mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
Nomination of Charles P. Rettig (Executive Session)
Robert Menendez (Democrat, NJ) \u2014 2018-9-12

I rise today to oppose President 's nominee for Commissioner of the IRS, Mr. Charles Rettig. Now more than ever, the American people need government officials who are willing to stand up and speak truth to power. Unfortunately, Mr. Rettig failed to convince me that he is up for that part of the job. prgtoken During his time before the Senate Finance Committee, on which I serve, Mr. Rettig gave me no indication that he would protect New Jerseyans facing the threat of double taxation under the tax bill passed by this Congress and signed into law by President late last year, nor did Mr. Rettig express any respect for the rights of States to administer their own constitutionally upheld charitable contribution tax credit programs. Instead, Mr. Rettig left me all but certain that he would be a rubberstamp for this administration's politically motivated tax policies and would allow a backdoor tax increase on countless middle-class families. At a time when we need independence and impartiality at the IRS, that is absolutely unacceptable. prgtoken As we speak, the Treasury Department and the IRS are trying to make sense of the deficit-exploding corporate tax cuts rushed through Congress by the majority last December--tax cuts that, according to the Congressional Budget Office, will drive us toward trillion-dollar annual deficits by 2020 and by undermining the Affordable Care Act, eventually will strip 13 million Americans of their healthcare coverage. prgtoken As the IRS attempts to implement these misguided policies, corporations are pulling every string to rig the Tax Code in their favor. Apparently, it wasn't enough for them to get a massive trillion- dollar tax windfall from President . So now they are amassing armies of accountants and legions of lobbyists to get even more out of the IRS. That is why drug companies are rushing to reclassify their cash stocked overseas as assets so they can pay a fraction of what they would otherwise owe. That is why oil companies are drilling into the law to find new loopholes in the way we tax foreign profits. CEOs want no stone left unturned, no loophole left unopened. prgtoken But there is one group that is not getting any special access or sweetheart deals, and that is middle-class families like those in my home State of New Jersey. I have said before and I will say again that the tax bill was one giant hit job on New Jersey's middle class and that of States similarly situated. prgtoken You would think that with $1.5 trillion in tax cuts, s could have cut taxes for everyone. Yet, under the tax plan, 40 percent of New Jersey taxpayers will either face an average tax increase of $2,100 or get no tax cut at all. That is because s gutted the State and local tax deduction, which 1.8 million homeowners across my State alone depend on to avoid being taxed twice on the same money. These people aren't high r
ADDITIONAL STATEMENTS
Richard Blumenthal (Democrat, CT) \u2014 2018-9-12

today I recognize Judge Guido Calabresi, a dedicated public servant and professor who is celebrating 70 years as a naturalized citizen of the United States on September 16. prgtoken His life and career constitute a legacy of commitment and passion for initiating positive change. A deeply insightful and tirelessly driven person, he is recognized as a pioneer in the academic world who has spent six decades educating and serving others. prgtoken In 1939, Judge Calabresi moved with his family to New York and then New Haven, CT, from Milan, Italy, where his parents were notable antifascist figures. Forbidden from bringing money with them to America, his family had to start again from scratch upon their arrival. Judge Calabresi and his older brother, Paul, worked to learn English and assimilate into their new home. Their father had a fellowship at Yale, which at the time had no Italian or Jewish faculty members, forcing the family to forge a unique identity at the institution. prgtoken Young Guido devoted himself unstintingly to his studies. Once naturalized as a citizen, along with his parents and brother in 1948, he graduated summa cum laude from Yale in 1953 with a bachelor of science in economics, earned a bachelor of arts with first class honors from Oxford in 1955 as a Rhodes Scholar, and then a bachelor of laws magna cum laude from Yale Law School 5 years later and a master of arts the next year in 1959 from the University of Oxford in politics, philosophy, and economics. prgtoken Judge Calabresi focused on legal scholarship starting in the late 1950s, when he served as a law review member and note editor for the Yale Law Journal and graduated first in his class from the law school. After graduation, he clerked for U.S. Supreme Court Associate Justice Hugo Black and went on to become the youngest full professor ever at Yale Law School. prgtoken His impressive career led him to become dean of the Yale Law School for 9 years, ending in 1994. One of Judge Calabresi's most notable accomplishments in the academic world is his role as a founder of the subfield of law and prgtoken economics along with Nobel Prize winner Ronald Coase. His public service included impressive charitable and local government activities, including as a town selectman in Woodbridge for 4 years, beginning in 1971. prgtoken In 1994, recognizing his extraordinary accomplishments as a teacher and scholar, President Bill Clinton nominated him to serve as a U.S. circuit judge of the United States Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit. Confirmed by the U.S. Senate, Judge Calabresi joined the court in September 1994, 55 years after fleeing to America to escape Italian racial laws. prgtoken Judge Calabresi was shaped throughout his education, as a lawyer, and as a judge by his experiences as a refugee who courageously forged his own path as a U.S. citizen. Now a senior judge for the Second Circuit and sterling professor emeritus of la
CONTRA COSTA CANAL TRANSFER ACT
Jerry McNerney (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2018-9-12

