mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
PROVIDING FOR CONGRESSIONAL DISAPPROVAL UNDER CHAPTER 8 OF TITLE 5, UNITED STATES CODE, OF THE RULE SUBMITTED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF THE TREASURY RELATING TO ``RETURNS BY EXEMPT ORGANIZATIONS AND...
Johnny Isakson (Republican, GA) \u2014 2018-12-11

this is a special time of the year-- Christmas. All of us are in a hurry to get home. Our children are waiting for us to get home. Our families can't wait to share the joy of the day. We want fun around the fire and the household. I would hate to be the grinch who stole Christmas in the Senate. I don't want to think that 10 years from now, if only I hadn't said this, this wouldn't have happened or, maybe, if I had seen it coming, I would have done something. prgtoken In 2008 and 2009, the Senator from Montana, Senator Hoeven, and I, among others, went through the 2008-2009 housing crisis that ended up in mortgage-backed securities failures, in all of the trouble that happened on Wall Street--Dodd-Frank--and in the collapse of our economy. It was the worst collapse of our economy ever since 1927. We all remember what happened. We ended up getting the TARP. We ended up having crisis after crisis. Slowly but surely, we guaranteed enough stuff to get the market strong enough to begin to build back. Just now, it is back where it ought to be from the standpoint of values, which is a decade later. prgtoken Quite frankly, the housing market is not as strong. Its only strength is that there are not that many houses for sale. That is because people aren't putting them on the market. Builders can't build specs, and there is not near the credit that there should be. People who have resales are putting them off and fixing the houses up because they are staying longer. So they are selling them for more money. prgtoken On the Multiple Listing Service, in Atlanta, GA, when I left my company in 1998, there were 140,000 houses on the market in Atlanta in June of 1998. Now there are about 60,000. That is not because the market has failed. It is just that there is not that big a housing stock out there, and it is for all of the reasons I said. In terms of financing being readily available, it is readily available, and that is what I want to talk about. prgtoken I was thinking the other day. I heard an ad on the radio about no-doc loans, and I heard an ad about the VA's 100-percent loan--that we will approve what the banks will not--and stuff that I knew was patently wrong. So I turned to the business section, which I used to look at as a businessman every day but don't anymore because I don't have the decisions to make. I am glad that I did because it taught me a lesson, and I want to read you this from last Sunday's paper: How about a loan with no down payment, zero-down mortgages, and jumbo loans? We will approve what the banks won't. prgtoken That is exactly the thing that took us down the wrong path in 2008 and 2009. Greed took over common sense. Then, common sense failed, and we did some bad things. All of the things in the mortgage-backed securities market took place all at once. What happened was, because money was chasing rates and rates were starting to rise--and now they are starting to rise; that is ha
HONORING THE LIFE OF JACK MACKENZIE
Darin LaHood (Republican, IL) \u2014 2018-12-11

today, I rise to honor the life of Quincy University soccer coach Jack Mackenzie of Quincy, Illinois. prgtoken Hired in 1969, Jack built Quincy University into a college soccer dynasty, guiding his program at all levels of college soccer, from the NAIA division through the NCAA's division II status, and even excelling at the NCAA's division I level. prgtoken For 43 years, Jack was at the helm of the Quincy soccer program. He was a pioneer and a legend, leading the team to nine national championships between 1970 and 1982, and amassing 516 victories, putting him 10th on the all-time wins list across all NCAA division levels. prgtoken Upon retirement in 2012, Jack remained involved in the Quincy University community and could still be found in the stands at every home game the Hawks played. prgtoken As the Quincy University community continues to mourn the loss of Coach Jack Mackenzie, may we never forget the positive impact he had on so many lives, the sport of soccer, and his tireless spirit in pursuit of excellence.
EXCELLENCE IN MENTAL HEALTH ACT
Roy Blunt (Republican, MO) \u2014 2018-12-11

