mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
INTERIOR, ENVIRONMENT, FINANCIAL SERVICES, AND GENERAL GOVERNMENT APPROPRIATIONS ACT, 2019
Jack Reed (Democrat, RI) \u2014 2018-7-24

I rise in support of H.R. 6147, the so- called appropriations ``minibus,'' which includes the fiscal year 2019 Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies Appropriations bill, as well as three other bills. prgtoken I am certainly proud to have worked with Chairman Collins. She has put together a thoughtful, bipartisan T-HUD Appropriations bill that reflects the priorities of more than 70 Senators, who provided more than 800 funding or language recommendations. Her leadership and her commitment to fairness and to ensuring that all of our colleagues had the opportunity to help make investments in their States are remarkable and deeply appreciated. prgtoken We looked at all of our colleagues' suggestions and recommendations. We also received guidance from Chairman Shelby and Vice Chairman Leahy, and I appreciate their creative and constructive role. As a result, we were able to produce legislation I am remarkably proud of, and I again thank the chairman for her great work. prgtoken The bill does not include any poison pill riders, which follows the principle established by Chairman Shelby and Vice Chairman Leahy. prgtoken This agreement has given the committee space to evaluate the requests of the administration and Congress and to provide funding levels that support national priorities. I strongly urge my colleagues to maintain this effort and not get diverted by very peripheral and narrow interests in the form of what is frequently referred to as ``poison pills.'' prgtoken Having said that, as the chairman indicated, we welcome amendments and encourage Senators to file them as soon as possible so we can begin to work through them. We have already heard from a few colleagues, and we have several amendments we are preparing to move forward. prgtoken Substantively, let me share some of the significant accomplishments in this year's T-HUD bill. Consistent with the budget agreement, the bill includes $10.9 billion in budgetary resources above fiscal year 2017 levels to improve our Nation's infrastructure, grow our economy, and spur job creation. prgtoken The bills include $3.3 billion above the levels provided in the FAST Act for highway programs, including $800 million for a bridge repair and replacement program. prgtoken On rail and transit, we have maintained Amtrak's funding level from fiscal year 2018, including $650 million for the Northeast Corridor, to make meaningful state of good repair and safety improvements. We have also fully funded the need for Capital Investment Grants and have increased transit formula and competitive grant programs above FAST Act levels. These modes of transportation are essential to reducing congestion, driving economic growth, and improving quality of life throughout the country. prgtoken I am also pleased that we have a bill before us that protects rental assistance for more than 5 million low-income individuals and families, over half of whom a
INTERIOR, ENVIRONMENT, FINANCIAL SERVICES, AND GENERAL GOVERNMENT APPROPRIATIONS ACT, 2019
Jeff Merkley (Democrat, OR) \u2014 2018-7-24

as ranking member of the Agriculture Appropriations Subcommittee, I rise today to discuss the Agriculture appropriations bill. This is a good bill that was drafted in a bipartisan manner and passed out of committee unanimously. prgtoken A big thanks goes to Chairman Hoeven for his hard work on the bill, as well to members of his team who worked closely with members of my team throughout this process and considered requests and concerns from Senators on both sides of the aisle. prgtoken In his budget request, President proposed more than a 25- percent cut to USDA's funding. He also zeroed out a number of very important programs, including programs that benefit prgtoken rural America, along with research programs and domestic and international nutrition programs. The bill that came out of the Appropriations Committee rejects those devastating cuts that were presented in the President's budget request. prgtoken This bill, which is within the subcommittee's discretionary allocation of $23.2 billion, makes smart, targeted investments in programs that are important to the American people while keeping out controversial policy riders. In this bill we maintain funding for important rural development programs while building on the increases provided last year for rural infrastructure initiatives, including rural water and waste programs and a broadband pilot program. These programs are vital in providing rural communities the ability to support entrepreneurs to be able to grow their businesses, creating much needed jobs in the community. prgtoken The bill protects vital research programs and makes important new investments for the organic industry. The Organic Transitions Program is funded at $6 million. The National Organic Program is funded at $15 million. The Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education Program is funded at $37 million. All of these are historic funding levels that demonstrate the commitment to a vital and rapidly growing industry. prgtoken What else does this committee bill do? prgtoken It supports funding for farm ownership and farm operating loans. With farm incomes on the decline, access to credit is crucial for farmers to stay in business. Farm loans will serve the most disadvantaged in the farming sector, including farmers who are just starting out, as well as ranchers, minorities, women, and veterans. prgtoken I am also pleased that we were able to include $150 million in funding for the Watershed and Flood Prevention Operations Program to protect our watersheds and help to prevent floods, reduce erosion, and protect wildlife habitats. With a backlog of $850 million for projects that have already been authorized, this funding is much needed. prgtoken For domestic nutrition programs, our bill maintains funding for the Summer Electronic Benefit Transfer for Children Program, which provides access to food for low-income children during the summer months when schools are out of s
SAVE OUR SEAS ACT OF 2018
Duncan Hunter (Republican, CA) \u2014 2018-7-25

