mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
ISSUES OF THE DAY
Louie Gohmert (Republican, TX) \u2014 2019-10-18

. Madam , first, I want to pay tribute to a colleague, Congressman Elijah Cummings. prgtoken We had political disagreements, but in working together to help an Army sergeant who was unfairly, inappropriately prosecuted while serving and being heroic in Afghanistan, I developed a great appreciation for Elijah Cummings' desire to see justice done. prgtoken It was an honor to work with him in successfully helping Sergeant Derrick Miller. I am proud to have Sergeant Derrick Miller now working with me and those of us that have started a caucus, the Congressional Justice for Warriors Caucus. prgtoken That arose out of sincere, worthy, and quite able efforts by Elijah Cummings. I had not been on a committee with him, but it gave me an opportunity to see the heart of the man. He will be sorely missed here in Congress, and I am grateful to have had the chance to have worked with him. prgtoken Madam , I also felt it was important to pay tribute to one of our fallen soldiers. That is Master Sergeant Mark Allen. prgtoken This is Master Sergeant Mark Allen, his wife, and child. prgtoken I think this article from David Aaro is very helpful in reminding people who Master Sergeant Mark Allen was. prgtoken First of all, to become a master sergeant, with all the stripes above and below, it takes many, many, many years of devoted service. prgtoken Just for a little background, when I was finishing college at Texas A&M with a 4-year obligation of Active Duty coming up in the Army, I was told by an officer: Look, Louie, the best thing you can do when you get to your post is find a master sergeant that you like and feel comfortable with, and make him your confidant, because if he is a master sergeant, he has been around and has seen everything. You can trust him, and he is one of the best we have in the military. prgtoken It was very wise advice. That is the kind of guy Mark Allen was. prgtoken This article says: ``Retired Army Master Sergeant Mark Allen died . . . 10 years after he was shot while looking for a missing soldier in Afghanistan back in 2009.'' He has died at the age of 46. prgtoken Master Sergeant ``Allen was unable to walk or speak since being shot in the head by a sniper in July 2009 during his attempted search for Army Sergeant Bowe Bergdahl, who walked off his base in Afghanistan.'' prgtoken The article doesn't say it, but basically, Bowe Bergdahl was a deserter. He betrayed his country. Even worse than betraying his country, he betrayed his fellow soldiers who have to rely on each other in a combat theater. He simply walked away and went over to the enemy. prgtoken This heroic master sergeant, Mark Allen, dutifully went out into harm's way, looking for what they hoped was not a deserter. They hoped that something happened, that the enemy may have gotten him. They went looking. He was leading, looking for what turns out to have been a deserter. prgtoken In his service to his country, and in his service to what he was afraid was
HONORING THE LIFE AND LEGACY OF LARRY SIMMONS
Mark E. Green (Republican, TN) \u2014 2019-10-18

. Madam , I rise today to honor the life and service of a great American hero, Larry Simmons. prgtoken Mr. Simmons joined the United States Army in 1960 after finishing high school. After several assignments throughout the United States and in Berlin, Mr. Simmons received orders to deploy to Vietnam. Over the course of his two tours in Vietnam, he received two Purple Hearts and three Bronze Stars for his heroic actions on the battlefield, including his rescue of two small children during a firefight. prgtoken Following Mr. Simmons' retirement from the military in 1980, after 20 years of service, he spent 14 years as a correctional officer at San Quentin prison. After his retirement, Mr. Simmons and his wife, Karen, moved to Kentucky Lake to enjoy life as a grandfather and great grandfather. prgtoken I ask my colleagues in the United States House of Representatives to join me in congratulating Mr. Simmons on his induction into the Signature Healthcare Hall of Fame.
OUTSOURCING ACCOUNTABILITY ACT OF 2019
Patrick T. McHenry (Republican, NC) \u2014 2019-10-18

such time as I may consume. prgtoken The bill does no such thing as the author just stated, Mr. Chair. It gives a list of the numbers of employees in each State or territory in the United States. It gives the number of employees in a country as a matter of corporate disclosures. prgtoken If my friend wants to talk about accountability, a list of names is not accountability, unless this is about the trial bar suing or it is about naming and shaming companies for changing head counts in different States or government intervening to say that you can't move employees between States. It does not do the things that the author states. prgtoken , .
CONGRATULATING THE FLORIDA AIR NATIONAL GUARD'S 125TH FIGHTER WING
John H. Rutherford (Republican, FL) \u2014 2019-10-18

