mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
RECOGNIZING MR. NATHAN CHITTENDEN OF DUTCH HOLLOW FARM IN SCHODACK LANDING, NEW YORK
John J. Faso (Republican, NY) \u2014 2018-6-22

it is with great respect and admiration that I rise today to recognize the many achievements of Mr. Nathan Chittenden of Dutch Hollow Farm in Schodack Landing, New York. Nate has been named the recipient of Cornell University's prestigious Hometown Alumni Award. This designation recognizes Cornell graduates who have returned to their hometown to start or develop a business while also being active and engaged members of their communities. prgtoken Nate is a third-generation farmer, carrying on his family's rich dairy farming tradition. Following his graduation from Cornell in 2000 with a degree in dairy science, he returned to the family farm. Since then, he has grown prgtoken Dutch Hollow Farm and has become an esteemed advocate and clarion voice for the dairy farming industry across New York State. prgtoken Dairy farming is a vitally important part of our identity in Upstate New York, and Nate has worked tirelessly to ensure it remains the engine of our local economy. Through his active participation in the Columbia-Greene Cornell Extension Board, the Agri-Mark Young Cooperators Board, and as a local 4-H dairy leader for over two decades, Nate has become a fixture within the farming community as well as the greater Rensselaer County community. prgtoken This Hometown Alumni Award is a true testament to Nate's steadfast commitment to his community and to dairy farming. I cannot think of anyone more deserving of this honor I ask that my colleagues join me in congratulating Nate on receiving this award. His lifetime of hard work is inspirational, and I am grateful for his many contributions to New York State and to our robust dairy industry.
KNOB NOSTER HIGH SCHOOL LADY PANTHERS ARE STATE CHAMPIONS
Vicky Hartzler (Republican, MO) \u2014 2018-6-22

I rise today to congratulate the Knob Noster High School Lady Panthers track team on winning the 2018 Class 2 Missouri State Track Championship. prgtoken The Lady Panthers' win marks the first women's team State championship in their school's history. The Lady Panthers took home the title with 50 team points after rain delayed the final track events for nearly 2 hours. prgtoken In addition to winning the State championship, the Lady Panthers' Jessica Sader recorded the second furthest javelin throw in Missouri history to claim the Class 2 title. Sader won her third straight title, throwing 143 feet, breaking her own Class 2 State record of 134.6 feet. prgtoken The team's outstanding accomplishments mark a great milestone for the girls track team and its coaches and creates a legacy that will be cherished and heralded for years to come. prgtoken , please join me in congratulating the Knob Noster High School Lady Panthers on this momentous achievement.
HOW MUCH POLLUTION IS TOO MUCH?
Brian J. Mast (Republican, FL) \u2014 2018-6-22

today is day 22 of water exactly like this being discharged into my community in Lake Okeechobee. You can see exactly how disgusting it is. prgtoken What you cannot see is the disgusting smell that emanates from it. You cannot see the toxins that are inside of it. You cannot see the airborne pathogens that come off of it. prgtoken What you see behind me is a satellite image of the hundreds of square miles of algae bloom that are in this lake that are being discharged miles and miles away into my community. prgtoken My community did not put the algae bloom on the lake; they did not put the nutrients into the lake that caused this algae bloom; but my community pays the price, all under the umbrella of flood control for other communities. prgtoken I believe my community is owed, at a minimum, one answer: How much pollution is too much? How much danger to our community is too much? How much before this will stop?
SUBSTANCE USE-DISORDER PREVENTION THAT PROMOTES OPIOID RECOVERY AND TREATMENT FOR PATIENTS AND COMMUNITIES ACT
Jackie Walorski (Republican, IN) \u2014 2018-6-22

