mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
DISAPPROVING RULE SUBMITTED BY DEPARTMENT OF LABOR RELATING TO DRUG TESTING OF UNEMPLOYMENT COMPENSATION APPLICANTS
Richard E. Neal (Democrat, MA) \u2014 2017-2-15

such time as I may consume. prgtoken , I rise in opposition to H.J. Res. 42, a measure disapproving the rule submitted by the Department of Labor regarding drug testing unemployment compensation applicants. This legislation would overturn a Department of Labor regulation which, as directed by the Middle Class Tax Relief and Job Creation Act of 2012, defines the occupations in which States may require unemployed workers to take drug tests as a condition of collecting earned unemployment benefits. Consistent with the Fourth Amendment, which protects us against searches without reasonable cause, the regulation limits drug testing to occupations where drug testing is required, like pipeline safety, some transportation operators, and jobs that require carrying a gun. prgtoken Many communities are facing a rising rate of drug use, including my hometown of Springfield. Congress could and should do more to help people struggling with addiction, but the legislation that we are debating today has nothing to do with fighting drug abuse. It is about allowing States to put one more time-consuming, humiliating obstacle in the way of Americans who work hard and were laid off from their jobs and need unemployment insurance to pay the bills while they look for new jobs. As a reminder, in the aftermath of the recession, the unemployment rate in America went to 10 percent. prgtoken There is no evidence that unemployed workers have higher rates of drug abuse than the general population. In fact, logic suggests that rates of serious drug abuse are lower. To be eligible to collect unemployment, a worker must have substantial, recent work experience. He or she must not have been fired for cause. And workers can only collect unemployment insurance if they demonstrate they are actively searching for work. prgtoken Instead, it appears that some States may be trying to limit the number of workers who collect unemployment insurance when they are laid off as a way to reduce pressure on underfunded unemployment trust funds. More than half of the State unemployment trust funds are still insolvent, years after the Great Recession. prgtoken Dozens of States have changed their eligibility criteria for unemployment benefits, imposed administrative hurdles to filing for unemployment, or cut the number of weeks benefits can be received while individuals search for a job. Partly because of those changes, only about one in four unemployed workers in the United States receive unemployment benefits, even though the vast majority of them worked for employers who paid unemployment payroll taxes on their wages. That is the lowest level of benefit receipt among laid-off workers since the Federal-State unemployment insurance program began. prgtoken Instead, we should be here crafting bipartisan policies to strengthen unemployment insurance protections to help workers who genuinely want to work to pay their bills while they are looking
DISAPPROVING RULE SUBMITTED BY DEPARTMENT OF LABOR RELATING TO DRUG TESTING OF UNEMPLOYMENT COMPENSATION APPLICANTS
Jackie Walorski (Republican, IN) \u2014 2017-2-15

I rise today in strong support of H.J. Res. 42. This resolution is the latest effort in the House to undo the wave of bureaucratic overreach from the administration. prgtoken Five years ago, Congress passed a bipartisan law that included a commonsense provision giving the States flexibility to drug test some applicants for unemployment insurance. prgtoken Instead of following the law Congress passed and allowing--not requiring--States to implement the policies right for their citizens, the administration decided to tie States' hands. It issued a regulation that left no flexibility for States, the opposite of the bipartisan law Congress passed. prgtoken , frankly, it is sad that we are even here today. This all could have been avoided if the administration had simply followed the congressional intent, but yet here we are. prgtoken I support this resolution, and I urge my colleagues to do the same.
PRIME MINISTER BENJAMIN NETANYAHU VISIT
Joe Wilson (Republican, SC) \u2014 2017-2-15

