mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
PROVIDING FOR CONSIDERATION OF H.R. 3017, BROWNFIELDS ENHANCEMENT, ECONOMIC REDEVELOPMENT, AND REAUTHORIZATION ACT OF 2017, AND PROVIDING FOR CONSIDERATION OF H.R. 3905, MINNESOTA'S ECONOMIC RIGHTS...
James P. McGovern (Democrat, MA) \u2014 2017-11-29

such time as I may consume. prgtoken , one of the reasons why many of us are opposed to H.R. 3905 is because we see it as a corporate giveaway that puts treasured public lands in the hands of a Chilean mining conglomerate. prgtoken So much of what comes out of this Congress is about rewarding those who are well-connected and well-off, rewarding corporations at the expense of average citizens. prgtoken I will go back to our previous question, which would force a vote. Everything would still move forward, but it would force a vote on a bill that was introduced by Ms. Eshoo that would require Presidents and Presidential nominees to release their tax returns. prgtoken It is not just the connections between the family and this mining company that we have concerns about; it is the connections between this President and his administration and the tax bill that is being proposed that we know would raise taxes on millions and millions of middle class families and basically give a big tax cut to the wealthiest individuals and to corporate special interests and to corporations. We think that is all backwards, but I think the American people deserve to know who benefits and who doesn't. prgtoken Again, for the life of me, I don't understand why so many of my friends have circled the wagons in opposition to transparency, in opposition to letting the American people know where this President's conflicts of interests are, and basically protect what I think may very well be multiple conflicts of interest and maybe conflicts of interest that lead directly into a collision course with corruption. This is a big deal. prgtoken All this legislation that we are talking about here today, there is a good piece of legislation, the brownfields legislation; a bad piece, that is this mining bill. This still goes forward, but vote with us to defeat the previous question so that we can bring up this other bill. prgtoken Now, my colleague from Wyoming may say: Well, that is not what we are talking about here today. The are just trying to muddy up the discussion. prgtoken The reason why we have to resort to a procedural motion to bring up this bill to force the President and Presidential nominees to release their tax prgtoken returns is because the Rules Committee shuts everything down that this leadership doesn't want to see come to the floor. We can't bring this bill to the floor to require the President to release his tax returns under regular order and our normal process. They won't let us. We can't offer it as an amendment. They won't let us. This is the only way we can do it. prgtoken I would urge my friends to stop defending the indefensible here. prgtoken This thing would apply not just to , it would apply to every President. We have never had to do this before because every other President has released their tax returns. This President, for some reason, doesn't
TAX REFORM
Michael F. Bennet (Democrat, CO) \u2014 2017-11-29

I only have a few minutes of time on the floor so I want to be relatively brief. prgtoken I want to share with you a chart that shows what is actually happening as a result of this proposed tax bill. Here is what is happening. There are 572,000 taxpayers. That is about half a million taxpayers in America who are fortunate enough to make more than $1 million a year. As a result of this proposed plan, they will receive $34 billion in tax cuts. They will receive $34 billion in tax cuts this year, next year, and the year after that. That is an average tax cut of roughly $59,000 a person. That is $34 billion going to 572,000 taxpayers. prgtoken What about the middle-class people the s claim this bill is about? There are 90 million taxpayers--not half a million--90 million taxpayers who make $50,000 or less. Do you know what they get under this bill? They don't get $34 billion. By the way, if you include the estate tax, that number is $39 billion, $40 billion. They get $14 billion. That is an average tax cut per taxpayer of $160 a year, and that is in 2019. That is the best year these guys have--after that, it goes negative--and $160 a taxpayer is equivalent to $7.50 a paycheck. So I suppose in 1 year, you could say there is a $7.50 tax cut per paycheck. prgtoken That doesn't sound like a tax bill that is a middle-class tax bill to me. These are the tax cut levels under the plan also in 2019. This is the $59,000 number. If you are making between $40,000 and $50,000, you get $492. If you are making between $10,000 and $20,000, you get $48, and so on and so forth. prgtoken There is nothing middle class about this tax cut proposal. I was asked today by somebody: How could these s go home and explain--in the States won--how could they explain they didn't vote for that tax bill, when I was saying: I think we still have a chance to defeat this tax bill. How can you say that? How could somebody go home? I can't wait to go home to rural counties in my State that voted 80 percent for --75 percent for -- and tell them I voted against this tax bill. My only regret is I will not be able to tell them I voted against it twice. prgtoken They are not stupid. People in Washington think that somehow by selling something based on percentages or selling something based on rates, people aren't going to understand what is actually happening to their aftertax income. My farmers and ranchers will understand that. They voted for a guy who said he was going to Washington to drain the swamp. They voted for a guy who said he was going to go to Washington and not help the rich people--or the rich, as the President says. They voted for a guy who said he was going to defend, support, and fight for what he called the forgotten man. prgtoken It turns out that when the rubber hits the road, we see the same movie that was happening before he got here--unless you want t
CONGRATULATING TODD REDLIN
John P. Sarbanes (Democrat, MD) \u2014 2017-11-29

