mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
ENERGY AND WATER, LEGISLATIVE BRANCH, AND MILITARY CONSTRUCTION AND VETERANS AFFAIRS APPROPRIATIONS ACT, 2019
Cory Gardner (Republican, CO) \u2014 2018-6-19

last year, Colorado had a great snowpack in many areas of the State. In fact, the moisture, rain, and snowpack in many areas of Colorado led to a lot of growth, a lot of great spring grass, and a lot of undergrowth that came in. The problem is, when you have a wet year followed by a dry year, that same growth then turns into tinder during a drought. prgtoken That is, unfortunately, what we have seen in parts of Colorado this year. Many parts of Colorado are experiencing some of the driest conditions they have seen in 70 or 80 years. prgtoken On June 1, the 416 fire in Southwest Colorado was started. It started burning, and now about 35,000 acres of land have been gobbled up by this wildfire. There are also a number of other fires across Colorado: the Burro fire, the Buffalo Mountain fire, and there was a fire between Redvale and Montrose, CO. prgtoken I come to the floor to bring attention to some of the actions we have taken, though, that have helped with fighting these fires and to talk about policies we need to put in place that can do a better job giving more tools to fight these fires and what we can do to help make firefighters do their jobs in a better, safer way. prgtoken If you look at what we did these past years--a couple of months ago, we passed a bill that fixed the fire-borrowing crisis, which had consumed our wildfire fighting budget each and every year. What happened is that Congress would fund firefighting based on a 10-year rolling average, and then they would exceed that cost of the firefighting budget and consume other parts of the Forest Service budget, cannibalizing other parts that would go toward mitigation to prevent next year's forest fires just to fund the firefighting efforts of this year's fires. So we have never really caught up with the cycle. Over half of the budget of the Forest Service--at least prior to this fix--was being consumed on fighting forest fires. prgtoken This Congress did a great job with a bipartisan fix that now actually allows us to treat it more like a normal, traditional disaster instead of cannibalizing other funds within the Forest Service. prgtoken I asked one of the Forest Service representatives, employees, at the fire: Are you able to make better decisions knowing now that you have a budget fix in place? The answer was yes. So we are actually able to fight fires. prgtoken We have a map right here. The city of Durango, CO, is basically right here. This fire is moving, and we are able to fight this fire better, knowing that we have the funding, the resources necessary, to adequately supply these firefighting efforts. prgtoken At least as of a day ago, we haven't lost a home from this 35,000- acre fire, even though nearly 2,000 homes have been evacuated. I think that is a remarkable feat, an accomplishment. Great credit needs to go to the 1,300 firefighter personnel who are on this fire and the Burro fires 10 miles over the mountain. They have n
LISA LAMERE RETIRES AS SENIOR ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT SPECIALIST FOR CITY OF HESPERIA
Paul Cook (Republican, CA) \u2014 2018-6-19

I rise today to recognize the exemplary career of City of Hesperia Senior Economic Development Specialist Lisa Lamere, who will officially retire from her position on June 22, 2018. prgtoken Since her hiring by the City of Hesperia sixteen years ago, Lisa has worked to improve her city and community. During her time, she has attracted, retained, and helped to expand businesses that have opened or relocated to Hesperia. Additionally, she has worked on grant applications to successfully secure state, federal, and private funding for projects to improve everything from infrastructure to education. When she's not hard at work improving the business environment in Hesperia, Lisa is the President of the Mojave River Valley Horseman's Association. prgtoken Lisa has been a tremendous asset to City of Hesperia and the entire High Desert Community for well over a decade. I congratulate Lisa Lamere for her years of service and wish her the best in her retirement.
PREVENTING ADDICTION FOR SUSCEPTIBLE SENIORS ACT OF 2018
Mike Kelly (Republican, PA) \u2014 2018-6-19

