mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
TAX CUTS AND JOBS ACT--CONTINUED
John Kennedy (Republican, LA) \u2014 2017-12-1

today I rise to discuss the historic rehabilitation tax credit. The historic rehabilitation tax credit is a vital component of pro-growth tax reform and a shot in the arm for communities across the country. For instance, in my State of Louisiana, the credit has encouraged 782 restoration projects since 2002. This amounts to more than $2.2 billion in investment into cities and towns across the State. Many of these private investment dollars are flowing into small and rural communities with populations less than 25,000 people. prgtoken I am pleased that the Finance Committee restored the historic rehabilitation tax credit to the 20-percent level and ensured a smooth transition for approved and underway projects by grandfathering them in under the prior law and regulations. prgtoken For purposes of the historic rehabilitation tax credit's transition rule, ``taxpayer'' refers to the person who undertakes the rehabilitation of a building. In the case where a person makes an election under section 48(d), the term ``taxpayer'' means the lessor, since the lessor is the person who undertook the rehabilitation. It is intended that the historic rehabilitation tax credits be available during the transition period only to the extent such credits would have been available under the prior law and regulations.
PRESERVING ACCESS TO MANUFACTURED HOUSING ACT OF 2017
Bruce Poliquin (Republican, ME) \u2014 2017-12-1

I thank the chairman. He forgot pine trees, but that is okay. prgtoken , I am thrilled to stand up and support H.R. 1699, Preserving Access to Manufactured Housing Act, and I salute Congressman Andy Barr from Kentucky to bring this forward. prgtoken Maine, , has some of the highest homeownership rates in the country. We love our homes in Maine. I represent the rural part of our State, and in our State, , we have times of the year where the weather is pretty tough. prgtoken If you are building a home that is not manufactured in a warehouse, sometimes you literally cannot build that home because of the weather, the snow, and the cold, and what have you. But there is nothing more important, , nothing more important than making sure moms and dads across America and across Maine have an option, have as many options as possible to house their kids, to take care of their kids, and make sure they are safe. Manufactured housing, in many parts of the country, is the only affordable option. prgtoken Now, H.R. 1699 makes a small, technical change such that folks who want to get into a home and want to take part in the great American Dream of homeownership have the opportunity to get a loan to do this. prgtoken Government, , is supposed to help our families, not get in the way. Here is an example of us being able to remove an unnecessary restriction that hurts our families and prevents them from having an opportunity to get in their first home. prgtoken We need more options, not less, . Let's help our families and not get in the way. I salute Mr. Barr for this great bill. I am fully in support of this. Let's help our families get into manufactured homes if this is what they want and this is what they can afford.
TAX CUTS AND JOBS ACT--CONTINUED
John Thune (Republican, SD) \u2014 2017-12-1

. My recollection is like his, and, frankly, my recollection, when it comes to all the work that went into getting us to where we are dates back a long way. I joined the Senate Finance Committee in 2011. I am not sure when the Senator from South Carolina joined or the Senator from Pennsylvania, but it was shortly after that, I think. prgtoken Since I have been on the Finance Committee, we have had 70-plus hearings--70-plus hearings on tax reform. We have looked at every facet, every aspect, every element of the Tax Code. We even went so far 2 years ago, in 2015, to create five working groups. We all participated in those, along with, I might add, our ic colleagues, each of whom had a key role in helping with the final recommendations that were put forward. A lot of what is in this bill is based upon the work that was done by those working groups. There isn't a single shred of the Tax Code that we haven't covered and haven't studied in great detail. prgtoken Then, of course, as the Senator from South Carolina pointed out, when it came time to mark the bill up, we spent several days--23 hours debating back and forth, listening to each other, and in some cases arguing. In some prgtoken cases, those were very spirited arguments. The offered 63 amendments, all of which got votes in the Senate Finance Committee. prgtoken So for anybody to suggest that this has been anything but a transparent process based upon years of work and buildup and lead-up to get us to where we are today is absolutely misstating the facts. I think the work we have done in advance of this has led to a product that is the culmination of a great deal of thought, a great deal of input, and a great deal of research from not only experts in the field but fellow Members-- and s--Senators and staff--who have gotten us to where we are today. prgtoken I think the fact, which has been pointed out many times, that a family that is living paycheck to paycheck will now get the benefit of a doubling of the standard deduction and a doubling of the child tax credit, frankly, I happen to believe--contrary to my colleague from Pennsylvania--is a pretty big deal. If you are a family who has any sort of tax liability, that tax credit is a dollar-for-dollar credit against that tax liability. An increased portion of that is refundable under this legislation. prgtoken If you look at the lower rates we have in the bill, that middle- income family in this country stands to benefit significantly as a result of this to the tune of--if you are a family of four with a combined annual income of $73,000--an additional $2,200 in your pocket. That is $2,200 in the American family's pocket that they get to decide how to spend. prgtoken As the Senator of Pennsylvania pointed out, don't take our word for it. You can sit down, if you like to, and look at the features of the bill. Look at your individual tax situation. Plug in these changes, and
NDAA SUPPORTS GOLD STAR WIDOWS
Joe Wilson (Republican, SC) \u2014 2017-12-1

