mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
VA ACCOUNTABILITY FIRST ACT OF 2017
Ruben J. Kihuen (Democrat, NV) \u2014 2017-3-16

this is the final amendment to the bill, which will not kill the bill or send it back to committee. If adopted, the bill will immediately proceed to final passage, as amended. prgtoken , as a nation, we have the moral responsibility for providing for the men and women who have served our country. One of my highest priorities in Congress is ensuring that our veterans receive the care and benefit they have earned. prgtoken It has been almost 3 years since a whistleblower shocked the Nation by disclosing 1,400 veterans languish without care at the Phoenix VA. Since then, many others have come forward to report excessive wait times, substandard care, and dirty facilities in VA hospitals all across the country. prgtoken The issues we have seen at different VA hospitals have been completely disgraceful. However, what is even more shocking is that many of these whistleblowers have reported some sort of retaliation from hospital directors or the VA's Office of Inspector General, even though Federal law specifically prohibits harassment or retaliation of Federal employees who bring wrongdoing to light. prgtoken The recent reports about VA employees facing retaliation is disheartening and it is unacceptable. We need to protect these employees who are trying to ensure that the VA is transparent and accountable to all of our veterans. prgtoken , my amendment is very simple and commonsense. It merely builds upon existing language in the bill seeking to protect whistleblowers. prgtoken Under the bill, a whistleblower can still be fired during the expedited procedure with limited recourse. This amendment would close that loophole. prgtoken This amendment would also cover those who come forward to a central whistleblower office instead of just a special counsel. prgtoken And, as my colleagues have noted numerous times on the floor today, one-third of our VA employees are veterans. This amendment also works to protect them from unjust firings without due process. prgtoken We should never tolerate fraud, waste, or abuse on our Federal agencies. This is especially true when it comes to caring for our Nation's veterans. The brave men and women who have put their lives on the line should be provided with the best quality of care, and it is imperative that the whistleblowers who have stood up to protect our veterans should be fully protected from retaliation. prgtoken We should provide whistleblowers with the confidence to step up and help make a change. Helping improve our veterans' health care is dependent in part on the encouragement and protection of whistleblowers within the VA. prgtoken , in closing, I say this. No one in this body wants to vote on a bill that may give potential whistleblowers doubt about coming forward. Let's give them the assurance they deserve by voting for this motion to recommit, which will strengthen the whistleblower protection language in the underlying bill. prgtoken , I urge support for my amendmen
DISMANTLING THE AFFORDABLE CARE ACT
Earl Blumenauer (Democrat, OR) \u2014 2017-3-16

this has been a fascinating 2 weeks here on Capitol Hill. We have had, last week, all night sessions in our Ways and Means Committee and on the Energy and Commerce Committee dealing with the plan to dismantle the Affordable Care Act. At times, , it is really hard to process all of the claims and counterclaims that are going on. I feel occasionally like I am in an alternative universe, and it is not just because we were up until 4:30 in the morning debating this. prgtoken People have lost track of how we got to this point--what was happening earlier, what has been the benefit and accomplishment of the Affordable Care Act, and what is going to happen moving forward were we to adopt a really disastrous proposal advanced by my friends. prgtoken Twenty-five years ago, I was in a different role as Portland's commissioner of public works. And one of the elements in my portfolio for several years was to deal with personnel and benefits and health care. I am fully aware of trying to deal with our 6,000 employees to provide them with affordable health care that the city, as the employer, could afford, and that wasn't too burdensome on our employees. We were caught in a situation with rapidly escalating costs, inflation for medical care twice the rate of the ordinary inflation; we were having problems with employers maintaining coverage in an affordable fashion; and the individual market was, frankly, very chaotic and troublesome. prgtoken I have with me here a report from the Kaiser Family Foundation from March of 2009. They talked about these challenges--how the United States healthcare spending had risen from 1970 from 7.2 percent of the gross domestic product to where they projected that it was going to cost us by 2018, next year. prgtoken It would be $4.3 trillion, $13,100 per resident, and account for over 20 percent of the gross domestic product. prgtoken , I am pleased to say that, as a result of the unprecedented reforms that were incorporated in the Affordable Care Act, we were able to deal with this problem. We began 10 years ago, when gained control of Congress, working on expansion of the CHIP program, children's health, and it was one of the first actions signed into law by President when he assumed office and we weren't facing a veto from the administration. prgtoken We have been working for over 3 years trying to lay the foundation for moving forward with a comprehensive approach for healthcare reform. And it should be noted, for all of the hyperbole about socialized medicine and government dictating outcomes and taking control away from the American people, that is the furthest thing from the truth. prgtoken In fact, the program that was developed by President and the , with no help from s, was actually a middle ground. It relied upon the private insurance that most Americans had through work, and be able to expand that coverage, t
VETERANS 2ND AMENDMENT PROTECTION ACT
Debbie Wasserman Schultz (Democrat, FL) \u2014 2017-3-16