I rise today to offer congratulations to Todd Redlin of Annapolis, Maryland on his retirement after serving twenty-five years at the U.S. House of Representatives. Todd retired October 31, 2017 as a Senior Engineer/Broadcast Specialist at the House Recording Studio in the Office of the Chief Administrative Officer. Todd was born October 28, 1952 to Kathleen and Robert Redlin outside of Green Bay, Wisconsin. His father was a Navigator/Bombardier in the United States Air Force for thirty years and with him Todd traveled to numerous locations both within the United States and abroad. Todd started his broadcasting career with CBS News in 1976 and worked there until coming to the House in 1991. At CBS, Todd was part of a camera crew that covered a plethora of stories, traveled with the press corps on many national campaigns and covered other news events both locally and internationally. Todd often provided the broadcast video coverage of many tragic events such as hurricanes, floods and plane crashes for CBS News. Todd started working at the House Recording Studio in 1992 as a Camera Operator and then moved on to become a Senior Camera Operator. He then moved from the Production Department to the Engineering Department and retired as a Senior Engineer/Broadcast Specialist. Todd's tenure at the House Recording Studio included the broadcasts and webcasts of many Congressional events including committee hearings, Congressional Gold Medal ceremonies, official luncheons and receptions and the annual lighting of the Congressional Christmas tree. In addition to his skills as an operator, Todd is also a very capable video editor. Todd has a younger brother in Texas and married his wife Kathy on May 30, 1981. They have three beautiful children, Trevor, Lindsey and Allison. According to Todd, his four-year-old grandson Wesley is ``a character and a handful. He is just like having a full time job!'' Todd lists ``the camaraderie with my co-workers'' as his best memories of his twenty-five-plus years working at the House Recording Studio. His colleagues and I wish him well in his retirement as he spends more time with his grandson and his hobbies: playing tennis, fishing, traveling and rooting for the Green Bay Packers. We thank him for his service.
WORLD AIDS DAY
Benjamin L. Cardin (Democrat, MD) \u2014 2017-11-29

today I wish to recognize World AIDS Day. There was a time when Congress could put bitter partisan rancor and finger-pointing blame games aside and unite-around a cause. We did so to fight HIV/AIDS globally. Since 2003, the President's Plan for Emergency AIDS Relief, PEPFAR, has meant the difference between life and death for millions of people. In fact, just last year, I met a 30- year-old man named Simon in Namibia who said he would not be alive without the international community's HIV/AIDS assistance. With the generous support of the American people, the U.S. Government has committed more than $70 billion to bilateral HIV/AIDS programs; the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria; and bilateral tuberculosis programs since the program's inception. prgtoken We cannot declare victory yet--far from it. Only one-half of the 37 million people in the world living with HIV are receiving treatment. Globally, young women are twice as likely to acquire HIV as their male counterparts. One million people still died from AIDS-related illnesses worldwide in 2016. Let us not forget that people here in the United States are not immune. In Maryland, for instance, the most recent data indicate that, in 2016, almost 36,000 people were living with HIV/AIDS, and the State had the fifth highest rate of new HIV infections in the country. prgtoken For the past 15 years, Congress has shown strong commitment and moral leadership by providing robust funding for PEPFAR and regularly reauthorizing the program. Signals from the administration, however, indicate that this partnership may be fraying, putting lives and epidemic control at risk. prgtoken President 's fiscal year 2018 budget request proposed cutting funding for PEPFAR and the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria by more than $1 billion. These cuts, if enacted, could deny lifesaving treatment to men, women, and children. These cuts, if enacted, could halt our progress to achieving epidemic control. These cuts, if enacted, will harm millions of people. prgtoken Congress must remain resolved not only to protect our investment, but to continue building on our progress thus far. prgtoken I call on the administration to join us in facing the challenge of HIV/AIDS head-on, without politics and without posturing, as we consider PEPFAR reauthorization. The administration's proposal to extend the Mexico City policy, often referred to as the global gag rule, may hamstring the very organizations providing lifesaving prevention, detection, and treatment services. prgtoken The administration's proposal to cut tuberculosis funding by more than 25 percent, if enacted, will further frustrate efforts to raise resources to combat this global killer; TB is the world's leading infectious disease killer and is the primary cause of death for people coinfected with HIV/AIDS. Instead of proposing cuts, the administration should b
REQUIRING COMPLETION OF TRAINING PROGRAM IN WORKPLACE RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Leonard Lance (Republican, NJ) \u2014 2017-11-29

