant debate within the scientific community'' on whether human activities play a role in that. prgtoken Whoops, that is the classic denier dodge, and it is just not true. prgtoken Secretary Perdue said several times during his confirmation process that he will use the ``best scientific and statistical data available'' to make decisions. The National Climate Assessment uses the ``best scientific and statistical data'' to conclude this: ``In the long term, combined stresses associated with climate change are expected to decrease agricultural productivity.'' prgtoken In the Midwest, for instance, the National Climate Assessment reports that temperatures are increasing, and the rate of warming tripled between 1980 and 2010. Under the assessment's worst-case scenarios, temperatures across the Midwest are projected to rise 8.5 degrees Fahrenheit by the year 2100. If you are a farmer, 8.5 degrees changes everything. prgtoken In the western mountains, massive forests stand dead on the mountainsides as warmer winters allow the killer bark beetle to swarm into higher latitudes and higher altitudes. Over 82 million acres of national forests are under stress from fires, these insects, or both. Ominously,
CELEBRATING THE 20TH ANNIVERSARY OF TECHNET
Nancy Pelosi (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2017-4-27

twenty years ago, Bay Area innovation leaders John Doerr, John Chambers, and Jim Barksdale spurred a new era of American technological advancement by creating TechNet. prgtoken Today, TechNet represents the spirit of technological innovation that continues to thrive in Silicon Valley. prgtoken TechNet stands as a remarkable example of how bringing people together can inspire innovation, strengthen our economy, and create a more productive future. prgtoken TechNet's network of CEOs and senior executives have worked with leaders in Congress to drive an Innovation Agenda that creates jobs and opportunities for Americans. prgtoken As we look to the future, the iconic companies and dynamic startups that form TechNet will continue to lead our nation in the development of transformative technologies that create more opportunities for more Americans. prgtoken Congratulations on 20 years of inspired leadership and shining achievement. Best wishes on many more years of success unleashing the full potential of American innovation.
Introductory Statement on S. 987
Jeff Merkley (Democrat, OR) \u2014 2017-4-27

today I rise to address the important urgency of addressing climate change. Across the country, we are seeing the impacts of the warmer climate, and it is having devastating consequences on our forests, on our farming, on our fishing, and on our urban populations. prgtoken Years ago, people talked about what we might see if we continued to burn fossil fuels and continued to put carbon dioxide into the air, but no longer do we have to talk about what we might see, because it is here. The facts are on the ground right now. prgtoken We can look at my home State of Oregon. In Oregon, we have the challenge of forest fire seasons that are longer by several months than they were just decades ago. We have the challenge of warmer winters, resulting in pine beetles doing more damage to our trees. The fact that we have lower snowpacks in the Cascade Mountains means warmer trout streams and less water for irrigation. We have had the worst-ever droughts in the Klamath Basin in the past 15 years. Over on the coast, we have a big impact on oysters. Because we have burned so much in fossil fuels to create so much carbon dioxide that has been absorbed by the oceans and turned into carbonic acid, the oceans have acidified. They are 30 percent more acidic than they were 150 years ago, meaning our oysters are having trouble reaching out and pulling the molecules out of the water to form a shell. In fact, it takes so much energy to do so that they are dying. prgtoken That is what is happening. That is just in Oregon. We can look across the United States and see impact after impact. prgtoken If we were in Minnesota, we could talk about the tick populations that are killing the moose because it is not cold enough in the winter to kill the ticks. If we are in Maine, we can talk about the fact that the lobsters are migrating to Canada because that is where the colder waters can be found. If we are in Florida, we can talk about sunny day floods, because the ocean levels have risen and the ocean water--the saltwater--is contaminating the freshwater that cities depend on. If we are up the Atlantic coast, we can talk about Hurricane Sandy and how its devastating power was enhanced by an ocean that is much warmer than it was decades ago. If we are in Texas, we can talk about the spread of mosquitoes that carry the Zika virus affecting folks. So the list goes on and on. But it is not just in the United States of America. It is on the entire planet. prgtoken As we are talking about oysters on the west coast of the United States, across the globe folks are talking about coral reefs. The Great Barrier Reef has virtually died over the last few years. Scientists say 80 percent of the Great Barrier Reef off Australia has died in the last 3 years. If we are looking at the mountainous regions of the world, you can trace the flow of glaciers and find that across the globe glaciers have diminished by an enormous amount. Some say that