mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
AMERICAN HEALTH CARE ACT OF 2017
Chris Van Hollen (Democrat, MD) \u2014 2017-7-26

. I thank the Presiding Officer, and I want to start by thanking my friend and our colleague, Senator Joe Donnelly, for standing up for Hoosiers and, in standing up for Hoosiers, standing up for all Americans whose healthcare is threatened if we continue to proceed down this very dangerous road in the Senate. prgtoken He talked about the opioid epidemic. Just last week I met with a dad by the name of Rick Warner and the brother and sister of a young man by the name of Jamie Warner who had recently graduated from the University of Maryland. He was a Terp. prgtoken Jamie died of an opioid overdose. He was part of the opioid epidemic that is sweeping the country. Rick Warner and his family were here in the Senate asking Senators--in fact, pleading with Senators, s and alike--not to pass this healthcare bill. prgtoken He had lost his son Jamie, and he is determined that other moms and dads not lose their children to opioid overdose. This bill--make no mistake--will make those tragedies much more likely by taking away access to care in the way Senator Donnelly just mentioned. prgtoken Yesterday, with the tie-breaking vote of Vice President , the Senate began down a very dangerous path, but we can get off that path. We can make sure we do not reach the end of that very dangerous journey. It was as if yesterday we lit the fuse and the fire is traveling down that fuse and at the end of the fuse is the plan to totally blow up the Affordable Care Act, which will wreak havoc on our healthcare system. That is why we have to put out the fire on that fuse right here in the Senate. We have the power to do that. We have the power to prevent the chaos and harm that will be created in our healthcare system if we continue down this path. prgtoken The reality, we know, is that all the healthcare plans that we have seen emerge to date--whether it was House plan 1 or House plan 2, or Senate plan 1 or Senate plan 2, or the proposal to repeal entirely the Affordable Care Act, which would cause great harm--have the same rotten core. All of them have the same nasty DNA, and that is this: They would deny access to affordable care for tens of millions of our fellow Americans in order to give tax breaks to the very powerful and very rich and to big corporations. In fact, the proposal we are voting on very soon, which is entirely repealing the Affordable Care Act with no replacement, will result, according to the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office--these are the nonpartisan referees who look at these proposals and tell the American people what the impact will be--in 32 million fewer of our fellow Americans having access to affordable care than today. They also tell us that we will double the health insurance premiums compared to today. And for what? They give a gigantic tax break to the wealthiest Americans. prgtoken Warren Buffett, a name most Americans know, said about a month ago: For goodness' sake, I don't
DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE APPROPRIATIONS ACT, 2018
Donald S. Beyer, Jr. (Democrat, VA) \u2014 2017-7-26

. Mr. Chair, my amendment would direct the Vet Centers to use $2.5 million of the additional funding allocated in the underlying bill to provide outdoor experiences for veterans as part of their continuum of care. This program would support veterans in developing a community of support to treat combat-related injuries, especially those related to their behavioral health. prgtoken The Vet Centers are uniquely positioned for the collaboration and development of alternative and supplemental approaches. We know that traditional mental health services are underutilized by veterans, but a 2014 University of Texas study found that, after just a one-week-long Outward Bound veterans wilderness expedition, those veterans who participated showed clinically significant improvements in mental health variables like sense of social connection and attitudes towards seeking psychological help. They also showed important decreases in depression and anxiety. prgtoken The Senate Appropriations Committee has already included the same language in their version of the MILCON-Veterans Administration Appropriations bill. prgtoken Mr. Chair, I encourage my colleagues to support this amendment. I am very grateful to the chairman of the subcommittee for including this in the en bloc amendments because it will enable Vet Centers to explore alternative avenues for engaging veterans in a supportive environment to help with both mental health and readjustment to civilian life.
A TRIBUTE IN MEMORY OF PAMELA TODD MAY
Harold Rogers (Republican, KY) \u2014 2017-7-27

