mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
HONORING THE UNC CHARLOTTE MEN'S RUGBY TEAM
Richard Hudson (Republican, NC) \u2014 2018-6-22

I rise today to honor the UNC Charlotte 49ers Men's Rugby Team and congratulate them on their National Men's DII 7s Championship. The 49ers defeated the University of Wisconsin Whitewater on May 20, 2018. prgtoken Led by Coach Brent ``Bo'' Pasko, UNC Charlotte capped off an impressive undefeated 2018 season and won its third straight Southern Rugby Conference championship. In the quarterfinals, the team defeated Principia College and moved on to eliminate Bloomsburg University in the semifinals. In the championship game, the Niners bested the University of Wisconsin Whitewater (38-10) to secure a perfect record during the tournament. prgtoken The 49ers jumpstarted the championship game with fly half and MVP Michael Basnett scoring the first two tries in rapid succession. Wisconsin Whitewater responded by drawing the game within two points before Basnett crossed once more--advancing the score to 19-10. In the second half, the 49ers opened the flood gates and tries were scored swiftly. Basnett dominated the second half, scoring at will and orchestrating the 49ers' offense to perfection. prgtoken It was an immense victory for UNC Charlotte. In defeating the University of Wisconsin Whitewater, the 49ers upset the reigning Division II Rugby 15s and 7s champions. As a proud UNC Charlotte Rugby Alumnus, it brings me great pride to recognize these extraordinary young men as well as all of the coaches and support staff that made this Championship possible. The hard work and dedication exhibited by each member of the team during the season will continue to serve them well in life. They are a source of pride to both UNC Charlotte as well as the surrounding community. I already can't wait to see what 2019 has in store for the 49ers. prgtoken , please join me today in congratulating the UNC Charlotte 49ers Men's Rugby Team on their national title. Go mean green.
SUBSTANCE USE-DISORDER PREVENTION THAT PROMOTES OPIOID RECOVERY AND TREATMENT FOR PATIENTS AND COMMUNITIES ACT
David P. Roe (Republican, TN) \u2014 2018-6-22

. Mr. Chair, I thank the gentleman for yielding. prgtoken As a practicing physician for over 30 years, I have incredible respect for nurses and the work they do. I married a nurse. Some of the best employees I have worked with were nurses. I could not appreciate the job they do more, Mr. Chair, but care for patients is better directed with physician oversight. prgtoken Even with my training, we need fewer doctors like me writing these prescriptions and more physicians trained in pain management. The American Society of Addiction Medicine is establishing approved fellowships in training in addiction medicine today. prgtoken Expanding the scope of practice for nonphysician providers to dispense drugs like buprenorphine goes in the wrong direction, in my opinion. prgtoken There are many factors that contribute to the explosive growth in opioid use, but clearly a big factor was the lack of knowledge about opioids' addictive qualities. I would argue that we have a similar lack of knowledge about buprenorphine today, and allowing providers who have less training and less knowledge about these substances exponentially increases the chances of abuse in these substances. prgtoken If we remove the most highly-trained specialist from administration of buprenorphine, I fear that all the good we are trying to do in this bill could be negated.
SUBSTANCE USE-DISORDER PREVENTION THAT PROMOTES OPIOID RECOVERY AND TREATMENT FOR PATIENTS AND COMMUNITIES ACT
Earl L. "Buddy" Carter (Republican, GA) \u2014 2018-6-22

. Mr. Chair, s for introducing this critical legislation. prgtoken Since this committee began tackling the opioid epidemic, I have said there are three major parts to the crisis: prevention, treatment, and law enforcement. This legislation touches all three prongs of the opioid crisis with a number of creative solutions, in addition to providing offsets to ensure that solving a public health crisis does not lead to a fiscal one. prgtoken I voted for many of these bills when they came before the committee for mark up, and I want to offer my full support for this legislation.
TAX CUTS PROMOTE JOBS
Joe Wilson (Republican, SC) \u2014 2018-6-22

