mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
COMMUNITY HEALTH AND MEDICAL PROFESSIONALS IMPROVE OUR NATION ACT OF 2017
Pete Olson (Republican, TX) \u2014 2017-11-3

I thank the chairman for yielding time to me. prgtoken , I rise today to strongly encourage my colleagues to support the HEALTHY KIDS Act. There are many reasons to support this bill, but, most importantly, it extends the Children's Health Insurance Program, CHIP, until 2022. prgtoken CHIP ensures that children with incomes too low for Medicaid get basic health insurance. Close to 400,000 children in Texas rely on CHIP for access to quality healthcare services. We must act now. prgtoken Earlier this year, Hurricane Harvey left a path of destruction across Texas. It put a major strain on our communities and resources that has resulted in moments of uncertainty. prgtoken The bottom line is, we must act now. This bill responsibly provides children in need with the proper resources to live a healthy life without adding to our country's deficit. prgtoken , again, I strongly urge my colleagues to act now. Vote for this bill.
CONGRATULATING HESLER CARDENAS
Doug Collins (Republican, GA) \u2014 2017-11-3

I rise today to recognize Hesler Cardenas, a visually impaired senior at Gainesville High School who recently placed second in a nationwide art competition. prgtoken Hesler submitted a painting titled ``Blossom Petal'' to the 2017 American Printing House for Blind Insights Art Competition. Out of nearly 400 entries, Hesler's painting surpassed all but one and earned a spot on the walls of the American Printing House in Kentucky. prgtoken Hesler stands out among his peers by pursuing his goals despite his visual limitations. prgtoken , Hesler's success reminds us that with tenacity, hard work and determination often take us closer to our dreams than we could imagine. prgtoken As Hesler continues to inspire his fellow northeast Georgians, I look forward to seeing where his talent will take him next.
SUPPORTING HEALTHY KIDS
Rick W. Allen (Republican, GA) \u2014 2017-11-3

I rise today to support the CHAMPIONING HEALTHY KIDS Act. prgtoken This important legislation continues much-needed funding for programs like the Children's Health Insurance Program, community health centers, and our rural hospitals. prgtoken Community health centers are a critical access point to care, and I have seen firsthand how they bless each person they serve. prgtoken In addition to community health centers, my district includes many rural hospitals, which are truly a lifeline for my constituents. prgtoken That is why I join my colleagues in letters urging to delay the cuts for the proposed disproportionate share of hospital and community health centers for at least 2 years. And I am happy to see this legislation doing just that. prgtoken I won't let Washington forget about the rural communities at the heart of my district. They deserve better. prgtoken And guess what? This bill is fully paid for. prgtoken While delaying these cuts is a step in the right direction, I will continue to fight for a permanent solution. prgtoken , I thank the Energy and Commerce Committee for their work, prgtoken and I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting this bill.
ETHIOPIA RESOLUTION
Mike Coffman (Republican, CO) \u2014 2017-11-3

