mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
INTERIOR, ENVIRONMENT, FINANCIAL SERVICES, AND GENERAL GOVERNMENT APPROPRIATIONS ACT, 2019--Continued
Mazie K. Hirono (Democrat, HI) \u2014 2018-7-25

I thank Senator Brown for his continued leadership in the fight to protect our Federal workforce and for organizing this time for us to speak on such an important issue. prgtoken Over the past year and a half, and his administration have launched a concerted attack on Federal workers and the unions that fight on their behalf. There appear to be no lengths to which and the anti-union, moneyed interests who support him will not go to attack and try to eviscerate protections for working people. prgtoken Here are some examples. In one of his first acts in office, instituted an across-the-board Federal hiring freeze that impacted the work of critical agencies such as the Veterans Administration, the State Department, and the Department of Defense. prgtoken Then the President appointed Neil Gorsuch to join the anti-worker majority on the Supreme Court. This decision paid off when Justice Gorsuch provided the decisive vote intended to gut public sector unions in Janus v. AFSCME. prgtoken As a side note, Mark Janus--the public employee who served as the front man for the Koch brothers in the landmark Janus case--has left his job with the Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services and now works for the Koch brothers. Is that a coincidence? I think not. prgtoken The administration has demoted or reassigned dozens of senior agency leaders tasked with serving our veterans and protecting our environment. prgtoken The President has left thousands of critical positions across the government unfilled. He has presented a legislative program as well. The President's fiscal year 2019 budget proposes to freeze Federal workers' wages, slash their benefits, and undermine their rights in the workplace. prgtoken In late May, as mentioned, the President issued three Executive orders that weaken longstanding--longstanding--and hard-won rights and protections for our Federal workers. Each of these actions is part of a focused radical--radical--effort to shrink the Federal Government and limit its ability to help hundreds of millions of people across our country. prgtoken and the Party obviously do not recognize the service and commitment of our more than 2 million Federal workers, but in Hawaii, and, indeed, across the Nation, we see the impact of their hard work every single day. prgtoken In Hawaii, Federal workers provide critical healthcare for the tens of thousands of veterans living in our State. Federal workers service and repair our naval fleet at Pearl Harbor Naval Shipyard. Federal workers stand watch at the Pacific Tsunami Warning Center. Hundreds of Federal employees across 17 agencies are even now helping our Hawaii Island community respond to and recover from the impact of the ongoing volcanic activity at Kilauea on the Big Island. prgtoken In my visits to the Hawaii County Emergency Operations Center in Hilo and the Disaster Recovery Center
ENERGY DIPLOMACY ACT OF 2018
Albio Sires (Democrat, NJ) \u2014 2018-7-25

such time I may consume. prgtoken , I rise in support of H.R. 5535. prgtoken I would like to thank Congressman McCaul, Chairman Royce, and Ranking Member Engel for their bipartisan work on this timely issue. prgtoken As it has for decades, energy will continue to play a key role in shaping United States foreign policy. But the international landscape is changing, and so are the players. prgtoken Global energy demand is set to rise 30 percent by the year 2030. This reflects an expanding global economy, rapid industrialization, population growth, urbanization, and improved energy access among developing countries. prgtoken For the United States to maintain a leading role on the global stage, the State Department must be positioned to protect and promote favorable energy policies abroad. The Energy Diplomacy Act of 2018 helps this effort by creating an Assistant Secretary of State for Energy Resources and requiring the State Department to employ sufficient personnel dedicated to international energy matters. prgtoken By passing this legislation, we can prepare the State Department to engage in robust energy diplomacy and encourage strong international partnerships that promote our own political, economic, environmental, and national security concerns. prgtoken , I urge my colleagues to support this measure, and .
INTERIOR, ENVIRONMENT, FINANCIAL SERVICES, AND GENERAL GOVERNMENT APPROPRIATIONS ACT, 2019--Continued
Elizabeth Warren (Democrat, MA) \u2014 2018-7-25

