mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
TRIBUTE TO PEGGI HANRAHAN
Luther Strange (Republican, AL) \u2014 2017-11-6

today I wish to pay tribute to an Alabamian who has spent more than two decades in public service, Peggi Hanrahan. prgtoken Many people in Washington, DC, know Peggi as the executive assistant and gatekeeper to the former Alabama Senator, Jeff Sessions, who is now the U.S. Attorney General. For more than 20 years, Jeff Sessions has been a strong leader on the issues of legal reform and immigration. In order to speak with Jeff Sessions on any issue, you had to go through Peggi. prgtoken Peggi has earned praise from the countless people she has worked alongside throughout the years. Here are a few statements from her former colleagues. prgtoken Attorney General Sessions stated: Peggi has been at the center of everything we have accomplished in public service. She loves America and its ideals, is smart, decisive, loyal, and a total professional. She speaks up for the high principles she believes in, and for two decades has been the key point of contact in our office for thousands of Alabamians and Americans all over the Country. She has provided invaluable service to me, the Nation, and the so many who she trained and mentored. Though we will miss her marvelous contributions, we wish her all the best as she and Kevin embark on this next adventure. prgtoken Kate Hollis, then-Senator Sessions' former scheduler, said the following: For 14 years I had the pleasure of working side by side with Peggi for Senator Jeff Sessions. We were a great team and became great friends during that time. I can attest that she was one of the hardest working people in the United States Senate who always went the extra mile to assist Senator Sessions and our staff, as well as our constituents from the great State of Alabama. prgtoken Pete Landrum, former military legislative assistant under former Senator Sessions, stated: Peggi Hanrahan is a great colleague and friend. She is a person that can be depended on when things are good or when things are bad--it doesn't matter. prgtoken Danielle Cutrona, counselor to the Attorney General, said: Peggi is an institution in our office. Her loyalty and dedication to then-Senator, now Attorney General Sessions and to his staff has been unwavering. I am grateful to have had the opportunity to work with Peggi all these years and will miss her tremendously. prgtoken Michael Brumas, former press secretary for Senator Sessions, said: The phrase `best in the business' certainly applies to Peggi Hanrahan, who served for more than two decades as Jeff Sessions' executive assistant, first in the Senate and then at the Department of Justice. In many ways Peggi was the backbone of the Senate office, with a knack for solving those administrative dilemmas that always crop up in a busy Senate office as well making sure the
ISRAELI-AMERICAN COUNCIL
Joe Wilson (Republican, SC) \u2014 2017-11-6

our thoughts and prayers are with all those who are grieving at the First Baptist Church in Sutherland Springs, Texas. prgtoken This morning, I was grateful to join the Israeli-American Council at their fourth National Council Conference to celebrate our ally, Israel, and the special relationship we have formed over many years with the people of Israel. It was meaningful to be greeted by National Chairman Adam Milstein, and to discuss issues with Dr. Miriam and Sheldon Adelson. prgtoken The Israeli-American Council is the fastest growing Jewish-American organization in the United States, and works every day to foster a strong and positive relationship between the United States and the Israeli people. prgtoken I am grateful for their many accomplishments, and I wish them continued success in strengthening the American-Israeli relationship in the years to come through mutual economic success, creating jobs while promoting peace through strength with military cooperation. prgtoken South Carolina has always appreciated its Jewish heritage as home of the largest Jewish population of any State at the time of the American Revolution. prgtoken In conclusion, God bless our troops, and we will never forget September the 11th in the global war on terrorism.
Tax Reform (Executive Session)
Steve Daines (Republican, MT) \u2014 2017-11-6

today the U.S. House of Representatives begins marking up H.R. 1, the Tax Cut and Jobs Act, and as the U.S. Senate continues to debate tax cuts, I am reminded of a speech that former ic President John F. Kennedy delivered in New York City in 1962. In fact, it was in December of 1962, when he said: In short, it is a paradoxical truth that tax rates are too high today and tax revenues are too low and the soundest way to raise the revenues in the long run is to cut the rates now. The experience of a number of European countries and Japan have borne this out. This country's own experience with tax reduction in 1954 has borne this out. And the reason is that only full employment can balance the budget, and tax reduction can pave the way to that employment. The purpose of cutting taxes now is not to incur a budget deficit, but to achieve the more prosperous, expanding economy which can bring a budget surplus. prgtoken President Kennedy went on to say: I repeat: our practical choice is not between a tax-cut deficit and a budgetary surplus. It is between two kinds of deficits: a chronic deficit of inertia, as the unwanted result of inadequate revenues and a restricted economy; or a temporary deficit of transition, resulting from a tax cut designed to boost the economy, increase tax revenues, and achieve--and I believe this can be done--a budget surplus. The first type of deficit is a sign of waste and weakness; the second reflects an investment in the future. prgtoken If someone had just tuned in, they might think I was quoting, perhaps, President Reagan or perhaps some other leader. This was President John F. Kennedy in 1962. prgtoken We need to cut taxes once again and put money back into the pockets of the American people. I can state that Montanans need more jobs, but, importantly, we need better paying jobs. Most importantly, they need bigger paychecks. The best way to give Montanans a pay raise--how about cutting their taxes? We need tax cuts.
Natural Gas Liquid Storage (Executive Session)
Shelley Moore Capito (Republican, WV) \u2014 2017-11-6