such time as I may consume. prgtoken , S. 756, the Save Our Seas Act, promotes continued national and international efforts to address the growing amount of marine debris entering the ocean environment. prgtoken The dean of the House, the gentleman who yielded to me, Mr. Don Young, our esteemed colleague from Alaska, sponsored the House companion bill. I thank our longstanding colleague for all of his efforts to move this legislation through committee and to the House floor. prgtoken Marine debris is pervasive and persistent, remaining in the ocean for years and negatively impacting the ocean environment. prgtoken S. 756 urges the administration to support research and development on systems and materials that would reduce the amount of waste that enters the ocean and work with nations that discharge large amounts of solid waste into the ocean by sharing technologies and infrastructure to prevent, reduce, or mitigate those land-based sources from entering the marine environment. prgtoken The bill also allows the Administrator of NOAA to designate, respond to, and assist in the cleanup of severe marine debris events. prgtoken Title II of the bill is the Maritime Safety Act. The text came from H.R. 6175, a bill ordered reported from the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee. I sponsored this bill with the ranking member of the Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation Committee, Mr. Garamendi, my esteemed colleague from California, as a cosponsor. prgtoken The bill addresses maritime safety issues that were raised in the Commandant of the Coast Guard's final action memo in response to the tragic sinking of the El Faro. A few of the required actions include: timely weather forecasts, not too complicated; emergency safety gear with locator beacons, so we can find the crew after the vessel has sunk; and float-free voyage data recorders with integrated emergency position indicating beacons. prgtoken The measures included in this title should promote safer vessel transit and, if needed, would assist the Coast Guard in its rescue operations. prgtoken Sadly, we were reminded again last week, by the events in Missouri, the dangers of going out in the open water, even in a relatively protected environment. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the families of the loved ones who lost their lives in the tragic incident. prgtoken Tragedies like this and, sadly, others in recent history remind us that we must remain vigilant and committed to improving maritime safety to protect those who go out on the water for their livelihood or for recreation. prgtoken Title III of the bill allows the Coast Guard to establish a Blue Technology center of expertise. This title is the text of H.R. 6206, as reported by the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee. Mr. Garamendi sponsored the legislation, and I am an original cosponsor of the bill. prgtoken The ranking member and I have a strong interest in Blue Technology and
INTERIOR, ENVIRONMENT, FINANCIAL SERVICES, AND GENERAL GOVERNMENT APPROPRIATIONS ACT, 2019--Continued
Susan M. Collins (Republican, ME) \u2014 2018-7-25

