Fact
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Senate Floor: STATEMENTS ON INTRODUCED BILLS AND JOINT RESOLUTIONS--JUNE 18, 2002
Topics
Entities
Moderation
8 Speakers
Topics
No topics found
Entities
No entities found
Moderation
No moderation found
Speakers
Patty Murray Patty Murray said 145 sentences of a total of 455 sentences.
32%
Patty Murray said 2577 words of a total of 9165 words.
29%
Ted Kennedy Ted Kennedy said 105 sentences of a total of 455 sentences.
24%
Ted Kennedy said 1965 words of a total of 9165 words.
22%
Tom Harkin Tom Harkin said 52 sentences of a total of 455 sentences.
12%
Tom Harkin said 1158 words of a total of 9165 words.
13%
Joe Biden Joe Biden said 39 sentences of a total of 455 sentences.
9%
Joe Biden said 1060 words of a total of 9165 words.
12%
Jeff Bingaman Jeff Bingaman said 42 sentences of a total of 455 sentences.
10%
Jeff Bingaman said 900 words of a total of 9165 words.
10%
Dianne Feinstein Dianne Feinstein said 24 sentences of a total of 455 sentences.
6%
Dianne Feinstein said 658 words of a total of 9165 words.
8%
Chuck Grassley Chuck Grassley said 32 sentences of a total of 455 sentences.
8%
Chuck Grassley said 605 words of a total of 9165 words.
7%
Bill Nelson Bill Nelson said 16 sentences of a total of 455 sentences.
4%
Bill Nelson said 242 words of a total of 9165 words.
3%
Full Transcript
Jeff Bingaman
Madam President, I rise today to introduce the STEP Act on behalf of myself and Senator Murray.
Sentiment
Loughran McDonald (Relative)
0
Neutral
Loughran McDonald (Absolute)
0
Neutral
Loughran McDonald (Logit)
0
Harvard-IV (Relative)
1
Very Positive
Harvard-IV (Absolute)
1
Very Positive
Harvard-IV (Logit)
1.09861
VADER
0
Neutral
Moderation
Violence > Graphic
0.0307148352
OpenAI Moderation v1 (007)
Violence
0.0251510792
OpenAI Moderation v1 (007)
Harassment
0.0157688526
OpenAI Moderation v1 (007)
Sexual
0.0041056544
OpenAI Moderation v1 (007)
Harassment > Threatening
0.0038607792
OpenAI Moderation v1 (007)
Self-Harm > Instructions
0.0016122751
OpenAI Moderation v1 (007)
Self-Harm
0.0005940777
OpenAI Moderation v1 (007)
Self-Harm > Intent
0.0004185338
OpenAI Moderation v1 (007)
Hate > Threatening
0.000179602
OpenAI Moderation v1 (007)
Sexual > Minors
0.0001418798
OpenAI Moderation v1 (007)
Hate
0.00014033
OpenAI Moderation v1 (007)
Readability
Flesch-Kincaid Grade
9.8
Flesch-Kincaid Ease
55.2
Gunning-Fog Score
9.2
Coleman-Liau Index
10.9
SMOG Index
11.3
Automated Readability Index
8.4
Dale-Chall Readability Score
6.4
Sprache Readability Score
3.4
Dale-Chall Difficult Word Score
6
Sprache Difficult Word Count
8
Jeff Bingaman
This bill is a companion to the Education Works Act, which I introduced a couple of weeks ago. Both bills address the same issue, the need to support state efforts to use welfare to work strategies that combine work with a flexibility mix of education, training, and other supports. Study after study has demonstrated that states that use a combination of activities to help families move from welfare to work are more successful. For many welfare recipients, vocational training and postsecondary education led to work and, through substantial increases in earnings and job quality, long-term financial independence. This is important because although many have left welfare for work during the past several years, many have returned or live in poverty dependent on other government supports because they are working at low wages with limited benefits. In addition, many with multiple barriers remain on the rolls. As we move forward with the reauthorization process, we must do more to support state efforts to help these people find work and to ensure that all individuals leaving welfare are moving to employment that will provide long-term financial independence. The STEP Act and the Education Works Act will do just that.
Sentiment
Loughran McDonald (Relative)
0.5
Positive
Loughran McDonald (Absolute)
0.5
Positive
Loughran McDonald (Logit)
0.8473
Harvard-IV (Relative)
0.74359
Very Positive
Harvard-IV (Absolute)
0.74359
Very Positive
Harvard-IV (Logit)
1.83621
VADER
0.968
Very Positive
Moderation
Harassment
0.0250150508
OpenAI Moderation v1 (007)
Sexual
0.0069173468
OpenAI Moderation v1 (007)
Violence
0.002618572
OpenAI Moderation v1 (007)
Violence > Graphic
0.0016058655
OpenAI Moderation v1 (007)
Harassment > Threatening
0.0003931223
OpenAI Moderation v1 (007)
Hate
0.0002198611
OpenAI Moderation v1 (007)
Sexual > Minors
0.0002106708
OpenAI Moderation v1 (007)
Self-Harm
5.58921E-5
OpenAI Moderation v1 (007)
Self-Harm > Instructions
9.7493E-6
OpenAI Moderation v1 (007)
Self-Harm > Intent
6.5807E-6
OpenAI Moderation v1 (007)
Hate > Threatening
4.6601E-6
OpenAI Moderation v1 (007)
Topics
Topic:
Labor
Score:
78.855
Magnitude:
197
Code:
5
Url:
https://fsc.al/cap-mc#5
Source:
Comparative Agendas
Readability
Flesch-Kincaid Grade
12
Flesch-Kincaid Ease
40.9
Gunning-Fog Score
16.8
Coleman-Liau Index
12
SMOG Index
12
Automated Readability Index
12
Dale-Chall Readability Score
5.8
Sprache Readability Score
5
Dale-Chall Difficult Word Score
57
Sprache Difficult Word Count
54
Jeff Bingaman
The Education Works Act deals with increasing state flexibility to determine the right mix of work with education and training. The STEP Act provides resources to States seeking to implement effective programs that combine work with education and training. One of the most effective types of these programs, particularly for the most difficult to serve TANF recipients, are transitional job programs. Transitional job programs provide subsidized, temporary, wage-paying jobs for 20 to 35 hours per week, along with access to job readiness, basic education, vocational skills, and other barrier-removal services based on individualized plans. The STEP Act would provide states with funding to implementing these programs and other training and support programs.
Sentiment
Loughran McDonald (Relative)
0.33333
Somewhat Positive
Loughran McDonald (Absolute)
0.33333
Somewhat Positive
Loughran McDonald (Logit)
0.51083
Harvard-IV (Relative)
0.76
Very Positive
Harvard-IV (Absolute)
0.76
Very Positive
Harvard-IV (Logit)
1.86075
VADER
0.869
Very Positive
Moderation
Violence
0.0794982596
OpenAI Moderation v1 (007)
Harassment
0.0077666351
OpenAI Moderation v1 (007)
Violence > Graphic
0.0054508386
OpenAI Moderation v1 (007)
Harassment > Threatening
0.0022680719
OpenAI Moderation v1 (007)
Sexual
0.0006625313
OpenAI Moderation v1 (007)
Hate
0.0004990504
OpenAI Moderation v1 (007)
Self-Harm
0.000355951
OpenAI Moderation v1 (007)
Sexual > Minors
0.0003235311
OpenAI Moderation v1 (007)
Self-Harm > Instructions
0.0002230278
OpenAI Moderation v1 (007)
Hate > Threatening
9.65899E-5
OpenAI Moderation v1 (007)
Self-Harm > Intent
5.54519E-5
OpenAI Moderation v1 (007)
Topics
Topic:
Education
Score:
60.333
Magnitude:
110
Code:
6
Url:
https://fsc.al/cap-mc#6
Source:
Comparative Agendas
Topic:
Labor
Score:
31.536
Magnitude:
110
Code:
5
Url:
https://fsc.al/cap-mc#5
Source:
Comparative Agendas
Readability
Flesch-Kincaid Grade
12
Flesch-Kincaid Ease
34.5
Gunning-Fog Score
17.5
Coleman-Liau Index
12
SMOG Index
12
Automated Readability Index
12
Dale-Chall Readability Score
7.9
Sprache Readability Score
5
Dale-Chall Difficult Word Score
49
Sprache Difficult Word Count
40
Jeff Bingaman
Existing transitional job programs are achieving great outcomes. A Mathematical study released last month demonstrated that between 81 to 94 percent of those who had completed transitional job programs move on to unsubsidized jobs with wages. Most of these participants moved into full-time employment, median hours worked was 40 hours. Another survey revealed that transitional jobs program completers reported average wages at placement into unsubsidized employment between $7 and $10 per hour.
Sentiment
Loughran McDonald (Relative)
1
Very Positive
Loughran McDonald (Absolute)
1
Very Positive
Loughran McDonald (Logit)
1.60944
Harvard-IV (Relative)
0.66667
Very Positive
Harvard-IV (Absolute)
0.66667
Very Positive
Harvard-IV (Logit)
1.29928
VADER
0.625
Very Positive
Moderation
Harassment
0.0082143823
OpenAI Moderation v1 (007)
Violence
0.0068985129
OpenAI Moderation v1 (007)
Violence > Graphic
0.0008075572
OpenAI Moderation v1 (007)
Sexual
0.000789902
OpenAI Moderation v1 (007)
Harassment > Threatening
0.000739344
OpenAI Moderation v1 (007)
Hate
0.00055992
OpenAI Moderation v1 (007)
Self-Harm
5.51214E-5
OpenAI Moderation v1 (007)
Sexual > Minors
3.92261E-5
OpenAI Moderation v1 (007)
Hate > Threatening
1.51024E-5
OpenAI Moderation v1 (007)
Self-Harm > Instructions
8.6393E-6
OpenAI Moderation v1 (007)
Self-Harm > Intent
6.3283E-6
OpenAI Moderation v1 (007)
Topics
Topic:
Labor
Score:
96.254
Magnitude:
67
Code:
5
Url:
https://fsc.al/cap-mc#5
Source:
Comparative Agendas
Readability
Flesch-Kincaid Grade
12
Flesch-Kincaid Ease
37.7
Gunning-Fog Score
16.6
Coleman-Liau Index
12
SMOG Index
12
Automated Readability Index
12
Dale-Chall Readability Score
7.6
Sprache Readability Score
4.9
Dale-Chall Difficult Word Score
31
Sprache Difficult Word Count
25
Jeff Bingaman
Transitional jobs programs can be particularly effective with the hardest to serve welfare recipients. Transitional jobs program often focus primarily on welfare recipients who have participated in welfare employment and training programs without successfully finding steady employment. The reasons for their inability to find and sustain meaningful employment are complex and varied. For people who face barriers, or who lack the skills or experience to compete successfully in the labor market, paid work in a supportive environment, together with access to needed services provides a real chance to move forward. While more expensive than other work first strategies, transitional jobs programs are able to do what their cheaper and less intensive counterparts have not, help the most difficult to serve TANF participants find stable, permanent employment.
Sentiment
Loughran McDonald (Relative)
0.14286
Leans Positive
Loughran McDonald (Absolute)
0.14286
Leans Positive
Loughran McDonald (Logit)
0.25131
Harvard-IV (Relative)
0.37931
Somewhat Positive
Harvard-IV (Absolute)
0.37931
Somewhat Positive
Harvard-IV (Logit)
0.76913
VADER
0.655
Very Positive
Moderation
Harassment
0.0104260143
OpenAI Moderation v1 (007)
Sexual
0.0070784183
OpenAI Moderation v1 (007)
Violence > Graphic
0.0034765293
OpenAI Moderation v1 (007)
Violence
0.0021157148
OpenAI Moderation v1 (007)
Sexual > Minors
0.0013443762
OpenAI Moderation v1 (007)
Harassment > Threatening
0.000401488
OpenAI Moderation v1 (007)
Self-Harm > Intent
0.0003384677
OpenAI Moderation v1 (007)
Hate
0.0001600216
OpenAI Moderation v1 (007)
Self-Harm
0.0001080823
OpenAI Moderation v1 (007)
Self-Harm > Instructions
5.58589E-5
OpenAI Moderation v1 (007)
Hate > Threatening
4.1394E-5
OpenAI Moderation v1 (007)
Topics
Topic:
Labor
Score:
96.586
Magnitude:
126
Code:
5
Url:
https://fsc.al/cap-mc#5
Source:
Comparative Agendas
Readability
Flesch-Kincaid Grade
12
Flesch-Kincaid Ease
26.2
Gunning-Fog Score
19
Coleman-Liau Index
12
SMOG Index
12
Automated Readability Index
12
Dale-Chall Readability Score
7.9
Sprache Readability Score
5
Dale-Chall Difficult Word Score
53
Sprache Difficult Word Count
46
Jeff Bingaman
Additional support for transitional jobs programs is needed. The TANF and Welfare-to-Work block grants have been the principal sources of funding for Transitional Jobs programs. Welfare-to-Work funds have been exhausted in many parts of the country and must be spend completely during the next year or two. In addition, with an ever growing competition for TANF funds in a period of rising caseloads and declining State revenues, it will be increasingly difficult to fund transitional jobs programs solely with TANF funds.
Sentiment
Loughran McDonald (Relative)
-1
Very Negative
Loughran McDonald (Absolute)
-1
Very Negative
Loughran McDonald (Logit)
-1.60944
Harvard-IV (Relative)
0
Neutral
Harvard-IV (Absolute)
0
Neutral
Harvard-IV (Logit)
0
VADER
-0.382
Somewhat Negative
Moderation
Harassment
0.0225001902
OpenAI Moderation v1 (007)
Sexual
0.0059876787
OpenAI Moderation v1 (007)
Violence
0.0013992591
OpenAI Moderation v1 (007)
Violence > Graphic
0.0008982262
OpenAI Moderation v1 (007)
Harassment > Threatening
0.0008243182
OpenAI Moderation v1 (007)
Sexual > Minors
0.0006050782
OpenAI Moderation v1 (007)
Self-Harm > Intent
0.0002033166
OpenAI Moderation v1 (007)
Hate
0.0001740271
OpenAI Moderation v1 (007)
Self-Harm > Instructions
0.0001731238
OpenAI Moderation v1 (007)
Self-Harm
0.0001094603
OpenAI Moderation v1 (007)
Hate > Threatening
3.9303E-6
OpenAI Moderation v1 (007)
Topics
Topic:
Labor
Score:
96.572
Magnitude:
81
Code:
5
Url:
https://fsc.al/cap-mc#5
Source:
Comparative Agendas
Readability
Flesch-Kincaid Grade
11.7
Flesch-Kincaid Ease
48.9
Gunning-Fog Score
14.6
Coleman-Liau Index
12
SMOG Index
12
Automated Readability Index
12
Dale-Chall Readability Score
7.4
Sprache Readability Score
5
Dale-Chall Difficult Word Score
34
Sprache Difficult Word Count
26
Jeff Bingaman
I believe that transitional job programs are good investments because they serve as stepping stones to permanent employment and decrease government expenditures on health care, food stamps, and cash assistance. Transitional jobs programs can be particularly important in economically depressed and rural areas because they increase work opportunities for hard-to-employ individuals, they reduce pressure on local emergency systems and, they provide income that stimulates local economies.
Sentiment
Loughran McDonald (Relative)
0
Neutral
Loughran McDonald (Absolute)
0
Neutral
Loughran McDonald (Logit)
0
Harvard-IV (Relative)
0.38462
Somewhat Positive
Harvard-IV (Absolute)
0.38462
Somewhat Positive
Harvard-IV (Logit)
0.74721
VADER
0.715
Very Positive
Moderation
Violence > Graphic
0.0479195587
OpenAI Moderation v1 (007)
Violence
0.0302952627
OpenAI Moderation v1 (007)
Sexual
0.015301106
OpenAI Moderation v1 (007)
Harassment > Threatening
0.0044780591
OpenAI Moderation v1 (007)
Harassment
0.0030923016
OpenAI Moderation v1 (007)
Sexual > Minors
0.0002540861
OpenAI Moderation v1 (007)
Self-Harm
0.0001055847
OpenAI Moderation v1 (007)
Hate
5.50267E-5
OpenAI Moderation v1 (007)
Hate > Threatening
5.2854E-6
OpenAI Moderation v1 (007)
Self-Harm > Intent
5.0853E-6
OpenAI Moderation v1 (007)
Self-Harm > Instructions
7.863E-7
OpenAI Moderation v1 (007)
Topics
Topic:
Labor
Score:
96.195
Magnitude:
66
Code:
5
Url:
https://fsc.al/cap-mc#5
Source:
Comparative Agendas
Readability
Flesch-Kincaid Grade
12
Flesch-Kincaid Ease
8.1
Gunning-Fog Score
19
Coleman-Liau Index
12
SMOG Index
12
Automated Readability Index
12
Dale-Chall Readability Score
8.2
Sprache Readability Score
5
Dale-Chall Difficult Word Score
28
Sprache Difficult Word Count
32
Jeff Bingaman
Our legislation also supports "business link" programs that provide individuals with fewer barriers or individuals who have only been able to access very low wage employment with intensive training and skill development activities designed to lead to long-term, higher paid employment. These programs are based on partnerships with the private sector.