this week, we hit a milestone, but not the kind of milestone you celebrate. Nearly 1 year ago, the Commission appointed by President to examine the opioid crisis recommended that the President declare a national public health emergency to help combat the epidemic. prgtoken The Commission, led by former Governor Chris Christie, said: The first and most urgent recommendation of this Commission is direct and completely within your control. Declare a national emergency. prgtoken Yet the President dragged his feet. While he twiddled his thumbs, thousands of Americans continued to die from drug overdoses--over 115 people a day. Finally, in October of 2017, the President formally declared what we already knew--that the crisis was a public health emergency worthy of Federal action. prgtoken The first declaration the President issued lasted for 90 days, but during those 90 days, nothing changed. The President didn't take action. Americans continued to suffer, and more people died day, after day, after day. On January 24, 2018, the first emergency declaration expired. So the President had his HHS Secretary sign a second one. Then, before another 90 days ran out, on April 24, the administration signed a third one. prgtoken Yesterday, another 90 days later, on July 24, 2018, we began the fourth consecutive period of public health emergency due to the opioid crisis--9 months since the original declaration, 9 months during which more than 30,000 people have likely overdosed and died, all while the President and his administration have given us a lot of talk but no action. prgtoken Our communities are on the frontline of this epidemic, and they are working hard to fight back, but they can't do it alone. They need funding, support, and new tools. I have worked with my ic colleagues to make sure that communities have what they need in this fight. prgtoken Time and again, we have pressured congressional leadership for additional funding to help States and local communities address this epidemic, and the pressure has worked. I have secured millions of dollars, not just for opioid addiction and prevention and treatment but for increased mental health services, including the biggest increase in funding for the community mental health services block grant in history. prgtoken I have passed bipartisan legislation to reduce the number of unused opioids that sit in medicine cabinets. Since that legislation has become law, I have continued to work across the aisle, with Senator Capito, to make sure it has actually been implemented, and we are still working on that today. prgtoken I have also introduced legislation to send $100 billion in extra resources to fight this epidemic--right to the communities and Tribes that need the help the most. prgtoken I am in this fight because communities in Massachusetts and all across this country deserve it. Yet President is not in this
INTERIOR, ENVIRONMENT, FINANCIAL SERVICES, AND GENERAL GOVERNMENT APPROPRIATIONS ACT, 2019--Continued
Jon Tester (Democrat, MT) \u2014 2018-7-25

I want to thank a very dedicated group of folks--the Federal employees working for us, the American people. As Federal employees gather this week, I want to remind the country about the vital work being done each and every day by these hard-working public servants. prgtoken It is no secret that organized labor is under attack. The bargaining rights, the hard-earned benefits, the safe working conditions, and the fair pay of American workers are under attack from folks right here in Washington, DC, and in State capitols around the country. We aren't ones to run away from a fight. That is why, when the administration proposed to freeze hiring across Federal agencies, I and others pushed back. I knew that across-the-board freezes would hurt their ability to serve the American people and do the job within government that the American people expected. Then, when bad National Labor Relations Board nominees came before the Senate, I voted no. I have been proud to stand with our Federal workforce--our hard-working Federal workforce--as we fight to protect those government employees. prgtoken As ranking member of the Senate Committee on Veterans' Affairs, I have been working with them to address chronic workforce shortages that are plaguing veterans' clinics across the United States. While building capacity within the VA to ensure we uphold our commitment to those who serve, we need to staff those very facilities. prgtoken I have also been honored to work with our friends in labor to address disparities in Federal benefits and pay. Congress must make sure that whether you are a Border Patrol agent or a TSA worker, you get the same workforce protections as other members in our Federal forces. prgtoken I am committed to defending our workers, holding Washington accountable, and fighting for a stronger Federal workforce each and every day because that is what the American people expect. prgtoken With that, , . prgtoken .
STRENGTHENING CAREER AND TECHNICAL EDUCATION FOR THE 21ST CENTURY ACT
Joe Courtney (Democrat, CT) \u2014 2018-7-25

