mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
PROVIDING FOR CONGRESSIONAL DISAPPROVAL OF A RULE SUBMITTED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION
Patty Murray (Democrat, WA) \u2014 2017-3-9

I come to the floor to once again urge my fellow Senators to vote against this resolution, which will weaken our bipartisan Every Student Succeeds Act and will hurt students and schools across the country. I wish to quickly run through the reasons why passing this resolution will hurt our students. prgtoken First, voting for this resolution will throw States and school districts into chaos just as they are beginning to implement this law. Secretary DeVos has already sent a letter to State chiefs suggesting that a new State template for plan submission would be coming, less than a month before approximately 18 States and the District of Columbia intend to submit their plans. This timeline will not allow enough time for the stakeholder review process that is required in the law and may force States to reopen their plans and delay implementation of the law. prgtoken Secondly, the Every Student Succeeds Act is a civil rights law at its core. We know from experience that without strong accountability, kids from low-income neighborhoods, students of color, kids with disabilities, and students learning English too often fall through the cracks, and now it is up to all of us to uphold the civil rights legacy of the law and its promise for students by voting against this resolution. prgtoken I wish to spend a little more time on the third reason. It should concern all of us that if this resolution passes, it will give Secretary DeVos a blank check to promote her anti-public school agenda. During her confirmation process, my colleagues and millions of Americans saw that Secretary DeVos lacks a basic understanding of key concepts in public education policy, and even more concerning, she has openly questioned the role of the Federal Government in protecting our most vulnerable students. prgtoken After her hearings, millions of people across the country stood up, made their voices heard, and called on the Senate to reject her confirmation. Although she squeaked through with an unprecedented tie-- the breaking vote from Vice President --it was clear that , s, and people across the country rejected her anti-public school agenda. Instead, they want the Department of Education to stand with students and with schools. We cannot in good conscience, through this rule, give Secretary DeVos another tool to promote her anti-public school agenda in ESSA implementation, and that is exactly what passing this resolution will do. prgtoken My colleagues across the aisle--the senior Senator from Tennessee made a number of claims in his remarks yesterday about this rule, and I want to go through a few of them because I believe they were off base on a number of levels. prgtoken First, the way my friend talked about what the law allows, or doesn't allow, in terms of rulemaking is absolutely wrong. Major laws like the Every Student Succeeds Act allow for and depend on Federal agencies to issue rules that
PROVIDING FOR CONGRESSIONAL DISAPPROVAL OF A RULE SUBMITTED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION
Charles E. Schumer (Democrat, NY) \u2014 2017-3-9

I just came from speaking with several Americans about how Care would affect them. Universally, these folks were scared. They are worried their costs will go up. They are worried their benefits will go down. One of the concerns that came up, an issue that is on the minds of many Americans, was the high cost of drug prices. prgtoken During the campaign, the President talked the talk on drug prices. As President-elect, he said in December he would ``bring down drug prices.'' In January, he said pharmaceutical companies were ``getting away with murder.'' He repeated the refrain in his joint address to Congress last week. ``We should,'' he said, ``work to bring down the artificially high price of drugs and bring them down immediately.'' Immediately. prgtoken Well, the immediate is here. Care, the repeal and replacement of the ACA, has been introduced. Care does absolutely nothing to address the high cost of drugs. In fact, drug prices might start going up faster. Once again, the President is talking the talk, talking like a populist, but not walking the walk, not helping average Americans. He is helping the wealthy, special interests but not the average folks he was talking to during the campaign. prgtoken The President met with a couple of Congressmen yesterday and talked about drug prices. Why not put something in Care? Why not let them negotiate, bring down costs? Instead, Care does the opposite. Care eliminates a current requirement that insurers actually give patients the value of the health insurance they are paying for. Under the ACA, insurers had to pay at least 60 percent of the cost of care provided--for some plans, more. That requirement would be gone. So that, again, hurts average folks. prgtoken That provision in Care is a blank check to insurers to cover less and charge more out-of-pocket for a whole host of services. Most experts agree that insurers could charge much more for its prescription drugs or even rationed care. prgtoken Care takes the shackles off the insurance companies and lets them decide how or if they are going to cover your prescription drug costs. Letting the insurance companies decide what to charge and cover has never been, and never will be, a recipe to bring down prices. So on drugs as well as other issues, Care: higher costs, less care. prgtoken What is particularly galling, of course, is the fact that the President talks about reducing the cost of drug prices and negotiating but does nothing. prgtoken He said he would do it immediately. The immediate is here. Care is here. Care makes it very likely that the cost of drugs could go up for average Americans. It is just another example of this President doing one thing but saying another. He promises the Moon and the stars, but his policies make them even further out of reach. prgtoken He says: ``I'll bring drug prices down.'' His bill does the opposite, and it is
THE KHOJALY TRAGEDY
Gene Green (Democrat, TX) \u2014 2017-3-9

