mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
AGRICULTURE AND NUTRITION ACT OF 2018
Stacey E. Plaskett (Democrat, VI) \u2014 2018-5-18

. Mr. Chair, I am thankful for the opportunity to express my strong opposition to the amendment. prgtoken It is deeply unfair to the United States Territories and contrary to the original intent of the Federal law in question: the Animal Welfare Act amendment, under which States have always been defined to include the territories. prgtoken First, the characterization of this amendment is closing a loophole and bringing the territories in with the States is highly misleading. The Animal Welfare Act adequately addresses interstate and foreign commerce of fowl for gaming purposes. The intent of prgtoken the Federal law in this area has always been to aid States and other local law enforcement in jurisdictions where gamefowl events are illegal, and to prohibit the transport of animals from areas where they are, in fact, allowed. prgtoken The reason that there is a ban in all 50 States is not because of Federal law, but because of States' laws, and those States have banned them in their States. So for the Federal Government to impose that on the territories at this time, I believe, is deeply unfair. This is a highly regulated, cultural, and historic activity in the territories. prgtoken Let's not forget that the real author of this bill is The Humane Society which--when the Federal Government gets into this--becomes a slippery slope, as The Humane Society also wants to ban sporting activities or hunting activities in which animals hunt another animal. Is the gentleman from Illinois going to then offer an amendment to stop dogs who assist humans in looking for ducks and in other places? No. prgtoken But all of the territories' Delegates are against this amendment. And for someone from another State to offer an amendment to restrict something in the U.S. territories is deeply unfair. prgtoken At the last hearing of the committee in which this issue was addressed, which was nine sessions ago, The Humane Society also testified that legislation at State level should be the proper fora to ultimately decide whether fowl gaming is permitted within those State's borders. And, again, States also meaning territories. prgtoken I agree, and so should this body. If only they were true to their word--and the gentleman from Illinois agreed with them--and the well- documented legislative history, we wouldn't be here. And hopefully, we would be talking about much more important matters--matters related to the farm bill, such as SNAP, such as school lunches, such as subsidies to our farmers. prgtoken Those are the things that should be in this farm bill, not this legislation. .
AGRICULTURE AND NUTRITION ACT OF 2018
Raúl M. Grijalva (Democrat, AZ) \u2014 2018-5-18

such time as I may consume. prgtoken This amendment and existing authority in the base bill establishes so-called pilot programs on three national forests in New Mexico. prgtoken The pilot would exempt all logging activity from environmental review and establish an untested arbitration system for anyone who wants to object to an unauthorized project. While we are told that this is necessary to promote forest health and mitigate wildfire, this sets a dangerous precedent, with the potential to do lasting environmental damage to over 3 million acres of national forests. prgtoken What this amendment calls a pilot program would upend critical environmental safeguards and limit public participation in forest management decisions. This is more like a management reorientation project than a pilot project. prgtoken The omnibus bill passed less than 2 months ago, included a bipartisan compromise to fix the wildfire budget and update forest management authorities. The Forest Service has the tools it needs to restore our national forests. Unfortunately, my colleagues on the other side of the aisle would rather use the threat of wildfire to roll back bedrock laws to increase commercial logging. This doesn't make sense in New Mexico, or any other State. prgtoken , I urge a ``no'' vote on the amendment, and .
AGRICULTURE AND NUTRITION ACT OF 2018
Jackie Speier (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2018-5-18

due to a conflict, I unavoidably missed the following votes on May 18. Had I been present, I would have voted as follows: prgtoken 1. On rollcall No. 200, I would have voted ``nay.'' prgtoken 2. On rollcall No. 201, I would have voted ``nay.'' prgtoken 3. On rollcall No. 202, I would have voted ``aye.'' prgtoken 4. On rollcall No. 203, I would have voted ``nay.'' prgtoken 5. On rollcall No. 204, I would have voted ``aye.'' prgtoken 6. On rollcall No. 205, I would have voted ``nay.'' Motion to Reconsider
AGRICULTURE AND NUTRITION ACT OF 2018
Suzanne Bonamici (Democrat, OR) \u2014 2018-5-18

