mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
GRAVE CONCERNS FOR TRICARE BENEFICIARIES
Diana Harshbarger (Republican, TN) \u2014 2023-1-27

I thank my friend, Buddy Carter from Georgia, for yielding. prgtoken , I rise today because our veterans deserve better. prgtoken Our Active-Duty servicemembers and veterans chose to serve this great Nation knowing it would take unimaginable sacrifice and precious time away from their loved ones. prgtoken Many of them left their lives behind and were taken to far corners of the world to face enemies of democracy. They did this for us, for our freedom, for our ability to stand here today without fear of persecution. prgtoken This is a sacrifice we should all feel indebted to, including those people at Express Scripts. For those of you who are unfamiliar with the company, it is a Cigna-owned pharmacy benefit manager, known as a PBM, that administers the TRICARE benefits on behalf of the Department of Defense. prgtoken Last year, the Department of Defense allowed this PBM--and this was suddenly and without warning--to institute pharmacy network changes that impacted 400,000 TRICARE beneficiaries by removing almost 15,000 independent community pharmacies from the retail network. prgtoken Most people in this country live 5 minutes from a pharmacy. They have immediate access to a pharmacist. They don't have to make an appointment, and they can go in and talk to that professional. prgtoken Most of those pharmacies are now excluded. They are located in rural and underserved areas. These people are no longer able to rely upon their local pharmacy to access needed medications and in-person pharmacist counseling. prgtoken These TRICARE beneficiaries and their families are being forced to drive sometimes long distances to find a corporate, in-network pharmacy, or if they can't do that, they are funneled into an Express Scripts mail order program, and that is unacceptable. prgtoken This abrupt change by PBM giant Express Scripts is especially problematic for a small group of TRICARE beneficiaries who are chronically ill, that have a disability and receive infusion medications in their homes. prgtoken It will almost certainly delay care for those patients with chronic conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, heart disease, cancer, and diabetes. prgtoken By the way, I am talking to oncology groups now that are absolutely tracking that these patients do not get their medicine in time, or go without their cancer drugs, and it causes an immediate response and a degradation of their health based on the cancer that they have. prgtoken The department's decision to carry on with this contract despite the grave impacts we all knew would impact our veterans and servicemembers is reprehensible. prgtoken Veterans and Active-Duty servicemembers and their families are losing access to quality care, and those with cancer and rare diseases are often being faced with the impossible choice of switching to a new pharmacy that may be far, far away or paying out of pocket to stay with the pharmacy they have come to know and trust. prgtoken America m
GRAVE CONCERNS FOR TRICARE BENEFICIARIES
Jennifer Kiggans (Republican, VA) \u2014 2023-1-27

. I thank the gentleman from Georgia, Mr. Carter, for yielding me time to speak on this important issue. prgtoken , it is fitting that my first address on the House floor is about a subject that is important to me and so many people in my district. prgtoken As a Navy veteran and a primary care nurse practitioner, I am well aware of the challenges that our servicemembers face in the healthcare arena. prgtoken Over the past few weeks, I have heard from countless concerned constituents who are unable to get their medications from their local pharmacy because the pharmacy is no longer in the TRICARE network. prgtoken It is not just TRICARE members who are being affected by this change. I recently talked to a constituent who owns a small pharmacy on Virginia's Eastern Shore. prgtoken They are at risk of losing a significant percentage of their business because the reimbursement rates issued from TRICARE are now too low to be sustainable for pharmacy owners. prgtoken I was sent to Congress to help the people of Virginia's Second District in any and every way that I can. prgtoken This new contract helps absolutely no one. In fact, it does just the opposite. prgtoken Our military and military families need to remain strong to be effective. It is our job to ensure their needs are met and their health is prioritized. Make no mistake; this TRICARE contract does neither. prgtoken I strongly urge TRICARE to return to the negotiating table and ensure military members and their families can receive their medications, and our pharmacies are fairly compensated.
CONGRATULATING IOWA BIODIESEL BOARD
Mariannette Miller-Meeks (Republican, IA) \u2014 2023-1-27