I thank Mark DeSaulnier for introducing this bill. prgtoken This legislation will allow the Contra Costa Water District to assume control over the Contra Costa Canal. It will make important safety improvements by enclosing the waterway to protect against accidental drownings. As Mr. Gianforte indicated, there have been 81 drownings. prgtoken Now, if you look at the canals: It is a hot day. They look refreshing. It looks safe. It is not. It is very, very dangerous. Even the best swimmers can drown in those conditions. prgtoken It will also improve both the water supply and the land around the canal for recreational use. Additionally, it will upgrade the fish screening equipment to better protect endangered species. prgtoken Title transfers such as this will reduce the backlog for repairing and upgrading infrastructure and may reduce duplicative Federal approvals. These type of water projects are the kind of pragmatic policymaking that we should be focusing on on a bipartisan basis. prgtoken This bill is one of many pieces of legislation that is necessary to maintain the health of the California delta, which supports the livelihoods of farmers, businesses, and families in my district. prgtoken Above all, we need policies that focus on water efficiency and resilience. This program will increase the resilience of the canals. This is forward-thinking legislation that concentrates on mitigating increasing damage from climate change.
URGING ALL NATIONS TO OUTLAW THE DOG AND CAT MEAT TRADE
Alcee L. Hastings (Democrat, FL) \u2014 2018-9-12

I thank the ranking member for yielding, and I thank my good friend, the chairman of this committee, for bringing this forward. prgtoken I rise in support of this measure, urging all nations to outlaw the inhumane dog and cat meat trade, and to enforce existing laws against this barbaric practice. prgtoken In June of 2017, I introduced this measure with my distinguished colleague and cochairman of the Florida delegation, Congressman Vern Buchanan. prgtoken It is estimated that tens of millions of dogs and cats are killed for human consumption annually across the globe. This display of animal cruelty is not only inhumane, but also a threat to public health for citizens and international visitors. prgtoken This resolution affirms the United States' commitment to the protection of animals, and advances the animal protection movement rapidly growing worldwide. prgtoken These innocent animals, often personal pets, are forcibly taken, shoved into cages with broken bones, then shipped long distances, without food or water, to meat markets, where they are regularly bludgeoned, mutilated, boiled, or skinned while still alive. prgtoken When I was a child, I had three big dogs, True Boy, August, and Tuesday. And in their memory, I am sure that they would be equally proud that their owner was standing up for descendants of theirs and others. prgtoken By passing H. Res. 401, Congress can bring the world one step closer to hopefully ending this cruel practice once and for all. prgtoken , from the bottom of my heart, I want to thank the thousands of activists across the country and around the globe for their tireless efforts. They have never wavered in their commitment in the fight against the global dog and cat meat trade. prgtoken It is my sincere hope that we expeditiously pass this measure. By doing so, we will send a strong message, that no matter where you live, animal cruelty is simply wrong. prgtoken A special thanks to Lisa Vanderpump, and Ken Todd, and Dr. John Sessa, all of them being my friends, and certainly, Marc Ching, who has personally witnessed many of these things in Yulin and elsewhere, that brought my attention to this measure. prgtoken , I urge a ``yes'' vote on this resolution.
TRIBUTE TO DICK BROWN
Jon Tester (Democrat, MT) \u2014 2018-9-12

