mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
IMPROVING THE TREATMENT OF MEDICAL EVIDENCE PROVIDED BY NON-DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS MEDICAL PROFESSIONALS
Timothy J. Walz (Democrat, MN) \u2014 2017-5-23

such time as I may consume. prgtoken , I rise in support of this piece of legislation. prgtoken I want to thank the chairman personally for bringing this forward and for being very eloquent in his words on what this does. It is appropriate that it is part of this block of legislation dealing with appeals reform also. prgtoken I thank the folks who have worked on this for years: Mr. Denham, Mr. Langevin, Ms. McSally, Mr. Johnson, Mr. Costello, Ms. Kuster, Mr. Higgins of New York, and Ms. Shea-Porter. prgtoken As originally introduced, this bill sought to change a current requirement stipulating that initial physical examinations of those seeking to file disability claims must be conducted by the VA. It was to allow veterans to see a local doctor. prgtoken Again, as the chairman so clearly pointed out, it was to relieve some of the pressure on the VA, while recognizing we have quality, ethically trustworthy physicians in the private sector who can deliver some of these services. The idea was that requiring the VA to accept private medical evidence from a qualified physician would ease the benefit process in rural communities, expedite diagnosis of disabilities, and reduce the wait times and the backlogs. prgtoken This is a problem that we have been working on for many years. We introduced similar language in 2013, 2014, and 2015. prgtoken I would like to thank all my fellow members, both on and off the committee, and those who are no longer in Congress for working toward this. I am especially thankful to Chairman Bost and Ms. Esty for having worked with me to tighten the scope of this bill to address the cost that the Congressional Budget Office scored it to. prgtoken As it is now, the bill requires an annual report on how veterans obtain private medical evidence in support of their claim, how often it is rejected, and why. It is my hope that this data will help build our case for mandating that the VA accept all credible private medical evidence. We cannot let the perfect be the enemy of the good and need to get started gathering this data as soon as possible. prgtoken As we also work to improve the appeals process today, making it more convenient for veterans to get and submit medical evidence, this component will be important. By continuing our work on this issue, veterans will be able to complete their claims faster; start receiving the benefits that they have earned faster; and make sure that the stress you heard about with 20 years of waiting, much of that time prgtoken seeing private physicians and gathering evidence to support the very claim that is being denied, this piece of legislation should make sense with that. prgtoken Again, , I thank everyone involved with this. I urge my colleagues to support this piece of legislation, H.R. 1725. prgtoken , .
Medicaid (Executive Calendar)
Maria Cantwell (Democrat, WA) \u2014 2017-5-23

I come to the floor to talk about the President's proposed budget as it relates to Medicaid and the fact that it is just a war on Medicaid; that is, it continues the wrongheaded ideas that have been proposed in the House bill on healthcare reform and takes that and continues to make cuts to Medicaid that are unsustainable for our healthcare system. prgtoken The President's budget would impose a block grant or per capita cap on States in 2020 in exchange for so-called flexibility. I haven't met one State administrator of healthcare in our State who says they need more flexibility. They have a lot of flexibility on Medicaid currently, but they know this is just a budget cap and a budget cut. prgtoken The budget would result in $610 billion in cuts to States, in addition to what would happen if they were successful in passing the House bill in the Senate. As the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities put it, the budget cuts Medicaid ``considerably more deeply than the House bill's per capita cap proposal would do.'' prgtoken No doubt what the budget is proposing from the President today and what our House colleagues have proposed on healthcare means more damage for healthcare and more damage for Medicaid. prgtoken Let's be more specific. Medicaid for healthcare is about children. It is about seniors. It is about the disabled. It is about working families. It is about young people. Medicaid covers half of the births and the majority of long-term care stays. prgtoken What people may not realize is that the President's budget cut to Medicaid also cuts children's healthcare, as a new study reveals, by at least $43 billion, according to Avalere Health. That is taking healthcare away from children, poor children, who need access to healthcare. Additionally, the budget impacts 1.75 million veterans who also get healthcare through Medicaid. prgtoken How can we possibly be standing here with a budget proposal by the President of the United States--after he promised not to cut Medicaid-- that not only proposes to cut Medicaid but cuts childrens' and veterans' healthcare when they need it most? prgtoken Medicaid is a lifeline for people who can't get covered or can't get a fair deal. It is a highly cost-effective, dynamic, and innovative program that has worked well, and Medicaid is a winning economic strategy for how to help families get out of poverty. It is one of the most successful anti-poverty programs in the United States and the second largest program to combat extreme poverty. prgtoken Its expansion in Washington has helped create jobs indirectly and directly and has saved our State about $353 million in our State budget. It injects billions into the economy and supports our high- wage, high-skill jobs throughout the healthcare economy. prgtoken As we know, our colleagues, in the House draconian healthcare act, would for the first time cut Medicaid's successful program by introducing a cap that woul
170TH ANNIVERSARY OF CLIFFS NATURAL RESOURCES
Amy Klobuchar (Democrat, MN) \u2014 2017-5-23

