mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
IN MEMORY OF MR. ROBERT ``BUDDY'' O. LAMPI, II
Thomas J. Rooney (Republican, FL) \u2014 2017-3-23

I rise today to honor the life of Robert O. Lampi II, better known as Buddy, of Pahokee, Florida, who passed away on March 10th in Okeechobee, Florida at the age of 71. Buddy Lampi's life was greatly influenced by his love of music. An accomplished instrumentalist and an exceptionally talented trumpet player, his passion led him to pursue a lifelong career as a Band Director. Over the 40 years that he proudly held this position, he shared his love for music with thousands of students and inspired them to challenge themselves and always strive to reach their full potential. Buddy was a graduate of the University of Miami, and like his father, a member of the Florida Band Master's Association. Outside of the classroom, music remained an important part of his life. He was a member of the Okeechobee First United Methodist Church where he regularly sang with the choir. In his spare time, Buddy enjoyed golfing and fishing. We are deeply saddened by his loss and know that his passion for music will live on in the many students he inspired my thoughts and prayers are with Mr. Lampi's family, especially his wife Peggy, and loved ones as they mourn his passing. He will be greatly missed.
ADDRESSING HEALTHCARE CHALLENGES
Rob Woodall (Republican, GA) \u2014 2017-3-23

I appreciate your agreeing to be down here with me tonight. I came down to talk about health care, but I actually have a personal story I want to tell before that begins, right there in the middle of the realm of health care, a friend of mine back home in Georgia. His name is Jon Richards. prgtoken , you have folks like Jon Richards in your district, people who just believe that, if only they work hard enough and long enough, they can make things better for their entire community. Jon is one of those folks. And what I love most about Jon is he looks for those things that other folks aren't doing. prgtoken You know, there are those folks back home. Everybody wants that glamorous job. Everybody wants to do that thing that comes with the perks or the fringe benefits. Jon Richards was attracted to those jobs that he knew would matter, that he knew needed to get done but other folks weren't filling those shoes. prgtoken , I tell you this about Jon because Jon was diagnosed with liver cancer; and as is always true when you have a friend get diagnosed with cancer, you believe that they are going to be better. I learned this week that Jon has been moved to hospice and isn't getting better. prgtoken , Jon was one of the first folks to give me even the time of day when I thought about seeking this opportunity to serve. Jon was the first person there every Saturday morning when breakfast was getting started for the Gwinnett County Party, and he was the last one to leave when the Young s down at the University of Georgia were finishing up. prgtoken It was young people that were his passion, . Jon saw a Party that he worried was going to become more closed. He worked to open it up. Jon saw a Party that was getting grayer. He was working with young people who were our future. Jon saw a Party that had an opportunity to make a difference, and he seized that opportunity every single day. prgtoken In 2014, , the entire State of Georgia, Georgia Party, named Jon Richards the Volunteer of the Year. Truth be told, he would have won that honor every single year, you just can't give it to somebody over and over again. I think Jon appreciated that. prgtoken If you go back and try to look for pictures of Jon so you can put a name with a face, , you are likely not to see too many. He was also the guy who had the camera around his neck taking pictures of everybody else, making sure that everybody else had something to remember the day by, making sure that everybody else was involved and appreciated, making sure everybody else was served. prgtoken I have known Jon Richards for a long time. I have never known him to do a single thing to benefit himself. Time and time and time again, he did the things that others wouldn't do. Time and time and time again, he would pull me aside and say: Rob, I know how we can be better together. prgtoken There is no replacement for Jo
REPEALING AND REPLACING OBAMACARE
Mitch McConnell (Republican, KY) \u2014 2017-3-23

