mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
REMEMBERING ROY HERRINGTON
Rick W. Allen (Republican, GA) \u2014 2017-7-24

recently, the Appling County community mourned the loss of lifelong resident Roy Herrington. prgtoken He was a loving husband to his wife of 59 years, Georgia, and a dedicated father to his three children: Tami, Jeff, and Julie. Roy was an active member of the community. He was a member and a deacon at the Baxley First Baptist Church; a past director of Appling County Chamber of Commerce; and a recipient of the Chamber Award of Excellence in Agriculture. prgtoken Roy was awarded the Appling County Chamber of Commerce Citizen of the Year award in 1981. prgtoken During my time traveling the 12th District of Georgia, Roy was one of those people who I would always make sure to visit to gain insight on serving the great folks of the 12th District. prgtoken , we are losing our greatest generation, but as Members of Congress and as Americans, we must not forget the lessons they have taught us. Every village, every community, has a man of peace and influence. In Appling County, that man was Roy Herrington. prgtoken Baxley, Georgia, is a better place because of Roy Herrington. He will be remembered often.
HEALTHCARE
Mitch McConnell (Republican, KY) \u2014 2017-7-24

7 years ago, forced Care on the American people. It was supposed to lower health costs, but, of course, they skyrocketed. It was supposed to provide more health options, but they plummeted. prgtoken At Care's launch, millions lost the health plans they liked and were promised they could keep. In the years since, Americans have continued to lose access to plans, hospitals, and doctors they know and they trust. prgtoken Now Care teeters on the edge of total collapse, threatening to drag even more of the men and women we represent right down with it. That shouldn't be an acceptable outcome to any of us. It certainly is not acceptable to me. prgtoken I made a commitment to the people I represent. I told the people of Kentucky that I would vote to move beyond the failures of Care. The Senate did so in 2015, but President wielded his veto pen. The Senate can do so again now, and President will use his pen to sign such legislation. prgtoken The first step this time, the first vote we will take soon, is on whether or not to begin the debate at all--whether to have the debate. I believe my mandate from the people of Kentucky is to vote yes, and I certainly intend to do so. prgtoken I know many colleagues feel the same. I know many of us have waited literally years for this moment to finally arrive, and, at long last, it has. I urge every colleague to join me. prgtoken I know many have ideas on how to improve healthcare. Some of these ideas have real potential. Others, like applying temporary bandaids or quadrupling down on Care, are not going to move us forward. That doesn't mean Senators shouldn't have the chance to offer those ideas. prgtoken The only way we will have an opportunity to consider ideas is if Senators are allowed to offer and debate them. That means voting to begin the open amendment process. That means voting to kick off a robust debate in which Senators from all parties can represent the views of their constituents. It means voting to proceed, and that will occur tomorrow. prgtoken Care has been a disaster from the start. The added tragedy is the utter predictability of it all. s warned about higher costs and fewer choices. We warned that Americans would lose their plans. We warned that Care would inevitably collapse under its own weight. prgtoken Our concerns were all waved away all the time. It turns out that we were right to be concerned. Care has hurt the people we represent. We have seen all the statistics--the higher costs and the reduced choices--but this is about more than just numbers on a page. What we are talking about here are the lives of real people, constituents of ours who have struggled under this failed leftwing experiment literally for years. prgtoken Through calls, letters, meetings, and dozens of healthcare forums across my State, thousands of Kentuckians have shared their Care horror stories
RECOGNIZING ANNA CIAMARRA FOR HER COURAGE AND GENEROSITY
Peter J. Roskam (Republican, IL) \u2014 2017-7-24

I am honored to rise today to recognize Anna Ciamarra, a brave, strong, and exceptional young lady from Lombard, Illinois. Anna recently raised over $6,000 for childhood cancers. After visiting the doctor when she was 5 years old for a sore throat, Anna found out she had T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia. Since that time, Anna has had continuous treatment, including a minimum of two years of inpatient and outpatient therapies that include chemotherapy, lumbar punctures, transfusions and constant diagnostic testing. In spite of all these obstacles, Anna wanted to help others and bring awareness to childhood cancer. Last year, Anna and her family hosted lemonade stands for Alex's Lemonade Stand Foundation, a national childhood cancer foundation dedicated to funding research into new treatments and cures for all children battling cancer, and raised over $2,000. This year they were chosen as one of the foundation's National Lemonade Days Hero Ambassadors and thus far raised $6,900. This amazing figure is not only a credit to Anna's strength and resilience, but also the entire family's compassion and determination to help others. Anna is an inspiration to all and I am sure she will continue to be an advocate for those facing the challenges of cancer. and distinguished colleagues, please join me in honoring and celebrating Anna Ciamarra's generosity and strength. Her advocacy on behalf of childhood cancer is commendable.
SECRETARY PRUITT WELCOMED TO SOUTH CAROLINA
Joe Wilson (Republican, SC) \u2014 2017-7-24