today I wish to offer my congratulations to Cliffs Natural Resources and its outstanding employees on the company's 170th anniversary. I am honored to celebrate this milestone with the largest and oldest independent iron ore mining company in the United States. prgtoken In 1847, 11 men from Cleveland founded Cliffs Natural Resources to develop ore in Michigan's Upper Peninsula. Cliffs has since grown to be a leader in North American mining, employing thousands and providing U.S. steelmakers with world-class raw materials. prgtoken Mining has always been a way of life for families on Minnesota's Iron Range, including my own. My grandfather worked 1,500 feet underground in the mines of Ely, MN. His generation helped build our Nation's steel industry into the global power it is today. The Iron Range has the largest concentration of iron ore in the United States. Right now, Minnesota is first in the Nation in the movement of iron ore, with more than 4,000 jobs associated with the iron ore and steel industries. Throughout our State's history, iron ore mining has not only brought jobs to the region, it has also built our country, from our roads, bridges, buildings, and railways, to the tanks and ships critical to our Nation's defense. The Iron Range also supplied most of the iron used in World War II. prgtoken In recent years, Cliffs has focused its energies on revitalizing iron ore mines and processing plants in the United States. In August of last year, Cliffs broke ground on a $75 million expansion at its United Taconite plant in Forbes, MN. I am proud to support companies like Cliffs that are committed to creating jobs for Minnesotans for generations to come. Cliffs is also well known for its commitment to corporate stewardship. From contributing to building homes for families through Habitat for Humanity, to helping ensure children in need get a nutritious meal through United Way programs, Cliffs has been committed to Minnesota families and communities. prgtoken This 170th anniversary of Cliffs' founding is a remarkable achievement. I am pleased to take this opportunity to congratulate Cliffs chairman, president, and chief executive officer Lourenco Goncalves and the employees of Cliffs on celebrating this occasion. Best wishes for much continued success.
TRIBUTE TO RANDALL D. BOOKOUT
Mark R. Warner (Democrat, VA) \u2014 2017-5-23

today I wish to pay tribute and offer my deep appreciation to Randy Bookout for his many years of dedicated service as a professional staff member on the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence, SSCI. Randy joined the committee staff in October 1999 and served in various capacities, most recently as the committee's budget monitor for the Central Intelligence Agency, CIA. During his almost 18 years with the committee, Randy established a solid reputation of fairness and professionalism that was widely respected by members and staff, regardless of party, and officials within intelligence community elements over which he conducted oversight. prgtoken Randall D. Bookout joined the committee after serving a 28-year career with the Army, retiring as a colonel in the infantry. His distinguished Army career included assignments as a company commander in Korea and Panama and as an infantry battalion commander in Alaska. He served as a staff officer in the Office of the Army Chief of Staff and later as the senior military aide to Secretary of the Army Togo D. West, Jr. His last duty in the Army was as the Army's Chief of Legislative Liaison for the Senate from 1995-1999. Randy graduated with a bachelor of science degree from the U.S. Military Academy at West Point and a master's degree in business administration from the University of Northern Colorado. He attended the Army's War College at Carlisle Barracks, PA, as well as airborne and Ranger training. prgtoken Senator Richard Shelby of Alabama, who often traveled with Colonel Bookout when he served as the Army chief liaison for the Senate, was chairman of the SSCI in 1999 and asked Randy to interview for a nonpartisan staff job on the committee. Randy retired from the Army on a Friday and began work at SSCI the following Monday. As often was the case, Randy took to the challenge of this new role with a deep commitment, including long hours of study to learn an entire new encyclopedia of acronyms from the ones he knew after 28 years in the Army. prgtoken Much of Randy's work for the committee must remain unspoken. I will simply say here that he has made significant contributions to this country's national security and to the operations and activities of the CIA and the rest of the intelligence community. He knew the Agency in detail, seriously challenged it at times, and fiercely defended it at others. He forced changes that improved its operations, while at all times respecting its mission and, most importantly, respecting the women and men who worked there. prgtoken In fact, one of Randy's greatest traits and admirable qualities is that he cared not only for the organization, but genuinely cared about the individuals. His job was to focus on big programs, run by hundreds if not thousands of people, worth hundreds of millions of dollars, and affecting the lives of countless others. He did that oversight job exceptionally well. He also saw and notice
SERVICE TO COUNTRY
John B. Larson (Democrat, CT) \u2014 2017-5-23

