mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
Border Security (Executive Session)
John Cornyn (Republican, TX) \u2014 2018-11-29

the clock is ticking and the days are passing us by, but we know we have a deadline to meet on December 7, and if we don't meet that deadline, then there will be a lot of lives disrupted and a lot of people will say: There they go again. Congress is unable to work together to try to solve problems, just creating more distrust and undermining confidence in our ability to actually do our job to govern. prgtoken What I want to talk about specifically is this fight over border funding because that is what the deadline is on December 7. Our ic friends have said: We are not going to fund President 's wall. On the other hand, we see caravans of people coming from Central America, coming through Mexico, closing down the ports of entry at the San Ysidro bridge between Tijuana and San Diego. What I fear is, we have made a parody out of what the problem is. We have thought about the challenge of border security and immigration in too small a way and not given the complete picture of what the challenges really are. prgtoken I just have to believe that if we were willing to acknowledge the facts, that we would be more inclined to work together to solve the problem, and I feel like we are looking at these problems like we are looking through a soda straw. prgtoken I have heard people talk about the humanitarian crisis at the border there at Tijuana caused by this huge caravan of Central Americans who want to storm the barriers and enter the United States illegally, and people question why would we stop them, why would they use nonlethal means like tear gas and pepper spray like President did during his administration and which now Customs and Border Protection is doing again in order to protect the sovereignty of our country and to protect our borders from those who would enter it illegally. prgtoken So let's not look at this through a soda straw. Let's open up the aperture and look at the larger problem because it is a very serious problem, and it affects many lives, both here, in Mexico, and in Central America. prgtoken Our ic colleagues have offered a lot of criticism of the administration when it comes to border security, but anytime you ask them, well, what is your solution, what are you offering as an alternative, it is crickets--complete silence. In other words, they are not offering any constructive solutions, just criticism. Our constituents deserve more than just for us to criticize one another. They deserve our working together to try to come up with solutions. prgtoken This is a crisis that has arisen as a result of our inability to acknowledge that this is a failure to enforce our immigration laws, a failure to fix our broken immigration system, and a failure to secure our borders. prgtoken Coming from Texas, representing 28 million constituents in a State which has a 1,200-mile common border with Mexico, this affects my constituents in my State directly. We are
Lowering Drug Prices (Executive Calendar)
Chuck Grassley (Republican, IA) \u2014 2018-11-29

millions of Americans woke up this morning and started the day with their doses of prescription medications. Their daily regimens are prescribed by their healthcare providers to treat illnesses and to improve the quality of their lives, and for many Americans, prescription medicine extends and saves their lives. Without their prescription medication, millions of Americans would not survive. prgtoken For so many of our loved ones who have diabetes, high blood pressure, cystic fibrosis, epilepsy, or other chronic healthcare conditions, prescription drugs are a basic necessity for their living. Without pharmaceutical treatment or cures, too many family gatherings at Thanksgiving, which has just passed, arguably, would have had fewer plates at the table this holiday season. prgtoken As a nation, we are incredibly blessed to live in a country where investment and innovation unlocks cures and treatments. Yet the escalating price of prescription drugs are a consuming concern for too many millions of Americans, even including Iowans who bring up this subject regularly at my county meetings. prgtoken I have come to the floor of the Senate to address the sticker shock that greets consumers when they pick up their medicine at the pharmacy or open their medical bills after a hospital visit. Rising drug prices that Americans pay out of pocket are gobbling up a bigger share of income. prgtoken For some people on a fixed income, sky-high drug prices are eating up every spare penny they can scrape together to pay for their prescriptions. It is time we talk turkey to our friends at Big Pharma. I don't make fun of our friends at Big Pharma. I use the word ``friends'' because we all enjoy a longer life and better quality of life because of miracle drugs. prgtoken As a fiscal conservative who wholeheartedly believes in free enterprise, I don't want the government intruding unnecessarily in the marketplace. The reason millions of Americans benefit from lifesaving drugs in the first place is due largely to capitalism and the entrepreneurial spirit that drives innovation and opens new frontiers of modern medicine. prgtoken I also believe strong intellectual property rights help incentivize companies to invest in research and development so new cures are found for our loved ones. However, government does have a responsibility to keep a check on unfair business practices and to actually rein in anti- competitive behavior that harms consumers and fleeces taxpayers. prgtoken There is a general agreement that these are constitutional as well as legitimate roles for government. Of course, if you are going to protect the consumers and not fleece taxpayers, this can happen in a number of ways. prgtoken It happens when brand-name and generic drugmakers game the system to pad their profits at the expense of taxpayers and consumers. It happens when hospitals, middlemen, and providers determine which drugs to prescribe based on it
NATIONAL FLOOD INSURANCE PROGRAM FURTHER EXTENSION ACT OF 2018
J. French Hill (Republican, AR) \u2014 2018-11-29