Sentiment
Loughran McDonald (Relative)
1
Very Positive
Loughran McDonald (Absolute)
1
Very Positive
Loughran McDonald (Logit)
1.09861
Harvard-IV (Relative)
1
Very Positive
Harvard-IV (Absolute)
1
Very Positive
Harvard-IV (Logit)
2.94444
VADER
0.035
Neutral
Moderation
Violence
0.4150291439
OpenAI Moderation v1 (007)
Sexual
0.0124237558
OpenAI Moderation v1 (007)
Violence > Graphic
0.0097511554
OpenAI Moderation v1 (007)
Harassment
0.0058847272
OpenAI Moderation v1 (007)
Sexual > Minors
0.0020418449
OpenAI Moderation v1 (007)
Harassment > Threatening
0.0010676402
OpenAI Moderation v1 (007)
Hate
0.0008740283
OpenAI Moderation v1 (007)
Hate > Threatening
4.13183E-5
OpenAI Moderation v1 (007)
Self-Harm
2.1507E-6
OpenAI Moderation v1 (007)
Self-Harm > Intent
1.3519E-6
OpenAI Moderation v1 (007)
Self-Harm > Instructions
2.325E-7
OpenAI Moderation v1 (007)
Topics
Topic:
Labor
Score:
95.857
Magnitude:
51
Code:
5
Url:
https://fsc.al/cap-mc#5
Source:
Comparative Agendas
Readability
Flesch-Kincaid Grade
12
Flesch-Kincaid Ease
24.3
Gunning-Fog Score
18.1
Coleman-Liau Index
12
SMOG Index
12
Automated Readability Index
12
Dale-Chall Readability Score
9.2
Sprache Readability Score
5
Dale-Chall Difficult Word Score
26
Sprache Difficult Word Count
24
Jeff Bingaman
In my home State, just such a program is producing great results, the Teamworks program. Teamworks provides training in life skills, as well as employment skills, during a 12 week course. The program also provides necessary supports to participants such as childcare and transportation. Teamworks assists participants in their job search and provides ongoing support for 18 months after job placement. The results are impressive. The average wage of those completing the program is $1.50 per hour higher than other programs and job retention rates are 20 percent higher. This experience is not unique. Welfare programs that combine work with education and training with support services are more likely to result in work leads to self-sufficiency.
Sentiment
Loughran McDonald (Relative)
1
Very Positive
Loughran McDonald (Absolute)
1
Very Positive
Loughran McDonald (Logit)
1.94591
Harvard-IV (Relative)
0.91304
Very Positive
Harvard-IV (Absolute)
0.91304
Very Positive
Harvard-IV (Logit)
2.70805
VADER
0.947
Very Positive
Moderation
Violence
0.0446870079
OpenAI Moderation v1 (007)
Sexual
0.0225432465
OpenAI Moderation v1 (007)
Hate
0.0126677711
OpenAI Moderation v1 (007)
Harassment
0.007309288
OpenAI Moderation v1 (007)
Sexual > Minors
0.0048595102
OpenAI Moderation v1 (007)
Hate > Threatening
0.0019059613
OpenAI Moderation v1 (007)
Violence > Graphic
0.0017118278
OpenAI Moderation v1 (007)
Harassment > Threatening
0.0002878348
OpenAI Moderation v1 (007)
Self-Harm
9.05726E-5
OpenAI Moderation v1 (007)
Self-Harm > Intent
2.39057E-5
OpenAI Moderation v1 (007)
Self-Harm > Instructions
1.44109E-5
OpenAI Moderation v1 (007)
Topics
Topic:
Labor
Score:
95.683
Magnitude:
112
Code:
5
Url:
https://fsc.al/cap-mc#5
Source:
Comparative Agendas
Readability
Flesch-Kincaid Grade
8.6
Flesch-Kincaid Ease
59.7
Gunning-Fog Score
11
Coleman-Liau Index
12
SMOG Index
11.1
Automated Readability Index
10.4
Dale-Chall Readability Score
7.1
Sprache Readability Score
5
Dale-Chall Difficult Word Score
47
Sprache Difficult Word Count
37
Jeff Bingaman
The legislation that I am introducing today will give States the tools to implement what works. I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting both the STEP Act and the Education Works Act. I as unanimous consent that the text of the bill be printed in the Record.
Sentiment
Loughran McDonald (Relative)
0
Neutral
Loughran McDonald (Absolute)
0
Neutral
Loughran McDonald (Logit)
0
Harvard-IV (Relative)
1
Very Positive
Harvard-IV (Absolute)
1
Very Positive
Harvard-IV (Logit)
2.56495
VADER
0.718
Very Positive
Moderation
Violence
0.05273922
OpenAI Moderation v1 (007)
Harassment
0.0249579229
OpenAI Moderation v1 (007)
Hate
0.011326548
OpenAI Moderation v1 (007)
Self-Harm
0.0037905189
OpenAI Moderation v1 (007)
Violence > Graphic
0.0026195838
OpenAI Moderation v1 (007)
Sexual
0.0016680346
OpenAI Moderation v1 (007)
Harassment > Threatening
0.0014600761
OpenAI Moderation v1 (007)
Self-Harm > Intent
0.0003252878
OpenAI Moderation v1 (007)
Sexual > Minors
0.0001781325
OpenAI Moderation v1 (007)
Self-Harm > Instructions
5.6495E-5
OpenAI Moderation v1 (007)
Hate > Threatening
4.25203E-5
OpenAI Moderation v1 (007)
Topics
Topic:
Education
Score:
77.862
Magnitude:
49
Code:
6
Url:
https://fsc.al/cap-mc#6
Source:
Comparative Agendas
Readability
Flesch-Kincaid Grade
8.1
Flesch-Kincaid Ease
65.9
Gunning-Fog Score
11.4
Coleman-Liau Index
9.7
SMOG Index
12
Automated Readability Index
7.1
Dale-Chall Readability Score
4.4
Sprache Readability Score
3.9
Dale-Chall Difficult Word Score
11
Sprache Difficult Word Count
15
Tom Harkin
Madam President, a couple weeks ago, on Memorial Day, we promised to remember and honor those who have sacrificed so much to serve our country. In Iowa, Mary "Beth" James and her family were honoring the memory of her husband, Bob James. But I'm afraid we have forgotten Beth, and not done Bob justice. Today I am introducing a bill for Beth and the other "Forgotten Widows." Bob James proudly served his country as an active member of the Army and Army Reserves for 35 years, until he passed away in 1977. Bob's service began with the Amphibious Combat Infantry in North Africa and Italy in World War II. As a junior officer, Bob James landed with the Third Division near Casablanca, and later served with the 34th Division through the North African and Tunisian campaigns, as well as in amphibious landings at Solarno, Italy, the battle of Mt. Casino and four crossings of the Volturno River. He was awarded the Bronze Star medal for the Rome-Arno campaign and was given a battlefield promotion to First Lieutenant.
Sentiment
Loughran McDonald (Relative)
0.33333
Somewhat Positive
Loughran McDonald (Absolute)
0.33333
Somewhat Positive
Loughran McDonald (Logit)
0.51083
Harvard-IV (Relative)
-0.33333
Somewhat Negative
Harvard-IV (Absolute)
-0.33333
Somewhat Negative
Harvard-IV (Logit)
-0.64663
VADER
0.802
Very Positive
Readability
Flesch-Kincaid Grade
10.9
Flesch-Kincaid Ease
52.3
Gunning-Fog Score
11.5
Coleman-Liau Index
10.8
SMOG Index
12
Automated Readability Index
9.8
Dale-Chall Readability Score
6.2
Sprache Readability Score
5
Dale-Chall Difficult Word Score
59
Sprache Difficult Word Count
62
Tom Harkin
After five years in World War II, he carried a mobilization designation as part of his 30-year reserve duty with the Selective Service Unit in Cedar Rapids that he proposed and was asked by General Hershey to organize. In fact, Bob served longer than the usual 30 years because General Hershey personally requested that he remain in active Reserves until he reached the age of 60.
Sentiment
Loughran McDonald (Relative)
0
Neutral
Loughran McDonald (Absolute)
0
Neutral
Loughran McDonald (Logit)
0
Harvard-IV (Relative)
0.33333
Somewhat Positive
Harvard-IV (Absolute)
0.33333
Somewhat Positive
Harvard-IV (Logit)
0.61904
VADER
-0.202
Slightly Negative
Readability
Flesch-Kincaid Grade
12
Flesch-Kincaid Ease
40.3
Gunning-Fog Score
17.6
Coleman-Liau Index
10.9
SMOG Index
12
Automated Readability Index
12
Dale-Chall Readability Score
6.8
Sprache Readability Score
5
Dale-Chall Difficult Word Score
22
Sprache Difficult Word Count
26
Tom Harkin
When Bob became ill, he continued to attend Reserve meetings. His wife, Beth, now age 83, remembers Bob telling her on April 9, 1977, Easter Sunday, "I only have to live another six months." You see, he was worried about Beth's welfare after he passed away. He knew he had to turn 60 before he could enroll in the military's Survivor Benefit Plan to provide for Beth after he passed away. Unfortunately, Bob was not able to hold on. Lieutenant Colonel William R. James, USAR, died at age 59\1/2\ in 1977, 5\1/2\ months before his 60th birthday.
Sentiment
Loughran McDonald (Relative)
-0.5
Very Negative
Loughran McDonald (Absolute)
-0.5
Very Negative
Loughran McDonald (Logit)
-0.8473
Harvard-IV (Relative)
0.16667
Leans Positive
Harvard-IV (Absolute)
0.16667
Leans Positive
Harvard-IV (Logit)
0.31015
VADER
-0.671
Very Negative
Readability
Flesch-Kincaid Grade
6.3
Flesch-Kincaid Ease
75.4
Gunning-Fog Score
8.1
Coleman-Liau Index
7.8
SMOG Index
10.1
Automated Readability Index
4.5
Dale-Chall Readability Score
4.7
Sprache Readability Score
4.7
Dale-Chall Difficult Word Score
25
Sprache Difficult Word Count
29
Tom Harkin
Under the military's Survivor Benefit Plan, members who choose to enroll in the plan have a small deduction taken from their retirement benefit each month so that their spouses can continue to receive a portion of the benefit after the member dies. When the Reserve Component Survivor's Benefit Plan was established in 1972, members could not sign up for survivors benefits until they became eligible for the retirement benefit at age 60. Because of this arbitrary rule, and because Bob died at 59\1/2\, Beth received no survivor's benefit even though Bob served in the military for 35 years and had more than the maximum number of points used in calculating retirement benefits.
Sentiment
Loughran McDonald (Relative)
1
Very Positive
Loughran McDonald (Absolute)
1
Very Positive
Loughran McDonald (Logit)
2.83321
Harvard-IV (Relative)
0.30435
Somewhat Positive
Harvard-IV (Absolute)
0.30435
Somewhat Positive
Harvard-IV (Logit)
0.60077
VADER
0.96
Very Positive
Readability
Flesch-Kincaid Grade
12
Flesch-Kincaid Ease
31.6
Gunning-Fog Score
19
Coleman-Liau Index
12
SMOG Index
12
Automated Readability Index
12
Dale-Chall Readability Score
6.3
Sprache Readability Score
5
Dale-Chall Difficult Word Score
32
Sprache Difficult Word Count
29
Tom Harkin
Congress quickly became aware of this unjust consequence of the SBP law. One year after Bob's death, Congress took action to correct the unfair enrollment structure of the Reserve Component Survivor's Benefit Plan. Legislation passed in 1978 allows Reserve Component members to decide whether or how they will participate in the RCSBP when they are notified of retirement eligibility, but not yet eligible to receive retired pay, in almost all cases, many years before reaching age 60. Had this legislation been enacted earlier, Bob could have provided for Beth's security.
Sentiment
Loughran McDonald (Relative)
-0.5
Very Negative
Loughran McDonald (Absolute)
-0.5
Very Negative
Loughran McDonald (Logit)
-0.8473
Harvard-IV (Relative)
0.23077
Slightly Positive
Harvard-IV (Absolute)
0.23077
Slightly Positive
Harvard-IV (Logit)
0.43532
VADER
0.296
Slightly Positive
Readability
Flesch-Kincaid Grade
12
Flesch-Kincaid Ease
38.3
Gunning-Fog Score
14.8
Coleman-Liau Index
12
SMOG Index
12
Automated Readability Index
12
Dale-Chall Readability Score
6.9
Sprache Readability Score
5
Dale-Chall Difficult Word Score
33
Sprache Difficult Word Count
39
Tom Harkin
Unfortunately, when drafting the legislation in 1978, Congress forgot about Beth and thousands of spouses like her whose husbands, despite having served their country for at least 20 years, died before they were allowed to enroll in the program to provide for their survivors.
Sentiment
Loughran McDonald (Relative)
0
Neutral
Loughran McDonald (Absolute)
0
Neutral
Loughran McDonald (Logit)
0
Harvard-IV (Relative)
0.14286
Leans Positive
Harvard-IV (Absolute)
0.14286
Leans Positive
Harvard-IV (Logit)
0.25131
VADER
-0.542
Very Negative
Readability
Flesch-Kincaid Grade
12
Flesch-Kincaid Ease
33.4
Gunning-Fog Score
19
Coleman-Liau Index
12
SMOG Index
12
Automated Readability Index
12
Dale-Chall Readability Score
6.8
Sprache Readability Score
5
Dale-Chall Difficult Word Score
13
Sprache Difficult Word Count
17
Tom Harkin
Congress continued to ignore these widows until 1997. Led by my colleague from South Carolina, Senator Thurmond, Congress finally took an important, but limited, step to recognize the "Forgotten Widows," as Beth and the other spouses had come to be known. Congress created a special annuity of $165 per month for the Forgotten Widows. For the first time in 20 years, Beth James received some support from our government in return for Bob James' service to his country.
Sentiment
Loughran McDonald (Relative)
-1
Very Negative
Loughran McDonald (Absolute)
-1
Very Negative
Loughran McDonald (Logit)
-1.60944
Harvard-IV (Relative)
0.4
Somewhat Positive
Harvard-IV (Absolute)
0.4
Somewhat Positive
Harvard-IV (Logit)
0.76214
VADER
0.494
Positive
Readability
Flesch-Kincaid Grade
9.9
Flesch-Kincaid Ease
59.1
Gunning-Fog Score
11.4
Coleman-Liau Index
12
SMOG Index
12
Automated Readability Index
10.5
Dale-Chall Readability Score
6
Sprache Readability Score
5
Dale-Chall Difficult Word Score
25
Sprache Difficult Word Count
27
Tom Harkin
While the annuity for certain military surviving spouses created in 1997 was certainly a step in the right direction, it is by no means adequate. The forgotten widows currently receive about $185 per month, after cost of living increases since 1997. In comparison, the monthly SBP benefits average is about $580 for beneficiaries over 62 and the monthly RC-SBP benefits average about $325 for beneficiaries over 62. The current benefit for forgotten widows is low for two reasons. First, the fiscal year 1998 legislation initially set the ACMSS benefit at the minimum allowable amount a service member could elect, even though most members participate at a higher level. Second, the 1997 legislation did not take into account cost of living increases that the widows would have received for more than two decades. If these widows had been enrolled in these programs in 1972 at the minimum level, their monthly benefit today would be approximately $434, rather than $185.
Sentiment
Loughran McDonald (Relative)
1
Very Positive
Loughran McDonald (Absolute)
1
Very Positive
Loughran McDonald (Logit)
2.56495
Harvard-IV (Relative)
0.55556
Very Positive
Harvard-IV (Absolute)
0.55556
Very Positive
Harvard-IV (Logit)
1.17007
VADER
0.965
Very Positive
Readability
Flesch-Kincaid Grade
12
Flesch-Kincaid Ease
44.9
Gunning-Fog Score
16.4
Coleman-Liau Index
12
SMOG Index
12
Automated Readability Index
12
Dale-Chall Readability Score
5.8
Sprache Readability Score
5
Dale-Chall Difficult Word Score
47
Sprache Difficult Word Count
45
Tom Harkin
The Forgotten Widows' Benefit Equity Act of 2002 amends the Annuity for Certain Military Surviving Spouses program established in the fiscal year 1998 Defense Authorization Bill. It does not change the eligibility criteria for the program. It directs the Department of Defense to calculate each surviving spouse's annuity assuming that the member had enrolled in the SBP before he died and had elected a base amount equal to his retired pay. For almost all forgotten widows this will be much more than the current annuity; if it is not, the survivor will continue to receive the current benefit. This approach ensures that the survivors' annuities take into account the members' rank and years of service, and the past cost of living increases.
Sentiment
Loughran McDonald (Relative)
0
Neutral
Loughran McDonald (Absolute)
0
Neutral
Loughran McDonald (Logit)
0
Harvard-IV (Relative)
0.61905
Very Positive
Harvard-IV (Absolute)
0.61905
Very Positive
Harvard-IV (Logit)
1.35812
VADER
0.675
Very Positive
Readability
Flesch-Kincaid Grade
12
Flesch-Kincaid Ease
35.8
Gunning-Fog Score
15
Coleman-Liau Index
12
SMOG Index
12
Automated Readability Index
12
Dale-Chall Readability Score
6.3
Sprache Readability Score
5
Dale-Chall Difficult Word Score
39
Sprache Difficult Word Count
45
Tom Harkin
It is possible that some of the members would not have elected to participate in the SBP, or would not have chosen a base amount of 100 percent of retired pay, and thus the survivors would have received a lower benefit. However, they were never given that choice. And most members today do choose to participate at or near the highest level. In addition, this legislation is not retroactive; the forgotten widows will not be compensated for the thousands of dollars of benefits they would have received for over 20 years.
Sentiment
Loughran McDonald (Relative)
1
Very Positive
Loughran McDonald (Absolute)
1
Very Positive
Loughran McDonald (Logit)
1.94591
Harvard-IV (Relative)
0.71429
Very Positive
Harvard-IV (Absolute)
0.71429
Very Positive
Harvard-IV (Logit)
1.46634
VADER
0.505
Very Positive
Readability
Flesch-Kincaid Grade
11
Flesch-Kincaid Ease
56.4
Gunning-Fog Score
14.8
Coleman-Liau Index
11.2
SMOG Index
12
Automated Readability Index
11.5
Dale-Chall Readability Score
4.4
Sprache Readability Score
5
Dale-Chall Difficult Word Score
19
Sprache Difficult Word Count
28
Tom Harkin
These women, whose husbands devoted over 20 years of their lives to defending our freedoms and some of whom received no pensions of their own, were abandoned by our government for at least 20 years. While Congress recognized our responsibility to them in 1998, we have not fully met our obligation to provide them with an adequate, fair benefit. We can and must do better. We must stand by our Memorial Day promises to remember those who sacrificed for our country. I ask my colleagues to do what is right and support passage of the Forgotten Widow's Benefit Equity Act of 2002.
