mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
PROVIDING FOR CONGRESSIONAL DISAPPROVAL OF A RULE SUBMITTED BY SECRETARY OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES
Benjamin L. Cardin (Democrat, MD) \u2014 2017-3-30

I rise to express my strong opposition to H.J. Res. 43, a resolution of disapproval with respect to the title X regulation--a resolution which effectively endorses discriminatory practices toward family planning and safety net providers. prgtoken Title X is the Nation's only Federal grant program that is dedicated solely to providing individuals with comprehensive family planning and related prgtoken preventive health services. Last year, title X funding made it possible for nearly 4,000 health centers to provide basic primary and preventive healthcare services to over 4 million low-income women and their families. I am talking about critical services, such as Pap tests, cervical cancer screenings, contraception, breast exams, and HIV testing. prgtoken In Maryland, there are 55 title X funded health centers that span the State. These include federally qualified health centers, local health departments, Planned Parenthood clinics, and school-based health centers. In fiscal year 2015, Maryland received over $3.8 million in title X funding and provided health services to over 64,000 patients. These are low-income, underinsured, and uninsured individuals who would otherwise lack access to such basic healthcare. prgtoken As many of my colleagues know, Planned Parenthood, a high-quality health provider, has been under constant attack by the s, who want to eliminate the organization's Federal funding. Just last week, the s' Affordable Care Act repeal-and-replace bill threatened to defund Planned Parenthood, which is a trusted healthcare provider, by eliminating clinics' Medicaid reimbursements. This week, s want to roll back protections that were put in place for family planning clinics and allow for discrimination against our Nation's family planning providers. prgtoken What I find even more disappointing is that this is a major policy shift for our Nation, and we are using a procedure known as the Congressional Review Act to make that decision. Yet those who support this are not even taking to the floor to defend it. This is outrageous that one would use a procedure to repeal this type of funding and not even be on the floor to defend those actions. prgtoken In December of 2016, the administration finalized the regulation before us today to protect family planning providers from such discrimination. The regulation was intended to protect access to care in States that have issued their own regulations and legislation that block family planning providers from receiving title X funds. By overriding this regulation, s will empower States to pick and choose who provides these services, but it will be based on arbitrary criteria that will have nothing to do with the quality of services the patients will receive. s are actively condoning discrimination against providers, which will, ultimately, deny women and their families access to family planning
PROVIDING FOR CONGRESSIONAL DISAPPROVAL OF A RULE SUBMITTED BY SECRETARY OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES
Kirsten E. Gillibrand (Democrat, NY) \u2014 2017-3-30

I rise to oppose the title X Congressional Review Act resolution of disapproval. prgtoken This resolution would permit discrimination against family planning healthcare providers that provide primary preventive and reproductive healthcare services to millions of women around the country. It will allow States to take away Federal funding from family planning clinics and make it much harder for millions of American women to meet with their healthcare providers and access basic care. prgtoken I am struggling to understand, amidst all these problems we are having to solve in this country and around the world, why this Congress seems to have such a singular fixation on controlling women's access to basic healthcare. This legislation is so far out of touch with the actual needs of our constituents. If we cut funding for women's health clinics, is that going to create more good-paying jobs? Is it going to open more factories in our upstate rural towns? I don't believe it will. It is certainly not going to make anyone healthier. prgtoken There are millions of American women, including thousands of women in my State of New York, who rely on title X health clinics for treatments, preventive care, and for family planning services. They need these health clinics because they provide contraception counseling, cancer screening, and medical expertise right there in their communities. Many of the women who use these services have nowhere else to go for access because title X clinics are often the only affordable option for them and may even be the only place within driving distance of their communities. Yet, once again, my colleagues are pushing legislation to limit women's options for accessing healthcare and making it harder for thousands of New York women to get the care and treatments they need. I continue to be amazed by how little empathy there seems to be for millions of women in our country who don't have the resources to travel to a major hospital outside of their communities and desperately need these local clinics to stay healthy. prgtoken Let's be very clear about who this legislation would hurt the most. This bill will hurt women in small towns and rural communities more than anyone else. It will cause lower income women to struggle even more. Every single one of my colleagues has many women in their States who rely on title X clinics and would suffer if these clinics had their Federal funding taken away. prgtoken So I urge my colleagues in this Chamber: When it is time to vote on this legislation, think about the women who live in your States. Think about the women who live in small towns and rural communities who are just trying to access basic women's healthcare services that they can afford. Think about the women who don't have big hospitals or big cities nearby. Think about the women who don't have enough money to travel. The bill is going to hurt them. It will make their lives harder, not
INVESTIGATE RUSSIA'S INFLUENCE
Anthony G. Brown (Democrat, MD) \u2014 2017-3-30