I would like to talk about an issue in my State of West Virginia--really my region--that is becoming very important, I think, to this country's energy security and prosperity. prgtoken As we know, West Virginia has extensive natural gas liquid resources. Nearly a century ago, when these resources were discovered, the rapid growth that followed turned Central West Virginia into a national hub for the petrochemical industry. You know what, we have never looked back. prgtoken Today, chemistry remains our State's second largest industry and directly impacts other major sectors like energy, biomedical engineering, and manufacturing. West Virginia is home to 140 different chemical companies that employ nearly 13,000 workers. West Virginia's share of GDP from the chemical industry is the sixth largest in the country, and these products are about one-quarter of our State's major international exports. We still have one of the highest concentrations of chemical, polymer, and resin manufacturers in the world. prgtoken The sector is sort of a microcosm of the challenges and opportunities facing this important American industry during a time of fierce international competition. Estimates show, more than 100,000 workers in West Virginia already have the industrial skills to fill jobs in this sector, and there are thousands more who could easily be retrained to fill these jobs in this important industry. With our region's abundance of natural gas from Marcellus prgtoken and Utica shale, West Virginia is perfectly positioned for a massive increase of economic growth and new jobs. prgtoken Natural gas liquids provide the building blocks for many of the products used by our consumers every single day--products ranging from the dashboard in your car or the water bottle that many of us use. Right now, we don't have the right infrastructure in place to store and distribute the building blocks that make up these products. As a result, these valuable resources are being used to generate heat and electricity, instead of being made into consumer products. As Energy Secretary Perry put it, that's like cooking your breakfast over a fire of hundred dollar bills. This represents a huge opportunity to act on this administration's ``America First'' energy policy. It is an opportunity to grow an industry here at home with an American workforce and America's natural resources. prgtoken To elevate these issues in Congress, I am proud to serve as the cochair of the bipartisan Senate Chemistry Caucus. We host briefings about the importance of this industry to America's economy and national security. States that may not have robust petrochemical sectors, nonetheless, rely on its products for manufacturing, agriculture, and several other key industries. prgtoken For months--I would say more than months, years--I have been advancing the development of an Appalachian natural gas liquids market to improve our storage and distribution
CHRISTIAN PERSECUTION
Ted Poe (Republican, TX) \u2014 2017-11-6

the world's largest religion continues to be the world's most persecuted religion. Christians are assaulted, murdered, harassed, and their homes and churches increasingly are destroyed. prgtoken Recently, in Cairo, while Coptic Christian priest Father Rizkallah was collecting humanitarian aid, he was stabbed to death because he was a Christian. prgtoken Now persecution has taken a new twist. While Islamic extremism continues its genocide on Christians and other different sects of Islam, government-sponsored persecution is increasing worldwide. According to Open Doors, 9 of the top 10 countries where persecution exists have large Islam populations. But North Korea, the number one offender, is an atheist nation. prgtoken Ethnic nationalism is also a major driver of persecution. Weak and/or totalitarian governments use Christians as scapegoats to keep a grip on power. prgtoken Religious freedom is mentioned first in our First Amendment because it is the most important of all freedoms. It is a God-given right for all people of all religions. Americans should lead the way in worldwide religious freedom and in denouncing religious persecution of Christians. prgtoken And that is just the way it is. prgtoken , I include in the Record the Open Doors USA Persecution of Christians Watch List. Open Doors USA Persecution of Christians Watch List 2017 1. North Korea 2. Somalia 3. Afghanistan 4. Pakistan 5. Sudan 6. Syria 7. Iraq 8. Iran 9. Yemen 10. Eritrea
IN RECOGNITION OF THE ACCOMPLISHMENTS OF THE NATIONAL COMMITTEE TO PRESERVE SOCIAL SECURITY AND MEDICARE DURING ITS 35TH ANNIVERSARY
Debbie Dingell (Democrat, MI) \u2014 2017-11-7