I rise today to call attention to the Government of Ethiopia's continued pattern of repression and violence against its own people, and I urge the House of Representatives to vote on House Resolution 128, the ``Supporting Respect for Human Rights and Encouraging Inclusive Governance in Ethiopia Resolution.'' This resolution calls on the Government of Ethiopia to take clear, decisive, steps toward becoming more inclusive, more democratic, and more respectful of the basic human rights of its own people. prgtoken This resolution has overwhelming bipartisan support with more than 70 cosponsors, and it passed out of the House Foreign Affairs Committee unanimously on July 27. prgtoken The ongoing human rights crisis in Ethiopia is extremely troubling to me, to the resolution's other co-sponsors, the many Americans of Ethiopian heritage, and to numerous human rights groups. I firmly believe that the passage of this resolution will encourage the Ethiopian government to end its practice of violence and repression and provide a strong basis of an inclusive government. prgtoken Specifically, this resolution condemns: the excessive use of force by Ethiopian security forces; the killing of peaceful protestors; the arrest and detention of journalists, students, activists, and political leaders, and; the Ethiopian government's abuse of the Anti-Terrorism Proclamation to stifle political and civil dissent. prgtoken The resolution does not simply highlight the Ethiopian government's increasingly authoritarian acts, but it also encourages the United States to support efforts to improve democracy and governance in Ethiopia. I believe that the United States can take actions that will positively influence the Ethiopian government and use our existing institutions to further democracy and effective governance in Ethiopia. Critically, the resolution calls on the Ethiopian government to admit UN human rights observers so they can conduct an independent and thorough examination of the current state of human rights in Ethiopia. prgtoken On March 9 of this year, the House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on Africa, Global Health, Global Human Rights, and International Organizations, held a hearing to discuss specific steps the United States can take to bring about positive changes for the Ethiopian government and their people. Among those who testified was Deacon Yoseph Tafari, of the St. Mary's Ethiopian Orthodox Church located in Aurora, Colorado. Deacon Yoseph was raised in Ethiopia and has experienced the daily struggles too many Ethiopians have faced living in abject poverty under an oppressive government. prgtoken Deacon Yoseph fled from Ethiopia in 1976, and came to the United States as a refugee. He and many of the members of the Ethiopian community in my Congressional district in Colorado--including the Oromo and Amharas--have worked diligently to organize and assist those still suffering from repression in their home country. <
COMMUNITY HEALTH AND MEDICAL PROFESSIONALS IMPROVE OUR NATION ACT OF 2017
Leonard Lance (Republican, NJ) \u2014 2017-11-3

I rise in support of this legislation. This package is the product of our work on the Energy and Commerce Committee under the leadership of Chairman Walden. This legislation accomplishes the very important goals of reauthorizing the Children's Health Insurance Program, renewing funding for community health centers, and extending critical resources for Medicaid in Puerto Rico. prgtoken One of the first votes I cast in Congress was for CHIP, creating a fiscally responsible health program that now serves 8.5 million children in the United States. prgtoken I continue to support community health centers and the work they do in areas like Dover and Somerville, New Jersey, in the district I serve. prgtoken We also cannot forget about the many families and children in Puerto Rico, who also benefit from the Medicaid program. That is why I have teamed up with Resident Commissioner Gonzalez-Colon, to make sure low- cost Federal healthcare continues to be made available to our American children in Puerto Rico. prgtoken , I urge passage of this legislation and for the United States Senate to act as soon as possible.
CELEBRATING 50 YEARS OF GIVING BACK TO McHENRY COUNTY
Randy Hultgren (Republican, IL) \u2014 2017-11-3

I rise to celebrate 50 years of community service rendered by the United Way of Greater McHenry County. prgtoken Members of the community came together in the fall of 1966, with the primary purpose of raising funds in order to help deserving organizations achieve their goals. prgtoken In that first year alone, United Way raised more than $21,000. This money went to funding organizations such as the Salvation Army and the American Red Cross, which remain faithful partners today. prgtoken By 1977, the United Way's importance was rapidly increasing throughout the community, as they created new partnerships with several agencies. prgtoken In fact, the United Way of Greater McHenry County became the fastest growing United Way of its size in the country. During their 25th anniversary year, they delivered more than $1.1 million to local organizations and have continued that record over the years. prgtoken I am grateful to celebrate this 50-year milestone with the people of United Way of Greater McHenry County as they continue to help our neighbors help each other.
COMMUNITY HEALTH AND MEDICAL PROFESSIONALS IMPROVE OUR NATION ACT OF 2017
Greg Walden (Republican, OR) \u2014 2017-11-3