I rise today to congratulate Iowa Biodiesel Board on their recognition by the Clean Fuels Alliance America for their contributions to clean energy. prgtoken Since the Iowa Biodiesel Board was created in 2007, they have been instrumental in making Iowa the number one biodiesel producing State in the country. prgtoken Biofuels are critical in the United States' goal of energy independence. They have created jobs throughout Iowa and the country and reduced overall greenhouse gas emissions. prgtoken I am proud to represent a State that recognizes the advantages of biofuels and organizations like the Iowa Biodiesel Board for promoting biodiesel throughout the country. prgtoken As we continue pursuing clean energy production, I hope my colleagues will look to Iowa and organizations such as the Iowa Biodiesel Board as an example of an ``any-of-the-above'' approach. prgtoken In order to leave a cleaner, healthier planet for our children and grandchildren, we must enact policies that promote a variety of energy sources where they work best. prgtoken I want to congratulate Iowa Biodiesel Board for their commitment toward clean energy and being a recipient of the Clean Fuels Initiative Award.
THE WAR IN UKRAINE
Glenn Grothman (Republican, WI) \u2014 2023-1-27

sometimes the press--when a story goes on for months and months--begins to not pay attention or address things they ought to be addressing. I am going to briefly address the Ukraine war. prgtoken It sure would be wonderful if that war ended. There are different estimates as to the number of people killed in that war, but I think all estimates would put it over 20,000 people. prgtoken This--for countries that, quite frankly, have problems and a shortage of people--is not frequently commented on, but Ukraine has the second lowest birth rate of any sizable country in the world. Russia also has a low birth rate and has a lot of people immigrating. prgtoken I would hope the press, or our government would look for somebody--we can't do it--but look for some country, France, Turkey, Israel, someone to broker peace here before any more people die, and the hatred that inevitably comes with war becomes greater and greater.
REMEMBERING THE LIFE OF CHARLES EDWIN SIMPSON
Trent Kelly (Republican, MS) \u2014 2023-1-27

I rise today to honor the life of Lt. Colonel Charles ``Chuck'' Edwin Simpson. Lt. Colonel Charles ``Chuck'' Edwin Simpson, U.S. Army, Retired, 93, of Harlem, Georgia, born September 29, 1929, in Fayetteville, AL, passed away peacefully Saturday, November 12, 2022. prgtoken Charles joined the army at 17 years of age and retired after 28 years of service. Within his time in the army, he ministered to many while traveling the world and obtaining a Master's degree of Electromagnetic Compatibility Analysis. He then settled in Harlem, Georgia, with his family, establishing Crosslands Nursery and developing a line of manufactured homes (Hutchinson and Herrli Homes). He later became deeply engaged with the Commission Project in the Ukraine and former Soviet Union. prgtoken He was an active member of Thomson Presbyterian Church and served on the Session of the Presbytery of the Presbyterian Church of America. He touched the lives of many as a disciple, grandfather, and friend. He was a cheerful leader, an attentive listener, and loving ``Papaw'' to subsequent generations. He was cherished and loved, and will be greatly missed. His hobbies were farming. politics, and construction, but his greatest joy was family and leading others to his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. prgtoken He is preceded in death by his parents, William Hood Simpson and Ellen Faulkner Simpson, his 9 brothers and sisters, and his wife, Margaret Acker Simpson (married February 14, 1954). prgtoken He is survived by his 4 children, Darlene ``Faith'' Bandre, Deborah ``Debi'' Mangham, Thomas ``Tom'' Simpson, and Donald ``Tim'' Simpson (Johnna); his sisters, Eleanor Griffin Ellis, Helen Reed; his brother Claude Simpson; 12 grandchildren; and 22 great grandchildren.
SCHOOL CHOICE
Daniel Meuser (Republican, PA) \u2014 2023-1-27

