mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
VA SCHEDULING ACCOUNTABILITY ACT
Jackie Walorski (Republican, IN) \u2014 2017-5-23

I thank Chairman Roe and Ranking Member Walz. What an honor it is to work with these two gentlemen on veterans' issues. prgtoken , I rise today in support of my bill, H.R. 467, the VA Scheduling Accountability Act. prgtoken This commonsense legislation codifies an important measure of oversight and accountability of VA facilities to prevent scheduling manipulation or, in the vernacular, ``cooking the books,'' that has harmed veterans for so long. prgtoken Hearings held by the House VA Committee and investigations by the VA inspector general and the GAO have, unfortunately, confirmed many of the allegations of cooking books and falsified wait-time data at facilities around the country. prgtoken The VA has a procedure for scheduling veterans' medical appointments, which includes 19 different items, such as ensuring that a patient's desired appointment date is not altered and that staff are fully trained. Importantly, the directive requires each facility to certify compliance with all of these 19 items every year. prgtoken However, an August 2014 VA inspector general report uncovered that, in May 2013, a senior VA official waived the certification requirement that year, essentially putting the facility on an honor system, allowing them to self-certify. prgtoken Without this crucial accountability mechanism, bad actors were given free rein to manipulate wait-time data and ignore the VA's required scheduling practices. Meanwhile, veterans faced significant delays in getting the care they needed while, in some extreme cases, veterans died. prgtoken Since that time, the VA has reinstated the certification requirements. However, serious problems remain, as evidenced by a recent VA investigation of a clinic in my own district that I requested after some brave individuals came forward with allegations of wrongdoing. prgtoken The VA found that the clinic scheduled appointments for veterans without the veterans' knowledge and canceled them on the day of the appointment in order to fill their schedule for that day. If the VA had conducted proper audits of that facility's scheduling practices last year, this misconduct could have been prevented. The VA's report recommended a review of scheduling compliance for all medical facilities in the region. prgtoken The VA's continued inability to reform itself from within is the reason we need to pass this bill. This bill will require each facility director to annually certify compliance with the current scheduling directive or any successive directive that replaces it, and, most importantly, it will prohibit any future waivers. The bill also provides accountability by making a director ineligible for salary bonuses if their facility fails to certify compliance, and it requires the VA to report to Congress a list of these facilities that are not in compliance. This will provide more oversight of the VA, ensure that Congress is aware of noncompliant facilities, and end the reckl
THE PRESIDENT'S BUDGET AND TAX REFORM
Mitch McConnell (Republican, KY) \u2014 2017-5-23

as colleagues know, it is once again the time of the year when Congress gets to work putting together the next budget. One of the initial steps in the process is typically for the President to send up a blueprint of his own laying out his priorities, as Members continue to work through conversations here as well. prgtoken The President's budget is being released this morning, and here are a few things we should know about it already: It builds on the progress made earlier this month on defense, prioritizing more of the resources our servicemembers need. It builds on progress made earlier this month on border security, calling for investing in more of the infrastructure and technology our law enforcement officers actually need. And, unlike any of President 's budget blueprints, this one actually achieves balance. prgtoken The provisions I mentioned are encouraging to see. I am sure they will serve as guideposts for Chairman Enzi and the Budget Committee as they move forward on this matter. prgtoken I also appreciate the President's commitment to slowing the growth of mandatory spending, which, if left unaddressed, could eventually limit our ability to invest in nearly anything else as the debt--and the interest we have to pay on it--increases and crowds out spending on other major priorities. prgtoken This Thursday, Treasury Secretary Mnuchin will testify in front of the Finance Committee on the budget blueprint and, with it, the administration's interest in tax reform. I know we are all eager to learn more from him and look forward to working with the administration to make our Tax Code simpler and fairer for the American people and American businesses. prgtoken Over the years, our tax system has grown only more complex and more punitive, putting both individuals and employers at a disadvantage, while also inadvertently incentivizing American companies and jobs to leave this country to go overseas. It is evident that we need serious reforms to our Tax Code, the type that will help families keep more of their hard-earned money, while also helping businesses put more Americans to work. prgtoken By implementing tax reform, we can again encourage investment in our country, allowing American businesses to expand, hire more workers, improve wages, and offer better benefits. In turn, families will have access to more prgtoken opportunities and will be better positioned to actually get ahead. prgtoken It has been over three decades since we passed comprehensive tax reform, and it is past time we do something about it. Fortunately, we now have an administration that shares this interest in finally improving our tax system instead of making it even more convoluted and constricting--and without demanding $1 trillion in new taxes for the government. prgtoken Easing the burden on the middle class and getting the economy moving again are top concerns here in the Senate. We understand that for th
35TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE MARGARET CHASE SMITH LIBRARY
Susan M. Collins (Republican, ME) \u2014 2017-5-23

