mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
Healthcare (Executive Session)
Doug Jones (Democrat, AL) \u2014 2018-5-22

I come to the floor today and rise to speak on a challenge that our rural health communities face both in Alabama and across the country. People living in rural areas often face difficulty in finding healthcare providers. The challenges of consistent, quality healthcare for rural America are exponentially more difficult than in any other area in the country. These persistent gaps in healthcare inevitably lead to poor health outcomes. prgtoken As a result, life expectancy for rural Alabamans is approximately 6 months lower than for those who reside in prgtoken urban areas and 3\1/2\ years lower than for people living in the rest of the country. In some parts of my State, the outlook is even worse. In Wilcox County, for example, life expectancy is 9 years lower than the national average. That is unacceptable. The county of your birth or where you choose to live should not dictate the quality of your life, much less your life expectancy. prgtoken Despite the prosperity some pockets of the country feel today, outcomes don't seem to be improving in many areas in rural America. Alabama's rural hospitals are at risk, and many are in immediate danger of closing. Sadly, some already have. Just last week, yet another hospital--this one in Jacksonville, AL--announced that they would close; it is about the 12th, I think, since 2011. It has become an all- too-familiar pattern in Alabama and in other rural areas in America. That means the quality and number of treatment options in these rural areas and in Alabama continue to decline. Fifty-two of Alabama's rural counties are facing primary care shortages, and those numbers get worse for specialty practitioners like dentistry and obstetrics. prgtoken Having spent nearly my entire life in Alabama--the only exception being 1 year in Washington, DC, working for this body on the Senate Judiciary Committee--I am acutely aware of the unique difficulties we face in keeping folks healthy. As I have traveled across Alabama over the last year, I have heard from folks who struggle to access medical care. I have heard from expectant mothers who didn't know if they would be able to make it to a hospital in time for delivery because the closest one was more than an hour away. I have heard from people who are impacted by the growing opioid epidemic and the lack of substance abuse and mental health treatment options in their communities. prgtoken When I came to the Senate, I knew I needed and wanted to make increasing access to quality, affordable healthcare one of my first priorities. I also knew that finding the Holy Grail of true healthcare reform in today's world of partisan politics is a difficult and complex task. I am proud to say that we have made some progress since I got here in January. For instance, through bipartisan efforts, the expired Children's Health Insurance Program, CHIP, which provides coverage to 150,000 Alabama kids as well as community health centers
VA MISSION BILL (Executive Session)
Patrick J. Leahy (Democrat, VT) \u2014 2018-5-22

as vice chairman of the Appropriations Committee, I want to associate myself with Chairman Shelby's remarks. Since the inception of the Choice Program in 2014, it has been riddled with delays, programmatic problems, and fiscal instability. In many areas of the country, the networks that were established left providers unhappy about the speed of reimbursement and veterans often trying to navigate a cumbersome system. Congress has had to provide $4.2 billion within the last year alone, just to keep the program afloat. That is why I am pleased that Senators Isakson and Tester worked in a bipartisan way to try and fix Choice by establishing a streamlined and consolidated program that will make non-VA care more efficient. However, to truly address these problems and provide the care that our veterans deserve, we need to not only fix the policy, but we must also provide the funding to enact that policy. This bill does not do that. prgtoken The MISSION Act appropriates $5.2 billion in mandatory spending, $1.3 billion of which will merely fill the fiscal year 18 shortfall in the current Choice program. The remaining balance of $3.9 billion will provide enough funding for Choice through May 2019, but leaves the program short between $1 and $1.5 billion for the rest of the fiscal year when the new program shifts to the discretionary side. According to CBO the cost only goes up in the out-years, with the major components of the new Community Care program costing another $8.67 billion in fiscal year 20 and more than $9.5 billion in fiscal year 21. This is unsustainable under the BCA non-defense discretionary caps, which are set in law and were negotiated prior to the passage of this bill and without accounting for these costs. We do our veterans no favors by promising care without backing it up with resources. prgtoken I will not stand in the way of the new policy created in this bill, as I do believe it creates a better Community Care program, but Chairman Shelby and I have a proposal that will help us fulfill our promise to our veterans by allowing for an adjustment to the caps to help us pay for this program. We intend to address this issue when the Senate MilCon/VA appropriations bill comes to the floor by offering an amendment that keeps the promises we are making today, and I would like to ask both Senator Isakson and Senator Tester for their full support with this effort.
NATIONAL DEFENSE AUTHORIZATION ACT FOR FISCAL YEAR 2019
Adam Smith (Democrat, WA) \u2014 2018-5-22

