mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
Republican Tax Plan (Executive Session)
Charles E. Schumer (Democrat, NY) \u2014 2017-12-4

in the early hours of Saturday morning, under the cover of darkness, the majority rushed through one of the worst, most hastily considered pieces of major legislation I have seen in my time in the Senate. prgtoken The bill will cause one of the greatest transfers of wealth to corporate America and the already wealthy, while working America picks up the tab. Millions of middle-class families will pay higher taxes under the plan in only a few short years. Because the bill is unpaid for, the deficit will skyrocket, cannibalizing resources for education, scientific research, infrastructure, and our military, endangering Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid. prgtoken As I said last week, I have not seen a more regressive piece of legislation so devoid of a rationale, so ill suited for the condition of the country, so removed from the reality of what the American people need. prgtoken The text of the bill itself was released in the early evening, only several hours before a final vote took place. Lobbyists had a chance to read and change the bill before Members of the U.S. Senate. When we received the bill, there were sections of text handwritten in the margins concerning some of the most complex tax provisions. The Joint Committee on Taxation was not even able to produce an analysis of the bill until after the final vote took place at around 2 or 3 in the morning. prgtoken Amid such haste, the majority likely made drafting errors and inclusions that will have unintended consequences, even severe ones. Amid such secrecy, such cloak-and-dagger legislating, the majority slipped in several additional goodies for big corporations and the very wealthy that are already being uncovered. I am sure even more will come to light in the coming days. prgtoken The appalling process we all witnessed led Bloomberg News--a middle- of-the-road, business-oriented publication--to write the following in an editorial today: In their rush to pass something, anything, that they can call ``tax reform,'' congressional s have achieved the impossible: They have made an awful plan even worse. The end result is sheer absurdity: a reform that actually complicates the tax code further, and that must contradict itself and partially self-destruct to attain some semblance of the fiscal discipline s claim to value. It's hard to imagine a more egregious waste of time and energy, or a worse outcome for taxpayers and the broader economy. prgtoken That is Bloomberg News, not some leftwing publication. It is a business publication. If they can say that, imagine what average Americans are saying. What a condemnation from a publication that would be inclined to favor tax reform. In short, my friends ought to be ashamed of the process and the product that emerged from the Senate last week. prgtoken As the two Houses of Congress
APPOINTMENT OF CONFEREES ON H.R. 1, TAX CUTS AND JOBS ACT
James E. Clyburn (Democrat, SC) \u2014 2017-12-4

I thank the gentleman for yielding me this time. prgtoken , let me say to the gentleman from Pennsylvania, it is time to do all of those things that he just spoke about, but this piece of legislation does none of those things. In fact, it raises taxes on 87 million middle-income families, cuts $25 billion a year from Medicare, kicks 13 million people off of their health insurance, makes it easier for companies to ship jobs overseas, eliminates long-held deductions for teachers, students, and the chronically ill, makes individual tax cuts temporary but corporate tax cuts permanent, and increases the deficit by more than $1.5 trillion. prgtoken The hypocrisy of so-called conservatives is staggering. Corporations will save billions and shareholders will get richer, while our children and grandchildren foot the bill. prgtoken The ic motion would instruct conferees to protect deductions for State and local taxes and restore the Affordable Care Act's individual mandate. Doing so will stop 13 million Americans from losing their health insurance and put a halt to the 10 percent premium hike that CBO estimates the Ryan-McConnell tax scam would cause. prgtoken , the individual mandate is at the heart of the Affordable Care Act. Repealing it--as the GOP tax scam does--is a deliberate attempt to undercut the law, create chaos in the health insurance marketplaces, increase premiums, and decrease choice and coverage. prgtoken , I urge my colleagues to restore State and local tax deductibility and the individual mandate.
APPOINTMENT OF CONFEREES ON H.R. 1, TAX CUTS AND JOBS ACT
Bill Pascrell, Jr. (Democrat, NJ) \u2014 2017-12-4

the President himself will see a financial windfall. If the majority wasn't helping him hide his tax returns, the American people could see the truth. prgtoken The bill exacerbates dramatic and historic health inequality, wealth inequality. Adding $1.5 trillion to our national debt, as this bill does, without benefiting the middle and working class is legislative malpractice. prgtoken So while s tout this as a middle class tax cut, some taxpayers at every income level will pay more on this bill. A middle- aged married couple with no children earning $80,900 a year who itemize could end up paying $4,330 more in 2018. Many of my constituents will see a big tax increase after losing the full State and local tax deduction. That is absurd. prgtoken The authors of this bill said all of the individual tax cuts will expire after 2025, as well as change the measure of inflation, which will slowly bump taxpayers into higher income brackets. Are we kidding, and who are we kidding?
APPOINTMENT OF CONFEREES ON H.R. 1, TAX CUTS AND JOBS ACT
Linda T. Sánchez (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2017-12-4

