mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
EMPOWERING BENEFICIARIES, ENSURING ACCESS, AND STRENGTHENING ACCOUNTABILITY ACT OF 2019
Greg Walden (Republican, OR) \u2014 2019-6-18

I, too, rise today in strong support of this bipartisan bill that extends several key Medicaid programs, H.R. 3253, the Empowering Beneficiaries, Ensuring Access, and Strengthening Accountability Act of 2019. prgtoken , this is a bill that strengthens the healthcare safety net for our communities and provides long-term certainty for patients. prgtoken , , Chairman Frank Pallone of the Energy and Commerce Committee, for his partnership and willingness to work in good faith on both sides of the aisle to get this done. prgtoken We passed a short-term extension of these programs back in March, Mr to ensure that patients were still protected as we ironed out the details. Today, we are delivering the long-term deal that I know we all wanted all along. prgtoken A big priority of mine in this package is the 2-year extension of the Excellence in Mental Health demonstration program at CMS. Eight States, including my home State of Oregon, are currently participating in this pilot program, which is designed to increase access to mental health and substance use treatment services. prgtoken , I include in the Record a letter from the Oregon AFSCME Council 75. Oregon AFSCME Council 75, June 18, 2019. Members of the Oregon Delegation, House of Representatives, Washington, DC. Dear Representatives: On behalf of the more than 25,000 Oregon AFSCME Council 75 members, we ask you to approve the Empowering Beneficiaries, Ensuring Access, and Strengthening Accountability Act of 2019 (H.R. 3253) when the House of Representatives considers the bill this week. We strongly support H.R. 3253 because it extends the Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinics (CCBHC) program through December 2021. On June 30, the CCBHCs in our state, along with those in Minnesota, Missouri, Nevada, New Jersey, New York, Oklahoma, and Pennsylvania, face extreme financial threat. We appreciate that Representative Walden, in his capacity as Ranking Member of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, worked in bipartisan effort to avert the March 30 fiscal cliff in Oregon and Oklahoma and is an original co- sponsor for H.R. 3253. At Cascadia Behavioral Health in Portland Oregon, AFSCME Council 75 members who are therapists, care coordinators, crisis counselors, residential counselors, support staff and other workers, deliver whole health care--integrated mental health and addiction services, primary care and housing-- through the CCBHC program. These health care workers never stop working to help those who want to get healthy and recover. It is not just a job; it is a calling. That core commitment to helping people heal is why Alexandra Birch, a Qualified Mental Health Associate, cares deeply
DEPARTMENTS OF LABOR, HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES, AND EDUCATION, AND RELATED AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS ACT, 2020
Garret Graves (Republican, LA) \u2014 2019-6-18

. Madam Chair, I appreciate the opportunity to bring up this amendment today. prgtoken This amendment is pretty simple. In division E, section 106 has a provision that says that no funds in this act or any other act may be used to carry out any activities that would include transferring or effectively modifying the mission of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. I understand that it is pretty clear plain language, section 106, division E. prgtoken The problem is this: If the performance of the agency were stellar, I would understand that, and perhaps we would try and protect it, but let me throw out a few statistics painting a picture of what it is that we are dealing with. prgtoken The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, today, has a $100 billion backlog in authorized projects--$100 billion. These projects are projects like sustaining communities, resilience projects, flood protection, ecological restoration, deepening navigation channels. prgtoken Let me tell a little about the performance of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Madam Chair. prgtoken You can look at ports in other countries. They have been able to facilitate the Post-Panamax, the larger vessels. prgtoken In the United States, we are years or decades behind where we should be, putting our ports at a disadvantage, resulting in our consumers paying higher prices for those goods that are being shipped. prgtoken In regards to ecological restoration in my home State of Louisiana, we lost 2,000 square miles of our coastal wetlands, had billions of dollars in restoration projects authorized, and none of them are moving forward--not even starting, in most cases. prgtoken We have hurricane and flood protection projects. I don't have to remind anyone here. Hurricanes Irma, Maria, Michael, Florence; North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Florida, Texas, Louisiana, Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands. These places were pounded. People died because of the lack of resilience, the lack of these projects being carried out. prgtoken Lastly, Madam Chair, my home State of Louisiana, going back to 2005, I heard a little while ago somebody talking about Hurricane Katrina. What people don't realize or don't understand, the project that was designed to stop that flooding, that devastation, the loss of 1,200 to 1,500 of my brothers, sisters, friends, relatives, neighbors, fellow Louisianians, that project was authorized, dates back to the 1970s, and it wasn't finished. It wasn't finished in 2005. prgtoken I am not asking to move the cord. I am asking to look at how to improve, how to modify this. Let's look at a better result to where we are not spending as we have in recent years, $1.7 trillion responding to countless disasters across this country that have cost our Nation over $1 billion a pop. prgtoken Madam Chair, .
MODERNIZE THE TRUCK FLEET WEEK
Doug LaMalfa (Republican, CA) \u2014 2019-6-18