I know that we have a number of things scheduled here, including some farewell speeches from some of our colleagues. I was scheduled to speak, and I do want to speak, and I will try not to take too much advantage of the time. prgtoken I wanted to speak today and this week about the importance of treating mental health and the importance of prgtoken the role that law enforcement plays in the way we treat mental health in this country. For too long, law enforcement and emergency room personnel have been, in effect, the de facto mental health delivery system for the country. prgtoken The National Institutes of Health says that one in five Americans has a mental health or behavioral health issue and that one in nine adult Americans has a behavioral health issue that impacts how they live every single day. prgtoken Two Congresses ago, in the 113th Congress, Senator Stabenow and I worked to pass legislation--the Excellence in Mental Health Act. What that did was to create eight State demonstration projects that would last for 2 years each to see what would happen if we treated mental health like all other health concerns--something that everybody knows I believe we should have been doing and something that in eight States we are doing. prgtoken The good news was that 24 States applied, a number that exceeded every discussion that anybody had about how many States would step forward and say: We would like to be the States that try to do this first. Twenty-four States applied. I was certainly proud that Missouri was one of the eight States chosen to be in the demonstration project. prgtoken We are about halfway through the 2-year project, and in our State and in the seven other States, people have access to mental health services they didn't have before. Most Missourians are within a relatively short drive of a facility that will treat their mental health problem like it was any other health problem, and as we begin to do that, I think we are going to see the kind of impact on law enforcement and the kind of help that law enforcement needs as well. prgtoken Just a couple of years ago, I rode with both the crisis intervention teams in Kansas City and in my hometown in Springfield. In Springfield what I saw there were officers dealing with a 24/7 linkup to the Burrell mental health clinic, the local and regional mental health provider. prgtoken Sixteen officers, at that time, had, in effect, iPads that linked them up to a mental health professional. It didn't take too long--and I think this would be indicative of what most law enforcement officials see almost every day--before we came on someone huddled in the alcove of a building that was vacant who clearly had a behavioral health problem. It wasn't at that point a drug problem or an alcohol problem. They were where they were because they had a mental health problem. prgtoken The officer was able to Skype back immediately with a mental health professional. W
Introductory Statement on S. 3739
Lisa Murkowski (Republican, AK) \u2014 2018-12-11

there has been a lot of discussion this evening by my colleague from New Jersey and by my colleague from Rhode Island about the issue of climate change and its impact. I come from a part of the country where climate change is there; it is with us; it is real. It is something that we look to as Alaskans with a reality of this world view. prgtoken I spend a lot of my time here in the Senate focused on not only the U.S. Arctic but the Arctic as a whole, the eight Arctic nations that we intersect with. So I would like to take a few minutes this evening to speak about the happenings in the Arctic--our new reality--as we are seeing greater opportunities but also greater challenges in an area that I find to be an extraordinary place on our globe. prgtoken It was maybe a little more than 150 years ago when Massachusetts Senator and the chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee at the time, Charles Sumner, argued the geostrategic importance of Alaska to our young Nation at the time. Senator Sumner spoke about how the Aleutians represented this gateway to Asia. This was a maritime route to the west coast that was roughly 1,000 miles shorter than the southern route through the Sandwich Isles, which was popular at the time. prgtoken It was about 70 years later that Gen. Billy Mitchell, who was the father of the Air Force, testified before Congress and said that he believed that in the future, whoever controls Alaska controls the world. He thought it was the most strategic place in the world. prgtoken Then we had World War II, the Japanese, who also recognized the strategic importance of the Aleutians, and they briefly seized and occupied the islands of Attu and Kiska. prgtoken While the war in the Aleutians may be forgotten by many here at home, the world continues to remember the strategic significance of the North. prgtoken Although General Mitchell saw the strategic geographic location of Alaska, he could not have imagined the environmental changes that would make sea routes accessible to commerce year-round, nor could he have imagined the rich mineral wealth beneath the Arctic. He might have been able to have imagined that Russia would take a major interest in the Arctic. Given its proximity from the Bering Strait region of Alaska, one can indeed see Russia from one's window. There are not too many people on Little Diomede, but I have been there. Big Diomede sits just about 2\1/2\ miles across the water, but I doubt that General Mitchell would ever have been able to have imagined that nations like China or India would have taken an interest in the very remote and often forbidding North, less that they would be fielding icebreakers in 2019 and 2020, as China and India are. He might also wonder why Singapore would take such an interest to justify observer status on the Arctic Council. prgtoken While places like Singapore seek observer status, the United States has passed the chairmanship of the A
RECOGNIZING HAROLD ``PETE'' GODTLAND FOR THE 2018 MONTANA CONGRESSIONAL VETERAN COMMENDATION
Greg Gianforte (Republican, MT) \u2014 2018-12-11