. Mr. Chair, I thank Chairman Brady for all of his work. prgtoken Mr. Chair, I rise today in support for the SUPPORT for Patients and Communities Act. It includes my bill, the Dr. Todd Graham Pain Management, Treatment, and Recovery Act, that passed the House earlier this week. prgtoken H.R. 6 is also vital for equipping those on the front lines with important treatment and recovery initiatives. This includes people in my district like Erin LaCourt at Victory Clinical Services in South Bend. Victory provides comprehensive treatment for individuals with substance abuse disorders, but H.R. 6 will help them expand those services to include seniors. prgtoken This bill will also help Justin Phillips, who founded Overdose Lifeline, which is dedicated to helping those affected by addiction, assist even more Hoosiers on their road to recovery. prgtoken Solving the opioid epidemic requires every one of us to work together. I want to thank Erin, Justin, and all the other hardworking Hoosiers in my district who deserve recognition and to let them know we have noticed all their hard work. prgtoken Mr. Chair, I urge my colleagues to support this bill.
SUBSTANCE USE-DISORDER PREVENTION THAT PROMOTES OPIOID RECOVERY AND TREATMENT FOR PATIENTS AND COMMUNITIES ACT
Larry Bucshon (Republican, IN) \u2014 2018-6-22

I rise today in support of H.R. 6, the SUPPORT for Patients and Communities Act. This bill will help our struggling communities combat the opioid epidemic ravaging our Nation by focusing on providing care to those in need while addressing prevention of opioid misuse and abuse. prgtoken I am proud that two pieces of legislation that I introduced are included in H.R. 6 as sections 202 and 203. Section 202, which I worked closely with Representative Peters on to introduce, would incentivize development of nonopioid pain alternatives for postsurgical pain. prgtoken Section 203 would increase screening for chronic pain, address possible nonopioid pain alternatives, and increase early detection of opioid use disorder in seniors as they enter Medicare. prgtoken , I am proud to have worked with my colleagues on solutions to this serious crisis, and I urge my colleagues to support H.R. 6.
SUBSTANCE USE-DISORDER PREVENTION THAT PROMOTES OPIOID RECOVERY AND TREATMENT FOR PATIENTS AND COMMUNITIES ACT
John R. Curtis (Republican, UT) \u2014 2018-6-22

I thank the gentleman from Louisiana and the chairman for their speaking out in support of this important bill. prgtoken , this amendment is essential in helping us improve our understanding of the impact of using opioid prescription during pregnancy and, ultimately, preventing opioid use disorder entirely. It is vital that we have sound and accurate research to guide us in the best ways to help pregnant women suffering from addiction. prgtoken , this is a critical amendment. I urge my colleagues to support it, and .
SUBSTANCE USE-DISORDER PREVENTION THAT PROMOTES OPIOID RECOVERY AND TREATMENT FOR PATIENTS AND COMMUNITIES ACT
David B. McKinley (Republican, WV) \u2014 2018-6-22

I rise in support of H.R. 6. Over the past 2 weeks, America has witnessed something impressive. Both parties have come together, once again, to take action on one of the more challenging issues of our time: the opioid epidemic. prgtoken But this health threat is not unique. In the past, Congress faced the AIDS epidemic that claimed the lives of hundreds of thousands of Americans, and stared down the Ebola nightmare. Congress responded methodically and thoughtfully by investing massive resources into medical research at the NIH and into treatment and prevention programs. prgtoken That is exactly what Congress is trying to do today. In this bill, we are funding NIH to develop alternatives to opioids for pain management, increasing treatment and prevention programs, and equipping our law enforcement to stop dangerous drugs like fentanyl from coming into America. prgtoken This bill is going to make a difference in the lives of millions of Americans. Congress is building on the work that it started with CARA and with the 21st Century Cures, but this isn't the end. It is vital to continue working together. prgtoken Mr. Chair, I urge my colleagues to support H.R. 6.
HONORING THE LIFE OF GERALD `JERRY' EIGHMY
Mike Kelly (Republican, PA) \u2014 2018-6-22