I rise as well as a member of the House Ethics Committee to assure the public that the House Ethics Committee takes these matters very seriously. I rise in strong support of H. Res. 630, and I hope that it passes unanimously today. I commend Barbara Comstock and Jackie Speier for their tremendous work in this area. prgtoken Congress should be leading on this issue, helping to foster a workplace environment free of sexual harassment, discrimination, and other terrible behavior. Congress must ensure an atmosphere where those who serve their country here feel protected, supported, and believed, particularly young people who come here with such idealism, no matter the power of the offender. I take these matters seriously, as should every Member of Congress. prgtoken The reports that taxpayer funds have been used for settlements related to harassment by Members of Congress are rightfully infuriating to the American people and to me personally. We need transparency and accountability and to end any sexual harassment settlements paid by taxpayers. prgtoken Today's action ensures that thousands of House employees know their rights and the services offered to victims. I strongly urge a ``yes'' vote.
HONORING THE CENTRAL PENNSYLVANIA YOUTH BALLET
Lou Barletta (Republican, PA) \u2014 2017-11-29

it is a great honor for me to congratulate the Central Pennsylvania Youth Ballet on their invitation to perform during Honors Week as a part of the 40th Annual John F. Kennedy Center Honors in Washington, D.C. prgtoken The Central Pennsylvania Youth Ballet, which is headquartered in Carlisle, an area I am proud to represent, is a celebrated leader in the world of dance education. For the past 60 years, the school has provided the young women and men of Pennsylvania access to world-class ballet training. The school's renowned teaching methodology combines innovative educational initiatives, an esteemed faculty, and impressive performance opportunities to ensure a learning environment that promotes the acquisition of life skills crucial to a child's development. The Central Pennsylvania Youth Ballet's alumni continually occupy top positions in the leading ballet companies from San Francisco and Miami to New York, London and beyond, spreading the school's mission to inspire, educate, and enrich across the globe. prgtoken Tonight, the Central Pennsylvania Youth Ballet will perform a selection of George Balanchine works, including Western Symphony (2nd Movement) and dances from George Balanchine's The Nutcracker, on the Millennium Stage at the Kennedy Center. This prestigious event provides the school's hardworking students an opportunity to perform in a nationally renowned venue and affirm the school's leadership in the world of dance education. I am honored to represent the Central Pennsylvania Youth Ballet and take great pride in its remarkable success and continued preservation of such a beautiful art form. prgtoken , please join me in recognizing the Central Pennsylvania Youth Ballet and congratulating its students on their performance for the 40th Annual Kennedy Center Honors.
MINNESOTA'S ECONOMIC RIGHTS IN THE SUPERIOR NATIONAL FOREST ACT
Bruce Westerman (Republican, AR) \u2014 2017-11-29

I thank the gentleman from Arizona (Mr. Gosar), my friend and colleague, for yielding me this time. prgtoken , I rise today in support of H.R. 3905, the Minnesota's Economic Rights in the Superior National Forest Act, or the MINER Act. This act does not remove or reduce the permitting requirements should a future project ultimately be developed in the Superior National Forest. prgtoken But nearly a year after President 's departure from the White House, I stand before this body to speak in favor of a bill that would rectify an injustice placed upon Minnesotans by the previous administration. prgtoken As we have heard throughout this debate, on President 's last day in office, the previous administration pulled such a politically motivated stunt that appears more as a thumb-in-the-eye of hardworking Minnesotans than sound policy. prgtoken Without a second thought, and one stroke of his pen, President proposed withdrawing over 200,000 acres from future mineral exploration while, simultaneously, rejecting a renewal application for a hard rock mining operation that had been renewed in 1989 and 2004, without controversy. prgtoken This decision endangered thousands of jobs. These are good-paying jobs that are significantly higher than the median average wage in Minnesota and the United States. Additionally, that decision could devastate the State's permanent school trust fund that will support nearly 900,000 K-12 students statewide if the withdrawal application and canceled leases are not rejected. At a time when it is vital that our teachers and students are given the resources they require, it would be foolish to allow this to take place. prgtoken Some may ask why a Member from Arkansas would care about this decision. It is close to 1,000 miles away from my district to the Superior National Forest. The answer though is twofold, and it is simple. prgtoken The first, it restores Federal land management oversight back to where it belongs, the United States Congress. H.R. 3905 will prevent executive order overreach by requiring congressional approval of all mineral or monument withdrawals within National Forest System lands in Minnesota and reverses the unwarranted action taken under the administration to unilaterally block responsible mineral development in the Superior National Forest. prgtoken Secondly, as someone who represents communities, counties, and schools that depend on the safe, responsible harvest and mining of our natural resources, I understand the real devastation that will take place, not only in Minnesota, but possibly in my district and other areas across the country if H.R. 3905 is not passed. prgtoken , for the protection of our constitutional system of checks and balances, and preservation of rural economies, I believe that it is vital that we pass this piece of legislation. I encourage my colleagues to vote in favor of H.R. 3905. prgtoken , I include in the Record a letter
MINNESOTA'S ECONOMIC RIGHTS IN THE SUPERIOR NATIONAL FOREST ACT
Tom Emmer (Republican, MN) \u2014 2017-11-29