on February 25 and 26, 1992, twenty-five years ago, the Armenian military forces occupied the town of Khojaly and destroyed hundreds of innocent lives. Those that weren't killed were wounded or taken hostage while their city was under siege. prgtoken Khojaly was recognized as occupied territory from 1988 until 1994 when a ceasefire was signed. The aggression and occupation by Armenian forces has been condemned by the United Nations Security Council. prgtoken More than two decades have passed since those horrific events and little attention has been paid to those killed during the attacks and the struggles of displaced person. prgtoken According to Human Rights Watch and other international observers the massacre was committed by Armenian troops, reportedly with the help of the former Soviet 366th Motor Rifle Regiment. Human Rights Watch described the Khojaly Massacre as ``the largest massacre to date in the conflict'' over Nagorno-Karabakh. In a 1992 report, they stated that Armenian forces and the 366th ``deliberately disregarded this customary law restraint on attacks.'' prgtoken Every year, more and more organizations and countries recognize the terrible tragedy perpetrated against Azerbaijani citizens in Khojaly that night. Each year, we need to recognize that without constant reminders and vigilance, violence can be perpetrated against innocent people. We need to stand up and remember that it is the right of all people to coexist peacefully without fear of brutality. prgtoken Azerbaijan has been a strong strategic partner and friend of the United States. The tragedy of Khojaly was a war crime which cannot be ignored. prgtoken Let's stand with the people of Azerbaijan as they commemorate this tragedy and urge world leaders to help bring a peaceful solution to the occupation of these lands.
FAIRNESS IN CLASS ACTION LITIGATION ACT OF 2017
Sheila Jackson Lee (Democrat, TX) \u2014 2017-3-9

let me say whose side I want to stand on, and that is the side of Mrs. Vento, the widow of our former colleague, Representative Bruce Vento, who passed away from asbestos- induced cancer. prgtoken The bill's public disclosure of victims' private information could be used to deny employment, credit, and health, life, and disability insurance. Mrs. Vento also warned that asbestos victims would be more vulnerable to identity thieves, con men, and other types of predators. prgtoken There is no reason for this bill. Not only is the Judicial Conference of Federal Judges against it, but victims are crying out: Stop it, and stop it now. prgtoken , ?
PROVIDING FOR CONGRESSIONAL DISAPPROVAL OF A RULE SUBMITTED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION
Michael F. Bennet (Democrat, CO) \u2014 2017-3-9

. Thank you, . prgtoken Last week, in his address to Congress, President called education ``the civil rights issue of our time.'' I completely agree with that. prgtoken Millions of American kids are trapped in underperforming schools with little hope of gaining the skills needed for good-paying jobs in the 21st century economy. In America, poor kids hear 30 million fewer words than their more affluent peers by the time they get to kindergarten. If you don't think that makes a difference, you ought to talk to any kindergarten teacher in America. prgtoken By the fourth grade, only one in four kids in the United States can do math prgtoken at grade level, and even fewer than that can read at grade level in this country. About 9 in 100 are going to receive a college degree or its equivalent by the time they get to the age of 25. prgtoken As a Nation, we are falling behind the rest of the world. American 15-year-olds rank 15th in reading in the world, 19th in science in the world, and 37th in math in the world. These numbers are shameful. They are a national disgrace. Because these results fall mainly on communities of color in this country, this is a civil rights crisis in the United States--as the President said, the civil rights issue of our time. prgtoken It is for those reasons and other reasons that Congress passed No Child Left Behind in 2001, so as to strengthen the accountability and transparency for public education all over this country. Despite its good intentions, the law came with onerous requirements that did not work for many communities, including my own. prgtoken When I was the superintendent of the Denver Public Schools, there were few experiences more miserable than dealing with the Federal bureaucracy and their auditors, who would make judgments that were driven more by compliance than by the needs of our children. Somebody who understood that well was Margaret Spellings, who was, at that time, the Secretary of Education for this country. We owe her a debt of gratitude for the work that she did as Secretary. I, personally, owe her a debt of gratitude for the waivers she granted to the Denver Public Schools, when I was superintendent, to allow us to focus not on the compliance of rules that made no sense but to focus on the kids in this school district. prgtoken I know that was the experience of educators all over America, which is why, in 2015, the Senate came together--and I am a member of the Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee--to replace No Child Left Behind. Finally, 8 years too late--8 years after it was supposed to be reauthorized--under the leadership of Chairman Alexander and Senator Murray, we were able to pass the Every Student Succeeds Act. The bill earned overwhelming support. The country was ready for a change. prgtoken The law brought much needed reform to the Federal Government's role in education by giving States far more flexibility for innovation,
HONORING CHRISTOPHER ``NOTORIOUS B.I.G.'' WALLACE
Stacey E. Plaskett (Democrat, VI) \u2014 2017-3-9

