mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
PALLIATIVE CARE AND HOSPICE EDUCATION AND TRAINING ACT
Eliot L. Engel (Democrat, NY) \u2014 2018-7-23

I thank the gentleman for yielding to me. Mr I want to thank my colleagues on both sides of the aisle. This is clearly a bipartisan collaboration. prgtoken I am proud to be the main sponsor of H.R. 1676, the Palliative Care and Hospice Education and Training Act, and I urge my colleagues to support this important bill. prgtoken The goal of palliative care is to alleviate suffering for patients and their loved ones, accompanying efforts to treat or cure illness. So while the illness is being treated, there is support being given to the person who is sick and for their loved ones as well. prgtoken It entails support from a team of doctors, nurses, social workers, physician assistants, clergy persons, and other specialists who provide an extra layer of assistance, including help with medical decisionmaking and coordination of care across multiple settings. It is appropriate at any age and at any stage in a serious illness. prgtoken Palliative and hospice care have been associated with enhanced quality of life for patients, but too many people simply don't know about these benefits. On top of that, there is a shortage of educated providers who can offer quality palliative and hospice care. prgtoken That is where this bill comes in. prgtoken The Palliative Care and Hospice Education and Training Act addresses these issues by expanding opportunities for training in palliative and hospice care. prgtoken This bill also aims to better educate patients, families, and health professionals about palliative care's benefits, and encourages NIH to expand research around this topic. prgtoken Ultimately, this bill will help us ensure that there is a well- trained palliative care workforce available to care for patients, a goal that I believe will also be critical to turning the tide of the ongoing opioid epidemic. prgtoken One of the goals of palliative care is to provide relief from the pain of a serious illness. By creating the infrastructure needed to better educate health professionals on palliative care, this legislation will also help ensure health professionals are able to properly manage patients' pain and practice appropriate evidence-based prescribing, a space where, as the opioid crisis has shown, we need to do much better. prgtoken , I want to thank Chairman Walden, Ranking Member Pallone, Chairman Burgess, and Ranking Member Green for helping to move this bill forward. I also want to thank Congressman Tom Reed and Congressman Buddy Carter, who coauthored the bill, and all of its 285 bipartisan cosponsors. This is about as bipartisan as you can get. prgtoken We are dealing with issues that people sometimes don't like to talk about, end of life issues, issues of that nature, but it is something that must be talked about, because families need help. This will give the families the help that they need. prgtoken I think every one of us has felt the pain and stress of a serious illness either personally or standing along
ADDITIONAL STATEMENTS
Chuck Grassley (Republican, IA) \u2014 2018-7-24

I come to the floor today to pay tribute to an outstanding businessman and citizen John G. Deery, Sr of Cedar Falls, IA. Mr. Deery passed away recently at the age of 88. He leaves behind a close-knit and loving family--his beloved wife, Marlene; his two sons, John and Dan, both of Cedar Falls, IA; and a host of children and great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews. prgtoken A veteran of the U.S. Marine Corps, John was an active parishioner of St. Patrick Catholic Church and a respected civic and business leader who left his mark throughout Cedar Valley. Following his military service--1948/ 1951--and startup ventures in the Quad Cities and Wisconsin, John purchased a Buick dealership in the late 1960s in Cedar Falls. This Wisconsin native became an Iowa transplant and never looked back. From then on, he and his family business paved a road to prosperity by winning the business of generations of satisfied customers. prgtoken A look back through the rearview mirror shows a life well lived. He was a member of the Cedar Falls AMVETS Post 49, Iowa Auto Dealers Association, Knights of Columbus, and a founding father of Community National Bank. prgtoken The patriarch of the family, John carved out his slice of the American dream. After opening the Buick dealership, the business eventually grew into a series of enterprises, eventually employing a workforce of more than 200 people. For six decades, he owned the Deery Automotive Group, encompassing John Deery Motors, Dan Deery Motors, and Deery Brothers Collision Center that provided livelihoods for generations of local families and a trusted place to buy and repair the family car. prgtoken After turning the reins of the automobile business over to the next generation, John launched yet another successful enterprise in real estate development. An active octogenarian, John didn't let any grass grow underneath his feet and continued looking for ways to make his community a better place to live. A decade ago, he was nominated for the Waterloo Courier's inaugural Eight Over Eighty Award. prgtoken The residents of Cedar Valley have benefited from John and Marlene's generous commitment to giving back their time, talent, and treasure. A number of nonprofit agencies and community organizations have benefited from their philanthropic pursuits, including my alma mater, the University of Northern Iowa, the Black Hawk County Sheriff's Office, the Cedar Falls and Waterloo police departments, St. Patrick Catholic Church and School, and El Kahir Shrine. prgtoken Today I pay my respects to this American veteran, successful Iowan, and civic leader. John Deery, Sr steered a steady and honorable journey on the road of life and he will be greatly missed by those who loved him the most.
INTERIOR, ENVIRONMENT, FINANCIAL SERVICES, AND GENERAL GOVERNMENT APPROPRIATIONS ACT, 2019--Continued
Dean Heller (Republican, NV) \u2014 2018-7-24