I rise today to honor the life of Gerald `Jerry' Eighmy, who passed away on Tuesday, May 15, 2018 after a lengthy illness. Jerry is survived by his wife of 56 years-- Mary, his sons Scott and Harry (both of Erie) and eight beloved grandchildren who will proudly carry on the legacy of their admirable grandfather. Jerry was born on December 17, 1940 in Cleveland, Ohio. He moved to Conneaut early in life and has been a lifelong resident ever since. After graduating from Conneaut High School, Jerry worked on the ore boats for US Steel to gather up the money needed to go to college. He attended Heidelberg College in Tiffin, OH getting a degree in chemistry. Shortly after graduating, Jerry started working for his father at the family machining company, the Eighmy Corporation in Conneaut. Over the years, Jerry was instrumental in growing and advancing the company. In 1984, Jerry started American Turned Products in Erie, PA. American Turned Products has grown into a thriving manufacturing company, with two plants in Erie County that serve the automotive, appliance, military and hydraulics industries. During his time in the machining industry, Jerry became very involved with the National Screw Machine Products Association, now called the Precision Machined Products Association (PMPA). PMPA is an international trade association that represents the interests of the precision machined products industry and provides programs and services to ensure members stay ahead of the curve and ready to compete on a global scale. Jerry was actively involved in many PMPA committees over the years and also served on the PMPA's Finance, Executive, and Pension Committees. Jerry served a five year term as Association Treasurer before transitioning to Association Second Vice President, First Vice President, and eventually President elect. In order to acknowledge his service to the association and industry in general, Jerry was presented with the merit award, the association's highest honor. Jerry continuously strived to make a difference and better the lives of those around him, which he did through a number of capacities. He was a board member and past President of the NWPA Manufacturers and business association and served on the board of Brown Memorial Hospital for 25 years until becoming the chairman. In addition, Jerry was instrumental in the creation of the sports complex for the Conneaut School System, where he was not only the major monetary donor for the project but also donated the land for the track and soccer field, which bears his name today. In serving his family and community, Jerry was a leader in the truest sense of the word and a role model for those who were privileged to know him. He set a standard of excellence and generosity that is both admirable and praiseworthy. Furthermore, Jerry was a class act that will be remembered for his distinguished career and selfless personality please
SUBSTANCE USE-DISORDER PREVENTION THAT PROMOTES OPIOID RECOVERY AND TREATMENT FOR PATIENTS AND COMMUNITIES ACT
Leonard Lance (Republican, NJ) \u2014 2018-6-22

. Mr. Chair, I rise today in support of this bipartisan package, H.R. 6. prgtoken The Energy and Commerce Committee, under the leadership of Chairman Walden, has again delivered for the American people on the pressing public health challenges facing the Nation. From combating childhood cancer, to improving mental health care, to fighting the scourge of drug addiction, the Energy and Commerce Committee produces results. prgtoken The menace of drug abuse and addiction has manifested itself in opiates. Every corner of this country has known the heartache of losing a life from this terrible problem. Congress has acted before with passage of the Comprehensive Addiction and Recovery Act, but CARA needs reinforcement. H.R. 6 delivers more resources, treatment, and mitigation tools to fight opiate addiction. prgtoken Included in this package is the Eliminating Opioid-Related Infectious Diseases Act, legislation I have authored with my colleague on the Energy and Commerce Committee, Congressman Joseph P. Kennedy III. prgtoken Infectious diseases compound and complicate the lifelong path toward recovery from substance abuse, and threaten the lives and safety of the loved ones of those addicted, especially children. prgtoken This is how Congress is supposed to work, both sides coming together to confront a national crisis, going through the committee process with bipartisan bills, and getting to the root of the country's challenges. prgtoken Mr. Chair, I urge a ``yes'' vote.
MOMENT OF SILENCE FOR DEPUTY THERESA SUE KING, DEPUTY PATRICK THOMAS ROHRER, AND ALL FALLEN POLICE OFFICERS
Kevin Yoder (Republican, KS) \u2014 2018-6-22

there are no words to describe the tragedy that occurred in my district in Kansas last week. Two Wyandotte County deputies, Theresa Sue King and Patrick Thomas Rohrer, lost their lives while transporting an inmate for a court hearing on Friday. prgtoken This is, tragically, not the first time in recent history that law enforcement men and women in our community have made the ultimate sacrifice to keep the peace. We are reminded that we owe our police force, their deputies, and their loved ones a debt of great gratitude that we will never be able to repay. prgtoken We pray for their families at this time, and we pray for Sheriff Ash, Kelli Bailiff, and Chief Ziegler as they lead their departments through this tragedy. prgtoken , may God bless Deputy King and Deputy Rohrer. May they rest in peace. prgtoken , along with our colleagues from Kansas, Ron Estes and I ask for a moment of silence for Deputy King and Deputy Rohrer and all of our fallen police officers.
SUBSTANCE USE-DISORDER PREVENTION THAT PROMOTES OPIOID RECOVERY AND TREATMENT FOR PATIENTS AND COMMUNITIES ACT
Neal P. Dunn (Republican, FL) \u2014 2018-6-22

