mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
SUPPORT FOR H.R. 2740
Doris O. Matsui (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2019-6-21

. Madam , I rise in support of H.R. 2740, the minibus appropriations bill, which includes funding for Energy and Water Development. I applaud the Committee's addition of funds for the programs of the Army Corps of Engineers, especially for continuation of flood control work in my district, which includes Sacramento and West Sacramento. The bill contains funds for continuation of construction of levees in the Natomas Basin and for continuation of design of the West Sacramento Project. Those initiatives are essential steps in providing adequate protection for my constituents, who live in one of the most flood-prone areas in the country. prgtoken I also strongly support the Committee's inclusion of additional undesignated funds that the Corps of Engineers will distribute through a Work Plan to be developed after the bill is signed into law. Furthermore, I appreciate the Committee's allowance for six undesignated construction ``New Starts,'' which is critically important to West Sacramento. As the bill moves forward, I urge the continued inclusion of robust funding for a Work Plan and of an adequate number of New Starts for flood control to address these needs. prgtoken My district can benefit immensely from these provisions. The Corps has recently indicated that additional funds will be needed in Fiscal Year 2020 for the Natomas Project due to cost increases and weather delays. Additionally, it is my understanding that the West Sacramento Project is making very good progress and will soon be positioned for a New Start and accompanying initial construction funding. With this in mind, I plan to continue working with the leadership of the Corps of Engineers, the Sacramento Area Flood Control Agency, and the West Sacramento Area Flood control Agency to determine the optimum funding and New Start designation for my communities.
INSTRUCTING THE VETERANS HEALTH ADMINISTRATION TO PRIORITIZE FUNDING FOR THE MODERNIZATION OF MEDICAL TRANSPORTATION PROGRAMS FOR RURAL, UNDERSERVED AND FEMALE VETERANS
Terri A. Sewell (Democrat, AL) \u2014 2019-6-21

. Madam , my amendment instructs the Veterans Health prgtoken Administration to prioritize funding for the modernization of medical transportation programs for rural, underserved and female Veterans. prgtoken According to the American Hospital Association, 3.6 million people in the U.S. do not obtain medical care due to transportation barriers. And another report tells us that missed healthcare appointments cost the U.S. health system $150 billion each year. prgtoken The underlying committee report includes a pilot program to address transportation barriers for rural Veterans. prgtoken In light of this and the Veterans Transportation Program, the VA can play a critical role in collaborating with other federal agencies to reduce duplication and modernize medical transportation programs across public programs. prgtoken As we work to address rising health care costs, our federal agencies collaborate to modernize and expand public medical transportation programs.
HONORING THE LIFE OF CARL BOYER
Katie Hill (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2019-6-21

. Madam , I rise today to honor the life of Carl Boyer. prgtoken The lives of every single person in my hometown of Santa Clarita, California, are better thanks to the work and tireless efforts of one of our city's founding fathers, Mr. Carl Boyer. prgtoken After moving to what is now California's 25th District in the late 1960s, Carl worked to establish the city of Santa Clarita in an effort to help our community receive the resources it needed. His leadership continued from there as he served on the first-ever Santa Clarita City Council and, eventually, two terms as mayor. prgtoken Carl put his city--our city--at the center of every decision he made. From his first day on the council to his last day as mayor, he worked to protect our beautiful open space, and he left office having created one of the best park departments in the United States. prgtoken While serving Santa Clarita, he was also a public school teacher and a foster parent to young children who came to the United States for lifesaving medical treatment. prgtoken Carl Boyer had a heart of gold, and will be missed by all. On behalf of the vibrant and wonderful community that he helped create, I extend my deepest gratitude for the legacy of service, engagement, and kindness that he leaves behind.
COMMERCE, JUSTICE, SCIENCE, AND RELATED AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS ACT, 2020
Jared F. Golden (Democrat, ME) \u2014 2019-6-21

