mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
PROVIDING FOR CONGRESSIONAL DISAPPROVAL OF A RULE SUBMITTED BY THE SOCIAL SECURITY ADMINISTRATION
John Thune (Republican, SD) \u2014 2017-2-14

yesterday we began yet another week of considering Cabinet nominations in the Senate--our fourth week, to be precise--and we still have a long way to go. If anyone is wondering whether this is a normal confirmation process, the answer is no, it is not. Historically, Senate practice has been to quickly confirm a President's Cabinet nominees. President had six nominees confirmed on his first day as President and nearly all the rest within the first 2 weeks. This tradition of speedy confirmation goes back a long way. By the point in every Presidency since President Eisenhower's, most, if not all, of the President's Cabinet nominees had been confirmed by now. Between 1881 and 1933, every incoming President had all of his Cabinet nominees confirmed on day one. prgtoken What is the reason for this? Historically, Senators of both parties have recognized that Cabinet officials play an essential part in getting an administration up and running, doing the business of the American people. Once the American people elect a President, the thinking historically has gone that it is only right that the President be given the advisers he needs to do the job he was elected to do--that is, until now. prgtoken This year, decided that they have had enough of timely Cabinet confirmations, that they have had enough of bipartisanship. Since President was inaugurated, have done everything they can to drag out his Cabinet nominations. We don't have to take my word for it; here is what Politico had to say: Senate . . . are slow-walking the installation of 's Cabinet to a historic degree. . . . They are voting against 's Cabinet picks in unprecedented numbers. prgtoken Two weeks ago, the Washington Post published a piece titled ``'s confirmations really are taking longer than his predecessors.'' ``,'' the Post noted, ``have tried to slow the process, invoking arcane parliamentary procedure to force delays, and boycotting committee meetings to prevent votes.'' prgtoken For a party that has spent a lot of time complaining about obstruction, really are taking it to new heights. Thanks to ' obstruction, the Senate has had to spend so much time confirming nominees that we have had very little time for actual legislative business. We still have a long way to go to finish confirming the President's Cabinet, unless the decide to stop their obstruction. aren't even really accomplishing anything with their delays. prgtoken Thanks to the rules change that they put in place in 2013--that was something that was engineered in 2013 where they literally broke the rules to change the rules--they can't actually prevent President 's nominees from being confirmed. The only thing they can do is to tie up the business of the Senate and delay work on legislation to address the challenges that are facing American fam
COMMITMENT TO CIVILITY
Brian K. Fitzpatrick (Republican, PA) \u2014 2017-2-14

I would like to thank all the members of the freshman class--members of both political parties and of every political background--who have joined us tonight in signing the commitment to civility pledge: love thy neighbor, no exceptions. Seeing 46 s and make this public commitment is encouraging for this Chamber and for the constituents that we serve. prgtoken We can all agree that our Nation is facing some serious challenges. From increasing opportunity in an evolving economy to keeping our families safe from threats at home and abroad, the list in front of this body is heavy enough, and the last thing we need is to make that problem-solving even tougher. A statement made on the Senate floor last week offered a stark message: it is simply not possible to exist as a nation when half of its citizens hate the other half. If we are willing to end friendships or block our family members because of Facebook posts, we are not heading in the right direction. prgtoken Despite the incredible responsibility entrusted to each of us by those whom we represent, this Congress has not been immune to the hardening of political division. However, we must not accept our current discourse as the new normal. prgtoken Yet there is hope. There is hope because the Members standing with me tonight and those who have joined our pledge are willing to say, first and foremost, we are Americans, and the person I may disagree with-- even vehemently--is still an American. Just because someone has different viewpoints or policy priorities or a different letter next to their name does not make them our enemy. prgtoken This Congress can and must play a part in restoring the civility and respect that makes productive dialogue possible. I am not saying we'll agree on everything, but a spirit of mutual understanding, mutual respect, and mutual cooperation is the bedrock for making our government and our communities work. prgtoken Whether we are elected officials, moms, dads, neighbors, community leaders, students--or anyone--we must remember that there is more that unites us than divides us. That is a commitment I am willing to make my colleagues and constituents this evening. prgtoken Again, I want to thank my colleagues, the gentleman from Louisiana and the gentlewoman from California, for all their work. I look forward to working with our awesome freshman class going forward.
BRING HADAR HOME
Brian J. Mast (Republican, FL) \u2014 2017-2-14

