mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
Healthcare Legislation (Executive Session)
Tim Kaine (Democrat, VA) \u2014 2017-6-28

I also rise with my colleagues to speak in favor of commonsense solutions. I think the GOP leadership made a wise decision--and I thank them for it--to pull the vote on their healthcare bill this week when the CBO came out and said that 22 million people would lose health insurance, 15 million in the first year, and Medicaid cuts would be significant. Obviously, the public was very concerned, and I am glad the GOP has taken a step back. I think we now have a chance to get this right. prgtoken I want to tell a personal story about my own involvement in this in the last few months. The story, to me, exemplifies an important principle, and that is a bad process will produce a bad product. This bill was the subject of a very bad process. prgtoken The bill that was put on the floor was a bill that ignored and shut out all from participating. More importantly, it shut out the committees from participating. Most importantly, it shut out the public from participating. That led to a bill that was destined to be bad. So we ought to fix it. prgtoken Our ic leader is just exiting the Chamber. He asked me after I came back from the national ticket--as a consolation prize, I guess-- can you be on the HELP Committee? This is the committee I have wanted to be on since I came to the Senate--Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions. prgtoken I have been a mayor, and I have been a Governor. I have been in local and State government for 60 years. Education is the biggest line item, and health is the second biggest line item. This is what I actually know something about. I was so thrilled to join the committee. But, boy, was I naive. I assumed that being on the HELP Committee meant we would get to have a hearing about a healthcare bill. prgtoken I got on the committee on the 3rd of January. On the 5th of January, with many of my colleagues, we wrote a letter to the leader and to the chair of Health and Finance--13 of us; we had been on the committee for 2 days--and said: If you want to talk about improving healthcare, we have ideas. We want to sit down with you right now and talk about improvements to healthcare. prgtoken I guess I am a naive 58-year-old. I thought, now I am on the committee. Now I am where things will happen, and we will get to actually fix healthcare. But instead, since I have been on the committee--and I have committee colleagues here who will attest to this--we have had hearings on higher ed, we have had hearings on Cabinet nominees, we have had hearings on FDA reform issues. But the one taboo topic on our committee is that we are not allowed to have a hearing about the healthcare bill. prgtoken We asked for one after the House passed their bill; we couldn't have a hearing. The Senate bill has been put on the floor; we haven't had a hearing, and as far as we know, there will be no hearing. So those of us who are focused on this issue have no opportunity, but,
Healthcare Legislation (Executive Session)
Richard J. Durbin (Democrat, IL) \u2014 2017-6-28

the Senate will be going home this week for the Fourth of July recess, and most of us will be back in our homes with our families and in our hometowns and prgtoken moving around. I still think the topic of conversation is going to be healthcare. prgtoken I think this conversation and debate in Washington has really touched a lot of families and businesses and individuals across this country. The reason I say that is because about 6 years ago, I voted for the Affordable Care Act, what is known as Care. For the longest time, I was sure it was the right vote, and I am still sure today, but I wondered why people didn't appreciate it because what we tried to do-- and we achieved some success--was to provide health insurance for a lot of people in America who didn't have it. In my State of Illinois, we cut the percentage of uninsured people in half because of the Affordable Care Act. A large number of them are now covered by Medicaid, and a large number are able to buy health insurance through private insurance exchanges. prgtoken But for the longest time, when we asked people across America ``What about Care? What about the Affordable Care Act?'' we got mixed reviews. Less than a majority supported it. prgtoken Then we embarked on this conversation, this debate in Washington in the Senate over the last 6 months, and an interesting thing happened. When the s, who are in the majority in the Senate and the House, who were determined to repeal Care, set out to do it, they found out it was a big, heavy lift. prgtoken So now, today, we have an interesting thing that has happened. For the first time in the last several weeks, a majority of the American people support the Affordable Care Act. All of those years after we passed it, when we were talking about the good things it did, people were skeptical, but when the notion of repealing it came up, people started saying: Well, what would I lose if you repealed it? And when they thought about what they would lose, they decided those things were valuable to them personally and to their families. And what were those things? Some pretty basic things--first, that you would have access to health insurance. prgtoken I have repeatedly told the story of my friend Judy. Judy is in hospitality. She works in a motel down in Southern Illinois that I have stayed in from time to time. She is a sweetheart of a lady. She is 62 years old and has had jobs that don't pay a lot of money, but she goes to work every day--there is not a lazy bone in her body. She is 62 years old, and Judy had never had health insurance in her life until we passed the Affordable Care Act. Now she qualifies for Medicaid, and thank goodness she does because she has been diagnosed with diabetes, and she needs a good doctor she can count on, and she needs good medical advice. prgtoken So when we said that we were passing the Affordable Care Act so that more people would have acces
Healthcare Legislation (Executive Session)
Gary C. Peters (Democrat, MI) \u2014 2017-6-28