I rise today in support of my amendment, Heller-Brown amendment No. 3405. This bipartisan amendment increases funding for the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program, better known as VITA, by $5 million for the next fiscal year. prgtoken Building upon the success of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, it is important that we take additional steps to ensure that Nevada families are fully able to realize the benefits of the new tax laws and maximize their returns. The VITA Program is one way to do that. prgtoken The VITA Program offers free tax help to lower income and middle- income taxpayers--those who often need it the most--by helping them to prepare and file their income tax returns. prgtoken Every year, VITA programs help tens of thousands of Nevadans and millions of taxpayers nationwide keep more of their hard-earned money. As a statistic, in 2015, VITA sites helped nearly 23,000 Nevadans file their returns and processed refunds that exceeded $25 million. prgtoken That is why I urge all of my colleagues to join me and Senator Brown in supporting hard-working American taxpayers and voting yes on this bipartisan amendment, Heller-Brown amendment No. 3405. prgtoken to the Senator from Ohio.
IMPROVING SOCIAL SECURITY'S SERVICE TO VICTIMS OF IDENTITY THEFT ACT
Mike Bishop (Republican, MI) \u2014 2018-7-24

such time as I may consume. prgtoken , I am pleased to be here today and pleased that we are considering this bipartisan legislation that I introduced with a friend of mine from Connecticut, Ranking Member Larson, H.R. 6084, the Improving Social Security's Service to Victims of Identity Theft Act. prgtoken This is an issue that is important to all of us in all of our districts. As you well know, , identity theft is a crime that is growing at very alarming rates around the country. Supporting victims of identity theft is something I have long championed. As a former local prosecutor and advocate for victims, I gained a real understanding of the plight of many Americans and what they face in recovering from identity theft and from other forms of exploitation. prgtoken In response, I spent a large part of my legislative career working on victim's rights and ensuring justice. I am pleased that we are considering H.R. 6084 today. prgtoken , Americans who are victims of identity theft often face an uphill battle when they contact the Social Security Administration for help. All too often, these individuals find themselves being bounced around in phone trees from recording to recording, person to person, only to start all over again with each new person with whom they speak. prgtoken In many cases, an individual will speak to multiple people at the Social Security Administration by phone, only then to be told that they need to go to a field office to resolve the situation. prgtoken , I just think that is wrong. These are victims of identity theft who urgently need assistance from the Social Security Administration so that they can get their lives back on track. But too many of these victims are being revictimized by the Social Security Administration's cumbersome and disorganized system. It is high time that the Social Security Administration improves its customer service to victims of identity theft. prgtoken That is why I introduced H.R. 6084, the bipartisan legislation which will require the Social Security Administration to provide a single point of contact at the agency to an individual who needs to resolve a problem with the Social Security Administration because of the misuse of his or her Social Security number. prgtoken This important bill will help Americans get the assistance they need from the Social Security Administration by implementing a customer- focused process. I am pleased to have the support of AARP, the National Council of Social Security Management Associations, and the Association of Mature American Citizens. prgtoken , I include in the Record statements of support for my bill from those groups.
INTERIOR, ENVIRONMENT, FINANCIAL SERVICES, AND GENERAL GOVERNMENT APPROPRIATIONS ACT, 2019
Richard C. Shelby (Republican, AL) \u2014 2018-7-24