I rise today to highlight this week as the first-ever Modernize the Truck Fleet Week. prgtoken Currently, the average age of heavy-duty trucks on the road is nearly 10 years old. That is a decade's worth of technology and improvements that have effectively been sidelined. prgtoken One big reason for this is the 12 percent Federal excise tax, known as the FET, on the sale of most heavy-duty new trucks. prgtoken This tax was implemented over 100 years ago as a means of paying for World War I and is now the highest percentage tax Congress imposes on any product. prgtoken It can tack on an additional $20,000 to the price of a new truck, which most truck owners simply cannot afford. prgtoken This severely outdated tax discourages the purchase of newer, safer, more fuel-efficient, environmentally friendly trucks. prgtoken It is time to get rid of this tax. That is why I have introduced H.R. 2381, the Modern, Clean, and Safe Trucks Act, which repeals the FET. prgtoken The FET maybe made sense when it was implemented 100 years ago, but, just like the trucks that were designed in 1917, it is no longer viable in the modern world. prgtoken , I urge my colleagues to support this bipartisan bill.
RECOGNIZING THE LIFE OF AGNES ZAIONTZ
Trent Kelly (Republican, MS) \u2014 2019-6-18

. Madam , I rise today to celebrate the life of Agnes Zaiontz, who passed away on Wednesday, May 29th at the age of 77. Agnes, a resident of Columbus, Mississippi, was a long-time employee at the Tennessee Tombigbee Waterway Authority, serving as office manager. During her time with the Tenn-Tom Waterway, she assisted with the creation of a traveling Smithsonian exhibit at the Tenn-Tom Waterway Museum. The Waterway dedicated the exhibit to her naming it ``The Agnes Zaiontz Tennessee-Tombigbee Waterway Transportation Museum.'' When she was not at the office, Agnes was an active member of Annunciation Catholic Church. Left to cherish her memory is her husband, Francis Zaiontz of Columbus, MS; her sons--Bobby Zaiontz and Frank Zaiontz, Jr.; her daughter--Cindy DeFelice of Olive Branch, MS; grandchildren--Patricia DeFelice, Emily DeFelice and Maddie Zaiontz; as well as her sisters-- Margie Walker, and Darcus Goodman. Agnes's life was one of service, grace, love for her family, and community. She will be greatly missed by all who she encountered.
DEPARTMENTS OF LABOR, HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES, AND EDUCATION, AND RELATED AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS ACT, 2020
Markwayne Mullin (Republican, OK) \u2014 2019-6-18

. Madam Chair, there is a lot to unpack there, and we can debate that all day, especially when you start bringing the farmers into it, because you are looking at one. I don't have to be with them because I am one of them, and I am from the Midwest. prgtoken But when you start saying that everything is the fault and everything is to blame because of climate change, it has been changing for quite some time, and we could go ahead and talk about that, too. However, I am not going to change her mind, so we are going to agree to disagree. prgtoken Madam Chair, .
RECOGNIZING VETERANS TRAVIS COYLE AND MARK LAMBERT
Ben Cline (Republican, VA) \u2014 2019-6-18

America would not be the greatest Nation in the world today without the valiant effort of our military personnel. prgtoken The reason we are the greatest country in the world is because we have the strongest, most dedicated men and women on the frontlines defending our freedoms. prgtoken Unfortunately, many soldiers come home with scars: some visible, some not. prgtoken Today, I want to take the opportunity to recognize two veterans from Virginia's Sixth District who started an organization called the Living Waters Farm Initiative. prgtoken Travis Coyle and Mark Lambert returned home from the war in Afghanistan and began experiencing symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder. prgtoken After receiving help through the Department of Veterans Affairs, equine therapy, their faith, and realizing that sufferers from PTSD do not have to bear this burden alone, Travis and Mark decided they would like to provide similar support to other servicemembers. prgtoken The Living Waters Farm Initiative was started to provide those living with PTSD a supportive community that can stand together and learn from others with firsthand experience. prgtoken They already have horses and goats at Living Waters Farm and hope to add a garden soon. prgtoken As PTSD Awareness Month begins, I want to thank Mr. Coyle and Mr. Lambert for their service and dedication to other veterans.
DEPARTMENTS OF LABOR, HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES, AND EDUCATION, AND RELATED AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS ACT, 2020
Ken Calvert (Republican, CA) \u2014 2019-6-18