today I wish to honor my friend Dick Brown, an extraordinary Montanan who has dedicated his life to improving healthcare across Big Sky Country. Dick has shown incredible leadership as president and CEO of the Montana Hospital Association for 11 years, advocating at both the State and Federal levels for healthier families and communities. prgtoken Through his 40 years in healthcare, Dick has been on the frontlines to bring positive change to our healthcare system. He has fought for lower costs, better access, stronger healthcare facilities, and improved patient outcomes. He partnered with Montanans across the political spectrum to lead the charge for Medicaid expansion in Montana, which has created jobs, saved the State money, and, most importantly, provided coverage to more than 90,000 Montanans who would have otherwise gone without. prgtoken We also worked together to host the first Rural Health Summit in Montana, which brought together experts from across the country to tackle the unique challenges of providing quality healthcare in frontier communities. prgtoken Dick's positive influence on healthcare in Montana is widely felt from Plentywood to Dillon. Dick is an adviser and friend, a moral compass and steady hand, a wise leader and compassionate advocate. prgtoken Healthcare in Montana, and especially rural Montana, wouldn't be the same without Dick Brown. His dedication to quality, affordable healthcare for Montanans has been a blessing to our State, and generations of healthier Montanans will stand as a lasting testament to his legacy. prgtoken On behalf of Montana and this body, we wish him the best in retirement.
IN REMEMBRANCE OF THOSE LOST AND THOSE WHO GAVE AND RISKED THEIR LIVES DURING THE TERRORIST ATTACKS LAUNCHED AGAINST THE UNITED STATES ON SEPTEMBER 11, 2001
Sheila Jackson Lee (Democrat, TX) \u2014 2018-9-12

on the 17th anniversary of the attack launched against the United States on September 11, 2001, I rise to remember the victims of that horrific tragedy and those first- responders who risked, and in too many cases, sacrificed their lives to rescue the occupants of the besieged World Trade Center Towers. prgtoken The morning of September 11, 2001 is, and will always be, a day like no other. prgtoken It is a day all living Americans will remember because not since Pearl Harbor had there been such a dastardly and deadly attack on American soil. prgtoken Seventeen years later, my heart still grieves for those who perished on flights United Airlines 93, American Airlines 77, American Airlines 11, and United Airlines 175. prgtoken When the sun rose on the morning of September 11, none of us knew that it would end in an inferno in the magnificent World Trade Center Towers in New York City and the Pentagon and in the grassy fields of Shanksville, Pennsylvania. prgtoken I stand here remembering those who still suffer, whose hearts still ache over the loss of so many innocent and interrupted lives. prgtoken My prayer is that for those who lost a father, a mother, a husband, a wife, a child, or a friend will in the days and years ahead take comfort in the certain knowledge that they have gone on to claim the greatest prize, a place in the Lord's loving arms. prgtoken And down here on the ground, their memory will never die so long as I any of the many of us who loved them lives. prgtoken , as hard as it is to believe, out of a tragedy so overwhelming and horrific, something good and great emerged in the aftermath of September 11. prgtoken On that day there were no s or . prgtoken There were no Northerners or Southerners or West or East Coasters. prgtoken We were not Red State or Blue State. prgtoken We were all simply Americans. prgtoken On that day, we were united in our shock and anger and sadness. prgtoken We were united in our resolve to defend our country and protect the freedoms that has made America the greatest country in the history of the world. prgtoken We lit candles, held hands, helped neighbors, and prayed for our country and its leaders. prgtoken A united America can never be defeated as Operation Enduring Freedom showed. prgtoken The brave and valiant armed forces of the United States swiftly toppled the Taliban and liberated Afghanistan. prgtoken As President announced to the American people and to the world: ``Whether the terrorists are brought to justice or justice is brought to the terrorists, justice will be done.'' prgtoken And though he ran and hid for almost ten years, Osama bin Ladin could not hide forever and evade the long arm of American justice, which, under the leadership of President , caught up with him on May 2, 2011. prgtoken , Americans take care of their own. prgtoken Americans cherish freedom. Americans cherish liberty. prgtoken And Americans want peace. prgtoken
RECOGNIZING HONOR FLIGHT HUNTINGTON
Joe Manchin, III (Democrat, WV) \u2014 2018-9-12