I have always believed that elected officials should do more listening than talking. prgtoken The breadth of issues that we address here in the Senate is as vast and diverse as our Nation. We rely on input from experts, from stakeholders, and from constituents to craft responsible, meaningful policy. In the past month alone, I have had the opportunity to attend bipartisan hearings on cyber security, countering violent extremism, self-driving cars, rural broadband, nuclear defense policy, and the posture of our Armed Forces, just to name a few. These issues are vital to our economy and our national security, and they are worthy of the time and effort that went into convening these very important hearings. prgtoken But over the same timespan, the Senate did not hold a single hearing on healthcare, while a handful of Members drafted a flawed healthcare bill behind closed doors. prgtoken Healthcare policy is unique. It is very complex, while also being deeply personal. Throughout our lives, doctors and nurses are with us for some of our most significant moments. Whether it is responding to trauma in an emergency, helping us live with chronic conditions, devising treatment plans for an ailing parent, or delivering a newborn child, our medical professionals are there for us when we are at our most vulnerable. prgtoken We are all vulnerable. Life does not discriminate. Anyone can get in a car accident and need months of physical therapy. Anyone can be diagnosed with cancer and require surgery, radiation, or chemotherapy. Anyone can have a son or daughter born with cystic fibrosis. But in this great country, I believe no one should ever go bankrupt because they get sick, and no one should ever die because they cannot afford quality health insurance. prgtoken I believe healthcare policy is very complex, and we have to work very hard at it, but I am also guided by a very simple moral concept: No matter who you are and no matter where you live in this country, no citizen should ever be forced into bankruptcy because they are sick and no one should ever die because they can't afford quality insurance. prgtoken I urge my colleagues to use the coming days to think about their goals for healthcare in our Nation and be guided by their own moral conscience. Passing a politically expedient proposal that can get 51 votes after significant arm-twisting so that the Senate can move on to tax reform is not in the best interest of the American people, and I believe it is simply irresponsible. prgtoken I believe that we should provide the best care possible to as many Americans as possible while making sure that it is affordable. Now, I honestly can't say whether my colleagues share these goals, but I can say prgtoken that the Senate healthcare bill that we saw this week does not hit the mark. I urge my colleagues to use the coming days to really think about what this bill will mean for the
PROVIDING FOR CONSIDERATION OF H.R. 3003, NO SANCTUARY FOR CRIMINALS ACT
Lamar Smith (Republican, TX) \u2014 2017-6-28

first of all, let me thank the gentleman from Georgia, a member of the Rules Committee, for yielding me time. prgtoken , I strongly support the underlying bill, H.R. 3003, No Sanctuary for Criminals Act; and I thank the chairman, Bob Goodlatte, and Representatives Steve King and Andy Biggs for introducing it. prgtoken This legislation keeps dangerous criminal immigrants off our streets and out of our neighborhoods, and it holds sanctuary cities accountable for breaking Federal immigration laws. I have a special interest in this legislation because it enforces a bill I sponsored in 1969, which was enacted into law and made sanctuary cities illegal. prgtoken The American people sent a clear message to Congress last November when they elected a President who promised to enforce our immigration laws. A recent poll shows that 80 percent--80 percent--of voters want cities that arrest illegal immigrants for crimes to be required to turn them over to immigration authorities. Eighty percent. That is a Harvard- poll. prgtoken The No Sanctuary for Criminals Act is a down payment on our pledge to protect innocent Americans from criminal immigrants who deserve to be jailed or sent back to their home countries. We need to enact this legislation. There is simply no excuse for local governments to ignore immigration laws at the expense of American's safety and well-being.
HONORING REPRESENTATIVE CHAFFETZ
Chris Stewart (Republican, UT) \u2014 2017-6-28

