mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
Prescription Drug Costs (Executive Session)
John Thune (Republican, SD) \u2014 2019-12-11

over in the House this week, are taking up the latest installment in their campaign to have the government take over Americans' healthcare: the Pelosi prescription drug bill. prgtoken There is no question that high prescription drug costs are a problem. One in four seniors reports difficulty affording medications, and there are too many stories of patients being forced to ration pills or to abandon their prescription at the pharmacy counter. But the Pelosi drug bill is the wrong prescription for the problem of high drug prices. Why? Because it would reduce Americans' access to lifesaving treatments and discourage investment in prescription drug research. prgtoken Between 2011 and 2018, more than 250 new medications were introduced worldwide. American patients have access to nearly all of them, but that is not the situation for patients in a lot of other countries. The chamber of commerce reports that patients in France have access to just 50 percent of those new drugs. French patients, in other words, are missing out on fully half of the new drugs that have been introduced in the past 8 years. prgtoken Why do Americans have such tremendous access to new drugs while other countries trail behind? Because the U.S. Government doesn't dictate drug prices or drug coverage. As statistic after statistic demonstrates, when governments start imposing price controls, patients' access to new drugs and treatments diminishes. prgtoken Government price controls also discourage the medical research and innovation that produce the prescription drug breakthroughs of the future. The United States leads the world in prescription drug innovation, and a big reason for that is because the U.S. Government doesn't dictate drug prices. prgtoken It wasn't always this way. European investment in drug research used to exceed U.S. investment, but that changed when European governments stepped in and started imposing price controls. Today, European investment in drug research and development is almost 40 percent lower than U.S. investment, in large part because of European governments' price controls. prgtoken No other country comes close to achieving the number of prescription drug breakthroughs that companies in the United States achieve. That situation, however, is not going to last if the ic Party has its way. prgtoken The Pelosi drug bill would impose a system of government price controls on up to 250 medications, and reduced access to drugs and fewer medical breakthroughs would soon follow. prgtoken The California Life Sciences Association released a statement noting that the Pelosi drug bill could result in ``an 88-percent reduction in the number of drugs that are brought to market by small/emerging companies in California.'' It goes on to say that ``such a dramatic decline would be felt most in the higher risk/smaller population therapeutic areas of R&D, including new drugs for endocrine, metabolic,
Tax Cut and Jobs Act (Executive Calendar)
Mike Braun (Republican, IN) \u2014 2019-12-11

it has been almost a year since I was sworn in. I thought it was a good time to kind of reminisce a little bit about the first year of being a U.S. Senator from Indiana. I want to cite that, when you come from a place like Indiana, it is where America really works. Think about it. We still believe in balanced budgets. We have rainy day funds. We take on big issues and talk about how we are going to pay for it, not borrow the money, throw it on the backs of our kids and grandkids. prgtoken So, in being here now nearly a year, I want to reminisce back to what motivated me to stick my neck out and do it in the first place. I saw in November of 2016 that it looked like we might have a different dynamic here in our U.S. Government. I look back and see, in December of 2017, a Main Street entrepreneur, someone who has always lived by those rules of stick your neck out, take a risk. You don't really exceed mediocrity unless you do things that push the envelope a little bit now and then, but do it in the context of where it is sustainable. prgtoken I noticed, in December of 2017, we finally got some legislation across the finish line that rewards enterprisers, rewards Main Street USA. That was in the Tax Cut and Jobs Act passed then. I did not know how it was going to unfold. Of course, even our CBO said it was going to end up costing the government, not rewarding it through more enterprise, greater revenues. Well, we have now got some evidence from it. We have got the hottest economy that we have had in modern history, and, yes, we are raising record revenues, despite having lower tax rates. prgtoken Well, that sounds like the math wouldn't work out. Well, there is a point, especially in small business on Main Street, that you will not keep enterprising, you will not work hard if you end up having to send too much to a place like this that over the years did not, to me, look like it was delivering good value. So we have been vindicated; it is working.
TRIBUTE TO JOHNNY ISAKSON
Deb Fischer (Republican, NE) \u2014 2019-12-11

