mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
MOTION TO INSTRUCT CONFEREES ON H.R. 5515, NATIONAL DEFENSE AUTHORIZATION ACT FOR FISCAL YEAR 2019
Salud O. Carbajal (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2018-6-27

such time as I may consume. prgtoken , this motion would bring TRICARE contraception on par with the Affordable Care Act by prohibiting cost sharing for any method of contraception provided in the TRICARE retail pharmacy network or mail order. prgtoken , our Nation's servicemembers should be provided the same access to preventive healthcare as those insured under the Affordable Care Act. prgtoken Currently, TRICARE beneficiaries, including non-Active servicemembers and their dependents, and certain Active military members, do not have the same access to cost-free preventive care as civilians do. prgtoken By requiring coverage for contraceptives with no out-of-pocket costs, the ACA increases women's access to contraceptives and saves women $255 per year, on average. This is a benefit we currently deny our female servicemembers. One-third of our U.S. military are women. Currently, about 15 percent of Active Duty servicemembers and 19 percent of the Reserve forces are comprised of women. prgtoken Women are bravely serving in all parts of the military, including infantry and other combat units. Servicewomen are continuing to break barriers across the military, proving again and again that they are indispensable when it comes to defending this Nation. prgtoken Unfortunately, this House continues to refuse these brave servicemembers access to the same healthcare that all civilian females have access to. prgtoken Preventive healthcare services, including contraception, should be provided to all TRICARE beneficiaries without any copays. Access to preventive healthcare is vital for the health and quality of life of all women serving this Nation, but it is also critical to the readiness of our military. prgtoken In 2008, researchers found that the rate of unintended pregnancy was roughly 50 percent higher among servicemembers compared to the general population. This problem is made worse by the fact that it is often difficult for female servicemembers to access this preventive medication in the field. prgtoken Another recent study found that, among servicemembers who use contraceptives, only 24 percent brought enough medication to last their entire deployment. Forty-one percent of those needing refills found them difficult to obtain while deployed on Active Duty. prgtoken We should not make it more difficult for these women to access contraception by asking them to pay for medication that the civilian population already receives at no cost. We are doing an absolute disservice to those who are willing to sacrifice their lives to defend our Nation every day by denying them preventive healthcare that is critical to treat certain health conditions and for family planning. prgtoken The Senate has included this TRICARE provision in their bill for the past 2 years because they understand this issue goes beyond political parties and personal views. This is about the health and well-being of those who are sacrificin
CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT
Marcy Kaptur (Democrat, OH) \u2014 2018-6-27

I rise to introduce a constitutional amendment to reverse the impact of the Supreme Court's decision in Citizens United v. FEC. No other recent decision has more sweepingly impacted our elections than this decision which allowed corporations to spend unlimited amounts of money to support candidates and PACs. Citizens United inflated the influence of corporations, megadonors, and special interests in American elections and in effect drowned out American votes. prgtoken Citizens United unleashed corporate campaign spending. But it also created a gaping hole in the barrier that once blocked foreign money in U.S. elections. Before 2010, all federal campaign spending was traceable back to an individual's contribution to a candidate or a PAC. prgtoken But because of the combination of Citizens United and FEC v. Wisconsin Right to Life, ``social welfare'' nonprofits (501(c)(4) can now make political expenditures just like other super PACs. These 501(c)(4)s are even more attractive money funnels than traditional super PACs. They don't have to publicly disclose their donors. prgtoken Almost all major corporations have some foreign ownership. The black hole of corporations' unlimited contributions to PACs and 501(c)(4)s should trouble all freedom lovers. This amendment nullifies the misguided decision in Citizens United and chips away at the influence of special interests in our elections. prgtoken It restores the power of the American people to choose representatives who reflect their priorities I urge you to bring this bill to the floor for swift consideration.
DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE APPROPRIATIONS ACT, 2019
Joe Courtney (Democrat, CT) \u2014 2018-6-27

