mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
IN RECOGNITION OF PULMONARY HYPERTENSION AWARENESS MONTH
Kevin Brady (Republican, TX) \u2014 2017-11-30

I rise today in recognition of Pulmonary Hypertension Awareness Month and the outstanding work the Pulmonary Hypertension Association (PHA) including the Lone Star Chapter of The Woodlands, TX, has done during the last sixteen years in the fight against the rare, debilitating disease known as pulmonary hypertension (PH). prgtoken PH was first brought to my attention by my friend, Jack Stibbs, whose daughter, Emily, had been recently diagnosed at an early age. Due to Emily's early diagnosis, she has been able to lead a relatively normal life and Emily has recently graduated college. However, not all patients are as fortunate. prgtoken PH is high blood pressure that occurs in the arteries of the lungs. The disease reflects the pressure the heart must apply to pump blood from the heart through the arteries of the lungs. As with a tangled hose, pressure builds up and backs up, forcing the heart to work harder and less oxygen to reach the body. PH symptoms generally include fatigue, dizziness, and shortness of breath with the severity of the disease correlating with its progression. If left undiagnosed or untreated, PH can lead to heart failure and death. prgtoken Investment in medical research and sustained scientific progress in this area has led to fourteen Food and Drug Administration-approved targeted treatment options for two forms of PH. When individuals are diagnosed with PH quickly and begin appropriate therapy, their prognosis and life-expectancy improve dramatically. However, it currently takes an average of two and a half years to receive a diagnosis and three quarters of patients have severe PH when they are finally diagnosed. prgtoken Without treatment, historical studies have shown a mean survival time of 2.8 years after diagnosis for pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). Patients with advanced PH cannot benefit as greatly from available therapies and often face dramatic and costly medical interventions, including 24-hour IV infused medication, increased risk for hospitalization and in some cases heart-lung transplantation. prgtoken , I encourage my colleagues to join me in recognizing November as Pulmonary Hypertension Awareness Month and continuing to support federal activities that improve the lives of patients impacted by PH, including research programs at the National Institutes of Health and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
BOULDER CREST RETREAT ARIZONA FOR MILITARY AND VETERAN WELLNESS
Martha McSally (Republican, AZ) \u2014 2017-11-30

earlier this month, I had the honor to meet with the leadership team of Boulder Crest Retreat for Military and Veteran Wellness in beautiful Sonoita, Arizona. prgtoken The 130-acre retreat is nestled in a riparian valley in southern Arizona just 60 miles south of Tucson, Arizona. This beautiful facility is the second rural retreat established to provide free respite, activities and programs for our nation's seriously Wounded Warriors and their family members. Boulder Crest provides private accommodations, recreational and healing activities focused on the science of posttraumatic growth for approximately 700 personnel each year. The retreat has much to offer including: prgtoken Three beautiful homes that can accommodate up to six people and are available for 2 to 7 night stays; prgtoken A lodge where guests can gather to connect with other families and participate in programs; prgtoken Extensive outdoor amenities that include an archery range, nature trails, playground, organic garden, bird sanctuary and fishing pond; prgtoken Recreational activities and programs include nature walks, fishing, archery, gardening, swimming and kayaking in the nearby Parker Canyon and Patagonia lakes, hiking the Arizona Trail; and prgtoken Numerous healing activities for combat stress and first responder recovery to include yoga, meditation, journaling, art and music therapy, canine, and equine assistance therapy. prgtoken Retired U.S. Navy bomb disposal expert, Master Chief Ken Falke and his wife Julia came up with the idea after numerous visits to severely wounded EOD personnel at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center. prgtoken The Falkes founded the EOD Warrior Foundation and wanted to provide a place where Wounded Warriors and their family members could escape their grueling treatment schedules and find solace outside of the hospital. prgtoken Boulder Crest Retreat Virginia has hosted over 3,000 personnel in four years since opening Boulder Crest Retreat Virginia and we are very excited to bring their success to Arizona. Please also know that a $10 million gift was provided to make this happen by the A. James and Alice B. Clark Foundation in Bethesda, Maryland. prgtoken I would like to take a moment to honor Ken and Julia Falke, the staff, the volunteers, and donors for making this idea a reality. prgtoken I am proud to have this remarkable facility in my state. God bless our troops and God bless the United States of America. prgtoken I would like to include in the Record the following press release on receipt of a transformational $10 million donation from the A. James and Alice B. Clark Foundation to heal combat veterans and their family members: (From PRNewswire, July 6, 2017) A. James and Alice B. Clark Foundation Provides $10 Million prgtoken Transformational Donation to Heal Combat Veterans and Their Family Members boulder crest retreat expands
ADDITIONAL STATEMENTS
John Boozman (Republican, AR) \u2014 2017-11-30

