mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
NATURAL RESOURCES MANAGEMENT ACT
Ron Wyden (Democrat, OR) \u2014 2019-2-7

the first tax filing season under President 's mess of a tax law is upon us, and it looks like a whole lot of chickens are coming home to roost. prgtoken s jammed their tax bill through Congress at record speed-- pile driver legislating. The tax bill was signed into law with a whopping 9 days to go before the 2018 tax year was set to begin, and after all of that land speed record timing, there were bound to be serious problems. There is a big one now that lots of Americans are reportedly waking up to, and they are prgtoken waking up now that the tax filing season has arrived. The big tax refunds that Americans have gotten used to could be goners now that 's tax changes are the law of the land and many Americans might owe the government money. prgtoken As the ranking on the Senate Finance Committee, I am very troubled about the prospect of what is ahead, and I want to lay out my concerns. Here is what this is all about. prgtoken Most Americans have their taxes withheld from each paycheck, and the Treasury redoes the math on withholding every year. Obviously, the math gets more complicated when Congress passes legislation like President 's tax law, which, in effect, triggers a tax policy earthquake. The outcome of these decisions about how much to take out of everybody's paycheck is clearly going to have a big impact. prgtoken Here is where it looks like things went wrong, where it looks like the team decided to score short-term political wins instead of to protect Americans from financial harm. prgtoken In election year 2018, the Treasury Department had a shiny, new tax law on its hands, and there is no question it wanted it to impress. It sure looks like, back in December 2017, the administration decided to put politics first--to lowball the estimates of how much tax should be withheld from everybody's paycheck and lure Americans into a false sense of security that they had gotten big tax cuts that were courtesy of . prgtoken The prospect of the administration's buying American taxpayers off with their own money is what you are talking about here. It is as if the administration figured, when the other shoe dropped and people were to be hit with penalties for underpayment, well, it would be springtime 2019, and the 2018 election would be behind us. It could cause a lot of hurt this spring when people who typically get big refunds suddenly learn that they owe the government a check. Americans, understandably, want their taxes to be simple and straightforward and routine. Whether it is a few hundred or a few thousand dollars, you can understand why people would count on getting refunds when they have gotten the same amount back for years and years. prgtoken I have talked to folks all over my State about this. I have townhall meetings in every county--90 minutes, open to everybody. I don't give any speeches. I am just ther
NATURAL RESOURCES MANAGEMENT ACT
Charles E. Schumer (Democrat, NY) \u2014 2019-2-7

I don't know if the Judiciary Committee voted yet, but if they haven't, they will vote shortly on the nomination of William Barr. prgtoken I knew Mr. Barr when he was Attorney General and when he was general counsel to Verizon--that is a New York company where I dealt with him-- and I have always respected his public service and his intelligence. But when his authorship of an unsolicited memo to the Justice Department criticizing the special counsel's investigation was uncovered, I came to the conclusion that he is the wrong person to serve as Attorney General at this challenging moment for our country. The memo alone, I felt, was disqualifying--maybe not under any President but certainly under this President, who is utterly prgtoken contemptuous of the rule of law. But I wanted to give Mr. Barr a chance to change my mind, so I met with him a few weeks ago. Our conversation focused on three issues. prgtoken The first was an issue that had been discussed at his Judiciary hearing where I didn't think his answer was very satisfactory, so I asked him again, very directly, whether he would recuse himself if ethics officials at the Justice Department said he should. Regrettably, he would not commit to do this. Instead, he said he would make his own decision. prgtoken The second issue I brought up was the need for the special counsel's report on Russian influence in the 2016 election to be made public. Whatever conclusions Mueller comes to, we as a Congress and the American people have an obligation to see what kind of foreign influence there is in our elections. It seems pretty clear to me that in this case, the report should be made public--the full report, except things redacted for security purposes. prgtoken I asked Nominee Barr whether he would release the full Mueller report, with redactions only if intelligence agencies said that was necessary to avoid compromising sources. He said he is for transparency. That is not good enough. We are all for transparency in the abstract. The question is, Are you for transparency in probably the most important act you will take as Attorney General when it comes to transparency? To merely say you are for transparency doesn't say much. What was needed was an unequivocal and public commitment to release the full report. Again, he would not give me that assurance. prgtoken Finally, I asked Mr. Barr about interference in the special counsel's investigation. He referred to the special counsel regulations and said at the hearing and I think in other places publicly that he wanted to finish the investigation. That is not good enough. Finishing the investigation while interfering and limiting it as it goes forward would be a travesty--certainly with this President, who has treated the Justice Department as if it is his own personal fiefdom. At times, President seems to feel there are two goals to the Justice Department and those alone--to punish his enemies an
PREVENTING CRIMES AGAINST VETERANS ACT OF 2019
Karen Bass (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2019-2-7