this week the Senate takes another step toward regular order in the appropriations process in the Senate. prgtoken The package before the Senate today contains the fiscal year 2019 appropriations bills for the Subcommittees on Interior; Financial Services; Agriculture; and Transportation, Housing and Urban Development. We have not debated an interior appropriations bill on the floor of the U.S. Senate in nearly 10 years. prgtoken The Financial Services appropriations bill has not seen floor action in several years either. Why? Because year after year, party-line votes in committees represented the end of the line in the legislative process. Yet here we are today debating both of these appropriations bills and more on the Senate floor. prgtoken So what changed? What changed was the mindset of appropriators on both sides of the aisle who embraced a willingness to sacrifice partisan riders and priorities outside the committee's jurisdiction for the good of the process. Together we have committed to do what is good for the process because we want to do what is right by the American people. prgtoken This approach is yielding meaningful results thus far. The Interior and Financial Services bills in this package both won the unanimous approval of the Appropriations Committee, which is generally unheard of--unanimous, . We haven't seen that level of support for these bills in quite some time around here. prgtoken The Agriculture and Transportation, Housing and Urban Development bills also garnered unanimous support of the Appropriations Committee. prgtoken I want to take a minute to commend the chairmen of these subcommittees--Senator Murkowski, Senator Collins, Senator Hoeven, and Senator Lankford--for their leadership in the process. I also, again, thank Vice Chairman Leahy and the ranking members of these subcommittees for their hard work. These Senators have worked together to produce strong and, I believe, bipartisan bills. prgtoken This broad bipartisan support paved the way for the full Senate's consideration of these bills, and I thank Leaders McConnell and Schumer for agreeing to bring this package to the floor. prgtoken As we begin debate this week, we can leverage our recent success in passing appropriations bills. Just last month, the Senate passed a package of three fiscal year 2019 appropriations bills with overwhelming support. This support was facilitated by an open amendment process and a willingness to work together to address legitimate Member concerns. As a result, the process was both open and, I believe, disciplined. prgtoken More importantly, it was successful, passing by a vote of 86 to 5-- yes, 86 to 5. prgtoken The bill managers on both sides of the aisle will seek to replicate this process and success with the package now before the Senate. We ask for the continued cooperation of all Senators in this effort. prgtoken Critical mass, that is what we are building in the S
REMEMBERING OFFICER JACOB CHESTNUT AND DETECTIVE JOHN GIBSON
Mitch McConnell (Republican, KY) \u2014 2018-7-24

I begin this morning by remembering two heroes and the events that claimed their lives 20 years ago today, right here in the Capitol. prgtoken On July 24, 1998, U.S. Capitol Police Officer Jacob Chestnut and Detective John Gibson made the ultimate sacrifice in defense of American democracy. By doing their duty, these heroes helped cut short an act of brutal violence that could have claimed many more lives. That same week, Officer Chestnut and Detective Gibson lay in honor in the Capitol Rotunda, and an entire Nation paid its respects. prgtoken I imagine 20 years have not made this senseless violence any easier to bear for the families these men left behind or for their brothers and sisters in the Capitol Police. Yet, as we remember their bravery, a triumphant example endures of selfless service and fearless heroism--of two men who embodied the values that keep this building and our Nation standing safe and sound. prgtoken Today, we honor Detective Gibson and Officer Chestnut. We renew our condolences to their families. We recognize the depth of our gratitude for them and for everyone who puts on the uniform and steps into harm's way every single day.
THE AMERICAN LEGION 100TH ANNIVERSARY COMMEMORATIVE COIN ACT
Steve Scalise (Republican, LA) \u2014 2018-7-24