. Mr. Chair, such time as I may consume, and I rise to offer my amendment to H.R. 3055. This amendment would increase by about $5 million the medical facilities account. prgtoken I did want to talk about a specific problem. I think that most rural States and communities understand that when it comes to trying to take care of our veterans, specifically, those who are struggling with mental health issues, and perhaps substance use disorder issues as well, it is an issue of care closer to home and access to care. prgtoken When we have a veteran in a State like Maine who is in need of acute mental healthcare services and needs long-term inpatient mental healthcare, it has become known in the veterans community in Maine that that care is only available to veterans, at closest, in Bedford, Massachusetts, or perhaps as far away as New York or even further in order to get access to those beds. It is the same when they are in need of long-term substance use treatment programs. prgtoken I have seen time and time again, working with veterans who are in need of those services, that this is a significant problem. It is a barrier to care. It keeps people from coming in the door at the VA to ask for help. prgtoken It is not just an issue in rural areas among veterans. The problem is mirrored in the greater community. prgtoken This is not an instance where veterans can go to the community to get long-term inpatient care because, to begin with, the beds aren't there in rural America. I think this is an instance where we really need the VA to step up to try to make sure that every State has a baseline capability to provide long-term inpatient mental healthcare services and substance use disorder services to veterans as close to their homes and their communities as possible. prgtoken Mr. Chair, from Florida (Ms. Wasserman Schultz), and I thank her for working with me on this issue and for all the work that she is doing on the committee. prgtoken I also thank the gentleman from Idaho (Mr. Fulcher) for joining me on this. I know Idaho is in the same boat as Maine on this one. prgtoken Mr. Chair, I yield such time as she may consume to the gentlewoman from Florida (Ms. Wasserman Schultz).
COMMERCE, JUSTICE, SCIENCE, AND RELATED AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS ACT, 2020
Debbie Wasserman Schultz (Democrat, FL) \u2014 2019-6-21

. Mr. Chair, I thank the gentleman for yielding. prgtoken The past year has been particularly devastating to military installations in multiple States, including my own. There are bases that experienced hurricanes, tornadoes, and massive coastal and river flooding. prgtoken Over time, gradual sea level changes magnify the impacts of storm surge and may eventually result in permanent inundation of facilities and installations. prgtoken In my home State of Florida, Tyndall Air Force Base was devastated by Hurricane Michael. prgtoken Building resilient DOD facilities that can sustain the impacts of damaging storms and flooding is no longer an option but an essential requirement. prgtoken Mr. Chair, I urge my colleagues to support the amendment. I commend the gentleman for his leadership on this issue.
IN RECOGNITION OF IMMIGRANT HERITAGE MONTH
Juan Vargas (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2019-6-21

. Madam , I rise today in recognition of Immigrant Heritage Month and the millions of immigrant families living, working, and thriving within the United States. prgtoken For centuries, our country has welcomed those in search of a better life and has benefited from their meaningful contributions. prgtoken As a proud Mexican American, it is a special honor to celebrate my family's immigrant heritage and our Nation's entire immigrant community. Like countless others, my parents came to the United States looking for hope and opportunity for themselves and for the generations to follow. prgtoken Thanks to their courage and sacrifice, my siblings and I were able to pursue our American Dreams, an opportunity that is currently, unfortunately, slipping away for far too many. prgtoken Today, we are witnessing the devastating effect of President 's cruel anti-immigrant agenda, where immigrants are demonized and treated as outsiders; migrants are denied their legal rights to asylum and safety; children are ripped apart from their parents; and adults and children are dying while in U.S. custody. prgtoken This is not who we are. prgtoken Immigrants from far and wide help build and better our Nation. They have and will continue to be a source of strength to inspire us. prgtoken I stand with immigrants today, and I think we all should.
COMMERCE, JUSTICE, SCIENCE, AND RELATED AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS ACT, 2020
Josh Gottheimer (Democrat, NJ) \u2014 2019-6-21

. Madam Chairwoman, I thank Chairwoman Wasserman Schultz and Ranking Member Carter for their work on this legislation. prgtoken Madam Chair, I rise in support of en bloc package 1, which includes my amendment to H.R. 3055 to help address critical staffing shortages at the VA. prgtoken Madam Chair, we in Congress have no higher obligation than to care for our veterans who had our backs, and that starts with making sure they have the resources they need when they come home. prgtoken The number of unfilled positions at the VA has grown steadily, and currently it is nearly at 49,000 across the entire VA system. prgtoken Madam Chair, 49,000 vacancies is a huge problem that we must tackle. One constituent in my district, an 89-year-old, has been waiting on the adjudication of his appeal to the VA for more than a year. That is absurd. When we called the VA to inquire, we were told: ``This is just how long it takes.'' prgtoken Madam Chair, the Appropriations Subcommittee on Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies looked closely at this issue and stated that the committee is concerned that the significant number of vacancies will lead to longer waits for veterans going without service. prgtoken I agree. We must address this problem and address it quickly. Our veterans don't have time for longer waits for doctor appointments, mental health crises, housing assistance, and so much more. prgtoken Our veterans deserve better, and I am proud to offer this amendment.
ANNOUNCEMENT OF THE 2019 CONGRESS-BUNDESTAG/BUNDESRAT EXCHANGE
Nancy Pelosi (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2019-6-21