I rise today as a member of the Education and the Workforce Committee in strong support of the Strengthening Career and Technical Education for the 21st Century Act. prgtoken This bill will reauthorize the Perkins Career and Technical Education Act for the first time since 2006. prgtoken , I congratulate Chairwoman Foxx, Ranking Member Scott, Congressman Thompson, and Congressman Krishnamoorthi for their hard work getting this measure through both chambers for the first time in 12 years. prgtoken This bill is about preparing secondary and post-secondary students with the academic, technical, and employability skills required to be successful in the workforce at a critical time for our economy. prgtoken For example, according to the National Association of Manufacturers, there will be more than 3.5 million open manufacturing jobs through 2025, and unless we can better prepare that future workforce, 2 million of these jobs will go unfilled. prgtoken This reauthorization will incentivize technical schools to boost performance by providing schools with more flexibility that will allow schools to use Federal grant money to align casework and training with the workforce needs in their region. prgtoken In eastern Connecticut and Rhode Island, as we ramp up submarine production that will require 14,000 new workers over the next 8 years, an updated Perkins law will be an asset to the Electric Boat shipyard and submarine suppliers for years to come. prgtoken My district is home to four technical high schools: Norwich, Windham, Grasso, and Ellis Technical High School. In May, I had the opportunity to visit Ellis Tech in Danielson and saw firsthand the impressive programs offered to their 600-plus students from 20 towns in the region. prgtoken In addition to the programming at the school, Ellis partners with local community colleges to offer juniors and seniors the opportunity to receive college credits and reduce the cost of higher education. prgtoken This bill will take programs like Ellis to a higher and better place just in the nick of time for our economy. prgtoken , I strongly urge my colleagues to support final passage of this important measure to build a stronger American workforce.
RECOGNIZING BROWARD COMMUNITY & FAMILY HEALTH CENTERS
Debbie Wasserman Schultz (Democrat, FL) \u2014 2018-7-25

as we approach National Community Health Center Week, August 12 through 18, it is my privilege to recognize the tremendous and meaningful work of Broward Community & Family Health Centers, Inc a Federally Qualified Community Health Center located in Broward County and Florida's 23rd Congressional District. prgtoken Broward Community & Family Health Centers is a non-profit, community- owned and operated health provider serving uninsured and medically underserved people. prgtoken Community health centers have become an essential provider for comprehensive, high-quality preventive health care for all patients, regardless of their ability to pay. They have become the core primary care destination for millions in our country--especially for minorities and our most vulnerable populations. prgtoken Under the leadership of my dear friend CEO Rosalyn Frazier, Broward Community & Family Health Centers expand access to quality health care for all people and contain health care costs by fostering prevention and integrating the delivery of primary care with aggressive outreach, patient education, translation, and other enabling services. prgtoken Broward Community & Family Health Centers has made great strides in the Florida health care system by maintaining high standards of accountability, demonstrating cost effectiveness and efficiency in the delivery of care, and empowering communities to address unmet health needs and reduce health disparities, preventable deaths, costly disabilities, and communicable diseases. prgtoken I applaud the important contributions of Broward Community & Family Health Centers in safeguarding health and improving the quality of life for people in Broward County, and I look forward to continuing to help Rosalyn Frazier and her team serve our community for many years to come.
AFRICAN AMERICAN VETERANS MONUMENT
Brian Higgins (Democrat, NY) \u2014 2018-7-25