I thank the gentleman from Texas for yielding, and I really want to thank my colleague, Mr. MacArthur from New Jersey, for his leadership in bringing this amendment forward, which would reauthorize the National Flood Insurance Program on a short-term basis through hurricane season. prgtoken Why are we here, ? We are here because, first of all, the House did take strong action to pass a 5-year reauthorization of NFIP that included really important reforms, reforms that I was happy to work with the chairman on to pass through the House. prgtoken But, ultimately, as the bill went over to the Senate, we kept hearing story after story that the Senate was going to pass something, and then a month would go by and another month would go by, and, ultimately, the Senate still hasn't passed anything to reauthorize this program. So it leaves us here literally days before the program expires. prgtoken , we can't play some game of chicken with the lives of millions of families that represent, by the way, all 50 States. All 50 States participate in the National Flood Insurance Program. This isn't something that just applies to coastal communities. You have got every inland State as well that have families that rely on this program to work. prgtoken , what kind of program would we like to see? I would love to see a vibrant marketplace with private sector company after private sector company that would offer options to families just like we have with car insurance or homeowners insurance. But we don't have that today. So what we need to do is usher in reforms like the Ross-Castor legislation, , that I am a cosponsor of. Ross-Castor, by the way, was included in the House-passed bill. prgtoken There are other important reforms that encourage communities to get better mapping from FEMA. Some of those reforms were included in the Royce-Blumenauer legislation which, was also in the House-passed bill. prgtoken So we could talk about the reforms that are needed, and I encourage us to get those kind of reforms done. But at the midnight hour, let's at least keep this program going for a few more months while we continue negotiating, and let's get a long-term deal that actually has the reforms that will make this a sustainable program with private sector involvement for years to come. prgtoken , I urge a ``yes'' vote.
INTERIOR, ENVIRONMENT, FINANCIAL SERVICES, AND GENERAL GOVERNMENT APPROPRIATIONS ACT, 2019
Roy Blunt (Republican, MO) \u2014 2018-7-24

I am here today to remember the 17 victims who lost their lives last week in the tragic boat accident on Table Rock Lake in Missouri. prgtoken At one time, I lived in Branson. Our home is now in Springfield, MO. It is a community that I represented in the Congress for 14 years before having the chance to represent them in the Senate. prgtoken Of course, the community has responded. But one of the reasons the community has responded in the way that it has is the truly tragic loss of life. There were 31 people on the boat that was overwhelmed by the water. Of those 31 people, 17 died. Of the 17 that died, 9 of the victims were members of the Coleman family from Indianapolis, IN. prgtoken Tia Coleman lost her husband, Glenn, and all three of their children. prgtoken On Saturday, Tia asked that her family members be remembered as they were. She said that her daughter, 1-year-old Arya, was a little fireball with 1,000 different personalities. Her 7-year-old son, Evan, according to his mom, was a great brother who was extremely smart and witty and loved life. Her 9-year-old son Reese, according to his mom, was the happiest little boy and made every day worth living. prgtoken Tia's nephew, Donovan Hall, who was the other surviving member of that family, lost his mother Angela and his brother Maxwell. Tia described her sister-in-law Angela as a loving mother who would do anything for her family, and 2-year-old Max loved big hugs. prgtoken Tia was laughing through her tears as she remembered her Uncle Ray as a man who liked to laugh and have a good time. prgtoken Tia's father-in-law, Horace ``Butch'' Coleman, is being remembered in Indianapolis as a legend in the community, having volunteered for more than four decades as a youth football coach. He and his wife, Belinda Coleman, were involved in the community. Belinda was described as a loving mom, a loving grandmother, and as a leader in their church. prgtoken Tia asked that all of us keep the Coleman family in our prayers as they adjust to this terrible tragedy. prgtoken Rosemarie Hamann and William Asher, from the St. Louis area, had just celebrated Rosemarie's 68th birthday. Their friends say they loved to dance and live life to the fullest. They both gave back to their community through local veterans organizations. prgtoken William and Janice Bright, from Higginsville, MO, were in Branson celebrating their 45th wedding anniversary. They are survived by their 3 children and 16 grandchildren, with another grandchild on the way, who will never get a chance to see their grandparents. prgtoken The Smith family of Osceola, AR, is mourning the loss of 53-year-old Steve Smith, a retired educator, and his 15-year-old son Lance. The Smiths were very active in their church. Steve was a deacon and Lance felt the call to the ministry at 15. He had just recently delivered his first sermon. prgtoken Leslie Dennison from Illinois died a hero. This 64-year-old grandmother
ALLOWING SERVICEMEMBERS TO TERMINATE THEIR CABLE, SATELLITE TELEVISION, AND INTERNET ACCESS SERVICE CONTRACTS
Ryan A. Costello (Republican, PA) \u2014 2018-7-24