in 1973, when Senator Margaret Chase Smith returned to private life and her hometown of Skowhegan, ME, she brought with her hundreds of thousands of documents, photographs, recordings, and memorabilia accumulated during her remarkable 33 years of public service. Nine years later, in 1982, with the support and encouragement of her many friends and admirers, her dream of establishing a library was realized. Today I wish to commemorate the 35th anniversary of the Margaret Chase Smith Library. prgtoken The Margaret Chase Smith Library is one of our Nation's premier freestanding congressional libraries, a priceless archive and museum, and an invaluable educational center. From the very start, it was Senator Smith's wish for the library to be more than a storehouse of papers and a collection of mementos. She wanted it to be a place of aspirations, an institution where students would be inspired to public service. She wanted it to be a source of insight and information for historical scholarship from the perspective of a historic leader. Just as important, she wanted it to be a place where citizens would come together to discuss important policy issues in an atmosphere of civility and respect. prgtoken Senator Smith did more than wish for those things; she worked to bring them about. From opening day in August of 1982 until shortly before her passing in 1995, she presided over the facility, meeting with schoolchildren, researchers, policymakers, and engaged citizens. The library as it exists today stands on the foundation of a great leader's commitment to service. prgtoken This great accomplishment is the work of many hands. Outstanding directors, dedicated staff, an exceptional board of directors, Northwood University, the Margaret Chase Smith Policy prgtoken Center at the University of Maine, the Margaret Chase Smith Foundation, and Senator Smith's close friend and adviser, Merton Henry, have worked together in a collaborative spirit that pays the highest tribute to Senator Smith and her legacy. prgtoken That legacy is, above all, a reminder of the obligation we all share to uphold the values and ideals of our Nation. Thanks to the Margaret Chase Smith Library, that message remains strong. I congratulate its staff and many supporters on this 35th anniversary and know that this library will continue to inspire us for generations to come.
RECOGNIZING BOY SCOUTS OF AMERICA
J. French Hill (Republican, AR) \u2014 2017-5-23

