mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
PROTECTING AMERICANS WITH PREEXISTING CONDITIONS ACT OF 2019
Katie Porter (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2019-5-9

. Madam Chair, I rise today to offer an amendment to the Protecting Americans with Preexisting Conditions Act. prgtoken This bill would prevent the administration from allowing States to use waivers to provide junk health plans that reduce coverage and decrease cost sharing provisions. prgtoken In the Affordable Care Act, section 1332 waivers were created to provide States flexibility to implement innovative plans that would expand coverage, reduce costs, and provide more comprehensive benefits. prgtoken Our States can be incubators for opportunity and these waivers allow them the opportunity to improve access to affordable, quality services in groundbreaking ways. But, last year, the administration released guidance that would allow States to use these waivers to take care away from the individuals who need it most, and that is unacceptable. prgtoken Because of the Affordable Care Act, 3,826,000 Californians have gained health coverage. In my home district, the 45th District of California, more than 338,000 people have a preexisting condition, many of whom gained coverage or received more affordable coverage because of new protections established under the Affordable Care Act. prgtoken This Sunday is Mother's Day. Having given birth, being a mother, is a preexisting condition, a factor that used to contribute to higher insurance costs for most of the women we will celebrate this weekend. We can't go back to the days when being a woman was enough to let an insurance company charge you more for basic healthcare. prgtoken My amendment will prohibit the administration from issuing any waivers that would let States craft healthcare plans that would reduce the number of individuals enrolled in comprehensive plans that are compliant with our country's current healthcare laws. prgtoken This bill preserves waivers that provide States with flexibility. This bill encourages States to provide innovative plans. But what this bill does is make sure that those waivers can be used for their original intent: expanding care and decreasing costs. prgtoken Madam Chair, I urge my colleagues to support my amendment, and .
Remembering Robert Pear (Executive Session)
Chuck Grassley (Republican, IA) \u2014 2019-5-9

I come to the floor today to pay tribute to a revered and distinguished member of the press corps, Robert Pear, a longtime reporter for the New York Times. He spent four decades in the corridors of this U.S. Capitol. prgtoken I often say that journalists are the watchdogs of democracy, and I really believe that--policing their beats to inform the public and, more importantly, to hold wrongdoers and especially our big government accountable. That makes them very valuable to preserving our representative system of government. These journalists serve as the eyes and ears of the American people--reporting on issues that impact the daily lives and livelihoods of our neighbors. From crime to education, healthcare, and foreign policy, journalists serve as guardians of the First Amendment. prgtoken That brings me to Robert. prgtoken On Tuesday, the healthcare beat lost a legendary reporter. The death of Robert Pear will be mourned for many years to come. As the dean of the national healthcare reporters, he established a reputation for hard-nosed reporting. For decades, he carried out a noble mission to inform the public, and he did it with integrity and fairness. He leaves behind a legacy of unmatched institutional knowledge, particularly in the area of healthcare policy. prgtoken As a policymaker and history buff myself, I read as much news as I can possibly get my hands on. On weekends, I catch up on my reading when traveling to and from Iowa. For every year I have served in the U.S. Senate, Mr. Pear's byline has appeared in the New York Times. I am told that it appeared more than 6,700 times. It is a byline that I made sure not to miss. prgtoken His work put meat on the bones of public policy. Even those of us who study legislation closely could learn a lot and did learn a lot from his writings. Substantive and crisp, his exceptional reporting delivered a thorough analysis of complex issues and then without a doubt influenced the policy conversation on healthcare. prgtoken His prolific pen sharpened the minds of readers, including staff and lawmakers who wrote legislation here on Capitol Hill. It even informed lobbyists who worked to penetrate and influence the debate. His work carried weight with those who implemented healthcare policy from the executive branch, including the White House, the Department of Health and Human Services, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, the National Institutes of Health, and the Food and Drug Administration. prgtoken Now that he has passed away, his absence on the healthcare beat here on Capitol Hill will be missed profoundly. His understanding of the mechanics of health policy were without equal. He was able to wade through the weeds of our archaic Federal spending formulas for Medicare and Medicaid and decipher their impact on the delivery of care in my rural communities but also urban America. Mr. Pear deftly communicated how proposed changes would aff
Medicare (Executive Session)
John Thune (Republican, SD) \u2014 2019-5-9