as Chairman of the House Armed Services Readiness Subcommittee and a conferee for the FY2018 National Defense Authorization Act, I am grateful for the continued support of Gold Star Widows included in the FY2018 NDAA. The bill includes a permanent extension of the Special Survivor Indemnity Allowance under the Survivor Benefit Plan. The more than 60,000 Americans whose spouses died either on active duty or during retirement will continue to receive $310 per month plus a Cost of Living Allowance indefinitely. My predecessor, the late Chairman of the House Armed Services Committee, Floyd Spence, championed this kind of relief for our military families, and I have continued that fight because our military personnel risk their lives to defend our nation and they should be able to trust that the benefits they designate for their spouses and families will always be there.
IN RECOGNITION OF PAUL PFITZENMEYER OF WEST CALN TOWNSHIP, PENNSYLVANIA
Patrick Meehan (Republican, PA) \u2014 2017-12-1

today I recognize Paul Pfitzenmeyer of West Caln Township, Pennsylvania. Mr. Pfitzenmeyer served honorably in the U.S. Army, was a dedicated employee of Acme Markets, and has committed himself to his community by serving his township's police office, as a volunteer firefighter, EMT, and as Chairman of West Caln Township's Board of Supervisors. prgtoken While in the military Mr. Pfitzenmeyer received the Good Conduct and Marksman medals. After finishing his military service in 1964, he returned home to continue serving the public. prgtoken Paul began a career with Acme Markets where he remained for 38 years. While working full-time he also spent 25 of those years working at the West Caln Township Police Office. Paul didn't stop there. He also became a volunteer firefighter and EMT then was elected to the Township's Board of Supervisors in 1991. Quickly thereafter he was elected Chairman of the Board of Supervisors and continues to hold the position today. But after serving with distinction for over a quarter century, Paul is stepping down. prgtoken I commend Mr. Paul E. Pfitzenmeyer for his tireless dedication to our country and his local community. His work has made him a pillar for the public to depend on. I know West Caln Township will be forever grateful for Paul's steadfast and loyal service.
RECOGNIZING FRANK STOLTZ FOR THE MONTANA CONGRESSIONAL VETERAN COMMENDATION
Greg Gianforte (Republican, MT) \u2014 2017-12-1

I rise today to recognize Frank Stoltz of Miles City for the Montana Congressional Veteran Commendation for his service to his country and leadership in his community. prgtoken Mr. Stoltz joined the United States Army Air Corps in 1943 and fought overseas during World War II. He was awarded numerous medals including the Purple Heart and the Prisoner of War Medal. His service to his community, however, did not stop after his discharge in 1945. prgtoken Upon his return to Miles City, Mr. Stoltz started his own auto body repair shop and became active in supporting Montana communities through local and statewide business organizations. He also participated in the VFW and ExPOW organizations. prgtoken I ask my colleagues to join me today in commending Frank Stoltz for his dedication and service.
PRESERVING ACCESS TO MANUFACTURED HOUSING ACT OF 2017
J. French Hill (Republican, AR) \u2014 2017-12-1

I thank the chairman. I want to congratulate my friend, Andy Barr, for bringing this bill back to the floor of the House to be on the side of the consumer, to be on the side of affordable choices, to be on the side of truly affordable housing in so many areas where there is no alternative. prgtoken Many in the urban areas of our country, the East and West Coast elites who make financial policy, have no understanding of living out in the country. They don't realize we don't have stick-built alternatives in many rural areas of our country. prgtoken As a former community banker down in Ashley County and Chicot County, Arkansas, the most affordable, best alternative for many of our families is a manufactured home, working with a relative for a plot of land. Dodd-Frank has made that unaffordable and unavailable. prgtoken And to that point, I want to say I got a letter from a pal at the Army National Guard who said: I was turned down on a loan that would be cheaper, larger, and better for my family. prgtoken It was better than the house, the 60-year-old house, that he was renting. That is why we need this bill, and I thank the chairman for bringing it to the floor today.
CONGRATULATING THE LATINA LEADERSHIP INSTITUTE IN SAN ANTONIO, TEXAS
Lamar Smith (Republican, TX) \u2014 2017-12-1

