mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
NATIONAL LAW ENFORCEMENT APPRECIATION DAY
David G. Reichert (Republican, WA) \u2014 2017-1-9

today is National Law Enforcement Appreciation Day. prgtoken Behind me are the faces of 135 men and women. They are the faces of those who paid the ultimate price serving and protecting us this past year so that our families and our children can live safe and enjoy our freedom. As you can see, freedom isn't free. prgtoken You may not know or recognize these faces, but you know the faces of others who have served or that are serving today. They are the faces of our brothers, sisters, mothers, fathers, and friends. Some were ambushed and executed. Some lost their lives responding to a call to save a life, someone who called for help. prgtoken Tacoma police officer Jake Gutierrez, from my home State of Washington, is one of the faces behind me. He lost his life in the line of duty just last month while trying to protect a woman from domestic violence. prgtoken Jake was supposed to have exchanged wedding vows with his fiancee in just a few weeks. Instead, she and his three daughters and granddaughter attended his funeral and tried to picture a life without Jake. prgtoken Tragically, again last month, a time meant for celebration was filled with another Washington family's sorrow. Veteran officer Mike McClaughry from the Mount Vernon Police Department was shot in the head while responding to a call for help. Today his children, wife, friends, and family sit by his hospital bed and his life now hangs in the balance in the hands of God and his doctors. prgtoken This feeling of loss is one that I am also familiar with. In 1982, my partner and best friend, Sergeant Sam Hicks, was shot to death attempting to arrest a murder suspect. He left behind his wife and five sons. That was over 30 years ago, but the loss of a loved one is a pain that cannot be forgotten, cannot be erased. prgtoken This national day of appreciation is not only a day to reflect and appreciate the service of those who have served, but those that are serving today. They are driving, walking, patrolling your neighborhoods, keeping us safe. They are ready to put their lives on the line, yes, but every day they do so much more for us that goes unnoticed: prgtoken The officer that took the stolen bike report on Christmas Day and the next day delivered a new bicycle to that little boy's home; prgtoken How about the officer who anonymously buys groceries for a needy family; prgtoken The officer who counseled a little girl who was being bullied because of the clothes she wore and then bought her a new set of clothes; prgtoken How about the officer who went to a call where he had to cradle a 2- month-old baby in his arms, giving CPR to his little, fragile blue face, hoping for the best news, fearing the worst--and getting the worst--and then headed off to his next call; prgtoken The officer that held the hand of a dying man after a motorcycle accident and then sharing his last words with his family; prgtoken The officer who was spit on, ridiculed, and insulted by a
IMPROVING ACCESS TO MATERNITY CARE ACT
David P. Roe (Republican, TN) \u2014 2017-1-9

I rise today in support of H.R. 315, the Improving Access to Maternity Care Act, sponsored by the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Burgess), a fellow OB/GYN and chairman of the Health Caucus. prgtoken One of the easiest ways to ensure a safer and healthier pregnancy experience for both mother and child is through adequate maternity care. Unfortunately, there are pockets across the United States where women do not have access to needed OB/GYN care, which puts both mothers and babies at risk should a complication arise. prgtoken As an OB/GYN who spent 31 years in practice, I find it unacceptable that 1 million babies are born to mothers who did not receive adequate prenatal care. Without that proper care, babies born to these mothers are three times more likely to be born at a low birth weight and five times more likely to die than babies whose mothers did receive adequate maternity care. prgtoken With a large number of OB/GYNs nearing retirement age and a female population expected to increase by 36 percent by 2050, there is no more important time than now to ensure adequate access to maternity care for all mothers, no matter where they live. A woman living in rural east Tennessee or rural Texas should have the same access to adequate maternity care as someone living in the city of Nashville, Memphis, Dallas, or wherever. prgtoken I am a proud cosponsor of this legislation that would require the Health Resources and Services Administration to designate maternity healthcare professional shortage areas and target maternity care resources where they are most needed, helping to ensure healthier pregnancies and healthier babies. prgtoken It was my job as an OB/GYN to make sure that mothers and their children prgtoken were healthy during and after pregnancy, and I feel very strongly about that duty now that I am here in Congress. While this bill will not solve the entire shortage crisis, I think this bill is a meaningful start. I urge my colleagues to support this legislation.
NATIONAL CLINICAL CARE COMMISSION ACT
Pete Olson (Republican, TX) \u2014 2017-1-9