President warmly welcomed Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to the White House today on his first official state visit of the new Administration. Under the leadership of President and Vice President , I am confident that this visit will leave no doubt that the United States stands firmly with our ally, Israel. prgtoken Throughout his campaign and since being sworn in as President, has made it a priority to stand up for Israel and promote peace in the Middle East, specifically, by opposing growing Iranian aggression. Just last week, the President swiftly imposed strong sanctions on Iranian officials for testing yet another intercontinental ballistic missile to threaten American families with death. prgtoken I look forward to working with President to show our support for Israel and I appreciate that he has appointed Governor Nikki Haley as U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations, where she will be a strong voice for American families. prgtoken In conclusion, God Bless Our Troops and we will never forget September 11th in the Global War on Terrorism. God Bless Benjamin Netanyahu, a dynamic leader of peace through strength.
PERSONAL EXPLANATION
Bill Huizenga (Republican, MI) \u2014 2017-2-15

I rise today regarding missed votes due to my attendance at the White House for the signing ceremony for H.J. Res. 41 on Tuesday, February 14, prgtoken 2017. Had I been present for roll call vote number 88, ordering the previous question of H. Res. 99, I would have voted yea. Had I been present for roll call vote number 89, Adoption of H. Res. 99, the combined rule providing for consideration of H.R. 428--Red River Gradient Boundary Survey Act and of H.J. Res. 42--Disapproving the rule submitted by the Department of Labor relating to drug testing of unemployment compensation applicants, I would have voted yea. Had I been present for roll call vote number 90, ordering the Previous Question on H. Res. 116--I would have voted yea. Had I been present for roll call vote number 91, Adoption of H. Res. 116--The combined rule providing for consideration of H.J. Res. 66--Disapproving the rule submitted by the Department of Labor relating to savings arrangements established by States for non-governmental employees and of H.J. Res. 67--Disapproving the rule submitted by the Department of Labor relating to savings arrangements established by qualified State political subdivisions for non-governmental employees, I would have voted yea.
Tribute to DeLynn Henry (Executive Calendar)
Cory Gardner (Republican, CO) \u2014 2017-2-15

I ask unanimous consent that when the Senate completes its business today, it adjourn until 10 a.m Thursday, February 16; 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, and morning business be closed; finally, that following leader remarks, the Senate proceed to executive session, as under the previous order.
PROVIDING FOR CONSIDERATION OF H.J. RES. 43, PROVIDING FOR CONGRESSIONAL DISAPPROVAL OF FINAL RULE BY SECRETARY OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES; PROVIDING FOR CONSIDERATION OF H.J. RES. 69, PROVIDING...
Michael C. Burgess (Republican, TX) \u2014 2017-2-15

House Resolution 123 provides for a rule to consider two Congressional Review Act resolutions which will undo burdensome and harmful regulations put into place by the administration during the final hours of his Presidency. The rule brings before the House these resolutions so that Congress may remove, through the proper legislative process, rules promulgated by bureaucrats who remain unaccountable to the American people. This process allows those who are accountable--the elected Representatives in the Congress--to fight for their constituents' rights and liberties. prgtoken House Resolution 123 provides for a closed rule for each of the Congressional Review Act resolutions, both H.J. Res. 43 and H.J. Res. 69, the standard procedure for such resolutions, since the sole purpose of each is to remove a harmful regulation from the Federal Register. prgtoken The rule allows for 1 hour of debate, equally divided between the majority and the minority leader or their designees, for H.J. Res. 43, and 1 hour of debate, equally divided between the Chair and the ranking member of the Committee on Natural Resources, for H.J. Res. 69. On each resolution contained in the rule, the minority is afforded the customary motion to recommit. prgtoken H.J. Res. 43 is a joint resolution which would repeal the administration's midnight rule that takes away States' ability to direct funding within their own borders to certain healthcare providers that conform to the States' values. prgtoken In her final days in office, Secretary Mathews Burwell pushed forward a rule that would require States to fund, with public dollars, facilities that perform abortions, potentially against the will of the people of that given State. This flies in the face of the 10th Amendment which grants to States the authority to make such decisions within their borders and to prioritize which healthcare providers should receive funding based on the greatest need in their own communities. prgtoken Those of us who care about the carefully crafted Federal system which our Founding Fathers set up, which allows different States to operate differently based upon their own values and priorities, recognize the rule for what it is: a power grab by the Federal Government. This is why the House will take up this resolution today--to continue to fight for states' rights--and will repeal this burdensome regulation that ties the hands of every State legislature and ties the hands of every Governor in the Nation. prgtoken H.J. Res. 69 is a Congressional Review Act resolution to repeal an overreaching regulation by the United States Fish and Wildlife Service which usurps Alaska's ability to manage its own lands within its own borders. Federal law has long recognized that Alaska--that Alaska--and her elected officials are in the best position to make the decisions on what actions to permit on the public lands in that State, whether those lands are Federal, S
RECOGNIZING MR. MARC ARNUSCH
Ken Buck (Republican, CO) \u2014 2017-2-15