the Russian cloud over this White House and over our democracy is darkening. I rise today to call on this body to come together to create a bipartisan, independent commission to investigate the full extent of Russia's influence on the administration and our democracy. prgtoken Mr. Putin wants to weaken America and our allies, and he views democracy and human rights as obstacles to Russia's reemergence as a global power. prgtoken After Russia maliciously hacked emails and distributed false information to influence our elections for their favorite candidate, they have turned their eye to Germany and France. They want to sow disunity and weakness among Western democracies and undermine the transatlantic alliance. prgtoken , we must know the full truth of the administration's ties to Putin and the Kremlin. There are too many unanswered questions about financial ties, personal ties, and political ties. Every new tie we discover is followed by another distorted fact from the administration. prgtoken The American people are demanding answers now. This House cannot become an accomplice to the administration's desperate efforts to divert attention from this investigation. An independent commission is now the only way to find out what happened and ensure it never happens again. prgtoken , we must follow the facts. We can't let ourselves be attacked this way ever again.
RECOGNIZING NATIONAL FROZEN FOOD MONTH
Dan Newhouse (Republican, WA) \u2014 2017-3-30

. Madam , I rise to recognize March as National Frozen Food Month. prgtoken In my district, growers count on our food processors to ensure that their agricultural products make it from farms to kitchen tables. prgtoken Jobs in agriculture depend on the ability to transport our products to buyers across the country and around the world. In my district, there are over 6,000 jobs in the frozen food industry, ensuring that families across the U.S. can enjoy Washington's agricultural products. prgtoken As a farmer and a former State director of agriculture, I understand how important frozen foods are to enable timely delivery and freshness, despite seasonal changes. Freezing reduces food waste and increases safety and affordability. Freezing also allows Americans to have access to the diverse array of food products they enjoy every day. prgtoken Join me in celebrating National Frozen Food Month and all those who work to ensure that the U.S. has the safest, most reliable, and most affordable food supply in the world.
RECOGNIZING GRANDVIEW HIGH SCHOOL GIRLS BASKETBALL
Mike Coffman (Republican, CO) \u2014 2017-3-30

I rise today to recognize the Grandview High School girls basketball team from Aurora, Colorado. The Wolves triumphed in their 61-32 victory over Lakewood High School in the Colorado 5A State Championship. prgtoken Grandview finished the season with an impressive 27-1 record and celebrated the culmination of their season with the first girls basketball State championship win for their school. prgtoken Senior Michaela Onyenwere walked off the court with a game-high of 25 points and 8 rebounds. prgtoken During the championship game, the Grandview Wolves proved that with hard work, dedication, and perseverance anything is possible. The team was led to the championship title through the committed leadership of their coach, Josh Ulitzky, and his commendable staff. prgtoken Again, congratulations to the Grandview High School girls basketball team on their continued success and for their victory in the Colorado 5A State Championship.
CONGRATULATING PAT BRADFORD
David Rouzer (Republican, NC) \u2014 2017-3-30

. Madam , I rise today to make special mention of Pat Bradford, who recently stepped down as publisher and editor of the local paper she founded, the Lumina News. prgtoken The Lumina News has served as the voice of Wrightsville Beach and its surrounding communities since 2002. This local paper covers a wide range of topics but sets itself apart by covering matters especially important to coastal communities. prgtoken The Lumina News has consistently been ranked first in its North Carolina Press Association newspaper category. In fact, first in nine new top awards for 2016. prgtoken With her recent departure from the paper, Pat is focusing her attention on the very successful monthly sister publication which she co-founded, the Wrightsville Beach Magazine. prgtoken I have had the pleasure of getting to know Pat in the past few years and will certainly miss interacting with her as publisher and editor of the Lumina News. prgtoken Congratulations to you, Pat, for your continued success in all these endeavors and for your continued contributions to the Wrightsville Beach community and beyond.
TRIBUTE TO JENNY GENGER
Steve Daines (Republican, MT) \u2014 2017-3-30