such time as I may consume. prgtoken Wow. We are fully funding CHIP for 5 years. We are fully funding our community health centers for 2 years. We are taking care of programs for our citizens who have diabetes. And the pay-for that they are objecting to most is we are asking the wealthiest seniors in America, those making $40,000 a month, to pay $135 more for their Medicare so we can do this work that is so important. prgtoken How ironic. How cynical. This is a pay-for that has been used before for other programs. President himself suggested in a budget that, instead of the top earners, the $480,000 a year, a couple making over $800,000 a year pay a little more as we do here, take it all the way down to $80,000 a year. prgtoken We didn't do that. We just said, if you are making $480,000 a year, roughly $40,000 a month, you will pay $135 more. They will not vote for that cut to fund children's healthcare. We will. prgtoken That is what is going on here. This is where we could never get them off dead center to make this bipartisan. It is a tragedy this is not a bipartisan bill as it always has been. I, three times, delayed moving this forward, including crossing the deadline of September 30, to try to find common ground that would be bipartisan, and we could never get there because they would never yield in a way where we could find common ground. prgtoken So we must go to the Senate from here and we must get our work done for the American people. prgtoken , .
COMMUNITY HEALTH AND MEDICAL PROFESSIONALS IMPROVE OUR NATION ACT OF 2017
Michael C. Burgess (Republican, TX) \u2014 2017-11-3

I thank the gentleman for yielding the time, for the recognition. prgtoken Let me just say, I want to thank members of the Health Subcommittee, both sides of the dais, who have worked hard on this legislation, and it is unfortunate that it was not brought to the floor of the House in the month of September. prgtoken From a subcommittee perspective, we were ready. We had our legislative hearings in June. We were delayed one time when the whole House recessed after the shooting of the Members at the baseball practice, but we rescheduled for 2 weeks later, and we had a successful hearing. We had a good hearing; a lot of facts were laid out. We came up with commonsense legislation that was offset in a responsible way. The offsets are not draconian. prgtoken We have before us a bill today that will, in fact, fund some of the Nation's most important public health programs. It does fund the State Children's Health Insurance for 5 years, one of the longest extensions for this program since its inception in 1996. It will ensure that children and families who rely on this program will continue to receive the access they need. It also includes, in a fiscally responsible way, to delay the harmful Care-mandated cuts to safety net hospitals, who also provide care to underserved patients. prgtoken Now, think about that for a minute. We are accused of undermining Care, but here is a cut that Care mandates to your safety net hospitals across the country--not just in Texas, but across the country--and we are replacing that today in a fiscally responsible way. prgtoken It provides funding for community health centers, an important key part of healthcare in communities across the country. It will help the Americans who rely on these vital health services. prgtoken Not only does the bill provide assistance for underserved populations, but it does so without adding to the national debt. The Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget called this a responsible health package, noting that the $18 billion cost is fully offset, with savings beyond the 10-year budget window. prgtoken Other groups have also been supportive: Texas Hospital Association, Texas Health Resources--for me back home--Children's Hospital, and a number of healthcare organizations. prgtoken We have data from MACPAC, whose job it is to advise Congress on Medicaid and CHIP policy; and MACPAC has advised us that, under current law, there are no new Federal funds for State Children's Health Insurance for fiscal year 2018 and beyond. Unless Congress acts to renew funding, all States will experience a shortfall in CHIP funds for 2018, which means, if someone is contemplating a ``no'' vote on this bill, if you are contemplating a ``no'' vote, you do need to be aware that if you live in the States of Arizona and Minnesota, you ran out of money in October of 2017; North Carolina, same situation. Oregon runs out next month. Vermont runs out next month. You ne
COMMEMORATING NATIONAL ADOPTION DAY
K. Michael Conaway (Republican, TX) \u2014 2017-11-3

I rise today to commemorate the National Adoption Day celebration that is taking place today in Odessa. Throughout the day, local courts in Ector County will open their doors and finalize the adoption process for families in the community. It is fitting that National Adoption Awareness Month occurs in the month of November, a time of family and Thanksgiving. During this time of the year, we reflect on what we are most thankful for in our lives, such as our families. Each of our families provide us with unconditional love, help shape our character, provide a lifetime of precious memories and motivate us through challenging times. Unfortunately, not everyone is afforded this opportunity in life. Thankfully, God has blessed our world with selfless individuals who open their hearts and homes to these children. Many of these children have various medical, developmental, and emotional needs that requires special nurturing from devoted parents and families. These special individuals who elect to take on full responsibility for their care, upbringing, and overall well-being provide an important service not only to these children, but also to our communities and country. I am particularly gratified to recognize these new families because I am adopted myself. My father adopted my little brother, sister, and me, so seeing other children who have the benefit of a loving family warms my heart. I want to thank CASA of the Permian Basin and the other organizations across the nation who help make National Adoption Day possible. I also want to thank the dedicated individuals who make a powerful difference in the lives of children through adoption.
COMMUNITY HEALTH AND MEDICAL PROFESSIONALS IMPROVE OUR NATION ACT OF 2017
Joe Barton (Republican, TX) \u2014 2017-11-3

