mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
DO YOUR JOB
Mike Gallagher (Republican, WI) \u2014 2017-4-5

trust in government is at a record low, and it is not hard to see why. prgtoken In 2016, Members of the House of Representatives were in session for a total of just 55 full legislative days. That is 55 days out of 365. In what other job are you allowed to work for just 55 days a year? prgtoken Looking at this, it is not hard to understand why Congress has a lower approval rating than cockroaches, colonoscopies, and Genghis Khan. prgtoken Despite working for 55 days out of the year, Members of this body are paid more than three times the median household income in America. prgtoken , this is why I have introduced the Do Your Job Act, which would prohibit Congress from taking a recess until it passes a budget and funds the government. In other words, Congress can't take a vacation until it does its job. I know this sounds simple. But where I am from in northeast Wisconsin, if you don't do your job, you lose that job; if you don't finish your work, you do not collect a paycheck. prgtoken Here we are just a day away from leaving this Chamber for a 2-week break from legislative activity, risking government shutdown, and yet we are leaving. prgtoken This is unacceptable, and this is why I am standing before you today. I am urging all of my colleagues in the 115th Congress to unite behind a simple idea: let's work together and do our jobs.
AWARD WINNERS FROM CITGO INNOVATION ACADEMY FOR ENGINEERING, ENVIRONMENTAL & MARINE SCIENCE AT MOODY HIGH SCHOOL
Blake Farenthold (Republican, TX) \u2014 2017-4-5

since first being elected to Congress, I have been fighting for our veterans to get the care they were promised and earned. prgtoken After hearing veterans tell horror story after horror story of long wait times, canceled appointments, and having to travel miles to distant cities to get treatment, Congress got something right when they passed the Veterans Choice and Accountability Act in 2014. prgtoken It created the Veterans Choice Program that allows any veteran who is unable to obtain an appointment with the VA within 30 days or has to travel more than 40 miles to a VA facility for care to see a private doctor who can see them faster and closer to home. prgtoken Though the implementation of the Veterans Choice Program has not been without hiccups, it is proving very helpful for getting veterans faster, more quality care. prgtoken I hear time and again from veterans in the district that I represent that this is working for them. prgtoken Soon, in fact later today, the House will vote on H.R. 369, to eliminate the sunset of the Veterans Choice Program and ensure the program continues after August 7. prgtoken I encourage all my colleagues to vote ``yes'' on this bill to continue Veterans Choice. I look forward to continuing to hear the great successes it provides for our veterans and for our doctors.
AMENDING THE VETERANS ACCESS, CHOICE, AND ACCOUNTABILITY ACT OF 2014
Mike Coffman (Republican, CO) \u2014 2017-4-5

I stand today in support of legislation to remove the sunset date on the Veterans Choice Program and, in turn, bring continuity to our Nation's veterans currently receiving their health care in the community through the Choice Program. Although the program is not perfect, it did provide our Nation's veterans with an unprecedented choice in where they seek their health care and assisted the VA in reducing the appointment wait times backlog. prgtoken While my colleagues and I on the House Veterans' Affairs Committee work to streamline and reform the VA's in-community care programs, it is critical that we pass S. 544 to extend the Veterans Choice Program beyond the August 7 sunset date. This will provide help to veterans seeking long-term care through the Choice Program and help meet our Nation's obligations to our veterans who have sacrificed so much in defense of our freedom. prgtoken , I thank Chairman Roe for his leadership on this matter.
HONORING THE CARTHAGE HIGH SCHOOL BULLDOGS, 2016 CLASS 4-A, DIVISION I STATE FOOTBALL CHAMPIONS
Louie Gohmert (Republican, TX) \u2014 2017-4-5