. Mr. Chair, I support the gentleman's amendment. I just want to comment on a couple of aspects of it. prgtoken I think it is incredibly important that we get more small businesses involved. Sometimes the best technology, the best ideas, that is where they start, and working with the Pentagon bureaucracy can be overwhelming. prgtoken A large company like Lockheed Martin or Boeing doesn't have a problem, but maybe the best ideas come from some small garage startup. I think making affirmative efforts to make sure we reach out and get those companies involved is something that is very important and something we need to continue to do. Yes, we need to track the success of it. prgtoken Given the record of some of the programs of record, I personally would hesitate to judge them based on whether or not they made it into a program of record. I know we have done some reforms where it has worked where they don't have to get into a program of record. The Pentagon doesn't have to go through all of the processes that are involved with that. They just are able to say: I like that. We are going to buy it. prgtoken In fact, that is one of the reforms that the chairman has been a leader on doing is freeing up more opportunity, particularly when you are talking about technology, to simply buy the best product instead of having to do an RFP and a down select and going through a lengthy process. So I agree with the chairman on that. prgtoken As we are judging whether or not these small businesses are truly contributing to our national security, I would hope we would keep two things in mind. One is having a program of record may not necessarily be a measure of whether or not they are doing that; and two, not all ideas work out, but that doesn't mean that we shouldn't keep pursuing them. It is the Silicon Valley mantra that it is okay to fail. You learn something from that. You build a better technology. And with the rapid pace of technology, that is part of what we need to do as well. prgtoken I think these programs are critically important. The gentleman's amendment will help with that. I support the amendment, and .
TRIBUTE TO KEITH NOLAN
Chris Van Hollen (Democrat, MD) \u2014 2018-5-22

today I would like to recognize a selfless young man of great character and tremendous determination, Keith Nolan of Frederick, MD. prgtoken Keith's passion for service and for this country has driven him to doggedly seek an opportunity to join the less than 1 percent of Americans with a disability who have served in our military. In his commitment to defend our Nation, as well as our values, he has pursued this issue with many levels of the Defense Department. Moreover, he has reached out to the Armed Services Committees in both Chambers of Congress and even approached the White House to seek opportunities for disabled Americans to serve in the ranks of the military. Keith is deaf and recognizes that he is quickly reaching the age limit to enlist. However, he is still committed to seeking change that could enable others, with similar disabilities, to contribute to the defense of our nation. prgtoken Keith Nolan is an inspiration to me and to those he has touched. I thank him for the example he sets and am hopeful that someday emerging military occupations might present opportunities for disabled Americans to serve their country proudly and with honor.
VOTE EXPLANATION
Tammy Duckworth (Democrat, IL) \u2014 2018-5-22

I was necessarily absent for vote No. 103 on the confirmation of Executive Calendar No. 608, the nomination of Dana Baiocco to be a Commissioner of the Consumer Product Safety Commission for a term of 7 years from October 27, 2017. On vote No. 103, had I been present, I would have voted nay on the confirmation of Executive Calendar No. 608. prgtoken I was also necessarily absent for vote No. 104 on the motion to invoke cloture on the motion to concur in the House amendment to S. 2372, the VA MISSION Act of 2018. On vote No. 104, had I been present, I would have voted yea on the motion to invoke cloture on the motion to concur in the House amendment to S. 2372.
RECOGNIZING COLONEL JAMES BROWN
Chris Stewart (Republican, UT) \u2014 2018-5-23