every student deserves the opportunity to receive an education that empowers them to excel. They are our Nation's future and should have the opportunity to attend a school that best suits them, whether it is public or private, charter or other. prgtoken This week is not about placing private education over public school education. Many Americans have access to great public schools, but many do not. School choice increases options available for families and incentivizes improvement of all schools. prgtoken Nobody knows what is best for their children more than a parent does, and a student's ZIP Code should not determine their destiny. School choice policies are a great equalizer and increase opportunity for students no matter where they live. prgtoken Education savings accounts, like those recently implemented in Iowa, and my colleague Adrian Smith's legislation, the Educational Choice for Children's Act, which provides a tax credit for those who fund scholarship awards for K-12 students, are two examples of policies that will increase opportunity for millions of children across America. prgtoken As a Member of Congress, I look forward to supporting such proposals.
GRAVE CONCERNS FOR TRICARE BENEFICIARIES
Barry Moore (Republican, AL) \u2014 2023-1-27

I am fortunate to be able to represent a district full of patriotic veterans who have served this country honorably. Every American and, certainly, Congress, owes our veterans, all we have promised them, and more. prgtoken The issue we are discussing today has imposed significant hardships on veterans and their families who have long relied on trusted, local, and convenient healthcare professionals for their prescription medications. prgtoken Due to negotiations between Express Scripts on behalf of the Department of Defense and independently owned pharmacies, thousands of local pharmacies are unable to provide prescriptions for TRICARE patients. prgtoken This means that many retail pharmacies are unable to work with TRICARE customers, restricting pharmacy access for millions of people all over the country, including many in my district and primarily in rural Alabama. prgtoken I have heard numerous upsetting stories from my constituents who have been impacted. One tells me he can no longer use Express Scripts due to his medication prices more than doubling from his local pharmacy, which no longer accepts TRICARE. He recently waited over 4 hours for his prescriptions at his new pharmacy. prgtoken Another constituent, who recently had to stand in line at a pharmacy for over an hour with other upset patrons, explained to my office that multiple times Express Scripts has run low on his mental health medications and failed to deliver them to him on time, causing a dangerous interruption in his medication schedule. prgtoken , one of my constituents has used the same pharmacy for 54 years and thinks of them as a partner. They are in frequent communication regarding her health, and the professionals there often help her decide which medications will be most beneficial to her. prgtoken Unfortunately, Express Scripts has not met her needs. When visiting another pharmacy recommended to her by Express Scripts, she was informed that they are not a fully functional pharmacy and that they were also unable to help her. prgtoken She has told my office that our veteran population loves our country, but too often it seems our country does not love them back. prgtoken The treatment of our own veterans is unacceptable and, in the greatest country in the world, our government must do everything possible to alleviate the suffering of our veterans and their families, who have already sacrificed so much. prgtoken I appreciate my colleague, Buddy Carter, an experienced independent pharmacist, for hosting this Special Order and his leadership on this issue. prgtoken We have no greater responsibility than keeping our promises to our veterans, and I am committed to ensuring that families using TRICARE receive the utmost care from their trusted, local healthcare professionals.
HONORING HEROIC BRANTLEY COUNTY FIRST RESPONDERS
Earl L. "Buddy" Carter (Republican, GA) \u2014 2023-1-27