I rise today to recognize Mr. Marc Arnusch on being selected as the 2016 Rising Star in Colorado Agriculture. This honor is reserved for those who have made a significant contribution to the agricultural industry of Colorado and the United States. prgtoken Mr. Arnusch has an extensive background in Colorado agriculture. After receiving a degree in Agricultural Economics, he returned home and began working the land adjacent to his father's farm. He now operates Marc Arnusch Farms, LLC which stretches across 2,400 acres in Prospect Valley. Mr. Arnusch is a member of the Colorado Corn Administrative Committee and the Colorado Farm Bureau, and has held various leadership roles within the Colorado Farm Bureau. prgtoken His attendance and participation in local forums, appearance in television commercials, and efforts on behalf of agriculture have helped make him a prominent figure in his community. He has become a powerful voice for agriculture in Colorado and I look forward to learning of his future endeavors. prgtoken On behalf of the 4th Congressional District of Colorado, I extend my best wishes as Mr. Arnusch pursues his future undertakings. His passion and dedication to the agricultural industry makes him more than worthy of this distinct recognition it is an honor to recognize Mr. Marc Arnusch for his accomplishments.
DISAPPROVING RULE SUBMITTED BY DEPARTMENT OF LABOR RELATING TO DRUG TESTING OF UNEMPLOYMENT COMPENSATION APPLICANTS
Adrian Smith (Republican, NE) \u2014 2017-2-15

I want to hopefully draw some attention to the fact that we have a problem on our hands. We have a problem with the Federal Government going too far, and we have a problem with the State governments coming to us as policymakers at the Federal level wanting to help their own constituents, their own citizens in need. Right now the Federal Government stands in the way. prgtoken It is time for us as policymakers hopefully to act in a responsible fashion to assist States in their need and their desire to help their own citizens. States are better at that than is the Federal Government, and I hope that we can empower the States to help their own constituents. prgtoken , .
Nomination of Neil Gorsuch (Executive Calendar)
Jeff Flake (Republican, AZ) \u2014 2017-2-15