I stand in strong opposition to H.R. 1181, the ``so-called'' Veterans 2nd Amendment Protection Act. prgtoken , twenty veterans a day tragically take their own lives. prgtoken Just ONE veteran taking his or her own life is one too many. prgtoken But twenty every day is an epidemic. It is unconscionable, and unacceptable. prgtoken With two-thirds of veteran suicides being carried out with firearms, this bill practically pulls the trigger for veterans at risk. prgtoken H.R. 1181 threatens the safety of our nation's veterans and potentially others; by providing those veterans suffering from mental illness with greater ease in obtaining a firearm. prgtoken The National Instant Criminal Background Check System is a critical tool in stopping those who want to do harm to themselves or others. prgtoken If passed, this bill would dangerously alter the protocols for including a veteran in the database when he or she has been assigned a fiduciary. prgtoken In addition, over one hundred-seventy thousand mentally ill veterans would be removed from the National Instant Criminal Background Check System. prgtoken Instead of wasting time and energy on senseless budget cuts and harmful bills like H.R. 1181, this Congress should be focused on strengthening protocols so that no veteran struggling with mental illness ever falls through the cracks. prgtoken Just two months ago, a veteran, Esteban Santiago, suffering from mental illness fell through the cracks and killed five people at my home airport in Fort Lauderdale. prgtoken The current protocols failed him. We failed him and we should be doing all that we can to make the system strong for those suffering-- not making the situation worse, as this bill does. prgtoken This bill does a grave disservice to those men and women who have served us valiantly. prgtoken Moreover, it is opposed by military leaders including General Stanley McChrystal and General David Petraeus, who led our troops in Iraq and Afghanistan. prgtoken It is our obligation to ensure every veteran has the physical and mental health care they both deserve and need, We owe them better than this. Instead, this bill prioritizes putting firearms in the hands of mentally ill veterans who are already at serious risk.
RESOLUTION OF INQUIRY
Mike Quigley (Democrat, IL) \u2014 2017-3-16

today I have introduced a resolution of inquiry requesting that the President and Attorney General provide the House with any evidence in their possession relating to President 's claims that President illegally ordered the wiretapping of Tower, a task not welcomed but necessitated by the President's seemingly baseless accusations that the administration wiretapped Tower during the Presidential campaign. These accusations should be taken literally and seriously. prgtoken As a member of the Intelligence Committee, I have seen absolutely no evidence that supports the President's claims. President and the Department of Justice have a responsibility to completely clarify the President's statement on Twitter. prgtoken If the White House and Department of Justice are unable to produce this evidence, as I suspect will be the case, the President owes the American people a thorough and immediate explanation and apology.
BILLIONAIRE'S BUDGET
Pramila Jayapal (Democrat, WA) \u2014 2017-3-16

I thank Representative Raskin for his consistent brilliance and leadership. I so appreciate it. It has been a tremendous honor to serve with him here. prgtoken I want to talk about another area that we haven't covered yet, which is the State and development programs budget. This is essentially our efforts around diplomacy and development around the world. This would be incredibly hard hit. The prime target is the United Nations. Climate change initiatives at the United Nations would lose all of their funding. The government would cut back its regular contribution to the U.N. and pay no more than 25 percent of the cost of U.N. peacekeeping operations. The budget would hit all of the multilateral development banks, like the World Bank, which would be trimmed by $650 million over 3 years, and cultural programs like the East-West Center in Honolulu. prgtoken Today a number of colleagues talked about how misguided this cut was, and it made me very hopeful, to be honest. Representatives Hal Rogers and Ted Yoho both agree that this cut is absolutely misguided. prgtoken Several retired three- and four-star generals wrote a letter to Congress expressing their deep concern over these serious budget cuts that are being made to the State Department because they know that diplomacy goes hand in hand with any kind of defense that has to be put out there. You have got to have the two together. Here is what they said: ``The State Department, USAID, Millennium Challenge Corporation, Peace Corps and other development agencies are critical to preventing conflict and reducing the need to put our men and women in uniform in harm's way.'' prgtoken In 2013, General Mattis himself said that if more funding for development wasn't provided, he would have to buy more bullets. Development programs are inextricably linked with our national security, and this President should not be cutting these funds if he wants to bolster national security. If he wants to bolster national security, then we should be investing more of our dollars into diplomacy and development as two of the other legs of a three-legged stool. Unfortunately, he is going in the opposite direction. prgtoken Our aid and development efforts have to be well-rounded and holistic. I know this because I have worked in international development before all over the world. I have worked along the borders of Laos and Cambodia, in Thailand. I have worked across south Asia. I have worked in Latin America. I know and I understand that our relationships and our ability to build prgtoken strong multilateral coalitions and to invest in the stability of countries as war is happening there is absolutely essential to preserving peace. prgtoken The generals wrote: ``We know from our service in uniform that many of the crises our nation faces do not have military solutions alone-- from confronting violent extremist groups like ISIS in the Middle East and north Africa to preventing
IMPROVING AUTHORITY OF SECRETARY OF VETERANS AFFAIRS TO HIRE AND RETAIN PHYSICIANS AND OTHER EMPLOYEES
Carol Shea-Porter (Democrat, NH) \u2014 2017-3-17

