mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
FLAG DAY
Ted Poe (Republican, TX) \u2014 2018-6-14

today, we honor the most recognizable symbol of our democracy: the United States flag. On June 14, 1777, the Continental Congress officially established a flag for the fledgling nation, decreeing ``that the flag of the United States be thirteen stripes, alternate red and white; that the union be thirteen stars, white in a blue field, representing a new constellation.'' prgtoken Throughout our nation's history, ``Old Glory'' has been an ever- present emblem of America. It billowed in the wind outside of Independence Hall as the Founding Fathers drafted the Constitution. It inspired the young poet Francis Scott Key in Baltimore Harbor in 1814, who penned the words of our national anthem after watching Fort McHenry withstand a British siege. It traveled west with the Lewis and Clark expedition and eventually with the pioneers as America expanded from sea to shining sea. It was raised high above Mount Suribachi by the Marines on Iwo Jima during World War II. It has flown at the North Pole, at the summit of Mount Everest, and on the moon. prgtoken Both in good times and in bad, the Star Spangled Banner has always yet waved for the American people. Olympic champions held the flag above their heads in triumph, and first-responders have comforted victims of tragedies in its shadow. Our students pledge their allegiance to it each morning, and soldiers and peace officers salute it as they lay their fallen comrades to rest. It continues to remind us of our past, present, and future, flying permanently over the village green of Lexington, Massachusetts, the White House, and all United States customs ports of entry. prgtoken Above all, the flag is an embodiment of our identity. Today, the fifty stars in the sea of blue are a visual reminder of our national motto: e pluribus unum. Out of many states came one united nation, and fifty stars, thirteen stripes, and a sea of blue together form a vital component of our one national flag. prgtoken , all Americans should cherish and respect the flag. Old Glory honors the sacrifice of American men and women who died for the country, guides us to make tough decisions today, and inspires future generations to dream big. Thus, the Stars and Stripes will forever proudly fly over the land of the free and the home of the brave. prgtoken And that is just the way it is.
RECOGNIZING ALZHEIMER'S AWARENESS MONTH
Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (Republican, FL) \u2014 2018-6-14

I rise today in recognition of Alzheimer's Awareness Month. prgtoken Sadly, Alzheimer's is one of the fastest growing, costliest, and deadliest epidemics facing our Nation. I am all too familiar with the pain and heartbreak surrounding this dreadful disease because my mother passed away in 2011 due to complications from Alzheimer's. prgtoken It is important to note that my experience is not unique. Over 5.7 million Americans are living with this disease, including half a million Floridians. That is why I am a staunch advocate for Alzheimer's research funding. prgtoken I am also proud to have recently cosponsored H.R. 4256, the BOLD Infrastructure for Alzheimer's Act. This bill prgtoken would create a modern public health infrastructure across our Nation designed to increase early detection and diagnosis of Alzheimer's. It would also focus on supporting the needs of caregivers who often bear the lasting impact of this disease. prgtoken , I encourage all my colleagues to stand with Alzheimer's patients, with their families, and with their caregivers and support this important bill.
Introductory Statement on S. 3067
Susan M. Collins (Republican, ME) \u2014 2018-6-14

I rise today to introduce legislation with my colleague from Ohio, Senator Sherrod Brown, that would remove an unnecessary, outdated barrier for Medicare beneficiaries managing diabetes. Our legislation would allow physician assistants (PAs) and nurse practitioners (NPs) to satisfy the Medicare documentation requirement certifying a patient's need for therapeutic, or diabetic, shoes, which will improve access to care, reduce barriers to proper diabetic management, and help to reduce the prevalence of costly complications that can arise if diabetic symptoms are not managed properly. This bipartisan bill, the Promoting Access to Diabetic Shoes Act, is a companion to H.R. 1617 from my fellow Diabetes Caucus Co- Chair, Representative Tom Reed of New York, which has growing support on both sides of the aisle in the House. prgtoken As the founder and co-chair of the Senate Diabetes Caucus, I have worked since the very beginning of my Senate service to increase awareness of the threats posed by diabetes, invest in research, and improve access to treatment options for the over 30 million Americans, including twelve million seniors, who suffer from diabetes. In addition to the human toll, diabetes is also the most expensive chronic illness in the country. A new American Diabetes Association report released in March titled, ``Economic Costs of Diabetes in the U.S. in 2017,'' found that the direct and indirect costs of diagnosed diabetes in the U.S. cost $327 billion in 2017, which is a 26 percent increase in just the last five years. prgtoken Preventable complications contribute enormously to the influx of dollars being spent on diabetic care and prgtoken management. Today, more than one in five health care dollars and one in three Medicare dollars are spent on care for people with diabetes. prgtoken Under the current Medicare statute, physician assistants or nurse practitioners are required to refer their patients with diabetes to a physician in order to certify the patient's need for therapeutic shoes, which often results in delays in treatment and added costs. The Promoting Access to Diabetic Shoes Act would fix this problem by allowing nurse practitioners and physician assistants to certify a Medicare beneficiary's need for therapeutic shoes, which will improve timeliness and access to care while reducing costs. prgtoken Therapeutic shoes are a cost effective, preventive treatment option intended to avoid the costly complications that can arise if maintenance of diabetic care is delayed or unavailable. Types of complications that can result from unmanaged diabetic symptoms include poor circulation, infections, and foot ulcers that can require hospitalization, or even result in the amputation of toes, feet, or legs. prgtoken In addition to preventable complications and additional costs that can result from delays in treatment, the current documentation requirement under Medicare can also disrupt the tr
SECURING THE INTERNATIONAL MAIL AGAINST OPIOIDS ACT OF 2018
Andy Harris (Republican, MD) \u2014 2018-6-14