we should do everything we can to protect our veterans who have given so much of themselves to our Nation. prgtoken Our veterans have laid their lives on the line. We owe them much, and we should repay our gratitude whenever we can. Certainly, helping to ensure that their veterans benefits are protected against fraud, as H.R. 450 would do, is one way of expressing our appreciation, and it is the right and the just thing to do. For these reasons, I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting this bill. prgtoken , .
NATURAL RESOURCES MANAGEMENT ACT
Patrick J. Leahy (Democrat, VT) \u2014 2019-2-7

on Thursday, January 24, a good friend of mine, former Daily News photographer Harry Hamburg, died. Both Marcelle and I were in shock at the news. Harry is one prgtoken of our dearest friends, and Marcelle and I loved him. prgtoken I have lost count of the times we would share stories about his son Bruce and daughter Aren, and, of course, his grandchildren, Sophia, Ali, Dylan, and Will. Marcelle and I especially enjoyed the family conversations and the deep love he had for his late wife Becky. I think we knew more about each other's families than most people would. One of us would tell a story, and the other would say, ``Oh, that reminds me,'' and away we would go. Those of you who knew Harry Hamburg could see that happening. prgtoken We also shared a love of photography. I have an office here in the Capitol with a great view of the Mall and the Washington Monument, and we would often meet there. We would talk about photography, current events, and friends. We called it ``prayer hour with holy water.'' We had our own particular choices of what holy water and what proof. Occasionally, Marcelle was able to join us. Often, my policy adviser, Kevin McDonald, was there. prgtoken And, of course, Harry was a welcomed friend at all of our holiday parties and office gatherings. prgtoken Kevin McDonald went to the funeral in Pennsylvania. He filled me in on how moving it was and the things he heard there. Even last night, when we were at my grandson Patrick's birthday party, our daughter and son-in-law, Alicia and Lawrence, talked about the conversations they had with Harry at our last office gathering. prgtoken Those of us who enjoy or care about photography can understand the certain bond we had. He had an uncanny ability to email me the perfect picture at the perfect time. I could be coping with all kinds of things here in the Senate, and a photo would arrive. There is one Harry took in England, South Africa, or Pennsylvania. Some I called my warning shot. It would be a picture he took as he walked into the Capitol to come visit me. Every time, it made my day better. prgtoken Anyone can use a camera. Only an artist can take a picture that truly lasts. He spent a lot of time in England. All of us could take pictures of Big Ben, the Eye, Parliament, and all the rest. He would take pictures of a shop on a small street or of people looking out at a bus going by or of walking along a beach. You would look at that picture and say: Wow, I was there. prgtoken He was an artist. When you saw his pictures, whether of a current event or from his treasure of historical pictures, you were there. He enveloped you in the moment. prgtoken Later, I am going to put into the Record--not quite yet--his obituary. Of course, we will not be able to show the pictures. prgtoken I look at these pictures, and I remember he had one of Margot Kidder and Christopher Reeve. They were filming Superman at the New York Daily News building. <|
VETERANS' ACCESS TO CHILD CARE ACT
Susie Lee (Democrat, NV) \u2014 2019-2-7