I thank the chairman, and I thank the ranking member of the committee as well for her work on this issue over the years. I appreciate Mr. Duffy's leadership, and I appreciate Mr. MacArthur, Mr. Graves, and their work on this issue because the House has done its job, . prgtoken We painfully passed this bill over a year ago. We have done our work. We have a bill that represents a compromise of coastal States and not coastal States. We have taken into account all these issues about climate change and floods and hurricanes. We have taken all that into account, but we have had no action from the Senate. prgtoken What we are here for today is because the Senate has not taken one step to constructive reform of the National Flood Insurance Program. That is why we are here. prgtoken So I think we should be working together. We need the ranking member and the chairman down the hall in the Senate asking them, why can't they get their act together? Where is Senator Crapo, where is Senator Kennedy to read this bill and take into account the incredible work that we have done on a bipartisan basis here? prgtoken So it is very hard for me, , to support a 7-day reauthorization status quo for the eighth time. It is just very hard to do that because it is not right. We need the reforms that are in this bill. We need the pressure on the Senate to come up with their own reforms if they don't like our reforms. prgtoken I happen to like our reforms. I like the fact that I see more of what is happening in Arkansas where we have two private insurers now, Mr for floods. They cover $2 million instead of $250,000. They cover replacement cost instead of actual cost. That is the kind of reforms and progress we can make if we take account of the hard work of this House and get the Senate to join us in significant flood reform. prgtoken So, it is with a lot of regret, , I cannot support the reauthorization of this program for 7 days. We need the Senate to wake up and take action.
NATIONAL FLOOD INSURANCE PROGRAM FURTHER EXTENSION ACT OF 2018
Sean P. Duffy (Republican, WI) \u2014 2018-11-29

I thank the chairman for yielding and for his great work as the chairman of the Financial Services Committee and on flood insurance reform. prgtoken There are a lot of things we could talk about today in regard to flood insurance: prgtoken We could talk about the fact that repetitive loss properties make up 2 percent of all the policies but account for 25 percent of all of the claims. prgtoken We could talk about the fact that the NFIP is $30 billion in debt, and that is after last year when we forgave $16 billion in debt. Again, we forgave $16 billion. We are still $25 billion in debt and actually racked up $10 billion of new debt in this program over the last year. prgtoken I have got to tell you I am frustrated. We passed a bipartisan bill in this Chamber. We actively and aggressively negotiated it. This is a big issue for families back home, for constituents of our Members. We have listened to them. We heard them. We modified, we tweaked a bill, and we passed it--and the Senate won't take it up. prgtoken Mr. Hensarling and I have worked across the aisle with Members not just in the ic Party, but also in the Senate. I have come to the opinion that there are very powerful players in this Chamber and in the Chamber next door that don't want anything done with flood insurance. prgtoken It is a sick and broken program that goes deeper and deeper in debt, that incentivizes people to build in dangerous places. And they say: No, no, no. We don't want any reform. Let's march on with a program that doesn't work. prgtoken I listened to all the conservatives in this Chamber. They throw out: Who is more conservative? Who is less? prgtoken You have some really great conservatives who absolutely refuse to deal with a program that is burning billions of dollars in our Federal budget. prgtoken My question is: Why don't we start looking out not just for the Federal budget, but also have a program that will work for our people? prgtoken We were willing to make one offer of reform for a long-term extension. We said: Let's let the private market work. Let's let the private sector come in and take up some of the policies that are paying more than what the market would bear, let people get a lower rate and reduce the risk to the Federal taxpayer. prgtoken And guess what. No one said yes. We couldn't get a ``yes'' from the opposition to flood insurance reform. prgtoken I guess I thought conservatives wanted a free market. They like markets to work. In flood insurance, the NFIP, the Federal program, is the only program in town. We are saying: Let it open. Let the private sector come in. prgtoken That is the one thing it would have taken for a long-term extension, and the answer to that from the conservatives and some of the liberals was no. prgtoken I think that is a sad shame. I think we owe better to our constituents, and we owe better to the Federal debt and deficit on a program that doesn't work. prgtoken , I appreciate the ch
TRIBUTE TO DEAN HELLER
Michael B. Enzi (Republican, WY) \u2014 2018-11-29