Sentiment
Loughran McDonald (Relative)
0.14286
Leans Positive
Loughran McDonald (Absolute)
0.14286
Leans Positive
Loughran McDonald (Logit)
0.25131
Harvard-IV (Relative)
0.88235
Very Positive
Harvard-IV (Absolute)
0.88235
Very Positive
Harvard-IV (Logit)
2.3979
VADER
0.935
Very Positive
Readability
Flesch-Kincaid Grade
10.1
Flesch-Kincaid Ease
59.2
Gunning-Fog Score
13.7
Coleman-Liau Index
10.5
SMOG Index
12
Automated Readability Index
9.8
Dale-Chall Readability Score
4.1
Sprache Readability Score
5
Dale-Chall Difficult Word Score
20
Sprache Difficult Word Count
25
Tom Harkin
I ask unanimous consent that the text of the bill be printed in the Record.
Sentiment
Loughran McDonald (Relative)
0
Neutral
Loughran McDonald (Absolute)
0
Neutral
Loughran McDonald (Logit)
0
Harvard-IV (Relative)
1
Very Positive
Harvard-IV (Absolute)
1
Very Positive
Harvard-IV (Logit)
1.09861
VADER
0.226
Slightly Positive
Readability
Flesch-Kincaid Grade
6.8
Flesch-Kincaid Ease
73.2
Gunning-Fog Score
8.7
Coleman-Liau Index
7.7
SMOG Index
9
Automated Readability Index
4.9
Dale-Chall Readability Score
5
Sprache Readability Score
3
Dale-Chall Difficult Word Score
4
Sprache Difficult Word Count
6
Joe Biden
Madam President, over the past several years, I have become increasingly concerned with the trafficking and use of the newest fad drug, Ecstasy. All across the country, thousands of teenagers are treated for overdoses and Ecstasy-related health problems in emergency rooms each year. And recent statistics from the Partnership for a Drug Free America show that teen use of Ecstasy has increased 71 percent since 1999. Unless we mount a major education campaign across schools and campuses nationwide, we may not be able to counter the widespread misconception that Ecstacy is harmless, fashionable and hip.
Sentiment
Loughran McDonald (Relative)
-1
Very Negative
Loughran McDonald (Absolute)
-1
Very Negative
Loughran McDonald (Logit)
-1.60944
Harvard-IV (Relative)
0.42857
Positive
Harvard-IV (Absolute)
0.42857
Positive
Harvard-IV (Logit)
0.8473
VADER
0.944
Very Positive
Readability
Flesch-Kincaid Grade
12
Flesch-Kincaid Ease
38.8
Gunning-Fog Score
15.9
Coleman-Liau Index
12
SMOG Index
12
Automated Readability Index
12
Dale-Chall Readability Score
7.3
Sprache Readability Score
5
Dale-Chall Difficult Word Score
37
Sprache Difficult Word Count
39
Joe Biden
Much of the abuse of Ecstasy and other club drugs happens at all- night dance parties known as "raves." A few months ago in the Caucus on International Narcotics Control I held a hearing to take an in-depth look at the phenomenon of these all-night dance parties and recent efforts at the Federal, State and local levels to crack down on rave promoters who allow rampant drug use at their events and do everything they can to profit from it.
Sentiment
Loughran McDonald (Relative)
0
Neutral
Loughran McDonald (Absolute)
0
Neutral
Loughran McDonald (Logit)
0
Harvard-IV (Relative)
0.45455
Positive
Harvard-IV (Absolute)
0.45455
Positive
Harvard-IV (Logit)
0.8873
VADER
0.836
Very Positive
Readability
Flesch-Kincaid Grade
12
Flesch-Kincaid Ease
44.5
Gunning-Fog Score
17.9
Coleman-Liau Index
9.6
SMOG Index
12
Automated Readability Index
12
Dale-Chall Readability Score
5.9
Sprache Readability Score
5
Dale-Chall Difficult Word Score
20
Sprache Difficult Word Count
25
Joe Biden
It is common for rave organizers to go to great lengths to portray their events as safe so that parents will allow their kids to attend. They advertise them as alcohol-free parties and some even hire off-duty police officers to patrol outside the venue. But the truth is that many of these raves are drug dens where use of Ecstasy and other "club drugs," such as the date rape drugs Rohypnol, GHB and Ketamine, is widespread.
Sentiment
Loughran McDonald (Relative)
1
Very Positive
Loughran McDonald (Absolute)
1
Very Positive
Loughran McDonald (Logit)
1.09861
Harvard-IV (Relative)
0.71429
Very Positive
Harvard-IV (Absolute)
0.71429
Very Positive
Harvard-IV (Logit)
1.60944
VADER
0.902
Very Positive
Readability
Flesch-Kincaid Grade
11.2
Flesch-Kincaid Ease
61.1
Gunning-Fog Score
13
Coleman-Liau Index
9.9
SMOG Index
12
Automated Readability Index
12
Dale-Chall Readability Score
5.3
Sprache Readability Score
5
Dale-Chall Difficult Word Score
20
Sprache Difficult Word Count
29
Joe Biden
But even as these promoters work to make parents think that their events are safe, they send a different message to kids. Their promotional flyers make clear that drugs are an integral part of the party by prominently featuring terms associated with drug use, such as the letters "E" or "X," street terms for Ecstasy, or the term "rollin," which refers to an Ecstasy high. They are, in effect, promoting Ecstasy along with the rave.
Sentiment
Loughran McDonald (Relative)
1
Very Positive
Loughran McDonald (Absolute)
1
Very Positive
Loughran McDonald (Logit)
1.60944
Harvard-IV (Relative)
0.86667
Very Positive
Harvard-IV (Absolute)
0.86667
Very Positive
Harvard-IV (Logit)
2.26868
VADER
0.97
Very Positive
Readability
Flesch-Kincaid Grade
11.8
Flesch-Kincaid Ease
55.1
Gunning-Fog Score
14.3
Coleman-Liau Index
11
SMOG Index
12
Automated Readability Index
12
Dale-Chall Readability Score
5
Sprache Readability Score
5
Dale-Chall Difficult Word Score
18
Sprache Difficult Word Count
19
Joe Biden
By doing so, the promoters get rich as they exploit and endanger kids. Many supplement their profits from the $10 to $50 cover charge to enter the club by selling popular Ecstasy paraphernalia such as baby pacifiers, glow sticks, or mentholated inhalers. And party organizers know that Ecstasy raises the core body temperature and makes the user extremely thirsty, so they sell bottles of water for $5 or $10 apiece. Some even shut off the water faucets so club goers will be forced to buy water or pay admission to enter an air-conditioned "cool down room." Despite the conventional wisdom that Ecstasy and other club drugs are "no big deal," a view that even the New York Times Magazine espoused in a cover story, these drugs can have serious consequences, and can even be fatal.
Sentiment
Loughran McDonald (Relative)
-0.33333
Somewhat Negative
Loughran McDonald (Absolute)
-0.33333
Somewhat Negative
Loughran McDonald (Logit)
-0.61904
Harvard-IV (Relative)
0.04
Neutral
Harvard-IV (Absolute)
0.04
Neutral
Harvard-IV (Logit)
0.07696
VADER
0.938
Very Positive
Readability
Flesch-Kincaid Grade
12
Flesch-Kincaid Ease
44.9
Gunning-Fog Score
15.9
Coleman-Liau Index
11
SMOG Index
12
Automated Readability Index
12
Dale-Chall Readability Score
5.4
Sprache Readability Score
5
Dale-Chall Difficult Word Score
35
Sprache Difficult Word Count
43
Joe Biden
After the death of a 17-year-old girl at a rave party in New Orleans in 1998, the Drug Enforcement Administration conducted an assessment of rave activity in that city which showed the close relationship between these parties and club drug overdoses. In a two year period, 52 raves were held at the New Orleans State Palace Theater, during which time approximately 400 teenagers overdosed and were treated at local emergency rooms. Following "Operation Rave Review" which resulted in the arrest of several rave promoters and closing the city's largest rave, overdoses and emergency room visits dropped by 90 percent and Ecstasy overdoses have been eliminated.
Sentiment
Loughran McDonald (Relative)
-1
Very Negative
Loughran McDonald (Absolute)
-1
Very Negative
Loughran McDonald (Logit)
-1.60944
Harvard-IV (Relative)
0.05882
Neutral
Harvard-IV (Absolute)
0.05882
Neutral
Harvard-IV (Logit)
0.11123
VADER
-0.296
Slightly Negative
Readability
Flesch-Kincaid Grade
12
Flesch-Kincaid Ease
27.5
Gunning-Fog Score
19
Coleman-Liau Index
12
SMOG Index
12
Automated Readability Index
12
Dale-Chall Readability Score
7.5
Sprache Readability Score
5
Dale-Chall Difficult Word Score
39
Sprache Difficult Word Count
35
Joe Biden
State and locals governments have begun to take important steps to crack down on rave promoters who allow their events to be used as havens for illicit drug activity. In Chicago, where Mayor Daley has shown great leadership on this issue, it is a criminal offense to knowingly maintain a place, such as a rave, where controlled substances are used or distributed. Not only the promoter, but also the building owner and building manager can be charged under Mayor Daley's law. The State of Florida has a similar statute making such activity a felony.
Sentiment
Loughran McDonald (Relative)
-0.33333
Somewhat Negative
Loughran McDonald (Absolute)
-0.33333
Somewhat Negative
Loughran McDonald (Logit)
-0.58779
Harvard-IV (Relative)
0.5
Positive
Harvard-IV (Absolute)
0.5
Positive
Harvard-IV (Logit)
0.99853
VADER
-0.739
Very Negative
Readability
Flesch-Kincaid Grade
12
Flesch-Kincaid Ease
42.6
Gunning-Fog Score
16.2
Coleman-Liau Index
12
SMOG Index
12
Automated Readability Index
12
Dale-Chall Readability Score
6
Sprache Readability Score
5
Dale-Chall Difficult Word Score
29
Sprache Difficult Word Count
38
Joe Biden
And in Modesto, California, police officers are offering "rave training classes" to parents to educate them about the danger of raves and the club drugs associated with them.
Sentiment
Loughran McDonald (Relative)
-1
Very Negative
Loughran McDonald (Absolute)
-1
Very Negative
Loughran McDonald (Logit)
-1.09861
Harvard-IV (Relative)
0.5
Positive
Harvard-IV (Absolute)
0.5
Positive
Harvard-IV (Logit)
0.95551
VADER
-0.527
Very Negative
Readability
Flesch-Kincaid Grade
12
Flesch-Kincaid Ease
30.4
Gunning-Fog Score
16.9
Coleman-Liau Index
12
SMOG Index
12
Automated Readability Index
12
Dale-Chall Readability Score
7
Sprache Readability Score
5
Dale-Chall Difficult Word Score
10
Sprache Difficult Word Count
12
Joe Biden
And at the Federal level, there have been four cases in which Federal prosecutors have used the so called "crack house statute" or other Federal charges to go after rave promoters. These cases, in Little Rock, AR, Boise, ID, Panama City, FL, and New Orleans, LA, have had mixed results, culminating in two wins, a loss and a draw, suggesting that there may be a need to tailor this Federal statute more precisely to the problem at hand. Today I am proposing legislation, Reducing Americans' Vulnerability to Ecstasy Act, or the "RAVE" Act, which will do just that. I am pleased to have Senator Grassley as the lead cosponsor.
Sentiment
Loughran McDonald (Relative)
0
Neutral
Loughran McDonald (Absolute)
0
Neutral
Loughran McDonald (Logit)
0
Harvard-IV (Relative)
0.33333
Somewhat Positive
Harvard-IV (Absolute)
0.33333
Somewhat Positive
Harvard-IV (Logit)
0.63599
VADER
0.772
Very Positive
Readability
Flesch-Kincaid Grade
12
Flesch-Kincaid Ease
46.5
Gunning-Fog Score
13.8
Coleman-Liau Index
10.8
SMOG Index
12
Automated Readability Index
12
Dale-Chall Readability Score
6.4
Sprache Readability Score
5
Dale-Chall Difficult Word Score
35
Sprache Difficult Word Count
35
Joe Biden
The bill tailors the crack house statute to address rave promoters' actions more specifically so that Federal prosecutors will be able to use it to prosecute individuals who allow rampant drug use at their events and seek to profit from putting kids at risk. The legislation also addresses the low penalties for trafficking gamma hydroxybutyric acid, GHB, by directing the United States Sentencing Commission to examine the current penalties and consider increasing them to reflect the seriousness of offenses involving GHB.
Sentiment
Loughran McDonald (Relative)
-0.66667
Very Negative
Loughran McDonald (Absolute)
-0.66667
Very Negative
Loughran McDonald (Logit)
-1.29928
Harvard-IV (Relative)
0.46667
Positive
Harvard-IV (Absolute)
0.46667
Positive
Harvard-IV (Logit)
0.93827
VADER
-0.382
Somewhat Negative
Readability
Flesch-Kincaid Grade
12
Flesch-Kincaid Ease
8
Gunning-Fog Score
19
Coleman-Liau Index
12
SMOG Index
12
Automated Readability Index
12
Dale-Chall Readability Score
9
Sprache Readability Score
5
Dale-Chall Difficult Word Score
36
Sprache Difficult Word Count
43
Joe Biden
But the answer to the problem of drug use at raves is not simply to prosecute irresponsible rave promoters and those who distribute drugs. There is also a responsibility to raise awareness among parents, teachers, students, coaches, religious leaders, etc. about the dangers of the drugs used and sold at raves. The RAVE Act directs funds to the DEA for that purpose. Further, the bill authorizes nearly $6 million for the DEA to hire a Demand Reduction Coordinator in each state who can work with communities following the arrest of a significant local trafficker to reduce the demand for drugs through prevention and treatment programs.
Sentiment
Loughran McDonald (Relative)
-1
Very Negative
Loughran McDonald (Absolute)
-1
Very Negative
Loughran McDonald (Logit)
-2.3979
Harvard-IV (Relative)
0.6
Very Positive
Harvard-IV (Absolute)
0.6
Very Positive
Harvard-IV (Logit)
1.29928
VADER
-0.872
Very Negative
Readability
Flesch-Kincaid Grade
11.8
Flesch-Kincaid Ease
47.7
Gunning-Fog Score
13.7
Coleman-Liau Index
12
SMOG Index
12
Automated Readability Index
12
Dale-Chall Readability Score
6.6
Sprache Readability Score
5
Dale-Chall Difficult Word Score
37
Sprache Difficult Word Count
39
Joe Biden
It is the unfortunate truth that most raves are havens for illicit drugs. Enacting the RAVE Act will help to prosecute the promoters who seek to profit from exploiting and endangering young lives and will take steps to educate youth, parents and other interested adults about the dangers of Ecstasy and other club drugs associated with raves.
Sentiment
Loughran McDonald (Relative)
-0.71429
Very Negative
Loughran McDonald (Absolute)
-0.71429
Very Negative
Loughran McDonald (Logit)
-1.46634
Harvard-IV (Relative)
0.41176
Positive
Harvard-IV (Absolute)
0.41176
Positive
Harvard-IV (Logit)
0.82098
VADER
0.402
Positive
Readability
Flesch-Kincaid Grade
12
Flesch-Kincaid Ease
41.4
Gunning-Fog Score
18.4
Coleman-Liau Index
12
SMOG Index
12
Automated Readability Index
12
Dale-Chall Readability Score
6.7
Sprache Readability Score
5
Dale-Chall Difficult Word Score
19
Sprache Difficult Word Count
21
Joe Biden
I hope that my colleagues will join me and support this legislation.
Sentiment
Loughran McDonald (Relative)
0
Neutral
Loughran McDonald (Absolute)
0
Neutral
Loughran McDonald (Logit)
0
Harvard-IV (Relative)
1
Very Positive
Harvard-IV (Absolute)
1
Very Positive
Harvard-IV (Logit)
1.94591
VADER
0.778
Very Positive
Readability
Flesch-Kincaid Grade
6.8
Flesch-Kincaid Ease
67.8
Gunning-Fog Score
11.5
Coleman-Liau Index
11.7
SMOG Index
11.3
Automated Readability Index
6.6
Dale-Chall Readability Score
4.5
Sprache Readability Score
2.4
Dale-Chall Difficult Word Score
3
Sprache Difficult Word Count
4
Chuck Grassley
Madam President, I am pleased to join my colleague Senator Biden today in introducing the RAVE Act, or Reducing America's Vulnerability to Ecstacy Act of 2002. I believe this legislation will help America's law enforcement go after the latest methods drug dealers are using to push drugs on our kids. As drug dealers discover new drugs and new methods of pushing their poison, we must make sure our legal system is adequately structured to react appropriately. I believe this legislation does that.
Sentiment
Loughran McDonald (Relative)
0.33333
Somewhat Positive
Loughran McDonald (Absolute)
0.33333
Somewhat Positive
Loughran McDonald (Logit)
0.51083
Harvard-IV (Relative)
0.46667
Positive
Harvard-IV (Absolute)
0.46667
Positive
Harvard-IV (Logit)
0.93827
VADER
0.859
Very Positive
Readability
Flesch-Kincaid Grade
12
Flesch-Kincaid Ease
43.7
Gunning-Fog Score
11.6
Coleman-Liau Index
12
SMOG Index
12
Automated Readability Index
12
Dale-Chall Readability Score
7.4
Sprache Readability Score
5
Dale-Chall Difficult Word Score
33
Sprache Difficult Word Count
29
Chuck Grassley
Many young people perceive Ecstasy as harmless and it is wrongly termed a recreational or "kid-friendly" drug. This illegal substance does real damage to real lives. Although targeted at teenagers and young adults, its use has spread to the middle-aged population and rural areas, including my own State of Iowa. Ninety percent of all drug treatment and law enforcement experts say that Esctasy is readily accessible in this country. We cannot continue to allow easy access to this drug or ignore the consequences of its use.