. Madam , I thank Mr. Roskam so much for his time. prgtoken Madam , this opioid epidemic is killing 116 people of all ages every day, and it is horribly impacting western Pennsylvania's families and communities. There isn't a silver bullet to end the suffering. It is going to take communities working together to treat addiction and find lasting methods of prevention. prgtoken I am proud of the work that we have done in the people's House to put forward quality, bipartisan solutions to provide better alternatives and treatment for all Americans. prgtoken I want to thank Chairman Roskam for including my legislation, H.R. 5684, the Protecting Seniors from Opioid Abuse Act, into this package. prgtoken This bipartisan bill with my colleagues, Mr. Thompson, Mrs. McMorris Rodgers, and Mr. Doyle, will help at-risk seniors manage their medications and avoid prescription drug abuse. This bill gives seniors who are at risk for prescription abuse access to the Medication Therapy Management Program. This successful program allows seniors to sit down with a pharmacist or other health professional and receive expert advice on how to best manage their prescriptions. prgtoken I think for most of us, when you go to pick up your prescriptions, oftentimes you are asked: Do you want us to sit down and go over this with you? Oftentimes, there is a line behind you. Or they say: You can just check the box here and go ahead and pick up your prescription. That is not the answer to what we are trying to do. prgtoken With the Medication Therapy Management Program, we actually sit down with the seniors and explain the interaction between some of the drugs that they are taking and some of the drugs that have been prescribed for them. So it is critical that they have access to this information. prgtoken The Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services has already confirmed that this approach works. To reduce opioid overuse and to avoid dangerous drug interactions, expanding access to medication therapy management for at-risk beneficiaries will ensure that these serious drugs are used properly before it is too late. prgtoken This epidemic is devastating our Nation's communities and our families. I hope that we continue to work together as a unified Congress to fight this deadly crisis. I appreciate the chairman's time, and I urge support of this bill.
RECOGNIZING THE LIFETIME OF SERVICE AND MINISTRY OF PASTOR DENIS McBRIDE
Matt Gaetz (Republican, FL) \u2014 2018-6-19

today I rise to recognize Pastor Denis McBride of the PCC Campus Church for his remarkable lifetime of service and ministry in Northwest Florida and around the world. prgtoken He began his ministry serving as a youth pastor, in addition to teaching history and Bible prior to his move to Pensacola, FL. He is a favorite among students across the nation and world as he dynamically taught Bible and history for over 25 years through the ABeka Academy distance-learning program. prgtoken In August of 2011, God called him to pastor Campus Church located on the premises of Pensacola Christian College. Pastor McBride displays a genuine love for families and a heart for young people. prgtoken As senior pastor of the Campus Church, he not only ministered to students, but also local families and thousands more across the country through the Rejoice telecast. People are automatically drawn to Pastor McBride for his down-to-earth personality and genuine interest in each member's spiritual well-being. prgtoken Faith and family values are the pillars of Northwest Florida, and it is an honor for me to have faith leaders in our district, such as Pastor McBride, who represent, preserve and promote those strong values through their leadership and service. prgtoken , on behalf of the United States Congress, I am privileged to congratulate Pastor Denis McBride for his lifetime of service and the extraordinary legacy he leaves for future leaders of our Faith.
DR. TODD GRAHAM PAIN MANAGEMENT, TREATMENT, AND RECOVERY ACT OF 2018
Jackie Walorski (Republican, IN) \u2014 2018-6-19

such time as I may consume. prgtoken , I rise today in support of H.R. 6110, the Dr. Todd Graham Pain Management, Treatment, and Recovery Act. prgtoken Solving the opioid epidemic requires everyone to work together at all levels, from the Federal Government down to those on the front lines of this fight. prgtoken My legislation focuses on increasing access to pain management alternatives that do not involve opioids and improving recovery treatment options for those suffering from opioid use disorder. prgtoken Additionally, my legislation contains the following provisions that will also be vital in overcoming this crisis: H.R. 5778, the Promoting Outpatient Access to Non-Opioid Treatments Act introduced by Representative Kenny Marchant and Health Subcommittee Ranking Member Sander Levin, which requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services, or HHS, to require payments made to hospital outpatient departments and ambulatory surgery centers to ensure there are no financial incentives to use opioids over nonopioid alternatives; H.R. 5769, the Expanding Access to Treatment Act introduced by Representatives Keith Rothfus and Danny Davis, which provides payments to federally qualified health centers and rural health clinics to offset the cost of their providers receiving training so they are able to provide medication-assisted treatment that will help individuals recover from opioid use disorder; H.R. 5725, the Benefit Evaluation of Safe Treatment Act introduced by Health Subcommittee Chairman Peter Roskam and Representatives Linda Sanchez, John Shimkus, and Raul Ruiz, which directs the Secretary of HHS to evaluate the extent to which MA plans offer medication-assisted treatments and cover nonopioid alternative treatments not otherwise covered under a Medicare fee for service as part of a supplemental benefit; and H.R. 5790, the Medicare Nurse Hotline Act introduced by Representatives Kristi Noem and Judy Chu, which directs the Secretary of HHS to educate patients on the availability of psychologist services and explore the use of hotlines to reduce unnecessary hospitalizations and Medicare. prgtoken The bill is named after my friend Dr. Todd Graham. He was a double board certified physician in both physical medicine and rehabilitation and pain medicine who lived and worked in my district in northern Indiana. prgtoken Last year, he was senselessly murdered after refusing to prescribe an opioid to a patient. prgtoken Dr. Graham prided himself on serving his patients in a friendly and caring fashion. He treated each person individually, taking the time to offer specific steps to treat their issues. prgtoken One day last year, he had an interaction with a patient demanding opioids, a situation that has become disturbingly all too common. He stood firm in refusing to write a prescription for her, but her husband, who was also there, became increasingly angry throughout that visit. Two hours after
ENERGY AND WATER, LEGISLATIVE BRANCH, AND MILITARY CONSTRUCTION AND VETERANS AFFAIRS APPROPRIATIONS ACT, 2019
John Boozman (Republican, AR) \u2014 2018-6-19