I rise today to recognize Colonel James Brown, a friend of mine, who has faithfully served the Tooele Army Depot and the United States Army. It is my honor to recognize the years of service Colonel Brown has given to our Nation prior to the upcoming change of command. Colonel Brown has been instrumental in expanding Tooele Army Depot's mission of readiness, as well as ensuring a safe and secure worksite for its employees. prgtoken I offer my sincere thanks to all those who served at the Tooele Army Depot, as well as those who have had the privilege to serve with Colonel Brown. I understand the sacrifices of our military men and women on behalf of our Nation. I am humbled by the work these men and women do every day to protect our freedom and our Nation's freedom as well. And we have to remember their families because their families-- their spouses and children--also sacrifice. prgtoken Defending honor, duty, and country is the greatest service one can achieve in the United States military. Colonel Brown's courage and dedication is enduring, and his work will continue to support generations to come.
NATIONAL DEFENSE AUTHORIZATION ACT FOR FISCAL YEAR 2019
Mike Rogers (Republican, AL) \u2014 2018-5-23

. Mr. Chair, such time as I may consume. prgtoken I strongly oppose this amendment. This amendment is not about stewardship of taxpayers' dollars, good government, or setting priorities. Instead, this amendment is part of a broader, antinuclear agenda that we see year in and year out. prgtoken Let's be clear about what this amendment does. It cuts $145 million in desperately needed funding for recapitalizing nuclear weapons production buildings dating back to the 1940s and the 1950s. prgtoken Here is a quote from General Klotz, President 's NNSA Administrator, before my subcommittee a few years ago: Our infrastructure is extensive, complex, and, in many critical areas, several decades old. More than half of the NNSA's approximately 6,000 real property assets are over 40 years old, and nearly 30 percent date back to the Manhattan Project era. Many of the enterprise's critical utility, safety, and support systems are failing at an increasing and unpredictable rate, which poses both programmatic and safety risk. prgtoken That was in 2016. Folks, let me assure you, this problem has not gotten any better since then. I know that it has only gotten worse because I have visited all NNSA sites and have seen these deplorable conditions firsthand. prgtoken We are asking the Nation's highly skilled scientists, engineers, and technicians to design and build our nuclear weapons in buildings that are literally falling down around them. We have had large chunks of concrete fall from ceilings into operating workspaces. We have even had tape and plastic sheathing around 40-year-old pots carrying radioactive liquids. I have personally seen tarps hung over sensitive diagnostic equipment to prevent leaking roofs from destroying equipment worth tens of millions of dollars. prgtoken NNSA has a $3.7 billion backlog in deferred maintenance and repair needs. The funding that this amendment would strip away is sorely needed to help dig out of this hole. It is unfortunate that the gentleman does not at least recognize that this amendment would do harm to the safety of our workers. prgtoken I urge my colleagues to recognize this amendment for what it is and reject this broader agenda to undercut the U.S. nuclear deterrent. prgtoken Mr. Chair, I urge a ``no'' vote, and .
VA MISSION BILL (Executive Session)
John Hoeven (Republican, ND) \u2014 2018-5-23