I commend the Senators who are the authors of this amendment. The Senator from Kansas, Mr. Moran, has discussed this issue with me many times, as have the Senators from New Mexico who feel very strongly about it as well. I know the Senators from Colorado are also cosponsors. prgtoken As chairman of the subcommittee with jurisdiction over the funding for Amtrak, I support this amendment. Amtrak's national network is vital for the hundreds of communities across the country it serves, particularly in the more rural areas of our country. prgtoken At a hearing I chaired this past May with the ranking member, Senator Reed, Amtrak committed to not making service changes in advance of new authorizing legislation. It also committed to consulting with the communities it serves before making changes that would affect the residents of those communities. We fully expect Amtrak to stand by the commitments that were made at our May hearing. prgtoken This amendment conveys our longstanding support for long-distance passenger rail service, and I encourage my colleagues to adopt it.
CELEBRATING THE EXTRAORDINARY WORK AND LEGACY OF VICTOR VILLARREAL
John R. Carter (Republican, TX) \u2014 2018-7-25

I celebrate the extraordinary work and legacy of Victor Villarreal, Ph.D. This Lone Star State native has led a life of continual service to Central Texas. His leadership, vision, and commitment to hard work has made the growing city of Leander, TX a great place to live and work. prgtoken Dr. Vic served the City of Leander as a councilmember from 2005-2009, which included a term as Mayor Pro-Tem. Knowing that Leander deserves a first-class higher-education institution, his tenure was focused on bringing an Austin Community College (ACC) campus to his beloved community. prgtoken Dr. Vic unselfishly gave countless hours over the span of a decade toward making an ACC campus in Leander a reality. Those who worked alongside him describe the time, planning, and effort he put in to bringing a college campus to Leander as a true labor of love. Dr. Vic's leadership led to the establishment of ACC's San Gabriel campus; classes will begin in Fall 2018. His commitment to higher education in Leander didn't end there as Dr. Vic served as a member and a Vice Chairman of prgtoken the ACC Board of Trustees before becoming Chairman. prgtoken Many go through life wondering if they've made difference; Dr. Vic doesn't have that problem. I'm glad civic-minded leaders like him are working hard to improve their communities. He's led Leander to new heights and positioned his beloved city to continue into a bright future. I salute his work, congratulate him on his achievements, and wish him nothing but the best for the years ahead.
INTERIOR, ENVIRONMENT, FINANCIAL SERVICES, AND GENERAL GOVERNMENT APPROPRIATIONS ACT, 2019--Continued
Dean Heller (Republican, NV) \u2014 2018-7-25

I begin by thanking Senator Tillis for his leadership on this issue. I also thank him for bringing this to the Senate floor so we can have this discussion, so we can bring to the forefront this issue and try to solve it. prgtoken I also thank and acknowledge the leadership of the majority whip in his efforts. I know being here today, the opportunity to have this discussion, is based on his efforts and his concern for this very issue also. prgtoken Let me begin by saying nobody wants to see children separated from their families--period. I don't think there is anybody in this Chamber who enjoys or does want to see that occur. So that is why I am joining my colleagues to call up and pass the Keep Families Together and Enforce the Law Act. prgtoken While America is a nation of laws, we are also a nation with heart, and Nevadans have a lot of heart. I heard from over 3,500 of my constituents from across the State sharing their concerns about these families being separated. My constituents spoke to families split apart at the border, and some were held in southern Nevada, and they were, frankly, asking for help. So their being unified with their children is a top priority. prgtoken As my colleagues probably know, I am a father, and I am also a grandfather. I understand why parents want to be and should be with their children. There is nothing more important than keeping a family unit together. prgtoken Now I, like many of my colleagues who are on the floor today, support border security as part of any type of immigration reform, but I also strongly believe our country has a rich history because we have always been a nation of immigrants. Our culture is rich because so many families have come to the land of opportunity seeking a better life. prgtoken In fact, in my Washington, DC, office, I have two staffers who are naturalized citizens, who came here as children with their families seeking better opportunities. These individuals who immigrated to our country came from parents who worked hard to provide their children with opportunities. We are, after all, the land of opportunity. prgtoken While we are just, we are also fair. The Keep Families Together and Enforce the Law Act ensures that families will not be separated at the border. Specifically, the legislation allows the Department of Homeland Security to keep accompanied children under the age of 18 with their families in residential centers. prgtoken It also would prioritize family immigration cases and would add 225 new immigration judges to expedite proceedings for families who have been apprehended at the border. prgtoken In addition to keeping children and their parents together, the legislation ensures that any family who has been separated will be reunified. prgtoken Unlike other proposals--which I believe risk making our current immigration problem worse--this legislation actually solves the problem by keeping families together, while also en
STRENGTHENING CAREER AND TECHNICAL EDUCATION FOR THE 21ST CENTURY ACT
Virginia Foxx (Republican, NC) \u2014 2018-7-25