today marks the seventh anniversary of Care becoming law. In the years since, millions of Americans lost their plans and their doctors. They saw the cost of their premiums and deductibles soar. They watched their choices disappear as insurers were forced out of the marketplace. Former President Bill Clinton called Care the ``craziest thing in the world.'' He was right. It was a direct attack on the middle class. These failed policies are affecting real people every day. Americans expected the law to deliver on its promises, but instead they have paid more and received less. Care has been a flawed system from the start. Over the past 7 years, things have gotten progressively worse. prgtoken Our Nation cannot continue on this trajectory as Care continues to unravel at every level, leaving Americans to pick up the pieces. On this seventh anniversary of Care's enactment, Americans deserve a better way forward. Thankfully, we finally have a Congress and a President who are committed to delivering much needed reform. prgtoken The legislation currently before the House will help bring relief. It will repeal and replace Care, which is exactly what we promised the American people we would do. Instead of forcing Americans to buy something they may not want, like Care does, this bill gives Americans the freedom to choose what type of coverage is right for them. prgtoken I look forward to the House passing that bill soon, and we look forward to taking it up in the Senate, where there will be a robust amendment process. Then, I look forward to collaborating with my colleagues to pass it. It is important, however, to remember that this bill is only one part of a three-pronged strategy to bring relief. The administration is already working to fix the damage 7 years of Care has done to the health markets across the country, and we will continue to consider further legislation in Congress to bring more competition and reform. prgtoken It is time to move on from 7 years of Care's broken promises and unyielding attacks on the middle class. The status quo is not an option. So let's work together to get this done.
RECOGNIZING THE LIFE OF FALLEN MISSISSIPPI SOLDIER MARINE CORPS FIRST LIEUTENANT (1LT) THERREL SHANE CHILDERS
Trent Kelly (Republican, MS) \u2014 2017-3-23

today I rise in memory of Marine Corps First Lieutenant (1LT) Therrel Shane Childers who paid the ultimate sacrifice while defending our nation on March 21, 2003, during Operation Iraqi Freedom III. 1LT Childers was killed during an assault on a pumping station in Iraq. He was the first American casualty in Operation Iraqi Freedom III. prgtoken 1LT Childers grew up in a military family in on County, Mississippi. After high school, 1LT Childers enrolled in the Marine Enlisted Commissioning Education Program at The Citadel, The Military College of South Carolina. Seven months after his death, a memorial service and parade were held there. 1LT Childers' family members donated money from the Shane Childers Memorial Fund to the university that day. prgtoken 1LT Childers was described as a born leader. 1LT Childers also served in the 1991 Gulf War. At the time of his death, 1LT Childers was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, Camp Pendleton, California. prgtoken 1LT Childers devoted his life to the defense of our country. His leadership on the battlefield will always be remembered.
BMW EXPORTS EXCEED $9 BILLION
Joe Wilson (Republican, SC) \u2014 2017-3-23

a recent article in Charleston's The Post and Courier titled ``S.C. BMW sets pace for U.S. auto exports,'' details the remarkable production levels coming out of BMW's South Carolina plant with exports of over $9 billion. ``The BMW manufacturing plant in South Carolina maintained its position as the nation's leading exporter of vehicles, sending $9.53 billion worth of cars and SUVs to foreign countries in 2016--most of them through the Port of Charleston.'' prgtoken The president and CEO of BMW Manufacturing, Knudt Flor, said in a statement, ``We had a record-breaking production and export year in 2016, and these new export figures reinforce BMW's commitment to South Carolina and the United States.'' prgtoken Governor Henry McMaster accurately indicated that ``there's no overstating the value BMW has brought to South Carolina since opening its doors in Spartanburg County over 20 years ago. The fact that the same facility that represented such a commitment to our state is now the leading automotive exporter in the country is something that all South Carolinians should be proud of.''
WATER
Ted Poe (Republican, TX) \u2014 2017-3-23

yesterday was World Water Day. prgtoken When we are thirsty, we walk 3 feet to the nearest faucet or grab a bottle of water out of the refrigerator. Sadly, there are almost 800 million people who lack access to clean drinking water. prgtoken It is unacceptable that in the year 2017 there are women who are still forced to walk miles to obtain water from polluted rivers. These rivers are not clear springs. Instead, they are rivers infected with waste, parasites, and other insects. prgtoken That is why my friend Representative Blumenauer and I filed and Congress passed the Senator Paul Simon Water for the World Act. It helps USAID focus on safe drinking water, better sanitation, hygiene in schools, and clinics in villages for poor people throughout the world. prgtoken USAID's goal is to give 10 million people sustainable access to clean water by next year. They are well on their way to achieving this. prgtoken Clean water saves lives, and Americans should be proud of what they are doing in helping people worldwide to have that clean water. prgtoken And that is just the way it is.
SMALL BUSINESS HEALTH FAIRNESS ACT OF 2017
Doug Collins (Republican, GA) \u2014 2017-3-23