I thank the gentleman for the additional time, and I recognize my esteemed colleague, the Representative from Minnesota, for his love of the Boundary Waters that we both share. prgtoken , I want to address the Representative from California first on the claim that H.R. 3905 solely benefits a foreign mining company. prgtoken I think you should ask the people of our State. You should ask a gentleman by the name of Dan Forsman, who, as a Minnesotan, has a family heritage of benefiting by mining in our State. He was recently ridiculed by environmentalists in The New York Times because, while he loves the place where he lives, he also wants to make a living in the place where he lives. There are several other companies exploring the area. prgtoken Teck has nonferrous mineral holdings within the proposed withdrawal, the potential development of which would be greatly impacted by the withdrawal. prgtoken Encampment Minerals, Inc also has a nonferrous mineral holding within the withdrawal area and is awaiting Federal agency action on a submitted preference right lease application. prgtoken Future expansion of the Northshore Mining taconite mine could extend into the withdrawal area and, thus, be impacted by the withdrawal. prgtoken PolyMet has invested hundreds of millions on projects that will be negatively impacted by the proposed mineral withdrawal, one of which we voted on here last night. prgtoken Further, the withdrawal proposal will seriously hinder the State's ability to seek mineral development of more than 90,000 acres of State school trust fund lands within the withdrawal area. prgtoken Twin Metals is a Minnesota company and has been part of the northeastern Minnesota community for 10 years. The company has invested more than $400 million in project development activities, investing in new facilities in the city of Ely, providing local employment opportunities and supporting hundreds of local jobs in the construction, consulting, and contracting sectors. By the way, they also support all the outfitters, the wonderful businesses of tourism. Twin Metals has also contributed more than $320,000 to local philanthropic needs and organizations. prgtoken , I would add that nothing in this bill alters any current environmental law or protection. The Antiquities Act, the Federal Land Policy and Management Act, NEPA, and all the other laws still apply to Minnesota. prgtoken At the end of the day, we are protecting the Boundary Waters, we are protecting the Superior National Forest, and we believe both the economy and tourism, the environment, can coexist in northern Minnesota.
COMMENDING THE PUBLIC-PRIVATE PARTNERSHIP BETWEEN THE FBI AND DIGITAL BILLBOARDS
Bill Shuster (Republican, PA) \u2014 2017-11-29

I rise today to recognize an effective public-private partnership used to put fugitives behind bars. For the last ten years, the FBI has partnered with outdoor advertisers in the search for the nation's most wanted criminals. The partnership started in my state of Pennsylvania in 2007, , where a graduate of the FBI Citizens Academy suggested digital billboards be donated to local law enforcement to aid in the apprehension of fugitives. After initial success in Pennsylvania, the concept grew to what it is now a nationwide partnership where the FBI is able to relay and receive critical crime-fighting information with the general public at no cost to taxpayers. In the 10 years of the partnership's history, tips from the public generated directly from billboards have resolved 57 FBI cases. Seven years after the program began in Pennsylvania, it was used prominently in one of the largest manhunts in recent history. In 2014, Pennsylvanians were on high alert after a man opened fire on a state police barracks, killing one state trooper and injuring another. The suspect quickly fled into the woods, and local communities were terrorized by a killer on the loose. The FBI, in partnership with the Outdoor Advertising Association of America, plastered the suspect's picture and the number for their tip line on hundreds of billboards across Pennsylvania and five other states. The manhunt would continue for 48 days until Eric Frein's arrest, and Pennsylvanians were given the peace of mind and sense of safety when hundreds of billboards were updated to proudly say ``CAPTURED.'' , as this effective public-private partnership enters its next decade, I commend the FBI and outdoor advertisers for finding a creative solution to fight crime and keep our streets safe.
COLUMBUS EAST HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL TEAM
Luke Messer (Republican, IN) \u2014 2017-11-29

I rise today to congratulate the Columbus East High School football team on winning the 2017 IHSAA Class 5A State Championship. prgtoken The Olympians faced off against the Kokomo Wildkats at Lucas Oil Stadium, on Friday, November 24, 2017. They led early in the game and won 42-28, securing their third state title in school history. prgtoken I am proud of these young men for this remarkable achievement and for the sportsmanship they displayed throughout this exciting season. I want to commend Coach Bob Gaddis as well as all of the assistant coaches who led these young men to victory. prgtoken Congrats, Olympians.