mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
WATER SUPPLY PERMITTING COORDINATION ACT
Tom McClintock (Republican, CA) \u2014 2017-6-22

. Mr. Chair, I thank the gentleman for yielding and for his leadership on the Water, Power, and Oceans Subcommittee. prgtoken , droughts are nature's fault; they happen. But water shortages are our fault. Water shortages are a choice that we made a generation ago when we stopped building new reservoirs to meet the needs of a growing population. prgtoken The unvarnished truth is we will not solve our water shortages until we build more reservoirs, and we cannot build new reservoirs until we overhaul the laws that have made their construction endlessly time- consuming and, ultimately, cost-prohibitive. prgtoken For years, the Natural Resources Committee has heard testimony from frustrated water districts unable to navigate the Byzantine maze of regulations and the phalanx of competing, overlapping, duplicative, and often contradictory Federal agencies. prgtoken After years spent trying to satisfy one agency, another suddenly pops up to claim jurisdiction with an entirely new set of demands in an often endless permitting process, despite the fact they are studying the same project in the same location with the same data. The burden this places on our ability to deliver water for the next generation is crushing. prgtoken The leader mentioned the High Savery Dam in Wyoming--14 years to permit, only 2 years to actually build. The Federal Government has literally studied four storage projects in California nearly to death. One project, the Sites Reservoir, had over 50 alternative prgtoken locations studied, and there is no end in sight for the feasibility process on that potential reservoir. Similar delays have prevented the expansion of the Shasta reservoir for 39 years. prgtoken Mr. Huffman tells us that no dam permits have been denied because of this. The problem is very few dam permits have been approved because of this. And the costs are caused by cost-prohibitive delays in time that run up millions and millions of dollars in costs until the agencies simply throw up their hands and give up. prgtoken H.R. 1654 will bring order from this bureaucratic chaos. It establishes a framework in which Federal agencies with permitting responsibilities for the construction of new reservoirs must work together, coordinate their schedules, share data and technical materials, and make their findings publicly available. The end result will be fewer delays, more efficient use of taxpayer dollars, and, ultimately, more abundant water supplies. prgtoken It is modeled on the administration's approach to constructing new electric transmission lines to accommodate its reliance on wind and solar generation. There is nothing new in this process. In October of 2009, the administration formed the Interagency Rapid Response Team for Transmission, a consortium of nine Federal agencies to coordinate a single unified environmental review document for each project analysis. prgtoken It is also modeled on provisions sponsored by House D
WATER SUPPLY PERMITTING COORDINATION ACT
Doug LaMalfa (Republican, CA) \u2014 2017-6-22

I also want to thank my subcommittee chairman, Mr. Lamborn, for his leadership on this, and Mr. McClintock for bringing the bill in chief forward here that I am asking to amend today. prgtoken This amendment ensures that State-led projects can also enjoy the coordination that the bill itself will do, State-led surface storage projects such as Sites Reservoir. These will be defined in the WIIN Act and they will be eligible under H.R. 1654's permitting. prgtoken Doing so enables States to direct their own resources towards infrastructure needs at lower cost and improves States' ability to partner with the Federal Government on projects that provide both State and Federal benefits. prgtoken Adopting this amendment to include State-led projects will allow the development of more water infrastructure more rapidly and at no additional cost to the Federal Government. For example, in my home State of California, the voters have approved billions of dollars toward infrastructure projects such as Sites Reservoir--not too far from my neighborhood--which will include enough water storage for millions more people in our State. prgtoken Now, if you know the saga of Sites Reservoir, the locals there will tell you they have been talking about it, studying it, poking it, prodding it for about 40 years. Bureaucracy plays a major role in that. prgtoken So the bill in chief is not looking to change environmental laws or get rid of environmental laws. Indeed, my colleague on the other side of the aisle talked about having an honest discussion in this area. Well, an honest discussion would show that the bill in chief is one that is merely coordinating. It is not changing the Water Quality Act. It is not changing NEPA, CEQA, or anything else, other than getting these people all in one room to coordinate at one time. prgtoken Yes, we, indeed, have costs involved, because people give up, whether it is prgtoken private sector money or the people that pass bonds as State voters give up after a while because they don't think their dollars are actually getting to the projects, when they hear needless, endless delays, when we have this game of bureaucratic badminton being played by various agencies knocking one idea to another, taking years of time and additional costs, especially those surprise ones at the last minute. prgtoken Lake Oroville is in my own backyard. Now, what we have seen there since the crisis happened with the breakage of the spillway is that coordination under an emergency, where, even though there are some trying to throw roadblocks in there, people recognized coordination was needed, because when 188,000 people have to evacuate an area due to some unknown factors with how the infrastructure is holding up, then they saw the need to fix it. prgtoken And the spillway at Lake Oroville is going to be fixed pretty rapidly over a 2-year period and made usable in this short amount of time. So that is how coordinati
Healthcare Legislation (Executive Calendar)
Roy Blunt (Republican, MO) \u2014 2017-6-22