I rise today to recognize the work of a committee in western New York dedicated to constructing the only monument in the Nation honoring African Americans who served in the United States military during times of war. This long-overdue tribute acknowledges the selfless sacrifice of our veterans, many of whom served our Nation while being denied equal rights at home. prgtoken The African American Veterans Monument, to be located in the Buffalo and Erie County Military Park, will feature 12 illuminated black pillars, representing U.S. military conflicts, and is designed to give visitors an experience that is reflective, educational, and inspirational. prgtoken The monument is being designed by a local, young, talented artist, Jonathan Casey. I have asked the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture to collaborate with local project leaders on this first-in-the-Nation African American Veterans Memorial. prgtoken , I commend the veterans, the artist, and New York State prgtoken Assemblywoman Crystal Peoples-Stokes, who have dedicated themselves to making this monument a reality. It is a long-overdue recognition of those who served proudly and courageously.
LONG-TERM CARE VETERANS CHOICE ACT
Mark Takano (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2018-7-25

such time as I may consume. prgtoken , to begin, I thank Representative Higgins for his hard work on this legislation, and I support H.R. 5693, as amended. prgtoken This bipartisan legislation is a forward-thinking first step toward better aligning VA's long-term care options with veteran preferences. prgtoken Medical foster homes are a solution for veterans that may not be comfortable in a traditional institutional setting, such as a nursing home, yet still need some form of daily assistance and care. These homes provide caregiving services in a group setting for veterans that lack access to caregiving services at home. prgtoken By allowing VA to cover the cost of medical foster homes, VA will be able to ensure veterans are achieving the most appropriate level of care in the most appropriate setting. prgtoken The care delivered at medical foster homes is less intensive; therefore, less expensive. Additionally, the sense of community and the familiar home-like setting can promote a veteran's physical and mental health. prgtoken Again, I appreciate my colleague's hard work on this legislation and look forward to voting in favor of the bill. I congratulate the gentleman from Louisiana's hard work. prgtoken , .
RESTORING ACCESS TO MEDICATION ACT OF 2018
Ron Kind (Democrat, WI) \u2014 2018-7-25

this comes, by the way, on the heels, in this session of Congress, of the passage of a major tax cut last year that will add over $2 trillion to our national debt over the next 10 years because, again, there was no attempt to pay for it. It comes on the heels of the passage of a 2-year budget that will increase spending by over half a trillion dollars, none of it paid for, none of it offset. prgtoken Just yesterday, President just announced a $12 billion subsidy bailout program for our family farmers because of the adverse effects that they are feeling due to his tariffs. And that is going to be borrowed money from China, again, to pay our farmers because they can't now sell their product--guess where--into the Chinese market. prgtoken How crazy is this? I hope we are not in an era now where budget deficits and debt only matters when there is a in the White House. Over the last year and a half, that certainly seems to be the case in this Congress.
RECOGNIZING JOHN ``LADDIE'' LAWRENCE
James A. Himes (Democrat, CT) \u2014 2018-7-25

I rise today to recognize John ``Laddie'' Lawrence. For 50 years, Laddie has coached cross country and track at Staples High School in Westport, CT. Laddie began his career in track by helping found the Staples High School cross country team, and shortly thereafter won the 1964 State Open title in the 400-meter run. Following high school, Laddie attended Southern Arkansas University on full athletic scholarship, where he was the resident assistant for the university's first racially integrated dorm. After his time at Southern Arkansas, Laddie returned to Westport and within ten years became the head coach of the Staples High School track and cross-country teams. Under his tenure, the Staples Wreckers have been a force to be reckoned with, tallying hundreds of wins that included a streak of 222 dual meet victories and only one loss. I am proud to say that Laddie's many victories and extensive legacy have earned him inductions into the Fairfield County Interscholastic Athletic Conference Hall of Fame in 2002, the Connecticut High School Coaches Association Hall of Fame in 2004 and the National High School Athletic Coaches Hall of Fame in 2015. In addition to his achievements as a coach, Laddie's influence extends to the thousands of student athletes whom he has coached. He has helped develop many Staples students into NCAA Division I athletes and productive, caring members of our community I proudly ask you to join me in commending Laddie for his commitment to coaching thousands of athletes, who continue to carry the lessons of determination and fortitude that were instilled in them as runners.
EQUITABLE ACCESS TO CARE AND HEALTH ACT
William R. Keating (Democrat, MA) \u2014 2018-7-25