as I did last week and as I will continue to do until he is confirmed, I rise to support the nomination of Judge Neil Gorsuch to serve on the Supreme Court. Judge Gorsuch is an accomplished, mainstream jurist. I look forward to helping make sure he receives an up-or-down vote here on the Senate floor. prgtoken After meeting with Judge Gorsuch and learning more about his judicial philosophy, I continue to be impressed by his humble respect for the law and by his commitment to service. prgtoken Before the Judiciary Committee begins our hearings, I want to highlight aspects of his jurisprudence that qualify him to serve on our Nation's highest Court and make him an ideal candidate to fill such a consequential position. prgtoken Earlier this month I spoke about his fitness to fill Justice Scalia's seat, as well as his respect for the separation of powers. Today I would like to focus on his approach to religious freedom. prgtoken I have always supported religious freedom as a universal principle. It doesn't matter if we are defending our own First Amendment right to the free exercise of religion here at home or standing up for the religious freedoms of people under repressive regimes abroad, our country has always valued the right of individuals to practice their faith as they please. prgtoken Just as religious freedom is part of our national character, it also provides insight into the character and judicial philosophy of a prospective justice. When I had the privilege of meeting with Judge Gorsuch last week, I asked him about his thoughts on religious freedom. I was struck by his ability to plainly articulate his understanding of the law and the Constitution. He explained his religious liberty opinions by telling me that he simply went ``where the law led him.'' His explanation was indicative of his fundamental approach to interpreting the law. Judge Gorsuch doesn't make the law; he follows the law. He reads the Constitution as the Framers understood it. He interprets laws the way they were written. prgtoken Lately, our colleagues on the other side of the aisle have been vocal about the importance of respecting our independent judiciary. I couldn't agree more. They have decried the perils of discriminating on the basis of religious belief. Well, they are in luck. The Supreme Court nominee before us would be a staunch defender of independent courts and religious freedom. All they have to do is help us confirm him. prgtoken I don't blame them for wanting to do their homework on a Supreme Court nominee. They should, as should we all. They will find that studying Judge Gorsuch's record will make for enjoyable reading. prgtoken On the Tenth Circuit Court of Appeals, Judge Gorsuch has authored a number of judicial opinions respecting the fundamental principles of religious liberty. His most notable was a concurring opinion in the Hobby Lobby case. In this landmark legal case interpreting the Religious Free
NOMINATION OF SCOTT PRUITT
Susan M. Collins (Republican, ME) \u2014 2017-2-15

after careful consideration, I have decided to oppose the confirmation of Scott Pruitt, the nominee for Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency, EPA. I have met at length with Mr. Pruitt, who is an accomplished attorney with considerable knowledge about environmental laws. We discussed many important environmental issues about which I care deeply--from EPA's enforcement of landmark environmental laws, including the Clean Air Act and the Clean Water Act, to climate change and the Clean Power Plan, to protections from harmful pollutants such as lead and mercury. I also have reviewed testimony from his confirmation hearing. prgtoken In keeping with my past practice, regardless of which party is in the White House, I will vote for cloture on his nomination so that every Senator can have a clear, up-or-down vote on this important nomination of a member of the President's Cabinet. But I will vote no on Mr. Pruitt's confirmation. prgtoken The fact is Mr. Pruitt and I have fundamentally different views of the role and mission of the EPA. That does not mean that I agree with every regulatory action that EPA has taken. At times, the Agency has been difficult to work with and unresponsive to bipartisan congressional concerns, but the EPA plays a vital role in implementing and enforcing landmark laws that protect not only our environment but also public health. prgtoken Specifically, I have significant concerns that Mr. Pruitt has actively opposed and sued EPA on numerous issues that are of great importance to the State of Maine, including mercury controls for coal- fired power plants and efforts to reduce cross-State air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions. His actions leave me with considerable doubts about whether his vision for the EPA is consistent with the Agency's critical mission to protect human health and the environment. prgtoken The State of Maine, located at the end of our Nation's ``air pollution tailpipe,'' is on the receiving end of pollution generated by coal-fired power plants in other States. Reducing harmful air pollutants is critical for public health, particularly for Maine, which has among the highest rates of asthma in the country. Controls for mercury, one of the most persistent and dangerous pollutants, are especially important for children and pregnant women. Moreover, there is no doubt that the greenhouse gas emissions driving climate change pose a significant threat to our State's economy and our natural resources, from our working forests, fishing, and agricultural industries, to tourism and recreation. prgtoken The opposition to the nominee expressed by Friends of Acadia is grounded in concerns about the importance of emissions reductions for lessening the impacts of climate change that affect this gem of a national park. The changes we are already seeing in the aquatic life in Casco Bay and the Gulf of Maine, for example, are cause for alarm. The incidence o
ISSUES OF THE DAY AND REFLECTING BACK
Louie Gohmert (Republican, TX) \u2014 2017-2-15