I rise today to pay tribute to the memory of a dear friend and advocate for eastern Kentuckians, Pamela Todd May. prgtoken Although her life tragically ended too soon, she lived with endless compassion for those in need, and abounding devotion to our region, the Pikeville Medical Center, the University of Kentucky, her husband, Walter May, her children, and all her family and friends. prgtoken Pam May lived with consummate elegance, always joyous in service, and loyal in deed. She faithfully dedicated more than three decades of service to the Pikeville Medical Center as a steadfast advocate for expanded access to quality healthcare in Kentucky's rural Appalachian region. prgtoken As founder of one of the most respected law firms in Kentucky, Pam was as trustworthy defender for the people of eastern Kentucky and a voice for those who otherwise may not be heard. prgtoken One of the most recent examples of her endless and selfless service was her prompt action to help hundreds of individuals obtain medical records for Social Security hearings and honorable representation in the wake of emergency redetermination hearings by the Social Security Administration. She partnered with local attorneys and orchestrated hope for hundreds of families desperate for assistance while navigating through Federal hearings. Pam was a thoughtful leader you could rely on to stay steps ahead of everyone else. prgtoken My wife, Cynthia, and I mourn the loss of our treasured friend, yet we rejoice in the legacy of justice and compassion that she leaves behind. prgtoken Those of us who were blessed to know Pam must carry on her banner of hope and love for the people of our region eastern Kentucky is a better place because Pam May lived. If we could replicate her passion and drive, our future would undoubtedly be much brighter in the hills of Appalachia. prgtoken , Cynthia and I extend our deepest heartfelt condolences to our friend and confidant, Walter May, as well as Pam's mother, children, and extended family and friends who were honored to know and love her.
AMERICAN HEALTH CARE ACT OF 2017--Continued
Michael B. Enzi (Republican, WY) \u2014 2017-7-27

I heard somebody say that nobody was listening. Well, I was listening. I have read a little bit from this book before on the floor about healthcare. It is called ``Demystifying Care'' by David G. Brown, who is a doctor. He does a marvelous job of going through the history of how we got to where we are. prgtoken He says, maybe we need to answer the question: ``What does Care do? What does Care purport to do? What does Care not do?'' prgtoken He says that those answers are relatively simple. Care is not a system of healthcare, nor is it a healthcare reform. It is a system of healthcare control. Care was supposed to significantly reduce healthcare costs, but instead it has dramatically increased costs for even those who are not directly within the Care program. Care was supposed to increase access to care, but instead it can actually reduce access (availability) of care. Care reduces the effectiveness of the safety net program, which is so very important to economically poor Americans. The quality of healthcare in America was derided when Care was passed, but Care instead reduces the quality of U.S. healthcare by reducing innovation. prgtoken And then he says: Care removes a person's ability to make his own decisions about his healthcare and that of his family. It does so by removing the freedom to make those decisions. prgtoken He continues that what we are trying to do is correct those problems and get back to a system of healthcare where the patient and the doctor get to make some of the decisions, where we encourage more people to be in the system, where we expand the use of HSAs, refundable tax credits, where we also allow people to buy insurance across State lines. prgtoken We could put money back into State high-level risk pools. In fact, I really like the invisible risk pools that allow people to continue to pay what they were paying before, but to get the unique care. prgtoken We could ``pass Medicaid to the States in terms of `block grants' or `per capita allotments,' '' and we could ``partially privatize Medicare starting in 2024 with the premium support system.'' prgtoken That is not in the bill; I am reading suggestions that he gives, including ``cap the amount for tax exclusions in higher cost employer- based plans.'' prgtoken Now, you need to know that in the proposals that we have been putting out, in spite of what I have been hearing on this side, kids under 26 still get to be on their parents' insurance. We are not taking that off. I keep hearing we are eliminating the preexisting conditions. We are not. There hasn't been a proposal to eliminate the preexisting conditions. So quit saying that. That is just fearmongering. As to eliminating the lifetime caps on insurance, I haven't heard a proposal for that. Also, allowing people to conti
TRIBUTE TO ZANE HEHNKE
Joni Ernst (Republican, IA) \u2014 2017-7-27

today I wish to recognize the distinguished accomplishment of Mr. Zane Hehnke of Winterset, IA, a 2017 finalist for the NFIB Young Entrepreneur of the Year Award. prgtoken Mr. Hehnke, of Winterset, IA, is the founder and owner of Inspired Finds, an interior design company which specializes in designing and creating accents using vintage and antique items. prgtoken I ask my colleagues to join me as I proudly recognize Mr. Hehnke on his outstanding achievements. We wish him nothing but the best in his future entrepreneurial and academic pursuits.
CONGRATULATING DAVID DAUGHERTY ON HIS RETIREMENT AS GOSHEN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE PRESIDENT
Jackie Walorski (Republican, IN) \u2014 2017-7-27

I rise today to congratulate David Daugherty on his retirement as President of the Goshen Chamber of Commerce and to thank him for his 14 years of serving northern Indiana Hoosiers. prgtoken As Chamber president, David was committed to fostering opportunities that advanced our growing workforce, supported existing businesses, attracted new ones, and united our community under a common vision for a brighter future. I am grateful for the outstanding leadership and insight David brought to the Chamber. In tackling important issues like redevelopment, our community saw David's keen ability to build valuable relationships among community members and strong partnerships with education and government leaders. prgtoken David's work at the Chamber was guided by the values of integrity, respect, collaboration, and the belief that thriving businesses build stronger communities. A forward thinker, David has consistently led efforts that aim to improve the quality of life for Hoosiers, their families, and our local businesses. In doing so he encouraged greater inclusion and empowerment through the Chamber's efforts to work ``Together, Growing Goshen.'' prgtoken , on behalf of Indiana's 2nd District I want to thank David for all he has done to make Goshen a wonderful place to live and work. His impact on the community is sure to last far into the future, and I have no doubt the Chamber will continue to honor David's legacy by working to strengthen our business community and welcome growth and innovation.
AMERICAN HEALTH CARE ACT OF 2017--Continued
Susan M. Collins (Republican, ME) \u2014 2017-7-27