nestled in the eastern portion of the First District of Texas is a community which is home to the Texas Country Music Hall of Fame, known as the Gas Capital of the United States, and also home to the Texas state champions of the high school gridiron for 2008, 2009, 2010, and 2013. Once again we have the great honor to recognize the accomplishments of the Carthage Bulldogs football team which has captured the title of Class 4A Division I Texas State Football Champions for the fifth time in the school's history. The title match found the Abilene Wylie Bulldogs meeting the Carthage Bulldogs on the turf to tangle for the state championship bragging rights, with the Carthage team emerging victorious and a final score of 31-17. The Carthage Bulldogs displayed great resilience and commitment throughout their season, and it is indeed an honor to bring these outstanding athletes to national attention and retention in our national record. The life lessons learned about teamwork, perseverance, and discipline will no doubt improve every participant in immeasurable ways. My heartfelt congratulations to champions Ashton Hicks, Jesus Jimenez, Keilinn Shelton, Davian Parker, Dee Bowens, Baylor Colle, Mason Graham, Felipe Ponce, Mekhi Colbert, Greg Hurst, Jase Dixon, Macain Jones, Dewaylon Ingram, Cole Whitlock, Josh Gradberg, Darrian Ingram, Elijah King, Tristan Boniol, Jace Tiller, Brandon Medrano, Roderic Calloway, Austin Russell, Gunner Capps, Austin Gray, Chris Attaway, James Ebarb, Cam'ron Matlock, Peyton Bickham, Nick Moore, Jaden Smith, Dayquan Woodard, Nate Brittenham, Logan Baker, Christian McClure, Freeman Thomas, Jaime Gonzalez, Kason Davis, Kevion Booty, Grant Griffin, Jesse Wayne Pierce, Brewster Griffith, Hunter Gauger, Chad West, Callam Barber, Terrance Lewis, J.T. Romero, Tyler Lewis, Demetrius Cooper, Mykel Gates, Casey Jones, Tucker Smith, Tanner Elliott, Jose Dejulian, Brandon Collier, Keaontay Ingram, Tykieast Crawford, Montario Wilson, Dillon Ebarb, Kaden Holcomb, Peyton Monroe, Trevonte Alexander, Matt Davis, Kelvontay Dixon, Tre Gatlin, Jalen Brooks, Alberto Sigala, Callahan Baldree. No matter how talented and committed, no team could achieve such success without a head coach of extraordinary vision and ability who could lead the Bulldogs to success both on and off the field. Scott Surratt has earned an unprecedented five state titles in his ten year career as head coach for the Carthage Bulldogs, placing him in the prestigious position of being one of the most successful Texas high school football coaches of all time. The Bulldogs are a perfect representation of what can be accomplished when a team possesses both perseverance and resolve with proper guidance from the entire coaching and support staff. Congratulations are extended to Assistant Coaches: Darren Preston, Kevin Davis, Lee Berry, Zeke Dixon, Clint Endsley, John Goodwin, Brandon Hargers, Demond Horsley, Ryan Marion, De
TAIWAN CAUCUS LETTER
John Shimkus (Republican, IL) \u2014 2017-4-5

I rise today to commemorate the 38th Anniversary of the Taiwan Relations Act (TRA), the pillar upon which our robust friendship with Taiwan stands. prgtoken The United States and Taiwan share the common interests and values of freedom, democracy, rule of laws, human rights and free market. Our security commitment has helped Taiwan become one of the most free and prosperous societies in the world. The United States enjoys cooperation with Taiwan on a broad range of concerns, including security, economic cooperation and development, global engagement, humanitarian relief, counter-terrorism, people-to-people exchanges--and the list goes on. It is my firm belief that a strong and prosperous Taiwan will guarantee peace and prosperity in the region. prgtoken As we commemorate the 38th Anniversary of the Taiwan Relations Act, it is in the national interest of the United States to take decisive action to strengthen U.S.-Taiwan relations. prgtoken I also noticed that the President of the People's Republic of China, Xi Jinping is visiting the United States to visit with our President. It is my hope that the upcoming meeting is positive and constructive: U.S. engagement with the PRC is important to the peace and stability of the region. We should always hope and insist that the U.S.-Taiwan relations, and Taiwan's security and interests, are not in any way compromised. prgtoken Taiwan is a great friend of the United States. Taiwan is and will continue to be a friend of the United States.
SELF-INSURANCE PROTECTION ACT
Tim Walberg (Republican, MI) \u2014 2017-4-5

