mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
REGULATORY ACCOUNTABILITY ACT OF 2017
David Young (Republican, IA) \u2014 2017-1-11

. I thank the gentleman from Virginia for his help and leadership on this issue. prgtoken , this amendment is designed to make an already very good bill even better. Regulators regulate. That is what they do. Regulators regulate businesses, large and small, State and local governments, nonprofits, individuals, et cetera. These regulated entities often rely on guidance from agencies to become compliant with a new rule or regulation; but, occasionally, this guidance is offered far too late in the process, leaving entities with the decision to either move forward without guidance and face possible penalties, litigation, losses, or to wait until guidance is offered and then scramble to implement changes before the deadline, increasing the likelihood for mistakes and failure. prgtoken My amendment seeks to ensure guidance is offered and available in a timely manner by instructing agencies to the Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs to issue guidance at least 90 days before a rule or a regulation goes into effect so that affected entities have time to comply. prgtoken As an example, companies recently experienced the hardships of late guidance from HHS through CMS. There is a company in Iowa and similar companies from around America that produce forms, using post acute healthcare reimbursements, including skilled nursing and home care, both of which receive funding through Medicare. prgtoken CMS is responsible for setting rules for the reimbursement forms. Okay. Fine. CMS specified a new set of rules for forms going into effect at the beginning of the year. Okay. Great. This company and other companies waited for CMS guidance before printing and sending reimbursement forms to its customers, and this company waited and waited and waited; but 3 weeks before the effective date, this company and others like it hadn't heard anything from CMS on guidance or directions--crickets. prgtoken So at this point, they had to make a business decision. That is the reality. Either wait for CMS and fail to have the required forms to its customers in time for the new year or send the forms to print, cross your fingers, say a prayer, roll the dice, and hope they will later be found in compliance. prgtoken They sent the forms to print knowing full well they would eat the cost if the forms did not comply. Losses, penalties, litigation, a soiled reputation--those are the real things the lack of guidance and notice causes. Thankfully, everything worked out in this situation, but in other situations, things haven't worked out. A few days after they sent the forms to print, CMS finally approved. prgtoken However, this situation illustrates a broader problem that occurs too often transcending in other instances through the economy and needs to be addressed. We need to make sure that when we give agencies the power to effectively write law, we ensure compliance guidelines are clear- cut, timely, and enforcement is fair. <|p|
CONCURRENT RESOLUTION ON THE BUDGET, FISCAL YEAR 2017
Jeff Flake (Republican, AZ) \u2014 2017-1-11

I rise in favor of Flake amendment No. 176. prgtoken We have had problems, obviously, with the VA. Phoenix, AZ, has been kind of ground zero for that. Part of the problem is that the VA has no strong prohibition against hiring felons, and we have had example after example around the country of their continuing to hire felons or those who have been disciplined by the profession. So this would simply require that they fire felons who are on their rolls. prgtoken I urge support and yield the floor.
REGULATORY ACCOUNTABILITY ACT OF 2017
Steve Chabot (Republican, OH) \u2014 2017-1-11

such time as I may consume. I will be brief, and then I will invite my colleague from Virginia to respond. prgtoken Just a couple of quick points. First of all, relative to this significant economic impact language that my distinguished colleague from Georgia is talking about, that is already in the existing law, so we are not changing anything there. We are not saying it ought to say a significant economic impact. It already says that in the existing law. Both the bureaucrats and the courts are used to determining what the terminology like ``significant'' means under the rule or regulation or the law, just as what a reasonable man is. ``Reasonable'' is quite common throughout the legal structure. prgtoken We are also not giving discretion to Ms. McMahon, the soon-to-be head of the SBA. It is to the Chief Counsel, and he is independent. prgtoken from Virginia (Mr. Goodlatte), our chairman.
CONCURRENT RESOLUTION ON THE BUDGET, FISCAL YEAR 2017
Tom Cotton (Republican, AR) \u2014 2017-1-11