I rise today in support of the Equitable Access to Care and Health Act, or the EACH Act, which seeks to provide a bipartisan, common-sense exemption to the Affordable Care Act for those who uniquely rely on religious methods of healing. prgtoken In my home state of Massachusetts, we are very proud of our healthcare system, the system which, as my colleagues know, formed the basis for the Affordable Care Act, the law from which so many Americans benefit today. prgtoken As the Massachusetts legislature contemplated the direction of its successful healthcare system, lawmakers saw fit to provide an exemption from its insurance requirements for sincerely held religious beliefs. The exemption grants reprieve for Massachusetts residents who would not otherwise use our traditional healthcare system even if they did carry traditional health insurance. At its essence, the EACH Act seeks to extend a similar reprieve for Americans who would not otherwise benefit from the system created under the Affordable Care Act. prgtoken Thank you to my colleague Mr. Davis of Illinois for his leadership on this issue. I urge my colleagues to support this bipartisan legislation.
INTERIOR, ENVIRONMENT, FINANCIAL SERVICES, AND GENERAL GOVERNMENT APPROPRIATIONS ACT, 2019--Continued
Patrick J. Leahy (Democrat, VT) \u2014 2018-7-25

I totally agree with both the Senator from Alabama and the Senator from Maine. prgtoken First, as they said, this violates the bipartisan agreement this body made and agreed with the President about the things we would do. Seventy-three thousand jobs would be cut from the Federal Highway Administration projects when we need them, including 800,000 low-income women, infants, and children no longer receiving WIC. prgtoken , the Paul amendment proposes an 11.39-percent cut in each of the four bills under consideration. If adopted, it would undo the bipartisan budget deal the Senate passed and the President signed into law just a few months ago, and it would undo all of the work that has gone into crafting the bipartisan bills we are considering today. prgtoken More importantly, an 11.39-percent across-the-board cut would have devastating impacts on programs that are important to millions of Americans and to our economy. prgtoken I would mean a loss of over 73,000 jobs that would otherwise be created through Federal Highway Administration projects. An 11.3- percent cut to our National Parks would cause steep reductions in visitor services, law enforcement, and natural resource protection, all at a time when our National Parks are seeing a dramatic increase in visitors. prgtoken An 11.39-percent cut means 108,000 low-income families, the elderly, and disabled will lose their HUD rental assistance and be at risk of becoming homeless. It means 830,000 low-income women, infants, and children would no longer receive WIC assistance. prgtoken These are just a few examples. I urge a no vote on the Paul amendment.
CONDEMNING THE VIOLENCE, PERSECUTION, INTIMIDATION, AND MURDERS COMMITTED BY THE GOVERNMENT OF NICARAGUA AGAINST ITS CITIZENS
Gene Green (Democrat, TX) \u2014 2018-7-25

I rise today in support of H. Res. 981, and to condemn the Ortega regime's escalating, brutal campaign against its own people. prgtoken Ortega has now been in charge of Nicaragua for 22 of the last 39 years. After years of consolidating power by installing his wife as vice president, and gradually chipping away at the power of the judiciary and congress, Ortega has now dropped all pretense of being anything other than an authoritarian leader. prgtoken More than 300 people have now died in Nicaragua for having the courage to speak out against his and his wife's dictatorial rule. Ortega has now shown himself willing to target members of the clergy for fulfilling their sacred duty to recognize the value of human life, and for putting themselves in harm's way to try to protect their people. prgtoken This should be unacceptable to the U.S. and to the international community. I commend my colleague Rep. Ros-Lehtinen for taking a stand, and I encourage the executive branch to use all non-military means available to hold Ortega accountable for these deaths and to stop the carnage in Nicaragua.