I rise today in support of H.R. 1304, the Self-Insurance Protection Act. I thank my good friend, Dr. Phil Roe, for his leadership and insights on this issue. prgtoken As the Affordable Care Act continues its death spiral--and indeed it does, very clearly, and ultimately will leave people without insurance--too many small businesses in the process and working families in my district have been left without real options for healthcare coverage that they can afford. prgtoken Self-insured plans are one solution that small businesses have tried to push back against these rising costs. These policies provide employers flexibility to design a healthcare plan tailored to the unique needs of their workers and their families. Last year, over 60 percent of employers who offered healthcare coverage utilized self- insured plans. prgtoken Unfortunately, the previous administration pursued regulations that would jeopardize access to self-insured plans by redefining stop-loss insurance as traditional health insurance under Federal law. Stop-loss insurance does not pay our medical claims; rather, it is a tool--I remind you--that simply provides protections for employers to guard against a catastrophic medical claim. prgtoken , our constituents need more affordable healthcare options, not fewer; and the bill before us will stop any future administration from putting harmful limitations on self-insured plans. To achieve meaningful healthcare reform, we must promote flexibility and innovative options, not curtail them. prgtoken H.R. 1304 provides much-needed certainty to the workers and employers who access quality care through self-insured healthcare plans. As employers and their employees look to plan for the future, the Self- Insurance Protection Act will help provide some long-term certainty that these affordable health insurance options are available. I ask my colleagues to join me in supporting this legislation and promoting healthcare choice for American workers and for their employers.
MINERS' PENSIONS
Evan H. Jenkins (Republican, WV) \u2014 2017-4-5

time is running out to do right by our miners, their families, and their widows. prgtoken At the end of the month, the benefits they worked their lives for will expire. For families across West Virginia, that would be nothing short of devastating--families like Teresa Anderson of McDowell County. Her father, Donald Richardson, worked his whole life in the mines of West Virginia. prgtoken Teresa shared with me what these benefits meant to her father and to her mother, Mary. prgtoken Here is what she wrote: ``I remember from a young age listening to him tell me and my brothers stories about the mines and teaching us about his United Mine Workers benefits and to let no one take advantage of this most precious insurance that he fought and worked so hard for. ``He would say, when I'm gone, you need to still protect these benefits that we worked for. This is how your mother will make it when I'm no longer here to provide for her.'' prgtoken , Donald is no longer with us. He passed away back in 2012. Now his wife, Mary, and his daughter, Teresa, are asking us to keep his promise, to keep our promise, the promise the Federal Government made to our miners more than 70 years ago. prgtoken I urge my colleagues to act and to protect these vital benefits. prgtoken , we cannot let the clock run out on our miners and their families. They kept up their end of the bargain. Now it is time for us to do the same.
SELF-INSURANCE PROTECTION ACT
Virginia Foxx (Republican, NC) \u2014 2017-4-5

pursuant to House Resolution 241, I call up the bill (H.R. 1304) to amend the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, the Public Health Service Act, and the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to exclude from the definition of health insurance coverage certain medical stop-loss insurance obtained by certain plan sponsors of group health plans, and ask for its immediate consideration in the House.
THE SUPREME COURT AND THE RIGHT TO LIFE
Steve King (Republican, IA) \u2014 2017-4-5