I thank the gentleman from Denton, Texas (Mr. Burgess) for yielding me time to speak about my bill, H.R. 309, the National Clinical Care Commission Act, a bipartisan bill that received unanimous support in the last Congress and was cosponsored by over half of my House colleagues. prgtoken It had this level of support because our Nation faces an epidemic. Diabetes or prediabetes affects over 100 million Americans. Nearly one in three of our neighbors is affected. This is in addition to all of the Americans whose diseases fall under complex metabolic, autoimmune, or insulin-resistant diseases. prgtoken When I first came to Congress in 2009, it was crystal clear that we had a big problem. The benefits of all the Federal research dollars going into these diseases were simply not making their way to patients. Researchers at the NIH, the CDC, the FDA, and even DOD weren't sharing diabetes research. prgtoken It was clear to me in 2009, and it is clear today in 2017, that we need a laser-like focus on improving patient care by pursuing a strong Federal focus on research. prgtoken My bill accomplishes that goal by creating a national clinical care commission comprised of doctors who specialize in diabetes care for patients. This commission will have 3 years to strengthen their partnership between Federal stakeholders and health professionals, who will bring hands-on clinical experience to improve care. prgtoken This is not a new, unending bureaucracy. After 3 years, this commission will sunset. In 3 years, it will be gone. prgtoken We have already made a huge investment of taxpayer dollars into research. It is time for us to leverage that investment and translate that into meaningful prevention and effective treatment options. prgtoken So today, I ask my colleagues to again help those who suffer from diabetes or other complex metabolic and autoimmune disorders by voting for H.R. 309.
OBAMACARE
Michael B. Enzi (Republican, WY) \u2014 2017-1-9

from Texas for his comments about the Senator from Alabama. Senator Sessions has been an outstanding Senator. He came to the Senate at the same time I did. He has served for 20 years. That is a lot of votes that a person can pick apart, if they want to. But here is how it came out. I don't think we have emphasized enough that Senator Sessions didn't have a primary opponent in Alabama. I don't know how many Senators in the Senate haven't had primary opponents. Even more unusual, he didn't have a general election opponent. I am not sure if that has happened before. I know it hasn't happened for a long time. But that says something about the kind of respect he has in his home State, which has a wide variety of people. So for his comments on that. prgtoken , I ask unanimous consent that following disposition of the Paul amendment, there be 2 minutes of debate, divided in the usual form, and that the Senate then vote in relation to the Hirono amendment No. 20.
WEATHER RESEARCH AND FORECASTING INNOVATION ACT OF 2017
Frank D. Lucas (Republican, OK) \u2014 2017-1-9

I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 353) to improve the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's weather research through a focused program of investment on affordable and attainable advances in observational, computing, and modeling capabilities to support substantial improvement in weather forecasting and prediction of high impact weather events, to expand commercial opportunities for the provision of weather data, and for other purposes.
REMEMBERING STANLEY RUSS
John Boozman (Republican, AR) \u2014 2017-1-9

today I wish to pay tribute to former Arkansas State Senator Stanley Russ of Conway, AR. prgtoken Stanley Russ was born in Conway in 1930. He graduated from Conway High School in 1948 and went on to attend Arkansas Tech University and Arkansas State Teachers College, now the University of Central Arkansas, before earning a bachelor of science in education from the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville. prgtoken Russ also served his country in multiple ways, including in the U.S. Army from 1952 to 1954, where he completed officer candidate school. Later, he served as a company commander in the Arkansas National Guard. Russ was inducted into the U.S. Field Artillery OCS Hall of Fame at Fort Sill in 1995. prgtoken Senator Russ served in the Arkansas Senate from 1975 to 2000. He was the president pro tempore from 1995 to 1997 and served as the majority leader in 1997. During his time in public office, he was known as an advocate for public, private, and higher education. prgtoken Russ was named one of the Ten Outstanding State Legislators in the United States by the Assembly of State Government Employees in 1981. Four years later, he was honored for Distinguished Service by the Municipal League of Arkansas. He was elected into the Arkansas Tech University Hall of Distinction in 1994 and the Arkansas Agriculture Hall of Fame in 2000. prgtoken Stanley Russ was a beloved public servant who devoted his life to Arkansas. He was a leader who worked with colleagues on both sides of the aisle and didn't care who got the credit as long as the goal was accomplished. Stanley showed kindness and consideration to everyone who approached him. I sincerely appreciate his devotion to our State and its citizens. prgtoken He will be greatly missed by all. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family during this difficult time.
OBAMACARE
Mitch McConnell (Republican, KY) \u2014 2017-1-9