last week the National Federation of Independent Business released their May Small Business Optimism Index, which is the highest Small Business Optimism rating in history. prgtoken The NFIB reports that expansion plans for small businesses have hit an all-time high. The positive sales trends for independent businesses are at their highest level since 1995. prgtoken These statistics show that the tax cuts and President 's economic deregulation have promoted jobs. prgtoken Thanks to the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, the National Association of Manufacturers, led by President Jay Timmons, reports 77 percent of manufacturers plan to increase hiring, and 72 percent plan to increase wages or benefits. prgtoken Current unemployment is 3.8 percent, the lowest level in almost 50 years. In addition, African American unemployment is the lowest ever recorded. prgtoken In conclusion, God bless our troops, and we will never forget September the 11th in the global war on terrorism. prgtoken Our sympathy to the family and talented associates of Charles Krauthammer, a megastar for truth on FOX News.
PROVIDING FOR CONSIDERATION OF H.R. 6, SUBSTANCE USE-DISORDER PREVENTION THAT PROMOTES OPIOID RECOVERY AND TREATMENT FOR PATIENTS AND COMMUNITIES ACT; PROVIDING FOR CONSIDERATION OF H.R. 5797...
Pete Sessions (Republican, TX) \u2014 2018-6-22

the Rules Committee report (H. Rept. 115- 766) to accompany House Resolution 949 should have included in its waiver of all points of order against consideration of H.R. 6 a disclosure of the following violation: Clause 12(a)(1) of rule XXI, requiring a comparative print to be made publicly available prior to consideration of a bill amending or repealing statutes to show, by typographical device, parts of statute affected. While the waiver is necessary because the document was not available prior to consideration of the bill, it is important to note that it was available before the vote on final passage.
SUBSTANCE USE-DISORDER PREVENTION THAT PROMOTES OPIOID RECOVERY AND TREATMENT FOR PATIENTS AND COMMUNITIES ACT
Paul D. Ryan (Republican, WI) \u2014 2018-6-22

. Mr. Chair, I thank the gentleman for yielding. prgtoken Mr. Chair, I first want to start by thanking the chair and the ranking member. prgtoken But for a moment, I would like to address another issue. I want to pause to honor the life of Dr. Charles Krauthammer. prgtoken Dr. Krauthammer was a widely respected conservative thinker. He wrote columns for which he won a Pulitzer Prize. Paralyzed since college, he wrote the most vigorous commentary of our age. He was a Harvard- educated psychiatrist and had the perfect training to analyze our politics. prgtoken He passed away yesterday, leaving behind a family that loved him, colleagues that admired him, and grateful friends and readers like myself. prgtoken If I had to think about this, Charles was a good friend of mine. He had a beautiful mind, and he had a wonderful, wonderful way about him. Simply put, I loved this man. I loved his work. I would marvel over not just what he said, but how he would say it. prgtoken He had a unique ability to take the issue of the moment and place it perfectly in the context of bigger things. ``America is the only country founded on an idea,'' he would say, and his vocation was the defense of that idea. prgtoken As great as his intellect was, there was absolutely no arrogance about him. Charles was good company, so gracious, so curious. Take any topic and he had already thought through his argument, your argument, and all the counterarguments before you even got started thinking. He was always willing to enjoy the fight, but with good cheer--he enjoyed it; he reveled in it; he excelled at it. prgtoken Charles used his immeasurable gifts to contribute to our civic discourse--and he did it civilly--and we are all the better for it. We will be wiser for what he has done for us. I only hope and pray that we can try to emulate his spirit and his sense of wonder and civility. prgtoken The House and this Nation are in his debt. Our prayers are with his family. prgtoken Mr. Chair, I rise to express my wholehearted support for H.R. 6. prgtoken Today, our Nation is fighting a grave opioid epidemic. It is a threat to a generation of young people and the very fabric that holds our communities together. But to me, this legislation is about hope. prgtoken I have had the honor of speaking with and knowing three brave Wisconsin families who have dealt with this, families that I have gotten to know over the course of time. prgtoken Kyle Pucek is a guy I know from Janesville. He had an ankle injury treated with opioid medication, just like a lot of people have. He developed a dependency and eventually turned to heroin. He is now clean, and he works with nonprofits in Janesville to encourage others to seek treatment. He is helping make sure people don't make the mistakes he made. He is making a huge difference. prgtoken Michelle Jaskulski has two sons, former high school athletes, who became addicted to heroin. They are in recovery. She understands the lonelin
SUBSTANCE USE-DISORDER PREVENTION THAT PROMOTES OPIOID RECOVERY AND TREATMENT FOR PATIENTS AND COMMUNITIES ACT
Kevin Brady (Republican, TX) \u2014 2018-6-22