. Madam , since 1983, the U.S. Congress House and Senate and the German Bundestag and Bundesrat have conducted an annual exchange program for staff members from both countries. The program gives professional staff the opportunity to observe and learn about each other's political institutions and interact on issues of mutual interest. prgtoken A staff delegation from the U.S. Congress will be selected to visit Germany from Friday, November 1 to Sunday, November 10, 2019. During this exchange, the delegation will attend meetings with Bundestag/ Bundesrat party staff members, and representatives of numerous political, business, academic and media agencies. prgtoken A comparable delegation of German staff members will visit the United States from Saturday, September 14 to Sunday, September 22, 2019. They will attend similar meetings in Washington. prgtoken The Congress-Bundestag/Bundesrat Exchange is highly regarded in Germany and the United States and is one of several exchange programs sponsored by public and private institutions in the United States and Germany to foster better understanding of the politics and policies of both countries. This exchange is funded by the U.S. Department of State's Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs. prgtoken The U.S. delegation should consist of experienced and accomplished Hill staff who can contribute to the success of the exchange on both sides of the Atlantic. The Bundestag reciprocates by sending senior staff professionals to the United States. prgtoken Applicants should have a demonstrable interest in events in Europe. Applicants need not be working in the field of foreign affairs, although such a background can be helpful. The composite U.S. delegation should exhibit a range of expertise in issues of mutual concern to the United States and Germany such as, but not limited to, trade, security, the environment, economic development, health care, and other social policy issues. This year's delegation should be familiar with transatlantic relations within the context of recent world events. prgtoken Please note that the U.S. participants are expected to plan and implement the meetings and programs for the Bundestag/Bundesrat staff members when they visit the United States. prgtoken Participants are selected by a bipartisan committee. prgtoken Members of the House and Senate who would like a member of their staff to apply for participation in this year's program should direct them to submit a resume and cover letter in which they state their qualifications, the contributions they can make to a successful program and some assurances of their ability to participate during the time stated. prgtoken Applications should be sent to the Office of Interparliamentary Affairs, HC-4, the Capitol, by 5 p.m. on Wednesday, July 10, 2019.
LGBTQ PRIDE MONTH
Harley Rouda (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2019-6-21

. Madam , I rise today in recognition of June as LGBTQ Pride Month. prgtoken As we celebrate the contributions of the LGBTQ community, we also know that the fight for full equality under the law is far from over. prgtoken I call on Majority Leader Mitch McConnell to respect the clear majority of Americans who believe that equality must become the law of the land by taking up the Equality Act in the Senate. prgtoken We also must do more to ensure that we have the data necessary to enforce key provisions in the Equality Act. That is why I introduced the LGBTQ Business Equal Credit Enforcement and Investment Act, which would help facilitate fair lending to LGBTQ-owned businesses and study the issues affecting them by gathering data from financial institutions about their lending practices toward these businesses. prgtoken If we are serious about our country's commitment to civil rights, protecting minorities, and economic opportunity--and, for that matter, about growing our economy--LGBTQ-owned businesses must have access to equal capital.
HONORING THE WORK OF WILLIAM HENRY SIMONS, III, AND THE WILLIAM HENRY SIMONS, III, SCHOLARSHIP FUND
Eleanor Holmes Norton (Democrat, DC) \u2014 2019-6-21

. Madam , I rise today to ask the House of Representatives to join me in recognizing the work of William Henry Simons, III, and the William Henry Simons, III, Scholarship Fund. prgtoken On Saturday, June 22, the Washington Teachers' Union (WTU), which represents educators in the District of Columbia's public schools, will re-name its scholarship fund the William Henry Simons, III, Scholarship Fund in honor of one of D.C.'s most important leaders, William Henry Simons, III, who passed away in 2016. This scholarship has been making contributions to the District of Columbia since 1974. The Scholarship Fund is dedicated to encouraging D.C.'s best and brightest students to pursue careers in education and support the next generation of D.C. teachers. I am particularly pleased and honored to offer this resolution not only because of Simons' much deserved merit as a teacher and a union leader but also because he was my history teacher when I attended Banneker High School here in the District. prgtoken In 1972, WTU, under the leadership of Simons, called a strike of D.C. Public School teachers to protest pay and working conditions. The strike violated D.C. law prohibiting strikes by public employees, and a fine of $50,000 was imposed on the union. Simons asked the court to use the money to benefit D.C. public school students. The request went to the D.C. Superior Court, which in 1974, granted Simons his request. That was the beginning of the WTU Scholarship Fund Program. Since 1974, the Fund has awarded scholarships totaling more than $1,000,000 to over 100 D.C. public school students. prgtoken Simons was born in D.C. in 1924 and attended segregated D.C. public schools. In 1943, he interrupted his studies at Miner Teachers College to serve in World War II. On D-Day, June 6, 1944, as a sergeant major in the 262nd Quartermasters Battalion, Simons was one of the heroes who stormed Normandy and helped bring about the end of Nazi oppression. He was awarded the Bronze Star and the Croix de Guerre for his courage. After the war, Simons completed his education and began an 18-year career as a social studies teacher at Banneker Junior High in D.C. prgtoken Simons was elected president of WTU in 1964 and served for a total of 25 years. During his tenure as president, Simons was a champion of D.C. home rule and fought against plans that would have de facto re- segregated D.C. schools. He was also a pioneer in fighting for educational equity and the right of every D.C. public school student to receive the educational opportunities they needed to succeed, regardless of their race, ethnicity, immigration status or economic circumstances. prgtoken He was an observer at the first democratic elections in South Africa, a college lecturer, writer and consultant, and in 1995, he was appointed treasurer of the prestigious Association for the Study of African American Life and History, which was founded by the legendary historian Carter G.
ENERGY WEATHERIZATION ASSISTANCE PROGRAM
Paul Tonko (Democrat, NY) \u2014 2019-6-21