this morning at Cameron, South Carolina, I was grateful to join EPA Administrator Scott Pruitt, Senator Lindsey Graham, Attorney General Alan Wilson, and Commissioner of Agriculture Hugh Weathers to discuss the waters of the United States rule published by the prior administration. prgtoken This harmful rule geometrically expanded intrusion of the Federal Government, imposing greater Federal overreach, dictating the definition of waterways, and destroying jobs of original conservationists who promote a clean environment. prgtoken I appreciate Administrator Scott Pruitt who facilitated the roundtable to learn directly from local agricultural community leaders about the harmful consequences of the rule. The men and women of the roundtable, hosted by Jim and Karen Roquemore, clearly explained the real impact overreaching regulations have on environmentally positive development for jobs. prgtoken I am grateful that President and Administrator Pruitt have committed to review the rule and, most importantly, considered the input from grassroots organizations about the negative impact. prgtoken In conclusion, God bless our troops, and we will never forget September the 11th in the global war on terrorism. prgtoken I appreciate Rusty Shannon of Sandy Run, South Carolina, for alerting me to the destructive consequences of the rule.
RECOGNIZING BRIGHTON MAYOR RICHARD McLEAN
Mike Coffman (Republican, CO) \u2014 2017-7-24

I rise today to recognize Brighton Mayor Richard McLean, a dedicated public servant who has devoted himself to his community as a City Council member and Mayor for over a decade. Mayor McLean has been involved in numerous boards and commissions in his community, including service as the Chair of the E-470 Board, and as a member of the Adams County Economic Development Board, Airport Coordinating Committee, and the Brighton Economic Development Corporation Board. prgtoken As Chair of the E-470 Board, Mayor McLean proved himself to be a stellar steward of taxpayer dollars overseeing the opening of the Quebec interchange six months ahead of schedule I think Washington could learn a thing or two from this kind of leadership. prgtoken Under Mayor McLean's leadership in office, the city of Brighton has received extensive recognition for excellence in city planning, including just last April the Denver Regional Council of Governments' award for Brighton's District Comprehensive Master Plan. It is clear Mayor McLean's tireless service to the people of Brighton has made their community a better place to live, work, and raise a family. prgtoken , I offer my sincere congratulations to Mayor Richard McLean for his over a decade of accomplished public service and wish him all the best in his future endeavors.
MORRISTOWN MEDICAL CENTER'S 125TH ANNIVERSARY
Rodney P. Frelinghuysen (Republican, NJ) \u2014 2017-7-24

I rise today to honor the Morristown Medical Center, located in Morris County, New Jersey, on the occasion of its 125th Anniversary. From humble beginnings, the medical center has grown from a household hospital to a nationally renowned medical center with 6,565 employees, 1,704 physicians, and 526,946 outpatient visits in 2016. prgtoken Morristown Medical Center's history began in the late 1800s, when Myra M. B. Brookfield bequeathed her home property for the purpose of establishing a hospital, located on Morris Street in Morristown, New Jersey. Augusta Stone, a fellow colleague, joined her efforts and raised $15,000 from the community, to equip and furnish the new hospital. The medical center was operated by professionals along with local volunteers, and no role was too small for townspeople. They sewed linens for the hospital bedding and picked vegetables to feed hungry patients. When hospital employees were sent overseas to serve in World War II, volunteers cooked and served meals, answered telephones, and drove the ambulances. prgtoken In 1952, the hospital was relocated to Madison Avenue in Morristown, which marked its turning point from a community hospital to a regional medical center. The medical center expanded throughout the next several decades with volunteers finding new methods of raising money. By 1991, the milestone was reached with more than 1,000 volunteers giving 100,000 hours annually. prgtoken Today, Morristown Medical Center is a leader in providing medical care and promoting innovation. Their Goryeb Children's Hospital, Carol G. Simon Cancer Center, and Gagnon Cardiovascular Institute, which has performed more heart surgeries than any other hospital in New Jersey, are all nationally recognized institutions. prgtoken Further, the Morristown Medical Center has built a strong relationship with its community. Along with aiding patients' medical needs, they also have forged partnerships with local schools and many local organizations to educate the residents of all ages about healthy eating and exercise. The Morristown Medical Center truly dedicates itself to serving the various needs of a diverse community. prgtoken , I ask that you join me in congratulating the Trustees, administrators and staff, and Women's Auxiliary of Morristown Medical Center on the occasion of its 125th Anniversary.
RECOGNIZING LENAPE VALLEY FOUNDATION
Brian K. Fitzpatrick (Republican, PA) \u2014 2017-7-24