today I wish to pay tribute to former U.S. District Judge G. Thomas Eisele who passed away on Sunday, November 26, at the age of 94. prgtoken Judge Eisele was a native of Hot Springs, AR. He served as a private in the U.S. Army during World War II and then went on to attend Harvard Law School. Eisele then came back to Arkansas to practice law in Hot Springs and Little Rock. prgtoken When Winthrop Rockefeller ran for Governor in 1966, Eisele became a legal adviser to his campaign and then to Governor Rockefeller during his administration. Rockefeller recommended to President Richard Nixon that Eisele be appointed to the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Arkansas. Eisele was appointed to the position in 1970 and served on the bench for 41 years, including as chief judge from 1975 to 1991. prgtoken Judge Eisele was widely respected by his legal peers and was known by lawyers who argued cases before him for his thoughtful approach in the courtroom. An intelligent, passionate, humorous, and reverent man, Judge Eisele left a significant judicial legacy when he retired from the court in 2011. prgtoken His colleagues, former law clerks, and others he impacted all fondly reflect on and remember his professionalism, integrity, wisdom, and demeanor. To understand how highly regarded he was, we need look no further than the establishment of the G. Thomas Eisele Endowment for the Study of the History of the United States Federal Courts in Arkansas at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock. prgtoken I am grateful for the influence that Judge Eisele had on our State, country, and judicial system during his extraordinary career. I also want to acknowledge and thank him for his service in the military as part of America's Greatest Generation. He will certainly be missed, but I hope his loved ones take comfort in his incredible legacy and life well-lived.
HONORING FORMER CONGRESSMAN MAURICE HINCHEY
John J. Faso (Republican, NY) \u2014 2017-11-30

it is with great respect and sorrow that I rise today to announce the passing of our former colleague, Congressman Maurice Hinchey. prgtoken Mr. Hinchey passed away on November 22, just before Thanksgiving, at the age of 79 in Saugerties, New York, leaving behind an extraordinary legacy that was marked by fervent patriotism, political courage, and forward-thinking leadership. prgtoken During his 20 years of service in the House of Representatives, Maurice Hinchey represented a broad swath of New prgtoken York State, from the Hudson Valley and the Catskill Mountains, over in the Southern Tier as well. Many of those areas make up what is today's 19th Congressional District, which I currently represent. prgtoken I also had the honor of working alongside Mr. Hinchey for 6 years in the New York State Assembly. There, he developed and honed his legislative skills as chairman of the assembly's Environmental Conservation Committee. prgtoken We proudly note the service of Maurice Hinchey to the Nation, and I am glad to be joined here by colleagues from the New York delegation and the dean of the delegation, Ms. Slaughter, to extend our heartfelt condolences to Maurice Hinchey's widow, and to the entire Hinchey family.
LAW ENFORCEMENT MENTAL HEALTH AND WELLNESS
Lloyd Smucker (Republican, PA) \u2014 2017-11-30