my amendment clarifies that every veteran is able to access childcare services guaranteed by the underlying bill, regardless of whether they are using the services at a VA center, medical center, or a vet center that is not on the campus of a VA facility. prgtoken I am pleased to be joined in offering this bipartisan amendment by my colleague Congresswoman Lesko from Arizona. I would also like to thank Congresswoman Brownley for leading this bill, as well as Chairman Takano and Ranking Member Roe for their assistance and leadership on this vital issue. prgtoken No veteran should be forced to choose between caring for their children or caring for themselves. In several States, including my home State of Nevada, veterans use both the VA medical centers and the community-based vet centers to access the care they need. prgtoken Vet centers provide a wide array of social and psychological services to help veterans readjust to civilian life, and I am very proud of the work they do to serve those who served all of us. prgtoken For many of those who do not have access to a local VA medical center, vet centers are the only VA facilities they can use. To ensure that all veterans and, in particular, women veterans are able to receive the care they need, our amendment would clarify that any veteran receiving care, whether at a VA facility or an off-VA-campus vet center, would be eligible for the childcare authorized under this legislation. prgtoken We never want any veteran to choose between receiving the care and support they need or caring for their child. Our amendment would guarantee that all veterans would be able to access care regardless of where and how they seek treatment. prgtoken Mr. Chair, I urge my colleagues to support this amendment, and .
VETERANS' ACCESS TO CHILD CARE ACT
Max Rose (Democrat, NY) \u2014 2019-2-7

. Madam Chair, such time as I may consume. prgtoken Madam Chair, I rise to offer an amendment that would make clear that healthcare related to substance and drug abuse counseling is included in the covered health services in this bill. prgtoken In addition, Madam Chair, the opioid epidemic has not only affected my home district of Staten Island and south Brooklyn--and to be clear, it very much has--but this has touched constituents in district after district, State after State, and has disproportionately affected our Nation's greatest heroes. prgtoken As the fathers, wives, husbands, and children of the veterans fighting this disease can attest, combating this addiction is daunting and heartbreakingly difficult. Imagine how excruciating it can be when a mother has to make the choice between receiving the treatment that she so desperately needs and making sure that her own children are cared for. prgtoken That is the choice veteran parents need to make time and again. It is a disgrace, and on both sides of the aisle, we have not done enough. prgtoken Make no mistake here, if Congress does not act, these barriers to treatment will absolutely persist. Whether you are a or a , it is our constituents who are suffering, and we need to act now. If we do not address this, this epidemic will continue to wreak havoc on our districts, our communities, and our families. prgtoken A national survey from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration showed that 1 in 15 veterans suffer from a substance abuse disorder, but for vets who left Active Duty post-9/11, it was nearly one in eight. These veterans are twice as likely to die from an accidental overdose as a nonveteran. prgtoken As one of the few post-9/11 combat veterans who is serving right now in this body, I have seen the courage of my fellow former soldiers who seek the help that they so desperately need. I have seen that substance abuse counseling at our VA facilities can really save lives and save families. And I have seen what happens when my brothers and sisters who serve do not get the treatment they need. I am here to tell my colleagues that I refuse to watch that happen again. prgtoken That is why I offer this amendment here today, so that the veteran mother who I mentioned, and the fathers who are full-time caregivers of their children, are no longer trapped in an impossible choice. They can receive treatment for PTSD, for cancer, and for counseling to combat life-threatening addiction with the peace of mind that their children are safe and cared for. prgtoken That is the very reason Congress directed this pilot program to start in the first place. When we put party politics aside and put our constituents first, this country really succeeds. prgtoken We can all agree that this country is battling an opioid epidemic. Let's show our constituents that we are more than just talk and more than just thanking vets for their
REMEMBERING NORMAN ``COACH'' POLLOM FOR HIS COMPASSION AND LEADERSHIP
Raul Ruiz (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2019-2-7