. Mr. Chair, I rise in support of my amendment to H.R. 6. I am grateful for the opportunity to speak about it. prgtoken My amendment strikes language that would expand the classes of healthcare workers who would be authorized to dispense narcotics for narcotic treatment. prgtoken Let me be clear at the outset. H.R. 6 is, in large part, a great bill; however, as currently written, it allows nurse specialists, nurse midwives, and nurse anesthetists to prescribe buprenorphine. I believe this is a significant and impulsive expansion of prescribing authority. prgtoken Allowing more providers with less clinical experience to provide buprenorphine, a highly addictive opioid, opens up dangerous new potential for increased opioid abuse. The point of H.R. 6 is to decrease opioid abuse, but this provision increases the potential for abuse and vastly increases the supply of a dangerous opioid that is one of the major causes of opioid overdose and death in Europe. prgtoken Mr. Chair, I appreciate the opportunity to bring these concerns to light in this amendment. prgtoken Mr. Chair, I include in the Record a letter in support of my amendment from The OTP Consortium. The OTP Consortium, June 19, 2018. Hon. Greg Walden, Chairman, Committee on Energy and Commerce, House of Representatives, Washington, DC. Hon. Kevin Brady, Chairman, Committee on Ways and Means, House of Representatives, Washington, DC. Hon. Frank Pallone, Jr Ranking Member, Committee on Energy and Commerce, House of Representatives, Washington, DC. Hon. Richard Neal, Ranking Member, Committee on Ways and Means, House of Representatives, Washington, DC. Dear Chairmen Walden and Brady and Ranking Members Pallone and Neal: On behalf of the Opioid Treatment Program (OTP) Consortium we would like to offer our support for H.R. 6, the Substance Use-Disorder Prevention that Promotes Opioid Recovery and Treatment (SUPPORT) for Patients and Communities Act. In particular, we strongly support Section 207 which would provide Medicare beneficiaries with lifesaving Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) for opioid use disorder (OUD) in the highly-effective OTP setting. This policy was introduced by Ranking Member Neal and Congressman George Holding as part of H.R. 5776, the Medicare and Opioid Safe Treatment (MOST) Act of 2018. The OTP Consortium is comprised of nearly 350 OTPs across the country that provide care to more than 140,000 patients daily in 37 states, including at our 22 facilities in Massachusetts, 16 facilities in Texas, nine facilities in Oregon, and two facilities in New Jersey. OTPs are highly-regulated, highly-structured, comprehensive treatment programs that provide MAT--which the National Institut
SUBSTANCE USE-DISORDER PREVENTION THAT PROMOTES OPIOID RECOVERY AND TREATMENT FOR PATIENTS AND COMMUNITIES ACT
Tim Walberg (Republican, MI) \u2014 2018-6-22

I am grateful for your leadership and for the work my colleagues on the Energy and Commerce Committee are doing to tackle the opioid crisis. prgtoken Mr. Chair, I rise today in support of H.R. 6, the SUPPORT for Patients and Communities Act. Everywhere I go around Michigan, I hear about the opioid crisis plaguing our State and country. It is a deeply personal and painful issue for many of our friends and loved ones, including the family of Jessie Grubb, whose life was cut short. Her family grieves that a mistake was made that, because of our legislation, hopefully, will never happen again. prgtoken Over the past 2 weeks, the House has considered more than 70 bills to enhance treatment and recovery programs, increase prevention efforts, protect communities, and fight the synthetic drug fentanyl. These measures include two bipartisan bills I introduced with Congresswoman Debbie Dingell. They have been incorporated into legislation we are voting on today, including Jessie's Law. prgtoken This is an urgent crisis, and I urge the Senate to take swift action and advance these solutions. There is not a moment to waste.
SUBSTANCE USE-DISORDER PREVENTION THAT PROMOTES OPIOID RECOVERY AND TREATMENT FOR PATIENTS AND COMMUNITIES ACT
George Holding (Republican, NC) \u2014 2018-6-22

