mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
CONFERENCE REPORT ON H.R. 1, TAX CUTS AND JOBS ACT
Devin Nunes (Republican, CA) \u2014 2017-12-19

I stood here several weeks ago to speak in support of the original House-passed tax reform bill. Since then, as a member of the conference committee, I have participated in the process of strengthening this bill and making it even more transformative. That is why I continue to stand in strong support of the bill and conference report we will be voting on today. prgtoken Washington's special interests have distorted business decisions for too long, and we cannot afford to wait any longer to reform our broken Tax Code. prgtoken Should we fail to act now, businesses will continue to leave the United States for tax purposes, taking thousands of good-paying jobs-- American jobs--with them. Our small businesses will continue to suffer the damaging effects of a bewildering and punitive Tax Code that gives unfair advantages to their larger, well-connected competitors. prgtoken But all this will change if we pass this bill. prgtoken For years, I have advocated for full and immediate expensing, which will allow businesses of all sizes to write off costs immediately. This bill will provide full expensing, which is one of the many progrowth pieces to this legislation. I am confident my colleagues will soon see the tremendous effect of full expensing and make the important decision to extend it before it expires. prgtoken , I stand here with my colleagues on an historic day in support of one of the most dramatic reform bills to come before this body since I came to Congress. The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act simplifies the Code, grows the economy, and allows for strong business investment. prgtoken I have said before that I will not accept the status quo of our broken Tax Code or a minimal reform that merely adjusts rates. Instead, we must transform the Code into a system that is simpler and fairer and that encourages economic growth instead of suppressing it. That is what this bill does, and that is why I strongly support its passage.
NO HUMAN TRAFFICKING ON OUR ROADS ACT
Sam Graves (Republican, MO) \u2014 2017-12-19

such time as I may consume. prgtoken , human trafficking is a terrible crime with an estimated 20 million victims worldwide. It is incumbent upon Congress to take the steps necessary to combat this crime whenever possible. prgtoken Just this past summer there was a case in San Antonio in which 10 people died while being illegally trafficked in a commercial motor vehicle. Drivers have been the first line of defense in helping identify and report these sorts of activities within the trucking community. We need these drivers to stay vigilant and we need to weed out the bad actors. prgtoken In addition to the criminal penalties, drivers who knowingly take part in human trafficking should never again be able to drive commercially. Current law prohibits an individual from operating a commercial motor vehicle if they are convicted of one of nine different crimes, including alcohol abuse, negligent manslaughter, and drug trafficking. prgtoken S. 1532 disqualifies individuals from operating a commercial vehicle for their lifetime if they ever use that commercial vehicle to commit a felony involving human trafficking. prgtoken This bipartisan bill passed the Senate with unanimous consent, and I would like to commend Mr. Katko for his leadership on the House version of this bill, and I would urge my colleagues to support S. 1532. prgtoken , .
TAX CUTS AND JOBS ACT--CONFERENCE REPORT
Richard Burr (Republican, NC) \u2014 2017-12-19

I rise today to speak on the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act and the significance of this historic legislation to all Americans. prgtoken It has been more than 31 years since comprehensive tax reform was passed by Congress and signed into law by President Reagan, and it has been nearly two decades since the United States has experienced a period of sustained economic growth of 3 percent or more. prgtoken Similar to the Tax Code prior to the last major overhaul, today's Tax Code is overly complex and burdensome on American families and businesses. The current code is riddled with nearly 200 tax deductions, credits, exclusions, and tax breaks that ``cost'' the government nearly $1.5 trillion in lost revenue each year. These costs unnecessarily burden hard-working Americans, who spend more than 6 billion hours each year to understand their tax liability and comply with filing requirements. prgtoken The Finance Committee began to lay the groundwork for tax reform years ago, during which time the committee held over 70 hearings on how to reform the Tax Code and promote economic growth. In the 113th Congress, the committee also formed five bipartisan prgtoken working groups to examine options for reform. This years-long process has enabled us to produce the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, and I am confident this legislation, based on ideas from both parties, will benefit all Americans by ensuring our Nation remains competitive in the global economy. prgtoken The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act will make American businesses competitive again by permanently lowering the corporate rate to roughly the average rate that our competitors have already adopted. This legislation will also end the lock-out affect many American businesses face today by adopting a territorial system. This will encourage American companies to invest their profits here at home and hire more people. prgtoken On the individual side, this legislation will lower individual income tax rates for all Americans and greatly simplify the code by roughly doubling the standard deduction. According to the Joint Committee on Taxation, this will result in fewer than 10 percent of Americans itemizing deductions, meaning the vast majority of Americans will benefit from tax simplification. prgtoken I am especially pleased the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act preserves the child and dependent care tax credit and dependent care flexible spending accounts, enhances the ABLE Act, and sharply reduces the number of Americans who are subject to the Alternative Minimum Tax, a parallel tax system that adds layers of complexity. prgtoken This is historic legislation that hard-working Americans across the country have long deserved, and I look forward to passing this legislation tonight to ensure all Americans have more economic opportunity and prosperity for years to come.
RECOGNIZING THE COMMISSIONING OF THE USS ``LITTLE ROCK''
John Boozman (Republican, AR) \u2014 2017-12-19