few issues are as important or personal to the American people as healthcare, which is why this debate has been so fervent and ignites such passion. prgtoken On the one hand, the Affordable Care Act, ACA, has allowed millions of individuals and families to obtain health insurance for the first time. It has also brought important patient protections like those for people with preexisting conditions and prohibitions on annual and lifetime limits on insurance payments for needed care. prgtoken On the other hand, too many Americans face skyrocketing premiums and unaffordable deductibles coupled with mandates that give them few, if any, choices. Some insurance plans have become so restrictive that families find they can no longer go to the doctor or hospital of their choice. In addition, the ACA's employer mandate discourages businesses from creating jobs or giving their workers more hours, while its tax credits and subsidies are designed so poorly as to cause ``wage lock''--``where working harder to get ahead can instead make some Americans fall further behind.'' prgtoken Despite President 's campaign promise that his health plan ``would save the average family $2,500 on their premiums'' per year, the opposite has happened as premiums are increasing in nearly every State, with an average increase of 25 percent nationally last year. Today, despite the implementation of the ACA, 28 million Americans remain uninsured. prgtoken These problems require a bipartisan solution. The made a big mistake when they passed the ACA without a single vote. I don't want to see s make the same mistake. prgtoken Earlier this week, I voted against proceeding to healthcare reform legislation--the American Health Care Act of 2017--that passed the House of Representatives last May without a single ic vote. For many Americans, this bill could actually make the situation worse. Among other things, the bill would make sweeping changes to the Medicaid Program--an important safety net that for more than 50 years has helped poor and disabled individuals, including children and low- income seniors, receive health care. The nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office, CBO, projects that the number of uninsured Americans would climb by 23 million under this bill. prgtoken Senate leaders, recognizing that the House bill did not have sufficient support, advanced their own substitute proposal that would make similar structural changes to the Medicaid program, as well as many other changes. CBO estimates that this plan would reduce the number of people with insurance by 22 million, cause premiums and other out-of-pocket costs to soar for Americans nearing retirement, and shift billions of dollars of costs to State governments. It also would undermine the financial stability of rural hospitals and long-term care facilities and likely lead to the loss of important consumer protections for many Ameri
IN REMEMBRANCE OF STEVE ROCKFORD
Rodney Davis (Republican, IL) \u2014 2017-7-27

I rise today in remembrance of my friend, Steve Rockford, who passed away last week following his 5-year battle with ALS, Lou Gehrig's disease. prgtoken I first met Steve when he came here to Washington, D.C to advocate on behalf of more funding for ALS research, and I was really struck by his courageously uplifting demeanor in the midst of a very dark prognosis. prgtoken Steve came to my office, was all smiles, brought me this pack of cards where his card was on the top. As you can see right here, Steve leaves behind his wife, Tammie, and his five children. prgtoken While this terrible disease attacked Steve's body, it really never touched his resolve. He held a positive and inspirational mindset throughout not only the diagnosis and his treatments, but throughout his fight against ALS. He never let Lou Gehrig's disease bring him down. prgtoken Steve actually sent me text messages every day, and it is sad that I don't get them anymore, and we know why. His text messages would have Biblical verses, inspirational messages from a man who was fighting a disease that he knew he was not going to live through. prgtoken That tells you a lot about Steve Rockford, a former wrestling coach at Southeast High School in Springfield, Illinois. He is somebody who taught others how to lift themselves up. And while he was fighting the fight of his life, he taught me what it was like to be lifted up by someone so special. prgtoken ALS is a devastating disease. It attacks the body. It never stops relenting. It is estimated that 20,000 people have this disease at any given time, and only 20 percent of those affected with ALS live more than 5 years after diagnosis. prgtoken We must follow Steve's request to fund research at the National Institutes of Health to ensure that diseases like ALS are eradicated and that those afflicted with the disease have access to home health services and rehabilitation equipment. prgtoken While facing a debilitating disease and diagnosis, as you can tell, Steve did not despair, falter, or surrender. Steve Rockford is a hero to me. He is a hero to many in his hometown of Springfield, Illinois. I am a better man for knowing Steve Rockford. prgtoken Please continue to keep his wife, Tammie, and their five beautiful children right here in this picture, please keep them in your thoughts and prayers. prgtoken Steve, we are going to miss you. I am sure you are having fun up there.
DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE APPROPRIATIONS ACT, 2018
Ken Calvert (Republican, CA) \u2014 2017-7-27