I would like to congratulate the Latina Leadership Institute (LLI) in San Antonio, Texas, for the good work they are doing in San Antonio to train, educate, and encourage the next generation of Hispanic women who aspire to public office. LLI's mission is to increase the number and influence of Hispanic Women in elected and appointed office positions in the United States. This is a noble and worthwhile mission and I am proud that this organization is located in my hometown of San Antonio. The LLI program is highly personalized to each woman's individual goals and endeavors. Program participants are encouraged to get outside their comfort zones and build key leadership skills and experiences that will equip them for public office in the future. It is an excellent model for other cities around the country to emulate as they seek to elevate young women into political leadership roles. The local governments of San Antonio and Texas, as well as the federal government, will benefit from the aspiring leaders being trained and encouraged by the Latina Leadership Institute.
TAX CUTS AND JOBS ACT--CONTINUED
Cory Gardner (Republican, CO) \u2014 2017-12-1

I want to talk about the importance of passing this tax reform legislation for the people of Colorado. What we have is an opportunity to see real wage growth in this country-- something we haven't seen for far too long. Over the past decade, I think people who are on both sides of the aisle have recognized that while there might be some economic job activity, job creation taking place, while we might see some low economic unemployment numbers in States like Colorado, what we haven't seen is the kind of wage growth we know we can create. prgtoken Under the analysis done by nonpartisan think tanks in Colorado, they prgtoken estimate that wages would grow--after-tax income--by over $3,000. That is incredible wage growth for families who many people estimate and who other economists have said could see a financial hardship if they were asked to come up with $400. In fact, we know that if over one-third of people in America had to come up with $400 today, it would create a financial crisis in their household. prgtoken We heard our colleague from Pennsylvania and our colleague from South Dakota talking about the fact that a family earning a median household income of $73,000 would see a 60-percent reduction in their taxes next year. A single parent with a child, earning $41,000 a year, would see a 75-percent tax cut. prgtoken Let me read a headline from a story in Colorado. The headline of this article is ``How Tax Reform Can Empower This Drive-in Theater Owner to Expand Her Business.'' What she is talking about is the fact that if she sees lower taxes at the 88 Drive-in--that is an iconic drive-in in Commerce City, CO. If you see this drive-in, you will know exactly--it is iconic on the landscape. She believes that if her taxes are lower, she will be able to move forward and buy the property next door, which will allow her to expand her business. She talks about the fact that she has to turn people away because so many people are going to it and they don't have enough room. She wants to expand, but she is held back by our uncompetitive Tax Code. If we cut taxes, she will be able to buy land, expand the business, and create more jobs. It is a greater opportunity for her, her family, and the people of Colorado. prgtoken This is really an opportunity to see the kind of growth and wage growth that we haven't seen in this country for far too long. prgtoken I have held several roundtables on taxes throughout the Eastern Plains of Colorado, where I live. People are worried about their income because they haven't seen the kind of economic growth, the numbers in employment growth that they have in the Front Range, in Denver. I have held roundtables on the Western Slope of Colorado, in Southern Colorado, Northern Colorado, and they are all very worried about a country that is not as competitive as it used to be. They know that with a competitive tax code, they would see those jobs and investment come back into
INTERNATIONAL HUMAN RIGHTS MONTH
Gus M. Bilirakis (Republican, FL) \u2014 2017-12-1

today kicks off International Human Rights Month, a celebration of the inalienable rights to which everyone is entitled. prgtoken This coming year marks the 70th anniversary of the date the Universal Declaration of Human Rights was adopted by the United Nations, a document which has been translated into more than 500 languages. prgtoken This week, we examine the perils of human trafficking, which, at its core, is a violation of fundamental human rights and is far too prevalent around the globe. prgtoken As vice chair of the International Religious Freedom Caucus, I am saddened by the atrocities occurring around the globe in which people of all faiths are persecuted. prgtoken We cannot turn a blind eye to injustice. America must remain a beacon of principled courage, recognizing and promoting the basic human rights of all people. If we remain silent in the face of these transgressions, we neglect that moral imperative, and we do so at the peril of civil society.
TAX CUTS AND JOBS ACT--CONTINUED
Tim Scott (Republican, SC) \u2014 2017-12-1