I rise today in support of H.R. 5788. prgtoken , there are many facets of opioid abuse and overdoses. We are going to need many pieces of legislation to deal with all of them. This is a particularly important piece of legislation. It deals with the use of the U.S. mail service to import synthetic opioids. prgtoken As an anesthesiologist, I have used synthetic opioids for over 30 years, especially the synthetic opioid fentanyl. After it was discovered, it was widely used in a very important drug, especially to treat our sickest patients; but now it is a killer drug, frequently used illegally, mixed with heroin. prgtoken Because of its very specific pharmacologic action, it is highly lethal when misused. To add to that, , now there is a derivative called carfentanil that is 100 times more potent. prgtoken Why is it so important that we secure our mail system? prgtoken A grain of rice is 29 milligrams. That is the weight of a grain of rice. Fentanyl the size of a grain of rice will kill 29 people. That is how lethal it is. If it is carfentanil, it is 100 hundred times more potent. That grain of rice-sized piece of carfentanil will kill 2,900 people. prgtoken Obviously, the mail system can be used to transport these drugs. Because these are so highly lethal, in Maryland, half our overdose deaths now involve fentanyl or a derivative. prgtoken Because these are so small, so concealable, so highly lethal, we have to secure all mechanisms by which these drugs can be transmitted to be used illegally. The mail system right now, because of loopholes that exist that we have heard about today, can be used to transport those drugs to kill our youth. They are imported from foreign countries, where, without any remorse, these drugs are shipped to the United States and result in overdose deaths here. prgtoken , we have to pass H.R. 5788. We have to secure our mail system and take the scourge of these fentanyl, carfentanil, and other synthetic opioids off our streets where they are killing young Americans.
NATIONAL DEFENSE AUTHORIZATION ACT FOR FISCAL YEAR 2019
Lindsey Graham (Republican, SC) \u2014 2018-6-14

. Yes reserving the right to object, and I will object. prgtoken My colleague from Utah, who is a very smart man on the Judiciary Committee, like I am--I don't know if I am smart, but we are on the same committee--we are actually making progress here. prgtoken Just briefly, Senator Cruz has had an amendment that says if someone is suspected of being part of an enemy force, they will have a hearing to strip their citizenship, which avoids the problem Senator Lee and I have. He is trying to combine that with his amendment. prgtoken Unfortunately, there is no ability to hold them as an enemy combatant during that process--and maybe we can work that out later--so I object.
HONORING CAROL AND GERALD CLARK
Doug Lamborn (Republican, CO) \u2014 2018-6-14

I rise today to recognize Gerald and Carol Clark, who have long been the driving force in Teller County, Colorado and champions for the cause of liberty. For many years, the Clarks have been devoted servants to countless civic leaders throughout Teller County and have always been highly regarded for their steadfast commitment and dependability. Teller County will never be the same without the Clarks. prgtoken The following testimonials speak to their personal character and the standard they set for generations to follow: ``Carol and Gerry have always been synonymous with the term `American Patriots.' ''--Hon. Robert C. Balink ``It's difficult to describe Carol's love for this country and how valuable her contributions have been over the years to the cause of freedom. She is always striving to make things better. We will miss her tireless efforts immensely. Needless to say, Gerry has been her constant companion for many, many years, supporting her at every step of the way.''--Norma Thompson ``Carol has been an awesome leader . . . due in part because she was always such a `doer'. We have all been blessed because of you.''--Carolyn Fairchild ``Carol and Gerry were the backbone of Teller County and I, along with many others from far and wide, are honored to call them friends. I whole heartedly endorse and petition the United States House of Representatives to recognize Carol and Gerry Clark for their patriotism and unmitigated duty to the citizens of Teller County Colorado and the Pikes Peak Region.''--Pete LaBarre ``Gerry and Carol Clark of Woodland Park, Colorado, are true patriots. Driven by true American Principals and a hard work ethic, they have led many others to stand up for these principals by actively working to advance public education on important matters of policy on the local, state and national levels. Gerry and Carol Clark were usually the first to volunteer for the long hours of staffing information centers and organizing volunteers. They tirelessly gave of their time and treasure to ensure others had access to reliable information and always communicating in civil and polite ways with those whose views differed from their own. They have both truly made a difference in the things that mattered. Their honorable service to our community, state, and nation deserves our heartfelt gratitude.''--Cheryl and Norm Steen, Teller County Commissioner ``Words are inadequate to express our gratitude and appreciation of the incomparable work and attitude you have displayed. Saying goodbye is never easy especially to people who have been such valued team members. We wish you all the best for now and into the future. If you can learn that is good. If you can teach that is life changing.''--Dol
TRANSITIONAL HOUSING FOR RECOVERY IN VIABLE ENVIRONMENTS DEMONSTRATION PROGRAM ACT
Jeb Hensarling (Republican, TX) \u2014 2018-6-14