I would like to highlight the importance of medication-assisted treatment in combating the opioid epidemic. prgtoken This epidemic has pervaded all populations, including our seniors. Medicare beneficiaries have among the highest and fastest rate of opioid use disorder, yet they do not currently have coverage for the most effective treatment. prgtoken The SUPPORT Act, which will be before the House today, would change that. This bill provides for a fully coordinated, bundled-care model that will help patients through medication-assisted treatment, which combines the use of medication with counseling, group therapy, and drug testing. prgtoken Just this week, the NIH released a study that found delivering medication-assisted treatment to patients following an opioid overdose dropped the death rate by 59 percent. prgtoken The President's Commission on Combating Drug Addiction and the Opioid Crisis also cited the value of medication-assisted treatment in reducing overdoses and relapses while retaining patients in a treatment program. prgtoken For example, a constituent named Jeff from North Carolina became dependent on opioids after a difficult back surgery. He initially tried to stop cold, but went into withdrawal and relapsed. Fortunately, Jeff was able to receive treatment from the Goldsboro Comprehensive Treatment Center where he went through counseling. His progress was monitored, and monthly drug screens kept him accountable. He--Jeff--now says that his life has changed 100 percent for the better. prgtoken Every Member of this House has constituents just like Jeff who have struggled with addiction but can regain their life with the right treatment. While there is no silver bullet to this crisis, we need to ensure patients and doctors have all options at their disposal to combat the opioid epidemic.
PRESIDENT TRUMP'S IMMIGRATION POLICY
Alma S. Adams (Democrat, NC) \u2014 2018-6-22

I rise today in support of the thousands of families being ripped apart by President . Like the majority of Americans, I vehemently oppose 's cruel and immoral zero-tolerance policy. prgtoken In less than 2 months, nearly 2,000 children have been snatched from their parents. Why? Because this administration is willing to use toddlers as bargaining chips for a wall. prgtoken This -created nightmare is absolutely unacceptable. This executive order does nothing to stop immigrant families from being detained. What a shame. prgtoken Congress has the responsibility to act and create a bipartisan solution. The Ryan immigration bill is not that. It codifies hatred, putting families at greater risk. prgtoken I urge my colleagues to abandon this hyperpartisanship and find a way to keep all families together and to reunite these children with their parents.
HONORING DR. JAMES BOK WONG
Judy Chu (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2018-6-22

I rise today to honor the life of Dr. James Bok Wong, who passed away on May 25, 2018 at the age of 96. Dr. Wong was a lifelong leader in his community, an immigrant, a businessman, and a veteran. Dr. Wong was born in Canton, China in 1922. After immigrating to the United States in 1938, he served with the famous Flying Tigers Air Corps, the first American Volunteer Group of the Chinese Air Force during World War II. Following his service, he earned a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture and Chemical Engineering from the University of Maryland under the G.I. bill, and went on to earn both a Master of Science and PhD in Chemical Engineering from the University of Illinois. An entrepreneur and businessman, Dr. Wong rose to become a distinguished figure in the biochemical industry. He served as chief economist and director of international technologies for Dart Industries, and founded his own company, James B. Wong Associates, Inc through which he licensed U.S. technologies to spearhead the dairy industry in China. In 1971, Dr. Wong founded the Chinese American Citizens Alliance Foundation to support the growing Chinese American community in Los Angeles. The foundation has provided educational and leadership opportunities to countless young people and played a key role in encouraging civic engagement. Dr. Wong was also a longtime leader in the Chinese American Citizens Alliance, serving as national marshal, president, and a member of the board of directors. Recognized with an L.A. Outstanding Volunteer Service Award in 1977, Dr. Wong later received a History Makers Leadership Award by the Chinese American Museum in 2014. Dr. Wong leaves behind an enduring legacy of dedication and service to his country and his community. He is an inspiration to all those who knew him and it is my honor to commemorate his life.
RECOGNIZING THE CAREER OF DOM BETRO
Mark Takano (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2018-6-22

I rise today to commend the career of Dom Betro, a resident of my district, who is retiring this month as the president and CEO of the Family Service Association of Western Riverside County. prgtoken Over the last 33 years, Dom has overseen phenomenal growth in the impact of this agency, which today helps more than 75,000 people a year. Under Dom's leadership, the FSA developed more than 90 units of senior housing and provided counseling and childcare service to countless individuals. prgtoken Dom's record of public service includes volunteer work for organizations such as the Nonprofit Policy Counsel of California. He is a lecturer at California State University San Marcos and served for 4 years on the City of Riverside City Council. prgtoken The legacy of Dom's dedication to the Inland Empire will continue long after his retirement. He has made our community a better place to live. On behalf of my constituents, I want to thank him for his service.