I thank my good friend from Ohio. prgtoken I say to Senator Portman, may I see that list? I have been on the floor and, unfortunately, I have not been able to get a copy of the list. Obviously, you have been able to have your staff get it or go online and get a copy of this list. I think my good friend from Oregon said they needed their good friends who are lobbyists to supply them with a list. prgtoken I am not sure what the other side is missing. They had control of the House, the Senate, and the White House for a couple of years, and they increased spending without doing anything about revenues, other than trying to have a tax increase a few years ago, $630 billion of tax increases, and somehow they have missed the correlation between higher taxes and lower revenues. We have gotten it right that oftentimes lower taxes actually increase revenue, which has been proven from the twenties, sixties and eighties. prgtoken It is good news that my friends on the left are finally thinking about the national debt. We had a couple hundred years of life in America that produced about $10 trillion of national debt. Eight years after ic leadership, we have a national debt of $20 trillion. I find it a tad disingenuous that my friends on the left are going to counsel us about debt when, in fact, their record is so clearly obvious. When it comes to the benefits this bill has for those folks who are working paycheck to paycheck, as the country saw its debt double in the last 8 years, what they did not see double were their wages. As a matter of fact, their wages were stagnant. Why? Because when you take money out of the private sector economy and place it into the hands of the government, you do not grow the private sector economy. It is a simple formula. prgtoken While wages were flat, the economy grew at an anemic 1.9 percent, even though they doubled the national debt from $10 trillion to $20 trillion. It is fascinating that my friends on the left, looking for ways to create lobbyist loopholes, are on this floor lecturing anybody about debt. We, on the other hand, aren't thinking about lobbyists or our friends on the left. We are thinking about the American people, the hard-working group of individuals who find themselves too often at the end of too many weeks with too little left in their pockets. prgtoken We are not asking the American people to just believe us. What we are saying with great clarity is, starting in paychecks in 2018, because of our tax cuts targeted toward the typical American family, you will see in your paycheck more of your hard-earned money. This is how we say there is proof in the pudding. It is simply to take a look and see how much of that money is left. prgtoken To my good friend from Ohio, my friends on the other side of the aisle are starting to overcook my grits just a little bit. I don't mind having a vigorous debate on facts, but to sell fear--as I said a few minutes
PERSONAL EXPLANATION
Doug Collins (Republican, GA) \u2014 2017-12-1

on November 30, 2017, I was not present for votes because I was unavoidably detained due to a death in the family. Had I been present, I would have voted: Nay on Roll Call No. 642; Yea on Roll Call No. 643, passage of H.R. 3905, Minnesota's Economic Rights in Superior National Forest Act; Yea on Roll Call No. 644; Yea on Roll Call No. 645; Nay on Roll Call No. 646; Nay on Roll Call No. 647; Yea on Roll Call No. 648; and Yea on Roll Call No. 649.
TAX CUTS AND JOBS ACT--CONTINUED
Susan M. Collins (Republican, ME) \u2014 2017-12-1

today I wish to join in a colloquy with the majority leader to address concerns that I have with the tax reform legislation that we are considering and to thank him for the many discussions that we have had over the past months about this bill. prgtoken I have made clear that I don't think that the repeal of the individual mandate should have been included in the tax bill. Rather, I would prefer to see the mandate issue and the other flaws in the ACA addressed through a series of discrete bills that can be thoughtfully targeted to correct specific problems. That said, I have long-supported the repeal of the so-called individual mandate because I do not believe that the Federal Government should force any American to buy healthcare coverage he or she either does not want or cannot afford. Eighty percent of the people who pay the penalty imposed by the mandate make less than $50,000 a year. prgtoken Nevertheless, it appears very likely that the individual mandate repeal will be part of this legislation. Unless we take action, that repeal will almost certainly lead to further increases in the cost of health insurance premiums--premiums that are already too expensive under the ACA. Therefore, I believe that it is imperative that Congress take action to mitigate this likely premium increase. prgtoken There are two steps we can take to help remedy this situation. First, we need to pass the Bipartisan Health Care Stabilization Act of 2017, legislation authored by HELP Chairman Alexander and Ranking Member Murray. This legislation will not only give States critical flexibility to better manage their insurance markets, but will also provide funding in 2019 and 2020 for cost-sharing reductions received by low-income enrollees in the ACA exchanges.
TAX CUTS AND JOBS ACT--CONTINUED
Mitch McConnell (Republican, KY) \u2014 2017-12-1

I say to my good friend from Oregon, there were 4 days of hearings on the bill in committee with the committee report sent out at least 2 weeks ago. I am totally confident our friends on the other side are fully familiar with almost all aspects of this. He will certainly have an opportunity to read the final version, but he is very familiar with the various parts of this. There was plenty of time to look at it in committee, and, as I said, there will be plenty of time to read the final version of it before we vote.