I want to thank the gentleman for coming and offering this very simple amendment. I thank him for his kind words for the gentleman from Kentucky, who has been an outstanding leader in this effort. prgtoken The amendment will simply allow Congress to work its will on the report from the Secretary and allow us to have our own full analysis. I think it is a helpful amendment. I would urge its adoption. prgtoken Finally, I would just echo what my friend from Kentucky, the leader of this effort, has said. We are an authorizing committee, not an appropriating committee under the rules of the House, and we authorize programs based upon priorities. prgtoken We do demonstration projects all the time, and if there were ever a worthy one that should be considered by this body in the midst of, again, a legitimate crisis on opioid addiction, it ought to be this program. prgtoken We have had several amendments that have been agreed to by the majority. I think all have probably improved the underlying legislation. But again, this is something that should have been on the suspension calendar, I don't understand why we have to take so much floor time on this. I don't understand the argument that, if you can't help everybody, then don't help anybody. I don't understand the argument that, since you are not an appropriating committee, then don't authorize the help. I simply don't understand that. prgtoken Again, we have the opportunity in this Congress, on this floor, at this moment to make a difference, a huge difference, in the road to recovery for thousands of opioid addicts who are trying to get their lives back together. If we believe in their hope and if we believe in their cause, then we should support the THRIVE Act of the gentleman from Kentucky. prgtoken , I certainly support the amendment from the gentleman from Arizona, and .
NATIONAL DEFENSE AUTHORIZATION ACT FOR FISCAL YEAR 2019
Steve Daines (Republican, MT) \u2014 2018-6-14

Last year, just a few miles down the road in Virginia, a disabled World War II veteran, Richard Cohen, woke up to his burned American flag on his doorstep. Let me say that again. Richard Cohen, who was wounded by German machinegun fire while defending our freedom in World War II, woke up to his American flag desecrated on his doorstep. prgtoken Unfortunately, this is just one of many astonishing stories of our American flag being ruined. In fact, since 2014, there have been 50 known offensive acts of American flag burning. That is 50 times that our symbol of freedom--that thousands of Americans have paid the ultimate sacrifice for--was destroyed. prgtoken That is why I am here today, Flag Day, to speak about my constitutional amendment that would prohibit the burning of the American flag. The colors of the flag--red, white, and blue--symbolize valor, purity, and perseverance. The American flag represents our Nation's history and the character of our Nation's Founding Fathers. prgtoken Beginning with those Founding Fathers, the American flag represents the patriotism and dedication of men and women who fought to defend our Nation's freedom when our country was founded more than 200 years ago today. Thousands of brave and selfless men and women have given their lives in sacrifice and service to our country and in defense of our flag. prgtoken That is why I have introduced this constitutional amendment to provide Congress with the authority to prohibit burning of the American flag. Our flag should be protected in honor of the countless American servicemembers who have paid the ultimate sacrifice to defend it. prgtoken It is no wonder, by overwhelming majorities, our veterans and organizations like the American Legion support this because they have been on the frontlines defending our freedom. prgtoken Our veterans are the best example of why America is still the greatest country on Earth and why our freedoms and our liberties are worth defending. prgtoken In the words of that World War II veteran Richard Cohen, ``I served under that flag and I bled for it, really, and it was a personal affront.'' prgtoken The American flag has been a symbol of hope, a symbol of freedom for centuries, and it ought to be respected. On this day, Flag Day, may God continue to bless our troops, our veterans, and this great United States of America. prgtoken .
REMEMBERING PHILO T. FARNSWORTH
Orrin G. Hatch (Republican, UT) \u2014 2018-6-14