today I rise with immense pride in recognizing 85 heroic military veterans who will travel to Washington from West Virginia on the Honor Flight Huntington this week. During their time in our Nation's Capital, they will visit the monuments built in their honor. This truly moving event serves as a unique opportunity for us to honor and share our deepest gratitude for these individuals who have sacrificed so much in the service of our great Nation. prgtoken With one of our country's highest per capita rates of military servicemembers and veterans, West Virginia is undoubtedly one of our Nation's most patriotic States. Throughout the history of the Mountain State, our citizens have demonstrated the bravery and selflessness time and again in making tremendous sacrifices to keep our homeland safe and free. According to the Department of Defense, West Virginia had the highest casualty rate in the Nation during the Vietnam war, and I am so proud that the Honor Flight Huntington will allow these West Virginia veterans to tour the monuments that have been constructed in their honor. I want to express my utmost gratitude to these special men and women for their noble sacrifice and extraordinary bravery and patriotism to keep our country free and safe. prgtoken The 85 veterans participating in this week's Honor Flight Huntington truly embody the Mountain State's history and contributions to the safeguard of our American freedoms. Of the patriots attending, Billie Barton served in World War II, Robert Duvall, Francis Figler, Okey Gallien, Walter Kulczycki, Rodney Murphy, Robert Sullivan, and Freddie Wells served in the Korean war, Robert Montgomery served in both the Korean war and the Vietnam war, and 73 served in the Vietnam war. These men represent our Nation's best, and their sacrifices and valor embody American patriotism. They engaged in combat all over the world and fought in pivotal wars in a critical time for our Nation. Unfortunately, as the years go by, we are losing so many of our veterans, so we must show them our utmost gratitude each and every day. prgtoken Showing our appreciation to those who have served is something that we should do each and every day, but today is a special day to pay tribute and thank those who have volunteered to put their lives on the line for our freedoms. The memorials our Honor Flight participants will visit today serve as an important reminder to us all that our freedoms and liberties come at a steep cost. However, I know our veterans will find special meaning and potentially long-lost emotions when they tour such touching sites. prgtoken Our nation would not enjoy the freedom and liberty we do today without the commitment and sacrifice of the veterans who have served throughout our history. Their bravery and sacrifice know no bounds, and for this, we are forever grateful. With this week's Honor Flight Huntington, we celebrate and give thanks for these veterans a
SPECIAL ENVOY TO MONITOR AND COMBAT ANTI-SEMITISM ACT OF 2018
Eliot L. Engel (Democrat, NY) \u2014 2018-9-12