I thank Chairman Sessions for holding this Special Order. It means, I think, a lot not only to the Scouts that are here in the House of Representatives and the Senate to recognize the importance of Scouting to our country, but to all the mothers, fathers, and Scouts that are seeing this proceeding on C-SPAN or will hear about it to realize that they are participating in something that is very special. prgtoken I mean, I think of Scouting, really, , as a gift to the country for all of the reasons that the previous speakers have noted. I can't think about Scouting without thinking about what it has meant to me, Chairman Sessions, and influencing on my young life. Role models is the first thing that comes to mind with Scouting. prgtoken I think about my dad--who was not an Eagle Scout. He was a Sea Scout--and he ended up being basically a Life Scout for life, as people say in Scouting. But nobody was more influential to me in my youth than my dad--currently 91 years old--a Scout still at heart, and all the experiences we had together, how we bonded as father and son, and how, when I went off to college, , he continued to be a role model and adult leader for young men for years to come. prgtoken That is the kind of person that is in every one of our communities all over this country, helping mold our young people through the Scouting program. prgtoken , Scouting was my first paid job. I worked at a Scout camp. I earned, I believe, something like $10 a week, plus room and board, of course. It is when I first learned who FICA was because, at $10 a week, I wanted to know who took this $2 out of my $10 check. So I learned my first lesson about Federal economic policy and who FICA was as a Boy Scout working at the end of a very dusty parking lot for 7 weeks in the hot summer of Arkansas, teaching, pioneering, cooking, and camping merit badges. prgtoken But I think of other adults besides my dad. I think about Angelo Coppola and Fred Bean, both constituents of mine now that I serve in the people's House who were camp directors at that camp where I was a very happy employee and Scout for those summers in the early 1970s. prgtoken So Scouting is about role models. Scouting is about character building, and that starts that relationship, I think, between our moms and our dads that are involved in the Scouting program, and what we give to kids today. And, boy, do we need that character development. prgtoken The Boy Scouts of America was formed in 1910 and was inspired by British war hero Robert S.S. Baden-Powell of the Scouting program started back in the U.K. A lot of people today who are involved in Scouting, even at this moment, , don't know that the U.S. Congress presented a law to Woodrow Wilson, who signed it in 1916, chartering the Boy Scouts of America. prgtoken We are chartered by the United States Congress, and what a special feeling it is for all of us who are Scouts in Congress today to recognize that someth
Jerusalem Day (Executive Calendar)
Ted Cruz (Republican, TX) \u2014 2017-5-23

I rise today to mark a momentous day. Starting this evening, millions around the world will celebrate Yom Yerushalayim, also known as Jerusalem Day. I am proud to join our close ally, Israel, and the Jewish people in celebrating this historic 50th anniversary of the reunification of Jerusalem. prgtoken Half a century ago, overcoming Arab armies intent on Israel's destruction, the Israel defense forces liberated the Old City of Jerusalem during the Six-Day War. They courageously and miraculously fought their way to the Temple Mount and the Western Wall, the holiest sites in Judaism. The commander of the paratroopers, Mordechai Gur, unable to contain his emotion, exclaimed through his wireless radio: ``The Temple Mount is in our hands!'' The army rabbi blew the shofar, and the eternal capital of Israel was reunited. prgtoken This war was not the first time that Israel was threatened with annihilation. After the Jewish people established the modern State of Israel in their ancient homeland just 19 years earlier, neighboring Arab States responded to Israeli Prime Minister David Ben-Gurion's declaration of independence with an invasion. The Arab armies failed to destroy the newly established Jewish State, but Jerusalem, the ancient and Holy City central to the identity of the Jewish people, was left divided and occupied by Jordan. prgtoken Residents of the Old City were murdered or expelled. Jews were prohibited from visiting and praying at the Temple Mount and Western Wall. Their synagogues were destroyed, and their cemeteries, such as the Mount of Olives, were desecrated. Access for Christians to their holy sites was also severely restricted. prgtoken Leading up to June of 1967, Arab leaders repeatedly and openly expressed their desire to wipe Israel off the map. Syria was engaging in attacks on Israel from the Golan Heights and soon started to mobilize its forces for battle. Egypt began moving troops into the Sinai Peninsula in a massive military buildup, demanded and achieved the withdrawal of the U.N. Emergency Force that had been stationed in the Sinai, and then closed the Straits of Tehran, imposing an illegal blockade on Israel and cutting off a vital shipping lane for the Jewish State. Jordan then signed a mutual defense agreement with Egypt. prgtoken Outnumbered and outgunned and against all odds in the face of external pressure not to act first to ensure its survival, the Jewish State launched a successful, preemptive strike against its hostile neighbors and prevailed in a defensive war. When it was over, Jerusalem was liberated, reuniting the city and Judaism's holiest sites with the Jewish people and putting an end to almost two decades of exclusion from the Old City. prgtoken Since coming under its sovereignty, Israel, the one true democracy in the Middle East that shares our values of freedom, has protected people of all faiths in Jerusalem and ensured their access to holy sites so th
TRIBUTE TO COMMANDER JO-ANN BURDIAN
Garret Graves (Republican, LA) \u2014 2017-5-23