. Mr. Chair, I rise today in opposition to H.R. 2, the Agriculture and Nutrition Act, known as the Farm Bill. This bill weakens our ability to fight hunger, undermines conservation efforts, and fails to address the needs of small and family farms. prgtoken The Farm Bill should provide a safety net for both the hard-working farmers who produce food and those who consume it. In the past, bipartisan Farm Bills have met the needs of both rural and urban communities and have found a balance in the policies that support farmers and those facing food insecurity. Unfortunately, this year leaders on the House Agriculture Committee halted a bipartisan effort and brought a very partisan bill to the floor. The proposal is the result of an ideologically-driven process that was rushed and inadequate, leaving farm and food programs in jeopardy. prgtoken More than 80 percent of the funding in the Farm Bill supports nutrition assistance programs for the nearly 41 million Americans facing food insecurity. The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) allows low-income families to purchase food, and the program continues to play a critical role in helping these families escape the devastating effects of poverty. This program is vital for families in Oregon and across the country. According to a Census Bureau report, nearly 20 percent of families in Oregon rely on SNAP. Unfortunately, the Agriculture and Nutrition Act would slash more than $23 billion in SNAP benefits, removing food from the tables of tens of thousands of hungry Oregonians, and an estimated one million households nationwide. prgtoken Additionally, because SNAP is tied to eligibility for federal school meal programs, this bill would cut access to free school meals for an estimated 265,000 low-income children each year. This cruel and needless policy will result in additional hunger. Children need nutrition to learn and thrive and succeed in school, and hungry children are more likely to stay trapped in poverty. prgtoken Under current law, able-bodied adults between the ages of 18 and 49, without dependents, are only eligible to receive SNAP benefits for three months every three years, unless they are employed or in training for at least 20 hours per week. This bill would expand these requirements, harming many older low-income Americans and ignoring the caregiving responsibilities and other barriers to employment that many people face. SNAP provides some of our most vulnerable populations with access to affordable food; it is not and should not be a workforce training program. prgtoken The bill would also eliminate the ``Heat and Eat'' program, which allows Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) participants to receive a modest standard allowance so families do not need to choose between paying their energy bills and having access to food. These cuts would threaten many families, children, and seniors in Oregon and across the country.
IN HONOR OF DR. VICTOR JAIME ON RETIRING AFTER 38 YEARS OF SERVICE TO THE IMPERIAL VALLEY
Juan Vargas (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2018-5-18

I rise today to honor Dr. Victor Jaime, whom after 30 years of service, will be retiring as President of Imperial Valley College. prgtoken Dr. Victor Jaime was born and raised in the Imperial Valley. He was the first in his family to go to college and Imperial Valley College became the key to his successful career. After graduating with his associates from Imperial Valley College, he went on to attain his Bachelor's degree at UC Irvine, his Master's degree at San Diego State University, his Educational Specialist Degree at Point Loma Nazarene College, and finally his Doctorate degree in Education from Northern Arizona University. Despite all of his diplomas, the two he cherishes the most are his Doctorate, that prepared him to lead our educators and students towards a successful path; and his Associates Degree from Imperial Valley College, which helped pave the way to his mission in life. prgtoken Throughout his career, Dr. Victor Jaime, has worked in various roles such as Counselor and later Director of the Talent Search Program, Dean of Financial Aid and State Programs, Vice President for Student Services and finally Superintendent/President; all at the very college that awarded his Associate's Degree: Imperial Valley College. prgtoken Dr. Victor Jaime firmly believes that his father and grandfather were his main sources of influence and credits them for his accomplishments in academia and his career. Dr. Victor Jaime and his wife, Caroline Treadway-Jaime, have three children; two who are former Imperial Valley College students, and one who is currently at Cal State Fresno, and the grandparents of three grandchildren. prgtoken I would like to recognize Dr. Victor Jaime for his dedication and commitment to Imperial Valley and for being a champion to the community college system and leaving behind a legacy that will continue to impact the students in my district. I wish him the best of luck in his retirement.
AGRICULTURE AND NUTRITION ACT OF 2018
Madeleine Z. Bordallo (Democrat, GU) \u2014 2018-5-18