I rise in support of H.R. 1101, the Small Business Health Fairness Act of 2017. prgtoken Small businesses are the backbone of our economy, providing economic opportunity and employment for millions of Americans across our country. prgtoken Too often, we have seen the economic engine stall due to intrusion and overregulation that come courtesy of the federal government. There are few places where this is more obvious than in the staggering health care costs small businesses face, costs which care have only driven up. prgtoken care's burdensome mandates have driven premiums up and insurance providers out of the market, and small employers have found themselves increasingly unable to cover their employees. The big picture for small businesses is that the ACA has smothered patient choice and patient- centered care in the process of overregulating our job creators. prgtoken In the House, we are empowering small businesses to fight back by increasing their bargaining power with insurance providers and leveling the playing field that they share with larger companies. The Small Business Health Fairness Act will help lower health care costs for employees by allowing small businesses to join together through association health plans. prgtoken Ultimately, this bill will bring relief to American employees and their families by making insurance more affordable and accessible. prgtoken H.R. 1101 is an important step toward empowering small businesses to care for their employees while prioritizing the job creation that strengthens our communities. At the same time, this bill would contribute to a patient-centered, competitive, and low-cost health care system for all Americans. I am proud to support this legislation as we return choice to our businesses and loved ones.
HONORING SECOND LIEUTENANT MAAX CURTIS HAMMER, JR.
Mike Bost (Republican, IL) \u2014 2017-3-23

I rise today to honor a southern Illinois native who flew planes in Southeast Asia more than 75 years ago. This hero finally returned home this week for burial. prgtoken Second Lieutenant Maax Curtis Hammer, Jr died when his plane crashed in what was then Burma in 1941. Hammer was part of the Flying Tigers, a group of volunteer pilots who helped the British and Chinese defend against Imperial Japan. prgtoken His remains returned to Carbondale, Illinois, this week, via dignified transport from Hawaii, where he had been buried for 67 years in a grave marked ``Unknown.'' prgtoken Maax, it has been a long time. With heavy heart, we welcome you home to southern Illinois, and we thank you for your service.
WAIVING REQUIREMENT OF CLAUSE 6(a) OF RULE XIII WITH RESPECT TO CONSIDERATION OF CERTAIN RESOLUTIONS REPORTED FROM THE COMMITTEE ON RULES, AND PROVIDING FOR CONSIDERATION OF MOTIONS TO SUSPEND THE...
Pete Sessions (Republican, TX) \u2014 2017-3-23

such time as I may consume. prgtoken Seven years ago, , this town was abuzz with this new healthcare plan, the Affordable Care Act, that was signed by the President of the United States. We were promised an enormous opportunity to make health care better. prgtoken , fortunately, the American people had a chance to make a decision, and the American people--after watching and seeing not only people incapable of putting databases together, incapable of understanding marketplaces, and incapable of understanding the limits of the American people's real need to understand and to have a better healthcare system--gave up on Care, the Affordable Care Act. They gave up on it because, after 7 long years, they understood it simply didn't equal what they were sold. prgtoken The Party is selling what we believe in, and this is the beginning of that sell. It is a beginning of an understanding for most Members of this body and the American people to understand you can keep your own doctor and you can keep your own healthcare plan, but you, too, can make your own decisions. You can become a consumer. prgtoken Oh, my gosh, somebody from Washington isn't going to tell us exactly what to do? Let's scare everybody; let's make them think that the American people can't make their own decisions without the IRS or Washington telling them what to do. prgtoken I understand there are some frustrations. I get that. I can be frustrated; I am not. It is true last week I held a townhall meeting in Dallas, Texas. It is true a bunch of people yelled and screamed at me. They simply wanted to know: Yes or no, yes or no. prgtoken , policy is not like that in our country. The Party does owe people thoughts, ideas, and plans. We will have the bill, and when we do it, we will own it, and we will be proud of it. prgtoken , I urge my colleagues to support this rule. prgtoken , , and I move the previous question on the resolution.
H.R. 1249, THE DHS MULTIYEAR ACQUISITION STRATEGY ACT OF 2017
Michael T. McCaul (Republican, TX) \u2014 2017-3-23