this is a very special day to many of us Caribbean Americans as we pay tribute to the life of Christopher Wallace, otherwise known as Biggie Smalls. Livin' life without fear, Putting five karats in my baby girl's ear, Lunches, brunches, interviews by the pool, Considered a fool 'cause I dropped out of high school, Stereotypes of a black male, Misunderstood, And it's still all good, And if you don't know, now you know.
RECOGNIZING WORLD KIDNEY DAY
Robin L. Kelly (Democrat, IL) \u2014 2017-3-9

today, we recognize World Kidney Day and the impact of Chronic Kidney Disease, or CKD, across the globe. In the U.S 26 million adults have kidney disease and 1-in-3 is at risk. We have to reverse this trend. prgtoken African Americans, in particular, suffer from kidney failure at more than three times the rate of Caucasians and constitute more than 32 percent of all patients receiving dialysis for kidney failure. A study says that Hispanics develop kidney failure at a rate of 2:1 compared to Whites. Improving care earlier to stop or slow progression of the disease, and improving access to kidney transplantation for those who do experience kidney failure, are successful tools in order to assist millions of Americans impacted by CKD. prgtoken Over 675,000 Americans have irreversible kidney failure, or end-stage renal disease, and need dialysis or a kidney transplant to survive. CKD shortens life expectancy by 5-11 years and more than 95,000 people died of kidney disease last year. Those with diabetes, high blood pressure, a family history of kidney failure, aged 60 or older, or from minority populations are at the greatest risk. prgtoken In order to avoid an irreversible stage, there are two simple, quick, and inexpensive tests for chronic kidney disease. If caught early, diet, exercise, and medications can help slow or even reverse some of the damage caused by kidney disease, allowing patients a better life. prgtoken I had the opportunity to meet with kidney patients, including Leilah Sampson from Chicago, who is a volunteer with the National Kidney Foundation. When she was 19, Leilah was studying to be a nurse at the historic Tuskegee University when she discovered that she had kidney disease. It quickly progressed to kidney failure, and has since caused significant physical and mental health issues. prgtoken How many lives can be improved or saved by a simple set of tests that costs $80 to $140? More needs to be done in order to promote testing by physicians and reward them for identifying and managing this chronic disease. In addition, empowering patients through education can help allow them to make informed decisions about all available treatments, further improving their lives. prgtoken As Chairwoman of the Congressional Black Caucus Health Braintrust, I am committed to working with Congress and stakeholders in the public health and research communities to promote strategies to fight kidney disease.
WHAT WE KNOW AND DON'T KNOW ABOUT THE GOP HEALTHCARE PLAN
Mark Takano (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2017-3-9

I rise this morning to share with my constituents what we know about the healthcare plan and, more importantly, what we don't know. prgtoken We know that the proposal to replace the Affordable Care Act will cut taxes for the wealthiest people in America. prgtoken We know that it will eventually eliminate the Medicaid expansion, which is responsible for ensuring millions of Americans, including nearly 80,000 people in my district alone. prgtoken We know that the GOP replacement plan shifts costs to seniors and low-income families while restricting women's access to reproductive health. prgtoken We know that it is a windfall for the healthy and wealthy and a disaster for nearly everyone else. prgtoken Now, this is what we know about the GOP healthcare plan, but perhaps more alarming is what we don't know. My colleagues cannot answer the two most important questions about their proposal: How much will it cost and how many people will it cover? prgtoken , Congress should not take any further action on this bill without knowing its impact on the budget and its consequences for the American people. prgtoken I am stunned--stunned--that my colleagues are planning to move forward on a plan that is, quite literally, a matter of life and death for millions of American families without knowing exactly what they are moving forward with. prgtoken , in 2009 and 2010 when held a televised healthcare summit with leaders, when the Senate HELP Committee marked up the Affordable Care Act over a full month and accepted 160 amendments, and when the Senate Finance Committee held 31 meetings over 60 hours, even after that process, s said that rammed the healthcare bill through Congress without reading it. Now the majority is moving forward with their replacement plan without knowing what it costs and what it will mean for American families. prgtoken This level of hypocrisy and recklessness is insulting to the American people, and it is dangerous for the future of our healthcare system. prgtoken There is already plenty to dislike about what we know is in this bill. Who knows what we will find out when we uncover the rest.
Homeland Security (Executive Session)
Gary C. Peters (Democrat, MI) \u2014 2017-3-9