I stand today to honor my good friend, Jason Chaffetz, as he prepares to leave the House tomorrow. prgtoken On the day that I was first elected, the very first phone call I got was a number I didn't recognize. I picked it up, and it was Jason. He was the first person to call and congratulate me. He has become a close friend ever since. prgtoken But he has become more than a friend. He is a person who I trust. I go to him often for advice. I think he has the best political mind in all of Utah, and I am going to miss that. prgtoken I also appreciate his honesty and his integrity. Leaders take hits-- we understand that--and Jason has taken his share of arrows by those who may not agree with his positions. But no one has ever questioned his honesty or his integrity. prgtoken There is a great old movie called ``Grumpy Old Men.'' Jason will never be a star in that movie because he is one of the most optimistic, friendly, and positive people that I know. He always has a smile on his face. prgtoken So for those reasons, Jason, we are going to miss you. On behalf of all Utahns, I thank him for his service. On behalf of millions of Americans throughout the country, we wish him Godspeed in his adventures ahead.
PROTECTING ACCESS TO CARE ACT OF 2017
Larry Bucshon (Republican, IN) \u2014 2017-6-28

. Mr. Chair, as a physician I have seen firsthand how frivolous lawsuits against experienced physicians have hindered the health care system and increased costs to all patients. prgtoken It is imperative we address this through common sense legislation. prgtoken This amendment would require expert witnesses in medical malpractice negligence cases to have practiced in the same specialty and geographical area as the physician defendant. prgtoken This limitation ensures that the expert witness has the qualified experience with and knowledge of the standard of care recognized in their local communities. I was a heart surgeon. I was not qualified to testify in a dermatology case. prgtoken I ask my colleagues to join me in voting yes on Dr. Roe's amendment and the Protecting Access to Care Act.
REMEMBERING SERGEANT FIRST CLASS MARVIN DALE HOLLINGSWORTH
Chuck Grassley (Republican, IA) \u2014 2017-6-28

I would like to take a moment to pay tribute to SFC Marvin Dale Hollingsworth who passed away on June 16. Marvin was born January 9, 1925, in prgtoken Cambridge, IA, and was raised in Cedar Rapids, IA. He enlisted in the Army in July 1943 and served nearly 20 years. prgtoken During his military service, Marvin Hollingsworth saw combat in World War II and during the Korean war. He served overseas in France, Northern Africa, Japan, Korea, Germany, and the Marshall Islands and Kwajalein Islands, as well as being stationed in many parts of the United States during his military career. prgtoken Marvin was on Active Duty at the Oklahoma Military Academy in Claremore as the top sergeant on the academy's command staff. After his third year, he was recognized with an officer's saber by the cadre, presented upon his retirement. In 1966, he began his 21-year civil service career in Cedar Rapids with the 73rd Combat Field Hospital Unit where he trained new recruits, mentored staff, and worked in administration. A 10-foot portrait of him at that mobile medical Army unit is displayed at the National Guard--Army Reserve Center in Cedar Rapids. He received numerous accommodations for excellence in his career of service to his country, including the American Defense Service Medal, European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal with three Stars, World War II Victory Medal, United Nations Service Medal, Korean Service Medal, and Good Conduct Medal with Four Knots. prgtoken As Americans, we owe our freedom to generations of selfless patriots like Marvin Hollingsworth who have been willing to risk life and limb in service to their country. The fact that he continued to serve his country throughout his life is inspirational. I am proud to be able to pay tribute to this son of Iowa and great American, Marvin Hollingsworth.
PROTECTING ACCESS TO CARE ACT OF 2017
Pete Sessions (Republican, TX) \u2014 2017-6-28