I rise today to talk about national service. I am delighted, as you can see from these posters, to be standing next to President Kennedy and General McChrystal. prgtoken Many of you may know that this Monday, Memorial Day, May 29, would be the 100th birthday of John Fitzgerald Kennedy. What better way to remember his legacy than by a call to national service, a call that has been echoed by General McChrystal as well. I love the headline that says: You don't have to wear a military uniform to serve your country. prgtoken President Kennedy came up with the idea of the Peace Corps at a time when we faced nuclear threats and rising concern of proliferation of nuclear arms; at a time when Russia, as it still is today, was a very strong enemy of the United States. President Kennedy felt that the United States needed to put their best face on for the rest of the world, so he established a Peace Corps and sent the brightest and best all across the globe so that they could represent the values of this great country of ours. What better way to do that than through serving your country, by making sure you are not asking what your country can do for you but what you, in fact, can do for your country. prgtoken We are proposing a concept called ACTION for National Service, action so that we can encourage people throughout the country to participate in voluntary service. Whether you serve in the military voluntarily, the Guard or the National Reserve, or whether it is the Peace Corps, AmeriCorps VISTA, or you are part of the Corporation for National and Community Service and one of the many agencies that work to provide a better world both here at home and abroad. prgtoken Our goal is very simple and direct. We want to make sure, as General McChrystal has outlined, that by 2026, which would be the 250th birthday of this Nation, that we have a million volunteers annually who are coming in to service. We will provide an incentive for people to do so, very clear and simple: If you serve your country, we will help you get through college. If you have been through college and you want to serve your country, if you serve your Nation, we will forgive your college debt. prgtoken We know that, in attracting a million people to public service, we can do great good across the globe. We want to make sure that we raise the Corporation for National and Community Service to a Cabinet-level position within the White House. We want to encourage people. More than 400,000 millennials were turned away from serving their country last year. Less than 1 percent of the Nation, including all of our military and the Peace Corps and AmeriCorps VISTA combined, account for less than 1 percent of the Nation. How can a nation long survive with a population of 330 million people and less than 1 percent of its countrymen serving this great Nation of ours? prgtoken This is a national crisis. At a time when we have to make sure that we are encouraging and
ADDITIONAL STATEMENTS
Martin Heinrich (Democrat, NM) \u2014 2017-5-24

it is an honor to join the community of music lovers in New Mexico to recognize Mr. Russell Gordon in his final year of presenting the Los Alamos County Summer Concert Series. prgtoken For 28 years, the concert series has been a pillar of the community in northern New Mexico, bringing together families, neighbors, and friends with local, national, and internationally renowned musicians. prgtoken In 1988, Russell and his wife, Deborah, moved to White Rock, NM, where they started Gordon's CDs, Tapes and Records. prgtoken Local musicians remember playing on the sidewalk outside of his shop when Russell began the series in 1990. Today the series is a much larger affair with hundreds gathering around the historic Ashley Pond and other venues in Los Alamos on Friday evenings to begin their weekend with art, culture, and dance. prgtoken Russell Gordon's passion for music shines through the variety of genres featured, including Spanish, Native American, big band, bluegrass, classical, country music, folk, gospel, rock, jazz, and international acts. Russell has kept local New Mexican artists in his line-up over the years and helped grow and mentor the music scene throughout the State. He has inspired young musicians, expanded horizons, and has created countless memories for musicians and concert- goers in New Mexico. prgtoken As the ranking member on the Joint Economic Committee, I am proud to recognize the contributions of local small business owners like Russell and Deborah Gordon. We wish them the best of luck in their future endeavors and thank them for their contributions to the community.
REDUCING REGULATORY BURDENS ACT OF 2017
Peter A. DeFazio (Democrat, OR) \u2014 2017-5-24