as a Congress ends, it is a tradition for the Senate to pause for a moment to acknowledge and express our appreciation for the service of Senators who will not be returning for the next Congress. Today, I would like to pause in appreciation of the service of my friend and colleague Senator Dean Heller. prgtoken Dean will be leaving the Senate after 30 years of dedicated public service at both the State and Federal level. During his time in Congress, he always demonstrated a willingness to consider all viewpoints, while remaining true to the principles that guided his career in public service. It is safe to say that Dean's commitment to Nevada is as strong as ever, and his unique perspective in areas critical to his State will surely be missed in the next Congress. prgtoken Growing up in Carson City, NV, Dean earned a bachelor of business administration from the University of Southern California in 1985. After working as a stockbroker in California, Dean moved back to Nevada and brought the skills he gained in the business realm to the public sector when he became the deputy State treasurer for Nevada. prgtoken Learning about Dean's time as a Nevada assemblyman was something I appreciated because of my time in the Wyoming Legislature. Dean's hard work led him to become Nevada's secretary of State for 11 years, then to the House of Representatives in 2006, and finally he joined the Senate in 2012. prgtoken His background in both the financial sector and public service was invaluable as a colleague on the Senate Finance Committee. As a former small business owner, I appreciated his expertise and business acumen as the committee considered complex and important issues like tax reform. Dean's insightful perspectives and willingness to work with people on different sides on key issues will surely be missed by the committee moving forward. prgtoken It was a pleasure to work with a Senator representing a State that shares so much with Wyoming. From the prominence of public lands, to welcoming visitors year-round to world class destinations, Nevada and Wyoming's similarities afforded us the opportunity to collaborate on key issues important to the people of both States. prgtoken Dean's dedication to Nevada ensured he was a strong voice for the people who lived there. I am sure he will continue to use that voice to help others. prgtoken Diana joins in sending our best wishes and appreciation to Dean, his wife Lynne, and his four children for his dedication to this country and the State of Nevada. His effect on the Senate was profound, and he certainly made a difference. We will always appreciate his service to the Senate and wish him the very best in whatever the future holds.
WAR IN YEMEN
John R. Curtis (Republican, UT) \u2014 2018-11-29

as a member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, I have closely followed the recent developments in the war between Saudi Arabia and the Houthi rebels in Yemen. prgtoken This is one of the world's deadliest wars. Air strikes and other acts of war have killed tens of thousands of civilians. Yemen has become a wasteland, with widespread disease and famine. An estimated 85,000 children have been killed or died from malnutrition. The United Nation estimates that Yemen is now facing the specter of a famine threatening 14 million people: half of their population. Three-quarters of Yemen's population now requires urgent humanitarian assistance. prgtoken The time has come for us to reconsider our support for this disastrous war and to consider the moral imperatives that form the foundation of our values, as well as our strategic interests. In this instance, I believe both our moral values and strategic interest require that we reassess our involvement in this tragic human catastrophe. We must reject war and pursue peace. prgtoken The day I was sworn in as a Member of Congress, I joined the House in passing a resolution calling on all parties involved in the conflict to increase efforts to prevent civilian casualties and to increase humanitarian access. In addition, the resolution denounced the conduct of the war in Yemen that is, directly or indirectly, inconsistent with the laws of armed conflict, including the deliberate targeting of civilians prgtoken and the use of civilians as human shields. prgtoken It is my fear that our continued support of this war will only increase resentment of the United States and the region. It will diminish U.S. security and undermine America's moral authority and reputation as a champion of our foundational values such as human rights and civil liberties. prgtoken In addition to the horrendous humanitarian costs in Yemen itself, it makes the entire region less secure and makes humanitarian disasters in the wider region more likely. But more importantly, what is happening in Yemen is just simply wrong. It is out of harmony with America's values. Ironically, the very reason we want to support a strong ally in Saudi Arabia is to prevent this type of situation, not foster it. prgtoken These conditions provide a breeding ground for violent extremism and for terrorist groups to expand. Prolonging the war in Yemen only strengthens the Islamic state in Yemen and al-Qaida in the Arabian Peninsula. Additionally, the conflict undertaken by the Saudi-led coalition under the objective of ``eliminating Iranian influence'' has achieved just the opposite. prgtoken Iran has been able to use the conflict as an opportunity to establish a foothold across the Middle East. They send soldiers to prop up a dictator, Bashar al-Assad, in Syria. Additionally, Iran-supported Hezbollah is now the dominant political force in Lebanon, and able to threaten neighboring Israel, our closest ally in the region, with
RECOGNIZING LOIS WHEELER
Brian K. Fitzpatrick (Republican, PA) \u2014 2018-11-29