I thank Mr. Thompson for yielding me time. prgtoken , today has been a long time coming, so I will be brief. prgtoken The legislation we are here to send to the President's desk is a true difference maker. Every one of us knows someone God has blessed with skills, talents, and ideas that do not fit the mold of traditional postsecondary education. Because of that, they may not believe they have much to offer or much to gain by joining the workforce without the ``right'' degree or diploma. But there really isn't a right degree or diploma. prgtoken By updating and strengthening the career and technical education law, which H.R. 2353 does, we are making significant progress in changing those misguided perceptions and giving workforce development the recognition and credit it deserves. prgtoken We have more than 6 million unfilled jobs in this country, due in large part to the skills gap. The skills gap is partly the result of an outdated approach to workforce development. H.R. 2353 supports innovative learning opportunities and strong community partnerships, addressing the problem of vacant jobs and workforce development needs where they exist: at the local level. prgtoken I want to recognize the bipartisan effort that has gotten us here today. Congressman Glenn Thompson and Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi, along with a great staff, delivered a great bill for us to work on at the Education and the Workforce Committee. prgtoken Since we marked it up, reported it, and the House passed the bill last year, I have been pleased and I have been proud to work with Ranking Member Bobby Scott in urging Senate consideration of this legislation. I thank House leaders for bringing this bill back to the floor as soon as we could after the Senate passed it on Monday night. prgtoken On behalf of every member and staff person of the Education and the Workforce Committee, I am grateful this bill is before the House today, and I am proud of all of their hard work. prgtoken , I urge Members to support this legislation.
RECOGNIZING THE ACCOMPLISHMENTS OF REAR ADMIRAL PAMELA M. SCHWEITZER
Paul A. Gosar (Republican, AZ) \u2014 2018-7-25

it is my pleasure to stand today to recognize the distinguished career of a remarkable constituent of mine, Rear Admiral Pamela A. Schweitzer. Rear Admiral Schweitzer is retiring after proudly serving her country for nearly 30 years. prgtoken After receiving her Bachelor's degree in biology in Biological Sciences from California State University Fullerton, Rear Admiral Schweitzer went on to earn a Doctor of Pharmacy from University of California San Francisco and an Ambulatory Care/Administrative Residency at University of California Irvine Medical Center. She is a Board Certified Ambulatory Care Pharmacist, and currently serves as Executive Master of Health Administration Program at the University of Southern California Sol Price School of Public Policy. prgtoken On August 7, 2014 Rear Admiral Schweitzer was appointed to be the first female Chief Professional Officer of Pharmacy for the United States Public Health Service. As Chief Pharmacy Officer, Rear Admiral Schweitzer was prgtoken responsible for providing leadership and coordination of USPHS pharmacy programs and professional affairs for the Office of the Surgeon General and the Department of Health & Human Services. prgtoken While serving her country, Rear Admiral Schweitzer worked in a variety of roles including, progressing in leadership responsibilities in the Indian Health Service, the Veterans Administration, as well as the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. She made an indelible mark within each of these organizations, which is a testament to her strong dedication to public service. prgtoken Rear Admiral Schweitzer has been recognized for her leadership contributions many times. These recognitions include receiving the National Council for Prescription Drug Programs Champion Award in 2017, American Society of Health-System Pharmacists William Zelmer Lecture Award in 2016, the University of California San Francisco Alumni Award in 2015, American Pharmacists Association Distinguished Federal Pharmacist Award in 2014, IHS Senior Pharmacist of the Year Award in 2013 and the USPHS Mary Louise Anderson Leadership Award in 2012. prgtoken Rear Admiral Schweitzer will always be remembered as someone who put her country and the well-being of others above all else. She will be greatly missed and I wish her the best in her retirement on behalf of a grateful nation.
STRENGTHENING CAREER AND TECHNICAL EDUCATION FOR THE 21ST CENTURY ACT
Tim Walberg (Republican, MI) \u2014 2018-7-25