Sentiment
Loughran McDonald (Relative)
-0.33333
Somewhat Negative
Loughran McDonald (Absolute)
-0.33333
Somewhat Negative
Loughran McDonald (Logit)
-0.58779
Harvard-IV (Relative)
0.6
Very Positive
Harvard-IV (Absolute)
0.6
Very Positive
Harvard-IV (Logit)
1.29928
VADER
-0.194
Leans Negative
Readability
Flesch-Kincaid Grade
11
Flesch-Kincaid Ease
47.7
Gunning-Fog Score
12.5
Coleman-Liau Index
12
SMOG Index
12
Automated Readability Index
10.3
Dale-Chall Readability Score
6.4
Sprache Readability Score
5
Dale-Chall Difficult Word Score
31
Sprache Difficult Word Count
38
Chuck Grassley
The sale of illicit narcotics, whether on a street corner here in Washington, D.C., or a warehouse in Des Moines, IA, must be confronted and halted wherever possible. One of the new, "trendy" illicit narcotics is Ecstasy, an especially popular club drug that is all too often being sold at all-night dance parties, or raves. Ecstasy is an illegal drug that has extremely dangerous side effects. In general, Ecstasy raises the heart rate to dangerous levels, and in some cases the heart will stop. It also causes severe dehydration, a condition that is exacerbated by the high levels of physical exertion that happens at raves. Users must constantly drink water in an attempt to cool off, a fact that some rave promoters take advantage of by charging exorbitant fees for bottles of water. Too often, users collapse and die because their bodies overheat. And even those who survive the short- term effects of Ecstasy use can look forward long-term problems such as depression, paranoia, and confusion, as scientists have learned that Ecstasy causes irreversible changes to the brain.
Sentiment
Loughran McDonald (Relative)
-0.55556
Very Negative
Loughran McDonald (Absolute)
-0.55556
Very Negative
Loughran McDonald (Logit)
-1.17007
Harvard-IV (Relative)
0.27273
Slightly Positive
Harvard-IV (Absolute)
0.27273
Slightly Positive
Harvard-IV (Logit)
0.54232
VADER
0.7
Very Positive
Readability
Flesch-Kincaid Grade
10.8
Flesch-Kincaid Ease
49.6
Gunning-Fog Score
13.9
Coleman-Liau Index
12
SMOG Index
12
Automated Readability Index
10.3
Dale-Chall Readability Score
6
Sprache Readability Score
5
Dale-Chall Difficult Word Score
58
Sprache Difficult Word Count
56
Chuck Grassley
The legislation that we introduce today is the result of information gathered during a series of hearings held by the Caucus on International Narcotics Control. It will help U.S. attorneys shut down raves and prosecute rave promoters who knowingly maintain a place where drugs are used, kept, or sold by expanding the existing statute that allows the closure and prosecution of crack house operators.
Sentiment
Loughran McDonald (Relative)
-0.66667
Very Negative
Loughran McDonald (Absolute)
-0.66667
Very Negative
Loughran McDonald (Logit)
-1.29928
Harvard-IV (Relative)
1
Very Positive
Harvard-IV (Absolute)
1
Very Positive
Harvard-IV (Logit)
2.94444
VADER
-0.494
Negative
Readability
Flesch-Kincaid Grade
10.7
Flesch-Kincaid Ease
47.2
Gunning-Fog Score
13.3
Coleman-Liau Index
12
SMOG Index
12
Automated Readability Index
10.7
Dale-Chall Readability Score
6.6
Sprache Readability Score
4.9
Dale-Chall Difficult Word Score
24
Sprache Difficult Word Count
28
Chuck Grassley
The statute would only be applicable if the rave promoters or location owners "knowingly and intentionally" either use or allow to be used space for an event where drugs will be "manufactured, stored, distributed, or used." This legislation will not eliminate all raves. Provided rave promoters and sponsors operate such events as they are so often advertized, as places for people to come dance in a safe, alcohol-free environment, then they have nothing to fear from this law. But this legislation will give law enforcement the tools needed to shut down those rave operators and promoters who use raves as a cover to sell drugs. Innocent owners or proprietors will remain exempt from prosecution.
Sentiment
Loughran McDonald (Relative)
-1
Very Negative
Loughran McDonald (Absolute)
-1
Very Negative
Loughran McDonald (Logit)
-2.19722
Harvard-IV (Relative)
0.65217
Very Positive
Harvard-IV (Absolute)
0.65217
Very Positive
Harvard-IV (Logit)
1.46634
VADER
0.618
Very Positive
Readability
Flesch-Kincaid Grade
12
Flesch-Kincaid Ease
43
Gunning-Fog Score
16.9
Coleman-Liau Index
12
SMOG Index
12
Automated Readability Index
12
Dale-Chall Readability Score
6.1
Sprache Readability Score
5
Dale-Chall Difficult Word Score
36
Sprache Difficult Word Count
37
Chuck Grassley
This legislation is an important step, but a careful one. Our future rests with the young people of this great nation and America is at risk. Esctasy has shown itself to be a formidable threat and we must confront it on all fronts, not only through law enforcement but education and treatment as well. I hope my colleagues will join us in supporting the RAVE Act, and help us work towards its quick passenge.
Sentiment
Loughran McDonald (Relative)
-0.33333
Somewhat Negative
Loughran McDonald (Absolute)
-0.33333
Somewhat Negative
Loughran McDonald (Logit)
-0.51083
Harvard-IV (Relative)
0.33333
Somewhat Positive
Harvard-IV (Absolute)
0.33333
Somewhat Positive
Harvard-IV (Logit)
0.64663
VADER
0.866
Very Positive
Readability
Flesch-Kincaid Grade
8.5
Flesch-Kincaid Ease
66.9
Gunning-Fog Score
11.7
Coleman-Liau Index
10.3
SMOG Index
11.8
Automated Readability Index
8.7
Dale-Chall Readability Score
5
Sprache Readability Score
4.5
Dale-Chall Difficult Word Score
19
Sprache Difficult Word Count
20
Ted Kennedy
Madam President, today I am introducing the Efficiency in Health Care, eHealth Care, Act. The time is long overdue to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of America's antiquated healthcare information technology systems. We can achieve large cost savings and improve patient care by bringing the nation's health care systems into the information age.
Sentiment
Loughran McDonald (Relative)
0.77778
Very Positive
Loughran McDonald (Absolute)
0.77778
Very Positive
Loughran McDonald (Logit)
1.7346
Harvard-IV (Relative)
0.77778
Very Positive
Harvard-IV (Absolute)
0.77778
Very Positive
Harvard-IV (Logit)
1.88707
VADER
0.971
Very Positive
Readability
Flesch-Kincaid Grade
12
Flesch-Kincaid Ease
32.5
Gunning-Fog Score
13.1
Coleman-Liau Index
12
SMOG Index
12
Automated Readability Index
12
Dale-Chall Readability Score
6.8
Sprache Readability Score
4.6
Dale-Chall Difficult Word Score
20
Sprache Difficult Word Count
22
Ted Kennedy
The eHealth Care Act provides modern standards for financial transactions such as billing and claims processing that can only be met by adoption of the same kind of high volume, speedy, cost-efficient technology that has dramatically lowered administrative costs in other industries. The new standards will be coupled with grants to health care providers to assist them in upgrading their information technologies to meet these new demands.
Sentiment
Loughran McDonald (Relative)
0.33333
Somewhat Positive
Loughran McDonald (Absolute)
0.33333
Somewhat Positive
Loughran McDonald (Logit)
0.51083
Harvard-IV (Relative)
0.76471
Very Positive
Harvard-IV (Absolute)
0.76471
Very Positive
Harvard-IV (Logit)
1.82455
VADER
0.778
Very Positive
Readability
Flesch-Kincaid Grade
12
Flesch-Kincaid Ease
28
Gunning-Fog Score
19
Coleman-Liau Index
12
SMOG Index
12
Automated Readability Index
12
Dale-Chall Readability Score
8
Sprache Readability Score
5
Dale-Chall Difficult Word Score
27
Sprache Difficult Word Count
27
Ted Kennedy
Estimates are that administrative costs currently represent 20 to 30 percent of health care spending, or up to $420 billion each year. While other industries are making full use of available information technology, health care has been a very slow adopter. And this bill will reduce health care administration by as much as $300 billion a year, enough to provide universal health coverage for every American many times over.
Sentiment
Loughran McDonald (Relative)
0
Neutral
Loughran McDonald (Absolute)
0
Neutral
Loughran McDonald (Logit)
0
Harvard-IV (Relative)
0.86667
Very Positive
Harvard-IV (Absolute)
0.86667
Very Positive
Harvard-IV (Logit)
2.26868
VADER
0.863
Very Positive
Readability
Flesch-Kincaid Grade
12
Flesch-Kincaid Ease
41.3
Gunning-Fog Score
17.3
Coleman-Liau Index
12
SMOG Index
12
Automated Readability Index
12
Dale-Chall Readability Score
5.5
Sprache Readability Score
5
Dale-Chall Difficult Word Score
19
Sprache Difficult Word Count
22
Ted Kennedy
The sad fact is that processing a single health care transaction can cost as much as 25 dollars. Other industries have drastically reduced administrative costs by using modern information technology. Banks and brokerages have cut their costs to less than a penny per transaction using modern technology. Health care remains one of the few industries clinging to antiquated 20th century technology while the rest of the Nation's businesses have moved into the 21st century. This bill will provide the tools for health care systems to make a great leap forward by using new technologies to cut costs.
Sentiment
Loughran McDonald (Relative)
-0.2
Slightly Negative
Loughran McDonald (Absolute)
-0.2
Slightly Negative
Loughran McDonald (Logit)
-0.33647
Harvard-IV (Relative)
0.40741
Positive
Harvard-IV (Absolute)
0.40741
Positive
Harvard-IV (Logit)
0.83035
VADER
0.813
Very Positive
Readability
Flesch-Kincaid Grade
11.1
Flesch-Kincaid Ease
50.2
Gunning-Fog Score
14.8
Coleman-Liau Index
12
SMOG Index
12
Automated Readability Index
12
Dale-Chall Readability Score
6
Sprache Readability Score
5
Dale-Chall Difficult Word Score
31
Sprache Difficult Word Count
30
Ted Kennedy
Recent breakthroughs in technology not only can save money, but also can provide more timely and accurate billing and claims transactions. Today, only 10 or 15 percent of all patient charts are available electronically, and it costs about $9 each and every time a doctor has to pull a patient's chart. Even worse, despite the high cost, the patient's chart is often incomplete. Through advances in technology, doctors should be able to access complete patient records at a huge cost saving. That is not only more efficient care, it is better care.
Sentiment
Loughran McDonald (Relative)
0.25
Slightly Positive
Loughran McDonald (Absolute)
0.25
Slightly Positive
Loughran McDonald (Logit)
0.45199
Harvard-IV (Relative)
0.6
Very Positive
Harvard-IV (Absolute)
0.6
Very Positive
Harvard-IV (Logit)
1.29928
VADER
0.887
Very Positive
Readability
Flesch-Kincaid Grade
10.1
Flesch-Kincaid Ease
55.7
Gunning-Fog Score
11.7
Coleman-Liau Index
12
SMOG Index
11.3
Automated Readability Index
10.1
Dale-Chall Readability Score
4.9
Sprache Readability Score
5
Dale-Chall Difficult Word Score
23
Sprache Difficult Word Count
26
Ted Kennedy
Today, 30 percent of doctor's claims leave the physician's office with errors, and nearly 15 percent get lost. Manual procedures for handling referrals, eligibility, treatment authorizations, and explanations of benefits can add anywhere from $10 to $85 per transaction. In fact, estimates are that $250 billion is spent each year on medical claims paperwork. Paper claims processing amounts to $28,000 per physician and $12.7 billion for all physicians each year. Conducting these transactions online could cut that figure tenfold. We are clearly not getting much bang for our buck. The eHealth Care Act will provide the standards needed for health plans, insurers, providers, and patients to realize both the cost savings and better billing and claims transactions.
Sentiment
Loughran McDonald (Relative)
-0.55556
Very Negative
Loughran McDonald (Absolute)
-0.55556
Very Negative
Loughran McDonald (Logit)
-1.09861
Harvard-IV (Relative)
0.17647
Leans Positive
Harvard-IV (Absolute)
0.17647
Leans Positive
Harvard-IV (Logit)
0.33647
VADER
0.66
Very Positive
Readability
Flesch-Kincaid Grade
10
Flesch-Kincaid Ease
53.5
Gunning-Fog Score
14.9
Coleman-Liau Index
12
SMOG Index
12
Automated Readability Index
11.2
Dale-Chall Readability Score
6.9
Sprache Readability Score
5
Dale-Chall Difficult Word Score
45
Sprache Difficult Word Count
45
Ted Kennedy
But the cost to the health care system is not just monetary. The eHealth Care bill will also set standards for physicians ordering prescription medications. Medication errors are responsible for over 7,000 deaths annually, but doctors currently write only 1 percent of prescriptions electronically. By requiring adoption of computerized systems for writing prescriptions, errors due to mistaken prescriptions or illegible handwriting will be reduced. There is no excuse for patients to be harmed and even die when we have the technology to save them.
Sentiment
Loughran McDonald (Relative)
-1
Very Negative
Loughran McDonald (Absolute)
-1
Very Negative
Loughran McDonald (Logit)
-2.19722
Harvard-IV (Relative)
0.06667
Neutral
Harvard-IV (Absolute)
0.06667
Neutral
Harvard-IV (Logit)
0.12516
VADER
-0.895
Very Negative
Readability
Flesch-Kincaid Grade
12
Flesch-Kincaid Ease
38.3
Gunning-Fog Score
16.2
Coleman-Liau Index
12
SMOG Index
12
Automated Readability Index
12
Dale-Chall Readability Score
6.2
Sprache Readability Score
5
Dale-Chall Difficult Word Score
29
Sprache Difficult Word Count
33
Ted Kennedy
I look forward to working with my colleagues here in the Senate to get this very important legislation passed.
Sentiment
Loughran McDonald (Relative)
0
Neutral
Loughran McDonald (Absolute)
0
Neutral
Loughran McDonald (Logit)
0
Harvard-IV (Relative)
0.5
Positive
Harvard-IV (Absolute)
0.5
Positive
Harvard-IV (Logit)
0.8473
VADER
0
Neutral
Readability
Flesch-Kincaid Grade
10.5
Flesch-Kincaid Ease
54
Gunning-Fog Score
13.9
Coleman-Liau Index
12
SMOG Index
12
Automated Readability Index
10.6
Dale-Chall Readability Score
5.1
Sprache Readability Score
3.5
Dale-Chall Difficult Word Score
5
Sprache Difficult Word Count
6
Ted Kennedy
Madam President, today I am introducing the Health Care for Working Families Act, a bill that will make the basic human right to health care a reality for millions of working Americans and their families.
Sentiment
Loughran McDonald (Relative)
0
Neutral
Loughran McDonald (Absolute)
0
Neutral
Loughran McDonald (Logit)
0
Harvard-IV (Relative)
1
Very Positive
Harvard-IV (Absolute)
1
Very Positive
Harvard-IV (Logit)
2.83321
VADER
0.751
Very Positive
Readability
Flesch-Kincaid Grade
12
Flesch-Kincaid Ease
33.5
Gunning-Fog Score
18.6
Coleman-Liau Index
12
SMOG Index
12
Automated Readability Index
12
Dale-Chall Readability Score
5.8
Sprache Readability Score
5
Dale-Chall Difficult Word Score
9
Sprache Difficult Word Count
11
Ted Kennedy
The tragedy of September 11 created a special obligation to address the injustices that have festered for far too long within our national family. The brave passengers of Flight 93 fought and defied the terrorists and saved the lives of thousands. Construction and health workers braved the treacherous fire and debris to rescue survivors and recover the remains of those who lost their lives. Police and firefighters, and ordinary citizens, gave their lives so that others might live. And thousands of Americans all over the country lined up to donate blood to help the victims.
Sentiment
Loughran McDonald (Relative)
-0.6
Very Negative
Loughran McDonald (Absolute)
-0.6
Very Negative
Loughran McDonald (Logit)
-1.09861
Harvard-IV (Relative)
0.29412
Slightly Positive
Harvard-IV (Absolute)
0.29412
Slightly Positive
Harvard-IV (Logit)
0.57054
VADER
0.25
Slightly Positive
Readability
Flesch-Kincaid Grade
10.2
Flesch-Kincaid Ease
55.8
Gunning-Fog Score
13.5
Coleman-Liau Index
12
SMOG Index
12
Automated Readability Index
11.6
Dale-Chall Readability Score
5.4
Sprache Readability Score
5
Dale-Chall Difficult Word Score
27
Sprache Difficult Word Count
36
Ted Kennedy
I believe that the most enduring legacy of the September 11 attacks is a new sense of community among all Americans. A nation that has united to battle a terrorist threat from abroad can also unite to vanquish the conditions here at home that curtail the opportunities and sadden the lives of so many of our fellow citizens. Just as the British people came together after World War II to provide health care for all citizens of the United Kingdom, we join hands after September 11 to guarantee all citizens of the United States the protection and opportunity that should be their birthright. There is no area where action is more urgently needed than health care.
Sentiment
Loughran McDonald (Relative)
-0.2
Slightly Negative
Loughran McDonald (Absolute)
-0.2
Slightly Negative
Loughran McDonald (Logit)
-0.33647
Harvard-IV (Relative)
0.52381
Very Positive
Harvard-IV (Absolute)
0.52381
Very Positive
Harvard-IV (Logit)
1.09861
VADER
-0.226
Slightly Negative
Readability
Flesch-Kincaid Grade
12
Flesch-Kincaid Ease
42.5
Gunning-Fog Score
16.8
Coleman-Liau Index
11.6
SMOG Index
12
Automated Readability Index
12
Dale-Chall Readability Score
5.5
Sprache Readability Score
5
Dale-Chall Difficult Word Score
30
Sprache Difficult Word Count
34
Ted Kennedy
Americans are rightly proud to be at the forefront of medical and scientific advancement. In the past year, we successfully mapped the human genome. We developed new pharmaceuticals to target specific cancers. We have seen the promise stem cell research gives to millions suffering from chronic diseases. We clearly recognize the value of scientific achievement and have always been supportive of the great institutions and individuals that are driving our progress.