the balance of my time. prgtoken In closing, I want to, again, strongly support this bipartisan bill. I want to thank all the people who have worked hard on it, particularly Mr. Smith of New Jersey, who always, for years, has been battling the scourge of anti-Semitism; our chairman, Chairman Royce, and people on both sides of the Foreign Affairs Committee. prgtoken We can never become complacent when we see anti-Semitism, or anti- anything rear its ugly head. We need to reject it. We need to fight it. We need to shine a light in all the dark corners so it has no place to hide and fester. prgtoken What does it look like when it comes to foreign policy? It starts by appointing a senior diplomat, someone we can point to with confidence and say, ``You're leading America's effort to grapple with this problem around the world.'' prgtoken This bill would make sure that that seat can't stay vacant the way it has been for the last 18 months. I am proud to be an original cosponsor of this legislation. I, again, thank Mr. Smith, Chairman Royce, and all the people who have worked so hard for this. prgtoken , .
125TH ANNIVERSARY OF HELEN KELLER SERVICES
Charles E. Schumer (Democrat, NY) \u2014 2018-9-12

today I wish to congratulate Helen Keller Services, HKS, on its 125th anniversary, which will be celebrated at its gala at the Liberty Warehouse in Brooklyn, NY, on September 13, 2018. prgtoken Since 1893, the Helen Keller Services has been committed to improving the lives of individuals who are blind, visually impaired, or have combined hearing and vision loss. The talented and dedicated staff at the Helen Keller Services has made over 60,000 visits to the homes and communities of individuals who are blind or visually impaired. Over 900,000 children ages 3-5 have received preschool vision screenings to ensure they are equipped for success in the classroom. The organization has placed over 14,000 individuals in jobs with the help of their programs. The totality of their impact over the past 125 years is hard to overstate. prgtoken This fall the organization will move its headquarters to a new 44,000-square-foot facility located at 180 Livingston Street in Brooklyn. This modern structure will house new classrooms and training rooms, a specialized gym for prekindergarten students, new offices and workstations, a Low Vision Center, and a new technology training space. This will aide HKS in serving the blind and visually impaired community for decades to come. prgtoken While the scope of its services has changed and expanded substantially over the past century and a quarter, allowing HKS to touch the lives of countless blind, visually impaired, and deaf-blind men women and children, what has not changed is its steadfast commitment to Brooklyn, the surrounding communities, and the entire New York region. I congratulate the Helen Keller Services on achieving this milestone and thank them for their outstanding service to New York.
INTRODUCTION OF THE SCHOOL BUS SAFETY ACT
Steve Cohen (Democrat, TN) \u2014 2018-9-12

I rise in support of the bill I introduced today along with Senator Duckworth from Illinois, the School Bus Safety Act. prgtoken No more precious cargo is there than school-aged children entrusted by their parents to go and earn an education and pave the way to a better life. The common-sense measures called for in this legislation will save young lives and it's the right thing to do. prgtoken In November 2016, there were two high-profile school bus accidents in Chattanooga, Tennessee and another in Baltimore, Maryland that left 6 school-aged children robbed of their futures. prgtoken According to a subsequent National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) crash investigation report, seat belts and other safety measures could have prevented the death of those children and no doubt countless others involved in school bus accidents across the United States. prgtoken That is why I am glad that others have joined in the chorus to improve school bus safety including my colleagues, Representatives Josh Gottheimer of New Jersey and Charlie Crist of Florida who have introduced similar legislation, along with Representatives Elijah Cummings from Maryland and John Duncan from my state of Tennessee who joined me earlier this year to call for a hearing on this very matter. prgtoken Despite the recommendations of the NTSB, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration refuses to initiate the process to enshrine these life-saving measures into federal regulation. prgtoken As a result of this inaction, Senator Duckworth and I have put forth the School Bus Safety Act, a comprehensive bill to not only make children safer in the event of a crash, but to promote technologies to prevent crashes in the first place. prgtoken Buses, like so many passenger vehicles on the road today, should be equipped with automatic electronic breaking systems and electronic stability control. It is just common-sense that our children are the safest they can be on their way to and from school. prgtoken The School Bus Safety Act has been endorsed by the Advocates for Highway and Auto Safety as well as the National Safety Council. prgtoken I urge this body to swiftly pass this legislation so that no other young souls fall victim to our failure to act and make school buses safer.