I rise today to ask a simple question: What is the rush? Why are we rushing to vote on a $1.7 trillion tax bill that will end up being paid off the backs of working Americans? prgtoken Don't be fooled. Working Americans will pay for this bill. That is why the National Association of Realtors warned that the typical homeowner in my State could see their home value drop between $37,000 and $57,000. That is why the Joint Committee on Taxation has said the bill would increase costs to college students and their families by $71 billion. prgtoken We all know whose retirement s will raid when their overly optimistic growth numbers don't materialize. They are going to go after your Medicare and Social Security. prgtoken The American people deserve better than this tax scam. Instead of rushing to get this done, let's work together to get it done right.
TAYLOR FORCE ACT
Josh Gottheimer (Democrat, NJ) \u2014 2017-12-5

I rise today in strong support of H.R. 1164, the bipartisan Taylor Force Act. I want to thank Chairman Royce and Ranking Member Eliot Engel, who is my friend and colleague and a real leader for our party and for this issue, for all of their hard work and leadership to bring this legislation to the floor. All of us in Congress could learn from and emulate their friendship and bipartisan working relationship, especially when it comes to our foreign policy and support for our vital ally Israel, and in our fight against terror around the world. prgtoken I commend the gentleman from Colorado (Mr. Lamborn) for introducing this important legislation, and I am proud that Ranking Member Engel and I were the very first in the House to cosponsor this measure. prgtoken , I serve on the House Financial Services Committee's Subcommittee on Terrorism and Illicit Finance, where, day in and day out, my colleagues and I track the flow of money to terrorist groups like Hamas, Hezbollah, and ISIS through illicit financial networks. prgtoken For years, the Palestinian Authority has shamelessly engaged in an equally heinous practice out in the open: the awarding of official payments to terrorists it inspires to go out and kill innocent civilians, including American citizens like U.S. Army veteran Taylor Force. prgtoken Israeli citizens live under the constant threats of stabbings, suicide bombings, and vicious terrorist attacks. Palestinian leaders, including President Abbas, have not just refused to call for an end to these attacks or to speak out against those who promote hate and violence, rather, they celebrate, defend, and promote terrorism through an elaborate system whereby the Palestinian Authority literally ``pays to slay.'' prgtoken That is because for decades the PLO and the PA have provided payments in some form or another to terrorists and their families, as well as various other awards and titles and honorifics, but the practice is especially heinous because today it is enshrined into Palestinian law. The deadlier attacks of terrorism will be rewarded with even more money. prgtoken I know because I have read the laws and seen the accompanying payment charts. There is literally a payment schedule based on the severity of the terrorist attack, which encourages more severe and gratuitous violence and terrorist activity. prgtoken For instance, a terrorist who slayed three people in 2015, including an 18-year-old American citizen, Ezra Schwartz, who was spending his gap year in Israel and planned to attend business school at Rutgers University in New Jersey, would be rewarded by the PA with a monthly salary--the terrorist--of more than $3,000. prgtoken In sum, these payments total hundreds of millions of dollars that the PA redirects from its own budget to pay off the murderers of Jews, Israelis, and foreigners. The Taylor Force Act will eliminate U.S. foreign aid to the West Bank and Gaza that directly b
CONFIRMATION OF KIRSTJEN NIELSEN
Thomas R. Carper (Democrat, DE) \u2014 2017-12-5

we just concluded a few minutes ago the confirmation of the President's nominee for the next Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security. prgtoken As it turns out, the Presiding Officer is the chairman of the Committee on Homeland Security, which has jurisdiction over the Department of Homeland Security. I have the privilege of being the immediate past chairman of the committee. The Presiding Officer and I have worked together on a wide range of issues that actually pertain to the jurisdiction of the Department of Homeland Security. prgtoken I don't want to speak out of turn, but I believe both the Presiding Officer, who is as well the chairman of the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs, and I believe that one of the most important ingredients of success of any organization--I don't care whether it is a football team, a body such as the U.S. Senate, a hospital, a school, a State, a country--the key is always leadership. The key is leaders who are always interested in figuring out what is the right thing to do; people who believe in the Golden Rule, treating other people the way they want to be treated; and leaders who focus on excellence in everything they do. They surround themselves with the best people they can find. They embrace the idea that if a program or whatever is not perfect, let's make it better. The best leaders with whom I have been privileged to serve are those who just don't give up. When they are sure they are right, they just don't give up. prgtoken We have had a series of leaders, and I have been privileged to know every Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security since the very beginning of time, when I served as Governor and when I served in the Congress. I served with the first Secretary we had and others who have succeeded him--most recently, John Kelly, retired Marine four-star general who came from his command in SOUTHCOM to become Secretary of Homeland Security. He is now at the White House serving as the Chief of Staff to the President. We are grateful to him for his service. prgtoken Since he has moved on to that post, it has left a vacancy to lead the Department of Homeland Security. I think Elaine Duke is filling in quite nicely as the Acting Secretary. She was previously Deputy Secretary of Homeland Security. Now that Kirstjen Nielsen has been confirmed, we will see whether Elaine Duke will step back and be the Deputy. I think a number of us hope that she will, but that is not our decision to make. prgtoken The vote today in favor of Kirstjen Nielsen's confirmation was, I believe, 62 ayes and 37 nays. Every now and then, we have the opportunity to vote and it is a close call. Not all of our votes are easy; some are more difficult than others. But for a number of us, this was a close call. prgtoken I think Kirstjen Nielsen is arguably bright. She is well-spoken. She has appeared before our committee and taken any number of questions. S
CONCEALED CARRY RECIPROCITY
Bradley Scott Schneider (Democrat, IL) \u2014 2017-12-5