I rise today to share the story of Hadar Goldin. prgtoken Hadar was born in the Galilee region of Israel in 1991. He was a gifted young man--a happy person with a lively personality. He was an accomplished painter and, I am told, an inspiration to everybody that knew him. He served as a lieutenant in the Givati Brigade of the IDF. prgtoken , I did not know Hadar personally, but, during my time serving alongside the IDF, I knew so many who were just like him. I met some of the most humble and compassionate people that I have ever known. I chose to serve alongside the IDF because our friends in Israel fight for the same values that we fight to protect in our country: human dignity, freedom, and liberty. prgtoken I can tell you from experience that we soldiers often label our uniforms with sentiments that are important to us. Hadar had his rifle belt embroidered prgtoken with the words ``strength and humility.'' He fought not out of hatred for his enemy but to protect his homeland and his family. He used the embroidery as a reminder that a soldier has the courage to use his weapon when needed, but even more importantly, has the humility to restrain from its use in the name of peace. prgtoken But on August 1, 2014, when Hadar was only 23 years old, he was killed by Hamas terrorists, just 2 hours after a ceasefire had been declared in the Operation Protective Edge war in Gaza. Hamas terrorists maliciously dragged his body away from his home and into an underground tunnel. They stripped and left his clothing and have held his corpse ever since. prgtoken Americans are no strangers to the term ``missing in action,'' as we still have, shamefully, thousands unaccounted for in Southeast Asia. This is a painful and uncertain future that no family deserves. This should never, ever be condoned. prgtoken Last week, I had the opportunity to meet with Hadar's family. They are unable to give their son the proper burial because Hamas is holding his body hostage. prgtoken , we know that Hamas does not value human life. They seek to destroy all that Israel and the United States hold dear. Even the last administration called for the condemning of this action in the strongest possible terms. They called it barbaric. We must now enter into a new chapter--one where we support our Israeli allies and stand side by side with them in the fight for freedom. prgtoken This was a ceasefire that Israel entered into at the urging of former Secretary of State John Kerry and the United Nations. They should bear some responsibility for ensuring his body is returned home. prgtoken , I urge the United Nations to step up for what is right. Show some spine, show some resolve, and stand against Hamas. Do not be a rug that Palestinians trounce across as they shop the United Nations to fulfill their agenda while never being held accountable for their acts of terrorism and their acts against basic human dignity. prgtoken I urge the new administration to ta
CELEBRATING 100 YEARS OF SAVANNAH'S NAACP
Earl L. "Buddy" Carter (Republican, GA) \u2014 2017-2-14

I rise today to remember a lifelong public servant, Mr. Stetson Bennett, Jr of Jesup, Georgia, who passed away on Thursday, February 9, 2017, at 87 years old. prgtoken Mr. Bennett was born in 1929 to Reverend Stetson Bennett, Sr and Irene Bennett in Wayne County. He graduated from Jesup High School in 1947, before attending Auburn University. Around this time, he also married his wife, Patsy Jones. They were married for more than 69 years. prgtoken Mr. Bennett first entered public service in 1949, as chief deputy clerk. By 1965, he was elected clerk of superior court and served nearly 50 years. Recognized by the Georgia House of Representatives as the longest serving constitutional officer in Georgia, Mr. Bennett has received a number of honors throughout his career. prgtoken His dedicated service earned him Clerk of the Year Award in 1985, the highest honor a clerk can receive. Fittingly, the award is now named in honor of Mr. Bennett. Perhaps his proudest achievement was when the citizens of Wayne County officially named the main courtroom the Stetson Bennett, Jr. Courtroom in honor of his years of service to the community he loved. prgtoken In addition, he served as the president of the Wayne County Chamber of Commerce, was an active member of the Lions Club, and helped develop Wayne Memorial Hospital as a member of its board. prgtoken Mr. Bennett was always proud of where he came from, which was clear from how selflessly he dedicated his life to Wayne County. He truly will be missed. Prayers for Leigh Ryan
PROVIDING FOR CONGRESSIONAL DISAPPROVAL OF A RULE SUBMITTED BY THE SOCIAL SECURITY ADMINISTRATION
Orrin G. Hatch (Republican, UT) \u2014 2017-2-14

