mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
HIPAA PRIVACY RULES SHOULD BE TWEAKED
Tim Murphy (Republican, PA) \u2014 2017-2-7

our Nation's HIPAA patient privacy laws should be improved to allow for compassionate communication between doctors, primary caregivers, families, and patients. Recently, the editorial board of the Observer-Reporter joined the conversation in support, citing a specific instance in Greene County, Pennsylvania. They wrote: Christopher was arrested in early December and attacked police officers at the scene. Witnessing his erratic behavior, the officers decided to take him to a hospital for a mental health evaluation. Christopher was released from the hospital after there was apparently no communication between the hospital's medical staff and the arresting police officers. prgtoken Less than 4 weeks later, Christopher was shot to death by his brother, Ryan, in what Ryan and others described as self-defense. prgtoken If only the doctors were allowed to share limited, critically important information with the family, with law enforcement, and with supportive community specialists, this tragedy could have been avoided. prgtoken The leading predictor of success in treatment for a person with serious mental illness is family involvement. We must change Federal regulations to help, not block, treatment. Until then, there will be more sad stories like Christopher's every day.
PROVIDING FOR CONGRESSIONAL DISAPPROVAL OF RULE SUBMITTED BY DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION RELATING TO ACCOUNTABILITY AND STATE PLANS
Virginia Foxx (Republican, NC) \u2014 2017-2-7

I want to thank my colleague Mr. Rokita for yielding time and for handling this on the floor today. prgtoken , I rise in strong support of H.J. Res. 57. For years, the Federal Government operated under the flawed idea that Washington knows best when it comes to education. Policies put in place in recent decades vastly expanded the Federal footprint in the K-12 schools and prevented State and local education leaders from delivering the high- quality education all children deserve. prgtoken Something needed to change. Yet, under the administration, the problem only got worse. For years, the last administration used regulations, waivers, and pet projects to unilaterally exert its control over education. Its heavy-handed, one-size-fits-all policies only increased the Federal role in America's classrooms, moving K-12 education in the wrong direction. That is why s and came together to pass the Every Student Succeeds Act. prgtoken Enacted just over a year ago, the law was built on three important principles: empowering parents, reducing the Federal role, and restoring local control. It sent a clear message that the American people were done with the top-down approach to education. prgtoken Unfortunately, the previous administration didn't get the message. The Department of Education continued using rules and regulations to push its failed education agenda--the same agenda Congress rejected with overwhelming bipartisan support. We are here today to put a stop to two of those rules. prgtoken The resolution under consideration, H.J. Res. 57, will roll back a regulation implementing accountability provisions in the Every Student Succeeds Act. The law empowers States to develop ways to hold schools accountable to the students and parents they serve, and ensure taxpayer dollars are being spent responsibly. The Department's accountability rule, however, does the exact opposite. Not only does it impose prescriptive accountability requirements on State education leaders, but it also violates specific prohibitions the law places on the Secretary of Education's authority. prgtoken We also considered, a few moments ago, H.J. Res. 58, which will block implementation of a regulation that significantly expands the Federal Government's involvement in teacher preparation. prgtoken Yet, another example of overreach, the teacher preparation rule essentially creates a Federal system for evaluating teacher performance. It would be virtually impossible to implement and could lead to fewer teachers serving low-income students. prgtoken Together, these two resolutions of disapproval will move us towards limiting the Federal role in education and protect the local control promised with recent education reforms. prgtoken I want to thank Representatives Rokita and Guthrie for their work to fight against the flawed policies of the past and for leading the way in delivering a more positive, more limited, and more r
DISAPPROVING RULE SUBMITTED BY DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR RELATING TO BUREAU OF LAND MANAGEMENT REGULATIONS
Scott R. Tipton (Republican, CO) \u2014 2017-2-7