my home State of Arkansas lost one of its great statesmen last week with the passing of former State Senator Stanley Russ. prgtoken Stanley was a man of the soil. Born in Conway, he grew up on a dairy farm just outside the city. He went through the public school system and earned a degree in agriculture from the University of Arkansas. Although he spent the bulk of his career in the life insurance business, over the years he continued to raise cattle. Even when he was an old man, you could find him clearing brush on the road to his house. That is how we thought of him--always keeping busy, always working, and always in touch with the needs of the land and its people. prgtoken As a veteran, I have to say that one of the things I most admired about Stanley Russ was his military service. He served in the Army for 2 years, completed Officer Candidate School, and became an instructor in artillery. After being discharged, he served as a company commander in the Arkansas National Guard for several years. In 1995, Stanley was inducted into the U.S. Field Artillery OCS Hall of Fame at Ft. Sill, OK. prgtoken His true calling in life was public service. Stanley represented Conway for 26 years in the Arkansas State Senate. More impressive than his lengthy tenure was his unimpeachable integrity. Stanley Russ was universally known as good, sturdy stock. The story is often told that during his first campaign, one of his opponents had some of his poll watchers thrown in jail. But Stanley won the race anyway and went on to pass legislation protecting the rights of all poll watchers. He served in the senate with distinction, championing quality education for all of Arkansas' students and eventually rising to the office of president pro tempore. prgtoken Stanley Russ was a model for all of us in public service. I got to know Stanley well in my first campaign. He remained a friend and trusted source of advice and support until he passed away. prgtoken I have heard Stanley died peacefully, surrounded by his loving family as his granddaughter sang the hymn, ``Great is Thy Faithfulness.'' In his words, he considered himself ``greatly blessed, highly favored, imperfect, but a forgiven child of the King.'' prgtoken But perhaps the best summing up was given by the man who now holds his seat, State Senator Jason Rapert. As Senator Rapert put it, Stanley Russ was ``the kind of man that God made only one time.'' prgtoken As I stand on the Senate floor, I wish to say on behalf of our grateful State: Stanley Russ, rest in peace. prgtoken , .
CONCURRENT RESOLUTION ON THE BUDGET, FISCAL YEAR 2017
Steve Daines (Republican, MT) \u2014 2017-1-11

today is the day when we will begin to repeal and replace Care. Repealing and replacing this disastrous law is one of the top jobs that citizens elected us to get done. In many ways, it is why Donald J. will be sworn in next week as the 45th President of the United States. prgtoken I think what is most helpful is to recap why repealing Care is so important to so many American families. Montanans were promised that with this bill you could keep the health plans that you liked. That was wrong and millions of Americans lost their plans. prgtoken Montanans were assured that coverage under Care would be affordable. For millions of Americans, for thousands of Montanans, nothing could be further from the truth. Montanans were guaranteed that Care would lower health care prgtoken costs. We witnessed premiums skyrocket since Care's implementation. prgtoken Finally, Montanans were assured that Care would create more competition in the marketplace, but now Americans in one-third--one- third--of the counties across our entire country have but one plan to choose from. Let's not forget, supporters of Care paid for these failed programs by raiding Medicare of over $700 billion. Seniors and people with disabilities in Montana and across our country deserve much better. prgtoken Over the past several years, I have heard from countless Montanans about how Care has failed them. Take, for example, Terry from Choteau, MT, who wrote: We just got a letter from Pacific Source that our premium is going up $260 per month and our deductible is going up to $1000. This is $1025 per month and a $7500 deductible for 2 healthy adults [with] (no preexisting conditions). For a ranch family this is a huge hit, especially in these times with low commodity prices. Something needs to change. prgtoken Jeff from Kalispell, MT, said this: I am married with 5 children. I live in Kalispell. I bought Blue Cross Blue Shield of MT PPO Gold insurance plan #104 for the 2016 year. My premium was $1,477.28 per month. In early November 2016 [2 months ago] I received notice that my same plan would increase to $2,820.00 per month. That is a 91% increase. . . . If keeping the same rate hikes, my insurance will be $5,500 in 2018, then $10,000 per month in 2019. prgtoken That was from Jeff in Kalispell, MT. prgtoken I have Anthony from Bozeman. That is my hometown. I went to college in Bozeman. A fellow Bozemanite writes this to me. He says: I have never been able to afford care insurance. With quotes of over $400 a month for a single healthy male I found it easier to pay the penalty. So now not only can I not afford to have medical insurance but I am getting fined for not making enough money to pay all of my bills and give a 20% tithe to the medical insurance industry. prgtoken Here is another Bozema
CONCURRENT RESOLUTION ON THE BUDGET, FISCAL YEAR 2017
John Barrasso (Republican, WY) \u2014 2017-1-11