such time as I may consume. prgtoken , the gentleman I respect very much, not only the perspective that the gentleman holds, but perhaps some of his argument could be true. prgtoken , what we are trying to do is to balance out the opportunity for the American people to have access to healthcare where, many items, they are denied. prgtoken I was reminded by the gentleman, the young chairman of the Veterans' Affairs Committee, Dr. Phil Roe, who served his great State of Tennessee and the American people as an obstetrician and gynecologist, I was reminded of the facts of the case, as it were, where, when Texas passed this, counties all along our Texas borders received, instead of midwives and others who might perform these important services to deliver babies, all of a sudden medical professionals, doctors, came into play who had been shut out because of the fear of malpractice lawsuits against them. Texas added, in the first year, some 4,500 doctors who came to Texas knowing that it was a level playing field. prgtoken In this case, , we are arguing that the United States of America and the citizens would not have to pay outrageous amounts of money for defensive medicine, whereby physicians, in order to protect themselves and to protect themselves in a difficult circumstance, might order, as a defensive mechanism, excessive amounts of either X-rays or other procedures that really cost the government money instead of providing better healthcare. prgtoken This has been an advantage in the State of California, and in the State of Texas, where physicians use not only their training and their professional conduct, but they use what is in the best interest of the patient. That is why we are here today. prgtoken Mr. Chair, I yield such time as he may consume to the gentleman from Iowa (Mr. King).
TRIBUTE TO DAVID COX, BOY SCOUTS 2017 DANIEL BOONE VISIONARY AWARD RECIPIENT
Harold Rogers (Republican, KY) \u2014 2017-6-28

I rise today to congratulate a remarkable leader in southern and eastern Kentucky, Mr. David Cox, upon receiving the 2017 Daniel Boone Visionary Award presented by the Boy Scouts of America Daniel Boone Council. The Daniel Boone Visionary Award was developed to recognize community leaders who make significant contributions to improve the local district, including Whitley, Laurel, Knox, Bell, Clay, Harlan and Jackson counties. The award recipients are recognized for their contributions to economic growth, education and leadership development in our youth. David Cox is a worthy recipient of this prestigious award due to the tremendous vision and leadership he has exemplified as Superintendent of the Corbin Independent School System. He has dedicated 25 years as an educator and administrator for the Corbin Independent School System and in less than two years at the helm, students are making marked improvements. Currently, the Corbin Independent School System is ranked fourth out of 173 school districts in the Commonwealth of Kentucky, based on the Kentucky Core Content Test, placing the district in the state's 98th percentile for achievement. Additionally, Corbin Redhounds consistently rank among the top in the state for College and Career Readiness preparation and average ACT scores. Not only do they excel in academics, but students achieve incredible success in arts and athletics as they rank among the state elite each year as well. Mr. Cox continues to lead his high performing students and staff by living the school's motto: ``Striving to be the Best!'' He has worked diligently to ensure students in our region have access to the most innovative technology, advanced facilities and the very best opportunities for education I applaud the outstanding contributions that David Cox has made in educating our future leaders in southern and eastern Kentucky, and the inspiration and drive he instills in them to give back to their communities--a core mission of the Boy Scouts. Congratulations to David Cox on receiving the 2017 Daniel Boone Visionary Award.
Healthcare Legislation (Executive Session)
John Barrasso (Republican, WY) \u2014 2017-6-28