for over a half century, the Lenape Valley Foundation has provided assistance, compassion, and hope to thousands of children, adults, and families within my district. They offer services related to mental health, substance abuse, intellectual disability, and early intervention. prgtoken I was pleased to meet with community leaders and volunteers during the groundbreaking ceremony at The Lodge at Lenape Valley Foundation, a new construction on the campus of Lower Bucks Hospital. prgtoken The new facility will provide more outpatient mental health services, including individual group and family therapy, an improved crisis call center, an improved crisis walk-in center, peer support, and Bucks County's only Crisis Residential Program. prgtoken I am thankful for the leadership of the Lenape Valley executive team: Alan Hartl, Walter Wolaniuk, Sharon Curran, Philip Braun, JoAnne Davis, Mary Dubyk, Mary Jane Fletcher, Traci Gorman, Angela Jacobsen, Marjorie Morgan, and Mary Ann Venezia, as well as board president, Robert Rogala; vice president, Lisa Bodine; secretary, Helene Cevasco Mathern; treasurer, Mark Strasburg; and all the board of directors. prgtoken I am proud to work with an organization which recognizes that everyone can grow and progress toward personal fulfillment, and we are proud to stand by their side. Honoring United Way of Bucks County
NATIONAL DEFENSE AUTHORIZATION ACT FOR FISCAL YEAR 2018--MOTION TO PROCEED--Continued
David Perdue (Republican, GA) \u2014 2017-7-24

it is nice to see you here at 11 p.m. on Monday night. One of the privileges we have of being in the majority is that we get to preside over the U.S. Senate, so we can listen to all of our colleagues talk to this august body. prgtoken I have been in that chair for the last couple of hours. I can't go to bed tonight without putting the record straight in this body. I don't think there is a Member of the U.S. Senate who doesn't want America to have the best healthcare in the world. The problem is, we have a campaign of disinformation that is underway right now, and it is outrageous. I cannot let it stand. prgtoken My mission tonight, very briefly, will be to put some facts on the table, on the record, because we have a lot of innuendo right now, a lot disinformation: Oh, my God, people are going to die. prgtoken Let me remind everybody, we are sitting here with a healthcare system that is collapsing. There is no other way to describe it. prgtoken Why are we here tonight at 11 p.m.? Before I get to healthcare, I want to remind the American public of why the U.S. Senate is open tonight. We also did this earlier in the spring because something historic is underway right now in the United States of America and that is this: For the first time in our history, the minority party has not waived a Senate rule that would bypass the time requirements when confirming a nominee by the President of the United States. Because of that, we today have confirmed only around 29 percent of this President's nominees. The prior President, at this very point in time, had over 70 percent--over 70 percent--almost 300 people. I think the number today is under 50 for this President. It wasn't until a month or so ago that he could even have a full staff meeting. prgtoken By the way, who is running America today? Holdovers from the last administration because we haven't been able to confirm the new nominees. Over 200 people right now stand in line, waiting to be confirmed by this body. It is outrageous. prgtoken The American people ought to be upset. They ought to be more than upset. Let's define who is doing that. It is not the majority. The minority party is dragging their feet because it slows down everything else. prgtoken Guess what doesn't get done this year if we continue with this schedule. Unless we are here every night, as we are tonight, we will not have time to get to taxes this year. We will not have time to get to what the American people are assuming we are going to get to. Consumer confidence is at a 13-year high prgtoken because they are anticipating that we are going to clean up some of this mess. prgtoken Let me quickly move on to healthcare and put a few facts on the record tonight before we close. There are five healthcare systems in America. We forget this. We talk only about Care right now, but there are five healthcare systems in America. prgtoken First, we have group policies. This is where almost the
HARRY W. COLMERY VETERANS EDUCATIONAL ASSISTANCE ACT OF 2017
Susan W. Brooks (Republican, IN) \u2014 2017-7-24