. Madam , our neighbors and low-income households pay three times more as a share of their income on energy bills than those in higher income strata. prgtoken The fiscal year 2020 Energy and Water appropriations bill marks an important step to reduce that energy burden for America's most vulnerable people by increasing investments in the Department of Energy Weatherization Assistance Program. prgtoken This program helps families make their home healthier and safer. It promotes energy efficiency and reduces utility bills, which means more money in the pockets of these families for healthcare, groceries, and other basic expenses. prgtoken For each dollar the American people invest in the weatherization program, we see an estimated $4.50 in energy and nonenergy benefits. This additional funding will ensure that even more families are able to experience the benefits of the program. prgtoken The Energy and Water bill also recognizes America's need for clean energy innovation by significantly increasing funding for essential DOE research programs, including the Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, the State Energy Program and ARPA-E. prgtoken The work done by DOE and State energy offices is absolutely critical to accelerate our Nation's transition to a clean energy economy. This bill recognizes the need for the United States to continue to be the global leader in clean energy innovation, technology development, and deployment. prgtoken I thank and express my gratitude to Chairwomen Lowey and Kaptur for their leadership on these issues.
IRAN AND 2001 AUMF REPEAL
Barbara Lee (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2019-6-21

. Madam , this week, the U.S. inched closer to a dangerous military confrontation with Iran. prgtoken From President 's decision to unilaterally withdraw from the Iran deal to alienating our key allies and imposing crushing sanctions on Iran, it's clear that Administration has no interest in pursuing principled, diplomatic engagement to resolve our differences. prgtoken In addition, Secretary of State Pompeo once again floated the idea of using the 2001 AUMF as the legal basis for the use of force against Iran--allowing the Administration to circumvent Congress. prgtoken This is a stark reminder of the dangers of leaving the overly-broad 2001 AUMF on the books. prgtoken That's why I was proud that the House passed a federal spending package this week that included my language to sunset the 2001 AUMF after 8 months. prgtoken This sent a clear message to the Administration that the 2001 AUMF cannot be used as the legal authority to go to war and that it MUST come to Congress to seek authority for the use of force against Iran-- as required by the Constitution. prgtoken Congress must work to repeal the 2001 AUMF and ensure that the U.S. doesn't barrel into another disastrous war in the Middle East.
COMMERCE, JUSTICE, SCIENCE, AND RELATED AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS ACT, 2020
Debbie Lesko (Republican, AZ) \u2014 2019-6-21

. Madam Chair, I am proud to sponsor an amendment that will help women veterans. My amendment would ensure that no less than $3 million under the Veterans Health Administration should be directed toward prgtoken women-only inpatient clinics for mental healthcare. prgtoken The current system could force women suffering with PTSD caused by military sexual trauma to be admitted into a male-dominant ward, which could further traumatize or revictimize them. prgtoken The veteran suicide rate is, sadly, only increasing, and we need to protect our veterans when they are feeling vulnerable. Women veterans should not be humiliated, marginalized, traumatized, or victimized to the point of giving up and believing that suicide is the only way out. We need to protect them.
COMMERCE, JUSTICE, SCIENCE, AND RELATED AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS ACT, 2020
Jody B. Hice (Republican, GA) \u2014 2019-6-21

. Madam Chair, , Mr. Allen, for his leadership in this. prgtoken The U.S. Army's Cyber Center of Excellence is critical for cyberspace operations, signal and communications networks, and electronic warfare. The center carries out its important mission by developing mission doctrine, educational programs, personnel, and facilities solutions. It is of the utmost importance that we make sure this tradition of training world-class, highly skilled cyber professionals is kept intact. prgtoken Madam Chair, I urge passage of the Allen-Hice amendment to fully fund this project, and I urge all my colleagues to do the same. prgtoken I thank my neighbor and my friend for yielding the time, and it is an honor to work with Mr. Allen on this important amendment.