I rise today to recognize and honor the heroic Brantley County first responders. prgtoken In early January, there were several drug overdoses on the west end of the county. Thanks to the hard work and expertise of the Brantley County paramedics, EMTs, deputies, dispatchers, and many others, multiple people were saved. prgtoken To honor them for their outstanding work, I will name everyone involved: prgtoken Brantley EMS: Chad Hester, Dale Jewell, Kim Carter, and David Farrior. prgtoken Brantley County 911 operator Devinee Cady. prgtoken Brantley County deputies Vanessa Wilson and Christopher Edgerton. prgtoken Lastly, Deputy Ralph McCormick and Detention Officer James Leston Jacobs. prgtoken Because of the heroic acts of this selfless group, many lives have been saved. prgtoken They all deserve a hero's welcome and celebration. On behalf of myself, the First Congressional District of Georgia, and the Nation, thank you for your service.
AMERICAN ENERGY
Mitch McConnell (Republican, KY) \u2014 2023-1-30

the new House of Representatives has already done more to protect our Nation's Strategic Petroleum Reserve than the single-party ic government did in the last 2 years. prgtoken First, House s passed legislation that would ban the Federal Government from selling energy from the SPR to benefit our Nation's No. 1 strategic adversary--the Chinese Communist Party. Then, last week, the House followed on by passing H.R. 21, a bipartisan bill that would require the Department of Energy to offset any nonemergency drawdowns of the Strategic Petroleum Reserve by expanding access to America's abundant domestic energy on Federal lands. McCarthy and Chair Cathy McMorris Rodgers were right to make American energy security a top priority for their new majority. prgtoken It is too bad that it is even necessary to protect our Nation's emergency energy reserves from our own Commander in Chief and his party, but unfortunately the administration has proven that it is necessary. prgtoken Last year, with his party hurting at the polls, President released more than 200 million barrels, leaving America's strategic reserve at its lowest level since 1983. To make matters worse, this political gamble didn't just leave America less secure, it directly benefited China. President 's Department of Energy hadn't just sold off critical supplies; they sold some of them--listen to this-- directly to a Chinese refining company. prgtoken Last year, Senate s put every on the record with an amendment to clamp down on selling our strategic reserve to China. Senate blocked it. The ic Senators from States like West Virginia, Montana, and Ohio voted on party lines to let the administration continue to sell our reserves to the CCP. prgtoken ' recklessness with our energy reserves actually predates this particular administration. Remember back when oil prices were at historic lows during the early days of the COVID pandemic? We s tried to refill the SPR to the top. We could have totally replenished our stockpile at bargain-basement prices. But the Senate leader blocked it and bragged about blocking it. Our colleague crowed that his party had stopped a ``bailout for Big Oil.'' Of course, what he really blocked was a win-win for national security as well as the American taxpayer. prgtoken Washington have been dead wrong on how to handle our strategic reserve literally for years. This is just one symptom of their deep misunderstanding about energy, about the importance of American energy dominance and the way to achieve it. prgtoken Across the Atlantic, war in Ukraine has brought the vulnerability of Europe's dependence on Russian energy prgtoken into stark and painful relief. Half-baked green transitions, an allergy to clean and reliable nuclear power, and an addiction to Russian gas sent our allies' energy costs thr
FINANCIAL EXPLOITATION PREVENTION ACT OF 2023
Patrick T. McHenry (Republican, NC) \u2014 2023-1-30