I rise to strongly oppose the Roskam amendment which would force a Federal ban on the territories without our consent. prgtoken I am sure Congressman Roskam would not want an amendment forced on his constituents without his consent or input. All five members from the territories oppose this amendment, as cockfighting is a culturally significant practice in many of our islands. prgtoken As importantly, this amendment dictates to the territories without any opportunity for our constituents or their elected representatives to have any say. prgtoken Guam and other territories have enacted local laws to regulate cockfighting. Congress should not force this on more than 4 million Americans. Are you aware we are denied the right of a vote against this amendment on this House floor? prgtoken So many issues affecting the territories require Congress' attention: disaster recovery, poverty, healthcare, infrastructure, education, and equal voting rights on this floor. That is what we should be thinking about, and the House should be spending more time addressing these priorities. prgtoken I was not consulted on this matter, and neither were any of the other representatives from the territories. This is not fair, . This is not fair. prgtoken Yes, I agree. We should all be treated equally. Then why aren't the territories allowed to come down on the floor and to vote for final passage? That is the question I want to ask you. Let's be fair all the way. prgtoken , I ask this sponsor to withdraw this amendment so that we can provide our input and maybe we can work toward an agreement. Otherwise, I urge all Members to oppose the Roskam amendment.
MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS MONTH
Erik Paulsen (Republican, MN) \u2014 2018-5-21

I rise today to recognize the month of May as National Mental Health Awareness Month, an important time to share resources for individuals and families that cope with any number of mental health challenges, because about 1 in 5 Americans experience mental illness, and 1 in 25 struggle with a serious mental health condition. prgtoken Serious mental health illnesses are now costing Americans nearly $200 billion in lost earnings each year, and 16 million Americans have had at least one major depressive episode in the last year. That is why it is more important than ever to ensure that people and individuals who need help are able to get it. prgtoken The good news is that now individuals in need of help can call a 24- hour national help line, operated by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, for a confidential conversation. Mr it may be the difference between life or death for someone who is in need
HOMELESS VETERANS' REINTEGRATION PROGRAMS REAUTHORIZATION ACT OF 2018
Brad R. Wenstrup (Republican, OH) \u2014 2018-5-21

I thank my distinguished colleague and Chairman Roe for yielding. prgtoken In November of last year, I joined my colleague and the ranking member of the Health Subcommittee, Representative Brownley, in reintroducing H.R. 4451, the Homeless Veterans' Reintegration Programs Reauthorization Act. prgtoken This bill would provide much-needed services to our veterans transitioning out of homelessness and ensure no veteran falls through unintended legislative gaps in programs. We do this by reauthorizing through fiscal year 2022 the Homeless Veterans Reintegration Program, along with programs designed for female homeless veterans and homeless veterans with children. Additionally, the bill would clarify that those eligible for housing assistance from either a Federal or non-Federal entity are also eligible for the Homeless Veterans Reintegration Program. prgtoken Currently, a gap arises because the Department of Labor considers veterans participating in these housing assistance programs to no longer be defined as homeless. As such, they are unable to participate in the Homeless Veterans' Reintegration Program, a program that provides vital employment assistance and training. prgtoken By prioritizing the reintegration of homeless and recently homeless veterans, we will empower our veterans to reenter the workforce and help them regain self-sufficiency. prgtoken Our veterans have sacrificed so much for our country, and we must ensure that they have the tools to succeed in civilian life. prgtoken I am proud of Chairman Roe's and the House Veterans' Affairs Committee's commitment to reducing veteran homelessness, and I believe that this legislation only further supports this committee's goals. prgtoken I urge all my colleagues to support this important legislation.
CONGRATULATING DR. JEFF SZABO
Michael K. Simpson (Republican, ID) \u2014 2018-5-21