since the current healthcare bill--the bill usually called Care--passed, every year Missouri families have had to worry about whether their healthcare plans would be canceled, whether their options and access would be taken away, whether they could have the same doctors next year that they have this year, whether they could go to the same hospital next year that they could go to this year, whether their premiums would be going up, but if they were worried about whether their premiums were going to be going up, that was a worry that everybody else in every State had because premiums went up everywhere. prgtoken In fact, this situation has gotten so bad that in one-third of America's counties today, only one company in one-third of the counties today will even offer insurance. So the options are to buy from one company or to pay the penalty because your only choice is that one company. That one company gets to file a rate that the State regulator gets to agree to, if the one company is going to stay. In fact, I think this week the State of Iowa that has only one company providing individual insurance for the whole State, that one company said they would stay again next year, and then they filed an increase of over 40 percent on those policies for next year. prgtoken In Missouri, where I live, 25 counties will not have a provider next year, and it could be higher than that. One company has already said they will not be there next year. Twenty-five of the counties they sold policies in only had one company providing policies. We now know that at least 40 percent of all Missouri counties will not have--I mean, 40 percent of all U.S. counties will not have anybody even willing to offer these plans. This is a significant problem, and it just didn't occur when this President was sworn in or this Congress took over. prgtoken Premiums in your State, , have gone up 123 percent since 2013. In my State, in Missouri, they have gone up 145 percent; in Alabama, 223 percent; in Alaska, 203 percent; in Oklahoma, 201 percent since this plan went into effect, and that was just 2013. This is not 30 years ago. This is 4 years ago. prgtoken The average increase for American individuals and families for getting policies under Care is 105 percent. Now, remember, this was the plan that was supposed to ensure that your costs would go down per family at least $2,500. The ``at least $2,500 number'' was close to right, but what was close to right about it is that your plan probably increased at least $2,500 if you had that kind of plan. The status quo just simply will not work. prgtoken The draft legislation, as it stands right now, preserves access to care for people with preexisting conditions, it strengthens the future of Medicaid, it does not change Medicare in any way, and it gives people more health insurance choices than they otherwise have as States exercise their options under the law. It al
CONGRATULATING THE DONEGAL WOMEN'S SOFTBALL TEAM
Lloyd Smucker (Republican, PA) \u2014 2017-6-23

I rise today to congratulate the Donegal women's softball team on their PIAA State softball title. They beat Cedar Cliff 9-7, but it wasn't an easy victory. prgtoken Donegal trailed 7-3 heading into the bottom of the fifth inning, but never gave up. They scored six runs that inning to take a 9-7 lead, and they never gave that up the rest of the game. prgtoken This team has been to the State tournament the last 4 years, but, obviously, this one was special. Donegal head coach Wayne Emenheiser said of the season: ``This was our dream since we lost last year in the semifinals. We wanted to get back here. It was a magical season.'' prgtoken A victory like this is a display of years of dedication and hard work. So today I want to congratulate the Donegal players, coaches, and staff on this remarkable achievement and let them know how proud we are of them. prgtoken I would also like to recognize the families, students, faculty, and fans that supported them along the way.
RECOGNIZING MACKENZIE GORE AS 2016-17 GATORADE NORTH CAROLINA BASEBALL PLAYER OF THE YEAR
David Rouzer (Republican, NC) \u2014 2017-6-23

I am proud to say that North Carolina is home to many great student athletes that serve as community role models. prgtoken One prime example is MacKenzie Gore, who graduated from Whiteville High School this month and has been named the 2017 Gatorade North Carolina Baseball Player of the Year. Not only that, he was just recently selected third overall in the Major League Baseball draft by the San Diego Padres. prgtoken MacKenzie not only demonstrates athletic excellence, but also exemplary character and work ethic--the two primary traits necessary for great success. Very few have achieved as much as early in life. It is a culmination of years of hard work and commitment. prgtoken As with all who are in success, MacKenzie is blessed to have a big decision to make: go pro and play for the Padres or head to East Carolina University to play for the Pirates. Whatever MacKenzie decides, we are all proud of him and wish him the very best.
HONORING THE MEMORY OF FLORIDA HIGHWAY PATROL SERGEANT WILLIAM BISHOP
Neal P. Dunn (Republican, FL) \u2014 2017-6-23