it is my honor to be recognized by you to address you here on the floor of the U.S. House of Representatives. prgtoken I came to this floor this evening to take up a topic that I think is essential to the future of our country for our moral foundation. Yet, as I have listened to the gentleman from Maryland's presentation, there are a few moments I would like to spend with the other perspective before I move into the topic I came to address. prgtoken I go back as far as the gentlewoman from Texas (Ms. Jackson Lee), who used the reference and said that stare decisis is binding precedent. Well, , I want the American people to know that stare decisis is a Latin term, a legal term that means, once the case is decided, it deserves deference. It has already been decided; it deserves deference, but where it has never been a binding precedent. prgtoken There have been a number of times that the Supreme Court has turned 180 degrees on what the gentlewoman from Texas (Ms. Jackson Lee) has called a binding precedent. I could go through a list of those, Mr. . prgtoken I think it is important to note that accepting a decision of a previous Supreme Court as if somehow it were binding precedent and then settled law and then incorporate it into the Constitution itself would be a very erroneous concept to carry into the Supreme Court itself, because we have to go back and evaluate that these were mortals that made the decision in the Supreme Court and the other courts and they aren't always right. And if a case is not soundly reasoned, it needs to be reconsidered. prgtoken So I appreciate Justice Clarence Thomas' view on stare decisis. Essentially, it doesn't exist. If you want to evaluate the reasoning of a previous Court, that is a good thing to do because they have already thought it through and they have already written on it. There are already majority opinions and dissents that are generally written. Yet, to be bound by that, really handcuffs any future decisions. So it is worth looking at the decisions of the previous Court, but we can never be bound by them. So I take issue with the gentlewoman from Texas' position that stare decisis is binding precedent. It is never binding precedent. prgtoken Stare decisis is an indicator, and it is informative. We have to go back to the text of the Constitution and the various amendments, and we have to understand what they were understood to mean at the time of ratification. Otherwise, the Constitution no longer is a guarantee from generation to generation. It is just simply an artifact of history that allows the Justices to hold up and say: Hey, we are bound by stare decisis; we can only make a decision that narrows things down; and we are essentially trapped into a funnel of reason that brings about a predictable conclusion that might be completely erroneous. prgtoken To give an example, , I would say that the series of decisions that were made by the Supreme Court--and the f
JEANNETTE RANKIN AND 100 YEARS OF WOMEN IN CONGRESS
Aumua Amata Coleman Radewagen (Republican, AS) \u2014 2017-4-5

I rise today to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the swearing in of the first woman to serve in Congress, Jeannette Rankin of Montana. prgtoken As the first woman to represent American Samoa, I could not be more honored and humbled to be here today to salute this great woman who paved the way for each and every one of us serving in Congress today. prgtoken Imagine the difficulties she had to deal with as the first woman in Congress--in 1917, no less--a woman who stood by her convictions no matter the cost. It must have been extremely harrowing for her at times, but she soldiered on as one would expect from the first female in what was at the time, and in many ways still is, a male-dominated world. prgtoken The Congresswoman was a woman of rock-solid principles which she absolutely would not budge from, as evidenced by her being the only Member of Congress to vote against involvement in both world wars, a position that was very unpopular at the time. But she stood by her beliefs and could not be swayed, an example for all of us. prgtoken While Congresswoman Rankin served only two terms in Congress, her legacy lives on in all of the women who have served since and those who will in the future. She famously once said, and we have all said it several times because it is worth saying and repeating: ``I may be the first woman Member of Congress, but I won't be the last.'' prgtoken She was absolutely correct, and I am grateful for her determination to ensure that the women of this great Nation have a voice in Washington. prgtoken , I ask my colleagues to rise and join me in saluting this remarkable woman and the lasting legacy she has left behind as an example to all women.
OPIOID EPIDEMIC
Claudia Tenney (Republican, NY) \u2014 2017-4-5

I rise today to recognize families across this great country who have been tragically affected by the growing opioid epidemic plaguing our communities. prgtoken All too often, we hear the heart-wrenching stories from families who have lost loved ones to this pernicious scourge. We have heard from law enforcement officers and healthcare providers who have chronicled the growing influx of crime and addiction in our society. prgtoken In 2016, in Broome County alone in my district, 76 people died from drug overdoses. Ninety percent of those deaths were opioid related. prgtoken We have kicked the can down the road for far too long. Now, Congress must act swiftly and work to provide resources for those struggling with addiction by supporting rehabilitation centers, as well as educational and preventative programs. prgtoken That is why I am taking the lead on the national level by supporting the funding of the Comprehensive Addiction and Recovery Act in the 2018 budget. This is only a start, but I will continue to fight across all sectors to find comprehensive and caring solutions to this tragedy in our communities.
SELF-INSURANCE PROTECTION ACT
Paul Mitchell (Republican, MI) \u2014 2017-4-5