. Madam Chairwoman, section 702 authorizes the intelligence community to target the communications of non-U.S. persons located outside the United States for foreign intelligence purposes. prgtoken This FISA section 702 program is an important tool for the intelligence community to gather foreign intelligence information to protect the homeland against international terrorism, weapons proliferation, hostile actions, cyber actors, and other threats to the national security. prgtoken Importantly, its focus is on foreigners located abroad. It does not allow the intelligence community to target U.S. persons. Section 702 collections already include significant protection for civil liberties and privacy. prgtoken While the amendment may be well-intentioned, I fear it will upset the delicate balance reflected in current wording of this provision. The recent comprehensive review and bipartisan reauthorization of section 702 by Congress would strongly suggest that additional changes to the program without a full review of the potential impact is ill-advised. prgtoken Madam Chairwoman, intelligence officials from the administration and the administration have asserted, as FBI Director Christopher Wray recently reiterated, that section 702 is one of the most viable tools we have in our toolbox to keep America safe. Accordingly, I oppose this amendment.
DEPARTMENTS OF LABOR, HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES, AND EDUCATION, AND RELATED AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS ACT, 2020
Michael C. Burgess (Republican, TX) \u2014 2019-6-18

. Madam Chair, such time as I may consume. prgtoken This amendment would reduce appropriations in the Energy and Water Development division by 5 percent. The programs in this division have wide bipartisan support. This includes Federal spending on water infrastructure, basic science research, storm and flood damage reduction activities, and more. prgtoken These critical programs are necessary for the safety and health of our citizens and the continued growth of the economy. However, this legislation's top-line spending is out of sync with the Federal Government's ongoing fiscal predicament. prgtoken Congress must balance these initiatives with fiscal realism. Our national debt is over $22 trillion and climbing, and the majority's legislation is only adding to this debt. prgtoken Let's work to improve this legislation in a bipartisan, bicameral effort to ensure that we fund the programs that we need today but not have our children pay for them tomorrow. prgtoken Madam Chair, I urge support of this amendment and a return to fiscal sanity, and .
100TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE TWIN FALLS AMERICAN LEGION POST 7
James E. Risch (Republican, ID) \u2014 2019-6-18

along with my colleagues Senator Mike Crapo and Representative Mike Simpson, I congratulate the American Legion Post 7 in Twin Falls, ID, on its 100th anniversary. prgtoken On March 15, 1919, the first American Legion caucus was held in Paris, France, in the wake of World War I. Just a few months later, in June of 1919, the American Legion Post 7 in Twin Falls, ID, was chartered. On September 16, 1919, Congress established the American Legion as a federally charted corporation. As you can tell, those men in Twin Falls wasted no time answering the call in peacetime as they had in time of war, as veterans so often do. The low post number, post No. 7, shows the veterans of Twin Falls were one of the earliest to request and receive a charter in the Idaho Department. prgtoken The Twin Falls American Legion Post 7 has been around to help veterans from WWI, WWII, Korea, Vietnam, Iraq, Afghanistan, and other U.S. engagements and activities. A remarkable record of accomplishment of service and support to our troops and veterans. prgtoken In addition, you will see post 7 members serving on Memorial Day, Veterans Day, veteran funerals, and many other community events as the color guard, providing 21-gun salutes, or playing taps on the bugle. They quietly provide support to grieving military families, injured veterans, and patriotic citizens. prgtoken Twin Falls American Legion Post 7 is part of the fabric and spirit of Twin Falls and the surrounding communities. They provide assistance and service to veterans by helping them to understand and apply for benefits, find jobs, and healthcare services. In addition, they are involved in many programs and community activities such as American Legion Baseball, Boys State, Oratorical Contests, and scholarship awards. Post 7 also has a women's auxiliary that sponsors the Girls State Program and serves in many capacities in the community. prgtoken The Preamble of the American Legion Constitution speaks volumes about the quality and patriotism of American Legion members. The first few lines of the preamble make evident these values: ``For God and Country we Associate Ourselves together for the following purposes: To uphold and defend the Constitution of the United prgtoken States of America; To maintain law and order; To foster and perpetuate a one hundred percent Americanism . . .'' prgtoken We thank Twin Falls American Legion Post 7 and its membership for their outstanding service to community, country, and America's veterans. Congratulations on 100 years of achievements. We commit to ensure veterans have access to the highest quality services worthy of their remarkable dedication to our Nation.
Border Security (Executive Calendar)
Deb Fischer (Republican, NE) \u2014 2019-6-18