we have talked a lot today on the floor about the children's component of this bill, the S-CHIP. It is a good program. It covers about 45 percent of the low-income children in Texas. It is a very worthwhile program and needs to be reauthorized and funded. prgtoken I also want to talk about the community health centers. In Ennis, Texas, there is the Nell Barton Hope Clinic Annex. Nell Barton was my mother. prgtoken The Joe Barton Family Foundation purchased a building for the Hope Clinic, which is a federally funded health center that is primarily located in Waxahachie, Texas. Every day, several dozen low-income people go to the Nell Barton Hope Clinic. Over the course of the year, several thousand people go to the Hope Clinic in both Ennis and Waxahachie. This bill reauthorizes those health centers for 2 years. prgtoken Now, my friends on the ic side, I am not sure what they are complaining about. This is a program that funds healthcare for children and for low-income people through the community health centers. It is fully offset, and funding is increasing, , not decreasing, but it is doing so in a way that it is offset. What is the big offset? prgtoken I hope we vote for this bill when it comes up for a vote later today.
COMMUNITY HEALTH AND MEDICAL PROFESSIONALS IMPROVE OUR NATION ACT OF 2017
Larry Bucshon (Republican, IN) \u2014 2017-11-3

I rise today in strong support of the CHAMPIONING HEALTHY KIDS Act, which extends the State Children's Health Insurance Program, SCHIP, for another 5 years. prgtoken In 1997, Congress created S-CHIP in partnership with the States to meet the healthcare needs of lower income kids. Last year, nearly 100,000 Hoosier kids received health insurance thanks to this critical program. I am proud that this legislation will continue to protect vulnerable children in the Eighth District of Indiana. prgtoken This bill also extends 2 years of funding for federally qualified health centers, family-to-family health information centers, and other important public health programs. This funding provides important healthcare services, resources, and information for families in the Eighth District and across America. prgtoken I urge my colleagues to support passage of the CHAMPIONING HEALTHY KIDS Act.
COMMEMORATING LISA STONE FOR RECEIVING THE 2017 STATE JOURNAL REGISTER FIRST CITIZEN AWARD
Darin LaHood (Republican, IL) \u2014 2017-11-3

today, I would like to honor Lisa Stone of Springfield, Illinois for receiving the 2017 State Journal Register First Citizen Award. prgtoken Since 1963, the State Journal Register has been awarding the First Citizen award to a resident who goes above and beyond their commitment to making Springfield a better place. For over four decades, Lisa has volunteered countless hours and raised money for numerous organization in the Springfield community. Lisa's many contributions to the community include: fundraising for the Sojourn House, a domestic violence shelter; fundraising for the Jewish Federation; and helping Russian refugees resettle in America. Additionally, Lisa served as an original board member of Habitat for Humanity of Sangamon County. prgtoken Lisa's commitment to the Springfield community is unmatched. Her years of volunteering and fundraising have made a true difference in Springfield. I applaud her for her efforts to make our community a better place. prgtoken I extend my sincere congratulations to Lisa Stone on receiving the State Journal Register First Citizen award, and I wish her much success as she continues to lead a life of service to the community.
TOPICS OF THE WEEK
Steve King (Republican, IA) \u2014 2017-11-3

. Madam , it is my honor to be recognized to address you here on the floor of the House of Representatives, and I have a couple of topics that I intend to take up for the folks here watching and listening. prgtoken Madam , I want to talk about the Heartbeat bill and I want to talk about the immigration bill and the tax policy all together. But there is an important issue before this Congress that I want to hear about before I take up these issues. And for that purpose, I would be happy to yield to the gentleman from Florida (Mr. DeSantis) to get this off of his heart.
COMMUNITY HEALTH AND MEDICAL PROFESSIONALS IMPROVE OUR NATION ACT OF 2017
Jenniffer González-Colón (Republican, PR) \u2014 2017-11-3