I include in the Record the cost estimate from the Congressional Budget Office regarding H.R. 1249. The cost estimate was not available at the time of the filing of the Committee report. U.S. Congress, Congressional Budget Office, Washington, DC, March 22, 2017. Hon. Michael McCaul, Chairman, Committee on Homeland Security, House of Representatives, Washington, DC. Dear : The Congressional Budget Office has prepared the enclosed cost estimate for H.R. 1249, the DHS Multiyear Acquisition Strategy Act of 2017. If you wish further details on this estimate, we will be pleased to provide them. The CBO staff contact is Mark Grabowicz. Sincerely, Mark P. Hadley, (For Keith Hall, Director). Enclosure. H.R. 1249--DHS Multiyear Acquisition Strategy Act of 2017 H.R. 1249 would require the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), within one year of enactment, to submit to the Congress a report on the department's comprehensive strategy for acquisitions. The act would direct the Government Accountability Office to review that report within 180 days of its submission. Based on information from DHS and the cost of similar activities, CBO estimates that the reports required by H.R. 1249 would cost about $1 million in fiscal year 2018 and less than $500,000 in 2019; such spending would be subject to the availability of appropriated funds. Enacting the legislation would not affect direct spending or revenues; therefore, pay-as-you-go procedures do not apply. CBO estimates that enacting H.R. 1249 would not increase net direct spending or on-budget deficits in any of the four consecutive 10-year periods beginning in 2028. H.R. 1249 contains no intergovernmental or private-sector mandates as defined in the Unfunded Mandates Reform Act and would not affect the budgets of state, local, or tribal governments. The CBO staff contact for this estimate is Mark Grabowicz. The estimate was approved by H. Samuel Papenfuss, Deputy Assistant Director for Budget Analysis.
AMERICAN HEALTH CARE ACT OF 2017
Susan W. Brooks (Republican, IN) \u2014 2017-3-24

I appreciate the passion I have heard from colleagues on both sides of the aisle and from Hoosiers on all sides of this issue. The issue of health care is personal for people, and it should be. But today, health care isn't personal. Under Care, healthcare coverage has been a one-size-fits-all approach. prgtoken I have heard from so many of my constituents in my more than 4 years in Congress about how Care has cost them and their families--lost doctors, higher premiums and deductibles, and a lack of options for coverage. prgtoken As an example of just one of those Hoosiers, Lon told me his premiums and deductibles doubled last year when he lost his healthcare plan. He has had to change his insurance 3 times in 3 years. That is not how healthcare coverage should work. prgtoken The American Health Care Act makes healthcare coverage more personal for every American. This bill empowers you, and every American, to choose the best health care for you and your family. It empowers our Governors and our State legislatures to meet the individual healthcare needs of their citizens, including the people struggling to make ends meet and the most vulnerable: the elderly, pregnant moms, kids, and people with disabilities. prgtoken I applaud our Hoosier Governor Holcomb, who wrote a letter to Congress with other Governors from around the country who support this bill, he, too, believes it is in the best interest of Hoosiers. I agree and I urge my colleagues to join me in support of the American Health Care Act.
AMERICAN HEALTH CARE ACT OF 2017
Tom Rice (Republican, SC) \u2014 2017-3-24