I come to the floor today as the pain of Care around the country continues to worsen. Healthcare prices continue to rise. Care is collapsing, basically, more and more every day. People in every State of this Union have seen their healthcare costs skyrocket. It has happened everywhere around the country. prgtoken We must do something to help the American people who are suffering under the heavy weight that Care has placed on their lives. prgtoken I was at a hospital this past weekend in Casper, WY, my hometown, and I talked to doctors, nurses, and patients. What I hear at home in Wyoming is that there is an urgent need to do something about the high costs and the limited choices under the healthcare law. We are having discussions right now about the very best way to do that. Whatever we come up with, it is going to be a fundamental change in a direction away from Care. That is what America wants. That is what America needs. It is what the American people are asking us to do. prgtoken One of the biggest steps we need to take is to get rid of the Care mandates and penalties. I hear about it day in and day out. I heard about it in my office yesterday from a woman who was in town visiting on another matter, but she talked about her experience with the Care situation where her premiums have gone way up, and the deductibles are up so high that even though they are counted under Care as having insurance, her husband would tell you that he will not go to a doctor because, with a $6,500 deductible, he feels he cannot afford to. But he is counted under Care. He wants more choices. He wants more control of his own life. And he wants to eliminate the taxes and the mandates. prgtoken I am sure the Presiding Officer hears this at home: People hate the fact that there is a mandate that says they have to buy insurance that Washington says they have to buy--that the have said they have to buy--rather than what might work for them and their family and be cheaper and work better for them and be more tailored to their family's needs. prgtoken There are more than 19 million people across the country who have decided that they are going to pay a penalty to the IRS or they received a waiver so they didn't have to get Care insurance-- either pay the penalty or get a waiver. These are people who made the fundamental decision that Care insurance was not a good deal for them. prgtoken The second thing we need to do, I believe, is to repeal the burdensome and prgtoken expensive Care taxes. Healthcare costs have been soaring under Care. One of the reasons is because the healthcare law added almost $1 trillion of additional taxes on to the backs of hard-working Americans. These are the taxes that specifically raised the cost for people needing health insurance and healthcare. They put taxes on things needed by people who are in need of medical care. So
REQUESTS FOR AUTHORITY FOR COMMITTEES TO MEET
Mitch McConnell (Republican, KY) \u2014 2017-6-28

I have nine requests for committees to meet during today's session of the Senate. They do not have the approval of the ic leader for the seventh consecutive legislative day, therefore, they will not be permitted to meet after 2 p.m. I ask unanimous consent that the list of committees requesting authority to meet be printed in the Record for today's session and the previous 2 days.
NORTH CAROLINA GROWTH AND FORTUNE BUSINESS RANKINGS
George Holding (Republican, NC) \u2014 2017-6-28

I rise today to highlight the tremendous amount of growth in North Carolina, specifically in and around the Second Congressional District. prgtoken According to the Census Bureau, North Carolina's population has increased 6.4 percent since 2010. That number increases to over 16 percent for just Wake County which encompasses about half of the Second Congressional District. prgtoken , it is no secret that North Carolina is a fantastic place to live and work, especially for young people wanting to raise a family. In fact, Fortune magazine recently surveyed tens of thousands of millennials nationally about the best places to work, and the results speak for themselves. Two of the top 10 businesses in the United States call Wake County home. prgtoken SAS, a global analytics software firm, and Kimley-Horn, a provider of professional services, placed at number two and number eight on the list respectively. prgtoken That is great news for the future of North Carolina.
RECOGNIZING OFFICER NATHAN MILLER
Rodney Davis (Republican, IL) \u2014 2017-6-28

I rise today to recognize Officer Nathan Miller, of the Jerseyville Police Department, who was injured in the line of duty while responding to a burglary alarm during the early morning hours of June 13, 2017. prgtoken After responding to the burglary call, Officer Miller pursued the suspect for several blocks before the suspect opened fire on him. Officer Miller was hit several times, and was immediately transported to St. Louis University Hospital. prgtoken The willingness of Officer Miller to put his own life on the line to protect his community is truly an act of bravery and has not gone unnoticed. Officer Miller was greeted with a hero's welcome as he returned home to finish out the rest of his recovery; the Jerseyville community lined the streets to show their support for the officer with signs and other ``back the blue'' decorations. prgtoken I ask that you join me in keeping Officer Miller in your thoughts as he makes a speedy recovery. May God Bless Officer Nathan Miller and all of the other first responders who work to keep us safe.