this is a side-by-side amendment to the Manchin amendment. As a doctor, I understand how Care has been a disaster for patients and for health care providers. Because of this law, Americans have been left with higher premiums and fewer choices. This budget is an important first step in giving Americans better and more affordable health care. prgtoken I am especially aware of the importance of helping folks in rural America, people who have been especially hard hit by the policies of the administration. Since 2010, more than 70 rural hospitals have closed across the United States and Ezekiel Emanuel, who is the architect of care, wrote a book, and he said that 1,000 hospitals have to close in the United States. That is what he called for, 1,000. We are talking about rural hospitals all around this country. prgtoken So for people in small towns all across the Nation, the closures we have already experienced, these 70 closures, have had a devastating impact. My amendment says that Congress is ready to help all Americans but especially those living in rural America who have been hurt by Care.
THE PEOPLE'S NIGHT: OBAMACARE
Doug LaMalfa (Republican, CA) \u2014 2017-1-11

. I really want to thank Chairman Walker of the RSC, the Study Committee. I greatly appreciate the gentleman's leadership on this event here tonight as well as the great job the gentleman is doing on the Committee. prgtoken , we have had alternatives to the Affordable Care Act ever since I have been here. The American Health Care Reform Act, as put forward by the Study Committee, has many of the elements we have all been talking about for several years: with the Affordable Care Act being forced upon Americans not in a bipartisan effort but strictly by the votes of one party when they had the majority--the ability--to force it prgtoken through. We are suffering the effects of that now. prgtoken One of my colleagues earlier was talking about: Why isn't this being reported? Why isn't this being talked about in the broad sense of how it is really affecting the Americans who are paying for it? prgtoken People in my district, ever since I have been a Member of this House, have been pleading with us to do something about these high premiums, about the high deductibles, about the lack of access they have, especially in rural areas. Why are the proponents continuing to prop this up? It is clear that it doesn't work: higher costs, fewer options, unworkable plans. The exchanges--we have watched in several States-- most of them, after billions in investment, are shuttering; they are closing up shop. Where do those billions go that we have invested as a country into these exchanges? prgtoken But on a patient level, it is putting even more of our most vulnerable patients on a system already known to be unsustainable without even ensuring access to quality care. In some cases, no care at all. prgtoken How are people defining that as a success? prgtoken We know that the main reason why so many people are uninsured is the high cost of coverage. But instead of investing vast amounts of money to bring more people into a broken system, let's take this opportunity to start fixing the root of the problem. prgtoken One, this is done by increasing competition, giving patients more options, choices give them a menu of options they can pick themselves, tailor the plan to what they need. A 20-year-old young man has a completely different need than a 30-year-old mom and her family. Let them have the choices. prgtoken Also, let's get rid of the costly mandates, the taxes. There are taxes on everything, it seems, to help prop up Care, the Affordable Care Act, including the cost for students for college. They are paying for some of that. prgtoken Then let's build off successes that we have seen in the past and that are part of the proposal of the Study Committee and the American Healthcare Reform Act. That could help fill our gaps in the healthcare delivery system. prgtoken Community health centers, for example, is a model that is both cost effective and efficient in expanding access to care services in u
REGULATORY ACCOUNTABILITY ACT OF 2017
Jason Chaffetz (Republican, UT) \u2014 2017-1-11