under this legislation, the VA would create a database to help match qualified job applicants to critical open positions in order to more quickly fill those vacancies. prgtoken My amendment is simple. It requires the VA to include mental health positions in that database, allowing it to better serve veterans with critical needs by ensuring that the VA uses all available tools to recruit and hire qualified mental health professionals in a timely and effective manner. prgtoken The VA faces a critical shortage of mental health professionals, including psychiatrists, psychologists, mental health counselors, and peer support specialists. These providers care for our veterans with behavioral health needs that include post-traumatic stress disorder, military sexual trauma, and substance use disorder. Too many of our veterans must wait to receive the mental health care we have promised to them, and some might never receive needed care at all. prgtoken In my home State of New Hampshire, we are fighting a fentanyl, heroin, and prescription opioid crisis that is disproportionately affecting the veteran community. Rates of opioid-use disorder among veterans rose 55 percent between 2010 and 2015, and overdose rates for prescription opioids are twice as high as the national average among veterans getting care at the VA. Increasing mental health provider capacity will allow more of these veterans to enter treatment and, ultimately, recover. prgtoken Our veterans deserve to be treated by professionals who fully understand the veteran experience and veteran-specific mental health conditions. That is why it is so important for veterans to have the option to receive specialized mental health care from VA mental health professionals who have the training that will allow them to build trust. prgtoken In fact, only 13 percent of non-VA mental health providers meet the criteria to deliver veteran-centric mental prgtoken health care, according to RAND. That is why it is so important to hire and retain mental health professionals within the VA. prgtoken Right now, there are several open mental health positions at our local VA Medical Center. They seek to hire clinical staff and a mental health service line manager, but are finding it hard to locate qualified applicants. My amendment will make it easier for the VA to find such applicants and match them with the open positions that we need filled. prgtoken There is an urgent need to address this problem. Every day, 20 veterans commit suicide. MST, opioid, PTSD--these are all crises we need to address. The time to act is now. Please vote ``yes'' on this amendment. prgtoken , .
LOSING MEDICAID COVERAGE
Gregorio Kilili Camacho Sablan (Democrat, MP) \u2014 2017-3-17

as this week and the week before have passed, I watched Members of Congress on both sides of the aisle debate the better parts of either the Affordable Care Act or its replacement, the American Health Care Act. prgtoken For the people I represent, the people of the Northern Marianas and of the insular areas, none of this matters to us. None of those mandates, none of those subsidies ever applied to us. The one thing that did apply to us was Medicaid--not expansion, not the regular program, but the block grant for Medicaid--which has now just been completely taken out of the bill before us. prgtoken There are 14,000 participants on Medicaid in the Northern Marianas. Over 10,000 are children and students. Come October 1, 2019, they will no longer have access to health care because they lose their Medicaid coverage.
I CANNOT TELL A LIE
Steve Cohen (Democrat, TN) \u2014 2017-3-17

I am a proud member of the House of Representatives. Yet, at the same time, I am embarrassed that, in somewhat of a Felliniesque nature, we have followed down the rabbit's hole. prgtoken Our current President suggests that President wiretapped Tower. Our President has the FBI and the intelligence agencies at his beck and call. He can easily make a phone call and know whether or not it is true; but, instead, he asks Congress to make an investigation, and Congress agrees. prgtoken This is absurd. It didn't happen. In fact, his security adviser called the British to apologize for suggesting that the British were listening in at Tower. prgtoken Our Nation needs to be more like it was when George Washington was President. He was known to have said: ``I cannot tell a lie.'' prgtoken We need to be straight with the American people. Microwaves cannot take pictures or surveil your house. The past President is an honorable man and committed no crime. He should not be accused of such. prgtoken I hope this Fellini movie ends quickly.
RECOGNIZING THE ASIAN TRADE, FOOD FAIR, AND CULTURAL SHOW
Lois Frankel (Democrat, FL) \u2014 2017-3-17