the Senate is now considering H.J. Res. 40, a resolution of disapproval regarding a misguided Social Security Administration regulation that infringes on many Americans' Second Amendment rights. As a cosponsor of the Senate companion to this resolution, which was filed by Chairman Grassley, I would like to add my voice to that of the many advocates, including the National Disabilities Rights Network and groups such as the National Rifle Association that work to protect the rights of law-abiding gun owners who have expressed support for this important legislation. prgtoken I would also like to express my appreciation to Chairman Grassley and others for their leadership on this issue. This ill-advised regulation not only stigmatizes individuals with disabilities, it also violates the Second Amendment and due process rights of many Americans, and it should be repealed. prgtoken As a longtime supporter of Americans' constitutional right to keep and bear arms, I was deeply troubled by this regulation, which allows the Social Security Administration to report individuals they consider, in the words used in the regulation, to be ``mentally defective'' to the National Instant Criminal Background Check System, or NICS, if they have ``mental impairments,'' receive disability insurance benefits, and receive those benefits through a representative payee. prgtoken When someone receives benefits through SSA's representative payee program, SSA field office employees have deemed them unable to manage their finances. However, SSA's representative payee program itself is, by many accounts, ineffectively administered. prgtoken You don't have to take my word for it. As recently as 2013, the Government Accountability Office identified that SSA ``struggles to effectively administer its Payee Program.'' There are unexplained and large discrepancies across various regions of the country that SSA serves in numbers of beneficiaries who are assigned by SSA field offices to be in the payee program. Yet, despite these known gaps and discrepancies, SSA apparently thought that this system was sufficient to determine whether some beneficiaries should be afforded a constitutional right. prgtoken Let's be clear. Under SSA's rule, individuals who are not found by SSA employees or any other competent authority to be a danger to themselves or others but rather simply need help managing their finances will be prohibited from legally purchasing a firearm. While we all want to make sure that the NICS system works effectively to prevent violent criminals and those who actually do pose a threat from purchasing firearms, this regulation is exceedingly overbroad. Moreover, it is not at all clear to me that SSA employees in field offices should be put in charge of deciding who can legally purchase a firearm. Of course, the bureaucrats at SSA who were prodded by the administration to write the rule say they will create some sort of
NORTH KOREA IS A TERRORISM STATE
Ted Poe (Republican, TX) \u2014 2017-2-14

when I met with Admiral of Pacific Command last year, I asked him which nation's threats concerned him the most. He quickly replied: North Korea. prgtoken Proving Admiral correct, North Korea illegally launched yet another menacing ballistic missile. This was a high-tech, pre-fueled rocket that can be launched quickly. This type of rocket has a range of about 1,800 miles--thus, making it an immediate threat to South Korea and Japan as well as our troops that are stationed there. prgtoken North Korea has even bigger plans. Kim Jong-un reportedly plans to develop submarines from which to launch the missiles, which could threaten the United States. The last administration pursued an ignorant strategy called strategic patience. That policy clearly failed. North Korea's program is now stronger than ever. Kim Jong-un's threats continue to grow bolder and bolder with no repercussions. prgtoken Once upon a time, the United States had North Korea on the State Sponsors of Terrorism list. It is time to put little Kim back on that list because he is a world terrorist and a threat to world peace, and he has earned that distinction. prgtoken And that is just the way it is.
COMMITMENT TO CIVILITY
Lloyd Smucker (Republican, PA) \u2014 2017-2-14

it is an honor to represent the people of Pennsylvania's 16th Congressional District and to serve the community in which I grew up. prgtoken I was very pleased a few months ago to come to Washington and join the new Member orientation. It was a great opportunity for all of us to meet our new colleagues on both sides of the aisle; and I must say, as has already been mentioned, I was impressed. prgtoken As we got to know one another and talk about our vision for this upcoming Congress, we all agreed we wanted to work together as much as possible. We decided we wanted to work to find common ground. prgtoken Today, across Pennsylvania and across America, finding common ground between s and looks and sounds nearly impossible. We here in Congress may disagree on the issues, we may disagree on the solutions, but that is good. That is good because the purpose of this Chamber is to be a deliberative body. It is good because, collectively, we represent a wide range of issues across the political spectrum--we are supposed to--and, in fact, we are even expected to disagree, but we must always do so in a civil and respectful manner. prgtoken We must understand that, while we may disagree on the issues and solutions, we share, all of us, the common goal of serving our constituents and of improving their lives. We must understand that just because we may disagree with one another, that doesn't mean the other side is un-American or out to get us. prgtoken Arthur Brooks, President of the American Enterprise Institute, calls this ``political motive asymmetry.'' Brooks says: ``A majority of people in our country today who are politically active believe that they are motivated by love but the other side is motivated by hate.'' prgtoken Now, I know I might disagree with some of my colleagues, but I can tell you, they are not motivated by hate. If we are to be successful in this Chamber and in discussions in our communities across the country, we must rid our discourse of this political motive asymmetry. Then we will be able, together, to find solutions more easily to the problems that we face. prgtoken I am hopeful that our freshman class, along with the rest of our colleagues on prgtoken both sides of the aisle, will be able to do what is stated in our commitment to civility: ``make the government work more efficiently and more effectively, help build consensus and restore public trust, and, ultimately, serve as a positive influence on society at large.'' prgtoken We here in Congress are charged with an enormous task. In today's divisive and heated public discourse, we must be an example to our constituents by showing respect for one another at all times.
ORDERS FOR WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 15, 2017
Mitch McConnell (Republican, KY) \u2014 2017-2-14