I support competition, and these competitions, as a whole, have been beneficial to the Department of Defense. prgtoken The OMB has reported that, regardless of whether the Federal Government or the private contractor win the competition, the act of competition alone has saved or generated a cost savings up to 10 to 40 percent--10 to 40 percent, just having the competition. prgtoken This amendment would block opportunities for the defense industrial base, protect the status quo within the DOD civilian workforce, prevent cost savings at the DOD, and negate the natural innovation that comes from competition. prgtoken I urge a ``no'' vote on this amendment.
RUSSIAN ENERGY THREATS
Don Bacon (Republican, NE) \u2014 2017-7-27

I rise today to call attention to the growing threat to our overseas military facilities posed by the Russian Federation. prgtoken Today, one of the serious risks to our bases in Europe is Russia's corner on oil and natural gas. One such facility is the Army's new medical complex in Germany, planned to be located near Ramstein Air Base, where I was the installation commander. prgtoken It would be financially irresponsible and strategically reckless to spend $1 billion for a state-of-the-art hospital, only to have the design of the new facility compromise the very reason it exists by relying on Russia as its primary source of fuel. There are local mixed- fuel energy supply options readily available, and it would be inexcusable not to make them part of the design of this project. This is good strategy, good economics, and just plain common sense. prgtoken We can't allow ourselves to be put in a situation where Russia has the ability to cut off energy to our forward bases, especially when we could have averted this tragic vulnerability ahead of time. prgtoken , I ask my colleagues in the House and Senate to join me in exercising aggressive oversight of this threat to our national security.
RALPH P. AVERY TO BE AWARDED FRENCH LEGION OF HONOR MEDAL
John J. Faso (Republican, NY) \u2014 2017-7-27

I rise today to honor and congratulate Mr. Ralph P. Avery of Claverack, New York, who will soon be awarded the French Legion of Honor Medal. prgtoken Mr. Avery served in the U.S. Navy during World War II as a crew member of an LCT-571 landing craft built in upstate New York. He bravely stormed Omaha Beach on D-day in defense of our freedoms and in service of European liberation. prgtoken On that historic day, he courageously manned a 20-millimeter gun, firing upon enemy positions. For his heroic actions in combat and their importance to our French allies, next month Mr. Avery will be formally awarded the French Legion of Honor Medal, France's highest honor. prgtoken Mr. Avery has been awarded the American Campaign Medal, the European African Middle East Campaign Medal with a Campaign Star for the invasion of Normandy, the Navy Combat Action Ribbon, and the World War II Victory Medal. prgtoken , we thank Ralph P. Avery and his fellow veterans for their outstanding service to America and the cause of liberty.
PROVIDING FOR FURTHER CONSIDERATION OF H.R. 3219, DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE APPROPRIATIONS ACT, 2018
Mark Sanford (Republican, SC) \u2014 2017-7-27

I thank the gentleman from Washington for the way that he has worked with other colleagues in terms of trying to move this bill and this process forward. It would take Solomon in all of his wisdom to get it completely right, and in that regard, I give you due deference in the way that you all have put this bill together. prgtoken , I do want to rise in support of what my colleague from California spoke about just a moment ago, which is the fact that neither one of Ms. Lee's amendments were ultimately made in order. I have a problem with that from the standpoint of the construction of this rule, because one of those amendments was tied to, in essence, the base bill that actually passed at the committee level, and then the other one was an adaptation of that same notion. prgtoken What she is getting at, I think, is incredibly important. I think it is incredibly important, because the saying is that the road to hell is paved with good intentions, and we have been meaning and meaning and meaning and meaning to do something about the Authorization for Use of Force in the Middle East since 2001 in terms of bringing it up to date, but we haven't, for whatever reason, done so. What she is getting at with her amendment is saying, simply, it is time, it is well past time, and I think there is real legitimacy to that point. prgtoken I would say, secondly, what doesn't work in life are blank checks. In essence, if you sign on to this notion that an Authorization for Use of Force back in 2001 will apply now, why doesn't it apply 30 years from now or 50 years from now, if you follow that logic out. prgtoken I think our Founding Fathers were so concrete in their constitutional premise that only Congress should declare war because what they knew was that body bags don't return to Washington, D.C. They return to congressional districts and States across this country. And knowing that, they said you have got to go to the people's House to have the Authorization for Use of Force so that you do not put people in harm's way without Congress debating that subject and actually coming up with a decision to the affirmative. prgtoken Finally, I would simply say this: This is important in terms of sending a clear signal to soldiers and to the public at large that we are behind them, we are behind the soldiers. We say this is what you ought to do. We are going to give you the tools necessary to do the job; and to the public: This is why we think it ought to be done. Authorization for Use of Force is about those two things.