I rise today to congratulate Dr. Jeff Szabo for winning the 2017 Arthur Flemming Award. prgtoken The Arthur Flemming Award is a great honor and Dr. Szabo has demonstrated the innovation and vision to be worthy of such an award. prgtoken He has been instrumental in advancing the Nation's understanding of the fate, persistence and transport of contaminants in drinking water distribution systems, and in wastewater treatment utilities. Under Dr. Szabo's direction the Water Security Test Bed (WSTB) was designed and built at the Idaho National Laboratory (INL), a first-of-its-kind, multimillion dollar field scale water distribution system. It is a platform for performing drinking water security experiments in a setting that resembles real water pipes in the ground without public health risk. Research conducted at the WSTB has proven to be invaluable by greatly enhancing the Nation's knowledge of how to decontaminate these critical infrastructures, and the water sector's ability to respond to a chemical, biological and radiological incident. prgtoken , Dr. Szabo has made an important impact at the Idaho National Laboratory, and we celebrate his accomplishments.
VA BILLING ACCOUNTABILITY ACT
Neal P. Dunn (Republican, FL) \u2014 2018-5-21

such time as I may consume. prgtoken , I rise today in support of H.R. 1972, as amended, the VA Billing Accountability Act. prgtoken This bill would authorize the Department of Veterans Affairs to waive copayment requirements if veterans are not notified of their need to pay a copayment for a given service in a timely manner. prgtoken VA's untimely processing of claims is well-documented. The negative impact those challenges have on recruiting and retaining community providers is also well-documented. However, those challenges also have a negative impact on our veterans. prgtoken Three years ago this June, the VA Medical Center in Minneapolis, Minnesota, initiated a review of past processes on veteran inpatient copayment charges for the years 2011 to 2015. Following that review, thousands of veterans in Minnesota and Wisconsin were charged copayments for services that they had received as much as 4 years earlier. prgtoken Receiving a large bill out of the blue for care that was received, in some cases years ago, understandably caused great concern and upset among veterans. The VA Billing Accountability Act would prevent that. prgtoken The VA MISSION Act that the House passed last week included several provisions that would make it easier for the VA to process and pay claims accurately and on time. This bill would protect veterans by setting specific notification procedures that the VA must abide by when a veteran is going to be charged a copayment for a VA service and by authorizing the VA to waive a copayment if an error committed by the VA caused a delayed notification. prgtoken I am grateful to my colleague from Pennsylvania, Representative Lloyd Smucker, for introducing this bill I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting it, and .
REMEMBERING POLDINE CARLO
Lisa Murkowski (Republican, AK) \u2014 2018-5-21