I rise today with much admiration and respect for Commander Jo-Ann Burdian of the United States Coast Guard. prgtoken Commander Burdian's tenure in the House of Representatives as a congressional liaison for the United States Coast Guard is coming to an end. She is on her second tour of duty, 3 years each, for a total of 6 years. During her tenure in the House of Representatives, we have seen unprecedented growth and change in the mission of the United States Coast Guard. It has become somewhat of a Swiss Army knife of an agency, of a command, covering everything from oil spills to homeland security, 9/11, alien interdiction, drug interdiction, defense missions, maritime security, and many other important missions around the world. prgtoken Commander Burdian has fostered incredible relationships with Members, staff, and oversight committees and done a fantastic job for both sides of the aisle, including assisting in the passage of two major Coast Guard authorization bills, three appropriations bills, full funding of the Offshore Patrol Cutter, the Fast Response Cutter, the National Security Cutter, and helping to secure $150 million in the FY17 budget to progress polar icebreaker capabilities for the United States. prgtoken Commander Burdian's hard work and efforts for the House of Representatives were rewarded with her appointment to chief of response for Sector Puget Sound. I want to commend her and her family for incredible service to the United States.
IMPROVING THE PROVISION OF ADULT DAY HEALTH CARE SERVICES FOR VETERANS
Ryan A. Costello (Republican, PA) \u2014 2017-5-23

I rise today in support of legislation that would assist veterans in Pennsylvania's Sixth Congressional District who suffer from a service-connected disability. prgtoken H.R. 1005 would allow the Department of Veterans Affairs to work with State Veterans Homes, such as the Southeastern Veterans Center in my district in East Vincent Township in Chester County, Pennsylvania, to fund adult day healthcare for veterans who have a disability rating of 70 percent or more from the line of duty. prgtoken Making this program available to more veterans who need assistance with daily tasks, such as bathing, dressing, or eating, would help improve the lives of those who have sacrificed so much, as well as their families. prgtoken Our veterans and their loved ones deserve to receive high-quality health services with the freedom and flexibility to live independently and at home. prgtoken I commend Congressman Zeldin for his leadership and all those on the Veterans' Affairs Committee for passing this out of committee. I am proud to be a cosponsor of this bill, and I urge my colleagues to support it.
PROTECTING THE RIGHTS OF INDIVIDUALS AGAINST TECHNOLOGICAL EXPLOITATION ACT
Sheila Jackson Lee (Democrat, TX) \u2014 2017-5-23

. I want to add my support for this legislation, and I thank the gentlewoman from California and the gentlewoman from Arizona for their longstanding service. prgtoken We have been dealing with bills dealing with sexual assault in the Judiciary Committee. Having listened to the young female soldiers who were impacted by Marines United, I know that this legislation that gives the military leadership additional tools to ensure that the depiction of women and others in the United States military, against their will, on social media, will not be tolerated and will not be viewed as an honorable act under the U.S. Military Code. Giving these tools will show that you will be punished and that men and women will be respected in the United States military. I ask colleagues to support this legislation.
REMEMBERING SUE SHAFFER
Ron Wyden (Democrat, OR) \u2014 2017-5-23