I am pleased to present the Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies appropriations bill for fiscal year 2019. This is a bipartisan bill that funds the critical infrastructure for our Nation's servicemembers and their families and takes care of America's 20 million veterans. prgtoken As in years past, this subcommittee crafted the bill in a truly open and bipartisan and collegial way. The subcommittee took into account the requests and preferences of all Members on both sides of the aisle and balanced it with the administration's budget submission. Within this framework, we have created a thoughtful and responsible path forward for both Departments and our related agencies. prgtoken A lot of time and energy have gone into putting this legislation together, and I thank Senator Schatz and his staff for working so hard to address the needs of our servicemembers and veterans. prgtoken This bill provides $97.1 billion in discretionary spending, which is $5.1 billion over last year's level. Within that, the Department of Veterans Affairs is provided a new record level of resources at $86.4 billion in discretionary funding, which is $5 billion over last year's level and $1.1 billion over the President's request. These resources will provide healthcare and other important benefits earned by U.S. servicemembers. prgtoken This bill provides $78.3 billion to support medical treatment and healthcare, including $8.6 billion for mental health, including funds to prevent veteran suicide; $861 million for the caregivers program; $400 million for opioid misuse prevention and treatment; and $270 million for rural health initiatives. prgtoken The bill also includes funds to prevent veterans' homelessness, invest in innovative medical research, eliminate the claims backlog, provide for State extended-care facility construction, and support the Board of Veterans Appeals' efforts to address the growing appellate backlog. prgtoken The bill provides $10.3 billion to support military construction and family housing needs--a $228 million increase over last year's level. This will fund a total of 169 military construction projects that restore warfighter readiness and increase the lethality of our installations. These projects support beddown of new platforms, such as the F-35 and KC-46, and provide investments that support nuclear deterrence and air superiority. Pier replacements and dry dock improvements will add capability and enhance mission readiness. Improvements to airfields, ranges, and maintenance and training facilities will contribute to current and future force readiness. prgtoken This bill provides resources to improve the quality of life for servicemembers and their families. It provides $1.6 billion to provide homes and related housing services to servicemembers and their families living on installations around the world, $388 million to improve schools, and $366 million for hospitals
ENERGY AND WATER, LEGISLATIVE BRANCH, AND MILITARY CONSTRUCTION AND VETERANS AFFAIRS APPROPRIATIONS ACT, 2019--Continued
Lamar Alexander (Republican, TN) \u2014 2018-6-19

for the information of colleagues, we are hoping within the next few minutes to have clearance from the leadership to be able to move ahead on a vote this afternoon on an amendment by Senator Crapo and Senator Whitehouse involving a pilot program for advancing reactor fuel. prgtoken Senator Crapo would like to be recognized when I sit down in order to briefly comment on that amendment. Following that, I ask unanimous consent that Senator Menendez be recognized. prgtoken Hopefully, by the time Senator Menendez is finished, we will have clearance for the vote, and we can proceed to the vote.
ENERGY AND WATER, LEGISLATIVE BRANCH, AND MILITARY CONSTRUCTION AND VETERANS AFFAIRS APPROPRIATIONS ACT, 2019
Bob Corker (Republican, TN) \u2014 2018-6-19