I rise today to recognize the commissioning of the USS Little Rock, a Freedom-class littoral combat ship. I was proud to celebrate this historic occasion with all who gathered for the commissioning in Buffalo, NY, this past weekend. prgtoken It is an honor to have one of the Navy's more versatile warships named after our State's capital city. The USS Little Rock's logo features one of the most recognizable images associated with Arkansas-- the Razorback. The University of Arkansas football team was given the nickname after the head coach at the time said the team played like a bunch of razorback hogs. I am confident this crew, known as the Warhawgs, will carry on that same work ethic. It has been more than four decades since the Navy had a ship named after the city of Little Rock, and we are thrilled that it will again be represented in the Navy's fleet. prgtoken Saturday marked the first time in the history of the Navy that a ship was commissioned alongside her namesake. This special occasion brought together members of the original USS Little Rock and those like LT Robert Dyer from Mountainburg, AK, who is a member of the current crew. prgtoken During its time as a light cruiser and then as a guided missile cruiser, the original USS Little Rock and its crew were vital to defeating the growing threats of its time. The new USS Little Rock is just as critical to our Navy's sea power. This ship and the strength and resolve of the Warhawg crew are the future of the Navy, offering unique capabilities to defend against evolving threats around the globe. prgtoken There are things this Chamber and our colleagues in the House of Representatives can do to ensure that the Navy has the resources to stay ahead of the threats our adversaries pose to us and our allies, and that begins with passing individual appropriations bills. As Congress continues discussions for fiscal year 2018 funding, it serves as a reminder that continuing resolutions are an inefficient method to keep the government operating. We should be approving individual appropriations bills instead of relying on continuing resolutions. prgtoken The starts and stops in the budgeting process impact the Defense Department and the Navy significantly. They certainly slow down the already long timetable to achieve the goal of a 355-ship fleet. Continuing resolutions negatively impact our military ratings and take our eyes off the focus of eliminating wasteful spending. They hinder our Navy's leaders' ability to plan and purchase equipment in support of its missions. They restrict the Navy from starting new programs or eliminating old and unneeded ones. prgtoken Earlier this month, Navy Secretary Spencer said the service wasted $4 billion since 2011 because of continuing resolutions. This could have gone a long way toward growing our fleet. Instead, it is gone. A continuing resolution means that the Navy is operating on the previous year's budget lev
TRIBUTE TO R. ANDREW MURRAY
Thom Tillis (Republican, NC) \u2014 2017-12-19

I congratulate Andrew Murray on his investiture as the U.S. Attorney for the Western District of North Carolina. prgtoken Andrew graduated magna cum laude from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte with a bachelor of science in political science and received his juris doctor from the University of North Carolina School of Law. prgtoken Throughout his career, Andrew has dedicated himself to public service and leadership. Andrew enlisted in the U.S. Coast Guard in 1980 and retired in 2015, serving his country faithfully for 35 years. During his service, he earned a number of decorations, including the Coast Guard Meritorious Service Medal, three Coast Guard Commendation Medals, the Coast Guard Achievement Medal, and the Coast Guard 9/11 Service Medal. prgtoken Andrew began his legal career at the Mecklenburg County District Attorney's Office as an assistant district attorney. Later, he worked in private practice before being elected to serve as the district attorney of Mecklenburg County, North Carolina's largest prosecutorial district. During his tenure as district attorney, he led the office with the utmost distinction and is highly respected for his leadership. prgtoken I am proud that Andrew is willing to continue serving western North Carolina in a new role as U.S. Attorney. Western North Carolina is lucky to have such an experienced prosecutor and effective leader to command this important office. He is a dedicated public servant whose extensive prosecutorial experience and relationships with law enforcement will bolster the mission of the Department of Justice and promote public safety. prgtoken Senator Burr and I proudly recommended Andrew to President , and I know that he will lead the U.S. Attorney's Office with honor.
RECOGNIZING PEARL S. BUCK INTERNATIONAL
Brian K. Fitzpatrick (Republican, PA) \u2014 2017-12-19