I rise today to congratulate the Florida Air National Guard's 125th Fighter Wing on their return home after a 4- month deployment in support of Operation Spartan Shield. prgtoken During their deployment, the 125th Fighter Wing served as an essential and direct combat support component of that mission that provided intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance in southwest Asia and contributed to a successful mission. I thank these brave Air Force men and women who are willing to go abroad and risk their lives for our freedom. prgtoken We are incredibly proud of the more than 1,600 Air Force men and women who make up the 125th Fighter Wing to provide 24/7, 365 air homeland defense to combatant commanders worldwide, while simultaneously protecting the life and property of Floridians during times of crisis. prgtoken I especially want to thank their families and the northeast Florida community for supporting these brave men and women before, during, and after they are sent into harm's way. prgtoken Also, , as a 41-year law enforcement officer, I know what due process is and I know what fairness is when I see it. This impeachment process provides no due process, nor fairness.
NATIONAL DEBT
Ben Cline (Republican, VA) \u2014 2019-10-18

I am here once again to sound the alarm bell about our country's addiction to spending the hard-earned tax dollars of its citizens and future generations. prgtoken It is with great regret that I report, as many are already aware, that our country's national debt has topped $1 trillion for fiscal year 2019. prgtoken Now, we know that my colleagues on the other side of the aisle will blame President 's Tax Cuts and Jobs Act for this shortfall; but, in fact, the corporations they attempt to hold responsible have paid $8 billion more in the 11 months of this fiscal year than they did in 2018, according to issuesinsights.com. prgtoken No, the increase in the deficit over the past year is due to rampant spending, stemming from right here in this Chamber. Wasteful spending increases have been seen across the board; and, to add insult to injury, the interest owed on this money is now up more than 14 percent. prgtoken This is an issue that can go on no more. I promised my constituents when I came to Washington that I would convey their concern about our runaway national debt. It is time for all lawmakers to understand that we cannot afford to use tax dollars as a piggy bank for pet projects. Spending like what we have seen is a threat to our national security and a disservice to the American people. prgtoken Since I started speaking 50 seconds ago, our national debt has risen nearly $2 million. Therefore, we cannot simply encourage leadership in Congress to commit to restoring regular order in the appropriations process, but we must demand that we address this fiscal crisis before it is too late.
THE AMERICAN PEOPLE DESERVE FOR THIS CONGRESS TO GO TO WORK
Rick W. Allen (Republican, GA) \u2014 2019-10-18

I rise today in opposition to Pelosi's radical partisan prescription drug pricing plan. prgtoken Let's not forget the last time that Pelosi brought healthcare legislation it was rushed through this House, and it doubled our premiums and our deductibles skyrocketed. prgtoken There is no guarantee that H.R. 3 would lower the prices of drugs, but rather, it could mandate a one-size-fits-all government takeover of healthcare. It could pose a grave threat to innovation, research and development, and ultimately patient access to life-changing prescriptions. prgtoken The bill could have far-reaching economic consequences that would negatively affect jobs, the economy, and trade. The pharmaceutical industry employs over 800,000 workers and supports an estimated four million jobs in this country. I know this firsthand. Right in my district healthcare researchers are transforming patient care and creating local jobs at the same time. prgtoken This week the House Committee on Education and Labor marked up this legislation, and, unfortunately, my amendment was not adopted. My amendment would have prevented innovation and American manufacturing from moving out of the United States to China. prgtoken The American people deserve for this Congress to go to work and pass legislation that is bipartisan and has a chance to become law to lower drug prices.
IT'S TIME TO STOP THE MADNESS
Fred Keller (Republican, PA) \u2014 2019-10-18