this is a bipartisan, straightforward amendment that funds long-lead materials to boost construction of Virginia-class submarines to three per year, starting in 2022. prgtoken This amendment comes in response to the adamant, persistent warnings of our combatant commanders in testimony before Congress--Admiral of the Pacific Command and General Scaparrotti of the European Command--that submarines are their number one unfilled priority. prgtoken This appropriations bill, unlike the NDAA, which passed 351-66, unfortunately, does not give the Navy the tools to answer that demand signal. prgtoken Here is the reality: Today, the fleet has 52 subs. The two per-year build rate in this bill will result in a drop to 42 submarines in 2028, as shown on this chart from official numbers straight from the Navy, because subs are aging out faster than the two-per-year build rate can replace. prgtoken My amendment does answer the demand signal of the COCOMs, raising the build rate to three per year at the earliest possible window, based on Navy analysis of industrial base capacity that was submitted to Congress last February. prgtoken , right now, in real time, the next 5-year block contract is being negotiated, which will determine the Nation's submarine construction until 2023. If this amendment fails, Members should be crystal clear that our Nation cannot get that time back to magically add subs later. It takes 5 years to build an attack sub, and this year's bill coincides with block negotiations in a make-or-break moment. prgtoken The offsets to pay for this amendment were part of the NDAA that a bipartisan majority of us just passed on May 24 and do not--I repeat, do not--cut a single ship or plane from the base bill, despite some of the claims that are flying around regarding this amendment. prgtoken In particular, a last-minute DOD letter out yesterday about out-year impacts is pure speculation. We will talk about this more later. prgtoken I am proud to say that my amendment is supported by some of America's most distinguished Navy officers, the last two CNOs, Admirals Roughead and Greenert; the former Fleet Forces Commander, Admiral Robert Natter; and the former Commander of Sub Forces, Admiral Michael Connor; as well as the Navy League and the metal trades of the AFL-CIO. prgtoken , they understood the urgency expressed by other COCOMs. Now the question is whether Congress will rise to the challenge they threw down. prgtoken , I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from Virginia (Mr. Wittman).
IMPROVE OUR HEALTHCARE SYSTEM
Bradley Scott Schneider (Democrat, IL) \u2014 2018-6-27

I rise today on behalf of the more than 130 million Americans with preexisting conditions who are under attack from the administration. prgtoken Some of these people have chronic health conditions such as asthma and diabetes. Some are waging courageous fights against cancer. Some are tackling challenges with mental health or substance abuse. These are our family and friends. They are our neighbors, our coworkers, our caregivers. They are us. prgtoken Sadly, if the administration has its way, they will once more be subjected to discrimination that could deprive them of coverage, condemn them to a lifetime's worth of staggering medical bills, and push their families into devastating bankruptcy. prgtoken One of my constituents in Highland Park who found coverage through the ACA wrote me: My preexisting condition is not a result of my lifestyle choices, as some like to believe. I don't deserve to be demonized and financially thrashed just because of something I cannot control. prgtoken I agree. Seventy percent of the public also support making sure people with preexisting conditions have protections. I urge the administration to abandon its legal effort to undermine the ACA. Enough with the sabotage. prgtoken We owe it to these 130 million people to do better. Instead of building barriers to healthcare, let's work together and improve our healthcare system.
ADDITIONAL STATEMENTS
Richard Blumenthal (Democrat, CT) \u2014 2018-6-27

today I wish to recognize MG Thaddeus J. Martin on the occasion of his retirement from his position as adjutant general of the Connecticut National Guard. prgtoken A dedicated member of our military, Major General Martin has influenced Connecticut for the better and set an impressive standard for the future of the Connecticut National Guard thanks to his decades of leadership and public service. He is well regarded by his peers and has consistently proven himself as a mindful and quick-thinking leader. prgtoken Major General Martin began his military service in 1977. He received his commission in the U.S. Air Force through officer training school in 1980 and completed training as an aircraft maintenance officer in 1981. Throughout his years on Active service, he held several squadron and wing-level assignments and completed a major command headquarters tour with Strategic Air Command. prgtoken After joining the Connecticut Air National Guard in 1990, he held command positions at the squadron, group, and wing level and completed a statutory tour with the National Guard Bureau. He also served as the assistant adjutant general for the Connecticut Air National Guard prior to becoming the adjutant general of the Connecticut National Guard. prgtoken Major General Martin is the longest currently tenured adjutant general in the Nation and the third longest serving adjutant general in Connecticut's history, having reached 13 years in the position last month. During his time as adjutant general, he oversaw the Connecticut National Guard with great integrity, addressing emergencies in the area, and offering military support on behalf of the United States wherever necessary. Major General Martin's decades of service to our Nation enabled him to diligently and tirelessly carry out his responsibilities of providing forces for the Governor and Chief of the National Guard Bureau that were always mission-ready. As the direct link to National Guard State resources, he routinely worked to better prepare Connecticut and the Guard to face new challenges. prgtoken Already in his first year as adjutant general, he dealt with challenges from the 2005 Base Realignment and Closure Commission. Major General Martin played a key role in establishing a lasting flying mission for Connecticut by helping to organize the transition from the A-10 Warthog to the C-130H Hercules tactical airlift platform. This flying mission recently marked its first-ever large-scale overseas deployment as a C-130 unit. prgtoken Over the past 13 years, the Connecticut National Guard has assisted with relief efforts resulting from a number of natural disasters, including Hurricanes Katrina, Harvey, and Maria, along with Superstorm Sandy, by providing essential supplies, equipment, and personnel. Additionally, over 6,000 Connecticut Army and Air guardsmen deployed in order to support international efforts. All of this was accomplished under the leader
DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE APPROPRIATIONS ACT, 2019
Robert C. "Bobby" Scott (Democrat, VA) \u2014 2018-6-27