I rise today to recognize the National Committee to Preserve Social Security and Medicare's (NCPSSM) 35th anniversary on the day of its Anniversary Open House. NCPSSM has played a critical role in protecting Social Security and Medicare for all Americans. prgtoken With the passage of Medicare in 1965 under Title XVII of the Social Security Act, our country made a promise that seniors can age with dignity and security after a lifetime of hard work. As with the implementation of any historic program, it's important that there are organizational watchdogs that ensure our government makes good on its promise to the American people. There has been no group more committed to protecting the tenets of Social Security and Medicare than NCPSSM over the past 35 years. prgtoken Founded in 1982 by Congressman James Roosevelt, NCPSSM served as response to proposed changes to Social Security and Medicare during a time when 24/7 news programs did not exist and seniors needed to be informed and mobilized. NCPSSM works side by side with federal, state and local lawmakers to protect and build on the safety net programs that Americans of all ages depend on. Then, as it does now, the Committee provided seniors with a way to organize and make their voices heard by lawmakers as well as writing highly regarded, in depth analysis on Congressional legislation and Presidential Executive Orders regarding Social Security, Medicare, and the federal budget. These documents are invaluable in helping everyday Americans understand the real impact that legislation will have on their day to day life. prgtoken NCPSSM's efforts have been instrumental in passing bills that better the lives of seniors and that protect Social Security and Medicare. In 2016, the Committee and its members fought hard to pass the ``Older Americans Reauthorization Act of 2016'' which funds critical services that keep older adults healthy and independent, including job training, senior centers, benefits enrollment and caregiver support. Additionally, the Committee continues to encourage Americans from all corners of the country to participate in petitions, surveys and phone banking, with a total of over 90 million petitions and letters sent to Congress and the President to date. prgtoken , I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring the National Committee to Preserve Social Security and Medicare and its 35 years of success. Their advocacy has influenced legislation that protects the programs seniors and hardworking Americans depend on.
Gun Violence (Executive Session)
Christopher Murphy (Democrat, CT) \u2014 2017-11-7

we are grieving yet again today another horrific mass shooting in a church in Texas--over 25 dead, others still clinging to life. We were barely past our stage of grief as more than 50 people were shot dead and 500 were injured at a country music concert in Las Vegas. Of course, every single night in this country, parents and brothers and sisters go to bed having lost their loved ones, and 90 people die every day from guns in this country. prgtoken I just think it is worth stating that this happens nowhere else other than in the United States. This is not inevitable. This is not something that we should accept. We are not impotent or helpless to try to change the scope of tragedy that is crippling for families that have to go through this. prgtoken I want everyone to take a quick look at this pretty simple chart. The United States has more guns and more gun deaths than any other developed country. It is not close, we are not even in the neighborhood of any of our other G-20 competitor nations. While the President told us the other day that this is a mental illness problem, one cannot explain this outlier status through a story of mental illness because none of these other countries have any lower rate of mental illness. There are just as many people who are mentally ill in these countries as there are in our country. prgtoken We cannot explain it by the attention we pay to mental illness. We spend more money on treating mental illness than these countries do. This isn't a mental illness problem. We have to do better in treating people who have psychological disorders in this country, but the reason that we are an outlier nation when it comes to the number of gun deaths and the epic scale of our mass tragedies is explained by something else. prgtoken Here is a quick story. This graphic shows the States that have background check requirements on all gun sales in the private sector, and here are the States that have no background check laws beyond those that are required in Federal law. It is a fundamentally different story when it comes to gun-related homicides. In the States that have background check laws, the average rate of homicide is substantially lower--substantially lower--than in States that haven't background check laws. That is because in this country, with the loosest, most lax gun laws in the industrialized world, private citizens are able to get their hands on weapons that are designed not for hunting and not for shooting for sport but to kill. These tactical assault-style weapons are being used over and over in these mass tragedies, and more people end up in harm's way. prgtoken Smarter gun laws--just making sure that the right people have guns, not the wrong people--lead to less gun deaths. It is time for us to admit that this is a uniquely American problem and that it deserves our attention rather than our silence, which has been our response every single session that I have be
CLARIFYING COMMERCIAL REAL ESTATE LOANS
Daniel T. Kildee (Democrat, MI) \u2014 2017-11-7

such time as I may consume. prgtoken , I thank my friend, Mr. Huizenga, for his work on this. I also thank Mr. Pittenger and Mr. Scott as well. prgtoken This is a piece of legislation, again, as the previous legislation did, that demonstrates that we do have the capability of solving a problem and coming together on specific issues when we can. prgtoken In this case, we have legislation that, I think, strikes that important balance in maintaining important regulations and standards in place that prevent the kind of catastrophes that we have seen in the past, but also, in this case, anticipates that there is a legitimate problem that needs to be solved, particularly in this case, in ensuring that development can occur in those places where it is often very difficult to see development take place. This is something that is absolutely critical and makes sense. This legislation strikes a good balance between those competing interests. prgtoken , I urge my colleagues to support this, and .
Gun Violence (Executive Calendar)
Amy Klobuchar (Democrat, MN) \u2014 2017-11-7