. Madam , I rise today in honor of the late Norman Pollom, a constituent of mine who led a full and inspiring life defined by his compassion for others. prgtoken As a young man, Mr. Pollom served his country in the U.S. Navy during World War II. After returning to civilian life, he brought his leadership to the football field, where he had a long and successful career. prgtoken Mr. Pollom was a member of the University of Washington Huskies' Rose Bowl-winning team in 1960. He went on to have a decorated career as a college coach and NFL scout, helping to build a Los Angeles Rams team that won seven straight Western Division Championships. He later moved to the Buffalo Bills, helping to draft Hall of Famers Jim Kelly, Bruce Smith, and Andre Reed. Mr. Pollom is widely regarded as one of the best NFL scouts of all time. prgtoken While Mr. Pollom's professional accomplishments were impressive, his conduct off the field deserves the highest praise. After his son passed away from cancer, Mr. Pollom established the Mike Pollom Scholarship Foundation in his memory. His foundation helped students from underrepresented and underprivileged backgrounds go to college and pursue their dreams. Many students' lives have been forever changed by his kindness and generosity. prgtoken While I did not know Mr. Pollom personally, those who did remember a man who always saw the best in people and encouraged others to follow their dreams. His charm and contagious laughter helped brighten every room he was in. As a veteran, a coach, and a good Samaritan, Mr. Pollom exemplified the spirit of service and empathy that make our nation great. prgtoken Mr. Pollom died as he lived: eating a burger, drinking scotch, and watching the Alabama-Clemson National Championship. He is survived by his wife of 34 years, Bonnie, and their three daughters, two stepsons, six grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren. His legacy will live on in their hearts, and in the memories of the many friends and neighbors whose lives he touched.
VETERANS' ACCESS TO CHILD CARE ACT
Gilbert Ray Cisneros, Jr. (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2019-2-7

I sincerely thank my colleague, Ms. Brownley, for her steadfast leadership on this critical issue, and Mr. Takano for working with me to ensure consideration. Finally, I would like to thank the gentleman from Vermont (Mr. Welch) for cosponsoring this amendment. prgtoken I rise to offer an amendment, which would require the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to study how the VA could provide childcare assistance for veterans who receive covered healthcare services furnished by the VA at non-Department facilities. prgtoken I am a strong supporter and cosponsor of H.R. 840 because I am committed to advancing policies that make it easier for all veterans to take advantage of their VA benefits they deserve. prgtoken As a veteran with two young twin boys, I know firsthand that rambunctious young kids can often derail the best of plans. Providing safe, affordable, and convenient childcare for veterans who are parents and grandparents eliminates just one of those many barriers to quality care our veterans can face when trying to make health and mental health appointments. I rise to offer this amendment to ensure that my constituents are not left behind in this noble effort. prgtoken Orange County, California, is home to the largest veteran population in the country, approximately 130,000 veterans, without its own VA hospital. This leaves many of my constituents without easy access to high-quality care our VA system provides. prgtoken My amendment would direct the VA to conduct a feasibility study to determine how the Department of Veterans Affairs could provide childcare assistance for veterans who receive healthcare services far from a VA medical center campus. This includes my constituents seeking care at the Anaheim community-based orthopedic clinic. prgtoken I urge my colleagues to join me in support of this amendment to ensure we do not overlook veterans who could benefit from childcare services. prgtoken Mr. Chair, .
REMEMBERING LYNDA DeLAFORGUE
Tammy Duckworth (Democrat, IL) \u2014 2019-2-7

today I wish to pay tribute to the remarkable life of Lynda DeLaforgue. DeLaforgue was an activist and friend who passed away on January 12, 2019, in her Chicago, IL, home due to complications from metastatic colon cancer. prgtoken DeLaforgue, a graduate from Rockford College, had over 30 years of experience working in the public interest. She was a longtime activist and was also, for many years, the codirector of Citizen Action/ Illinois. She was an instrumental voice in the progressive movement, serving as a leader in the fight to preserve healthcare by engaging local stakeholders against the repeal of the Affordable Health Care Act. She was instrumental in organizing many townhalls and galvanizing local groups for causes on behalf of working men and women. prgtoken DeLaforgue was a sustaining board member of the Healthy Schools Campaign and a member of the USAction board of directors, as well as a 2013 recipient of the Chicago Coalition of Labor Union Women's Olga Mader Award. prgtoken Her service to her community was remarkable, and she will be greatly missed by the countless people she came across, including myself. prgtoken DeLaforgue is survived by her daughter Katy DeLaforgue Hintzen, her son Jordan, her life partner Brian Reizfeld, her mother June Kaczur- Tate, and her sister Laura.
PASSING OF SHIRLEY RODRIGUEZ REMENESKI
Nydia M. Velázquez (Democrat, NY) \u2014 2019-2-7