I rise today in support of H.R. 2409, bipartisan legislation I introduced with Congressman Kilmer. prgtoken I want to thank Congressman Kilmer for his work with me on this bill. I also want to recognize the very stellar leadership of Chairman Roe on the VA Committee and Ranking Member Takano, as well as all the VA staff seated behind me and those not seated behind me, but who work every day to make that a highly performing committee here in the House. prgtoken When our brave servicemembers are preparing to relocate or deploy because of Active Duty orders, they should not have to navigate costly and time-consuming cancelation fees and policies. Under current law, protections are granted to servicemembers with military orders for certain civil agreements, including rental leases or cell phone contracts; but they cannot terminate their cable, satellite television, and Internet access service contracts while deployed without incurring early-termination fees. prgtoken Our legislation, very simply, fixes this by updating the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act to include pay TV and Internet service contracts. While some States already do provide relief for pay TV or Internet services, this legislation would update the act to enact a policy at the Federal level, ensuring servicemembers and their families receive uniform assistance no matter in which State they reside. prgtoken , I would again like to thank Chairman Roe for his support and his work to pass H.R. 2409. I would also like to thank Andrew and Erica in my office for their work on this important bill as well. prgtoken , it is our responsibility to help provide peace of mind to our servicemembers and their families when they prepare to deploy, so I urge my colleagues to support this bill.
THE AMERICAN LEGION 100TH ANNIVERSARY COMMEMORATIVE COIN ACT
Keith J. Rothfus (Republican, PA) \u2014 2018-7-24

I rise in support of the House amendment to S. 1182, the National Flood Insurance Program Extension Act. prgtoken This summer has been a challenging time for western Pennsylvania, where summer storms have caused devastating floods. Residents are still recovering from the damage. At the same time, the NFIP, the National Flood Insurance Program, is close to lapsing. That is because, like so many things we have done in the House, the Senate has failed to act. prgtoken We know the NFIP is in need of reform. As a member of the Financial Services Committee, I applaud Chairmen Hensarling and Duffy for their work to craft a bipartisan bill that we have passed. Many of these reforms in this bill are bipartisan. They are noncontroversial. Pennsylvania's own insurance commissioner, a ic appointee, even testified before our committee in support of the private flood insurance provisions that are essential to improving consumer choice. Unfortunately, the Senate is stalled. We should continue urging Senators to take action, in the meantime. prgtoken I urge my colleagues to support the passage of this temporary extension, and I urge the Senate to get back to work.
INCLUDING ADDITIONAL PERIODS OF ACTIVE DUTY SERVICE IN DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS VOCATIONAL REHABILITATION PROGRAMS
David P. Roe (Republican, TN) \u2014 2018-7-24

I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 5538) to amend title 38, United States Code, to provide for the inclusion of certain additional periods of active duty service for purposes of suspending charges to veterans' entitlement to educational assistance under the laws administered by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs during periods of suspended participation in vocational rehabilitation programs.