I ask unanimous consent that when the Senate completes its business today, it adjourn until 10 a.m. on Wednesday, February 15; that following the prayer and pledge, the morning hour be deemed expired, the Journal of proceedings be approved to date, and the time for the two leaders be reserved for their use later in the day; further, that following leader remarks, the Senate resume consideration of H.J. Res. 40, as under the previous order.
HONORING THE LIFE OF ED MOORE
Jackie Walorski (Republican, IN) \u2014 2017-2-14

I rise today to honor the life of Ed Moore, who was truly a pillar of our community in northern Indiana. prgtoken In 1979, Ed founded the Christian radio station, WFRN, which has been a beacon of faith and joy to its family of listeners for nearly 4 decades. I have had the privilege of visiting the WFRN studio many times over the past 5, 6 years. Each time, I saw Ed's passion for serving the Lord and helping listeners strengthen their faith. WFRN has had such a positive impact on so many lives, and Ed's legacy is that it will continue to do so. prgtoken In announcing Ed's passing, his family noted they were saddened, yet rejoicing, because Ed is with the Lord. prgtoken , I join Ed's children, Doug, Steve, and Rachelle, his 11 grandchildren, and the entire WFRN family in mourning Ed's passing, celebrating his life, and rejoicing that today he is with the Lord.
PRESIDENT TRUMP'S FIDUCIARY DUTY RULE
Joe Wilson (Republican, SC) \u2014 2017-2-14

earlier this month, President released a Presidential memorandum on the fiduciary duty rule, and I am grateful that President has directed the Labor Secretary to thoroughly study this destructive rule. prgtoken Under the administration, the Department of Labor released an incomprehensible fiduciary rule that increased the cost of financial planning, reducing retirement advice for American families and destroying jobs. prgtoken Families all over America are struggling to save for their retirement, and I applaud the President's swift action to study the harmful effects of this rule. I am confident the study will result in a delay or revision of this ridiculous regulation of 1,023 pages to define a profession. prgtoken I will continue to advance legislation calling for a delay of 2 years to give Congress and the administration time to reassess the regulation. I appreciate the positive insight of the National Association of Insurance and Financial Advisers who promoted reforms for prgtoken hardworking American families saving for retirement, and creating jobs. prgtoken In conclusion, God bless our troops, and may we never forget September the 11th in the global war on terrorism.
NICS (Executive Session)
James E. Risch (Republican, ID) \u2014 2017-2-14

first of all, let me say thank you to my friend and colleague, the ranking member of the Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship. We have worked together successfully on several projects, and I have no doubt that we will continue to work together to benefit small businesses and entrepreneurship here in America. prgtoken I rise today to support the nomination by President of Linda McMahon to head the Small Business Administration. Linda McMahon has strong bipartisan support, which is rare here in Washington, DC, these days. At the confirmation hearing, Mrs. McMahon was introduced by, endorsed by, and spoken well of by her two Connecticut Senators, Senator Blumenthal and Senator Murphy. Perhaps for the first time in history, we had a member of the opposite party supported by the two Senators from that State, from the other party. But most importantly, she had run against both of those people, so they had been adversaries previously, but they appeared before the committee to enthusiastically endorse her as the head of the SBA and as President 's appointee. prgtoken Senator Blumenthal said: ``She is an excellent fit for this agency based on her experience and her expertise as a business leader. prgtoken Senator Murphy stated: ``I will never question whether she has the experience and the determination necessary to lead this great agency.'' prgtoken These are strong endorsements by people of the other party for a person who has been nominated by President . prgtoken This is an important agency. It is not a particularly large agency, but it certainly services one of the, if not the most important sector of our economy. prgtoken It is important to note that these two colleagues of ours came and supported Mrs. McMahon before the committee. prgtoken Those people who have been watching what is going on in this city since the election, particularly in regard to the appointment by President of his Cabinet, as he has attempted to fill his Cabinet and seen the obstructionism that has taken place as he tries to fill that Cabinet, know that this city has become a caldron of anger, bitterness, and acrimony since the States came together and selected to be the President of these United States. So it is good for a bipartisan effort on one of these Cabinet members, and Linda McMahon is that person. prgtoken Linda McMahon is not a bureaucrat. She is about as far from that as you possibly can get. In 1982 she and her husband took over a small business and turned it into a family business and have operated it since 1982. Of particular importance was her description of how she and her husband got there and their struggles as they started with a small business that actually failed. I think her description of that and her feelings about that and how she and her family struggled with that built the character they needed to start the business they did in 1982. They took that busines