such time as I may consume. prgtoken , I rise in support of H.R. 500, the Financial Exploitation Prevention Act, a bipartisan bill that will help combat the financial exploitation of our seniors and other vulnerable adults. prgtoken I thank the gentlewoman from Missouri (Mrs. Wagner), the new chair of the Subcommittee on Capital Markets, for her work on this bill. prgtoken Financial exploitation, particularly of seniors and other vulnerable adults, is a serious and growing issue. Consider this: The number of Americans age 65 and older is projected to nearly double from 52 million in 2018 to 95 million by 2060. At the same time, the 65 and older age group's share of the total population is predicted to rise from 16 percent to 23 percent. Right now, approximately 44 percent of households are headed by a baby boomer, and 30 percent of Silent Generation and GI Generation households own mutual funds. prgtoken As more and more investors transition into retirement, the risk of financial exploitation for older households will only increase. Right now, roughly one in five senior investors already fall prey to fraudsters, losing an estimated $2.9 billion annually. Those are just the cases we know about. Unfortunately, there is research that shows only 1 in 44 cases of financial abuse is ever reported. prgtoken This bill provides a tool to fight against this type of elder abuse. prgtoken Some mutual fund shareholder accounts are held directly with the mutual fund and serviced by the fund's transfer agent, otherwise known as direct-at-fund accounts. The transfer agent is typically responsible for opening and servicing the accounts, managing account records, and serving as the fund's point of contact with those shareholders. prgtoken Under current law, when a funds transfer agent suspects financial exploitation in a direct-at-fund account, it cannot lawfully delay the disbursement or redemption proceeds while an investigation occurs. This bill would codify a 2018 Securities and Exchange Commission-issued no- action letter that permits a mutual fund and its transfer agent to delay the redemption period of a security if it is reasonably believed that a request was made by exploited seniors or other vulnerable adults. prgtoken In many cases, this work is done by financial firms using technology. That technology is widely available across financial platforms, and this is enabling that technology to flag a question and give pause to the movement of funds, thereby protecting a senior's accounts. prgtoken Codifying this Securities and Exchange Commission no-action letter will provide our potentially at-risk investors with the protection they need to make sure they can receive the hard-earned savings that they have built up over the years. prgtoken This is an important bill. It takes the existing practice from the Securities and Exchange Commission and makes it law, giving it a stronger force of protection for our senior
FINANCIAL EXPLOITATION PREVENTION ACT OF 2023
Ann Wagner (Republican, MO) \u2014 2023-1-30

I rise in support of my bill, H.R. 500, the Financial Exploitation Prevention Act. prgtoken It is, indeed, a bipartisan bill that will help prevent seniors and other vulnerable adults from becoming victims of fraud. prgtoken I thank Chairman McHenry for his very strong support on this important legislation and the ranking member for working with us on this legislation. prgtoken Financial exploitation of seniors and other vulnerable adults is a serious and growing problem. Over the next 10-plus years, 10,000 Americans will turn 65 every day, with seniors making up 18 percent of the Nation's population by 2030. prgtoken As more investors age into retirement, their risk of exploitation increases. Sadly, about one in five senior investors falls prey to financial fraud, and those investors lose an estimated $2.9 billion annually in reported cases. prgtoken However, according to the National Adult Protective Services Association, only 1 in 44 cases of financial abuse is ever even reported. prgtoken Right now, approximately 44 percent of households headed by a baby boomer and 30 percent of Silent Generation households own mutual funds. My bill proposes a solution to fight elder abuse in the context of mutual funds. prgtoken Since some mutual fund shareholder accounts are held directly with the mutual fund and serviced by the fund's transfer agent, or direct- at-fund accounts, as they are known, the transfer agent is typically responsible for opening and servicing the accounts, maintaining the account records, and serving as the fund's point of contact for those shareholders. prgtoken Under current law, when a fund's transfer agent suspects financial exploitation in a direct-at-fund account, it cannot lawfully delay the disbursement of redemption proceeds while an investigation occurs. prgtoken My legislation would codify both a FINRA and SEC issued no-action letter from 2018 that permits a mutual fund and its transfer agent to delay the redemption period of a security if they reasonably believe that a request was made by exploiting seniors or other vulnerable adults. It does not stop this trade from going through, it just takes a pause while they check with that senior to make sure that there has not been fraud or elder abuse anticipated. prgtoken This will provide our potentially vulnerable investors with an important layer of investor protection to help make sure that they receive the hard-earned savings that they have built up over the years. prgtoken Additionally, and importantly, my bill also requires the SEC to report to Congress on additional potential legislative solutions for further combating financial exploitation of seniors and vulnerable adults. prgtoken Many of us have had the bittersweet experience of caring for a parent or loved one as they grow older. This legislation will give our constituents the peace of knowing that their loved ones are better protected from fraud. prgtoken , I strongly urge my colle