I would like to commend both Mr. Courtney and Mr. Wittman for their tireless effort on the Seapower and Projection Forces Subcommittee. prgtoken As they have already stated, our Navy is being squeezed and desperately needs more ships, especially submarines. Numerous civilian and military officials, including Secretary Mattis, have testified about the need for these submarines. prgtoken The goal of this amendment to ensure the Navy has the necessary resources in 2019 so that they can officially pursue and negotiate the multiyear contract is extremely important. prgtoken Again, I want to thank the gentleman from Connecticut and my colleague from Virginia for their hard work. prgtoken Mr. Chair, following are my remarks in their entirety: prgtoken I would like to commend both Mr. Courtney and Mr. Wittman for their tireless work on the Seapower Subcommittee on the House Armed Services Committee supporting our nation's Navy and our shipbuilding industrial base. As I have the honor of representing Newport News, Virginia, home to thousands of shipbuilders, I appreciate their work and commitment to this issue. prgtoken As Mr. Courtney and Mr. Wittman have already stated, our Navy is being squeezed and desperately needs more ships, especially Virginia- class attack submarines. Numerous civilian and military officials, including Defense Secretary Mattis, have testified before Congress that we need more submarines. And that's the goal of this amendment--to ensure that the Navy has the necessary resources in FY2019 that they would need in order to efficiently pursue and negotiate the next multiyear block contract in the early 2020. prgtoken Specifically, this amendment provides funding for a submarine reactor, industrial base support and other critical items. The amendment does not bind Congress or the Navy into any specific course of action. If the Navy opts not to pursue the option to purchase additional submarines, that reactor and other material purchases with these funds will be absorbed into submarines that the Navy has already contracted to buy. prgtoken Our shipbuilding industrial base is critical to our national security. Making these investments today will both save money for our Navy and provide more certainty for our shipbuilders. This amendment is supported by unions, the Navy League, and retired flag officers. prgtoken Mr. Chair, we have heard warnings for years that our submarine fleet is at risk of dropping to levels that would make in incredibly difficult for the Navy to achieve its mission. This amendment guards against that from becoming a reality. prgtoken I urge my colleagues to support this amendment so that Congress can preserve the option for the Navy to build as many submarines as possible, and as cost-effective as possible, in the next five-year block contract.
ENDANGERED SALMON AND FISHERIES PREDATION PREVENTION ACT
Suzanne Bonamici (Democrat, OR) \u2014 2018-6-27

. Mr. Chair, I rise today in support of H.R. 2083, the Endangered Salmon and Fisheries Predation Prevention Act. This bill will help reduce sea lion predation on threatened and endangered fish populations. prgtoken Salmon and steelhead are an important part of our heritage in the Pacific Northwest, and they are facing devastating threats. At present thirteen salmon and steelhead populations in the Columbia River, Willamette River, and Snake River systems are listed as threatened or endangered under the Endangered Species Act. Because of successful conservation efforts under the protection of the Marine Mammal Protection Act, California sea lions have fully rebounded and have reached carrying capacity. Many of the thriving species are moving up the Columbia River for easy access to migrating salmon and steelhead. According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, between 2002 and 2015 California sea lions consumed an estimated 46,000 salmonids within a quarter mile of the Bonneville Dam. It is unlikely that we will see the necessary recovery of threatened and endangered fish populations without responding to the ongoing predation by sea lions in the region. prgtoken Oregon's economic vitality relies on the health of the Pacific Ocean and the Columbia River. The natural resources in our region support a significant portion of our economy, and we are very vulnerable to changes to our ecosystem. Healthy salmon and steelhead runs support the commercial and recreational fishing industry, guiding and outdoor retail businesses, restaurants, and coastal communities that benefit from tourism. In addition to the troubling effects on the region's ecosystem, sea lion predation is harmful to tribal fisheries. Tribes have fishing rights and a deep cultural and historical connection to the fish populations threatened by sea lions. The health of native fish runs is dependent on Congressional action to protect these threatened species from sea lion predation. prgtoken This bill will allow for more efficient intervention by allowing states and tribes to apply for permits to remove sea lions along the Columbia River and its tributaries. I am pleased to see changes to this bill in its amended form, including the removal of language that would undermine the National Environmental Policy Act. The revised language is the result of negotiations with a coalition of local stakeholders, tribes, and agencies in Oregon and Washington State. I appreciate the Ranking Member's concerns that this bill only addresses one of the many threats facing our salmon and steelhead populations, but it is an important step toward mitigating the damage to the fish population. We must continue to address the threat of sea lion predation and avoid further loss of irreplaceable species of salmon and steelhead in our region. I urge my colleagues to support this bill.
PROVIDING FOR FURTHER CONSIDERATION OF H.R. 6157, DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE APPROPRIATIONS ACT, 2019, AND PROVIDING FOR PROCEEDINGS DURING THE PERIOD FROM JUNE 29, 2018, THROUGH JULY 9, 2018
Karen Bass (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2018-6-27