if you are in a shaky financial situation, wondering how you are going to meet your obligations, your first instinct isn't generally to wildly increase your spending, unless, of course, you are a congressional . prgtoken Our Nation's Medicare system is on shaky financial ground. ' answer is to massively expand the program to the tune of trillions of dollars. prgtoken Two weeks ago, the Social Security and Medicare trustees released their annual report. According to the report, beginning in 2026, Medicare will not be able to meet its obligations. This doesn't even seem to register on ' radar. They steamroll right past the program's already shaky financial status and ask the American people to believe that, somehow, massively expanding the program to include almost the entire U.S. population at a pricetag of staggering proportions will work. prgtoken It is difficult to overstate just how unrealistic ' Medicare for All fantasy is. Start with the pricetag: $32 trillion over 10 years. To put that number in perspective, that is more money than the Federal Government has spent in the last 8 years combined--on everything. That $32 trillion estimate is likely too low, as it was based on an earlier version of the Medicare for All plan of the Senator from Vermont. His new plan also includes a massive new benefit--funding for long-term care, an enormously expensive part of the healthcare system. prgtoken ' last attempt to have the government run a long-term care program fell apart before it was even implemented because the program was not financially viable. prgtoken Let's leave aside for a minute the tremendous cost and the tax hikes on ordinary Americans that would be required to pay for it. Let's talk about the massive difficulty of implementing such a system. The junior Senator from Vermont expects people to believe that the government can successfully transition more than 180 million people off of their private insurance and into government-run healthcare in 4 years. To put that in perspective, the administration had 3\1/2\ years to implement the Care exchanges, which were intended to cover a tiny fraction of the number of people who would be covered under Medicare for All. As I am sure most Americans remember, the government couldn't put together a working website in that 3\1/2\ year time period. Yet somehow expect us to believe that they can smoothly transition 180 million Americans into government-run insurance in just 4 years. prgtoken We are also somehow supposed to believe things will be much more efficient with government running your healthcare. It is certainly true there is a lot of bureaucracy in our current healthcare system, but I am fairly sure the answer is not giving control of healthcare to the mother ship of bureaucracy--the Federal Government. also apparently expect Americans to believe that the Federal Gover
Tribute to Mike Hackley and Recognizing BBQGuys (Executive Session)
Mike Lee (Republican, UT) \u2014 2019-5-9

on May 10, 1869, a golden spike was driven into the last link joining the rails of the first transcontinental railroad at Promontory Summit, UT. Made of 17-carat gold and driven into a predrilled hole in the very last ceremonial tie, it bore the inscription: ``May God continue the unity of our country as this railroad unites the two great oceans of the world.'' Indeed, it did, with the joining of the Union Pacific Railroad, stretching from the Missouri River near the Iowa-Nebraska border, and the Central Pacific Railroad, stretching from Sacramento, CA--east met west. The United States became truly united. prgtoken As the spike was struck, a telegraph was sent around the Nation, and bells rang out from coast to coast. This moment, you see, gave lots of people throughout the United States and lots of people in my State of Utah in particular access to what they needed to grow, to thrive, to prosper, to feed their families; that is, access to other people. prgtoken Throughout the history of humanity, people have needed access to other people. That is why great civilizations have sprung up along great rivers and in areas where they had access to an ocean port. It is one of the reasons why, throughout much of history, people in land- locked regions of any country, including our own, very often have a hard time making a living. The introduction of the railroad started to help to change that. prgtoken Tomorrow marks the 150th anniversary of this pivotal moment, and so it is only right that we pause for just a minute to recognize it, for this was a moment that changed the course of history in Utah and in our Nation and ultimately the entire world. With the driving of that golden spike, the arduous 6-month journey that used to be required to cross the country--costing $1,000--had become a mere 10-day trip costing only $150. prgtoken Thousands of miles of tracks were laid across the country, allowing people to migrate west and to establish new settlements far more quickly, safely, and easily. It transformed the economy across Utah and throughout the Nation. Goods became efficiently transported across much farther distances. Settlers found new markets, and buyers on the frontier and in rural areas were able to purchase items that had previously been completely unavailable to them in some cases or at least very difficult to obtain. It spurred a boon in communications, commerce, agriculture, construction, and mining. It started a significant new chapter in our relationship with Asia and the Pacific region, and it served as a model of innovation and prosperity for the rest of the world. prgtoken All of this came about, it is important to note, from the perseverance and efforts of many different people from different walks of life working together. It required a clear-eyed vision from President Lincoln and the Federal Government and a fruitful private- public partnership that allowed the engineers, railroad
PROVIDING FOR CONSIDERATION OF H.R. 986, PROTECTING AMERICANS WITH PREEXISTING CONDITIONS ACT OF 2019, AND PROVIDING FOR CONSIDERATION OF H.R. 2157, SUPPLEMENTAL APPROPRIATIONS ACT, 2019
Steve King (Republican, IA) \u2014 2019-5-9