I rise to speak in support of the VA MISSION Act. I want to begin by thanking the chairman of the Veterans' Affairs Committee who has shown incredible leadership on behalf of our veterans for many years, and this bill fits right in that mold. prgtoken This is a very important bill for a number of reasons. Obviously, it is an important bill because it supports our veterans, but it really has important provisions in it that will make a difference for our veterans. I want to thank the chairman of the VA Committee. I want to thank him not only for the quality of the work in this bill but for building the bipartisan coalition necessary to pass it because it really does make a difference for our veterans, to whom we owe so much. prgtoken I would like to go through not all but some of the provisions that I think are really important, some I worked on and some I think really do make a difference for our great veterans. prgtoken As I said, I speak in support of the VA MISSION Act. It is bipartisan legislation that will help ensure veterans receive the care they so very much deserve. prgtoken This piece of legislation not only strengthens the VA's ability to care for our veterans, but when the VA is unable to provide that care, it gives our veterans a choice to seek care in their home communities and to do it on a basis that is convenient, that works for them, and then to make sure those healthcare facilities will provide that service to our veterans because they know they will be compensated for it by the VA. prgtoken That is a huge issue because it is not just about making sure there is care out there for our veterans but making sure it is quality care and that it is available to them. prgtoken We owe our veterans more than we can ever repay for their incredibly dedicated service. Expanding veterans' access to healthcare options closer to home is just one of the ways we can show our deep appreciation for their service to our country. prgtoken Providing this kind of care has proven to be particularly challenging for our veterans residing in rural areas. I live in a rural State, and to get that access to quality service in these rural areas is a challenge. It is a challenge we have to address and a challenge we address directly in this legislation, which is why I am so deeply appreciative that we are working to pass this legislation. prgtoken In 2014, the Veterans Choice Program was enacted to alleviate unacceptable waiting times for care at the VA. However, the Veterans Choice Program has been in need of improvement. prgtoken In 2016, I worked to secure and implement the Veterans Care Coordination Initiative at our Fargo VA health center. The Fargo VA health center serves all of North Dakota, and it serves half or more of Minnesota as well. The initiative we worked to put in place at the Fargo VA--and the Fargo VA does a tremendous job. We have some VA health centers around the country that obviously need
TRIBUTE TO JIM KLINSTIVER
Todd Rokita (Republican, IN) \u2014 2018-5-23

I rise today to honor Jim Klinstiver, a great Hoosier and friend who passed away on May 20th. Jim prgtoken was born in on County in 1940, along the Ohio River. He was a great public servant, working for the Department of Transportation for forty-two years, retiring as a project supervisor. prgtoken In 2010, he was elected County Commissioner for the Third District by the voters of on County. He was then re-elected by an even wider margin in 2014. Jim had a passion for history, and used his time as commissioner to focus on local preservation. He pushed to protect the Morvin's Landing historical site, where Confederate General John Hunt Morgan's raiders crossed the Ohio River and entered Indiana during the Civil War. The landing of Morgan's troops at Morvin Landing in July 1863 preceded the Battle of Corydon, one of the few Civil War battles fought in the North, and the only battle fought in Indiana. prgtoken In addition to being a hardworking public servant who dedicated countless hours in service to Indiana, Jim was a loving husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and treasured friend. He was married to his wife Dixie for fifty-five years. They have one daughter, one grandson, and one great-grandson. prgtoken The legacy of Jim Klinstiver will live on in on County for years to come. Many of us gained so much from his experience and knowledge from his decades of experience as an engineer, farmer, small business owner, and community leader. prgtoken For me, I've always appreciated his friendship and support. May we all strive to live our own lives with the sense of purpose and servant's heart that Jim showed. His passing is a true loss for all Hoosiers.
IN RECOGNITION OF JERRY FORTE
Doug Lamborn (Republican, CO) \u2014 2018-5-23

for over twelve years, Jerry Forte has served the Colorado Springs area tirelessly and with great success as CEO for Colorado Springs Utilities. During his tenure, Mr. Forte oversaw production of electric, natural gas, and water services for over a half million customers in our area. In his work, he has streamlined large projects in order to save customers money and improve overall efficiency. He will retire this year, but not without leaving a lasting legacy--he has delivered reliable service and low rates to our communities. He also operated the nearly $1 billion utility budget with a high degree of professionalism and incredible stewardship. Community leaders like Mr. Forte are the reason our region thrives and remains one of the best places to live in the nation. As a Colorado Springs native, he understands and appreciates that. Mr. Forte returned to his hometown of Colorado Springs after serving the communities of Sterling, Colorado and Woodland Park, Colorado. He also worked in the private sector as a consulting engineer. He managed Johnson Control's five-service utility in support of the Los Alamos National Laboratory, where he received awards for excellence in customer satisfaction and leadership excellence. He also has several publications to his credit. Mr. Forte is dedicated to delivering safe and reliable public water and power. I'm extremely thankful for his service and commitment. Our region has been in good hands. Mr. Forte, thank you for over twelve years as CEO of Colorado Springs Utilities and decades more of service to our state. I wish him well and I pray that God will bless him in whatever he decides to do next.
Calling for the Release of Pastor Andrew Brunson (Executive Session)
Thom Tillis (Republican, NC) \u2014 2018-5-23