I rise today to express my opposition to the confirmation of Seema Verma as Administrator of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, known as CMS. prgtoken As CMS Administrator, Ms. Verma would oversee healthcare coverage for more than 55 million seniors and disabled individuals in the Medicare Program. In addition, she would be the primary authority for the Medicaid Program, the Children's Health Insurance Program, and our Nation's health insurance marketplace. Together, these programs cover over 70 million Americans. prgtoken I have serious concerns that if confirmed, Ms. Verma will pursue shortsighted changes to our healthcare system that could jeopardize care for working families, while providing huge benefits to corporate interests. prgtoken Ms. Verma has openly stated her desire to put insurance companies back in charge of our healthcare by allowing insurers to deny women maternity care coverage as an essential health benefit. She has also expressed support for proposals that would weaken essential health benefits that ensure coverage for mental healthcare, preventive screenings, and comprehensive pediatric care for children. These comprehensive services form the backbone of the healthcare system that invests in preventive care, improving outcomes, lowering costs, and puts consumers in charge of their own healthcare. Ms. Verma is proposing to take us back to the days when insurance companies were in control and when they would tell you what was best, not you or your doctor. prgtoken She has also expressed support for dangerous and radical proposals that would change Medicare as we know it. I believe that when it comes to Medicare, our future CMS Administrator should be doing everything he or she can to strengthen an incredibly successful program. Ms. Verma, instead, supports policies that reduce the quality of care and increase costs on older Americans. prgtoken Our Nation's seniors have worked hard their entire lives. We owe them a secure and dignified retirement. When Congress was first debating the Affordable Care Act in 2009, I heard from seniors who had split their pills in half or would forgo their prescriptions altogether just to put food on their table. This is simply unacceptable in this great country of ours. prgtoken It is important to remember that the Affordable Care Act extended the solvency of Medicare by more than a decade, while simultaneously bringing down prescription drug costs for seniors. Because of improvements to Medicare in the Affordable Care Act, the average senior in Michigan saved over $1,000 on prescription drug costs in 2015. prgtoken While this shows the success the ACA has had in helping older Americans, there is still much more work to do. We must keep moving forward to strengthen and improve Medicare. I am concerned Ms. Verma will move us backward. prgtoken During her confirmation hearing, she failed to express her opposition to proposals that woul
PROVIDING FOR CONSIDERATION OF H.R. 720, LAWSUIT ABUSE REDUCTION ACT OF 2017, AND PROVIDING FOR CONSIDERATION OF H.R. 985, FAIRNESS IN CLASS ACTION LITIGATION ACT OF 2017
Louise McIntosh Slaughter (Democrat, NY) \u2014 2017-3-9

such time as I may consume. prgtoken If we defeat the previous question, I will offer an amendment to the rule that would require a CBO cost estimate to be made publicly available for any legislation that amends or repeals the Affordable Care Act which may be considered in the Energy and Commerce or Ways and Means Committees or on the House floor. prgtoken The Committees on Ways and Means and Energy and Commerce are marking up repeal legislation today. Legislation this significant should not advance through the committee process, let alone the House, without first hearing from our nonpartisan budget experts at CBO on what the cost and overall impact would be. prgtoken , one of the most enduring symbols of fairness is Lady Justice, who is depicted holding the Scales of Justice that represent fairness in our courts. That central idea is embodied in the fact that justice in the United States of America is supposed to be delivered fairly, without any bias toward wealth or privilege. prgtoken It is no secret that sometimes we do struggle to live up to that ideal. We have seen evidence of that far too often recently. But, Mr this Chamber shouldn't be actively working to tilt those scales toward the rich and the powerful, but that is what this legislation would do. Considering these bills wastes their money and fritters away the time we should be spending addressing our crumbling infrastructure and the skyrocketing cost of education. prgtoken And, , today we got from the American Society of Civil Engineers the new grades on our infrastructure. This year we get a D minus, and we should certainly do better than that. prgtoken , I ask unanimous consent to insert the text of the amendment into the Record, along with extraneous material, immediately prior to the vote on the previous question.