this year we are again experiencing terrible gun violence that destroys lives, tears apart families, devastates communities, and is leaving a stain on our Nation. prgtoken Sadly, after thousands of senseless deaths, after Sandy Hook, after the Pulse nightclub, after Las Vegas, and after so many more, this body has taken no action, just the now tragically routine moments of silence and then back to business as usual. prgtoken But this week Congress will, in fact, take action, action making it easier for dangerous people to carry concealed guns throughout the country. It is inconceivable to me that this bill is what comes to the floor from the debate about gun safety. prgtoken Concealed carry reciprocity allows people from States with the loosest safety standards or no safety standards at all to carry a firearm across the country irrespective of local laws. prgtoken I will give one example. In my State of Illinois, people who have two DUIs within 5 years cannot get a concealed carry permit. But this bill would override our State law, rendering our and every other State legislature virtually helpless to protect their own citizens. prgtoken I rise today in strong opposition to the reckless and dangerous concealed carry reciprocity bill, and I urge my colleagues to do the same.
WELCOMING USS ``LITTLE ROCK'' TO BUFFALO, NEW YORK
Brian Higgins (Democrat, NY) \u2014 2017-12-5

today I rise to recognize and welcome the newly constructed naval ship, the USS Little Rock, to my home city of Buffalo, New York, where it will be docked until its formal commissioning on December 16. prgtoken For the first time in the history of the United States Navy, the commissioning of the new USS Little Rock will take place alongside the original USS Little Rock, which served during the Second World War and for the last 40 years has stood tall as an honored exhibit at the Buffalo and Erie County Naval & Military Park. prgtoken , I would like to take this moment to thank the brave men and women of the United States Navy and crew of the USS Little Rock, past and present, for their service. prgtoken On behalf of Buffalo and western New York, it is an honor and a privilege to serve as the site from which the USS Little Rock will embark on its next mission. prgtoken This new vessel will make a formidable addition to the United States Navy fleet, and its dedicated crew, tasked with protecting our Nation's coasts and waterways, will ensure the ship lives up to its motto: ``Back with a Vengeance.''
THE LEGACY OF CONGRESSMAN JOHN CONYERS, JR.--DEAN OF THE HOUSE
John Conyers, Jr. (Democrat, MI) \u2014 2017-12-5

today I notified Ryan, Leader Pelosi and Governor Snyder of my retirement from the United States House of Representatives. prgtoken It has been a privilege and an honor to serve the citizens of Detroit, Michigan as their United States Congressman in the 13th and 14th Congressional District for more than 50 years. prgtoken I came to Congress in 1965. Since then, I have devoted my entire career to improving the lives of my constituents in Detroit and fighting for justice everywhere. These years witnessed a profound evolution in civil rights, led by millions in the streets who marched for justice, and people of conscience in the Congress--both and s--who heard them and enacted the Civil Rights Act, the Voting Rights Act and other landmark reforms. prgtoken I have been at the forefront of the civil rights movement, I have been a champion of justice for the oppressed and the disenfranchised. I have never wavered in my commitment to justice and democracy. I am proud to have been part of that rich history. prgtoken I have been privileged to be a founder of the Congressional Black Caucus and to represent the United States Congress as Dean. I spearheaded and passed the Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday Act, the Violence Against Women Act, the Hate Crimes Act, the USA Freedom Act, and the extensions of the Voting Rights Act into law. I have led the fight against mandatory minimum sentences, hoping to reverse the devastating incarceration rates for African Americans and poor people, I have tried to pass a universal healthcare law (H.R. 676) every Congress since 1989. I have introduced H.R. 40 to study reparations for slavery, and I deeply appreciate those handful of courageous colleagues who have joined me. prgtoken For Detroiters, I am proud of what we have been able to accomplish by bringing hundreds of millions of dollars in critical grants and federal funding to Southeast Michigan to revitalize our great city, attract rich talent, and return us to prosperity. prgtoken I vehemently deny any and all allegations of harassment or dishonor, but I recognize that in this present environment, due process will not be afforded to me. I was taught by a great woman, my mother, to honor women. The first employee I ever hired was Mrs. Rosa Parks, who worked in my office for 22 years. It has been a great honor to work alongside some of the most talented and honorable staff on Capitol Hill and in Detroit, both women and men. prgtoken Given the totality of the circumstance of not being afforded the right to due process, in conjunction with my current health condition, and to preserve my legacy and good name, I am retiring. prgtoken I hope that my retirement will be viewed in the larger perspective of my record of service, and as I enter a new chapter, I pledge to continue my commitment to a progressive vision and a better future for this country that I love. I owe that to the legacy of my father, John Conyers, Sr
DACA
Edward J. Markey (Democrat, MA) \u2014 2017-12-5