I rise today to discuss what is happening at our southern border, and I call upon my colleagues in Congress to act quickly to address this humanitarian crisis. prgtoken Last month, terrifying reports surfaced of an illegal immigrant from Guatemala who traveled with an 8-year-old boy across the U.S.-Mexico border near Arizona. When Border Patrol agents apprehended him, the man claimed that the boy was his son, but the agents learned 4 days later that he wasn't. prgtoken According to the Arizona Daily Star, Homeland Security investigations reported that the man claimed that ``he had looked for a child in Guatemala to cross the United States-Mexico international border with as he was told that it was easier to get into the United States with a child.'' The illegal immigrant allegedly paid the boy about $130 to ``rent the child'' and an additional $130 for a fake birth certificate. prgtoken Tragically, this is a story we are hearing more and more about as the border crisis rages on. Homeland Security investigators are working to understand the extent of troubling cases on our border, where adults are using children who have no family relation in order for them to become eligible for release after they are apprehended. The practice has been occurring frequently enough that the Department of Homeland Security now refers to it as ``child recycling rings.'' prgtoken Smugglers and cartels are well aware of legal loopholes that incentivize these criminals to manipulate vulnerable populations. Our current legal framework makes it easier to turn a profit by smuggling individuals with young children. prgtoken DHS has recorded nearly 4,800 migrants in 2019 who have falsely identified themselves as family units. prgtoken Recently, we received the welcome news that the administration reached a deal with Mexico to ensure better immigration enforcement at the border. This agreement was an important step in the right direction at a time when our Nation needs it most. Both countries have declared a shared prgtoken goal of upholding the rule of law on both sides of the border. I am grateful for the President's hard work to secure our border, to keep this country safe, and to continue our trade with a key partner. prgtoken This deal is a critical step forward, and it is taking place not a moment too soon. Illegal border crossings at the southern border have reached staggering rates this past spring. Last March alone, there were more than 103,000 apprehensions, and in April there were another 109,000. In May apprehensions at points of entry reached over 144,000. That is a 32-percent increase over the month of April. We have had over 100,000 apprehensions on the border each month for 3 months in a row. Sustained numbers like these haven't been witnessed in over 12 years. prgtoken The question remains: What concrete steps are we taking as a nation to stop this? prgtoken Our Border Patrol agents, who are working as hard
MOTION TO DISCHARGE--S.J. RES. 36
Roy Blunt (Republican, MO) \u2014 2019-6-18

I want to talk about good news for two of our major cities in Missouri. I will start with the sporting news, which would be the July 12 victory of the St. Louis Blues, when they earned their spot in the history books when they defeated the Boston Bruins in game 7 of the Stanley Cup finals. prgtoken For the first time in franchise history, the Blues brought the Stanley Cup trophy to Missouri to celebrate their incredible achievement and to share it with some of the best sports fans in America. prgtoken Senator Hawley and I look forward to a chance, before too long, to host the Stanley Cup here at the Senate so all my colleagues will get to see the joy we have in seeing that come to our State. prgtoken It is hard to imagine that just 6 months ago, the Blues were the lowest ranked team in the NHL. I think at the first of the season the odds were 60 to 1 that the Blues would win the Stanley Cup. Those were the highest odds any team faced. prgtoken As it turned out, the odds aren't always what counts. What counts is how you play the season. So they got off to a rough start, changed their coach in January, and then as the season progressed, at the end of the regular season, they won 11 straight games. prgtoken A rookie, Jordan Binnington, led the team to an incredibly successful second half. His goalie performance in the second half of the season, and particularly in the Stanley Cup games, was extraordinary, especially in that last game. prgtoken The Blues eventually moved on to get the third seed in the Western Conference playoffs. They won their series against Winnipeg in four games to two in the first round. They advanced to the second round to defeat the Dallas Stars in a really dramatic double overtime victory in game seven. They continued their historic run, defeating the San Jose Sharks in round three, and then the Blues made it all the way to the Stanley Cup final and ended the season with a decisive 4-to-1 victory in game seven and at Boston. prgtoken I think, if you look back at the record on this, the Blues had clearly learned to win away from home, and they proved that in the Stanley Cup. prgtoken They played as one team, they played as one unit, but they had lots of people helping. Ryan O'Reilly set a franchise record with 23 points in the playoffs. He ultimately went on to win the Conn Smythe Award as the postseason MVP. Jordan Binnington, whom I mentioned before, became the first and only rookie goalie to win 16 games in the Stanley Cup playoffs. Patrick Maroon, a Missouri native, scored a heroic goal in the double overtime of game seven against the Dallas Stars. prgtoken There was another individual who was reflective of just lots of the fans whom the Blues had with them. This superfan, Laila Anderson, 11 years old, didn't let her battle with a rare, life-threatening disease prevent her from cheering on the team she loved. prgtoken At the beginning of game three in the Stanley finals, she