. Madam , I rise to honor my friend, Shirley Rodriguez Remeneski, a dear friend and fellow New Yorker who passed last week. Shirley was an inspiration to all of us, a trailblazer and a leader. To me, she was a friend. Her passion was for people and community and her rich career encapsulates those values. prgtoken In 1965, she created and directed the first Social Services Unit in the Bronx Borough President's Office under the leadership of Herman Badillo and, later, Robert Abrams. Six years later, she became the District Administrator for then-Congressman Herman Badillo, serving as a vital bridge between New York City and Washington, D.C. prgtoken Shirley's next step was in the Koch Administration, working as Assistant Deputy Mayor for affirmative action, intergovernmental relations, and community development in South Bronx, Harlem and other underdeveloped areas in New York City. prgtoken When President Carter visited South Bronx, calling it the nation's disgrace, Shirley became the Legislative Coordinator for the South Bronx Development Organization. In that role, she secured funding for vital programs like Bathgate Industrial Park and the Charlotte Gardens Housing Development Project. She helped to create the South Bronx Job Corps Center, and other land revitalization projects. By helping South Bronx become an Empowerment Zone, she channeled needed business development and economic opportunity to the area. prgtoken Later, as Executive Director of Governor Mario Cuomo's Office for Hispanic Affairs she initiated the Puerto Rico Exchange of Officials Program to enhance governmental services to Puerto Ricans on the island and in New York state. In 2002, Governor Pataki appointed her Senior Vice President at the Empire State Development Corporation's Economic Development Division. prgtoken While Shirley's professional accomplishments are impressive, to me she was so much prgtoken more. For 35 years she was one of my closest friends. We traveled together and Shirley's love for people always shined through wherever we went. She loved entertaining and her house became a gathering place for all the women she had mentored and empowered. No one could throw a party like Shirley and I'll remember many nights of food, drink and, most of all, lots of laughs and warm company in her home. She truly meant the phrase Your house is my house (Su Casa es mi Casa). She always said she adored my Tina Turner impression. I'll do it again for Shirley when I next see her. prgtoken I'll miss my dear friend, Shirley Rodriguez Remeneski. Her soul was infused with a passion for improving her community, for serving others and for strengthening New York. In every position she served, she brought a tireless commitment to positive change and an infectious energy that made those around her feel no obstacle was insurmountable. I send my prayers and thoughts to Shirley's family. May they take comfort in knowing our community mourns with them and th
REMEMBERING JOHN BUSHMAN
Jon Tester (Democrat, MT) \u2014 2019-2-7

today I wish to remember the life of a Montanan who dedicated his career to working on behalf of Native Americans across the Nation. prgtoken John man was born in Montana and grew up in Wolf Point on the Fort Peck Reservation, before moving to San Francisco and eventually Washington, DC, where he entered into public service, first working for the Department of the Interior before serving as chief counsel for the Committee on Indian Affairs. prgtoken I'm honored to serve on that Committee, which works hard every day to ensure our government upholds its treaty and trust responsibilities to Indian Country. prgtoken A member of the Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa, John worked for Senator Paul Wellstone of Minnesota on issues relevant to Native Americans across the country. He eventually served as the Tribal Director for the Department of Health and Human Services. prgtoken His service didn't end in retirement; John continued to make a difference for others by volunteering often, including with the Salute Military Golf Association, which teaches wounded veterans how to play golf. prgtoken I stand to honor John's memory, and in the hope that others may be inspired by his legacy of service.