I thank the Presiding Officer for presiding today. prgtoken from Illinois, Dick Durbin, for organizing all of us this afternoon to speak on behalf of these Dreamers. His leadership has been critical in this fight for the dignity and recognition of hundreds of thousands of wonderful young people who know no other home than the United States of America. prgtoken For 5 years, the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals--or DACA-- Program, has created security and opportunity for young immigrants around the country, but now the futures of some 800,000 young people-- 7,900 of them in Massachusetts--are needlessly in jeopardy because President has coldheartedly repealed DACA. prgtoken DACA has been a hugely successful program. It has provided so many young immigrants safety, security, dignity, respect, and opportunity. These are young people who study, who work, who live next-door to us every single day. They are our friends, our neighbors, and our loved ones. prgtoken I would like to speak for a few minutes about one of these DACA beneficiaries. She is 28-year-old Paola Sanchez, who came to the United States from Bolivia when she was 14 years old. Paola's father passed away when she was just 8 years old. Her mother was in a wheelchair and was unable to work. With her family facing hardship, Paola came to America to live with an aunt and uncle in New York. There, Paola worked in the manufacturing industry while she attended high school full time. She often got home late at night and grabbed a few hours of sleep before getting up to head to school to do it all over again. prgtoken In 2007, Paola graduated from high school and moved to my State of Massachusetts, where she has lived ever since. She now works 30 hours a week as a case manager while attending Bay State Community College full time. She has been a model student, earning a 3.9 grade point average, and she hopes to enter nursing school in January. prgtoken Paola has been a DACA recipient since 2013, but her current status expires next year. This means that unless Congress acts and saves the program, Paola and thousands like her will have to leave the United States for countries they do not really know and no longer consider to be home. prgtoken Paola's case, like many others, is even more difficult because she has a 4-year-old son--a child who is an American citizen by birth and has never known any other home than the United States. prgtoken All Paola wants is to stay here with her son, get her nursing degree, get a good job, and give back to the country so much more than she has been given. Instead, Paola and countless other young people and families across the United States face uncertain futures. Instead of going to sleep tonight knowing they will be able to live their lives in peace and plan for the future, they are left with uncertainty, vulnerable to deportation, and unable to work legally. This is a human tragedy in
DACA
Margaret Wood Hassan (Democrat, NH) \u2014 2017-12-5

. Thank you very much, , and from Massachusetts for his eloquent words just now. I also thank Senator Durbin for his leadership on this critically important issue. prgtoken As many of my colleagues have stated, we must protect Dreamers and allow them to continue to be vital members of communities in New Hampshire and across the Nation. The energy, hard work, and innovation of Dreamers are critical components of our economic future. These are hard-working young people who have so much to offer and who deserve our support and our urgent action. prgtoken They are people like a young man from the Seacoast area of New Hampshire, who recently met with my staff. This young person was brought to the United States when he was in elementary school. His parents emigrated from Indonesia, joining members of the New Hampshire community who had left their country because they were fleeing religious persecution. For years, members of this community have worked, paid taxes, and raised their families on the Seacoast. Now the administration is engaging in misguided efforts to prioritize their deportation--efforts that I urge this administration to stop immediately. prgtoken The Dreamer I am talking about this afternoon had never known that he was undocumented until he wanted to get his driver's license. But he said his life was changed after President unveiled the DACA Program. This young man was able to get a job, attend community college, and eventually enroll at the University of New Hampshire, where he is working toward his degree. His story makes clear why there is so much at stake and why it is critical that our colleagues work together in order to support these young people. prgtoken Granite Staters, like all Americans, recognize the value of hard work, the importance of unleashing the talent and energy of each and every individual, and they demand and expect that their elected leaders act with fairness and with common sense, which is all that the Dream Act represents. prgtoken We must pass the bipartisan Dream Act now and protect those who have so much to offer to the future of our great country. prgtoken Thank you. prgtoken .