every day, our law enforcement officers and first responders place their lives at risk to protect our neighborhoods and our families. They deserve our respect, our admiration, and support. prgtoken That support can come in many different forms, but an important component to supporting our law enforcement officers is to provide them the resources they need for mental wellness. prgtoken Law enforcement officers have stressful jobs. They are exposed to higher levels of violence and death than the average American. prgtoken One in five officers has PTSD. One in four officers have thought about suicide at one point during their career, and the suicide rate for police officers is four times higher than the rate for firefighters. prgtoken We can do more, . That is why I am glad the House passed the Law Enforcement Mental Health and Wellness Act earlier this week. prgtoken This legislation will provide law enforcement's agencies with the resources they need to address mental health issues faced by officers. It will make grants available to departments across the country and it will study the effectiveness of regular mental health checks and crisis hotlines. prgtoken I have had numerous conversations with law enforcement leaders and police officers in my district, and this is a priority for them. It is supported by the Fraternal Order of Police, the National Law Enforcement Officers Association, and the National Association of Police Officers. prgtoken , I am glad that the House is working to improve the mental health of those who are charged with protecting us. I thank the men and women who put on the blue uniform each day to keep us safe.
WELCOMING DUCKS UNLIMITED
Roger Marshall (Republican, KS) \u2014 2017-11-30

I rise today to welcome the more than 40 volunteers from 26 States representing Ducks Unlimited who are on the Hill today. prgtoken As an avid outdoorsman and waterfowler myself, as well as a member of Ducks Unlimited for over 25 years, I have seen the wonderful firsthand benefits this group provides. Ducks Unlimited has conserved more than 14 million acres of land in its 80-year history, 25,000 of which are in my home State of Kansas. I send a big thank-you for all those folks up north of us who have done such a great job raising these ducks. prgtoken Work like this is vital to ensuring that the natural resources of our land are protected and monitored so that our children and grandchildren can come someday to rural Kansas, from Cheyenne Bottoms to the Quivira Wildlife Refuge, and enjoy those great outdoor moments. prgtoken I thank the folks at Ducks Unlimited for their work, and I welcome them to Capitol Hill.
HONORING THE LIFE AND LEGACY OF SHERIFF DAVID HOBBS
Neal P. Dunn (Republican, FL) \u2014 2017-11-30

I rise today to honor Jefferson County Sheriff David Hobbs, who passed away this week after a brave battle with cancer. prgtoken Sheriff Hobbs loved Jefferson County and its people. He was born and raised there. He served the County and the state of Florida in law enforcement for more than 30 years, including 11 with Florida Highway Patrol and 8 years as a deputy sheriff in Jefferson County. He was first elected Sheriff in 2004. He was also a Marine Corps reservist. prgtoken Sheriff Hobbs dedicated his life to serving and protecting others, putting himself in harm's way so others could live safe and free. And he truly loved his colleagues at the Sheriff's office. Serving in law enforcement is not just a job. For him, it was a calling. prgtoken In later years, Sheriff Hobbs was passionately involved with the American Cancer Society, spreading awareness by sharing his story battling the disease. prgtoken We owe Sheriff Hobbs a great debt of gratitude. Please join me in honoring the life and legacy of Jefferson County Sheriff David Hobbs.
ENSURING A QUALIFIED CIVIL SERVICE ACT OF 2017
James Comer (Republican, KY) \u2014 2017-11-30

. Mr. Chair, such time as I may consume. prgtoken Mr. Chair, I think it is important to define what the probationary period is and what it is not. prgtoken According to the MSPB, the probationary period is the final step in the employee screening process when an individual must demonstrate ``why it is prgtoken in the public interest for the government to finalize an appointment to the civil service.'' prgtoken This is not a punitive measure. It is an opportunity for a prospective employee to prove they are qualified to serve the American people through a position in the civil service. These are critically important jobs and we need the best and brightest to fill them. A longer probationary period gives all new hires time to complete their training, learn on the job, and demonstrate that they can perform the role they were hired to do. This is good for our government, good for Federal employees, and good for the American people. prgtoken , I urge adoption of the bill, and .
BROWNFIELDS ENHANCEMENT, ECONOMIC REDEVELOPMENT, AND REAUTHORIZATION ACT OF 2017
Leonard Lance (Republican, NJ) \u2014 2017-11-30