when Alaska Native youth gather with Alaska Native elders, they often talk about the difficulties of ``living in two worlds'': the modern world driven by careers, technology, busy all the time; and the traditional Alaska Native world: beadwork, subsistence, preparing traditional foods, carrying on Native languages, teaching your children stories handed down across the generations that explain the relationship between humans and other living beings, native dance and ceremonies. The elders explained that it is possible for Native youth to live in the modern world while staying true to who you are. It is said that the modern world gives you wings, but the traditional world gives you roots. The answer to the challenge of the modern world is to always be mindful of your roots. prgtoken In each of the regions of Alaska, there are very special elders who are highly regarded as mentors and guides for the youth. Some are traditional chiefs of their tribes or regions, others Native people who are well known for their wisdom and their integrity. prgtoken Among the Athabascan peoples of interior Alaska, two names stand out: Hannah Solomon and Poldine Carlo. Among Native people when one spoke of Hannah and Poldine, everyone knew who you were talking about, no need to use last names. When they spoke at Native gatherings, others stopped what they were doing and listened. Both spoke with eloquence and passion. Neither held back. prgtoken Hannah Solomon passed away at the age of 102 on September 21, 2011. Poldine Carlo left us on May 9, 2018, at the age of 97. She was buried in the Athabascan village of Nulato this week. Both of these women were regarded as matriarchs and culture bearers. Both will long be remembered for their loving kindness to their Native people and especially to the youth. Both were in a league of their own, so to speak. prgtoken I would like to take a few moments to share Poldine's story with my Senate colleagues and to pay tribute to this remarkable woman. prgtoken Poldine was born December 5, 1920, in Nulato, a traditional community on the Yukon River. She was raised by Joseph and Anna Stickman, her grandparents. She credited her grandmother with instilling the traditional Athabascan ways of life in Poldine. She met her husband, Bill, in Tanana, at the confluence of the Tanana and Yukon Rivers, the place where the rivers meet. Poldine married Bill in 1940, and they raised their eight children along the Yukon River in the traditional ways. Poldine and her husband Bill also operated a mine outside of Rampart in the summers for 20 years. Poldine's sons and husband operated the mine, while she did the cooking and fishing. It was a true family operation. prgtoken In 1957, Bill and Poldine relocated in Fairbanks so that their children could attend high school without leaving home. In those days, Native children in the village were sent off to boarding school for high school. Even though they ha
SERVICEMEMBERS IMPROVED TRANSITION THROUGH REFORMS FOR ENSURING PROGRESS ACT
Gus M. Bilirakis (Republican, FL) \u2014 2018-5-21

I thank Mr. Dunn, my fellow Floridian, a great Member of Congress, and also my good friend Mr. Walz, who has done an outstanding job over the years supporting our veterans. I also thank Mr. Walz for his service. prgtoken , I rise today in support of my bill, H.R. 4830, the Servicemembers Improved Transition through Reforms for Ensuring Progress Act, or the SIT-REP Act, which will hold student veterans harmless from bureaucratic red tape and delays at higher education institutions at the VA. prgtoken I am proud of the work my colleagues and I conducted on the Veterans' Affairs Committee last year to pass the Harry W. Colmery Veterans Education Assistance Act, or the Forever GI Bill. This historic legislation expanded access to education and improves and modernizes the GI Bill for our veterans. prgtoken This is one of the reasons, , we came to Congress: to do something like this, to help our veterans get their education. prgtoken In our committee hearings on implementation of the Forever GI Bill, we heard concerns about the delays in processing of tuition payments between the schools and the VA. I also had roundtables in my district with veterans, and this was a concern of theirs. prgtoken So while the average timelines for processing these benefits are 25 days for new claims and 9 days for supplemental claims, oftentimes the processing timelines spike higher at the beginning of each school year upon a surge in claims. prgtoken We heard concerns from our VSO stakeholders--I thank them--regarding delayed payments resulting from either slow VA processing or a mistake or tardiness by the school certifying official. In some cases, the delays meant schools putting a hold on a student's prgtoken account or forcing the student to begin payment of tuition and fees on a payment plan until they received money from VA. prgtoken My bill, the SIT-REP Act, would give the Secretary the authority to disapprove courses of education for the GI Bill unless the educational institution adopts a policy ensuring that it will not impose a fee on the veteran or deny the veteran's access to education. This policy would be applied for the first 90 days of the school term. prgtoken The SIT-REP Act is a commonsense bill that protects student veterans and their families who, through no fault of their own, are denied access to education because the school made a mistake or the VA made a late payment. It is not the veteran's fault, and they should not be punished for the actions of others. prgtoken , I urge all my colleagues to join me in support of my practical and bipartisan legislation, which will help ensure our student veterans have full access to the educational benefits they have earned and deserve. I hope that the Senate takes up this bill quickly. prgtoken Again, I urge passage of this great bill. We have got to get it to the President's desk as soon as possible. prgtoken , I thank the committee staff as well. They did a great job on th