I rise today to pay tribute to a remarkable Utahn whose impact has been felt by generations of Americans every day: the ``Father of Television,'' Mr. Philo T. Farnsworth. A true American inventor, Farnsworth's image has graced Statuary Hall in the U.S. Capitol Building since 1990 in larger-than-life fashion, as one of two statue contributions by Utah. prgtoken Just a few months ago, the Utah State Legislature voted to replace the Farnsworth statue with that of Martha Hughes Cannon, the first woman State senator in Utah and the Nation. Her influence as a Mormon pioneer, a Utah women's rights advocate, and early female physician opened doors and paved prgtoken the way for millions to follow. In 1896, when she defeated her own husband to become the first female State senator elected in the United States, she made history for our State and for women across the country. prgtoken Martha's contributions have been far-reaching in Utah, but in no way should the changing of the statues diminish the contributions of Philo T. Farnsworth as one of America's greatest innovators. I have always been proud to show the thousands of constituents who visit the Capitol each year the Farnsworth statue. This iconic sculpture has been a wonderful representation of the traits that our State was founded on: hard work, innovation, and industry. prgtoken Farnsworth was born in 1906 in Beaver, UT, a small rural town settled in 1856 by Mormon pioneers traveling the road to southern Utah. His early pioneer roots encouraged a work ethic and can-do attitude that propelled his lifelong love of learning and invention. From a very young age, he imagined and later implemented scientific designs, including a machine to convert electric power in his family home and a tamper-proof lock, but it was in a high school chemistry class in Rigby, ID, that he began to sketch an idea for a vacuum tube that would forever change the media and entertainment landscape. Farnsworth's sketch was the blueprint for what would eventually become the modern- day television. prgtoken Farnsworth had a special knack for taking big ideas from paper to practice--first, as a student at Brigham Young University, then later as a businessman. He didn't just stop with television. In fact, his scientific mind made great inroads in other areas of advancement, including sterilizing milk using radio waves. prgtoken In later years, Farnsworth continued research in further technologies, including radar, the infrared telescope, and nuclear fusion. In fact, in 1967, he moved back to Utah to run a fusion lab at Brigham Young University, which was later relocated to Salt Lake City operating as the Philo T. Farnsworth Association. prgtoken Unfortunately, Farnsworth had to endure legal battles throughout his career regarding patent claims. He also faced great financial hardship. He passed away from pneumonia on March 11, 1971, in Salt Lake City, UT, just as having a home televi
OPIOID EPIDEMIC
Rob Portman (Republican, OH) \u2014 2018-6-14

today I come back to the floor of the Senate to talk again about the opioid crisis that has gripped the country and my State of Ohio. prgtoken I want to focus on the issue of fentanyl. This is the most deadly of the drugs now. It is a drug that is causing the most overdoses at a time in which we have unprecedented numbers of overdoses. prgtoken Fentanyl is a synthetic form of heroin and opioids. It is coming through the mail. It is coming mostly from one country--China. It is the poison that has contributed more in the last few years to the rise in opioid use than anything else. prgtoken Over the past week, we have made some significant progress in pushing back against fentanyl, and I want to report on that today. prgtoken As I am talking today, the U.S. House of Representatives is going to take up legislation called the STOP Act, which we have been working on here in the Senate for a couple of years. I am very pleased about that. I suspect the vote today will be bipartisan. I suspect it will pass the House. prgtoken I also want to report that here in the Senate we have had a breakthrough in the last week. Not only have we negotiated something with the House that is, in my view, an improvement from the legislation that passed the House Ways and Means committee a couple of weeks ago, but also, in the Senate Finance Committee this week, we had a markup and got a commitment from the chairman and ranking member that the Finance Committee will also mark up the same legislation--identical legislation--as is likely to pass the House of Representatives today. prgtoken I thank Chairman Orrin Hatch and Ranking Member Ron Wyden for working with us to ensure we could get this legislation marked up in committee and onto the floor of the U.S. Senate as part of whatever we do in terms of the opioid crisis here in the coming days and weeks. prgtoken Of course, I also commend my House colleagues for the vote today and for the work they have done on this, particularly the Ways and Means Committee chairman, Kevin Brady, Representatives Mike Bishop, Dave prgtoken Reichert, Bill Pascrell, and John Faso for their efforts on this bill to combat the opioid crisis. Again, my hope is the bill that passes the House today will be identical to the bill we will take up here on the floor of the U.S. Senate, so we can ensure we can get this bill to the President for his signature as soon as possible. prgtoken This is an urgent issue. This is not just an important issue; it is an urgent issue. We need to push back, and we need to push back hard. prgtoken The drug fentanyl is so dangerous that a couple milligrams of it, a few flecks of it, can kill you. Again, it is something that is causing the most overdoses right now. It is not just affecting those who are overdosing on it; it is affecting all of us, including our first responders, including young children who come in contact with it. The stories of kids exposed to fentanyl are rea