sadly, I have to do a speech that I promised I would do every week until we find justice for someone who has been in a Turkish prison now for a number of days. This is Pastor Brunson. He is a Presbyterian minister from Black Mountain. He has been in Turkey for 20 years, doing missionary work for a small church that I will describe briefly later. prgtoken On October 4, 2016, he was swept up in President Erdogan's regime's reaction to an unlawful coup--a coup that I disagree with. I believe in a peaceful transition of power, and I do believe that people who are responsible for it should be subject to Turkish laws. But the roundup of people by President Erdogan--he cast a very wide net--went so far beyond any reasonable expectation of people who could have been involved in the coup attempt. On October 4, 2016, a Presbyterian minister from Black Mountain, NC--the same church that Billy Graham was a part of--found himself arrested on charges for being a potential terrorist and plotting a coup. prgtoken He is in a Turkish prison. He has been in that prison now for 593 days--593 days, almost 17 months--without charges. He is held in a prison cell that is designed for 8 people but has 21 people in it. He is not really allowed to speak with his family. In fact, the only family he has seen over the last 593 days has been his wife, because they have been afraid to let his children come into the country for fear that they would not be allowed to leave, nor will his wife Norine leave the country for fear that she will not be able to come back. She is his only connection to his family. It has been 593 days. prgtoken I want to go back and tell you what really underlines why they think this Presbyterian minister is a part of the coup attempt or a terrorist organization. It is because they believe that religions in the United States are somehow joined together in this intelligence-gathering network so that, instead of doing missionary work, they can go into these countries and infiltrate their systems and then force coups or support or provide aid to people who would commit a terrorist act against the Turkish homeland--something that I would object to and something of which I would say that anybody who does that should be subject to Turkish law. prgtoken They believe this of Pastor Brunson, a pastor of a church in Izmir, who for many years, when he was doing missionary work, didn't even have a church. They finally were able to get the resources together. They have 50 members. This is a 50-member congregation in a church in Izmir, which is one of the more populous cities in the Turkey. prgtoken This is a very small church. On a packed day, on a Sunday, you may be able to fit 120 people in it. They open the doors so that people walking down the street can hear what they are talking about. They open the windows. They invite anybody in it. prgtoken Part of the case is that they believe that people who have entered
NATIONAL DEFENSE AUTHORIZATION ACT FOR FISCAL YEAR 2019
Vicky Hartzler (Republican, MO) \u2014 2018-5-23

I would like to thank the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee as well as the House Judiciary Committee for working with me and the Armed Services Committee to include an important amendment in this bill that will expand DOD's ability to interdict drones that pose a threat to certain military installations. prgtoken My amendment adds mobility airlift to the list of mission sets permitted to use counter-drone technology. If a drone were to attack the mobility mission, it could mean a reduction in our ability to provide logistic support globally to joint and coalition warfighters. prgtoken Additionally, a drone attack on our mobility forces could prevent our capacity to conduct global operations by severely limiting our ability to conduct aerial refueling. This is a commonsense proposal necessary to protect a critical aspect of our national defense. prgtoken I am delighted it is included in an en bloc package, and I want to thank Representatives Garamendi, Hanabusa, Rosen, and Austin Scott for cosponsoring this bipartisan amendment.