I rise in strong support of H.R. 2353, the Strengthening Career and Technical Education for the 21st Century Act. I also thank my colleagues and sponsors of this legislation, Representative Thompson from Pennsylvania and my good friend from Illinois, Representative Krishnamoorthi. prgtoken As I have met with students, teachers, and employers in my district, I have consistently heard the need to expand CTE opportunities and invest in a skilled workforce. prgtoken In today's economy, we need to celebrate the fact that not everyone follows the same path. While many students pursue 4-year degrees, many others know their sweet spots lie somewhere else. prgtoken Career and technical education provides students with hands-on experience that can lead to a good paying job and a rewarding career. prgtoken I am also pleased this bipartisan legislation includes my provisions to address unnecessary and duplicative licensing requirements that act as a barrier for workers trying to get their foot in the door. prgtoken I commend my colleagues on the Education and the Workforce Committee for making it a priority to modernize and strengthen CTE programs. prgtoken Coming from a manufacturing hub like Michigan, this bill will make a big difference for the hardworking men and women of our State. prgtoken Let's pass it today and help every American pursue their personal paths to the American Dream.
LONG-TERM CARE VETERANS CHOICE ACT
David P. Roe (Republican, TN) \u2014 2018-7-25

such time as I may consume. prgtoken , I rise today in support of my bill, H.R. 5693, as amended, the Long-Term Care Veterans Choice Act. This bill would expand long-term care opportunities for veterans by allowing the Department of Veterans Affairs, VA, to cover the cost of a medical foster home for certain veterans. prgtoken Medical foster homes are private homes in which a trained caregiver provides round-the-clock care to a small group of individuals. Medical foster homes have proven to be a popular, safe, and cost-effective alternative to traditional nursing homes, particularly for veterans who prefer a more familial, less institutional care setting. prgtoken However, VA is unable to cover the cost of care for a veteran residing in a medical foster home. That is true even for veterans who VA would otherwise be required to pay for in a more expensive nursing home. prgtoken As a result, VA estimates the department pays more than twice as much for nursing home care than it otherwise would. The Long-Term Care Veterans Choice Act would help address that issue, and, in doing so, ensure that veterans have the flexibility to choose the long-term care setting that feels most comfortable for them. prgtoken The bill would also create a Veterans Economic Opportunity and Transition Administration to be led by an under secretary for Veterans Economic Opportunity and Transition. Investing in education and employment opportunities for our Nation's veterans is one of VA's most important but least recognized missions. prgtoken Today, programs concerning education and employment are embedded within the Veterans Benefit Administration, which, understandably, devotes most of its time, attention, and resources on disability compensation-related issues and backlogs that rise and fall with time. prgtoken Creating a new administration within VA to house education and employment programs will ensure that those programs receive the focused leadership, time and attention that they deserve. prgtoken To offset the medical foster home and Veterans Economic Opportunity and Transition Administration provisions of the bill, it would also authorize a temporary increase in the VA home loan funding fee for interest reduction loans when refinancing homes. This bill is sponsored by Congressman Clay Higgins from Louisiana. As an engaged member of the Subcommittee on Health, Clay is a champion for his prgtoken fellow veterans, and I thank him for his leadership on this legislation. prgtoken I am also grateful to my good friend and former senior committee member, Dr. Brad Wenstrup from Ohio, who has sponsored the Veterans Economic Opportunity and Transition Administration provisions of this bill. As a veteran and physician, Brad has championed veteran employment and education issues because he knows better than most how important it is that veterans transitioning from combat zones come home to meaningful education and employment opp