I rise today to recognize the important work that Pearl S. Buck International is doing in our community in Bucks County. prgtoken Pearl S. Buck was the first woman to receive both the Pulitzer and Nobel Prize for literature. Pearl Buck spent decades of her life in China, immersing herself in its culture and history, with her remaining time living in Bucks County, Pennsylvania. prgtoken The foundation continues her work, providing opportunities to explore and appreciate other cultures and building better lives for children around the globe. Their work on projects--like the Backyard Gardening Project in the Philippines, Life Skills Education for Children Living in Vietnamese Orphanages, and Thailand Clean Drinking Water and Sanitation Project--has increased humanitarian aid for people across the world. prgtoken The organization's School Outreach Program and the High School Leadership Program, which equips students committed to making lifelong contributions within the community with effective leadership skills, have made positive and long-lasting impacts in our district. I am thankful for, and stand in full support of, the work that Pearl S. Buck International does in our community and around the globe. Recognizing Benjamin Rush Elementary School
TAX CUTS AND JOBS ACT--CONFERENCE REPORT
James Lankford (Republican, OK) \u2014 2017-12-19

we commend Senator Hatch for his efforts on this most important bill. We would like to ask for confirmation on a question that will be of considerable importance to millions of seniors housing residents, including those living in assisted living and memory care residences and in continuing care retirement communities, CCRCs. prgtoken As you know, capital for seniors housing, including assisted living and memory care residences and CCRCs, essentially comes from the same lending sources that fund other types of real estate. HUD, Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, and commercial banks finance seniors housing through their respective housing related programs. Seniors housing competes with other real estate based investments for both equity and debt and it is critical that our tax law treat these seniors housing units in a manner that is comparable to other housing. prgtoken Provisions relating to the deduction for business interest and to the deduction for depreciation in the bill include rules governing a ``real property trade or business,'' as that term is currently defined in the tax law. Under these rules, the conferees stated that they intended that a real property operation or a real property management trade or business includes the operation or management of a lodging facility. We would like to ask the distinguished chairman of the Committee on Finance if he agrees with us that the operation or management of residential rental property housing the elderly, such as an assisted living residential facility, memory care residence, or a continuing care retirement community, are not excluded from the definition of a ``real property trade or business'' merely because they provide necessary supplemental assistive services that meet the needs of aging seniors.
CONFERENCE REPORT ON H.R. 1, TAX CUTS AND JOBS ACT
Diane Black (Republican, TN) \u2014 2017-12-19

this is truly a monumental day for the American people. prgtoken During my 7 years here in the House serving on the Ways and Means Committee, we have studied, considered, and outlined the sorts of reform that could benefit the American people. prgtoken As a conferee for H.R. 1, the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, I am proud that we kept our promise of providing tax relief for hardworking, middle class families and making the Tax Code simpler and fairer for all. prgtoken It has been more than three decades since our Nation's tax system has been modernized, and this is finally the day to change that. prgtoken I want to remind my colleagues that the process began long before this year. When passage of the budget provided the key, our ideas for conservative tax reform were finally unlocked and could be pursued for real tax reform. prgtoken Without question, this conference report reflects our shared conservative principles. The conference agreement addresses the heavy tax burden weighing down hardworking Americans and holding back job creators. It brings simplicity to the Tax Code. It helps low- and middle-income Americans see more of their hard-earned dollars in their paychecks. It empowers entrepreneurs and small businesses to continue opening, operating, and expanding on Main Street. prgtoken With every major legislative effort, there will be critics. But the critics have it wrong. The truth is that the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act delivers relief at every income level and protects more hard-earned dollars from taxes. For the average family of four, this legislation means a tax cut next year of more than $2,000. prgtoken The point of this exercise is that we are cutting your taxes, plain and simple. I urge my colleagues to stand on the right side of history and support this legislation because the benefits will be felt by all Americans for generations to come.
THE PASSAGE OF H.R. 1 IS THE FIRST STEP
Claudia Tenney (Republican, NY) \u2014 2017-12-19

the passage of today's bill is the first step to providing desperately needed once-in-a-generation relief from the failed status quo, especially in New York State. prgtoken Under this bill, the typical American family making $73,000 a year will see a tax cut of $2,059, and low- and middle-income New Yorkers can finally see an immediate raise in their January and February paychecks. prgtoken As a single working mom and a person who cared for my elderly and aging parents, I and my New York colleagues fought an uphill battle to include provisions facing elimination that are vital to seniors, single parents, struggling families, and overburdened job creators, many of whom have left New York State in vast numbers. prgtoken Despite the fact that these provisions faced the very real threat of elimination, our efforts were successful in securing the historic tax credit for a State like New York, with many of our Nation's most historic and most important national landmarks, expanding the SALT deduction--the State and local tax deduction--childcare and dependent care credits, and continuing the deductibility of medical expenses, to assist our most vulnerable seniors in defraying high medical costs. prgtoken In New York's 22nd District, 99 percent of itemizers deduct less than $10,000 in property tax, the cap which represents the new deduction. prgtoken Due to Albany's mismanagement, all the counties I represent are in the top 36 highest property tax rates compared with home value nationwide. This bill will provide relief on the Federal level, while, finally, finally, incentivizing Albany to respect taxpayers.
CONFERENCE REPORT ON H.R. 1, TAX CUTS AND JOBS ACT
Kristi L. Noem (Republican, SD) \u2014 2017-12-19