I rise today to recognize Harold ``Pete'' Godtland of Butte, a recipient of the 2018 Montana Congressional Veteran Commendation for his service to his country and dedication to his community. Mr. Godtland served in the United States Army during World War II as a member of the 7th Infantry Division in the Pacific Ocean theater. Mr. Godtland fought at the Battle of Okinawa in 1945, persevering alongside his fellow infantrymen in the largest amphibious assault in the Pacific theater of World War II. Mr. Godtland remained with the Army until 1946, returning home from his posting in Korea following the end of World War II. Mr. Godtland routinely honors his fellow veterans as a bugler at military funerals as a member of United Veterans Council's Honor Guard. He has further lent his musical talents to St. Timothy's Memorial Chapel Summer Music Festival at Georgetown Lake, and has been a member of the Butte Symphony. He also volunteers his time and expertise as an architect helping with various community projects such as the Butte Carousel and swimming pool. I ask my colleagues to join me today in commending Pete Godtland for his dedication and service.
FAREWELL TO CONGRESS
Claudia Tenney (Republican, NY) \u2014 2018-12-11

it was certainly an honor and a privilege to serve in the prestigious Financial Services Committee as a Member of the 115th Congress. It was a distinct privilege to be selected to serve on that committee by our chairman, Jeb Hensarling, who recognized the urgent need to reignite our economy and to give small businesses like ours and millions like our family business around the Nation a chance to thrive again against the oppressive weight of government overregulation. prgtoken As a small manufacturing business owner and as an attorney to small community banks and credit unions in my community, I am acutely aware of the challenges that small businesses and families face concerning Big Government overreach in the financial realm. prgtoken Families were not able to save for their future, small businesses were laying off employees instead of hiring, and community banks were closing at a record pace. The policies we championed and the incredible work we have done on the Financial Services Committee this year under the leadership of Chairman Jeb Hensarling has turned all of that around. For the first time in over a decade, I am witnessing growth and renewed enthusiasm in our economy, thanks to the work of our committee. prgtoken The jurisdiction of the Financial Services Committee may seem esoteric to some; however, the work that we do is vitally important to this Nation. We have the power, of course, if used correctly, to open up markets, to unleash free enterprise, and to give citizens the opportunity to pursue the American Dream. prgtoken In May, President signed S. 2155, the Economic Growth, Regulatory Relief, and Consumer Protection Act, into law after House passage. Our committee, through numerous hearings and markups, originated most of this legislation. The ultimate work product, S. 2155, made much-needed reforms to Dodd-Frank that directly impact the ability of small community institutions to conduct business and to drive the economy in a positive direction. prgtoken As a freshman member, I was honored to be one of the only members to have two bipartisan bills included in this package: the first, the Small Bank Exam Cycle Improvement Act, and, the second, the Community Institution Mortgage Relief Act. These bills are vitally important because community banks are the lifeblood of New York's upstate economy. prgtoken Community institutions provide access to capital for entrepreneurs starting or growing their small businesses, for families and farmers acquiring new equipment or assets, for loans to new car buyers, and for mortgages to families purchasing a home, especially for the first time. prgtoken In rural areas like the 22nd District in New York, consumers and small businesses often rely on lending with local institutions in order to gain access to capital. These reforms ensure that small community institutions like Tioga National Bank, the Bank of Utica--my personal bank--Adirondack Bank--another
IMPROVING MEDICAID PROGRAMS AND OPPORTUNITIES FOR ELIGIBLE BENEFICIARIES ACT
Brett Guthrie (Republican, KY) \u2014 2018-12-11

I rise in support of my legislation, the EMPOWER Care Act, which is included in H.R. 7217. It will ensure that Medicaid beneficiaries can receive the best long-term care possible in their communities or in their own homes. prgtoken The EMPOWER Care Act will extend the Medicaid Money Follows the Person program, which allows certain Medicaid beneficiaries, such as the elderly or individuals with disabilities, to transition from a healthcare facility to receiving care in their own homes. It does not force patients to leave a facility if they don't want to. prgtoken My home State of Kentucky is currently working to transition 50 individuals from healthcare facilities back into their own communities, empowering these individuals who have chosen to receive care in their community. prgtoken I thank my friend, Congresswoman Debbie Dingell, for working with me on this bipartisan bill. I look forward to working with her to make the Money Follows the Person program permanent in the future.
PROVIDING FOR CONGRESSIONAL DISAPPROVAL UNDER CHAPTER 8 OF TITLE 5, UNITED STATES CODE, OF THE RULE SUBMITTED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF THE TREASURY RELATING TO ``RETURNS BY EXEMPT ORGANIZATIONS AND...
John Kennedy (Republican, LA) \u2014 2018-12-11