Sentiment
Loughran McDonald (Relative)
0.66667
Very Positive
Loughran McDonald (Absolute)
0.66667
Very Positive
Loughran McDonald (Logit)
1.29928
Harvard-IV (Relative)
0.41176
Positive
Harvard-IV (Absolute)
0.41176
Positive
Harvard-IV (Logit)
0.82098
VADER
0.957
Very Positive
Readability
Flesch-Kincaid Grade
11.1
Flesch-Kincaid Ease
41.1
Gunning-Fog Score
14.7
Coleman-Liau Index
12
SMOG Index
12
Automated Readability Index
11.5
Dale-Chall Readability Score
6.9
Sprache Readability Score
4.9
Dale-Chall Difficult Word Score
28
Sprache Difficult Word Count
31
Ted Kennedy
But our successes in the science of medicine must not blind us to the great failure of our health care system, the failure to provide affordable, quality health insurance to all our people. We lead the world in medical research. We lead the world in our capacity to cure and treat the most complex and deadly illnesses. But we lag behind every country in the industrial world in guaranteeing all our people access to the best medical care we can offer. And today we face another health care crisis as the number of the uninsured has begun to rise and rise rapidly.
Sentiment
Loughran McDonald (Relative)
-0.2
Slightly Negative
Loughran McDonald (Absolute)
-0.2
Slightly Negative
Loughran McDonald (Logit)
-0.36772
Harvard-IV (Relative)
0.42857
Positive
Harvard-IV (Absolute)
0.42857
Positive
Harvard-IV (Logit)
0.88036
VADER
0.866
Very Positive
Readability
Flesch-Kincaid Grade
10
Flesch-Kincaid Ease
60.1
Gunning-Fog Score
13.3
Coleman-Liau Index
10.5
SMOG Index
12
Automated Readability Index
9.8
Dale-Chall Readability Score
4.6
Sprache Readability Score
5
Dale-Chall Difficult Word Score
23
Sprache Difficult Word Count
28
Ted Kennedy
Health care is not just another commodity. It is not a gift to be rationed based on the ability to pay. The state of a family's health should not be determined by the size of a family's wealth.
Sentiment
Loughran McDonald (Relative)
-1
Very Negative
Loughran McDonald (Absolute)
-1
Very Negative
Loughran McDonald (Logit)
-1.09861
Harvard-IV (Relative)
1
Very Positive
Harvard-IV (Absolute)
1
Very Positive
Harvard-IV (Logit)
2.70805
VADER
0.746
Very Positive
Readability
Flesch-Kincaid Grade
6.1
Flesch-Kincaid Ease
73.8
Gunning-Fog Score
11.4
Coleman-Liau Index
7.6
SMOG Index
11.3
Automated Readability Index
3.6
Dale-Chall Readability Score
3.5
Sprache Readability Score
2.9
Dale-Chall Difficult Word Score
7
Sprache Difficult Word Count
9
Ted Kennedy
Yet, thirty-nine million Americans now have no health insurance at all. Over the course of a year, 30 million more will lack coverage for an extended period. It is unacceptable that any American is uninsured. It is shameful that thirty-nine million Americans are uninsured. And it is intolerable that the number of uninsured is now rising again and, if we do nothing, could reach more than 52 million by the end of the decade.
Sentiment
Loughran McDonald (Relative)
-1
Very Negative
Loughran McDonald (Absolute)
-1
Very Negative
Loughran McDonald (Logit)
-2.3979
Harvard-IV (Relative)
-0.6
Very Negative
Harvard-IV (Absolute)
-0.6
Very Negative
Harvard-IV (Logit)
-1.09861
VADER
-0.866
Very Negative
Readability
Flesch-Kincaid Grade
9.4
Flesch-Kincaid Ease
54.5
Gunning-Fog Score
12.9
Coleman-Liau Index
10.4
SMOG Index
12
Automated Readability Index
7.1
Dale-Chall Readability Score
3.9
Sprache Readability Score
3.7
Dale-Chall Difficult Word Score
15
Sprache Difficult Word Count
15
Ted Kennedy
Who are the 39 million uninsured Americans who must go without the health care they need because they must do without the health insurance they deserve? Over 80 percent are members of working families. They are grocery baggers, car mechanics, construction workers. They are factory workers, nurses and nurses aides, secretaries and the self-employed. They are child care workers and waiters and cooks. They are teachers and social workers. They are veterans. They are people who wake up every morning and go to work. They work hard 40 hours a week and fifty- two weeks a year, but all their hard work cannot buy them the health insurance they need to protect themselves and their families, because they can't afford it and their employers don't provide it.
Sentiment
Loughran McDonald (Relative)
0
Neutral
Loughran McDonald (Absolute)
0
Neutral
Loughran McDonald (Logit)
0
Harvard-IV (Relative)
0.71429
Very Positive
Harvard-IV (Absolute)
0.71429
Very Positive
Harvard-IV (Logit)
1.60944
VADER
0.523
Very Positive
Readability
Flesch-Kincaid Grade
6.8
Flesch-Kincaid Ease
71.4
Gunning-Fog Score
10.1
Coleman-Liau Index
12
SMOG Index
10.6
Automated Readability Index
7.9
Dale-Chall Readability Score
3
Sprache Readability Score
4.8
Dale-Chall Difficult Word Score
19
Sprache Difficult Word Count
29
Ted Kennedy
They play by the rules. They stand by their families and their country. But when it comes to health insurance, America has let them down.
Sentiment
Loughran McDonald (Relative)
0
Neutral
Loughran McDonald (Absolute)
0
Neutral
Loughran McDonald (Logit)
0
Harvard-IV (Relative)
0.6
Very Positive
Harvard-IV (Absolute)
0.6
Very Positive
Harvard-IV (Logit)
1.09861
VADER
0.34
Somewhat Positive
Readability
Flesch-Kincaid Grade
3.2
Flesch-Kincaid Ease
86.7
Gunning-Fog Score
6.5
Coleman-Liau Index
9.8
SMOG Index
9
Automated Readability Index
3.3
Dale-Chall Readability Score
1.7
Sprache Readability Score
1.9
Dale-Chall Difficult Word Score
2
Sprache Difficult Word Count
3
Ted Kennedy
A recent report by the Institute of Medicine lays out the stark result of America's failure to provide health insurance. Cancer, stroke, heart disease, leukemia, AIDS, and other serious illnesses know nothing about insurance, or economic class or race or creed. They can strike anyone equally. And when they do, the uninsured are left out and left behind. In hospital or out, young or old, black or white, the uninsured receive less care, suffer more pain, and die at higher rates than those who are insured.
Sentiment
Loughran McDonald (Relative)
-1
Very Negative
Loughran McDonald (Absolute)
-1
Very Negative
Loughran McDonald (Logit)
-2.56495
Harvard-IV (Relative)
0.125
Leans Positive
Harvard-IV (Absolute)
0.125
Leans Positive
Harvard-IV (Logit)
0.23639
VADER
-0.948
Very Negative
Readability
Flesch-Kincaid Grade
9
Flesch-Kincaid Ease
61.5
Gunning-Fog Score
11.1
Coleman-Liau Index
11.9
SMOG Index
12
Automated Readability Index
9.4
Dale-Chall Readability Score
5.4
Sprache Readability Score
5
Dale-Chall Difficult Word Score
25
Sprache Difficult Word Count
32
Ted Kennedy
One-third of uninsured Americans will simply go without care when they get sick instead of seeking medical attention. They stop and ask themselves whether their symptoms or their childrens symptoms are truly worth a doctor visit. Is this cough just a cold or could it be strep throat? Is this pain in my bones indicative of something more serious or will it eventually go away if I ignore it? Millions of families are forced to decide between their health and other necessities of life. They ration health care for themselves and their children, and too often they pay a terrible price.
Sentiment
Loughran McDonald (Relative)
-1
Very Negative
Loughran McDonald (Absolute)
-1
Very Negative
Loughran McDonald (Logit)
-2.56495
Harvard-IV (Relative)
0.05882
Neutral
Harvard-IV (Absolute)
0.05882
Neutral
Harvard-IV (Logit)
0.11123
VADER
-0.843
Very Negative
Readability
Flesch-Kincaid Grade
8.6
Flesch-Kincaid Ease
63.5
Gunning-Fog Score
11.1
Coleman-Liau Index
11.8
SMOG Index
11.3
Automated Readability Index
9.1
Dale-Chall Readability Score
3.6
Sprache Readability Score
4.8
Dale-Chall Difficult Word Score
18
Sprache Difficult Word Count
26
Ted Kennedy
Every year, 8 million uninsured Americans fail to take their medications because they can't afford to pay for their prescriptions. 300,000 children with asthma never get treated by a doctor. Uninsured women diagnosed with breast cancer are 50 percent more likely to die from the disease because their cancer is diagnosed later. 32,000 Americans with heart disease go without life-saving bypass surgery or angioplasty. The chilling bottom line is that Americans without health insurance are one-quarter more likely to die prematurely solely because they lack coverage.
Sentiment
Loughran McDonald (Relative)
-1
Very Negative
Loughran McDonald (Absolute)
-1
Very Negative
Loughran McDonald (Logit)
-2.3979
Harvard-IV (Relative)
-0.2
Slightly Negative
Harvard-IV (Absolute)
-0.2
Slightly Negative
Harvard-IV (Logit)
-0.37949
VADER
-0.963
Very Negative
Readability
Flesch-Kincaid Grade
11.4
Flesch-Kincaid Ease
45.7
Gunning-Fog Score
12.5
Coleman-Liau Index
12
SMOG Index
12
Automated Readability Index
11.5
Dale-Chall Readability Score
5.6
Sprache Readability Score
5
Dale-Chall Difficult Word Score
27
Sprache Difficult Word Count
30
Ted Kennedy
The legislation I am introducing today is a major step forward toward the day when all Americans will enjoy the health insurance that should be their birthright This measure will require every firm with more than 100 workers to provide health insurance coverage for employees and their dependents. This coverage must be as good as the coverage now provided for Federal employees. If good health insurance coverage is available to every member of the Senate, to every member of the House, and to the President of the United States, it ought to be available to every other American too.
Sentiment
Loughran McDonald (Relative)
1
Very Positive
Loughran McDonald (Absolute)
1
Very Positive
Loughran McDonald (Logit)
1.60944
Harvard-IV (Relative)
1
Very Positive
Harvard-IV (Absolute)
1
Very Positive
Harvard-IV (Logit)
3.21888
VADER
0.896
Very Positive
Readability
Flesch-Kincaid Grade
12
Flesch-Kincaid Ease
32.3
Gunning-Fog Score
19
Coleman-Liau Index
12
SMOG Index
12
Automated Readability Index
12
Dale-Chall Readability Score
5.6
Sprache Readability Score
5
Dale-Chall Difficult Word Score
25
Sprache Difficult Word Count
26
Ted Kennedy
This measure alone would assure coverage for more than a third of today's uninsured workers.
Sentiment
Loughran McDonald (Relative)
0
Neutral
Loughran McDonald (Absolute)
0
Neutral
Loughran McDonald (Logit)
0
Harvard-IV (Relative)
1
Very Positive
Harvard-IV (Absolute)
1
Very Positive
Harvard-IV (Logit)
1.60944
VADER
0.103
Leans Positive
Readability
Flesch-Kincaid Grade
9.1
Flesch-Kincaid Ease
56.3
Gunning-Fog Score
11.3
Coleman-Liau Index
12
SMOG Index
11.3
Automated Readability Index
9.9
Dale-Chall Readability Score
5
Sprache Readability Score
3
Dale-Chall Difficult Word Score
4
Sprache Difficult Word Count
6
Ted Kennedy
For generations we have required employers to contribute to Social Security and then to Medicare. We have required them to pay a minimum wage, and contribute to unemployment insurance. Now it is time to say, at least for large firms, that they also have an obligation to contribute to the cost of health insurance for their employees. The vast majority of large businesses already do so, and the rest should fulfill that obligation, too.
Sentiment
Loughran McDonald (Relative)
-1
Very Negative
Loughran McDonald (Absolute)
-1
Very Negative
Loughran McDonald (Logit)
-1.09861
Harvard-IV (Relative)
0.73333
Very Positive
Harvard-IV (Absolute)
0.73333
Very Positive
Harvard-IV (Logit)
1.6864
VADER
0.25
Slightly Positive
Readability
Flesch-Kincaid Grade
10.9
Flesch-Kincaid Ease
49.7
Gunning-Fog Score
15.5
Coleman-Liau Index
12
SMOG Index
12
Automated Readability Index
10.4
Dale-Chall Readability Score
5.6
Sprache Readability Score
4.5
Dale-Chall Difficult Word Score
22
Sprache Difficult Word Count
20
Ted Kennedy
The legislation I am introducing is supported by more than 100 health, labor, elderly, disability, church, and family groups. It deserves the support of Congress as the single most important way to move America closer to the goal of health care for all.
Sentiment
Loughran McDonald (Relative)
0
Neutral
Loughran McDonald (Absolute)
0
Neutral
Loughran McDonald (Logit)
0
Harvard-IV (Relative)
0.75
Very Positive
Harvard-IV (Absolute)
0.75
Very Positive
Harvard-IV (Logit)
1.60944
VADER
0.851
Very Positive
Readability
Flesch-Kincaid Grade
11.7
Flesch-Kincaid Ease
49.3
Gunning-Fog Score
15.1
Coleman-Liau Index
11.7
SMOG Index
12
Automated Readability Index
11.3
Dale-Chall Readability Score
5.1
Sprache Readability Score
4.4
Dale-Chall Difficult Word Score
11
Sprache Difficult Word Count
14
Ted Kennedy
This legislation is an important first step toward the day when the fundamental right to health care will be a reality for every American. But it is only a first step. Later this year, after broad consultation with affected groups, I will introduce legislation to assure that all Americans, wherever they work, wherever they live, have the quality, affordable health insurance coverage they deserve.
Sentiment
Loughran McDonald (Relative)
1
Very Positive
Loughran McDonald (Absolute)
1
Very Positive
Loughran McDonald (Logit)
1.09861
Harvard-IV (Relative)
1
Very Positive
Harvard-IV (Absolute)
1
Very Positive
Harvard-IV (Logit)
3.04452
VADER
0.7
Very Positive
Readability
Flesch-Kincaid Grade
12
Flesch-Kincaid Ease
37.1
Gunning-Fog Score
17.9
Coleman-Liau Index
12
SMOG Index
12
Automated Readability Index
12
Dale-Chall Readability Score
5.3
Sprache Readability Score
4.6
Dale-Chall Difficult Word Score
17
Sprache Difficult Word Count
17
Ted Kennedy
Health care is a defining test of our commitment and our national character. The American people have shown that they are ready for great missions. They are the creators of the new spirit of September 11. Now, we in public life must live up to the standards they have set.
Sentiment
Loughran McDonald (Relative)
1
Very Positive
Loughran McDonald (Absolute)
1
Very Positive
Loughran McDonald (Logit)
1.09861
Harvard-IV (Relative)
1
Very Positive
Harvard-IV (Absolute)
1
Very Positive
Harvard-IV (Logit)
2.3979
VADER
0.92
Very Positive
Readability
Flesch-Kincaid Grade
5.8
Flesch-Kincaid Ease
75.7
Gunning-Fog Score
9
Coleman-Liau Index
9.6
SMOG Index
10.8
Automated Readability Index
5.2
Dale-Chall Readability Score
3.8
Sprache Readability Score
3.5
Dale-Chall Difficult Word Score
10
Sprache Difficult Word Count
16
Ted Kennedy
We must strive to do what is best, in health and education as well as national defense, and we must measure our success by what we accomplish not just for one political party or another, not for this or that interest group, but for America and its enduring ideal of liberty and justice for all.
Sentiment
Loughran McDonald (Relative)
0.5
Positive
Loughran McDonald (Absolute)
0.5
Positive
Loughran McDonald (Logit)
0.8473
Harvard-IV (Relative)
1
Very Positive
Harvard-IV (Absolute)
1
Very Positive
Harvard-IV (Logit)
3.04452
VADER
0.976
Very Positive
Readability
Flesch-Kincaid Grade
12
Flesch-Kincaid Ease
23.3
Gunning-Fog Score
19
Coleman-Liau Index
9.4
SMOG Index
12
Automated Readability Index
12
Dale-Chall Readability Score
5.6
Sprache Readability Score
5
Dale-Chall Difficult Word Score
10
Sprache Difficult Word Count
15
Dianne Feinstein
Madam President, I am pleased to introduce this legislation today to authorize the Interior Department to provide critical services to three national parks in my home State of California.
Sentiment
Loughran McDonald (Relative)
0
Neutral
Loughran McDonald (Absolute)
0
Neutral
Loughran McDonald (Logit)
0
Harvard-IV (Relative)
0.33333
Somewhat Positive
Harvard-IV (Absolute)
0.33333
Somewhat Positive
Harvard-IV (Logit)
0.58779
VADER
0.153
Leans Positive
Readability
Flesch-Kincaid Grade
12
Flesch-Kincaid Ease
14
Gunning-Fog Score
19
Coleman-Liau Index
12
SMOG Index
12
Automated Readability Index
12
Dale-Chall Readability Score
8
Sprache Readability Score
5
Dale-Chall Difficult Word Score
12
Sprache Difficult Word Count
14
Dianne Feinstein
With the passage of this bill, Yosemite, Manzanar, and Golden Gate National Parks will receive the Federal support needed to continue to offer a broad range of services to the millions of tourists and Californians who visit these national treasures each year.