. Madam , I rise today to speak in support of H.R. 3218, the Harry W. Colmery Veterans Educational Assistance Act. This bipartisan package will extend and ultimately improve our veterans' access to GI Bill benefits. prgtoken And while I wasn't prepared to speak to this, since my colleague from Indiana, Mr. Messer, just spoke, I also rise in support of the Takano- Messer amendment to support those veterans who are not receiving credits now from their time at ITT Tech. So I do support that amendment as well. prgtoken But I am proud to be a part of this bill that Chairman Roe has so ably shepherded, and I appreciate the bipartisan support on both sides of the aisle for including the Veterans TEST Accessibility Act. This act does just what the title implies: it gives our veterans simpler, fairer access to tests like the SAT and GRE, as well as licensing and certification tests, like certifications to be mechanics, firefighters, Realtors, to name just a few. prgtoken Our current law requires veterans to use a full month of eligibility to be reimbursed for these tests. Given the relatively low cost of many tests, it simply isn't worth it for many veterans to lose potential reimbursement for an entire month of other educational expenses, like tuition. This provision fixes that problem. Veterans will be reimbursed for the amount of the test only, and they can still utilize the remaining eligibility to cover other educational expenses incurred that month. prgtoken Our vets have the skills and experience that many universities and employers are looking for, but they face challenges. This commonsense provision will give our veterans the tools they need to compete in the job market and help address veteran underemployment and unemployment. It allows them to take what they have learned, so many skills that they learned prior to and during their service, and use these benefits they have earned to advance their education and career. prgtoken I would like to thank Chairman Roe for his leadership, the VSOs, and all of our colleagues who have contributed to this important piece of legislation, and I urge passage of the bill.
INVESTING IN MAIN STREET ACT OF 2017
Steve Chabot (Republican, OH) \u2014 2017-7-24

such time as I may consume. prgtoken As members of the Small Business Committee, we hear day in and day out how access to capital continues to challenge job creation and job growth. We must continue to work in a bipartisan fashion to create an environment for small businesses to flourish and grow. prgtoken One resource available to small employers is the Small Business Investment Company program, or the SBIC program, which currently runs on a zero cost subsidy to the American taxpayer. prgtoken The program enhances access to capital for small business throughout the Nation by utilizing a private sector-owned and SBA-licensed formula to increase equity capital. prgtoken Within the SBIC program, banks and Federal savings associations are limited to the amount of capital or surplus they can invest in an SBIC. Under current statute, the limit prevents no more than a 5 percent investment. prgtoken The legislation we have before us today, H.R. 2364, the Investing in Main Street Act of 2017, increases this investment threshold to 15 percent and requires any investment above the 5 percent mark to be subject to approval by the bank's regulator. This new 15 percent marker brings parity to the program with rules by the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency. prgtoken As the Nation's small businesses continue to experience difficulties accessing capital, assistance like the SBIC program delivers, and has a track record to prove it. Some of the Nation's most prominent companies have received SBIC financing in the past. The update provided in H.R. 2364 will continue and build upon the success of the program. prgtoken This bill has broad bipartisan support and was favorably passed out of committee unanimously. I would urge my colleagues to vote ``yes'' on H.R. 2364. prgtoken , .
REMEMBERING KATE FRONEK
Erik Paulsen (Republican, MN) \u2014 2017-7-24

I rise today to remember Kate Fronek, an extraordinary 13-year-old from Eden Prairie who just passed away this last week. prgtoken Kate was an active girl who played hockey, lacrosse, and soccer throughout our Eden Prairie community. She attended Central Middle School, and people often noted her love for music. prgtoken This past February, Kate was diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia. In the following months, she underwent multiple rounds of chemotherapy and a bone marrow transplant. Amid these challenges, Kate was brave and spirited, and friends and family remember her positively and, above all, her warm smile. prgtoken But over the weekend, in memory of Kate, neighbors and friends began putting orange balloons outside their homes, on the streets, and the bridges as a part of a tribute. Driving around Eden Prairie and seeing the streets lined with these balloons to honor her memory shows that she clearly touched very many lives. prgtoken , I wanted to extend my thoughts and prayers to the Fronek family. She will be missed, but her spirit will not be forgotten.
WOUNDED OFFICERS RECOVERY ACT OF 2017
Roger Marshall (Republican, KS) \u2014 2017-7-24

the morning of June 14, 2017, I elected to not attend the team's congressional baseball practice. Had I been there, I would have been in the bullpen right where the shooting began. I thank God every day I was not there that morning. prgtoken For my colleagues who were there, we have no doubt their lives were saved by the heroic response of Crystal Griner and David Bailey of the Capitol Police. prgtoken In the shooting's aftermath, we should do everything we can to ensure they have the full support of the U.S. Government and are allowed the support of groups like the USCP Memorial Fund. prgtoken , in gratitude for their bravery and sacrifice for running to the battle, I encourage my colleagues to support the Wounded Officers Recovery Act. I thank them again for their heroism.