I rise today to recognize the Asian Trade, Food Fair, and Cultural Show that will take place this weekend in West Palm Beach, Florida. The Asian Fair has brought our community together to celebrate Asian culture for 24 years now, and I look forward to seeing what this year has in store. prgtoken The Bangladesh Association of Florida organizes this annual event to celebrate the contributions of the Asian community in America. This year, 48 countries will be represented through live music, dance performances, and authentic cooking demonstrations. prgtoken I'd like to recognize the Bangladesh Association of Florida for their hard work on this event and for their dedication to promoting cultural diversity in our community.
IRISH LESSONS
Carolyn B. Maloney (Democrat, NY) \u2014 2017-3-17

today I join with millions around the globe to celebrate St. Patrick's Day. The United States of America would not be the country we are today without the enormous contributions of millions of Irish immigrants and their descendants. prgtoken From serving in every war our country has ever faced and leading our country at every level of government, Irish Americans have done it all. Today, more than 33 million Irish Americans claim Irish ancestry. prgtoken Tragically, our country didn't always welcome the Irish. During the late 19th and 20th centuries, Irish arriving on our shores were met with contempt, disdain, and with signs that read, ``Irish need not apply.'' But they persisted, and our country is all the better for it. prgtoken So, today, St. Patrick's Day, I thank you and say thank you to all the Irish men and women who helped shape the great country we are today. prgtoken Thank you, and happy St. Patrick's Day.
IMPROVING AUTHORITY OF SECRETARY OF VETERANS AFFAIRS TO HIRE AND RETAIN PHYSICIANS AND OTHER EMPLOYEES
Timothy J. Walz (Democrat, MN) \u2014 2017-3-17

we must enable the VA to recruit and retain the most capable people to serve our Nation's veterans. prgtoken We also know that one size does not fit all when considering an applicant's background and experience. If an individual has gained valuable experience over many years at an agency, we don't want to eliminate them as an option. Federal hiring officials need the most complete list of options available to select the most highly qualified employees. prgtoken I do not object to requiring former political appointees at the VA go through the proper selection process when they apply for nonpolitical, competitively selected positions. prgtoken I truly appreciate the spirit and intent of the gentleman from Colorado's amendment. I support it, and .
FIGHTING FOR RIGHTS AND EQUALITY
Alan S. Lowenthal (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2017-3-17

since 2013 I have flown the pride flag outside my D.C. office in solidarity with the LGBT community. According to the House historian, I was the first to do so, a fact that I am very proud of. prgtoken Yesterday, outside my office in Washington, D.C a man took that flag out of its holder, threw it on the ground, and stomped on it. He called the flag disgusting and immoral. prgtoken This flag is a symbol of pride for the LGBT community--an international symbol of love, understanding, equality, and hope. prgtoken The shadows of intolerance have grown longer in recent days: bomb threats called into Jewish community centers, desecrations of Jewish cemeteries, hate crimes against minorities and the transgender community, horrifically racist statements from a Member of this body. prgtoken To all our brothers and sisters who endure through these hateful acts, we stand with you, and we will continue to fight for your rights and your equality.
IMPROVING AUTHORITY OF SECRETARY OF VETERANS AFFAIRS TO HIRE AND RETAIN PHYSICIANS AND OTHER EMPLOYEES
Beto O’Rourke (Democrat, TX) \u2014 2017-3-17

I would like to begin by recognizing the incredibly important work of my colleague from Ohio (Mr. Wenstrup) in ensuring that we bring more physicians and care providers into the VA so that more veterans can get access to quality, timely care, producing better outcomes for them. prgtoken Of course, our veterans have served this country so honorably and have put their lives on the line, and now it is our turn to fulfill our obligation. Dr. Wenstrup's underlying legislation is going to ensure that we get a step closer to doing that. He will agree with me, I hope, that one of our challenges is recruiting the right talent into the VA out of residency programs across the country. prgtoken Right now, the VA is operating with one hand tied behind its back because it limits itself to the last year of a medical residency before it begins talking to that resident to try to recruit them to serve at the VA. prgtoken Meanwhile, most residents begin making career decisions a year or two earlier than that. And private sector clinics, hospitals, other public institutions are talking to those residents, trying to recruit them, and successfully bringing them to places other than the VA. prgtoken This amendment will allow the VA to begin recruiting and offering conditional job offers with 2 years left in a residency. It will help us to address the fact that today there are 43,000 authorized funded positions that are open in the VA where we don't have the doctors, the psychiatrists, the primary care providers, the medical professionals we need to provide the care that veterans need. prgtoken We need to begin recruiting earlier, more effectively, and more successfully. This amendment to the underlying legislation will allow us to do that. prgtoken I hope that I will have the support of my friend from Ohio (Mr. Wenstrup), of the ranking member of the full committee, and of my colleagues here in the Chamber. prgtoken , .