this week, I have the distinct honor of recognizing Jenny Genger of Jefferson County for her selfless commitment to others in her local community. Jenny is a wonderful example of a local leader who is always willing to take on additional responsibility and devote her time and talent to others. prgtoken Jenny graduated from the University of Montana with a degree in sociology. At her graduation in Missoula, one of the soldiers in the honor guard escorting the national flag caught her attention. With that chance encounter as the spark, the two were married about a year later. The young couple settled near Helena, in Montana City, where today they are raising their four children. In Helena, Jenny became very active in the Mothers of Preschoolers, also known as MOPS, by serving initially as the director of hospitality, and then after a period of rapid growth, she graciously took on additional duties as the president of a newly formed MOPS group. Jenny served in this capacity for nearly 8 years. prgtoken A few years ago, Jenny passed on her MOPS leadership baton and began serving as the chairperson for the education program in her church. As chairperson, Jenny spurred a program to have educational activities available during parent-teacher conferences in order to help parents attend the conferences. Jenny also volunteers each week at the local pregnancy resource center and coordinates the center's annual banquet. Not only does Jenny excel at serving her community, she has done so even while her husband, Noah, a Montana Army National Guard pilot, was gone for nearly a year conducting missions in southwest Asia. prgtoken Montana is a State with many unsung heroes, and people like Jenny are the community glue that make Montana a great place to raise a family. For her efforts to serve, educate, and inspire those around her, Montana is sincerely thankful. Thank you, Jenny.
TRIBUTE TO HOT SHOTS INC.
James E. Risch (Republican, ID) \u2014 2017-3-30

known for its diverse natural resources and awe-inspiring landscapes, Idaho is a place of countless possibilities, where citizens with determination and ambition can lay the foundation for their own success. I am particularly proud of my home State's entrepreneurs who continue to pioneer new enterprises that bring our communities together and inspire a creative spirit in Idahoans across the State. These traits are well represented in this month's Small Business of the Month. As chairman of the Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship, I am pleased to honor Hot Shots Inc. delivery service as the Senate Small Business of the Month for March 2017. prgtoken Founded by Lance and Mary Curtis, Hot Shots Inc. is a family-owned and operated small business headquartered in Boise, ID. The innovative vision of the company is driven by a management team with over 50 years of combined experience in courier services. Hot Shots Inc. has provided delivery services in the Boise area since 1998. Their offerings are distinct in that they are capable of delivering anything from small parcels to large freight throughout the Treasure Valley, Sun Valley, Magic Valley, and Twin Falls, all with a same-day guarantee. Over the years, this company has earned and maintained a high level of trust in the Boise area, as is evident through their special delivery service which allows them to access a number of secure locations such as corporate, banking, medical, government, and military sites. Part of what makes Hot Shots Inc. a successful enterprise is its use of modern technology, specifically its utilization of an online ordering system, a GPS package tracking system, and an email notification system. The company has adapted with technological advances, making all of these changes to support mobile transactions. All of these advances help instill confidence in every customer that his or her package, parcel, or shipment will arrive on time. This commitment to customer service has helped the company excel in its field and allowed Hot Shots Inc. to enter new markets such as warehousing. prgtoken Hot Shots Inc. has been a pillar of the community since they first opened their doors. This family-run business has displayed its commitment to the Boise community in a variety of ways, whether by delivering diapers for the Idaho Diaper Bank or through their support of the Idaho Foodbank Backpack Program, among other community service activities. I would like to extend my sincerest congratulations to Lance and Mary Curtis and the employees of Hot Shots Inc. for being chosen as the March 2017 Small Business of the Month. You make our great State proud, and I look forward to watching your continued growth and success.
CONGRESSIONAL REVIEW ACT RESOLUTION
Joni Ernst (Republican, IA) \u2014 2017-3-30

I rise to thank my colleagues for their support of my legislation to overturn President 's eleventh hour rule that revokes States' rights to determine the best eligible subgrantees for title X family planning funding. It should be the right of our States to allocate subgrants under the title X program in the way that best fits the needs of the people living there. Unfortunately, like many other rules that were issued during the administration, this rule attempted to empower Federal bureaucrats in Washington and silence our States. prgtoken As we all know, States are closer to and more familiar with the healthcare providers and patients within their borders and should be able to make their own decisions about the best eligible title X subgrantees, be they hospitals, federally qualified community health centers, or other types of providers. A number of States have acted in recent years to prioritize title X subgrants to more comprehensive providers, where women can receive greater preventive and primary care than they can with providers like Planned Parenthood. prgtoken The administration's rule attempted to claim that providers like Planned Parenthood can ``accomplish title X programmatic objectives more effectively.'' This rhetoric does not match the reality. In fact, after Representative Diane Black and I led more than 100 of our colleagues in pointing that out to the administration, HHS acknowledged the challenge of measuring effectiveness across all types of title X recipients and subrecipients and therefore removed the word ``effectively'' from the final rule. prgtoken So why was this rule implemented in the first place? It is because the administration wanted to do everything it could to secure Federal funding streams for Planned Parenthood before they turned over the keys to the administration. With our vote today, we prevented that from happening. prgtoken But let me be clear. Although it is no secret that I do not believe Planned Parenthood--the Nation's single largest provider of abortion services--is deserving of Federal taxpayer dollars, this legislation does not prevent Planned Parenthood or any other specific entity from receiving title X funds. If States like Washington or Massachusetts want to distribute title X subgrants to Planned Parenthood, this legislation to overturn the administration's rule will not prevent them from doing so, nor does overturning the rule reduce overall funding levels for the Title X Family Planning Program. prgtoken In fact, this legislation does not in any way decrease women's healthcare prgtoken funding. Rather, overturning the rule merely empowers States over a Washington-knows-best mentality and assures that States have the ability to identify the best eligible title X subgrantees. It restores local control and ensures that States aren't forced by the Federal Government to provide abortion providers like Plan
CONGRATULATING ANDERS BJORK ON BEING NAMED A FINALIST FOR THE HOCKEY HUMANITARIAN AWARD
Jackie Walorski (Republican, IN) \u2014 2017-3-30