the Bureau of Land Management manages 245 million acres, or nearly 10 percent of the total area of the United States, and a whopping 700 million acres of mineral estate. Nearly all of this acreage is in our Western States, which makes it imperative that the agency extensively cooperate with the State and local governments during the planning process. prgtoken It is true that the BLM's new planning rule, Planning 2.0, included revisions to several aspects of the planning process, some of which seemed to make some good sense. prgtoken Unfortunately, the new rule also introduced a significant measure of confusion regarding how planning areas would be determined, and, most distressingly, diminished the historic and valued role that State and local governments play throughout the process. prgtoken In many of the counties in my district, it is not uncommon for the public lands to make up well over half of the total area. For these communities, having an equal seat at the planning table isn't merely a luxury. It is an essential ingredient to ensuring that our way of life is proudly maintained over many generations and is not extinguished. prgtoken Because of this, the BLM is required by law to consult and to coordinate with State and local governments and maintain consistency across their management plans and policies. Yet, the agency's new planning rule envisioned weakening that partnership in several regards. For one, the agency intends to dismiss consistency requirements with anything other than the officially approved and adopted plans. This not only places an undue burden on rural communities who likely do not have the resources available to draft and maintain comprehensive plans, but significantly lessens the importance of an array of other policies and agreements that are germane to the planning process. prgtoken The importance of a State Governor's review of a Federal management plan is also reduced, as it appears to limit input only to the identification of inconsistencies with State and local plans, but precludes formal input and observations regarding other aspects of the plan. prgtoken Americans the Nation over treasure our public lands and thoroughly enjoy our ability to be able to access them. But it cannot be denied that, in many of our communities, decisions made by Federal Land Management agencies like the BLM have amplified the impact. No planning process revision should weaken the voices of our communities as Planning 2.0 would do. prgtoken For those reasons, I urge my colleagues to support this resolution. I applaud the efforts of my colleague out of Wyoming for her efforts on this and urge passage of this resolution.
DISAPPROVING RULE SUBMITTED BY DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR RELATING TO BUREAU OF LAND MANAGEMENT REGULATIONS
Doug LaMalfa (Republican, CA) \u2014 2017-2-7

thank you to my colleague from Wyoming for the time and ability to weigh in on this. prgtoken Today, I rise in support of the measure for congressional disapproval under the Congressional Review Act for disapproving of the BLM's 2.0 rule. prgtoken It is another midnight regulation passed in the final days of the previous administration which undercuts the resource management planning process on public lands by stripping local community input and centralizing, again, in Washington, D.C the decisionmaking. prgtoken California holds some of the largest amounts of public land in the U.S. The Federal Government has approximately 46 percent of the total land in California, amounting to about 46 million acres. BLM oversees about 15 million acres of those public lands, or about 15 percent of the State's total land mass. prgtoken The abundance of natural resources and diversity of landscapes within California creates unique challenges for BLM to even fulfill its multiple-use mandate. It is essential that development of these resource management plans include close coordination with local, State, and tribal governments--the people who actually grew up and know those lands the best for all of the potential these lands could bring, whether it is for development of potential energy or timber management. Whatever those ideas are that they would have, let the locals have the input on it. These decisions need to be made with that local input so that everyone's voice is heard. prgtoken In strong rural areas like my own, the First District of California, close coordination between the Federal Government and local groups is vital to have good decisions be made regarding public land management. Unfortunately, what we have is nonmanagement, and we suffer for that each summer and fall with a forestry that is not managed and the inability to have an economic opportunity for those people in those areas. prgtoken The 2.0 rule does just the opposite with that collaboration. It strengthens BLM's power once again in Washington, marginalizing Western counties and districts, eliminating their ability to coordinate or challenge BLM's proposed plans in an open setting. prgtoken Under the pretext of climate change and landscape scale management, the agency's rule undermines federalism and allows for the implementation of a previous era environmental agenda. No wonder Modoc County, in my own district, as well as other counties from Western States have sued BLM for its failure to properly engage and coordinate with the public and fulfill what the law requires for the BLM in managing these lands.
PROVIDING FOR CONGRESSIONAL DISAPPROVAL OF RULE SUBMITTED BY DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION RELATING TO TEACHER PREPARATION ISSUES
Ted Budd (Republican, NC) \u2014 2017-2-7

. I thank the chairman. prgtoken , H.J. Res. 57, which we will be voting on today and discussing and debating in a few moments, would overturn an administration rule on school accountability standards that were finalized back in November. prgtoken Congress passed a law last year with the intent of giving power back to States and to local communities, but unelected bureaucrats at the Department of Education finalized this rule last year which, ultimately, could force Common Core standards on States that don't comply. prgtoken We see this time and time again. Congress will create a law, and then an agency that is filled with unelected officials disregards the will of the people by writing regulations as it sees fit. Every American, in putting aside one's personal ideology, can agree that an important issue like how we educate our kids is not something that we should decide here in Washington. In the months and the years to come, we should welcome a continued debate about whether the fate of a child's education should be decided in Washington or if a child's education should be more personalized at the State and the community levels. In my view, dictating specific accountability requirements from Washington and punishing those who don't meet those standards is a losing prescription. prgtoken It is my hope that every kid in my district, in North Carolina, and around the country has a quality education. I think that is the hope of my colleagues, too. The more we think that Washington has all of the answers, the further we get away from our founding vision of a limited Federal role in our lives, especially in something as personal as education. prgtoken It will be debated in a few moments, but I do urge a ``yes'' vote on H.J. Res. 57.
UF HEALTH SHANDS HOSPITAL PEDIATRIC HEART TRANSPLANT PROGRAM
Ted S. Yoho (Republican, FL) \u2014 2017-2-7