. Mr. Chair, such time as I may consume. prgtoken Mr. Chair, the opioid crisis has impacted every community in America and robbed countless individuals of their potential. prgtoken A recent poll found that more than 4 out of 10 Americans who are young, in their 20s and 30s, personally know someone who has dealt with opioid addiction. It is a staggering number, and it shows that this crisis touches a huge part of our society. prgtoken All too often, we hear stories of loved ones exposed to opioids, and then quickly addicted, from routine surgeries that may not have required opioid treatment in the first place. This can be prevented. That is why I rise today in support of H.R. 6, known as the SUPPORT for Patients and Communities Act. prgtoken This bill, which incorporates legislation recently approved by the Ways and Means Committee, addresses this crisis by putting in place many commonsense measures to reduce the unnecessary prescription of opioids and also to help those who have become addicted. prgtoken One important policy within H.R. 6, which has been championed by Congressman Peter Roskam, who leads our Subcommittee on Health, will prevent abuse by making sure folks are not able to game the system by visiting multiple doctors' offices in order to receive an opioid. H.R. 6 ensures that patients have selected prescribers and selected pharmacies that will be best able to address their needs. prgtoken Another important measure expands access to more forms of really broad, holistic treatments for addiction through the use of medication- assisted treatment. Americans who are struggling with addiction must be able to find treatment that works for them. prgtoken While we still have a long way to go to solve this crisis, this bill, which is made up of many commonsense, and proposals, takes meaningful strides to help millions of Americans recapture their lost hopes and dreams. prgtoken I thank Representatives Mike Bishop, Dave Reichert, Carlos Curbelo, Peter Roskam, Erik Paulsen, and Jackie Walorski for their leadership on this important issue. And I thank all of our committee members, s and , for their hard work on this important legislation. I look forward to working with the Senate to ensure that we send this important bill to the President's desk. prgtoken , .
COMMEMORATING THE GROUND-BREAKING FOR THE STEPHEN D. ``STEVE'' HOGAN PARKWAY
Mike Coffman (Republican, CO) \u2014 2018-6-22

I rise today to commemorate the groundbreaking for the Stephen D. ``Steve'' Hogan Parkway in Aurora, Colorado. Named in honor of Aurora's Mayor Steve Hogan, who sadly passed away on May 13, 2018, this parkway represents a long awaited major improvement and expansion of Aurora, Colorado's Sixth Avenue. The parkway is fittingly named to honor the life of this well-loved public servant, who I was fortunate enough to call a friend. prgtoken The parkway's design was finalized in February of 2017, and completion is scheduled to occur prior to the end of 2019. This expansion of Sixth Avenue will greatly facilitate east/west mobility in Aurora and provide substantial safety and congestion improvements at the 6th Avenue entrance to Buckley Air Force Base. prgtoken Throughout his time serving the citizens of Aurora as a state legislator, as a member of Aurora City Council, and as its Mayor, Steve Hogan tirelessly worked on behalf of the citizens of the City of Aurora. During his time in elected office, Aurora has grown from a medium sized suburb of Denver to become Colorado's third largest city with a full range of amenities, services, and its own distinct identity. prgtoken The Stephen D. Hogan parkway will symbolize his lasting legacy as a public servant. I am pleased that this vital transportation project will do so much for Aurora, the wonderful city that Mayor Hogan loved, by bringing it new growth and economic opportunities. prgtoken Steve Hogan was truly a model citizen and a great mayor of my hometown. It is my honor to take this opportunity to commemorate, here on the floor of the U.S. House of Representatives, this important event in the legacy and the life of Mayor Steve Hogan.
PERSONAL EXPLANATION
Robert B. Aderholt (Republican, AL) \u2014 2018-6-22