I rise today to congratulate Anders Bjork, a junior at the University of Notre Dame, on being named one of five finalists for the 2017 Hockey Humanitarian Award. prgtoken Each year, the Hockey Humanitarian Award recognizes college hockey's ``finest citizen.'' Recipients of this award are individuals who have made significant, long-lasting contributions to their communities in a true, humanitarian spirit. prgtoken Anders has been a member of the Fighting Irish Men's Hockey team since his freshman year at Notre Dame. But for Anders, his life here in South Bend is about more than being a student athlete. He is part of this community and plays an integral role in making it better. His dedication is especially clear in his experience working with children in need at a local elementary school. prgtoken Shortly before last season started, Anders began volunteering in a third grade class at Perley Fine Arts Academy after his coach encouraged the team to meet new community prgtoken service goals. Anders' weekly trips to the elementary school quickly became much more than a way to fulfill a coach's request. He built deep relationships with the students and became a regular fixture in the classroom. He even has his own desk. prgtoken The bond forged between the young kids and Anders was not hard to see. Anders found a way to fit in not only with the classroom dynamic but also with the individual students. For the Perley students Anders is a mentor, a role model, and a friend. Through Anders' uplifting spirit and kind heart, these third graders are able to open up to and really learn from him. prgtoken His incredible commitment of time and talent and his positive impact on these kids is an inspiration to us all. I am so proud of Anders for this much deserved recognition as a finalist for the Hockey Humanitarian Award. prgtoken , on behalf of Indiana's 2nd District, I want to thank Anders Bjork for providing the wonderful support and encouragement I'm sure will stay with these children for years to come. He has truly left a mark on the South Bend community, and I look forward to the great things that lie ahead in his future.
CONGRATS MINNETONKA BOYS SWIMMING TEAM
Erik Paulsen (Republican, MN) \u2014 2017-3-30

I rise today to congratulate the Minnetonka Boys High School Swimming Team on winning the Minnesota Swim and Dive High School State Championship. prgtoken After finishing second in the state the past two years, the Skippers were determined to claim the top spot this year. Led by senior Sam Schilling, Minnetonka dominated the competition by winning many of the events and breaking multiple state records along the way too. They even set the National Public High School 200-yard medley relay record, coming in at 1:29:20, a few tenths faster than the previous record set in Indiana earlier this season. prgtoken The championship victory earned by the boys on the Minnetonka High School swim team is a testament to their unwavering commitment to hard work and excellence. prgtoken , Your families, friends, and our entire community are very proud of each and every one of these outstanding student athletes. Congratulations.
CONGRATULATING LETTERKENNY ARMY DEPOT ON ITS 10TH SHINGO MEDALLION AND ITS COMMITMENT TO OPERATIONAL EXCELLENCE
Bill Shuster (Republican, PA) \u2014 2017-3-30

I rise today to congratulate Letterkenny Army Depot in my district on receiving its 10th Shingo Medallion for Operational Excellence. Shingo Prizes are awarded to organizations that not only provide great results, but also go above and beyond to cultivate a culture of enablers and streamliners in the workplace. The high bar set to achieve the award led Businessweek to dub Shingo Awards the ``Nobel Prize of Manufacturing.'' Letterkenny made history in 2005 when it became the first Army Depot to win a Shingo Institute prize, when the depot was awarded the Silver Medallion. Eleven years later, Letterkenny Army Depot was just awarded this year's Bronze Medallion for its Patriot launcher new-build program--its 10th medallion in 13 years. This is the first time an Army depot built a new Patriot air and missile defense system major end item, and to have it result in a Shingo Medallion exemplifies Letterkenny Army Depot's deep commitment to manufacturing excellence. With more than 20 years of experience in working with the Patriot missile system, and now 10 Shingo Medallions in the last 13 years, it is clear that Letterkenny is delivering outstanding results and support to our national defense I am proud to congratulate Letterkenny Army Depot on its 10th Shingo Medallion. This is an outstanding achievement, and I encourage all of my colleagues to celebrate Letterkenny's success as a crucial installation to central Pennsylvania and to the security of our nation.