. The CEO of a major hospital in South Carolina stated, the way it is going right now, it is probably going to implode in the next year or two. Our State's director of insurance, last year, said companies have given their best shot and can't sustain this business model, can't make a profit. The Affordable Care Act has not worked, does not work, and cannot work under this structure in South Carolina.
AMERICAN HEALTH CARE ACT OF 2017
Kevin Brady (Republican, TX) \u2014 2017-3-24

the balance of my time to close. prgtoken , do you want to know how bad Care is? prgtoken Twice as many Americans have exempted themselves, have paid a fine, or found another way out of Care for everyone who took it. prgtoken I am a conservative, and I am proud of the conservative win in this bill. I am proud of the $1 trillion in tax relief on our small businesses, our patients, and our families. I am proud of the more than $1 trillion of spending cuts that Washington cannot afford nor sustain. I am proud of the first reforms in Medicaid since the program was created in giving States back control of that plan, including the option of a work requirement. prgtoken I am proud to repeal Care mandates that have forced Americans into health care they can't afford and don't want. I am proud to defund Planned Parenthood once and for all. And I am proud of the $150 billion of deficit reduction. prgtoken This is a clear choice, and we will stand where we stand today: the choice between President and more freedom or Care and less freedom. I stand with President . prgtoken , .
AMERICAN HEALTH CARE ACT OF 2017
Bill Johnson (Republican, OH) \u2014 2017-3-24

the American people spoke loudly and clearly last November. In fact, they have been speaking loudly and clearly ever since this fatally flawed bill called Care was signed into law. And now we are hours away from the vote that the American people have been waiting years for. prgtoken This vote can be distilled down to simply this, and each Member of this body must ask themselves this simple question: Are they willing to allow Care to remain the law of the land? Or are we going to begin to restore healthcare decisions to the American people and their doctors? prgtoken Those who choose to vote against the American Health Care Act, regardless of how they attempt to justify it, will be voting to keep Care in place. This is an inescapable fact that will remain long after the smoke and spin and handwringing from political pundits following this vote has gone and disappeared, regardless of how the votes go. prgtoken There is no such thing as perfect legislation in a body of 435 men and women representing 435 different parts of the Nation. prgtoken There is consensus among the American people that this law should be repealed and replaced, and today the people's House will either acknowledge the will of the people or we will defy it.
AMERICAN HEALTH CARE ACT OF 2017
Ralph Lee Abraham (Republican, LA) \u2014 2017-3-24

as a practicing physician in the Louisiana and Mississippi delta, I have some of the best patients, but some of the poorest. They can't afford to see me because they can't afford Care, increased costs, skyrocketing premiums, high deductibles. I can't cure a disease if I can't see the patient. The cost is just too high for Care. prgtoken We have heard about Medicaid expansion here today. That is a second- class insurance for first-class people. I can't get my patients to see a specialist. They have to go to the hospital. They have to go to the emergency room. Prices go through the roof. prgtoken I have heard my colleagues on the other side of the aisle reference the Hippocratic Oath. With all due respect, I don't think they would know what the Hippocratic Oath says if their life depended on it. Guess what? It does. Google it. prgtoken Let me educate you. Let me educate our colleagues. It says I will always seek a path to a cure for all diseases. Care will not let me do that. prgtoken We have got to do better. We cannot cram people into a healthcare system that has failed just so politicians can thump their chest and have some type of mysterious victory that is hollow and very, very small. prgtoken We need to pass this American Health Care Act. Care has failed. It is a sham of an insurance. Americans deserve better. We deserve better as Americans. My patients deserve better.
AMERICAN HEALTH CARE ACT OF 2017
Diane Black (Republican, TN) \u2014 2017-3-24

such time as I may consume. prgtoken , I want to recognize that our Members on the other side of the aisle are sharing some data on the coverage of per congressional district based on a study that was conducted by the Center for American Progress, which is a left-leaning organization to begin with. The Center for American Progress employs a flawed methodology for estimating this coverage. In prgtoken fact, their foundational numbers are actually based on CBO's coverage estimates, estimates that the CBO itself has established are not infallible. prgtoken These coverage numbers only take into account plans that they consider comprehensive major medical policies. This is a term that is used in the very law that we are trying to dismantle today. These coverage estimates do not account for things that we have in our bill, such as HSA plans that allow purchase with tax credits, and many medical plans. prgtoken So the AHCA increases freedom for Americans to purchase the kind of coverage that works for them, not the narrowly defined coverage that we see that the Federal Government likes. prgtoken , I yield 1\1/2\ minutes to the gentleman from California (Mr. McClintock), who is a member of our committee.