. Madam , I appreciate the gentleman from Texas yielding to me. prgtoken Madam , I came to the floor to highlight the disasters that we have in the Midwest. prgtoken I recall back in 2011 when the Missouri River was 11 miles wide at its widest and 5 to 6 miles wide most everywhere else, all the way through Iowa and down across Missouri. It was a secret flood because you couldn't drive there. You had to fly over to see it. prgtoken We have some of these similar circumstances this spring, although it has gotten a little more of the press. We had more water come down below Gavins Point than ever before. It wiped out a lot of ag land on the Iowa side and more so, even, on the Nebraska side. prgtoken We have critical infrastructure that has got to be reconstructed. We have got to protect some of these communities that have been nearly wiped out. This Corps of Engineers, in particular, has 41 breaches on the levees just on the Iowa side of the river. prgtoken I urge that we get to a conclusion and adoption of a final package on this disaster relief. prgtoken But I would point out, Madam , that this message from the White House said that Congress should not use natural disasters as a pretext to engage in unnecessary spending outside the agreed upon discretionary spending caps. prgtoken I am hopeful that this gets worked out between the House and the Senate. We need the relief, and we need it very soon.
PROTECTING AMERICANS WITH PREEXISTING CONDITIONS ACT OF 2019
Greg Walden (Republican, OR) \u2014 2019-5-9

. Madam Chair, I am not opposed to the gentleman's amendment, but I am happy to speak on it. prgtoken Again, section 1332 already requires that the State plan, the one they submit, will provide coverage that is at least as comprehensive as the essential health benefits, including mental health and substance use disorder services, including behavioral health treatment, and will provide coverage to at least a comparable number of its residents. prgtoken Madam Chair, .
PHARMACY DRUG PRICES
Neal P. Dunn (Republican, FL) \u2014 2019-5-9

. Madam , I thank Representative Carter, who is a colleague, a friend, and a neighbor, and who also has genuine expertise on this subject. prgtoken The administration recently published two rules that tackle the issues faced by both our Medicare beneficiaries and the pharmacies that serve them. prgtoken One rule in particular, the ``Modernizing Part D and Medicare Advantage to Lower Drug Prices and Reduce Out-of-Pocket Expenses'' rule, addresses pharmacy direct and indirect remuneration fee reform by instituting that DIR fees will be negotiated at the point of sale instead of the underhanded and retroactive fashion by which the plans and PBMs currently operate. prgtoken Currently, pharmacies can face these clawback fees after they have already filled and sold a prescription for Medicare part D and Medicare Advantage patients. prgtoken DIR fees have become a catchall category for pharmacy benefit managers to collect more overhead after prescriptions are sold. prgtoken Pharmacies are often unaware of what they will owe, and the standards for these fees can be impossible to meet. As a result, many independent pharmacies in my district are forced to provide the drugs at below cost. prgtoken Imagine that for just a moment. DIR fees are causing pharmacies to operate in the red, all while they are providing lifesaving medication to America's seniors. prgtoken DIR fees have also led to drastic increases in out-of-pocket costs for our patients, which, in turn, forces seniors into the doughnut hole of Medicare part D even sooner. prgtoken To protect seniors and pharmacists in my district, and as a medical professional, I urge CMS to finalize the language included in the rule that reflects the negotiated price at the point of sale.
Honoring Robert McKeithen (Executive Session)
Cindy Hyde-Smith (Republican, MS) \u2014 2019-5-9

I respect the time-honored practice of this body which encourages new Members to listen and observe before speaking on the floor. There is value in humility--knowing when to talk and when to listen. prgtoken First, let me say it is a great privilege to represent the people of Mississippi in the United States Senate. I am working hard to support the needs of all Mississippians and to justify the confidence placed in me by the people of my great State. prgtoken Today I rise to speak on several important topics. First and foremost, I rise to honor Officer Robert McKeithen, a 24-year-decorated veteran of the Biloxi Police Department who lost his life in the line of duty this past Sunday night, May 5. prgtoken Officer McKeithen was described by his chief as ``an unbelievably fine policeman.'' He was an Air Force veteran, a husband, and a father who dedicated his life to serving the people of Biloxi, my State, and our Nation. His loss is a tragedy and a stark reminder that law enforcement officers risk their lives daily to keep us safe. Officer McKeithen's family, colleagues, and friends certainly have my deepest sympathy.
RECOGNIZING MRS. CATHERINE ROSALIE McFADDIN BEATY
Ralph Norman (Republican, SC) \u2014 2019-5-9