. I thank the gentlewoman for yielding. prgtoken , this is the fifth time the United States House of Representatives has considered this bill. prgtoken Now, we have heard a lot of alternative facts today. Let's have some real facts. prgtoken Killing trees, well, first off, here is the extensive application. It is slightly over three pages long and it can be filed electronically, so we don't need to kill any trees. prgtoken Allegations that somehow this slows down control of mosquito abatement or Zika virus are absolutely false. Anybody can apply a pesticide in a public health situation. They have 30 days to file the paperwork online afterwards. It takes about 5 minutes. It has such technical things as your name and address, your pesticide applicator license verified with a certain State, where you are going to use the pesticide or herbicide. prgtoken Now, why would we want to know that? Or maybe, why wouldn't we want not to know that? Because that is what they are saying on that side of the aisle. prgtoken There is nothing registered with the Department of Agriculture. Yes, we have FIFRA. These pesticides and herbicides have been registered. They have labels--it can't be applied over water; it can't be applied here; it can't be applied there--and we trust the applicators to follow those rules. But when they actually use the herbicides and pesticides absent this form, this burdensome 3\1/2\-page form, we won't know. prgtoken Now, why would we care? Well, this is essentially the 20th anniversary of a massive fish kill in Jackson County, Oregon. In that incident, an operator applied an aquatic herbicide in an irrigation canal that, when it leaked into the nearby creek, killed 92,000 steelhead. Now, we kind of care about our steelhead in the Northwest, so that was a problem. prgtoken So then the Federal agency said, Well, this is kind of a problem when someone does that, 92,000 steelhead. Plus, anybody who drank the water was poisoned, et cetera, et cetera. But we don't want to know about that on that side of the aisle because Dow Chemical doesn't like it because maybe it inhibits sales of some of these chemicals that cause these sorts of problems. prgtoken Now, we have data now because of these forms, and we know about areas prgtoken that are impaired. In my State, which is like the clean, green State, 825 miles of rivers and streams and 10,000 acres of lakes and ponds in the State of Oregon are impaired by pesticide contamination. That is something we should do something about. People are drinking that water; they are swimming in that water; their kids are bathing in that water. I think that is a problem. prgtoken But we don't want to know about that. This is just a horrible restraint on pesticide applications. prgtoken Now, we heard a lot of other hooey here. It is like: This is so difficult; it is so difficult to do. I was talking to the ranking member of the Agriculture Committee. He said, well, farmers don'
Healthcare Legislation (Executive Calendar)
Jeanne Shaheen (Democrat, NH) \u2014 2017-5-24

I am deeply concerned by warnings from leading health insurance companies and State insurance commissioners that the administration is now deliberately undermining the Affordable Care Act, leaving insurance plans no choice but to sharply raise premiums or exit the marketplaces. prgtoken I understand--I think we all do--that the Affordable Care Act continues to experience stresses and that it needs to be strengthened. There is no doubt about that. I have been saying from the beginning that we need to correct what is not working, that we need to keep what is working, and that we need to work together to change it. Yet, in 2016, there were abundant signs that the law was working and that insurance markets were stabilizing. prgtoken For instance, in my State of New Hampshire, health insurance premium increases last year averaged just 2 percent. That is the lowest annual increase in history. Today, it is a very different picture. Because of the efforts of the administration to undermine the Affordable Care Act, insurance companies in New Hampshire and across the country face widespread uncertainty. Many of them are deciding that they have no choice but to protect themselves by drastically increasing premiums. prgtoken This week, there was a report in the New Hampshire Union Leader, which is our State's largest newspaper, that premiums in New Hampshire could increase by as much as 44 percent. Now, President says that the Affordable Care Act is ``exploding,'' but let's be clear. If Care is exploding, as President says, it is because this administration lit the fuse and has been working aggressively to undermine the law. prgtoken We can see on this poster what is being reported in other parts of the country. In the LA Times, we see that health insurers and State officials say that is undermining Care and pushing up rates and that health insurers plan big Care rate hikes, and they blame . prgtoken Perhaps the greatest damage has been done by the administration's refusal to commit to funding cost-sharing subsidies, which are the Federal subsidies that help millions of people pay for coverage. To protect themselves, many insurance companies are preparing two sets of premiums for next year--one premium level if the administration agrees to fund the cost-sharing subsidies and a second, dramatically higher premium level if the administration says no to cost-sharing subsidies. prgtoken More broadly, the administration's mixed signals and erratic management of the Affordable Care Act are causing uncertainty in the marketplace. Paul Markovich, the CEO of Blue Shield of prgtoken California, has said that health plans are being forced to raise premiums to compensate for all of the turmoil. prgtoken It gets worse. prgtoken Last week, the Los Angeles Times reported that Seema Verma, the Administrator of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, shocked a meeting of