I would like to go on the record as fully supporting H.R. 2, the Agriculture and Nutrition Act of 2018. I was detained off the floor and missed the opportunity to cast my vote on a bill that indeed supports our farmers and rural America. I would like to reflect that I voted in favor of this bill, H.R. 2, the first time it came to the floor on May 18, 2018. I commend Chairman Conaway on passage of the bill on the House floor. This new Farm Bill will benefit consumers and producers, and all those who make our food supply chain abundant and secure.
HONORING WALTER J. CORTER
Thomas MacArthur (Republican, NJ) \u2014 2018-6-22

I rise today to honor the career and community contributions of Walter J. Corter, of the Third Congressional District, who will retire on July 1, 2018, after over thirty four years of public service to Burlington Township. prgtoken Walter has dedicated his career to serving the public. He was hired as a Burlington Township Police Officer in 1974 and held various assignments in the Patrol Division and Investigation Division. He was then appointed as the Public Safety Director in 1983 , and remained in that position until 1994. From 1995 to 2003, he served as the Chief of Investigations for the Burlington County Prosecutor's Office. He additionally served 12 years as Burlington Township's Emergency Management Coordinator. In 2004, he returned to the role of Public Safety Director where he remained until 2011. He was ultimately appointed as the Township Administrator in 2012 and has served in that position ever since. prgtoken Walter has received numerous recognitions throughout his career, including several lifetime achievements from the Jewish Relations Council of South Jersey, the Burlington County Prosecutor's Office, the FBI National Academy Associates, and the Burlington County Police Chiefs Association. He has served on FBI Director Mueller's National Law Enforcement Advisory Committee and is a lifetime member of the International Association of Chiefs of Police and the FBI National Academy Associates. Through his efforts, several partnerships have been formed with various agencies and organizations, which continue to benefit the residents of Burlington Township. prgtoken Walter is a highly respected individual whose leadership abilities, perseverance, and integrity are widely recognized and demonstrate his commitment to public service. He has continued to further initiatives and programs within Burlington Township that benefit the community as a whole. prgtoken , the people of New Jersey's Third Congressional District are tremendously honored to have Walter J. Corter as a member of their community. Walter has shown a desire to serve the public and to give back to his community, and has worked continuously to do so at the best of his ability. I am honored to recognize his career of public service and to commend him for all that he has contributed to his community.
RUSSIAN AND CHINESE NUCLEAR ARSENALS: POSTURE, PROLIFERATION, AND THE FUTURE OF ARMS CONTROL
Ted Poe (Republican, TX) \u2014 2018-6-22