earlier today I had a good conversation up in New York with President-Elect about a number of pressing issues. We talked about the upcoming Senate agenda, the President- elect's nominees, and the way forward on repealing and replacing Care. As I told him, the Senate's focus this week will remain on the process to repeal Care and keep our commitment to the American people. prgtoken Care has been a flawed system from the start, and things have gotten progressively worse over the last 7 years. From skyrocketing premiums to dwindling insurers in the exchanges, Care has corroded insurance markets across the country to a point that is simply unsustainable. That is why we are taking action to bring relief to countless American families who have been hurt by Care. Unfortunately, there are some who will never accept the realities of this failed partisan law. They seem more interested in messaging exercises than replacing Care with real solutions to improve health care. Catchy slogans, expensive campaigns, or messaging amendments are not going to undo the damage Care has caused. prgtoken Our Nation cannot continue on this trajectory as Care continues to prgtoken unravel at every level, leaving Americans to pick up the pieces. prgtoken We may not be responsible for the damage of this law, but we are committed to bring relief nonetheless. We will continue working this week to pass the legislative tools necessary to begin clearing the way for repeal and then a different way forward that will lower costs and increase choices from where they are now. prgtoken There is no quick fix to undoing the damage created by this broken and complex law, and repeal is just the first step in that process, but the sooner we act, the sooner we can begin bringing relief to those who need it. Let us continue working to keep our promise to the American people by passing legislation that will help us finally move beyond Care's broken promises.
COMMENDING LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICERS
Glenn Thompson (Republican, PA) \u2014 2017-1-9

I rise today on Law Enforcement Appreciation Day to commend the law enforcement officers throughout our Nation who answer the call to serve their communities. Law enforcement officers face increasingly difficult circumstances while working to serve and protect the public. It is a dangerous job, and often it is a thankless job. prgtoken Just last week, Pennsylvania mourned the loss of a 23-year-old Pennsylvania State Police trooper who was shot and killed while investigating a domestic incident. prgtoken Our officers put on their uniforms each day knowing that they can be in harm's way at any moment. They answer the calls in times of distress, they follow the rules, and they wear the badge proudly. prgtoken We must remember that our officers are mothers and fathers, sons and daughters, and husbands and wives. They are human, and they arguably have one of the most difficult jobs in America. So today, and each day, let's honor our brothers and sisters in blue. Let's thank them for the important work they do to keep us all safe.
COMMEMORATING NAT HENTOFF
Keith J. Rothfus (Republican, PA) \u2014 2017-1-9

I rise today to commemorate the late Nat Hentoff, a man who constantly defied expectations. He died this weekend on January 7. prgtoken Nat defined himself as a ``Jewish, atheist, civil libertarian, left- wing pro-lifer.'' A writer for the Village Voice and brilliant jazz critic, he joined forces with constituents across political, ideological, and religious spectrums if he believed he shared common ground with them. prgtoken He was not afraid to alienate his fellow liberals by agreeing with pro-life heretics, as he once jokingly called them, nor was he afraid to speak to crowds of Christian pro-lifers, even when many of them said being atheist and pro-life were mutually exclusive. prgtoken Rather than worry about their judgment, he cared too much about fairness and equality to remain silent. He was more concerned with expressing what he believed to be true: that the unborn have great potential and that, with their own unique genetic code, they are human persons with as much a right to life as any of us. prgtoken I commend Nat Hentoff for his courage and intellectual integrity. It is not easy in our culture to swim upstream. It takes a certain spirit, grit, and determination. These are characteristics Nat Hentoff possessed in abundance. prgtoken May he rest in peace and may his family be consoled.
ADDITIONAL STATEMENTS
Thad Cochran (Republican, MS) \u2014 2017-1-9

I wish to commend Nell Payne for her distinguished career in public service. prgtoken For the past 16 years, she has served as the director of government relations for the Smithsonian Institution, where she has been a tireless advocate for the Smithsonian. She has worked to advance the institution's mission of promoting the increase and diffusion of knowledge. prgtoken Her professionalism, expertise, and integrity have helped the Smithsonian improve on its reputation as the premier museum system in the world. Her leadership and vision have directly benefited the millions of Americans and international travelers who enjoy Smithsonian exhibits and programs each year. prgtoken She also served our country in the U.S. Senate on the staff of the Budget Committee and in the White House as a special assistant to the President. prgtoken I congratulate Nell Payne on her retirement and thank her for the important contributions she has made to the Smithsonian Institution and throughout her professional career.
IMPROVING ACCESS TO MATERNITY CARE ACT
Earl L. "Buddy" Carter (Republican, GA) \u2014 2017-1-9

I thank the gentleman for yielding. prgtoken , I rise today in support of H.R. 315, the Improving Access to Maternity Care Act. prgtoken Our Nation is facing a critical shortage of maternity healthcare services and professionals. Many Americans in rural or medically underserved areas have little to no access to maternity care services, either due to geographical constraints or a shortage of healthcare providers. This bill would encourage physicians and other healthcare professionals to serve in rural and underserved communities by creating a maternity care designation in the National Health Service Corps. prgtoken The National Health Service Corps provides up to $50,000 in student loan repayments for healthcare professionals who commit to providing care in health profession shortage areas for a minimum of 2 years. The program has already made great progress in increasing access and reducing provider shortages in dental care, mental health, and primary care. prgtoken Maternity health professionals can and do already serve in the National Health Service Corps, but they are placed in the same manner as primary care providers. This bill would create a separate designation for maternity care providers, ensuring that maternity health needs are more efficiently addressed in underserved communities that need them the most. prgtoken I urge my colleagues to support this bill.
WEATHER RESEARCH AND FORECASTING INNOVATION ACT OF 2017
Jim Bridenstine (Republican, OK) \u2014 2017-1-9