such time as I may consume. prgtoken H.R. 5 requires the Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs, often called OIRA, to provide guidelines for agencies on how to effectively conduct regulatory activities. prgtoken This is a great bill. I wholeheartedly support the bill. We simply want to add a timeline to this bill so that we give the proper incentive, notification, and time to properly institute what this new law would do. prgtoken The regulatory activities engaged in this bill that OIRA, the Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs, deals with need to include cost and benefit assessments and their economic or risk assessments; coordination, simplification, and harmonization of the agency rules; conforming rulemaking to the notice and comment requirements and formal rulemaking requirements in the Administrative Procedure Act; as well as the application of the Information Quality Act to rulemaking proceedings under what is called the APA. prgtoken These guidelines required by the underlying bill are moving the country in the right direction and will ensure that agencies produce thoughtful, comprehensive, and well-vetted regulations. prgtoken The simple amendment that I offer today, , to H.R. 5 simply requires OIRA to issue guidance within 270 days. I think this is the right balance of encouragement to have them get going on it right away, but at the same time not allowing this to linger in perpetuity with no end in sight. prgtoken This amendment provides OIRA, I think, the proper balance. That is why I have offered this amendment. prgtoken , .
CONCURRENT RESOLUTION ON THE BUDGET, FISCAL YEAR 2017
Johnny Isakson (Republican, GA) \u2014 2017-1-11

first of all, I want to acknowledge the great intellect that the Senator from Louisiana brings to the debate, the experience he has in the health care field, how much I personally have learned from him on the committee in the work we do, and I thank him for the contribution he makes to the Senate. prgtoken I rise to talk a little bit about how we got to where we are today, what we are about to do, and where we need to end up. It will be short, and it will be sweet, but it will be to the point. prgtoken I was here in 2009 when we passed Care. In fact, as the Presiding Officer will remember, it was at 9 o'clock in the morning on Christmas Eve in 2009. I opposed it at that time for a particular reason. The reason was that I saw it driving us toward a single-payer health care system, which I personally opposed. But the votes were there. It passed, and it passed on the promise that if you liked your doctor, you could keep him; if you liked your insurance, you could keep it. And because everybody is going to be insured, rates will go down and everything is going to be wonderful. prgtoken What has happened over the last 8 years has been pretty incredible. Rates have gone up tremendously. People have not been able to keep their insurance. We find ourselves on the cusp of being forced to a government single-payer health care system because the private markets are collapsing. prgtoken In my State of Georgia, where we have 159 counties, up until this year every county had at least two or more providers providing health insurance. Today in 2017, 96 of our 159 counties have one carrier. Next year half of them will be down to no carrier, and we will be forced into a system that we don't know what it will look like. Prices have gone up not just by a little bit, but they have gone up by an awful lot. The end-user market in Georgia is approaching the breaking point. prgtoken I will give you a couple of examples. Two parents in Georgia picked the least expensive plan available this year to their family of four. It comes out to be a $6,500 deductible and $2,400 a month for premium-- unsustainable. prgtoken A couple in their sixties had a similar plan but were just outside the subsidy limit of $96,000 for their family. So they are paying over 50 percent of their income for health insurance. prgtoken Hard-working families deserve better. Although President promised this law would reduce premiums and make health care more available, it has done the opposite. Care is unsustainable. Now, that is the practical answer, and that is exactly what got us to where we are today. prgtoken We are in the process of attempting to get the budget reconciliation act before us so that we can repeal Care, but we must also talk about what we replace it with because repealing it without a replacement is not an acceptable solution. It is not a solution. It is a conundrum. prgtoken We must prioritize returning the oversi
CONCURRENT RESOLUTION ON THE BUDGET, FISCAL YEAR 2017
Michael B. Enzi (Republican, WY) \u2014 2017-1-11