I rise today to recognize the University of Florida's UF Health Shands Hospital pediatric heart transplant program for being named one of the best in the Nation. According to the Scientific Registry of Transplant Recipients, this unit has had zero pediatric heart transplant deaths in the last 2\1/2\ years. prgtoken Since 2006, the UF Health Shands Transplant Center has performed a total of 120 pediatric heart and lung transplants, making it one of the most active pediatric heart transplant programs in the Southeast. In fact, in the last year, U.S. News and World Report named UF Health number one in the State and fourth in the Nation for pediatric heart surgeries and cardiology. This recognition speaks volumes about the level of care shown by the physicians and their teams at UF Health, and I look forward to watching them continue to be a leader in patient care and innovation in the coming years. prgtoken I must end with Go Gators.
DISAPPROVING RULE SUBMITTED BY DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR RELATING TO BUREAU OF LAND MANAGEMENT REGULATIONS
Kevin McCarthy (Republican, CA) \u2014 2017-2-7

I thank the gentlewoman for yielding. prgtoken , I want to thank the gentlewoman from Wyoming for her hard work on this bill and bringing it here today. Most people don't realize just how much land the Federal Government controls, and it is just a fact that someone thousands of miles away in an office in D.C. won't understand those land issues as much as the people who live on the land do. prgtoken Now, the sponsor of this bill, Ms knows that in her great State of Wyoming, they constantly struggle with the Federal Government over land policies, just as California and many Western States do. Federal regulators restrict how we can build, what our farmers can grow, where our ranchers can graze, and how our people can enjoy the beauty of our land. prgtoken The Bureau of Land Management's new rule, the innocently named Planning 2.0 rule, imposes Washington's vision on land management over vast areas of the West. This was devised by people who don't live on our land and who don't know our land, and they just try to dictate how to use our land. They are undermining the very idea of multiple use of Federal lands by making the lands entirely off limits for any type of economic purposes. prgtoken Under this rule, the Bureau will cut out local and county officials even more. They will consolidate control over 175 million acres of land in 11 States out West, and that is not a small amount of land. Just to put that in perspective, that is over 261 times the size of Rhode Island. prgtoken Using the Congressional Review Act today, we will be able to overturn this last-minute power grab from the administration and bring some power back to the people. The American people should have the power back again to write their own future. prgtoken I want to thank Congresswoman for keeping her word and for standing with Wyoming and all those out west who care for their land and want those locals to be able to control and to understand where it is best to graze, to care, and to build, not somebody in Washington to dictate what to do with it.
FORMER-LEADER ROBERT ``BOB'' MICHEL
John Shimkus (Republican, IL) \u2014 2017-2-7

I ask for support and prayers for our giants still among our midst. Leader Bob Michel is struggling and in ill health. Bob was born and raised in Peoria, Illinois. He is 93 years old, a World War II vet, fought across Europe, and was part of the D- day invasion. prgtoken For 38 years, he served in this Chamber being minority leader from the 97th Congress through the 103rd Congress. That is a total of 14 years. prgtoken Bob was honored by then-House Foley when he was asked to take the gavel on November 29, 1994. I would encourage my colleagues to look at that C-SPAN tape. prgtoken Bob, we love you. We are thinking about you at this critical time.
DISAPPROVING RULE SUBMITTED BY DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR RELATING TO BUREAU OF LAND MANAGEMENT REGULATIONS
Liz Cheney (Republican, WY) \u2014 2017-2-7

my colleague from Virginia may not be completely aware of the implementation and the effect of this rule in Western States like Wyoming where, for example, the process that has been described as an open process is, in fact, one where, in my State, our Department of Environmental Quality on another BLM rule was in a position where they agreed to be a cooperating agency and then did not hear from the BLM for 4 years. prgtoken When you are talking about our very livelihood, you are in a situation where we simply can't run that risk. We cannot adopt a rule or let a rule stand that expands that kind of authority in Washington, no matter who is in charge in Washington. prgtoken , I yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from Colorado (Mr. Tipton).
HONORING COLBY LAYNE MATTHYS
Sam Graves (Republican, MO) \u2014 2017-2-7