I plan to speak more fully tomorrow on this topic, but the Constitution, as I know the Presiding Officer knows and I know others in the Chamber know, gives the U.S. Congress the authority to deal with revenues and tariffs. prgtoken I know we are dealing with some regular order business during this week, and I am glad we are able to do so. I congratulate my colleague-- the other Senator from Tennessee, our senior Senator--for the way he is conducting himself as it relates to dealing with appropriations and the members of the Appropriations Committee for the work they have done to make sure we can move through this in a timely fashion. prgtoken From time to time, moments arise in U.S. history where Congress should assert its authority and play a calming role at a time when the world is roiling from a President who wakes up each morning and decides the next steps he is going to take against other countries, as it relates to tariffs, with no seeming strategy nor reasoning for much of what he is doing. prgtoken We have an amendment we are seeking to make even better to hopefully cause the Congress--the U.S. Senate and the House of Representatives-- to take its rightful role as it relates to this tariff situation. prgtoken Today, we had a number of small businesses from Tennessee--I am sure there are many from Indiana and Alaska--that are wondering what in the world they are waking up to as tariffs just seem to be rolling off at the White House--again, with no seeming strategy or thought, but just waking up and putting in place taxes on the American people, changing the relationships that have been built since World War II between our Nation and others, in some cases, appearing to take place over personal tiffs the President may have against an individual or another company. That is not the way the United States has led the world. We have a responsibility as a Congress over these matters. prgtoken Section 232 of the Trade Act has never been used like it is being used today, where we, in essence, are claiming, under the guise of national security, tariffs being put in place against our neighbors and against our allies. I don't think there is a person in this body who believes the national security waiver being utilized in the manner it is being utilized is even appropriate. I can't imagine there is anybody in this body who even believes that to be the case. Yet our President wakes up on a daily basis and decides he is going to put in place policies that are going to affect our Nation and others and the citizens we represent, affecting them in major ways. prgtoken So I am here today to say that I know pressure is going to build. I know other countries are going to retaliate. They have no choice but to retaliate. The citizens they represent would push them--are pushing them--to retaliate. They have no choice. prgtoken We as a body have a responsibility at this time to reclaim our responsibilities as they re
RECOGNIZING TOM KLASNER
Rodney Davis (Republican, IL) \u2014 2018-6-19

I rise today to recognize Tom Klasner, who was honored with the 2017 Rural County Engineer Award in April. prgtoken Over the last 16 years, Tom has worked to reduce the number of 19 structurally deficient or obsolete bridges in Jersey County down to prgtoken just five, with plans to further reduce that number. Tom has been an outspoken advocate for improving this infrastructure, especially those traveling with heavy farm equipment. Most of the bridges had been made of timber during the 1920's and 50's, and were deteriorating rapidly. prgtoken Tom has been a strong advocate for improving the Highway Department facility on Illinois Route 16. He has worked relentlessly to make sure Jersey County's Highway Department employees and their equipment is being protected and kept safe especially during the harsh winter months. prgtoken Tom is an exceptional individual within my congressional district. His leadership and expertise has made a lasting impact on Jersey County. Congratulations, Tom, on receiving the 2017 Rural County Engineer Award. I look forward to continuing to work with him throughout the future.
RECOGNIZING NAVY REAR ADMIRAL BUTCH DOLLAGA
Kay Granger (Republican, TX) \u2014 2018-6-19

I rise today to thank Rear Admiral Butch Dollaga for his outstanding service to our country and congratulate him on his recent promotion in the United States Navy. As the Director of the Navy Budget Congressional Liaison Office for the past two years, Rear Admiral Dollaga has made significant and lasting contributions while working closely with me, the Defense Appropriations Subcommittee, and across Capitol Hill to provide critical resources for our Navy's warfighters. He and his outstanding staff have worked tirelessly to ensure operational effectiveness at home and overseas. Rear Admiral Dollaga's promotion was earned from a career of accomplishments and experience. He began his military career after graduating from the United States Naval Academy in 1990. Since then, he has served in an impressive variety of operational and staff assignments, completing numerous deployments overseas on both fast- attack and fleet ballistic missile submarines. His first command tour was the USS Charlotte, SSN 766, homeported in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. While Captain of a Los Angeles-class submarine, he led 110 sailors in the completion of a Western Pacific Deployment. Prior to his current assignment, Rear Admiral Dollaga completed a second command tour as Commodore of Submarine Development Squadron Twelve in Groton, Connecticut where he was in charge of nine fast-attack submarines along with leading the tactical development of the U.S. Submarine Force. In recognizing these outstanding achievements, we must acknowledge the contributions of Rear Admiral Dollaga's family. Long and frequent separations are a way of life for sailors, and it takes a very special kind of family to endure the many hardships deployments and operational commitments present. For that, we owe his wife, Lani, and their family our deepest gratitude. As Rear Admiral Dollaga moves on to his new assignment as the Commander of the Undersea Warfighting Development Center, he leaves behind a legacy of distinguished service and professionalism. I want to extend my thanks for his exceptional service and wish him and his family fair winds and following seas.