in our Judiciary Committee today, we have been marking up what should have been a couple of rather simple bills, but it is really as if the instructions on the Soros-funded website, manual, things telling people how to obstruct the current majorities in the House and Senate and administration, could possibly be carrying over here into the Capitol itself because there are so many amendments being offered and things being drug out and people saying the same thing over and over. It is about Russia and corruption and one thing and the other--on and on and on. prgtoken It is just interesting when people are talking about their dramatic concerns over Russia, who, for years, have been totally silent. When everybody I know of on the side here had been asking that President and his administration do something about the terrible hacking problem from Russia, China, North Korea, Iran, he didn't seem terribly bothered. prgtoken I mean, it was as if he were afraid he might hurt Putin's feelings or Khamenei's feelings in Iran and maybe they would want to kill Americans in a more brutal way, the Iran terrorists being paid. I can't help but think that there will be people in the next 4 years who are Americans, who are Muslim, Jews, Christians--especially those groups--who would be killed because of the billions and billions of dollars that this administration forced into the hands of the largest supporter of terrorism in the world: Iran. prgtoken It was as if the world--and in particular, the United States--had not been punished enough for the mistakes of the Carter administration in thinking that by pushing the Shah of Iran--not a great man. Apparently, he could be pretty brutal in his own right, but he kept radical Islam at bay. prgtoken When President Carter encouraged his forcing out of office, much as President did the same thing with the President of Egypt, in both cases, it created a vacuum that was immediately filled by radical Islamists. The Muslim Brotherhood is who filled it in Egypt. In Iran, yes, it was radical Islamists. And probably for the first time since the Ottoman Empire, radical Islamist leaders were given a country, a country's military with which to wreak their havoc on the world. prgtoken It is just hard to believe that, in the intervening years between President Carter leaving office in January 1981 and President coming in in January of 2009, all history had been forgotten or possibly even not really learned. prgtoken I guess, if you are learning at the hands or at the feet of Jeremiah Wright, who has such contempt--GD America was his feelings and expression--or if you are at the feet of Bill Ayers, who felt that blowing up police stations, things like that, hadn't quite served the purpose, or perhaps if we take over educating college students who will one day train elementary students and high school students, then we can ultimately create the anarchy that we were tryi
75TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE U.S. NAVY SEABEES
Thad Cochran (Republican, MS) \u2014 2017-2-15

today I wish to pay tribute to the U.S. Navy Construction Battalion, also known as the SeaBees, and congratulate them on their 75th anniversary. It was March 5th, 1942, when the SeaBees were charged by the Navy with the task of building, maintaining, and supporting base infrastructure in remote locations for the Navy and Marine Corps. SeaBees execute this critical mission, while also maintaining the capability to engage in combat operations. prgtoken For 75 years, the SeaBees have met challenges in times of war and peace. They have been deployed all over the world, contributing to our national security interests by constructing military bases, building airfields, roads, bridges, and even underwater structures. In every major operation our Nation has carried out, from World War II to present operations in Iraq and Afghanistan, the Navy SeaBees are there, demonstrating unmatched courage, strength, and professionalism. Their personal sacrifices are a testament to the dedication of the Navy's elite construction force. prgtoken As we honor the SeaBees today, let us not forget to acknowledge the many sacrifices their families have made throughout their 75 years. Whether at home or abroad in the more than 30 countries to which they deploy, it is the support of their families that enables the brave men and women of the SeaBees to accomplish their mission with the utmost devotion to duty, honor, and country. I am proud that Gulfport, MS, serves as home to the Naval Construction Battalion Center, where more than 12,500 SeaBees, sailors, airmen, and soldiers have received valuable training this past year alone. prgtoken We congratulate the U.S. Navy SeaBees on their 75th anniversary and reaffirm our commitment to them.