. Madam , the impeachment inquiry being led by the House is a sham process. Over the last 3 weeks, we have seen a stunning lack of transparency, the failure to provide basic due process rights to the President, the selective leaking of testimony and information, and Members of Congress being refused entry to the closed- door hearings. prgtoken I was even denied this week the opportunity to review the Volker testimony, despite being on one of the committees responsible for fact finding in this nontransparent inquiry. prgtoken Since day one, in this Chamber have been attempting to overturn the results of the 2016 election by any means necessary. They have been so focused on impeachment, that recently it seems like this Chamber, ' friends in the news, and pundits cannot focus on anything else. prgtoken As continue to focus on keeping the curtain closed on these proceedings to the public, the minority and the President, the American people are left to suffer without passage of the USMCA, bipartisan prescription drug reform, and border security measures. prgtoken The people in my district, both s and , have repeatedly told me they are sick and tired of this nontransparent inquiry, and the fact that Congress fails to do anything other than focus on tearing down the duly-elected President. prgtoken It is time to stop this nonsense. It is time to stop the madness. It is time to stop the opaque inquiry for the benefit of the American people.
REDUCING PRESCRIPTION DRUG COSTS
Paul Tonko (Democrat, NY) \u2014 2019-10-18

3 in 10 adults in America today have reported not taking medicine as prescribed because of the cost. Our seniors and families should not have to choose between paying their monthly bills and affording their prescription drugs. prgtoken That is why I introduced the Advancing Enrollment and Reducing Drug Costs Act with my friend from New Hampshire, Chris Pappas, to simplify how low-income seniors get the help they need affording their medications. prgtoken That is why I introduced the Star Rating for Biosimilars Act with my friend from Ohio, Bob Gibbs, to drive down costs and provide greater access to generic biosimilar drugs treating cancer, arthritis, and many other conditions. prgtoken And that is why the House is moving forward with H.R. 3, the Low Drug Costs Now Act, which will use competitive price negotiation to save Medicare some $345 billion and save United States households nearly $160 billion, combined. Private businesses would save some $46 billion under our bill. prgtoken Across America, seniors and families are struggling to afford the prescription drugs that they need to stay healthy and alive. It is time for Congress to act. Let's act now.
PRESCRIPTION DRUG PRICES
Kendra S. Horn (Democrat, OK) \u2014 2019-10-18

I rise today to talk about the urgent need to address the high and rising costs of prescription drug prices in this country. prgtoken Far too often, I have heard heartbreaking stories from Oklahomans and people in my community who face the unacceptable reality of choosing between putting food on their table and taking the lifesaving medications they need. prgtoken Earlier this year, I held a townhall where I heard from many people in Oklahoma, and we released a report about the soaring costs of insulin. In my district alone, more than 22,000 seniors on Medicare and other Oklahomans living with disabilities and diabetes face prescription drug costs of more than $25 million. prgtoken It is time to act and make medicine more affordable and make it possible for people to get the lifesaving prescription drugs they need. prgtoken One important solution is limiting the out-of-pocket costs for patients at the pharmacy counter. That is why I introduced the Capping Drug Costs for Seniors Act. This practical solution lowers the cost for patients directly. This bill keeps Medicare part D patients from paying more than $2,000 out of pocket, which has a real impact for 46 million Americans who rely on this program. prgtoken Medication only works if it is taken as prescribed. The high cost of prescription drugs forces too many people to choose between putting food on their table and buying the medicine they need. prgtoken We must continue working on this important issue and create pathways to affordable medications and improving health.
OUTSOURCING ACCOUNTABILITY ACT OF 2019
Carolyn B. Maloney (Democrat, NY) \u2014 2019-10-18