I proudly pause to recognize Colby Layne Matthys. Colby is a very special young man who has exemplified the finest qualities of citizenship and leadership by taking an active part in the Boy Scouts of America, Troop 1351, and earning the most prestigious award of Eagle Scout. Colby has been very active with his troop, participating in many scout activities. Over the many years Colby has been involved with scouting, he has not only earned numerous merit badges, but also the respect of his family, peers, and community. Most notably, Colby has contributed to his community through his Eagle Scout project I proudly ask you to join me in commending Colby Layne Matthys for his accomplishments with the Boy Scouts of America and for his efforts put forth in achieving the highest distinction of Eagle Scout.
EDUCATION REFORM
Rick W. Allen (Republican, GA) \u2014 2017-2-7

back in 2015, Congress passed one of the most significant education reform legislation in decades. Even more impressive than repealing No Child Left Behind, scaling back the role of the Secretary of Education and restoring authority back to the States and local school districts was the fact that this legislation was bipartisan, bicameral, and signed into law by President . prgtoken But even so, this couldn't exempt our States and schools from the watchful eyes of Washington. President 's Department of Education unsurprisingly went over the line by expanding his authority, a role that Congress clearly did not allow for in the law. prgtoken That is why today I am delighted to see the House pass H.J. Res. 57 because we have to make the Department of Education follow the law as it was intended by Congress. The Every Student Succeeds Act was written to stop Federal micromanagement of our schools, and Congress is ensuring that that happens. For the last time, Washington bureaucrats do not belong in the classroom.
IN MEMORY OF GENIE MUNNERLYN DUNCAN
Joe Wilson (Republican, SC) \u2014 2017-2-7

the Midlands of South Carolina has lost a beloved civic leader with the death of Genie Duncan. Services were conducted by Presiding Minister Rev. Donna Stone Eidson and Pianist Christopher A. McCroskey at Trinity United Methodist Church. The following obituary from the church program was heartfelt and appropriate: Genie Munnerlyn Duncan, 79, was born May 24, 1937, in Marion, SC, and passed away Wednesday, Feb. 1, 2017. She was the daughter of the late Joseph and Catherine Munnerlyn and graduated from Marion High School and Columbia College. She will be deeply missed by her five children, Donald (Laurie), Susan, Madison, Brian (Shannon), and Jody, as well as her five grandchildren, Ashton, Hunter, Landon, Taylor, and Skylar. She is also survived by her brothers, Jody (Ginger) and Sammy (Diane) Munnerlyn. She was preceded in death by her husband of 35 years, Donald A. Duncan. Genie lived a full and extraordinary life. She was passionate about her family, faith, her side of politics, USC sports, and ``holding court'' at Nick's on Sunset Blvd. She touched everyone she met in a deep and meaningful way. Her greatest gift to the world was the love she shared with everyone. The love she leaves behind will warm our hearts and conversations for years to come. In memory of their sisterly friendship with Genie, the Honorary Pallbearers are carrying a red rose given to them by the family per Genie's request. Memorials may be made to Trinity United Methodist Church Maintenance Fund, 1201 Mohawk Dr West Columbia, SC 29169.A07FE8.
PROVIDING FOR CONGRESSIONAL DISAPPROVAL OF RULE SUBMITTED BY DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION RELATING TO TEACHER PREPARATION ISSUES
David P. Roe (Republican, TN) \u2014 2017-2-7

I rise today in support of H.J. Res. 58, which nullifies the teacher preparation issues rule finalized by the Department of Education in October of 2016. prgtoken , it is an unfortunate situation that we find ourselves in when I consistently hear from educators that they are spending more and more time trying to comply with misguided rules from the Federal Government instead of teaching our children and grandchildren. prgtoken The Department of Education and the administration have acted as if they know what type of teacher is best for east Tennessee instead of the prgtoken people living and working there every day. I want nothing more than to have the best teachers in our classrooms teaching children all across this country, but burdensome one-size-fits-all regulations from the Federal Government that emphasize bureaucracy and compliance instead of a student education is not the way to get there. prgtoken The teacher preparation regulations put forth by the administration are yet another example of misguided Federal overreach that would burden schools, institutions of higher education, and States. These regulations are unfunded and would impose extensive data collection requirements on States, colleges, and universities. And one university, , in my State spends $150 million a year complying with government regulations. prgtoken Under these regulations, institutions of higher education that do not meet the rules requirements could lose access to Federal financial aid, which is yet another example of the prior administration using the regulatory process to bypass the legislative process. Both the School Superintendents Association and the National Governors Association have highlighted how these regulations are a significant intrusion on the role States play in ensuring accountability for teacher preparation. The American Association of Colleges for Teacher Education has indicated that these regulations are likely to exacerbate teacher shortages in areas where they are critically needed, like special education. prgtoken When Congress passed on a bipartisan basis Every Student Succeeds Act, we expected the administration would work to continue the momentum for giving States and local school districts the flexibility they needed to help kids learn. The administration went in the opposite direction, which is why I encourage my colleagues to support this resolution.