I come to the floor today to call attention to the tragedies that have been caused by gun violence across our country, including the most recent attack, which left at least 26 dead after a lone gunman opened fire at a church in Texas on Sunday. I join my colleagues in mourning for the victims and their families. Our thoughts are with them and all those affected by what happened in Texas. prgtoken At the same time, we remember that these heartbreaking events came just 35 days after the deadliest mass shooting in our Nation's history, when 58 were killed and hundreds were wounded in Las Vegas last month. But as we look ahead, we cannot escape the fact that we can, and must, do more to keep our communities safer. While no one policy will prevent every tragedy, we need to come together on commonsense proposals that would save lives. prgtoken I appreciate the words of my colleagues about mental illness and funding for mental illness. I think that is very important. I come from Minnesota, where Paul Wellstone was one of the leaders in making sure that mental illnesses got covered by insurance, and I think we need to do that and more. prgtoken Another area where we have found some consensus in this Chamber is improving background checks. My colleagues Senator Manchin and Senator Toomey have made that clear, and I supported their background check legislation in 2013. But the fact remains that we didn't pass that bill in the Senate. We fell short, and it was a disheartening day. prgtoken I remember having the parents of some of the Sandy Hook victims in my office that morning. Yet what happened that day--you have to contrast it with where the American people are. Consistently, whether it is with public opinion polls or whether it is when you talk to people you meet when you are at home, we have seen that Americans from across the political spectrum support commonsense proposals to require background checks, such as requiring background checks at gun shows. And they support that by wide margins. prgtoken By the way, I look at this from a State that has a lot of households that have guns. We are a proud hunting State. And with every proposal I look at, I always think of my Uncle Dick and how he used to love hunting and sitting in his deer stand. I think: Does this hurt my Uncle Dick and his deer stand? And I don't think that the Manchin-Toomey bill would in any way. When I look at these things, I have to evaluate them that way because I know how many proud and law-abiding gun owners we have in our State. But I don't see that closing this gun show loophole by doing something more about background checks would hurt that hunting tradition in any way. prgtoken When I talk to law enforcement around Minnesota, they stress the importance of having effective background checks to stop felons, domestic abusers, and people who are prohibited from having easy access to guns from having that access. If you remember, p
REPUBLICAN TAX PROPOSAL
James E. Clyburn (Democrat, SC) \u2014 2017-11-7

I rise to alert the American people to the tax scam that is the tax reform proposal, unveiled last week. It is reported that President wanted to call this bill ``cut, cut, cut.'' That would have been apropos. prgtoken The first cut is for him and his family members, the second cut is for his wealthy friends and acquaintances, and the third cut is for large corporations classified as LLCs. It certainly does not cut taxes for middle-income families or most small businesses. In fact, it does just the opposite. It is crystal clear who gets the cuts and who gets to pay more. prgtoken First and foremost, the GOP tax plan eliminates inheritance taxes that only apply to two-tenths of 1 percent of families who wish to pass along their wealth, unearned and untaxed. prgtoken Why are s doing this? Because it is a huge priority for some of their biggest donors, and the middle-income families will be asked to pay for this $172 billion giveaway to the superrich. prgtoken The GOP pretend not to be cutting taxes for the superrich by maintaining the top rate of 39.6 percent. However, their plan increases the income levels that the 39.6 percent applies to from $470,000 a year to $1 million. These proposed rate changes will cost over $1 trillion. prgtoken The GOP tax plan also features a special rate for the owners of passthrough businesses that will cost $448 billion. These are LLCs and partnerships that pay zero corporate taxes and whose owners' income is treated the same as everybody else's. prgtoken LLCs and other types of passthroughs make up 95 percent of all the businesses in the country. Some of the largest businesses, like Koch Industries, Chrysler, and, of course, most of the entities owned by the organization are LLCs. prgtoken Passthroughs that are truly small businesses are not currently subject to the highest individual rates and already pay 25 percent or lower. The National Federation of Independent Businesses opposes this provision for this very reason. prgtoken , most of us, especially those who have worked in State governments, view our States as the best prgtoken laboratories for the development of good ideas and best practices. This passthrough idea was the centerpiece of Governor Sam Brownback's tax overhaul in Kansas 5 years ago. The Governor promised it would yield massive economic growth. prgtoken And what happened? Kansas was plunged into a massive budget deficit and forced to make draconian cuts to education, infrastructure, and the rest of the State's operations. This year, the Kansas Legislature overrode Governor Brownback's shortsighted experiment. prgtoken I urge my colleagues not to make the same mistake here. This scam will subject the good people of this country to a second great recession in a single decade. Middle-income families will pay more because the GOP plan eliminates deductions for State and local taxes. This includes millions of Americans and over 500,000 So