I rise today with my colleagues to honor my friend, the senior Senator from Georgia. At the end of this year, Senator Isakson will retire after 20 years of service to the people of Georgia in Washington. prgtoken After protecting our Nation in the Georgia Air National Guard, graduating from the University of Georgia, and serving as a representative in his State legislature, the door opened for a son from Atlanta to run for Congress. Georgia saw in him then what we see in him now: a principled leader, a skillful communicator, and a man worth trusting. It is no surprise that the people of Georgia have renewed their trust in him time and time again. And I know I speak for my colleagues when I say that we are grateful they did. prgtoken After six years representing Georgia's Sixth Congressional District, the Senate gained a true statesman when he entered in 2005. When I was preparing for these remarks, I came across one of his Senate reelection speeches. I thought it was particularly revealing to his character and how he carries himself in the Senate. He told the crowd that was cheering him on: I promise you I am ready . . . I am ready to tackle whatever problem life brings to us as Americans. With my feet rooted in conservative principles, my belief in God the Father Almighty, and my belief in the people of Georgia. prgtoken , that is who Senator Isakson is. prgtoken No matter the obstacles that came his way, he has always been a steady hand--strengthened by his enduring faith and deep respect for his constituents. One of those mountains to climb was working on behalf of our veterans to improve conditions at the VA and end the backlog that was building for years. Under his leadership on the Veterans' Affairs Committee, I was proud to work with him to pass the CHIP-In for Vets Act into law in 2016. The bill allows local communities to take the lead on new projects by permitting the VA to accept private contributions to ensure VA projects are finished both on time and on budget. His support of this bill meant that Nebraskans have the opportunity to save millions of dollars when constructing the new Omaha VA Ambulatory Clinic. A GAO report indicates that our new facility is now $34 million under budget and 4\1/2\ months ahead of schedule. I know generations of Nebraskans will be grateful for his help in getting this bill across the finish line. prgtoken On a more personal note, one of my fondest memories of Johnny was our trip to Normandy, France, this year to commemorate the 75th anniversary of D-Day. As a veteran himself, everyone in this body understood the abounding respect and gratitude he carried for our Nation's servicemembers as he led the delegation--the same respect and gratitude he shows to our veterans everyday as he leads the Senate in providing resources to meet our veterans' needs. prgtoken , I think if there is any moment that fo
HONORING THE LIFE OF ALLAN TRIMBLE
Kevin Hern (Republican, OK) \u2014 2019-12-11

I rise in recognition of the passing of a great American. prgtoken Allan Trimble was first and foremost a man of faith, whose mission field for 35 years was 100 yards long and 53\1/2\ prgtoken yards wide. Coach Trimble was the most successful high school coach in Oklahoma history with 13 State championships, and in 2017, Jenks High School affectionately renamed their stadium the ``Allan Trimble Stadium'' in his honor. prgtoken He was inducted into the Oklahoma Sports Hall of Fame in 2018. Trimble believed that when you make better people, you make better players. For Coach Trimble, winning on the field was a by-product of winning off the field, keeping your priorities of faith, family, and football, in that order. prgtoken Coach Trimble was a master mentor who spent his entire adult life pouring his wisdom into high school students and young adults. Countless people were blessed by his mentorship. prgtoken Despite his battle with ALS, Coach Trimble continued to believe that he was blessed and needed to bless others. prgtoken Coach Trimble spent his last year developing the Trimble Strong Foundation, a continuation of his efforts to serve others and mentor the next generation. prgtoken Last week, Coach Trimble left this earthly pain to join our Father in Heaven. prgtoken He is remembered a hero by thousands of lives he touched both on and off the football field. Oklahoma will never forget his legacy of service and of selflessness, faith, and football. Congratulating State Football Champions
Tribute to Johnny Isakson (Executive Calendar)
Shelley Moore Capito (Republican, WV) \u2014 2019-12-11