I rise today to honor the memory of Florida Highway Patrol Master Sergeant William Bishop of Lake City. Sergeant Bishop was killed last Saturday while working a traffic accident on I- 75 in Alachua County, Florida. prgtoken Sergeant Bishop is a 30-year veteran of the Florida Highway Patrol, and he dedicated his life to law enforcement. He truly loved his patrol family. He also served in the United States Army, serving on the front lines all his life. That is a calling, not a job. prgtoken Many of Bishop's colleagues remember him as someone who exhibited compassion, honesty, and faith. He loved watching football, but his greatest love of all was his family, especially his son, Trampas. prgtoken His service and sacrifice to the State of Florida is a debt we will never be able to repay. prgtoken Please join me in honoring Florida Highway Patrol Master Sergeant William Bishop and all of our fallen heroes who have made the ultimate sacrifice for our safety.
ACCELERATING INDIVIDUALS INTO THE WORKFORCE ACT
Carlos Curbelo (Republican, FL) \u2014 2017-6-23

I was happy to partner with Representative Danny Davis on this effort to move individuals from welfare into long-term employment, and I am proud of the work we have done together. prgtoken I would also like to thank Chairman Brady and Subcommittee Chairman Adrian Smith for their leadership and hard work, as well as Rosemary Lahasky, Anne DeCesaro, and the rest of the House Committee on Ways and Means staff who have worked on this legislation. prgtoken , if I may add one thing. Last week, in the wake of the tragic shooting against Members of Congress, we all vowed to come together, to find common ground. The Committee on Ways and Means answered that call, and I am very confident that this House will do the same later today. prgtoken The American people expect us to have our differences, our disagreements, but they also expect us to find common ground; and s and have done this today in favor of those who need it most, welfare recipients, needy families in our country. I am very proud to sponsor this legislation, to support it, and I would ask all of my colleagues to do the same.
FOCUS ON THE FAMILY 40TH ANNIVERSARY
Doug Lamborn (Republican, CO) \u2014 2017-6-23

I rise today to celebrate the 40th anniversary of Focus on the Family, a vital American institution dedicated to preserving one of the country's most foundational pillars: the family. prgtoken While I cannot attend today's celebration in person, I am grateful that my good friend, Vice President , is in Colorado Springs to mark this wonderful occasion. prgtoken It would be impossible to fully quantify the impact Focus on the Family has had in our own Nation and across the world. Thousands of marriages have been revived, children have been lovingly discipled, and families have been reunited and strengthened. prgtoken Perhaps most important are the 382,000 lives saved through Focus on the Family's Option Ultrasound program, which helps mothers choose life when faced with unexpected pregnancies. prgtoken Those 382,000 lives and, indeed, our entire Nation owe you a debt of gratitude. So to founder Dr. James Dobson, Jim Daly, and the staff of Focus on the Family, I say, ``Well, done,'' and offer you my sincere congratulations.
ACCELERATING INDIVIDUALS INTO THE WORKFORCE ACT
Adrian Smith (Republican, NE) \u2014 2017-6-23

I support this amendment. prgtoken The first hearing I held as chairman of the Ways and Means Subcommittee on Human Resources was on the geography of poverty. People often think of poverty only as they see it in cities, not realizing poverty today is more common than ever in suburban and even rural areas. prgtoken People also underestimate poverty in rural and remote areas, not knowing the rates of poverty in these areas have, for decades, been higher than in urban areas. prgtoken This amendment ensures the Secretary takes into account rural areas and Indian Tribes when making recommendations on how to address employment-related challenges. prgtoken Mr. Chair, I urge my colleagues to support this amendment as well as support the underlying bill, and .
STRENGTHENING CAREER AND TECHNICAL EDUCATION FOR THE 21ST CENTURY ACT
Mike Johnson (Republican, LA) \u2014 2017-6-23

I rise today to express my deep concerns with H.R. 2353, the Strengthening Career and Technical Education for 21st Century Act, also referred to as the CTE Reauthorization Act. This bill reauthorizes the Carl D. Perkins Career and Technical Education Act of 2006 (Perkins Act) to help more Americans enter the workforce with the skills necessary to compete for and succeed in high-skilled, in-demand careers. The bill also makes several other changes and funding modifications to the current program. prgtoken Louisiana highly values vocational and technical education and includes these skills in all public schools. These contributions are vital to Louisiana's Fourth Congressional District. With more than 25 schools in our district focused on careers in technical education, I am proud to represent many hardworking Louisianians who are skilled in hands-on labor. For these reasons, I cannot in good conscience support this bill knowing it could result in Louisiana losing critical funding over the next several years. prgtoken As well-intended as this legislation may be, it will not benefit all states equally. A study conducted by the Congressional Research Service examined the bill's modified formula for allocating grants under the Perkins Basic State Grants Program, and found that Louisiana will lose money in nearly every scenario it calculated. In fact, according to this analysis, Louisiana would face some of the most significant decreases among all states in each scenario examined. Decreasing our state's funding level for technical career education would be a great detriment to our efforts and exactly the opposite of what H.R. 2353 is intended to do. prgtoken , it is with great concern that I oppose the current CTE Reauthorization Act. I believe we can do better by the constituents in Louisiana's highly-skilled workforce. Moving forward, I will do everything in my power to work for our students and teachers of the technical education field to ensure they are not left behind and are provided the resources they need to keep our communities strong and our economy growing.
WASTE, FRAUD, AND ABUSE
Mike Gallagher (Republican, WI) \u2014 2017-6-23