Sentiment
Loughran McDonald (Relative)
0
Neutral
Loughran McDonald (Absolute)
0
Neutral
Loughran McDonald (Logit)
0
Harvard-IV (Relative)
0.33333
Somewhat Positive
Harvard-IV (Absolute)
0.33333
Somewhat Positive
Harvard-IV (Logit)
0.58779
VADER
0.671
Very Positive
Readability
Flesch-Kincaid Grade
12
Flesch-Kincaid Ease
19.2
Gunning-Fog Score
19
Coleman-Liau Index
12
SMOG Index
12
Automated Readability Index
12
Dale-Chall Readability Score
6.6
Sprache Readability Score
5
Dale-Chall Difficult Word Score
12
Sprache Difficult Word Count
17
Dianne Feinstein
This bill meets four distinct needs in these parks: it authorizes the Interior Secretary to designate Federal emergency funds to small schools in Yosemite National Park, allows the Yosemite Area Regional Transportation System, YARTS, to continue operating and extends the Manzanar and Golden Gate National Recreational Area, GGNRA, Advisory Commissions for ten more years.
Sentiment
Loughran McDonald (Relative)
1
Very Positive
Loughran McDonald (Absolute)
1
Very Positive
Loughran McDonald (Logit)
1.09861
Harvard-IV (Relative)
0.6
Very Positive
Harvard-IV (Absolute)
0.6
Very Positive
Harvard-IV (Logit)
1.22378
VADER
-0.273
Slightly Negative
Readability
Flesch-Kincaid Grade
12
Flesch-Kincaid Ease
0
Gunning-Fog Score
19
Coleman-Liau Index
12
SMOG Index
12
Automated Readability Index
12
Dale-Chall Readability Score
10
Sprache Readability Score
5
Dale-Chall Difficult Word Score
26
Sprache Difficult Word Count
25
Dianne Feinstein
The first component of this bill provides critical funds to three small schools nestled in the heart of Yosemite National Park.
Sentiment
Loughran McDonald (Relative)
-1
Very Negative
Loughran McDonald (Absolute)
-1
Very Negative
Loughran McDonald (Logit)
-1.09861
Harvard-IV (Relative)
0.33333
Somewhat Positive
Harvard-IV (Absolute)
0.33333
Somewhat Positive
Harvard-IV (Logit)
0.51083
VADER
0.44
Positive
Readability
Flesch-Kincaid Grade
10.6
Flesch-Kincaid Ease
56.6
Gunning-Fog Score
12.2
Coleman-Liau Index
12
SMOG Index
12
Automated Readability Index
12
Dale-Chall Readability Score
6.3
Sprache Readability Score
3.9
Dale-Chall Difficult Word Score
7
Sprache Difficult Word Count
9
Dianne Feinstein
Approximately 126 children of park service employees are taught in the quaint one-room buildings of Wawoma, El Portal, and Yosemite Valley elementary schools. The remote location of these schools, along with their small sizes and California's unique method for funding education, have all contributed to the schools amassing a combined deficit of $241,000. In their efforts to continue to provide basic educational services to students, the schools have had to cut supplemental instruction that would normally be available to students taught outside of the Park.
Sentiment
Loughran McDonald (Relative)
-1
Very Negative
Loughran McDonald (Absolute)
-1
Very Negative
Loughran McDonald (Logit)
-1.60944
Harvard-IV (Relative)
0.33333
Somewhat Positive
Harvard-IV (Absolute)
0.33333
Somewhat Positive
Harvard-IV (Logit)
0.64663
VADER
-0.586
Very Negative
Readability
Flesch-Kincaid Grade
12
Flesch-Kincaid Ease
29.6
Gunning-Fog Score
18.5
Coleman-Liau Index
12
SMOG Index
12
Automated Readability Index
12
Dale-Chall Readability Score
6.9
Sprache Readability Score
5
Dale-Chall Difficult Word Score
30
Sprache Difficult Word Count
31
Dianne Feinstein
In light of these facts, this bill allows the Interior Secretary to assist these schools if their combined state funding falls below $75,000. It also clarifies how funds will be used by limiting allocations to providing general upkeep, maintenance, and classroom instruction.
Sentiment
Loughran McDonald (Relative)
-1
Very Negative
Loughran McDonald (Absolute)
-1
Very Negative
Loughran McDonald (Logit)
-1.09861
Harvard-IV (Relative)
0.71429
Very Positive
Harvard-IV (Absolute)
0.71429
Very Positive
Harvard-IV (Logit)
1.46634
VADER
0.226
Slightly Positive
Readability
Flesch-Kincaid Grade
12
Flesch-Kincaid Ease
45.3
Gunning-Fog Score
15.1
Coleman-Liau Index
12
SMOG Index
12
Automated Readability Index
12
Dale-Chall Readability Score
5.8
Sprache Readability Score
4.9
Dale-Chall Difficult Word Score
13
Sprache Difficult Word Count
20
Dianne Feinstein
Furthermore, this legislation allows the Park Service to allot federal funds for the continuing operation of the Yosemite Area Regional Transportation System, YARTS.
Sentiment
Loughran McDonald (Relative)
0
Neutral
Loughran McDonald (Absolute)
0
Neutral
Loughran McDonald (Logit)
0
Harvard-IV (Relative)
0.5
Positive
Harvard-IV (Absolute)
0.5
Positive
Harvard-IV (Logit)
0.8473
VADER
0
Neutral
Readability
Flesch-Kincaid Grade
12
Flesch-Kincaid Ease
6.9
Gunning-Fog Score
16.2
Coleman-Liau Index
12
SMOG Index
12
Automated Readability Index
12
Dale-Chall Readability Score
10
Sprache Readability Score
4.7
Dale-Chall Difficult Word Score
13
Sprache Difficult Word Count
15
Dianne Feinstein
YARTS is a bus service that gives visitors the option of taking a free shuttle through Yosemite National Park instead of driving on their own. Since it began operating in 2000, this service has played a crucial role in improving visitor accessibility to the Park's attractions, alleviating traffic congestion on access roads and reducing the amount of air pollution emitted by incoming cars.
Sentiment
Loughran McDonald (Relative)
0.33333
Somewhat Positive
Loughran McDonald (Absolute)
0.33333
Somewhat Positive
Loughran McDonald (Logit)
0.51083
Harvard-IV (Relative)
0.28571
Slightly Positive
Harvard-IV (Absolute)
0.28571
Slightly Positive
Harvard-IV (Logit)
0.54654
VADER
0.883
Very Positive
Readability
Flesch-Kincaid Grade
12
Flesch-Kincaid Ease
27.1
Gunning-Fog Score
19
Coleman-Liau Index
12
SMOG Index
12
Automated Readability Index
12
Dale-Chall Readability Score
7.3
Sprache Readability Score
5
Dale-Chall Difficult Word Score
23
Sprache Difficult Word Count
27
Dianne Feinstein
The Federally funded demonstration project that allowed YARTS to offer services on a temporary basis expired in May and since then, YARTS has leveraged local funds to ensure that services were not discontinued.
Sentiment
Loughran McDonald (Relative)
-1
Very Negative
Loughran McDonald (Absolute)
-1
Very Negative
Loughran McDonald (Logit)
-1.09861
Harvard-IV (Relative)
0.2
Leans Positive
Harvard-IV (Absolute)
0.2
Leans Positive
Harvard-IV (Logit)
0.33647
VADER
0.459
Positive
Readability
Flesch-Kincaid Grade
12
Flesch-Kincaid Ease
19.5
Gunning-Fog Score
19
Coleman-Liau Index
12
SMOG Index
12
Automated Readability Index
12
Dale-Chall Readability Score
8.8
Sprache Readability Score
5
Dale-Chall Difficult Word Score
15
Sprache Difficult Word Count
15
Dianne Feinstein
Both the Park Service and YARTS are supportive of continuing their mutually beneficial agreement. This legislation would do just that by taking the burden off local entities and providing the necessary assistance that this service needs.
Sentiment
Loughran McDonald (Relative)
1
Very Positive
Loughran McDonald (Absolute)
1
Very Positive
Loughran McDonald (Logit)
1.09861
Harvard-IV (Relative)
0.4
Somewhat Positive
Harvard-IV (Absolute)
0.4
Somewhat Positive
Harvard-IV (Logit)
0.76214
VADER
0.66
Very Positive
Readability
Flesch-Kincaid Grade
12
Flesch-Kincaid Ease
35.8
Gunning-Fog Score
18.3
Coleman-Liau Index
12
SMOG Index
12
Automated Readability Index
12
Dale-Chall Readability Score
6.6
Sprache Readability Score
4.1
Dale-Chall Difficult Word Score
13
Sprache Difficult Word Count
15
Dianne Feinstein
The last component of this bill will extend the advisory commissions of the Manzanar Historic Site and Golden Gate National Recreation Area for ten more years.
Sentiment
Loughran McDonald (Relative)
0
Neutral
Loughran McDonald (Absolute)
0
Neutral
Loughran McDonald (Logit)
0
Harvard-IV (Relative)
1
Very Positive
Harvard-IV (Absolute)
1
Very Positive
Harvard-IV (Logit)
1.60944
VADER
0.178
Leans Positive
Readability
Flesch-Kincaid Grade
12
Flesch-Kincaid Ease
34
Gunning-Fog Score
15
Coleman-Liau Index
12
SMOG Index
12
Automated Readability Index
12
Dale-Chall Readability Score
7.4
Sprache Readability Score
4.8
Dale-Chall Difficult Word Score
10
Sprache Difficult Word Count
12
Dianne Feinstein
Both of these commissions have active committees that represent a wide range of user groups from bicyclists to bird watchers to outdoor enthusiasts. They provide a vital communications link between the Park Service and the surrounding communities that enjoy the attractions that these national sites have to offer. Without these commissions, the Park Service would be hard pressed to provide the same level of service and attention to the broad interests and diverse communities that they serve.
Sentiment
Loughran McDonald (Relative)
0.2
Leans Positive
Loughran McDonald (Absolute)
0.2
Leans Positive
Loughran McDonald (Logit)
0.33647
Harvard-IV (Relative)
0.36842
Somewhat Positive
Harvard-IV (Absolute)
0.36842
Somewhat Positive
Harvard-IV (Logit)
0.73089
VADER
0.917
Very Positive
Readability
Flesch-Kincaid Grade
12
Flesch-Kincaid Ease
39.1
Gunning-Fog Score
17.5
Coleman-Liau Index
12
SMOG Index
12
Automated Readability Index
12
Dale-Chall Readability Score
6.2
Sprache Readability Score
5
Dale-Chall Difficult Word Score
24
Sprache Difficult Word Count
27
Dianne Feinstein
I continue to be a strong advocate for public involvement in Park Service decisions. I believe that these commissions have been essential in ensuring that the Park Service upholds its commitment to allow community participation in its decision making process, particularly when it comes to contentious issues.
Sentiment
Loughran McDonald (Relative)
-1
Very Negative
Loughran McDonald (Absolute)
-1
Very Negative
Loughran McDonald (Logit)
-1.09861
Harvard-IV (Relative)
0.53846
Very Positive
Harvard-IV (Absolute)
0.53846
Very Positive
Harvard-IV (Logit)
1.09861
VADER
0.772
Very Positive
Readability
Flesch-Kincaid Grade
12
Flesch-Kincaid Ease
22.8
Gunning-Fog Score
19
Coleman-Liau Index
12
SMOG Index
12
Automated Readability Index
12
Dale-Chall Readability Score
6.5
Sprache Readability Score
5
Dale-Chall Difficult Word Score
16
Sprache Difficult Word Count
18
Dianne Feinstein
California's national parks are truly invaluable, each one of the parks that this bill supports offers an opportunity for visitors and residents to enjoy unique national habitats and open spaces. This legislation mark the beginning of a process that I hope will result in the Park Service and the community working together not only to protect the environment, but also the interests of the nearby communities. I invite my colleagues to join me in supporting this bill.
Sentiment
Loughran McDonald (Relative)
1
Very Positive
Loughran McDonald (Absolute)
1
Very Positive
Loughran McDonald (Logit)
1.60944
Harvard-IV (Relative)
0.875
Very Positive
Harvard-IV (Absolute)
0.875
Very Positive
Harvard-IV (Logit)
2.33537
VADER
0.941
Very Positive
Readability
Flesch-Kincaid Grade
12
Flesch-Kincaid Ease
29.2
Gunning-Fog Score
19
Coleman-Liau Index
12
SMOG Index
12
Automated Readability Index
12
Dale-Chall Readability Score
5.2
Sprache Readability Score
5
Dale-Chall Difficult Word Score
19
Sprache Difficult Word Count
26
Patty Murray
Madam President, today I rise and join my colleagues Senators Baucus, Cantwell, Dayton, and Wellstone in introducing legislation to improve protections for workers and consumers against a known carcinogen: asbestos. The primary purpose of the Ban Asbestos in America Act of 2002 is to require the Environmental Protection Agency, EPA, to ban the substance by 2005.
Sentiment
Loughran McDonald (Relative)
-0.33333
Somewhat Negative
Loughran McDonald (Absolute)
-0.33333
Somewhat Negative
Loughran McDonald (Logit)
-0.51083
Harvard-IV (Relative)
1
Very Positive
Harvard-IV (Absolute)
1
Very Positive
Harvard-IV (Logit)
2.56495
VADER
-0.477
Negative
Readability
Flesch-Kincaid Grade
12
Flesch-Kincaid Ease
22.8
Gunning-Fog Score
16.9
Coleman-Liau Index
12
SMOG Index
12
Automated Readability Index
12
Dale-Chall Readability Score
8.7
Sprache Readability Score
5
Dale-Chall Difficult Word Score
26
Sprache Difficult Word Count
27
Patty Murray
Most Americans believe that asbestos has already been banned. People have this misconception in part because EPA tried to ban it in 1989, and the ban was well publicized. But what wasn't so publicized was the fact that in 1991, the 5th Circuit Court of Appeals overturned EPA's ban, and the first Bush Administration didn't appeal the decision to the Supreme Court. While new uses of asbestos were banned, existing ones were not.
Sentiment
Loughran McDonald (Relative)
-1
Very Negative
Loughran McDonald (Absolute)
-1
Very Negative
Loughran McDonald (Logit)
-2.56495
Harvard-IV (Relative)
0.33333
Somewhat Positive
Harvard-IV (Absolute)
0.33333
Somewhat Positive
Harvard-IV (Logit)
0.58779
VADER
-0.902
Very Negative
Readability
Flesch-Kincaid Grade
8.8
Flesch-Kincaid Ease
64.3
Gunning-Fog Score
11.7
Coleman-Liau Index
11.4
SMOG Index
12
Automated Readability Index
9.4
Dale-Chall Readability Score
5.7
Sprache Readability Score
4.5
Dale-Chall Difficult Word Score
22
Sprache Difficult Word Count
20
Patty Murray
People also believe asbestos has been banned because the mineral has been heavily regulated, and some uses are now prohibited. But the sweeping ban that EPA worked for ten years to put in place never went into effect. As a result, products such as asbestos clothing, pipeline wrap, roofing felt, vinyl-asbestos floor tile, asbestos-cement shingle, disc brake pads, gaskets and roof coatings still contain asbestos today. Had EPA's ban gone into effect, these products would no longer be allowed to contain this deadly substance.
Sentiment
Loughran McDonald (Relative)
-0.2
Slightly Negative
Loughran McDonald (Absolute)
-0.2
Slightly Negative
Loughran McDonald (Logit)
-0.33647
Harvard-IV (Relative)
0.45455
Positive
Harvard-IV (Absolute)
0.45455
Positive
Harvard-IV (Logit)
0.8873
VADER
-0.908
Very Negative
Readability
Flesch-Kincaid Grade
11.9
Flesch-Kincaid Ease
48.3
Gunning-Fog Score
13.7
Coleman-Liau Index
12
SMOG Index
12
Automated Readability Index
12
Dale-Chall Readability Score
7.7
Sprache Readability Score
5
Dale-Chall Difficult Word Score
36
Sprache Difficult Word Count
32
Patty Murray
This morning I met with three people who wish there had been better protections in place against the dangers of asbestos years ago. I had the honor of meeting Mrs. Susan Vento, the wife of the beloved Congressman Bruce Vento from Minnesota who died from a disease caused by asbestos in October of 2000 at the age of 60. Representative Vento was exposed to asbestos when he worked in factories in St. Paul during college.
Sentiment
Loughran McDonald (Relative)
0
Neutral
Loughran McDonald (Absolute)
0
Neutral
Loughran McDonald (Logit)
0
Harvard-IV (Relative)
0.11111
Leans Positive
Harvard-IV (Absolute)
0.11111
Leans Positive
Harvard-IV (Logit)
0.20067
VADER
0.612
Very Positive
Readability
Flesch-Kincaid Grade
8.2
Flesch-Kincaid Ease
63
Gunning-Fog Score
9.7
Coleman-Liau Index
10.4
SMOG Index
11.3
Automated Readability Index
7
Dale-Chall Readability Score
5.2
Sprache Readability Score
4.4
Dale-Chall Difficult Word Score
21
Sprache Difficult Word Count
23
Patty Murray
I also had the privilege of meeting Lt. Col. James Zumwalt, the son of the legendary Navy Admiral Elmo Zumwalt who also died in 2000 of mesothelioma, a rare cancer of the lining of the lungs and internal organs caused by asbestos. Like so many others who served in the Navy, Admiral Zumwalt was exposed to asbestos during his military service.
Sentiment
Loughran McDonald (Relative)
-1
Very Negative
Loughran McDonald (Absolute)
-1
Very Negative
Loughran McDonald (Logit)
-1.09861
Harvard-IV (Relative)
0.09091
Neutral
Harvard-IV (Absolute)
0.09091
Neutral
Harvard-IV (Logit)
0.16705
VADER
-0.178
Leans Negative
Readability
Flesch-Kincaid Grade
10.1
Flesch-Kincaid Ease
49.9
Gunning-Fog Score
11.3
Coleman-Liau Index
10.4
SMOG Index
12
Automated Readability Index
7.2
Dale-Chall Readability Score
6.7
Sprache Readability Score
4.5
Dale-Chall Difficult Word Score
23
Sprache Difficult Word Count
24
Patty Murray
In addition, I had the pleasure to meet Mr. Brian Harvey, a former English teacher from Washington State University and a survivor of the deadly disease. Like Congressman Vento, Mr. Harvey was exposed to asbestos working summers during college, only Mr. Harvey worked in a timber mill in Shelton, WA instead of in factories in St. Paul. Mr. Harvey received aggressive treatment from the University of Washington, and his triumph over the deadly disease offers all of us hope.