I am pleased to be on the floor with my colleagues to honor our friend and our colleague, Johnny Isakson from Georgia. I could almost tell you he is probably hating this about now, but I want to get my two cents in. I don't need to read off his impressive resume or thank him for his service in the Georgia National Guard, his successful real estate business, his extensive public service, and all that he has done and accomplished in Congress. prgtoken I want to talk about Johnny Isakson, my friend. You hear everybody in this body get up and we say: My colleague and my friend. Sometimes I am not sure we are really talking about friends, but I want to tell you, Johnny, I am not making this up. I am talking about you as my friend. I am not just being polite. You know me better than that. prgtoken I will tell a little story, and he has heard me tell it, but when I was first elected to the House of Representatives in the year 2000, I was walking down the aisle, probably our first vote, had no idea really what I was doing, didn't know anybody in the 435-Member body, and I must have had it written all over my face because I was wandering, and this hand reaches out, and he says: Why don't you sit down here next to me, and we can talk about what is going on. prgtoken That was my introduction to Johnny Isakson. We talked about what was going on on the floor. We talked about who his friends were. We talked about the fact that my mother's family was from Perry, GA, and I had some Georgia blood running through these veins. prgtoken Johnny, as we have heard, doesn't care if you have been here 20 years or if you have been here 20 minutes, he wants to be a friend. I heard him say that the other day; that he has friends and then he has future friends. I have actually thought about that a lot over the holiday weekend. He doesn't care if you are a or , from the North or the South--South will probably help a little bit--East or West, he has an innate ability to put everybody at ease. He doesn't count anybody as an enemy. We have been to the Prayer Breakfast. We have shared our highs and lows together in our respective lives. He never cares who gets the credit. He just cares about getting things done. I think you have seen that through everybody's wonderful tributes to Johnny. He brings people together. That is hard to do, but he leads by example. He has been a great example to me. You have been a great example to me. My colleague from North Dakota, Senator John Hoeven, has called you ``Mr. Congeniality of the Senate.'' I can't think of a better analogy. You are Mr. Congeniality, but you are also a very forceful, strong person with a steel spine to know what is right and what is wrong. prgtoken The Bible asks, ``What does the Lord require of you?'' Johnny is living that answer: to act justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with God. We could use a few more humble walkers around here, I think.
LOWER DRUG COSTS NOW ACT OF 2019
Mike Kelly (Republican, PA) \u2014 2019-12-11

. Madam Chair, I am going to read a letter from a family back in Pennsylvania, the Stewarts, Sara, Michael, and their three daughters: Maddie, Gilly, and Daphne. It start off this way: Dear Congressman Kelly, my name is Sara Stewart, and I am from Saint Petersburg, Pennsylvania. It is my understanding that the House Ways and Means Committee is having a public hearing on H.R. 3, the Lower Drug Costs Now Act of 2019. Now, it appears this legislation does not have bipartisan support. It needs to take a more balanced approach. The balance is needed for patients like my 10-year-old daughter, Maddie. Maddie suffers from a rare mitochondrial deletion condition called Pearson syndrome, which is a disorder that occurs as a result of mutated genes in the body. These genes impact mitochondria of her cells that prevent them from producing enough energy for the body to function properly. Pearson syndrome is difficult to diagnose because it affects each individual differently. Maddie's symptoms through the years have included being blood transfusion- dependent for several years, the inability to heal after heat and Sun exposure, becoming type 1 diabetic, progressively losing her hearing and her vision, kidney failure, and several other daily complications, including developmental delays from having a body that runs on limited energy. It has been truly heartbreaking to see her endure this disease, but she continues to defy the odds. My message is simple to you, Mr. Kelly, and to the rest of the committee: There is no cure or treatment for Pearson syndrome. There isn't any right now. Each day is a struggle to keep Maddie balanced so her body is able to better cope with the symptoms of this terrible disorder. All we have--as well as many other families across the world--is hope. Please don't let partisan bickering impact the ability of researchers to discover and innovate new therapies that could save Maddie's life one day. The clock is ticking, and Maddie is waiting. prgtoken Madam Chair, I went to visit the Stewarts. I saw this adorable child, and her mom told me: She has so much energy today, and we are really excited that she is feeling this way when you came to see her. prgtoken When I looked at the Stewart family, when I looked at Maddie, when I looked at her sister Gilly, and when I looked at her sister Daphne, I thought: This isn't fair. She has never had a chance to live her life. She has already doubled the chances of what the life expectancy is. The mom is saying please don't let political bickering stand in the way of developing and innovating a new source that could save Maddie's life. prgtoken Last year, there were 80-some children who had the same condition as Maddie. This Christmas, hopefully, the 40 who are left will have the chance
HAPPY 10TH BIRTHDAY TO THE SUGAR LAND LOCATION OF THE HOUSTON MUSEUM OF NATURAL SCIENCE
Pete Olson (Republican, TX) \u2014 2019-12-11