I thank the gentlewoman for her support on this bill and for her leadership on the Financial Services Committee. prgtoken I rise in strong support of the bill to protect American workers from outsourcing, H.R. 3624, the Outsourcing Accountability Act of 2019. And I congratulate my new colleague and my new friend from the great State of Iowa, Cindy Axne, for her hard work on this important bill that will help American workers and save American jobs. prgtoken This bill would require companies to disclose in their annual report the total number of employees they employ in each State and each foreign country. It would also require companies to disclose how those numbers have changed from the previous year, which is critically important because it will allow investors and the public to monitor which companies are sending U.S. jobs overseas and also to see which companies are bringing jobs back to the United States and employing Americans. prgtoken When companies outsource more of their jobs to other countries, sometimes that lowers a company's costs, but it also exposes the company to reputational risk and increased operational risk. If more of the company's workforce is located overseas, then the company is more exposed to political unrest or trade disruptions, which we have recently seen around the world. prgtoken It also makes it more difficult for companies to train workers who are located halfway across the globe and to oversee their workforce and ensure robust compliance with all the necessary regulatory requirements. It opens the company up to potential scandals and fines, which, at the end of the day, harms investors and harms the companies. prgtoken These risks are definitely material to investors, and they need to know about them. prgtoken The bill would fix these problems and would hold companies that are outsourcing U.S. jobs accountable for the decisions they are making. This bill helps the American worker. It is just plain common sense, and it does not cost the taxpayer anything. It is a win-win-win in so many areas. prgtoken , I urge my colleagues to support this worker protection bill.
AMERICANS SHOULD NOT HAVE TO DECIDE BETWEEN LIFE AND DEATH BECAUSE THEY CAN'T AFFORD PRESCRIPTION DRUGS
Sylvia R. Garcia (Democrat, TX) \u2014 2019-10-18

we all continue to mourn the passing of our dear friend Elijah Cummings. He was an honorable man with a deep commitment to our Nation. He inspired many of us to always do what is right and to seek the truth. It is, therefore, fitting that H.R. 3 will be renamed in his Honor. prgtoken It is wrong and immoral that Americans spend more money per person on prescription drug prices than any other country in the world. No American should have to decide between life or death because they can't afford their prescription drugs. prgtoken This is personal to me. Many of my family members suffer from diabetes, as do many of my constituents. This is why I support H.R. 3. Let us honor the legacy of our dear colleague with action. Let's deliver lower prescription drug prices for the American people on his behalf and in his Honor. prgtoken Rest in power, Mr. Cummings.
SOLIDARITY WITH HONG KONG
Mark Takano (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2019-10-18

I rise today in defense of liberal democratic values and in solidarity with the people of Hong Kong. Earlier this week, the House passed legislation in support of these values and of human rights. prgtoken A strong nation is one that does not turn to its worst instincts in the face of dissent. A strong nation does not see liberal democratic values as a threat. A strong nation tolerates differences in pursuit of prosperity for itself and prosperity for the world. prgtoken To my fellow Americans, I say that we must not turn our backs on our principles in exchange for profit; we must not trade away our freedoms or be indifferent to those who yearn to be free. prgtoken To the 2 million courageous young people in Hong Kong who marched, to those who are willing to fight for a prosperous future where their rights will be respected and where their freedoms will be protected: We are with you.
EMPLOYMENT SERVICES AND JOBS PARITY ACT
Gregorio Kilili Camacho Sablan (Democrat, MP) \u2014 2019-10-18

. Madam , today, I introduce the Employment Services and Jobs Parity Act. This legislation would make long overdue amendments to the Wagner-Peyser Act to include the Northern Mariana Islands and American Samoa. Presently, the Marianas and American Samoa are not eligible for the employment services formula grant that is currently awarded to all other states and insular areas. Congressional action is needed to ensure all Americans can get the help they need to develop the skills necessary to enter in-demand jobs and career paths. Special Representatives of the Marianas and the President recommend in 2017 that the Department of Interior work cooperatively with DOL to extend the Wagner-Peyser Act to the Marianas. At a time when our island economies continue to recover from major natural disasters, the annual Wagner-Peyser grant would provide timely support to the Marianas and American Samoan workforce through skills assessment, career guidance, and referrals to training for job seekers. Now is the time to make things right and ensure parity for all Americans. The gentlewoman from American Samoa, Mrs. Radewagen is an original co-sponsor. This bill is important to the workers in the Marianas and American Samoa. I urge all my colleagues to support this bipartisan legislation.
IN RECOGNITION OF JAMES (JIM) HOECKER FOR HIS EXEMPLARY CAREER IN ENERGY LAW AND POLICY
Debbie Dingell (Democrat, MI) \u2014 2019-10-18