I rise today to recognize a truly great American, Mrs. Catherine Rosalie McFaddin Beaty, who passed away on April 27, 2019, at the age of 94. prgtoken Mrs. Beaty was born in Rock Hill, South Carolina, and was the daughter of the late Roy D. McFaddin and the late Eulalie Boykin Cook McFaddin. She was also preceded in death by her husband, Cherry Beaty, and brother, First Lieutenant Robert Eli McFaddin, who was killed in action during World War II. prgtoken Mrs. Beaty was a 1941 graduate of Rock Hill High School, where she was a member of the following clubs: the National Honor Society, the Glee Club, the Public Speaking and Drama Club, and the Latin and French Club. She was a junior assistant of the Bearcat publication. prgtoken She graduated from Winthrop College in 1945, where she received a bachelor's degree in business and, later, a teaching degree. prgtoken Upon graduation from Winthrop, she first worked as a paralegal and secretary before beginning her career as a teacher, where she taught at Rock Hill High School, Ebinport Elementary, Riverview Elementary, Fort Mill Elementary, McCelvey Elementary, and Richmond Drive Elementary. prgtoken During her teaching career, she was a member of the NEA and the SCEA as a representative of Richmond Drive Elementary School and Delta Kappa Gamma International Society of Teachers, along with Alpha Delta Kappa, where she served for over 30 years. prgtoken Mrs. Beaty was a dedicated member of Oakland Avenue Presbyterian Church, volunteering for the Providence Presbytery for over 20 years in the resource library. prgtoken She rang handbells in the Memorial Handbell Choir and sang in the Chancel Choir for over 59 years. prgtoken In recognition of her dedicated and tireless service to the church, Mrs. Beaty was awarded the Presbyterian Woman of the Year in 2015. prgtoken Rosalie Beaty was an icon with the very people who knew her the best, her family. She delighted in family gatherings, where she would provide bottled Coke, hot tea, and cheese rings for everyone who attended. prgtoken She had the uncanny ability to remember family birthdays and anniversaries with cards and special mementos. prgtoken Rosalie Beaty will be remembered for her fierce independence, her sharp prgtoken mind, her amazing memory, and her loyalty and strict attention to detail. prgtoken During her memorial service held on May 1, 2019, the description stated by Reverend Jeff Bryan was that she was simply the mother of Cathy Rose, and the legacy left behind by her life was epitomized by these words: While she was alive, she lived, and the 94 years she lived on this Earth were spent serving her God, her family, and her fellow man, in that order. prgtoken The indelible mark she left on her family and community will remain for years to come. The world is truly a better place by having the person of Rosalie McFadden Beaty as a shining example of dedication to a higher calling and, truly, a life well lived.
MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS MONTH
John Katko (Republican, NY) \u2014 2019-5-9

I rise today in recognition of Mental Health Awareness Month. Throughout May, my colleagues and I will bring attention to the impact of mental illnesses on American society, as well as Congress's role in addressing mental healthcare issues facing the country. It is an honor to collaborate with my colleagues in the Congressional Mental Health Caucus to raise awareness for mental illnesses, reduce the stigma surrounding mental illness, and create legislation that improves mental health outcomes for Americans. prgtoken Mental illnesses have a devastating effect on those struggling to live with them. This includes changes in mood, social interactions, sleep patterns, and eating habits. Sadly, the most extreme consequences of mental illness are when an individual inflicts self-injury or takes their life. Suicide is the 10th leading cause of death in the United States and the second leading cause of death among Americans age 24 and younger. Approximately 1.4 million Americans attempt suicide each year and over 47,000 Americans lose their lives to suicide. The United States has 3,700 suicide attempts daily and 129 suicide deaths per day. This equates to one suicide every 12 minutes. prgtoken Not only does suicide have severe emotional costs on families and communities, but also on our economy. It is estimated suicide and self- injury reduce the economic output of the United States by $69 billion per year. prgtoken The suicide epidemic is responsible for nearly the same amount of deaths in the United States as another prevalent health crisis: the opioid epidemic. It is estimated opioids were the cause for 47,600 deaths in America, only a few hundred more than suicide. While solving the opioid crisis has received ample funding and attention, and rightfully so, reducing suicide and improving mental health treatment deserves the same recognition. Congress has a responsibility to assist individuals experiencing mental health challenges through effective legislation and research subsidies. prgtoken Congress should advance policies that increase Americans' access to mental healthcare treatment as a mechanism for preventing self-harm incidents and suicide attempts. Just one third of Americans with mental illness receive treatment. Our country is in desperate need of additional trained therapists, psychologists, and counselors. This lack of access can be partly attributed to a shortage of mental healthcare professionals in certain communities. In order to establish a more reliable supply of mental healthcare professionals, Congresswoman Grace Napolitano and I recently introduced the Mental Health Professionals Workforce Shortage Loan Repayment Act of 2019. Our bill delivers professionals to areas that require mental healthcare experts the most by forgiving their secondary education student loans. It invests in bolstering our mental health workforce, while expanding treatment for Americans with mental illness. prgtoken Am