. Madam , I rise today to recognize the Houston Museum of Natural Science at Sugar Land as they celebrate their tenth birthday. prgtoken Inspiring and encouraging minds both young and old to learn about how our world works helps make us a smarter, more educated society. The Houston Museum of Natural Science at Sugar Land does just that-- sparking inspiration within the minds of the visitors that walk through its halls and exhibits. prgtoken This year marks this institution's tenth birthday--a milestone achievement for a museum. From their Space Science collection and the Hall of Paleontology to the newly-added Hall of Technology, the Houston Museum of Natural Science at Sugar Land has facilitated the education and growth of countless people in TX-22. prgtoken On behalf of the Twenty-Second Congressional District of Texas, congratulations again to the Houston Museum of Natural Science at Sugar Land on their tenth birthday. Here's to many years ahead inspiring people of all ages to learn more about our world.
ADDITIONAL STATEMENTS
Cory Gardner (Republican, CO) \u2014 2019-12-11

today I rise to recognize a great Coloradan, Bobi Garrett who, after 21 years, is retiring from the National Renewable Energy Laboratory--NREL--in Golden, Colorado. prgtoken NREL is a crown jewel of research and development in the energy field, where its employees show up to work each day dedicated to finding solutions to the problems that we currently face not just in Colorado, but the United States and the world as well. Bobi has been with NREL since 1998, starting as the associate director for strategic development and analysis and is currently the deputy laboratory director of strategic programs and partnership, as well as chief operations officer--COO--of the facility. Bobi's work is vital to the performance and effectiveness of NREL, and her extensive expertise in the energy field has been instrumental in the laboratory's success. prgtoken Bobi started her career in energy and engineering when she graduated from Montana State University in 1976 with a degree in chemical engineering. She was just one of seven women in her engineering class. In addition to her NREL service, Bobi serves as an ambassador for Clean Energy Education and Empowerment, a program that helps women with careers in energy, and currently as a board member of CO-LABS, an organization dedicated to increasing Colorado's global standing in research and technology. prgtoken Bobi has worked tirelessly in her career to ensure that the future is brighter for generations to come. Her dedication to this effort earned her a spot in Denver Business Journal's ``Top Women in Energy'' in 2015, a well-deserved honor. We are proud to have Bobi in the great State of Colorado, and we look forward to her future efforts to make the world a better place.
LOWER DRUG COSTS NOW ACT OF 2019
Kevin Brady (Republican, TX) \u2014 2019-12-11