I rise today in strong support of the great work of the Energy and Commerce Committee on the Brownfields Enhancement, Economic Redevelopment, and Reauthorization Act. prgtoken , I thank Chairman Shimkus for leading another environmental victory to the House floor. prgtoken The brownfields program has worked and it must be reauthorized. Over 59,000 sites nationwide and 419 in New Jersey have been transformed by remediation and redevelopment, freeing our land and water of harmful chemicals and other hazards. This is a tremendous win for environmental protection, economic development, and for communities that have struggled with contaminated sites. prgtoken In the district I serve, facilities in Dover, East Amwell, Phillipsburg, Roxbury, and Somerville are slated for revitalization. prgtoken This public-private partnership has been a winning formula, as the brownfields program has already prompted $22 billion in private investment across this Nation, a major return on a minimal, though important, Federal investment. prgtoken , I urge a ``yes'' vote on this important legislation.
TAX REFORM
Mitch McConnell (Republican, KY) \u2014 2017-11-30

from across my home State of Kentucky, I have heard the calls for tax reform. For too long, hard-working men and women have been held back by an economy that has failed to live up to its potential. They are ready for us to get the economy going again. prgtoken For example, the East Kentucky Power Cooperative, which serves more than half a million families and businesses in my State, recently wrote to my office in support of tax reform. The cooperative encouraged us ``to put more disposal income into the hands of hard-working citizens and encourage investment and long-term economic growth.'' prgtoken In addition, the Kentucky Chamber of Commerce, which represents thousands of businesses across the Commonwealth, recently wrote a letter encouraging us to consider relieving ``the tax burden of small businesses by simplifying the code and reducing costs.'' It concluded the letter by asking the Senate to ``support federal tax reform to achieve the economic growth that has been Kentucky's potential for so long.'' prgtoken This morning, a group of small business men and women from Kentucky joined Senators here on the Hill with Small Business Administrator Linda McMahon to discuss the urgent need for tax reform. I would like to thank Senator Blunt for hosting this event to hear from these job creators and to reiterate that they are at the forefront of our tax reform efforts. prgtoken The people of Kentucky have struggled under our outdated and complex Federal Tax Code. It is time to overhaul it and deliver real relief to middle-class families and small businesses. prgtoken For a number of years, our friends across the aisle, including the ranking member of the Finance Committee and the ic leader, have vocally called for tax reform. They claimed they supported efforts to close loopholes and help American businesses become more competitive here at home. They claimed they supported policies to help prevent more jobs from moving overseas. The good news is that is exactly what our tax reform legislation does. So passing this bill to help keep jobs and investment in the United States would be something upon which we can all agree. prgtoken A group of economists from around the country recently penned a letter expressing the need for tax reform. After examining the proposal put forward, these economists agree that the House and Senate plans have the ability to grow the economy and increase the income of American families. In particular, they wrote that tax reform can reduce the incentives for companies to move investment overseas. That means the bill we are considering would discourage corporations from moving jobs and investments abroad. For working families who have endured a decade of lost jobs and opportunities, this is welcome relief indeed. prgtoken So why would our ic friends support this idea in theory but then oppose legislation once they finally have the chance to put the plan into acti
TRIBUTE TO TED KOENIG
Steve Daines (Republican, MT) \u2014 2017-11-30