I believe there will come a time when there will be zero deaths from tornadoes. I think this bill will help us implement the necessary steps to get there. prgtoken I once again thank my colleagues on the Science, Space, and Technology Committee for all their very hard work to get this done, and I encourage our counterparts in the Senate to move this legislation to the President's desk quickly. prgtoken I urge my colleagues to support this bill.
OBAMACARE
Rand Paul (Republican, KY) \u2014 2017-1-9

I propose the Senate vote for this budget because it leads to balance, it is fiscally conservative, it allows the Senate and the Congress to decide where money will be spent and where it will not be, it will eliminate waste, and--above all--will get us on the right track toward eliminating or at least staying the expansion of a $20 trillion debt. I think this is the biggest problem we face as a country. prgtoken As much as I think Care is a mistake, just ignoring the debt to get to Care is also a mistake. prgtoken For those who are or claim to be fiscally conservative, I ask that you will consider voting for a budget that actually balances and continues to have the underlying language in it that would also allow us to repeal Care.
OBAMACARE
Dan Sullivan (Republican, AK) \u2014 2017-1-9

I want to talk a little bit about Alaska this afternoon. Alaska is a beautiful State. Anyone who has visited knows that. Those who have watched any of the numerous television shows featuring my State know that. We have the mountains that seem to go on forever, fish-filled rivers and streams and oceans, miles and miles of beautiful tundra, calving glaciers. prgtoken People save their whole lives to take a trip to Alaska, to see the wildlife, to see the bears, the salmon in the wild. There is no doubt Alaska is physically beautiful, but for those of us who live there, the true beauty of our State comes from our people. From our urban areas to the hundreds of smaller towns and small villages that dot our State, we have so many great citizens doing so many great things throughout all of our communities. prgtoken What I want to do is to recognize some of our citizens and tell their stories. So every week I will be doing that. Every week I will be recognizing an Alaskan who has made a special contribution to our great State and great Nation. For the kickoff of the Alaskan of the Week, I think it is appropriate to recognize a storyteller. prgtoken Narratives keep the people in my State connected to one another. They keep history and culture alive in our great State. That is what Juneau resident Professor Ernestine Hayes does for us in her writing. Professor Hayes was recognized by the Alaska Humanities Forum and the Alaska State Council on the Arts as the current Alaska State Writer Laureate. prgtoken The recognition is well deserved. Professor Hayes teaches writing at the University of Alaska Southeast and is the author of two extraordinary award-winning memoirs, the ``Blonde Indian,'' and the ``Tao of Raven.'' Her books chart her unique experiences of growing up in Juneau as a Tlingit at a time when Alaska Natives were denied basic rights and ``No Native'' signs were common on storefronts. prgtoken Her career as a writer and a teacher began in her fifties. Living the principle that learning should be a lifetime passion, she graduated from the University of Alaska Southeast--magna cum laude, I might add-- when she was 55 years old. In between, she moved to California, where she struggled to find purpose, and, as she put it, she was determined to go back home to Alaska or die facing north. prgtoken Thankfully, for us, she made it back home. In the ``Tao of Raven,'' she weaves in the story of Raven and the box of light. Professor Hayes writes about the importance of giving back to the community. ``Although Raven could well have decided to keep light and luster and blinding brilliance for only his own pleasure,'' she writes, ``he knew that to keep riches to oneself guarantees their decline.'' prgtoken I congratulate Professor Hayes for being chosen as our State's Writer Laureate and our first inaugural Alaskan of the Week. Thank you, Professor Hayes, for sharing your blinding brilliance. prgtoken I yield
U.N. SECURITY COUNCIL RESOLUTION 2334
George Holding (Republican, NC) \u2014 2017-1-9

just before Christmas, the U.N. Security Council passed a resolution condemning Israel. prgtoken I believe it goes almost without saying that Israel is our most trusted ally in the Middle East, which is why I find this so troubling, . The administration had the power to veto the resolution and support one of our only allies in the region, but President , less than a month from leaving office, dictated the United States would sit on the sidelines. prgtoken Well, , I am committed to preserving our alliance with Israel and ensuring a lasting peace is found in the region--a position that has been expressed multiple times on the floor of this House by my colleagues--and I believe we can't afford to sit on the sidelines anymore. prgtoken , the United States supports Israel. The administration is leaving behind a failed foreign policy legacy, but our alliance with Israel will endure. prgtoken Former Senator Jesse Helms believed the United Nations required fundamental reform to address these kinds of problems. I believe this latest action by the Security Council underscores that need.