. Madam , I rise today to recognize Jim Hoecker, someone who has been the voice of the electric transmission industry and a dedicated public servant at the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission. Mr. Hoecker has announced his retirement from his current role as Executive Director and Counsel to the WIRES coalition at the end of this year. His distinguished career is worthy of commendation. prgtoken Mr. Hoecker is a widely-recognized expert in the field of electric transmission. His invaluable insight has helped advance the interests of the electric grid among policymakers, industry leaders, and others who share WIRES' belief in the need to invest in the nation's transmission network. prgtoken Prior to working with WIRES, Mr. Hoecker held several positions at FERC, serving as legal counsel, commissioner, and ultimately as chairman from 1997 to 2001. Among his achievements at FERC were the developments of electric transmission and natural gas pipeline open access and the creation of regional transmission organizations. After his career at FERC, Hoecker founded Hoecker Energy Law & Policy PLLC and joined Husch Blackwell LLP, where he will remain active in his law and consultancy practice. Hoecker holds a J.D. from the University of Wisconsin Law School and a Ph.D from the University of Kentucky. prgtoken Madam , I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring Jim Hoecker and his exemplary career. Taking the steps to ensure that our country has a robust electrical transmission grid is no small task, and Mr. Hoecker prgtoken has more than risen to the challenge. We thank him for his tireless advocacy on behalf of the electric transmission grid with WIRES and at FERC.
IN RECOGNITION OF MIDDLESEX COUNTY FREEHOLDER BLANQUITA B. VALENTI
Frank Pallone, Jr. (Democrat, NJ) \u2014 2019-10-18

. Madam , I rise today to congratulate the Honorable Blanquita B. Valenti on her retirement as a Middlesex County Freeholder. As a freeholder, city council member and educator, Freeholder Valenti has distinguished herself as a dedicated public servant whose contributions and achievements are truly deserving of this body's recognition. prgtoken A long-time resident of New Brunswick, New Jersey, Freeholder Valenti devoted many years to representing her community as a council member and freeholder. She is well-respected by her colleagues as well as the residents she serves. Her professionalism and vision for the community earned her elections to leadership positions on the City Council and Board of Chosen Freeholders, including council vice president, council president and freeholder deputy director. prgtoken Although retiring from elected office, Freeholder Valenti remains an active community leader and advocate for individuals and families in Middlesex County. She has served on numerous boards of social services agencies, educational organizations and others, including the Middlesex County Board of Social Services, PRAB, Middlesex County Hispanic Affairs Commission, ASPIRA New Jersey and the Middlesex County College Foundation. She is also a founding board member of Coming Home of Middlesex County, Inc a non-profit aimed at ending homelessness in the county, which is honoring Freeholder Valenti at their Fall Gala on October 19, 2019. prgtoken In addition to serving in elected office, Freeholder Valenti taught at Trenton State College (currently The College of New Jersey) and Rutgers University as well as high schools throughout Middlesex County. She earned her Master of Arts in Teaching in Secondary Education from Seton Hall University and her master's degree in Spanish and Latin American Literature from Rutgers University, and holds her undergraduate degree from Rosemont College in Pennsylvania. prgtoken Madam , once again, it is my great honor to pay tribute to Freeholder Blanquita B. Valenti as she retires as a Freeholder this year. I sincerely hope that my colleagues will join me in thanking her for her commitment to public service and the betterment of our communities.