my bill also requires a report outlining the short- and long-term effects on these families and proposed solutions. prgtoken As it is, our foster care system is already overrun with over 400,000 children. We know that these kids are in detention right now, but ultimately they will wind up in foster care. Because of the opioid crisis, we don't have enough foster homes for kids who actually need to be in care. prgtoken The long-term neurological effects that I describe even apply to children who should be removed from home because their parents have either abused or neglected them. So even when the children should be separated, that separation causes tremendous harm.
AGRICULTURE AND NUTRITION ACT OF 2018
Jon Tester (Democrat, MT) \u2014 2018-6-27

I rise today on behalf of this Nation's farmers and ranchers. I would urge this body to continue in the bipartisan way that they have been on the farm bill to get this farm bill passed, keep in good shape the strong farm bill at this moment in time, and work to improve it and get it out of the body so that farmers can have the certainty they need with a predictable farm bill. prgtoken I believe I am the only actively engaged working farmer in this body. I have lived on the farm I live on for over 61 years. My wife and I have been farming the land that my grandfather and grandmother homesteaded, and my folks farmed after them, for the last 41 years. During that time, I have been able to see good farm bills that have worked, and I have seen bad farm bills--the kinds of farm bills that have resulted in devastating consequences for our family farms, driving families off the land, paving the way for more consolidation; bad farm bills that have dried up our rural areas and our small towns and along the way dried up our rural way of life. prgtoken This is an important time for folks in production and agriculture. The commodity prices are low pretty much across the board. We are seeing this administration engaging in tariffs and a potential trade war that is threatening Montana's No. 1 industry--agriculture--and threatening the viability of the economy of Montana and rural America. That is why it is critically important that this week we pass a good farm bill that will work and give certainty to Montana's producers and rural communities across this country. prgtoken In my travels around the State of Montana, I have had a number of listening sessions on the farm bill. I have heard from farmers and ranchers. I have visited with them, looked at them eyeball to eyeball, and heard their concerns and their priorities. During these farm bill listening sessions in Montana, I heard from grain growers, cattlemen, sugar beet producers, hops growers, wool growers, pulse growers, specialty crop producers, and organic farmers. We grow a lot of stuff in Montana. I even sat down with the folks who fight the good fight to make sure our kids don't go hungry. I sat down with fifth-generation Montana farmers and ranchers whose families have worked the land for over 100 years and young producers who are getting ready to go out for their very first harvest. prgtoken For the most part, they all said the same thing; that is, they want certainty. They want access to quality crop insurance that is a big part of the safety net for our farmers and ranchers. In times when they can't get their paycheck from the marketplace, this safety net is critically important. They also want to be in a position financially where they can hand their farm--or their ranch or their operation--down to their kids and their prgtoken grandkids, but don't just take my word for it. prgtoken Since my last farm bill listening session, literally hundreds
RED ROCKS COMMUNITY COLLEGE
Ed Perlmutter (Democrat, CO) \u2014 2018-6-27

I rise today to recognize and congratulate the team from Red Rocks Community College on becoming a finalist for a fourth year in a row in the National Science Foundation's Community College Innovation Challenge. This program serves as an innovative way for community college students to partner with local industries to create pioneering STEM-based solutions for real world issues. The Red Rocks team addressed the important challenge of helping the 250,000 Americans suffering with an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury each year by designing BraceX, a low-cost solution to help patients stay mobile during recovery. BraceX is intended to reduce weight-bearing at the knee joint by using a passive spring system that bypasses the knee by transferring the weight to other parts of the leg during the walking cycle, helping patients quickly recover and return to their independence. I congratulate the Red Rocks Team of Bradley Helliwell, Keegan Salankey, Logan Beford, Justin Nichols, Justin Troche, and their faculty advisor Liz Cox for their success. I applaud this group for their dedication to this important project and their leadership and commitment to STEM education. I am proud of the work Red Rocks Community College does every day and I look forward to seeing what the school and these students accomplish in the years to come.