I thank the gentlewoman from North Carolina for yielding. prgtoken , I rise today in support of the Self-Insurance Protection Act, of which I am a proud cosponsor. Restoring health care is more than one bill--our plan has always included a series of efforts to directly address the challenges facing our healthcare system. The challenges resulted from Care. This legislation is one such effort, part of a series of measures to increase choice and access. This bill would make it easier for families to get health insurance from their employers. prgtoken As my colleagues have noted, more than 160 million Americans get their insurance from an employer. Of that, 60 percent of employers offering healthcare coverage are self-insured, meaning employers directly reimburse healthcare providers and employees for medical expenses. These self-insured plans provide more flexibility than traditional healthcare plans, as they can be designed and operated to meet the unique needs of workers and families. For many years, the company I led, in fact, was self-insured, and we bought stop-loss coverage. prgtoken For most self-insured employers, choosing to buy stop-loss insurance simply assists them in avoiding catastrophic losses. It is a business insurance policy. Regulating it like a traditional healthcare insurance would restrict access to self-insured plans dramatically. prgtoken We should be making it easier, not harder, for employers to offer their employees comprehensive health packages, and it certainly should not be left to an unelected bureaucrat to decide which types of plans or which benefits work for American families. prgtoken This legislation is a simple, straightforward approach to protect self-insured healthcare plans. It offers clarity, reaffirming longstanding policies recognizing that stop-loss insurance is a distinct business insurance and prevents bureaucrats from--one more time--tinkering with our economy and damaging health care. prgtoken I urge my colleagues to support this legislation, as it is an important measure to promote and to increase access to health care.
JEANNETTE RANKIN AND 100 YEARS OF WOMEN IN CONGRESS
Susan W. Brooks (Republican, IN) \u2014 2017-4-5

I want to thank the gentlewoman from Tennessee for spending her time with us today. I think her story coming from, as she said, public housing, and I think over time because of education and because of opportunities in this country, and she started the business, she got her nursing degree, she started a business before coming here to Congress, served in her State Legislature as well, I know she is a mom, she is a grandmother, she has been an incredible voice here in the House, and she really does show that everything is possible in this country. Yet I really appreciate her acknowledging that we are standing on the shoulders of the women who came before us. prgtoken I just want to thank the gentlewoman, and I know other women in Tennessee serve as well. The chair of my subcommittee, Congresswoman Marsha Blackburn, is serving as chair of the Communications and Technology Subcommittee of the Energy and Commerce Committee, and there have just been terrific folks that have come from Tennessee.
LET'S ACT NOW ON CLIMATE CHANGE
Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (Republican, FL) \u2014 2017-4-5

my constituents and I are so blessed to live, to work, and to play in the paradise that is south Florida. But for our kids and our grandchildren to enjoy the same positive experiences that we have had, it is vital that we act now to combat climate change. prgtoken Creating a thoughtful dialogue on Capitol Hill about the harmful impact of climate change is essential for us to be able to take proactive action toward solving the challenges brought about by this real and growing threat. prgtoken Congress can no longer dispute the fact that sea level rise has been occurring steadily over the last 100 years. I have seen firsthand how our streets keep flooding from king tides, which impacts our constituents, businesses, tourism, and our economic livelihood. prgtoken There is positive progress emerging from south Florida. We have led on sea level rise proposals with the Miami-Dade County Sea Level Rise Task Force and the Southeast Florida Regional Climate Change Compact. prgtoken , I ask that we put partisan politics aside and tackle the inevitable threat of climate change.