I have the honor of representing Louisiana in the U.S. Senate, and it gives me no pleasure to say that in Louisiana we have a crime problem. prgtoken In Louisiana and, frankly, in other parts of America, I regret to say, criminals are turning neighborhoods into war zones and small towns into drug dens and, in the process, families are being destroyed. prgtoken Now, some people make a youthful mistake, and they could benefit from a second chance. I think most Americans agree with that, but other people never change. I don't know why it is. If I make it to Heaven, I am going to ask, but there are some people out there, they are not mixed up, they are not confused, they are not sick, it is not a question of whether their mama or daddy loved them enough--they are just bad. Unfortunately, they are just bad. prgtoken For that reason, I think we all recognize that prisons are a necessary fixture that make our communities safer. prgtoken As we prepare to hear a bill or bills on changes to sentences for Federal prisoners, I wanted to share with the Senate a cautionary tale from my home State of Louisiana. prgtoken People in my State are being killed, and people in my State are being hurt because of these so-called ``criminal justice reforms''--I put that expression in quotation--that were put in place by my Governor. prgtoken Louisiana, about 14 months ago, started letting prisoners out of our prisons. The overall goal of the Governor was to save money. So far, I think he has let out about 2,000 prisoners. Now, the inmates he let out were not vetted. They weren't vetted by the probation boards, they weren't vetted by the parole boards to see if they were a threat to public safety. These prisoners he let go weren't paired with programs to reduce recidivism. He just let them go. He did it under a statute he named and called the Justice Reinvestment Act. It certainly wasn't any reinvestment in justice for the victims. prgtoken His law is failing the law-abiding public in my State. So far, 22 percent of inmates have been rearrested. Now, that is over 14 months--a very short period of time. The Governor and his Department of Corrections said: Well, we are only going to release nonviolent criminals. Well, somebody forgot to tell the criminals they were nonviolent. prgtoken In the 23rd Judicial District Court in Louisiana, which encompasses small towns and three parishes, one in three inmates that the Louisiana State government let go has been rearrested. That is higher than the 22 percent I just quoted. That is a recidivism rate of 33 percent in a little over a year. prgtoken I have talked to Louisiana's law enforcement officers and prosecutors. They don't support what the Edwards administration has done. Now, they are scared to say anything because the Governor controls a lot of their budgets and their money, but if you ask 9 out of 10 law enforcement officials in my State privately if they support it, they will
TRIBUTE TO HEIDI HEITKAMP
John Hoeven (Republican, ND) \u2014 2018-12-11

I rise today to speak on behalf of Senator Heitkamp and to thank her for her service on behalf of the people of North Dakota, as well as the people of this great Nation. prgtoken We have served together for the past 6 years, not only in the Senate but also on the Agriculture Committee, the Indian Affairs Committee, and the Homeland Security Committee. prgtoken We have been able to work together on a variety of issues important to our home State, and we have been able to make progress on behalf of the people of North Dakota, as well as the country. prgtoken Ag is still North Dakota's top industry. As members of the Ag Committee, we have had the opportunity to craft good, long-term foreign policy that will make a difference not only for hard-working farmers and ranchers in North Dakota but across the Nation. In fact, we have just released the conference report with our Ag Committee leadership, Senator Roberts and Senator Stabenow. I commend them for their hard work as well. prgtoken Good farm policy benefits every American, every day with the highest quality, lowest cost food supply in the world. Certainly, as a fellow ``aggie,'' Senator Heitkamp understands that. prgtoken I think it is really important that we continue to point out that a good farm bill isn't just about farmers and ranchers. As I said, the highest quality, lowest cost food supply in the world, thanks to our farmers and ranchers, benefits every single American every single day. prgtoken I know Senator Heitkamp will continue to work, along with our entire delegation, to get the farm bill approved by the end of this year so we can provide certainty and security for our great producers. prgtoken As chairman of the Indian Affairs Committee, I have appreciated Senator Heitkamp's commitment to help empower our Tribal communities and to improve the quality of life in Indian Country. Senator Heitkamp has been an advocate for Native communities. She was able to pass bipartisan legislation to establish a commission on Native children. Additionally, the Senate recently approved Senator Heitkamp's Savanna's Act, which is legislation to bring greater awareness regarding tragic cases of missing and murdered Native American women. prgtoken She has helped to bring awareness to these issues. We will have a hearing on the issue this week as well. We appreciate her insight and work as a member of our committee. prgtoken These are just a few examples of the issues that we have worked on together to advance. While we may be on opposite sides of the political aisle, there is one thing we have always agreed on--that it is an honor--an incredible honor--to serve the great State of North Dakota. prgtoken In closing, I want to wish Senator Heitkamp the best going forward and to thank her again for her service on behalf of North Dakota--a place that we are both blessed to call home. prgtoken Thank you.