Sentiment
Loughran McDonald (Relative)
0
Neutral
Loughran McDonald (Absolute)
0
Neutral
Loughran McDonald (Logit)
0
Harvard-IV (Relative)
0
Neutral
Harvard-IV (Absolute)
0
Neutral
Harvard-IV (Logit)
0
VADER
0.915
Very Positive
Readability
Flesch-Kincaid Grade
8
Flesch-Kincaid Ease
55.5
Gunning-Fog Score
7
Coleman-Liau Index
12
SMOG Index
10
Automated Readability Index
6.3
Dale-Chall Readability Score
7.7
Sprache Readability Score
4.4
Dale-Chall Difficult Word Score
36
Sprache Difficult Word Count
31
Patty Murray
You don't have to tell Mrs. Vento, Lt. Colonel Zumwalt or Mr. Harvey that asbestos can kill, or that it hasn't been banned. Unfortunately, they already know about asbestos.
Sentiment
Loughran McDonald (Relative)
-1
Very Negative
Loughran McDonald (Absolute)
-1
Very Negative
Loughran McDonald (Logit)
-1.60944
Harvard-IV (Relative)
-0.33333
Somewhat Negative
Harvard-IV (Absolute)
-0.33333
Somewhat Negative
Harvard-IV (Logit)
-0.51083
VADER
-0.572
Very Negative
Readability
Flesch-Kincaid Grade
5
Flesch-Kincaid Ease
69.7
Gunning-Fog Score
9.2
Coleman-Liau Index
11.4
SMOG Index
9
Automated Readability Index
3.2
Dale-Chall Readability Score
6.3
Sprache Readability Score
2.2
Dale-Chall Difficult Word Score
11
Sprache Difficult Word Count
10
Patty Murray
I have also heard from other Washington State residents about the devastating effects that asbestos exposure can have on people's lives. I'd like to take a moment to tell you about an e-mail I received from two of my constituents, Mr. Charles Barber and his wife, Ms. Karen Mirante, who live in Seattle. They wrote to me last year to express support for my efforts on asbestos. Mr. Barber and Ms. Mirante had just recently learned that both of their fathers were diagnosed with mesothelioma, the same deadly disease that took the lives of Congressman Vento and Admiral Zumwalt.
Sentiment
Loughran McDonald (Relative)
0
Neutral
Loughran McDonald (Absolute)
0
Neutral
Loughran McDonald (Logit)
0
Harvard-IV (Relative)
0.33333
Somewhat Positive
Harvard-IV (Absolute)
0.33333
Somewhat Positive
Harvard-IV (Logit)
0.61904
VADER
0.296
Slightly Positive
Readability
Flesch-Kincaid Grade
7.6
Flesch-Kincaid Ease
63
Gunning-Fog Score
9
Coleman-Liau Index
11.5
SMOG Index
10.8
Automated Readability Index
6.7
Dale-Chall Readability Score
5.7
Sprache Readability Score
4.8
Dale-Chall Difficult Word Score
32
Sprache Difficult Word Count
32
Patty Murray
Mr. Barber's father, Rudolph "Rudy" Barber, was a World War II veteran who worked at Todd shipyards. Then he worked for Boeing for 35 years building airplanes. According to his son, when Rudy served on a troopship during the war he recalled sleeping in a bunk under asbestos- coated pipes which flaked so badly that he had to shake out his sleeping bag every morning.
Sentiment
Loughran McDonald (Relative)
-1
Very Negative
Loughran McDonald (Absolute)
-1
Very Negative
Loughran McDonald (Logit)
-1.09861
Harvard-IV (Relative)
-0.42857
Negative
Harvard-IV (Absolute)
-0.42857
Negative
Harvard-IV (Logit)
-0.78846
VADER
-0.859
Very Negative
Readability
Flesch-Kincaid Grade
7.8
Flesch-Kincaid Ease
68
Gunning-Fog Score
9.6
Coleman-Liau Index
10.5
SMOG Index
10.3
Automated Readability Index
7.7
Dale-Chall Readability Score
6.2
Sprache Readability Score
4.5
Dale-Chall Difficult Word Score
22
Sprache Difficult Word Count
23
Patty Murray
A few years after retiring from Boeing, Rudy Barber started to develop breathing problems. First he was told by one doctor that his disease could be cured with surgery, but it wasn't. After undergoing surgery, another doctor diagnosed him with mesothelioma. After a year and a half of suffering and of enduring repeated radiation and chemotherapy treatments, Mr. Barber died on April 28, 2002. According to his family, he never complained and continued to help his family and neighbors with maintenance and farm work for as long as he could.
Sentiment
Loughran McDonald (Relative)
-1
Very Negative
Loughran McDonald (Absolute)
-1
Very Negative
Loughran McDonald (Logit)
-1.94591
Harvard-IV (Relative)
0
Neutral
Harvard-IV (Absolute)
0
Neutral
Harvard-IV (Logit)
0
VADER
-0.765
Very Negative
Readability
Flesch-Kincaid Grade
9.9
Flesch-Kincaid Ease
50.6
Gunning-Fog Score
14
Coleman-Liau Index
12
SMOG Index
12
Automated Readability Index
8.7
Dale-Chall Readability Score
5.3
Sprache Readability Score
4.7
Dale-Chall Difficult Word Score
26
Sprache Difficult Word Count
27
Patty Murray
Karen Mirante's father, Fred Mirante, was a retired truck driver who was active in labor issues. While the source of Mr. Mirante's exposure to asbestos is unknown, it is likely that he breathed in asbestos from brakes when he worked on cars. After receiving experimental therapies for the disease and after a two and one-half year battle, he died on June 4, 2002. June 16, last Sunday, was the first Father's Day that Mr. Barber and Ms. Mirante had to spend without their cherished, hard- working dads.
Sentiment
Loughran McDonald (Relative)
0
Neutral
Loughran McDonald (Absolute)
0
Neutral
Loughran McDonald (Logit)
0
Harvard-IV (Relative)
-0.5
Very Negative
Harvard-IV (Absolute)
-0.5
Very Negative
Harvard-IV (Logit)
-0.8473
VADER
-0.62
Very Negative
Readability
Flesch-Kincaid Grade
6.3
Flesch-Kincaid Ease
72
Gunning-Fog Score
9.1
Coleman-Liau Index
10.2
SMOG Index
10.4
Automated Readability Index
5.7
Dale-Chall Readability Score
5.8
Sprache Readability Score
4.7
Dale-Chall Difficult Word Score
29
Sprache Difficult Word Count
31
Patty Murray
I mention Bruce Vento, Admiral Zumwalt, Mr. Harvey, Mr. Barber and Mr. Mirante to demonstrate that asbestos disease strikes all different types of people in different professions who were exposed to asbestos at some point in their lives. Asbestos knows no boundaries. It is still in thousands of schools and buildings throughout the country, and is still being used in some consumer products.
Sentiment
Loughran McDonald (Relative)
-1
Very Negative
Loughran McDonald (Absolute)
-1
Very Negative
Loughran McDonald (Logit)
-1.09861
Harvard-IV (Relative)
-0.09091
Neutral
Harvard-IV (Absolute)
-0.09091
Neutral
Harvard-IV (Logit)
-0.16705
VADER
-0.402
Negative
Readability
Flesch-Kincaid Grade
7.6
Flesch-Kincaid Ease
59.2
Gunning-Fog Score
11.2
Coleman-Liau Index
12
SMOG Index
11.3
Automated Readability Index
7.7
Dale-Chall Readability Score
6.3
Sprache Readability Score
3.9
Dale-Chall Difficult Word Score
23
Sprache Difficult Word Count
24
Patty Murray
I first became interested in this issue because, like most people, I thought asbestos had been banned. But in 1999, the Seattle Post- Intelligencer starting running stories about a disturbing trend in the small mining town of Libby, Montana. Residents there suffer from high rates of asbestosis, lung cancer and mesothelioma. These findings prompted Montana Senator Max Baucus to ask EPA to investigate. The agency found that the vermiculite mine near Libby, which operated from the 1920s until 1990, is full of tremolite asbestos. EPA is still working to clean up Libby, which is now a Superfund site.
Sentiment
Loughran McDonald (Relative)
-1
Very Negative
Loughran McDonald (Absolute)
-1
Very Negative
Loughran McDonald (Logit)
-2.19722
Harvard-IV (Relative)
0.07692
Neutral
Harvard-IV (Absolute)
0.07692
Neutral
Harvard-IV (Logit)
0.1431
VADER
-0.7
Very Negative
Readability
Flesch-Kincaid Grade
10.3
Flesch-Kincaid Ease
50.4
Gunning-Fog Score
11.4
Coleman-Liau Index
12
SMOG Index
12
Automated Readability Index
9.7
Dale-Chall Readability Score
6.4
Sprache Readability Score
5
Dale-Chall Difficult Word Score
35
Sprache Difficult Word Count
35
Patty Murray
W.R. Grace, the company which ran the mine, had evidence of the harmful health effects of its product, but did not warn workers, town residents or consumers. Instead, the product was shipped to over 300 sites nationally for processing and then was used to make products such as home insulation and soil additives. EPA and the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry, ATSDR, have determined that 22 sites are still contaminated today, including one in Spokane, WA.
Sentiment
Loughran McDonald (Relative)
0
Neutral
Loughran McDonald (Absolute)
0
Neutral
Loughran McDonald (Logit)
0
Harvard-IV (Relative)
0.5
Positive
Harvard-IV (Absolute)
0.5
Positive
Harvard-IV (Logit)
0.99853
VADER
0.634
Very Positive
Readability
Flesch-Kincaid Grade
8.9
Flesch-Kincaid Ease
59.1
Gunning-Fog Score
11.9
Coleman-Liau Index
12
SMOG Index
12
Automated Readability Index
8.9
Dale-Chall Readability Score
6.2
Sprache Readability Score
4.9
Dale-Chall Difficult Word Score
27
Sprache Difficult Word Count
29
Patty Murray
At many plants where vermiculite from Libby was processed, waste rock left over from the expansion process was given away for free, and people used it in their yards, driveways and gardens. During its investigation into sites around the country which processed vermiculite from Libby, ATSDR discovered a picture taken of two darling little boys, Justin and Tim Jorgensen, climbing on waste rock given out by Western Minerals, Inc. in St. Paul, MN sometime in the late 1970s. According to W.R. Grace records, this rock contained between 2 and 10 percent tremolite asbestos. This rock produced airborne asbestos concentrations 135 times higher than the Occupational Safety and Health Administration's current standard for workers. Thankfully, neither Justin nor Tim has shown any signs of disease, but their risks of developing asbestos diseases, which have latency periods of 15 to 40 years, are increased from their childhood exposures.
Sentiment
Loughran McDonald (Relative)
-1
Very Negative
Loughran McDonald (Absolute)
-1
Very Negative
Loughran McDonald (Logit)
-2.19722
Harvard-IV (Relative)
0.27273
Slightly Positive
Harvard-IV (Absolute)
0.27273
Slightly Positive
Harvard-IV (Logit)
0.51083
VADER
0.665
Very Positive
Readability
Flesch-Kincaid Grade
10
Flesch-Kincaid Ease
52.1
Gunning-Fog Score
12
Coleman-Liau Index
12
SMOG Index
12
Automated Readability Index
10.9
Dale-Chall Readability Score
6.2
Sprache Readability Score
5
Dale-Chall Difficult Word Score
50
Sprache Difficult Word Count
55
Patty Murray
People may still today be exposing themselves to harmful amounts of asbestos in vermiculite. As many as 35 million homes and businesses may have insulation made with harmful minerals from Libby. And EPA has also tested agricultural products, soil conditioners and fertilizers, made with vermiculite, and determined that some workers may have been exposed to dangerous concentrations of tremolite asbestos.
Sentiment
Loughran McDonald (Relative)
-1
Very Negative
Loughran McDonald (Absolute)
-1
Very Negative
Loughran McDonald (Logit)
-1.94591
Harvard-IV (Relative)
0
Neutral
Harvard-IV (Absolute)
0
Neutral
Harvard-IV (Logit)
0
VADER
-0.477
Negative
Readability
Flesch-Kincaid Grade
12
Flesch-Kincaid Ease
25.8
Gunning-Fog Score
19
Coleman-Liau Index
12
SMOG Index
12
Automated Readability Index
12
Dale-Chall Readability Score
6.8
Sprache Readability Score
5
Dale-Chall Difficult Word Score
22
Sprache Difficult Word Count
24
Patty Murray
As I learned more about Libby, and how asbestos has ended up in products by accident, I was shocked to learn that asbestos is still being used in products on purpose. While some specific uses have been banned, the EPA's more sweeping ban was never put into effect because of an asbestos industry backed lawsuit. As a result, new uses of asbestos were banned, but most existing ones were not. Asbestos is still used today to make roofing products, gaskets, brakes and other products. In 2001 the U.S. consumed 13,000 metric tons of it. Asbestos is still entering the product stream in this country, despite its known dangers to human health.
Sentiment
Loughran McDonald (Relative)
-0.5
Very Negative
Loughran McDonald (Absolute)
-0.5
Very Negative
Loughran McDonald (Logit)
-0.95551
Harvard-IV (Relative)
0.7
Very Positive
Harvard-IV (Absolute)
0.7
Very Positive
Harvard-IV (Logit)
1.60944
VADER
-0.763
Very Negative
Readability
Flesch-Kincaid Grade
7.3
Flesch-Kincaid Ease
68.2
Gunning-Fog Score
9.5
Coleman-Liau Index
10.4
SMOG Index
10
Automated Readability Index
6.6
Dale-Chall Readability Score
5.5
Sprache Readability Score
5
Dale-Chall Difficult Word Score
34
Sprache Difficult Word Count
33
Patty Murray
In contrast, asbestos has been banned in these 20 countries: Argentina, Austria, Belgium, Chile, Croatia, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Saudi Arabia, Sweden, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom. Now it is time for the United States to ban asbestos, too. According to EPA, 27 million Americans had significant exposure to the material on the job between 1940 and 1980. It is time for the sad legacy of asbestos disease we have witnessed during the 20th century to come to an end. I want to ensure our government does all it can to minimize future suffering and death caused by this substance.
Sentiment
Loughran McDonald (Relative)
-1
Very Negative
Loughran McDonald (Absolute)
-1
Very Negative
Loughran McDonald (Logit)
-1.94591
Harvard-IV (Relative)
0
Neutral
Harvard-IV (Absolute)
0
Neutral
Harvard-IV (Logit)
0
VADER
-0.813
Very Negative
Readability
Flesch-Kincaid Grade
12
Flesch-Kincaid Ease
43.1
Gunning-Fog Score
13.5
Coleman-Liau Index
12
SMOG Index
12
Automated Readability Index
11.7
Dale-Chall Readability Score
7.7
Sprache Readability Score
5
Dale-Chall Difficult Word Score
45
Sprache Difficult Word Count
47
Patty Murray
That is why today I am introducing the Ban Asbestos in America Act of 2002. The legislation has four main parts. First and foremost, this bill protects public health by doing what the EPA tried to do 13 years ago: ban asbestos in the United States. The bill requires EPA to ban it by 2005. Like the regulations EPA finalized in 1989, companies may file for an exemption to the ban if there is no substitute material available: if there is no substitute material available and EPA determines the exemption won't pose an unreasonable risk of injury to public health or the environment.
Sentiment
Loughran McDonald (Relative)
-1
Very Negative
Loughran McDonald (Absolute)
-1
Very Negative
Loughran McDonald (Logit)
-2.70805
Harvard-IV (Relative)
0.06667
Neutral
Harvard-IV (Absolute)
0.06667
Neutral
Harvard-IV (Logit)
0.12516
VADER
-0.955
Very Negative
Readability
Flesch-Kincaid Grade
11.1
Flesch-Kincaid Ease
52
Gunning-Fog Score
15.2
Coleman-Liau Index
10.3
SMOG Index
12
Automated Readability Index
9.8
Dale-Chall Readability Score
6.2
Sprache Readability Score
5
Dale-Chall Difficult Word Score
34
Sprache Difficult Word Count
29
Patty Murray
Second, the bill requires EPA to conduct a pubic education campaign about the risks of asbestos products. Within 6 months of passage, the EPA and the Consumer Product Safety Commission will begin educating people about how to safely handle insulation made with vermiculite. I believe the government needs to warn people that their insulation, if made with vermiculite, may be contaminated with asbestos. Home owners and workers may be unknowingly exposing themselves to asbestos when they conduct routine maintenance near this insulation. While EPA has agreed to remove vermiculite insulation from homes in Libby, the agency currently has no plans to do this nation-wide.
Sentiment
Loughran McDonald (Relative)
-1
Very Negative
Loughran McDonald (Absolute)
-1
Very Negative
Loughran McDonald (Logit)
-1.94591
Harvard-IV (Relative)
0.5
Positive
Harvard-IV (Absolute)
0.5
Positive
Harvard-IV (Logit)
0.99853
VADER
0.318
Somewhat Positive
Readability
Flesch-Kincaid Grade
12
Flesch-Kincaid Ease
32.4
Gunning-Fog Score
15.6
Coleman-Liau Index
12
SMOG Index
12
Automated Readability Index
12
Dale-Chall Readability Score
6.9
Sprache Readability Score
5
Dale-Chall Difficult Word Score
39
Sprache Difficult Word Count
35
Patty Murray
The legislation also requires EPA to conduct a survey to determine which foreign and domestic products being consumed in the United States today have been made with asbestos. There is no solid, up-to-date information about which products contain it, although EPA has estimated that as many as 3,000 products still do.