I rise in strong support of H.R. 3922, the CHAMPIONING HEALTHY KIDS Act. prgtoken I wanted to begin by first thanking Chairman Walden and Dr. Burgess for their leadership in moving forward this critically needed legislation. I am particularly thankful for those in the leadership and all of my colleagues in the Energy and Commerce Committee for including a $1 billion allocation to temporarily address Puerto Rico's impending Care-created medical cliff, while also providing another year of the disproportionate share hospital relief. prgtoken To put things in perspective, when we arrived in this Congress during January of this year, more than 1 million Puerto Ricans were facing the imminent possibility of losing their healthcare coverage due to a funding shortfall resulting from Care's disparate application to the island. prgtoken We moved quickly during the appropriations bill, and they allocated $295 million to improve that situation. In this bill, we are allocating $1 billion for Puerto Rico's Medicaid program. This is an important step, but we still need to secure a permanent and equitable solution to Puerto Rico's longstanding Medicaid inequalities, and that means changing the FMAP for the island.
HONORING THE 250TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE CLAVERACK REFORMED DUTCH CHURCH
John J. Faso (Republican, NY) \u2014 2017-11-3

today I am honored to recognize the 250th anniversary of the Reformed Dutch Church in Claverack. Reverend John Gabriel Gebhard dedicated this historic sanctuary on November 8, 1767, adorning the church with the text, ``Stand in the gate of the Lord's House, and proclaim there His Word . . . enter in at these gates to worship the Lord.'' Reverend Gebhard headed the church for the next fifty years until his death, laying the foundation for what would be two more centuries of continued worship and community in central Columbia County. prgtoken Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, Claverack's Reformed Dutch Church is a historic treasure. During the Revolutionary War, this building served as a refuge for soldiers and officers. Surrounding the church is the Claverack Cemetery, where Claverack residents connect to the community's earliest members. prgtoken The church continues to serve as a center for religious, educational, and community activities. On November 5, 2017, Claverack will come together to celebrate this incredible milestone. I thank Pastor Linda Miles, Vice President and Senior Elder Louise Bliss, Senior Deacon Donna Lynk Campion, and all members of the local Reformed Dutch Church for their contributions to this special community. I am proud to honor the Reformed Dutch Church in Claverack for fostering 250 years of prayer and kinship.
TAX PLAN GIANT STEP IN RIGHT DIRECTION
Luke Messer (Republican, IN) \u2014 2017-11-3

. Madam , Hoosier families deserve a pay raise, and that is what President 's tax plan is going to give them: more jobs, fairer taxes, and bigger paychecks for working Hoosiers. prgtoken Importantly, the plan includes a provision that I have been working on that would stop $4 billion to $7 billion in refundable tax credits paid out each year to illegal immigrants. This is a giant step in the right direction to protect American taxpayers and American families. In the tax plan these savings will help increase child tax credits for American citizens by $600 each child. prgtoken Hoosiers get it. It is past time to address an immigration system that rewards people who come here illegally. No one should get a tax incentive to violate the law.
COMMUNITY HEALTH AND MEDICAL PROFESSIONALS IMPROVE OUR NATION ACT OF 2017
Ralph Norman (Republican, SC) \u2014 2017-11-3

today I rise in support of H.R. 3922. Listening to my ic friends, it was said right by Chairman Walden. It is cynical, and it is amazing that they could vote against this bill. prgtoken Not only does this bill reauthorize public health programs vital to Americans who need them most, but it does so in a fiscally responsible manner. Reauthorizing CHIP for a 5-year period was an important priority of children's healthcare providers in my district, but doing so while saving billions is an impressive feat. prgtoken On top of that, providing funding for community health centers will drastically improve rural health in South Carolina's Fifth District. This bill is proof that the American people can trust their government to provide essential services to citizens who cannot provide for themselves, without saddling our children and grandchildren with debt. prgtoken , I would like to commend my colleague, Chairman Walden, for his impressive efforts in striving toward a greater government.