we recently returned to Congress after celebrating Thanksgiving, a time when we pause and reflect on the many blessings that our community bestows upon each one of us. prgtoken Today, I am proud to recognize an outstanding citizen from Bucks County, Pennsylvania, who worked tirelessly for over three decades to ensure residents were able to enjoy the holiday surrounded by friends and good food. prgtoken Lois Wheeler of Lower Makefield began serving Thanksgiving meals to the underprivileged in our community in 1980. Known as ``Bountiful Harvest Feasts,'' Lois hosted between 125 and 200 people yearly at the Masonic Lodge in Fairless Hills. prgtoken Lois' dedication to serving the hungry began in high school. While attending Neshaminy High School in Langhorne, Lois saw a classmate who was not able to afford lunch. Wheeler was so moved, she would bring him sandwiches to eat. When they were not available, she would give away her own lunch. prgtoken Lois is truly beloved in our community. Her continued generosity has earned her the nickname ``Sister Wheeler,'' and she has also been called the ``Mother Teresa of Bucks County.'' prgtoken While Lois' health prevented her from participating this year, her legacy of service to Bucks County cannot be erased. We applaud Lois for her charity and generosity, and wish her and her husband, George, all the best. prgtoken Recognizing the Lingohocken Volunteer Fire Company and the Council Rock School District's ACHIEVE Program
TRIBUTE TO DEAN HELLER
Mitch McConnell (Republican, KY) \u2014 2018-11-29

. Now, on an entirely different matter, I am sorry to say it is time to begin offering thanks and farewells to Members whose Senate service will conclude at the end of the 115th Congress. prgtoken Today, I would like to begin with our friend, the senior Senator from Nevada. It doesn't feel like much of an exaggeration to say that Dean Heller may have been destined for public service. I don't just mean his eagerness to serve or his outgoing personality. There were other signs. For example, one of the stops on his childhood paper route in Carson City was the Governor's mansion itself. Talk about early civic involvement. prgtoken At every step of the way, from successful businessman to his local and statewide races, all the way here to the Capitol, Dean earned the respect of his neighbors and constituents by following the hard-working example set by his parents. His mother worked as a cook in a school cafeteria. His father was an auto mechanic who raced stock cars on the side. Their son grew up to be the only sitting Senator I would trust to replace my transmission. prgtoken When most politicians use phrases like ``rolling up their sleeves'' and ``getting their hands dirty,'' they are usually referring to things like late-night negotiating or taking tough votes--in other words, more talking. Not Dean Heller, he means it literally. As Dean likes to say, here in Washington, during the week, he works for the people of Nevada, but at home, on the weekends, there he works for his wife Lynne on the ranch they keep up together. prgtoken But let it not be said that even in the midst of hard labor, Dean isn't capable of multitasking. After all, sometimes official duties just can't wait. I have it on good authority that on one occasion Dean had to field a surprise phone call from President on his cell while standing right in the middle of a ditch. Another time, he took a call from President and talked business right there in the aisle of a home improvement store. Something about this image seems just right--not talking, not posturing, doing. That is Dean Heller; isn't it? prgtoken He didn't come to Washington to court praise for lofty rhetoric or to become a TV star. He came here to do. In just 7 years, Dean has authored or helped to introduce 100 pieces of legislation that are now law. prgtoken Perhaps first and foremost, he has built a reputation as one of the Senate's chief advocates for our veterans. Dean shares his home State with more than 200,000 men and women who have served our Nation, including one he calls ``Dad.'' prgtoken Keeping the promise of top-notch VA services across Nevada's widespread rural communities is no small task. The facilities in Reno, in particular, weren't always up to the job, but day in and day out, Dean has made it his mission to right the ship. As a member of the Veterans' Affairs Committee, he has fought to expand access to care, contributing key provisions to the VA MISSION A
RECOGNIZING JOHN SCARANO
Claudia Tenney (Republican, NY) \u2014 2018-11-29

I rise to recognize my dear friend, John Scarano, who recently retired as the executive director of the Herkimer County Chamber of Commerce after 12 years at the helm. prgtoken John, a native of Little Falls and also a twin, returned to Herkimer County after serving in the U.S. Army for 6 years. Upon his return, John spent 23 years at Mohawk Data Sciences Corporation in East Herkimer before his appointment to the chamber in 2006. prgtoken During his tenure, John has played a pivotal role in revitalization projects, which have made significant contributions to Herkimer's budding economy, including the Frankfort 5S South Business Park, a new Tractor Supply Distribution Center in Frankfurt, the new Heidelberg Bakery facility, and the emergence and support of countless new small businesses. prgtoken Along with his work at the chamber, John has served on the boards of the Herkimer County Industrial Development Agency, the Herkimer County Historical Society, and the Herkimer County HealthNet. prgtoken John is a generous, deeply caring, and honorable person, and I know he will continue to do the best for our community in retirement. John is also one of the most relentlessly fun, enthusiastic, and patriotic people I have ever known. prgtoken To my dear friend John Scarano, thank you for your many years of dedicated service to our community and our Nation. We are grateful to you, and we wish you the best in retirement.