I rise today as a farmer, a rancher, a small- business person, but most importantly as a mom. I rise to support the conference report on H.R. 1, the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. prgtoken , in my home State of South Dakota, the average household income is $54,000 per year. Out of that $54,000, our families pay double the national average in energy costs just because of where they are located. These are hardworking families and they deserve a break. The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act gives them that break. prgtoken By lowering tax rates, doubling the standard deduction, and doubling the child tax credit, that family in South Dakota making $54,000 can go from an $833 tax liability to a $781 tax refund. That is a $1,600 difference in after-tax income. That is $1,600 that can go back to benefit their families and their communities, rather than into the greedy hands of those in Washington. prgtoken On top of that, the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act is designed to build a healthier economy--an economy in which that family making $54,000 can get a raise, an economy that actually grows jobs. prgtoken I am proud to have served on the conference committee that put this report together. I thank Chairman Brady for his leadership throughout the process. We worked literally hundreds of hours putting this together and getting the child tax credit where it is today. prgtoken We had vigorous debates about the benefits to rural America. I am thrilled to be able to go home and tell South Dakota farmers and ranchers they will have new expensing tools, a new small business deduction, and significantly lower individual rates. prgtoken While I am disappointed that this bill doesn't completely repeal the death tax, it does provide more relief for producers and small-business owners. prgtoken While no plan is perfect in anyone's eyes, this legislation puts more money in the pockets of hardworking taxpayers. The bottom line is this: the American people deserve more control over their paychecks. They worked for prgtoken that money, and it is time folks in Washington respect that.
TAX CUTS AND JOBS ACT--CONFERENCE REPORT
Johnny Isakson (Republican, GA) \u2014 2017-12-19

I would like to take a moment to commend Senator Orrin Hatch. I listened to the debate over this bill not just today but for the better part of 3 years I have been a member of the Finance Committee. I have never heard a more dignified, deliberate, intelligent delivery on any subject than we all just heard from Orrin Hatch on the tax bill. Regardless of your politics, regardless of where you are from, it is good to know that America has dignified statesmen like Orrin Hatch to take the tougher issues, simplify them, get people to join hands, work together, and pass what is right for the American people. I am glad the American people are going to get to see that over the next couple of days. prgtoken I publicly want to thank Senator Hatch for all he has done and all I know he has done in Washington during the last 3 years. In the 3 years on this committee, I have seen us-- and ic committee and subcommittee alike--work on every facet of the Tax Code to try to simplify changes down to doable amounts and doable jobs. I have seen everybody have input. I have seen everybody work together. Sure, we have had differences. Senator Hatch has always kept the mainstream there, kept his hand on the tiller, and saw to it that we never lost sight of doing what we need to do, which is to reform our Tax Code. prgtoken I want to commend Senator Hatch and Senator Enzi, as well, for the work they have done on the Budget Committee to get us to this point and the unsung heroes that all of us know about, our staffs, whom we cannot do without. Jay Khosla and Mark Prater on the Finance Committee have been outstanding and have made this thing work, and I commend them for their work. On my staff, I could not have done what I have done without Amanda Maddox, Trey Kilpatrick, Monica McGuire, and Jay Sulzmann, who have all worked hard to see to it that we made the right decisions for the right reasons for the people of Georgia. prgtoken I am very proud to be a part of this Senate today and of what is going to prove to be a historic day in the future. There are a lot of naysayers saying that this is not going to work. There are a lot of people who have come up to me today and have asked questions that have bad connotations to them. Yet I want, for just a minute, to talk about what I think this tax bill really means for the American people--for the folks who voted for me to represent them--and for what is going to happen in the years ahead. prgtoken I had a reporter stop me today while I was coming up to the floor. prgtoken He asked: Senator Isakson, where are you going to find the $1.478 trillion that you all are costing us by passing this tax cut? prgtoken I said: First of all, we have not lost the money. Second of all, that is a static score. Third of all, I will be willing to bet you that we will take in a lot more money because of our having a dynamic economy than we will ever lose with a single tax cut. <|p