this week, I have the distinct honor of recognizing Ted Koenig of Kalispell for lending a hand with the humanitarian relief efforts in the U.S. Virgin Islands. A few months ago, after the devastation of hurricanes Irma and Maria, Ted left his home in northwestern Montana and traveled to the Caribbean to take part in the recovery. prgtoken When Ted arrived on the island of St. Thomas in late September, he arrived to immense destruction. His initial mission on the island was to serve as a planner, helping to assess needs and coordinate resources for the recovery, a job Ted is familiar with as he serves in a similar position as the northwestern Montana disaster program manager for the Red Cross. However, Ted spent the first few days hand-delivering essential supplies to areas outside the reach of emergency distribution centers. After helping deliver the basic necessities, Ted spent the final 2 weeks consolidating damage assessments to inform decisionmakers about the requirements for longer term recovery. prgtoken Helping others in need is common in Big Sky Country, and Ted's journey to St. Thomas is another example of this ethic in action. This ethic runs deep from Kalispell to Broadus, from the Flathead River to the Powder River, and is revealed in Montana having one of the highest per capita Peace Corps volunteer rates in the Nation. It comes as no surprise that Ted served 3 years in the Peace Corps and was stationed in Madagascar. Thank you, Ted, for using your steady determination to help others overcome difficult circumstances.
RECOGNIZING THE RETIREMENT OF EVA LYNNE DISBRO
Bob Goodlatte (Republican, VA) \u2014 2017-11-30

I rise today to extend my congratulations to Eva Lynne Disbro of Collegedale, Tennessee, on her retirement after nearly 40 years at McKee Foods Corporation. Ms. Disbro retires from the position of Vice President of Human Resources to the family-owned bakery of snack cakes, granola, and many other baked goods. In her current role, she manages over 6,000 employees across Tennessee, Arkansas, Virginia, and Arizona. During her time at McKee Foods, she helped launch the company's Government Relations team and oversaw the establishment of a new bakery in Stuart's Draft, Virginia, which now employs about a thousand people in the Shenandoah Valley of Virginia. It is truly an honor to represent McKee Foods and its dedicated employees in Virginia's Sixth District. prgtoken Ms. Disbro's future plans include participating in church mission trips and serving as an active member of the Board of Trustees to Laurelbrook Academy in Dayton, Tennessee. She is also determined to write at least two books in the coming years. Throughout her retirement, she also plans to spend ample time with her grandchildren and extended family. prgtoken Thank you to Eva Lynne Disbro for her decades of dedication to her colleagues and community. I wish her a healthy and joyous retirement.
ENSURING A QUALIFIED CIVIL SERVICE ACT OF 2017
Jamie Raskin (Democrat, MD) \u2014 2017-11-30

. Reclaiming my time, not to my knowledge. I am used to that coming out of the State legislature, where we have endless hearings that go on into 2 a.m. in the morning or they go on for several days. But there were no hearings, there was no evidence, there was no expert testimony. prgtoken I couldn't figure out what was behind it. Then I realized that there is this effort to demoralize the Federal workforce and there was this effort to create a kind of political control over what is going on in the Federal workplace.
TAX CUTS AND JOBS ACT
Jeff Merkley (Democrat, OR) \u2014 2017-11-30

we have seen a number of battles here recently that involve the question of, is our country going to make laws by and for the powerful or by and for the people? prgtoken We saw a healthcare debate where my colleagues across the aisle wanted to rip healthcare from 20 to 30 million hard-working Americans in order to deliver tax benefits to the very richest among us. Fortunately, we were able to stop that. prgtoken We have heard conversation here on the floor about the arbitration fairness regulation, which said that nobody should be forced into an arbitration when the other side gets to hire the judge, gets to promise the judge future business, and gets to determine the outcome of the decision. Yet my colleagues across the aisle voted for the powerful to be able to have this fixed system to cheat the consumers of America. prgtoken Then most recently we had this question on the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. The people of the United States love the fact that we finally have an organization that fights for them in fairness and financial deals so that predatory lending would be brought to a halt. But my colleagues on the other side of this spectrum said: No. Let's support the appointment of someone to run this who wants to tear down that organization so there will no longer be the protection for people. prgtoken Time and time again, within just a few weeks, my colleagues across the aisle have said: We are for the powerful to crush the people. Well, we are fighting for the people, and now we are fighting for the people on this horrendous tax legislation. prgtoken I have come to the floor to be with my colleague from Minnesota to point out some of the worst provisions of this bill, and I turn to her for her opening comments.