. Madam Chair, such time as I may consume. prgtoken Madam Chair, why should patients have to choose between affordable medicines and a lifesaving cure for Alzheimer's, ALS, Parkinson's, or cancer? Why should parents with sick children be forced to wait longer for the newest breakthroughs that can save their lives? Why should Americans face shorter lives because the costliest and most painful drug is the one that is never created? prgtoken At the depths of Nancy Pelosi's drug bill is a dangerous tradeoff of lower drug prices in the short term but fewer lifesaving cures in the future, and not just a few cures lost, but many, according to the independent Congressional Budget Office and the Council of Economic Advisers, up to 38 cures lost, according to the Congressional Budget Office, and up to 100, according to the CEA. prgtoken The California Life Sciences Association predicts nearly 9 of 10 new drugs would never be available--never--from their research and small biotech companies if the Pelosi bill becomes law. This is a cruel and false choice, which is why this bill would quickly die with no real bipartisan support in the Senate. prgtoken As s, we believe we need to do both, lower drug prices and accelerate new lifesaving cures. Our bill, the Lower Costs, More Cures Act, lowers out-of-pocket costs for Americans by cracking down on overpriced drugs and empowering seniors to choose the right place to get medicines, which can cut the cost of chemotherapy in half, pulling back the curtain on those who set drug prices, forcing drug companies to justify their increases and list their prices in their ads. prgtoken We accelerate, not kill, lifesaving medical cures. We permanently make it easier for Americans to deduct high medical expenses from their taxes. We allow them to use their health savings accounts for over-the- counter medicines, including feminine hygiene products, and save seniors over $300 each year on their medicines in the popular Medicare prescription drug program. prgtoken All of these proven ideas are bipartisan. All of these can be passed by Congress. All of these can be signed by President this year if abandon their partisan games and recontinue what was our bipartisan work that got shelved for the Pelosi drug bill. prgtoken I will finish with this. As a member of the Ways and Means Committee, we in the Congress joined with President in 2003 to create an affordable drug plan for seniors. At the time, Pelosi and tried their best to kill it. She famously predicted that trading the crucial part D prescription plan for the elderly would end ``Medicare as we know it.'' prgtoken Can you imagine how many seniors' lives would have been lost if she had succeeded in stopping the affordable Medicare drug program that 43 million seniors have come to depend upon today? prgtoken Nancy Pelosi and were dangerously wrong then. Can Americ
EXECUTIVE CALENDAR--Continued
John Cornyn (Republican, TX) \u2014 2019-12-11

I point out to my friend from New York, I am not the leader or the floor manager of legislation. That is up to Senator McConnell, the Senator from Kentucky. Obviously, there has been foot-dragging on important things like appropriations bills, the USMCA--the important trade agreement with Canada and Mexico--and now there is impeachment mania that has consumed the House of Representatives and has crowded out our ability to get other things done; hence, my loss of patience after waiting since June to get this bill passed. prgtoken This isn't a case of my wanting to get well; this is a case of wanting to make the American people well by providing them access to low-cost generic alternative drugs and preventing Big Pharma from engaging in the sorts of gamesmanship that keep drug prices up and keep the American consumer down. prgtoken . prgtoken .
USMCA WILL CREATE JOBS
James Comer (Republican, KY) \u2014 2019-12-11

I rise today to commend President for the recent bipartisan deal with Congress to replace NAFTA with a new and significantly improved free trade agreement, the USMCA. prgtoken This deal will create jobs, boost our agriculture exports, and grow the economy in Kentucky. It is good for our farmers and manufacturers, and it will benefit all Americans. prgtoken The USMCA also encourages innovation, opens new markets for our farmers, and strengthens enforcement and accountability with our trading partners in the global economy. prgtoken Unfortunately, it took far too long for Pelosi and the House to come to the table and move toward action on an important priority to the American people. Their excessive, unfounded focus on impeaching the President has created months of needless delay on a vote on the USMCA, a vote we continue to await. prgtoken However, it is good news that a deal has finally been reached. It is one that will provide our economy with increased stability and confidence. But now that we finally have an agreement on a deal negotiated by the President over a year ago, ic leadership must act quickly and bring the USMCA to the floor for a vote. My constituents and all Americans deserve no less than a government that works for them rather than one that plays political games with our economy. prgtoken The need for a modern agreement with our major trading partners has been neglected for long enough. We must now do our duty and take a vote on the USMCA, which will help us remain competitive in the 21st century economy. Recognizing Cumberland County Judge Executive John Phelps