while we are waiting for the unanimous consent agreement that will kick off the evening, I feel compelled to make a couple of comments. prgtoken I don't want people to be confused as the evening goes on. This is not the bill that repeals Care. This is the bill that sets up the process that will repeal Care. This is a preliminary step that is necessary in order to do what everybody is claiming will be done tonight, and that is not accurate. prgtoken So we will hear a bunch of things that people are concerned about, but this bill in it has budget numbers. The budget numbers reflect where we are--not where we would like to be and not where we have been. They are just the numbers of where we are. Then, in the resolution, there is a requirement that the Finance Committee save $1 billion, and the Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee save $1 billion, and they get to do that with some privileged legislation, as long as we keep it privileged. There will be a number of attempts tonight to see if they can get rid of the privilege by using corrosive or nongermane amendments. Consequently, we will have to vote down some of those amendments. It might sound logical, and it is because they are not in the bill. prgtoken I guess we are still waiting for the unanimous consent agreement so at this point I will yield the floor.
CONCURRENT RESOLUTION ON THE BUDGET, FISCAL YEAR 2017
Rob Portman (Republican, OH) \u2014 2017-1-11

our amendment was about ensuring that the second step in improving the health care system for our constituents was done in a thoughtful way. We now have assurances from leadership that certainly is their intent and that this date is not a date that is set in stone. In fact, it is the earliest we could do it, but it could take longer. We believe that it might. prgtoken With that, we would like to withdraw the amendment, with assurances that we will have this time to be able to put together something that will, in fact, ensure that our constituents can better deal with the broken health care system.
HONORING JUDGE ALLI B. MAJEED
Bill Posey (Republican, FL) \u2014 2017-1-11

on a brighter, more positive, and nonpartisan side this morning, it is an honor and a pleasure to recognize the lifetime achievements of my longtime friend and a true patriotic citizen, Judge Alli B. Majeed, who has just retired after 24 years of service on the bench. prgtoken He was the longest serving county judge in the 18th Judicial Circuit. That includes Florida's Brevard and Seminole Counties. Judge Majeed, or A.B. as many of us know him, was born in the former British colony of Guyana, South America, to parents who were descendants of indentured servants from India. prgtoken Having grown up in a small village, his family didn't have much, and they worked hard for what little they did have. A.B. cherished the opportunity to attend and graduate from high school. prgtoken In 1969, he came to the United States on a student visa. He was Phi Beta Kappa and graduated magna cum laude from Howard University here in Washington, D.C. In 1975, A.B. graduated from the Catholic University of America's Columbus Law School. prgtoken Alli became a U.S. citizen on November 16, 1979, and began his legal career working as an attorney and supervisor at Community Legal Services in Philadelphia, where he served the needy and indigent clients. He went on to work as a criminal attorney, assistant public defender, and assistant State attorney. prgtoken I knew A.B. before he was appointed as a county judge in 1993 by then-Governor Lawton Chiles to fill a vacancy and was subsequently reelected to new terms unopposed all but one time. Once on the bench, Judge Majeed became known as a competent and respected judge. prgtoken He also became well known for his motivational and educational talks about the importance of jury duty to groups of new jurors, many of whom show up disenchanted about being selected to serve. As someone who has been a juror and has heard his talk firsthand more than once, I can promise you that it is extraordinary. No one in my pool of jurors looked forward to being called for jury duty, but after Judge Majeed's patriotic, uplifting, and inspiring lesson, everyone became enthusiastic about the opportunity to serve. ``We take an oath to obey, preserve, and protect the Constitution of the United States of America,'' said Judge Majeed. prgtoken To the Majeed family, this oath is serious business. He has three nephews who have served in our Nation's Armed Forces: Steve Majeed, U.S. Navy; Rick Majeed, United States Air Force; and Omar Majeed, United States Marines. ``I love this country,'' he said. ``We believe deeply in it.'' prgtoken In his letter of resignation to the chief justice of the State of Florida, Judge Majeed penned these words: ``I am beholden to the United States of America who opened her doors to me as a twenty two year old, on a student visa. She allowed me to dream the impossible dream, then showed me the way to make those dreams come true. ``Serving the public, interacting with the Bar, and my