Sentiment
Loughran McDonald (Relative)
1
Very Positive
Loughran McDonald (Absolute)
1
Very Positive
Loughran McDonald (Logit)
1.09861
Harvard-IV (Relative)
0.66667
Very Positive
Harvard-IV (Absolute)
0.66667
Very Positive
Harvard-IV (Logit)
1.29928
VADER
0.296
Slightly Positive
Readability
Flesch-Kincaid Grade
12
Flesch-Kincaid Ease
43.1
Gunning-Fog Score
15.2
Coleman-Liau Index
12
SMOG Index
12
Automated Readability Index
12
Dale-Chall Readability Score
7.2
Sprache Readability Score
5
Dale-Chall Difficult Word Score
20
Sprache Difficult Word Count
20
Patty Murray
The survey will provide the foundation for a broader education campaign so consumers and workers will know how to handle as safely as possible asbestos products that were purchased before the ban goes into effect.
Sentiment
Loughran McDonald (Relative)
0
Neutral
Loughran McDonald (Absolute)
0
Neutral
Loughran McDonald (Logit)
0
Harvard-IV (Relative)
1
Very Positive
Harvard-IV (Absolute)
1
Very Positive
Harvard-IV (Logit)
2.56495
VADER
-0.103
Leans Negative
Readability
Flesch-Kincaid Grade
12
Flesch-Kincaid Ease
28.7
Gunning-Fog Score
19
Coleman-Liau Index
12
SMOG Index
12
Automated Readability Index
12
Dale-Chall Readability Score
7.6
Sprache Readability Score
5
Dale-Chall Difficult Word Score
13
Sprache Difficult Word Count
15
Patty Murray
Third, the legislation requires funding to improve treatment for asbestos diseases. The bill directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services, working through the National Institutes of Health, to "expand, intensify and coordinate programs for the conduct and support of research on diseases caused by exposure to asbestos." The Ban Asbestos in America Act requires the creation of a National Mesothelioma Registry to improve tracking of the disease. If there had been an asbestos disease tracking system in place, public health officials would have detected the health problems in Libby much sooner, and may have saved lives.
Sentiment
Loughran McDonald (Relative)
0
Neutral
Loughran McDonald (Absolute)
0
Neutral
Loughran McDonald (Logit)
0
Harvard-IV (Relative)
0.25
Slightly Positive
Harvard-IV (Absolute)
0.25
Slightly Positive
Harvard-IV (Logit)
0.47957
VADER
0.813
Very Positive
Readability
Flesch-Kincaid Grade
12
Flesch-Kincaid Ease
34.8
Gunning-Fog Score
14.2
Coleman-Liau Index
12
SMOG Index
12
Automated Readability Index
12
Dale-Chall Readability Score
8
Sprache Readability Score
5
Dale-Chall Difficult Word Score
42
Sprache Difficult Word Count
39
Patty Murray
In addition, the bill authorizes funding for 7 mesothelioma treatment centers nationwide to improve treatments for and awareness of this fatal cancer. As was the case with Mr. Harvey, who received treatment from the University of Washington, early detection and proper treatment make the difference between life and death. This bill authorizes $500,000 for each center for five years. This means more mesothelioma patients will receive treatments that can prolong their lives.
Sentiment
Loughran McDonald (Relative)
-0.33333
Somewhat Negative
Loughran McDonald (Absolute)
-0.33333
Somewhat Negative
Loughran McDonald (Logit)
-0.51083
Harvard-IV (Relative)
0.27273
Slightly Positive
Harvard-IV (Absolute)
0.27273
Slightly Positive
Harvard-IV (Logit)
0.51083
VADER
-0.25
Slightly Negative
Readability
Flesch-Kincaid Grade
9.7
Flesch-Kincaid Ease
51.8
Gunning-Fog Score
10.8
Coleman-Liau Index
12
SMOG Index
11.7
Automated Readability Index
10.9
Dale-Chall Readability Score
5.7
Sprache Readability Score
4.5
Dale-Chall Difficult Word Score
23
Sprache Difficult Word Count
25
Patty Murray
In response to the EPA Inspector General's report on Libby, Montana, EPA committed to create a Blue Ribbon Panel on asbestos and other durable fibers. However, because of insufficient resources, EPA has now narrowed the focus of the Panel to address issues surrounding only the six regulated forms of asbestos. The bill requires EPA to expand its Blue Ribbon Panel on Asbestos to address issues beyond those surrounding the six regulated forms of asbestos.
Sentiment
Loughran McDonald (Relative)
-1
Very Negative
Loughran McDonald (Absolute)
-1
Very Negative
Loughran McDonald (Logit)
-1.09861
Harvard-IV (Relative)
0.71429
Very Positive
Harvard-IV (Absolute)
0.71429
Very Positive
Harvard-IV (Logit)
1.46634
VADER
0.671
Very Positive
Readability
Flesch-Kincaid Grade
12
Flesch-Kincaid Ease
26.3
Gunning-Fog Score
17.4
Coleman-Liau Index
12
SMOG Index
12
Automated Readability Index
12
Dale-Chall Readability Score
8.7
Sprache Readability Score
5
Dale-Chall Difficult Word Score
35
Sprache Difficult Word Count
28
Patty Murray
The Ban Asbestos in America Act of 2002 expands the Blue Ribbon Panel's scope to include nonasbestiform asbestos and other durable fibers. The Panel shall include participation by the Department of Labor, the Department of Health and Human Services and the Consumer Product Safety Commission. In its response to the Inspector General, EPA was originally planning for the Panel to address implementation of and grant programs under Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act, creation of a National Emissions Standard for Hazardous Pollutants under the Clean Air Act for contaminant asbestos, and other legislative and regulatory options for protecting public health.
Sentiment
Loughran McDonald (Relative)
-1
Very Negative
Loughran McDonald (Absolute)
-1
Very Negative
Loughran McDonald (Logit)
-1.09861
Harvard-IV (Relative)
0.57895
Very Positive
Harvard-IV (Absolute)
0.57895
Very Positive
Harvard-IV (Logit)
1.23676
VADER
0.511
Very Positive
Readability
Flesch-Kincaid Grade
12
Flesch-Kincaid Ease
5
Gunning-Fog Score
18.5
Coleman-Liau Index
12
SMOG Index
12
Automated Readability Index
12
Dale-Chall Readability Score
9.1
Sprache Readability Score
5
Dale-Chall Difficult Word Score
47
Sprache Difficult Word Count
46
Patty Murray
The Administration also promised for the Panel to review the feasibility of establishing a durable fibers testing program within EPA, options to improve protections against exposure to asbestos in asbestos-containing products in buildings, and public education. The Ban Asbestos in America Act of 2002 requires the Panel to address these subjects as EPA originally planned.
Sentiment
Loughran McDonald (Relative)
-0.33333
Somewhat Negative
Loughran McDonald (Absolute)
-0.33333
Somewhat Negative
Loughran McDonald (Logit)
-0.51083
Harvard-IV (Relative)
0.83333
Very Positive
Harvard-IV (Absolute)
0.83333
Very Positive
Harvard-IV (Logit)
2.03688
VADER
0.202
Slightly Positive
Readability
Flesch-Kincaid Grade
12
Flesch-Kincaid Ease
7.7
Gunning-Fog Score
19
Coleman-Liau Index
12
SMOG Index
12
Automated Readability Index
12
Dale-Chall Readability Score
9.3
Sprache Readability Score
5
Dale-Chall Difficult Word Score
28
Sprache Difficult Word Count
29
Patty Murray
The legislation also requires the Panel to explore the need to establish across federal agencies a uniform asbestos standard and a protocol for detecting and measuring asbestos. Currently, asbestos is regulated under at least 11 statutes. There are different standards within EPA and across federal agencies, and agencies rely on different protocols to detect and measure the substance. This has led to widespread confusion for the public, for example, in 2000, there were reports that there was asbestos in crayons. There has also been confusion surrounding asbestos exposure in New York City following the collapse of the World Trade Center Towers. And in Libby, the EPA Inspector General's report cited split jurisdiction and multiple standards as one of the reasons EPA didn't do a better job of protecting the people of Libby from exposure to asbestos in the first place.
Sentiment
Loughran McDonald (Relative)
-0.5
Very Negative
Loughran McDonald (Absolute)
-0.5
Very Negative
Loughran McDonald (Logit)
-0.8473
Harvard-IV (Relative)
0.22222
Slightly Positive
Harvard-IV (Absolute)
0.22222
Slightly Positive
Harvard-IV (Logit)
0.42744
VADER
-0.8
Very Negative
Readability
Flesch-Kincaid Grade
12
Flesch-Kincaid Ease
33.9
Gunning-Fog Score
19
Coleman-Liau Index
12
SMOG Index
12
Automated Readability Index
12
Dale-Chall Readability Score
7.2
Sprache Readability Score
5
Dale-Chall Difficult Word Score
54
Sprache Difficult Word Count
46
Patty Murray
The Blue Ribbon Panel will also review the current state of the science on the human health effects of exposure to asbestos and other durable fibers, whether the current definition of asbestos containing material should be modified throughout the Code of Federal Regulations, and current research on and technologies for disposal of asbestos- containing products and contaminant asbestos products. The bill leaves up to the discretion of the Panel whether it will expand its scope to include manmade fibers, such as ceramic and carbon fibers. The Blue Ribbon Panel's recommendations are due 2 years after enactment of the Act.
Sentiment
Loughran McDonald (Relative)
0
Neutral
Loughran McDonald (Absolute)
0
Neutral
Loughran McDonald (Logit)
0
Harvard-IV (Relative)
0.66667
Very Positive
Harvard-IV (Absolute)
0.66667
Very Positive
Harvard-IV (Logit)
1.43508
VADER
0.318
Somewhat Positive
Readability
Flesch-Kincaid Grade
12
Flesch-Kincaid Ease
26.4
Gunning-Fog Score
19
Coleman-Liau Index
12
SMOG Index
12
Automated Readability Index
12
Dale-Chall Readability Score
8.7
Sprache Readability Score
5
Dale-Chall Difficult Word Score
44
Sprache Difficult Word Count
40
Patty Murray
Our Federal agencies need to do a better job of coordinating and working together on asbestos, which will mean less confusion for the public and improved protection for everyone.
Sentiment
Loughran McDonald (Relative)
0.33333
Somewhat Positive
Loughran McDonald (Absolute)
0.33333
Somewhat Positive
Loughran McDonald (Logit)
0.51083
Harvard-IV (Relative)
0.33333
Somewhat Positive
Harvard-IV (Absolute)
0.33333
Somewhat Positive
Harvard-IV (Logit)
0.58779
VADER
0.62
Very Positive
Readability
Flesch-Kincaid Grade
12
Flesch-Kincaid Ease
31.5
Gunning-Fog Score
19
Coleman-Liau Index
12
SMOG Index
12
Automated Readability Index
12
Dale-Chall Readability Score
6.3
Sprache Readability Score
5
Dale-Chall Difficult Word Score
9
Sprache Difficult Word Count
11
Patty Murray
The toll that asbestos has taken on people's lives in this country is staggering. And while Senators Baucus, Cantwell, Dayton, Wellstone, and I continue to mourn the loss of Congressman Bruce Vento, Admiral Elmo Zumwalt, more than 200 people from Libby and thousands of others, today our message is one of hope.
Sentiment
Loughran McDonald (Relative)
-1
Very Negative
Loughran McDonald (Absolute)
-1
Very Negative
Loughran McDonald (Logit)
-1.60944
Harvard-IV (Relative)
0
Neutral
Harvard-IV (Absolute)
0
Neutral
Harvard-IV (Logit)
0
VADER
0.026
Neutral
Readability
Flesch-Kincaid Grade
12
Flesch-Kincaid Ease
51.9
Gunning-Fog Score
12.7
Coleman-Liau Index
12
SMOG Index
12
Automated Readability Index
12
Dale-Chall Readability Score
7.1
Sprache Readability Score
5
Dale-Chall Difficult Word Score
19
Sprache Difficult Word Count
23
Patty Murray
Our hope is that by continuing to work together, we will build support for the Ban Asbestos in America Act. If we can get this legislation passed, fewer people will be exposed to asbestos, fewer people will contract asbestos diseases in the first place, and those who already have asbestos diseases will receive treatments to prolong and improve quality of life. I urge my colleagues to support this important legislation. I ask unanimous consent that the text of the Ban Asbestos in America Act of 2002 be printed in the Record.
Sentiment
Loughran McDonald (Relative)
-0.66667
Very Negative
Loughran McDonald (Absolute)
-0.66667
Very Negative
Loughran McDonald (Logit)
-1.29928
Harvard-IV (Relative)
0.33333
Somewhat Positive
Harvard-IV (Absolute)
0.33333
Somewhat Positive
Harvard-IV (Logit)
0.63599
VADER
0.557
Very Positive
Readability
Flesch-Kincaid Grade
12
Flesch-Kincaid Ease
46.2
Gunning-Fog Score
15.7
Coleman-Liau Index
11.8
SMOG Index
12
Automated Readability Index
12
Dale-Chall Readability Score
6.3
Sprache Readability Score
5
Dale-Chall Difficult Word Score
30
Sprache Difficult Word Count
25
Bill Nelson
Mr. NELSON of Florida. Madam President, in the wake of the September 11 terrorist attacks, it was discovered that many of the hijackers received flight training in the United States. In addition, Zacarias Moussaoui, the alleged "20th hijacker," was apprehended by investigators in Minnesota after accounts that he was only interested in learning to fly, not land, an airplane.
Sentiment
Loughran McDonald (Relative)
-1
Very Negative
Loughran McDonald (Absolute)
-1
Very Negative
Loughran McDonald (Logit)
-1.60944
Harvard-IV (Relative)
0.42857
Positive
Harvard-IV (Absolute)
0.42857
Positive
Harvard-IV (Logit)
0.78846
VADER
-0.477
Negative
Readability
Flesch-Kincaid Grade
11.2
Flesch-Kincaid Ease
41.3
Gunning-Fog Score
11.3
Coleman-Liau Index
12
SMOG Index
12
Automated Readability Index
10
Dale-Chall Readability Score
6.6
Sprache Readability Score
4.6
Dale-Chall Difficult Word Score
22
Sprache Difficult Word Count
26
Bill Nelson
Section 113 of the Aviation and Transportation Security Act requires background checks of all foreign flight school applicants seeking training to operate aircraft weighing 12,500 pounds or more. While this provision should help ensure that events like the September 11 attacks are not performed by U.S.-trained pilots using hijacked jets in the future, it does nothing to prevent different types of potential attacks against our domestic security.
Sentiment
Loughran McDonald (Relative)
-1
Very Negative
Loughran McDonald (Absolute)
-1
Very Negative
Loughran McDonald (Logit)
-1.09861
Harvard-IV (Relative)
0.38462
Somewhat Positive
Harvard-IV (Absolute)
0.38462
Somewhat Positive
Harvard-IV (Logit)
0.74721
VADER
0.698
Very Positive
Readability
Flesch-Kincaid Grade
10.3
Flesch-Kincaid Ease
52.5
Gunning-Fog Score
11.6
Coleman-Liau Index
12
SMOG Index
12
Automated Readability Index
11.9
Dale-Chall Readability Score
7.2
Sprache Readability Score
5
Dale-Chall Difficult Word Score
28
Sprache Difficult Word Count
30
Bill Nelson
The FBI recently issued a terrorism warning indication that small planes might be used to carry out attacks. We need to ensure that we are not training terrorists to perform these activities. We can't allow critical warnings to go unheeded.
Sentiment
Loughran McDonald (Relative)
-1
Very Negative
Loughran McDonald (Absolute)
-1
Very Negative
Loughran McDonald (Logit)
-1.94591
Harvard-IV (Relative)
0.11111
Leans Positive
Harvard-IV (Absolute)
0.11111
Leans Positive
Harvard-IV (Logit)
0.20067
VADER
-0.712
Very Negative
Readability
Flesch-Kincaid Grade
9.4
Flesch-Kincaid Ease
51.6
Gunning-Fog Score
12.3
Coleman-Liau Index
12
SMOG Index
12
Automated Readability Index
8.4
Dale-Chall Readability Score
6.2
Sprache Readability Score
3.7
Dale-Chall Difficult Word Score
14
Sprache Difficult Word Count
17
Bill Nelson
Today I am introducing legislation that would close this dangerous loophole by requiring background checks on all foreign applicants to U.S. flight schools, regardless of the aircraft on which they plan to train. I am joined in this effort by Senators Thomas, Feinstein, and Bayh, and I look forward to the Senate's prompt consideration of this legislation.
Sentiment
Loughran McDonald (Relative)
-1
Very Negative
Loughran McDonald (Absolute)
-1
Very Negative
Loughran McDonald (Logit)
-1.09861
Harvard-IV (Relative)
0.25
Slightly Positive
Harvard-IV (Absolute)
0.25
Slightly Positive
Harvard-IV (Logit)
0.45199
VADER
0
Neutral
Readability
Flesch-Kincaid Grade
8.6
Flesch-Kincaid Ease
59.4
Gunning-Fog Score
11.3
Coleman-Liau Index
12
SMOG Index
11.8
Automated Readability Index
9.5
Dale-Chall Readability Score
5.9
Sprache Readability Score
4.2
Dale-Chall Difficult Word Score
19
Sprache Difficult Word Count
22
Bill Nelson
I ask unanimous consent that the text of the bill be printed in the Record.
Sentiment
Loughran McDonald (Relative)
0
Neutral
Loughran McDonald (Absolute)
0
Neutral
Loughran McDonald (Logit)
0
Harvard-IV (Relative)
1
Very Positive
Harvard-IV (Absolute)
1
Very Positive
Harvard-IV (Logit)
1.09861
VADER
0.226
Slightly Positive
Readability
Flesch-Kincaid Grade
6.8
Flesch-Kincaid Ease
73.2
Gunning-Fog Score
8.7
Coleman-Liau Index
7.7
SMOG Index
9
Automated Readability Index
4.9
Dale-Chall Readability Score
5
Sprache Readability Score
3
Dale-Chall Difficult Word Score
4
Sprache Difficult Word Count
6