the world today is in a new era of great power rivalry. Resurgent Russia and China are challenging U.S. interests across the globe. Both are rapidly modernizing their militaries to directly challenge America's dominance on the battlefield and to undermine our alliances around the world. The potential for major conflict is closer now than it has been since the Cold War. prgtoken China and Russia's rising power has huge implications for how we trade, how we target rogue regimes, and how the entire international system works. While we often focus on Iran and North Korea's nuclear programs, we tend to overlook the two atomic arsenals that pose the greatest danger to our security. But with Russia and China's aggressive behavior in places like Ukraine, Georgia, and the South China Sea, we are forced to rethink our deterrence against such threats. prgtoken Comparing our nuclear arsenals, it's clear China and Russia have been intent on challenging U.S. dominance and coercing our friends for some time. While we have barely upgraded some of our nuclear systems since they were first deployed in the early 1980s, China and Russia have introduced new weapons. We may be reluctant to maintain and upgrade such devastating weapons, but our strategic rivals are not. If we allow Russia or China to achieve nuclear superiority over us, the results will be dire for our allies and for the international order we have spent decades building. prgtoken Just in March, Vladimir Putin unveiled several new nuclear weapons intended to make our missile defenses ``useless.'' They include a new heavy ICBM, a nuclear-powered cruise missile with ``unlimited range,'' and a nuclear-powered unmanned submarine designed to sneak into coastal cities and explode. Such a heavy investment in nuclear arms is concerning and demonstrates Putin's priority is not disarmament but strategic dominance. prgtoken However, Putin left something out of his threatening display. He did not include the new ground-launched cruise missile which the State Department has said for years is violating the INF Treaty. This missile undermines years of arms control negotiations and the good faith we have hoped to build with the Russians since the end of the Cold War. With the New START treaty expiring in 2021, the INF violation casts real doubt on continued strategic arms limitations with the Russians going forward. If the START treaty expires, the Russians will be completely free to expand their nuclear stockpile to what it was during the darkest days of the Cold War. This will likely force others-- including ourselves--to also build more bombs. prgtoken Worse, now that China is a major rival, we could be pushed into a situation more dangerous than the Cold War. We have been fortunate that China has kept its nuclear stockpile relatively small, focusing on minimal deterrence. But China is building new delivery systems to match our own and is not restrained to arms control agree
SUBSTANCE USE-DISORDER PREVENTION THAT PROMOTES OPIOID RECOVERY AND TREATMENT FOR PATIENTS AND COMMUNITIES ACT
Steve Scalise (Republican, LA) \u2014 2018-6-22

I thank the chairman for yielding me the time and for leading on this important issue. prgtoken , I rise in strong support of my friend from Utah's amendment. As he mentioned, , you look at this crisis in our country, and I am so glad that Congress is taking a wide array of actions to address the opioid crisis in our country, because it doesn't affect just one community or another. Everybody might think ``mine is the only problem,'' and then you talk to other Members of Congress from around the country, and you find out they are experiencing the same kind of crisis. And it is widespread. It is killing people every single day. prgtoken But as we are talking about on this amendment, , we are talking about children, children that are born to a mother that is addicted to opioids. prgtoken I highlight Kemper, a young boy from my district in Slidell, Louisiana. He was born addicted to opioids because his mother, while she was pregnant, was addicted to opioids herself. prgtoken Now, I wish that this was the only time that it had happened. Fortunately for all of us, Kemper is now a healthy young boy, but he spent his first 11 days of life in the hospital fighting to beat a drug addiction that was not created, of course, on his own. prgtoken We would like to think that this might be an isolated example, but, , this example highlights something the Centers for Disease Control has noted, and that is, once every 25 minutes in America, a baby is born addicted to opioids--one every 25 minutes. That is how widespread it is just for babies that are born. prgtoken When we talk about this entire package of bills, today, H.R. 6 is going to pull together 50 different bills covering many different parts of this problem. It is an incredibly bipartisan effort. I know, , so often we hear about the partisan wrangling in Congress. Clearly, there are divided lines on some high-profile issues, but this is an issue where s and have come together. prgtoken I want to thank my friends from both sides of the aisle for recognizing this problem and coming together in a bipartisan way to solve it. prgtoken This is going to give real tools to our communities so that they can combat this at every different level we are seeing, including treatment, including law enforcement to stop these deadly drugs from getting on the streets so that more babies like Kemper are not born addicted to opioids. prgtoken , I encourage all my colleagues to support this amendment and the underlying package of bills.
SUBSTANCE USE-DISORDER PREVENTION THAT PROMOTES OPIOID RECOVERY AND TREATMENT FOR PATIENTS AND COMMUNITIES ACT
Roger Marshall (Republican, KS) \u2014 2018-6-22

I thank Dr. Dunn for leading this amendment. prgtoken I had an over three-decade experience and great working relationship with physician assistants, nurse practitioners, as well as nurse anesthetists. I believe one of the secrets to that great work that we did was the collaboration between us and how we worked together. prgtoken I firmly believe that whenever narcotics are involved, there needs to be a very close working relationship between the supervising physician and these other groups and societies. As narcotic and opioid abuse has become a national crisis, we need to be working even more closely together so as not to exacerbate the problem.