I rise today in strong support of the Strengthening Career and Technical Education for the 21st Century Act. prgtoken Not only is this bill critical to giving American workers the skills they need to lead in an increasingly competitive world, but also to making sure that our prgtoken career and technical education is in stride with the major advancements that have been made over the last decade. prgtoken As I travel across northeast Wisconsin, businessowners routinely tell me they are hiring, but can't find workers with the knowledge and skills necessary to do the jobs they are hiring for. prgtoken Passage of this bill helps close the skills gap and boost economic growth by equipping students with the skills they need to fill the in- demand and high-skilled jobs in our local economies. prgtoken Schools in Wisconsin's Eighth District are prepared to lead the way when it comes to closing our country's growing skills gap, and it is time that we give them the tools that they desperately need to do exactly that. prgtoken I am proud to cosponsor this important piece of bipartisan legislation. I urge my colleagues to join me in support of this bill.
TRIBUTE TO MAJOR GENERAL DAVID E. WILMOT
Todd Rokita (Republican, IN) \u2014 2017-6-23

I rise to honor the service of Major General David E. Wilmot of the United States Army for his extraordinary dedication to duty and service to our Nation. General Wilmot distinguished himself through exceptionally meritorious service from October 24th, 1985 to July 30th, 2017, while serving as an Assistant Surgeon General and National Guard Bureau Surgeon, Headquarters Department of the Army. prgtoken His lasting contributions include an exemplary career as a family practice physician, flight surgeon, commander, and deputy headquarters surgeon, in numerous assignments across the Active and National Guard components of the U.S. Army. He quickly established himself as a unique combination of Soldier, leader, clinician, and key strategic thinker, culminating in service as the Assistant Surgeon General/Deputy Chief of Staff, Quality and Safety for U.S. Army Medical Command/Office of the Surgeon General, a position he was hand selected for. prgtoken His singular Warrior centered focus on reducing harm and enhancing the quality care through compassion, excellence, transparency and accountability resulted in better and safer care for Military Health System beneficiaries across the globe. He performed with consummate distinction in all of his assignments, the impact of which stems from his capacity as a proven senior healthcare executive, and dogged champion for quality care and patient safety. The distinguished accomplishments of General Wilmot culminate a long and distinguished career in the service of his country and reflect great credit upon him, the Army Medical Department, the United States Army and the Department of Defense. prgtoken General Wilmot is a native of Brownsburg, Indiana and married to Mrs. Lori Wilmot. prgtoken , it is my honor to recognize the selfless service of Major General David E. Wilmot as he and his family proceed to the next chapter in his remarkable career and continue to serve our great Nation.
CONGRATULATING QUALITY OF LIFE HEALTH SERVICES, INC. ON ITS FORTIETH ANNIVERSARY
Robert B. Aderholt (Republican, AL) \u2014 2017-6-23

today I recognize the Quality of Life Health Services (QOLHS) on the occasion of its 40th anniversary. This Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC), was founded by Dr. Roberta O. Watts to provide health care to the most vulnerable populations. prgtoken QOLHS, based m Gadsden, Alabama, is the state's largest community health program. The organization's network extends from the northern area of Alabama in Geraldine to Phenix City in the southeastern corner of Alabama. QOLHS's network consists of 24 health centers. Fifteen of those locations are in Alabama's Fourth Congressional District--which I am honored to represent. prgtoken I am proud to be a long-time supporter of QOLHS, helping to support numourous federal grants, attending the groundbreaking and grand opening of a school-based program in Gadsden, and joining in other events over the years. prgtoken Quality of Life serves over 55,000 patients each year and shows a profound commitment to the communities it serves. Let me end by congratulating Dr. Watts for her years of dedication, and a very special congratulations to Wayne Rowe--who has served as CEO for the past 35 years. I look forward to continuing to work with QOLHS in the future.