I wish to honor a rare and wonderful individual known throughout Oregon and the Nation who passed away on April 11 at the age of 94. Chairman Sue Shaffer, of the Cow Creek Band of the Umpqua Tribe of Indians, lived a powerful life as a nonstop advocate for her family, her Tribe, and her community. As a mother, wife, daughter and friend, Sue created an atmosphere of energy, honesty, and kindness wherever she went. For Sue, no person or job was too big or too small to embrace. prgtoken Sue was a descendant of one of the seven founding families of the Cow Creek Band of the Umpqua Tribe. She grew up during the Great Depression in rural Douglas County at a time when everything was scarce. Despite her family's own struggle, their door was always open to neighbors in need of food or lodging, and they were always willing to support their community members. As she liked to recall, she grew up in a household where honesty, moral integrity, education, hard work, and helping others were all high priorities. For Sue and her family, life's rewards came from working hard and reaching out to others--and that is just what she did. prgtoken Sue's mother, Nellie Crispin, kept records of the Tribe's heritage and passed down to her daughter the desire to fight for Tribal recognition. That vision and determination drove Sue to play an instrumental role in convincing Congress to formally recognize the Tribe in 1982. In 1983, Sue Shaffer became chair of the newly restored Cow Creek Band of the Umpqua Tribe, and for nearly 30 years, she worked with her Tribe and the community and expanded the Tribe's prominence by growing its economic footprint. prgtoken Sue served as delegate to the National Congress of American Indians, delegate to the Affiliated Tribes of Northwest Indians, and delegate to Indian Women's Leadership White House prgtoken Conference, but her leadership in the community was not limited to the Tribe. Sue served on a myriad of boards in the community, including Umpqua Community College, becoming the first woman to chair the board. Throughout her life, Sue was also honored with many awards, including the 1999 President's Award for outstanding contribution to community in economic development by the Roseburg Chamber of Commerce, 2000 Female Citizen of the Year award for ``unselfish devotion and distinguished service'' by the Roseburg Area Chamber of Commerce, and the Eleanor Roosevelt Award in 2003. She was inducted into the Hall of Fame at Umpqua Community College in June 1999 in recognition of the 17 years she served on the UCC board of trustees. prgtoken Sue Shaffer was a dear friend, always known for being fair and never one to hesitate to ``tell it like it is.'' I will greatly miss Sue's friendship and good counsel. She was a true dynamo whose eloquent and powerful advocacy helped right the long, tragic history of wrongs inflicted on the Cow Creek and other Tribes in Oregon. Sue gladly led on so many
Tribute to Bonnie Seaman (Executive Calendar)
Robert P. Casey, Jr. (Democrat, PA) \u2014 2017-5-23

today I wish to commend Bonnie Seaman, who has loyally served the people of Pennsylvania for more than 40 years, more recently as the director of constituent services for my Senate office. Bonnie has not only been a trusted member of my staff but a very close family friend. prgtoken Bonnie was born and raised on a turkey farm in Leck Kill, PA. She is the youngest of four children. She first began her public service career in county government at what was then known as the Northumberland County Mental Health and Mental Retardation Department, where she touched the lives of people in her community. prgtoken In pursuit of a college degree, Bonnie attended Indiana University of Pennsylvania and graduated cum laude with a degree in education. After graduation, she worked as a special education teacher. prgtoken Bonnie's passion for helping others steered her career to the Pennsylvania State Senate. While working in the Pennsylvania Senate, she was asked by her supervisor if she was interested in working on my father's transition team after he was elected Governor of Pennsylvania in 1986. This transition job offer was supposed to be temporary, but Bonnie would spend the next 30 years working in State government for both then-Governor Casey and then me, when I got to State government years later. prgtoken She worked as the Governor's executive assistant for 8 years, and of course she wore many hats, managing the Governor's staff, scheduling events, and resolving constituent issues, but her most important role was providing support to the Governor. Her dedication and loyalty earned her the respect of her fellow employees in the Governor's office as well as those she worked with outside of the office. prgtoken After working in Governor Casey's administration, Bonnie worked as well with my father on his autobiography entitled ``Fighting for Life.'' In his book he pays tribute to her as follows: I could never have made it through this project without my executive assistant, Bonnie Seaman. It's hard to think of any work I have done these past ten years without Bonnie. Another theme of this book is loyalty, and few people have taught me more about the trait than Bonnie. I am deeply indebted to her for the skill and good spirit she brings to our work right up to this day. prgtoken That was written more than 20 years ago--just about 22 years ago. Of course, I can say the same thing about Bonnie's work in the U.S. Senate. In 1996, when I was elected the State's auditor general, Bonnie was vital to, first, my transition team. Then she served as the director of the Office of the Auditor General for 8 years, where she oversaw day-to-day operations of my schedule and the management of staff. When I was elected State treasurer in 2004, Bonnie began work with the Treasury Department. Then, finally, when I was elected in 2006 to the Senate, I asked Bonnie to serve as director of