mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
ADOPTING THE RULES OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES FOR THE 118TH CONGRESS
James P. McGovern (Democrat, MA) \u2014 2023-1-9

I thank the gentleman from Oklahoma (Mr. Cole) for yielding me the customary 30 minutes, and such time as I may consume. prgtoken , first, let me congratulate our incredible new House ic leadership team: Hakeem Jeffries, Katherine Clark, and Pete Aguilar. It is a dawn of a new day here in Congress, as a new generation takes on the solemn responsibility of leadership. prgtoken Leader Jeffries has been tireless in his work to put people over politics. His steady leadership as chair of our ic Caucus, uniting our Members, harnessing their talent and diversity, and fighting tirelessly to make life better for American people is a source of inspiration for me and so many others. prgtoken It is also a privilege to be here with my good friend Tom Cole, someone who I respect greatly and who I know greatly respects this institution. We sit on opposite ends of the dais, but I admire Mr. Cole's leadership and the example he sets. Even when we don't see eye to eye, I am proud of our work to build an atmosphere of respectful dialogue on the Rules Committee. prgtoken We have done so not just among our Members but among our hardworking staff, and I thank our minority and majority staff, led by Don Sisson and Kelly Dixon, for all of their hard work. prgtoken I look forward to working with Mr. Cole and his team this Congress to continue our collaboration on issues of shared concern. prgtoken , as Leader Jeffries put it so succinctly this weekend, our friends campaigned on the claim that they would fight against inflation and fight for the American people. Instead, all they have done is come to Washington and fight with each other. prgtoken In fact, what has become crystal clear over the past few days is the extent to which the Party has been hijacked by an extremist MAGA faction, a faction not interested in governing but in their own egos, a faction not interested in compromise but in their own power, a faction not interested in putting people over politics but instead interested in putting their own political ambition over the people we serve. prgtoken Now here we are, nearly a week later, considering their deeply flawed rules package, the first legislation on the floor by this new majority, and they are using it to gut the Office of Congressional Ethics, attack women's access to abortion, make it easier for big oil companies to pollute, and interfere in ongoing criminal investigations into President . prgtoken They are making it easier for billionaires and big corporations to avoid paying their taxes. Is that part of their contract with America? Is that their big plan to help everyday people? Because most people who read this package would think it must be a joke. prgtoken What I am concerned about is not just what is written down here. I am concerned by the backroom deals that McCarthy made with the Freedom Caucus in exchange for their votes. Like Cong
FAMILY AND SMALL BUSINESS TAXPAYER PROTECTION ACT
Betty McCollum (Democrat, MN) \u2014 2023-1-9

I rise in opposition of H.R. 23, the Family and Small Business Taxpayer Protection Act. prgtoken Hard-working families pay 99 percent of the taxes they owe, while the uber wealthy, the 1 percent, has the ability to hide more than 20 percent of their income from the IRS each year. Tonight, the first bill I will vote on is designed to help the 1 percent avoid paying their fair share. House s are protecting sophisticated tax cheats and greedy corporations, and they do so under the guise of cutting the budget of the Internal Revenue Service. prgtoken My office has been working with many families who have experienced financial hardship while waiting months for the IRS to process their tax refunds--which are often thousands of dollars. Why? Because the agency has less auditors than in 1954 and tax returns are processed on computer systems designed more than 40 years ago. This is a direct result of years of attacks and budget cuts by s in Congress and the administration. prgtoken Last year, passed the Inflation Reduction Act which includes investments to replace retiring taxpayer service workers and update aging technology to increase efficiencies so hardworking taxpayers can receive prompt refunds and service. prgtoken s should be helping the Americans waiting on hold for hours to get their tax refunds instead of making it easier for tax cheats to skip out on paying their fair share.
ADOPTING THE RULES OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES FOR THE 118TH CONGRESS
Nanette Diaz Barragán (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2023-1-9

I rise in opposition to the rule. prgtoken The rules package is anti-Latino. It makes in order bills that attack abortion rights and reproductive health that Latinas rely on. It doubles down on s' inhumane treatment of Latino migrants fleeing violence and persecution. prgtoken Later today, s plan to rush a vote on a bill that protects wealthy and ultrawealthy tax cheats, leaving low-income Black and Latino communities to bear the brunt of tax audits because they make easy targets. prgtoken s have begun this Congress with chaos and now plan to push extreme policies that do nothing to help Latinos in this country. prgtoken , I urge my colleagues to vote against this rule.
ADOPTING THE RULES OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES FOR THE 118TH CONGRESS
Steny H. Hoyer (Democrat, MD) \u2014 2023-1-9

I lament that the 2 minutes are no longer magic. prgtoken , these rules are largely the rules that we have had for some period of time over the years, but they have important changes. Unfortunately, I view those changes as not facilitating our work but seeking to impede our work. I think that is unfortunate. prgtoken They are also designed to target Federal employees if Members of Congress don't like what they do. There, of course, is a process to do that, but as the leader on the other side did at one point in time, he just cut out the salary for an employee he didn't like or thought was acting improperly. That was not appropriate, and of course, that did not prevail. prgtoken I regret that we don't have an opportunity to look at these rules in the way that so many on this floor talked about doing. prgtoken First of all, of course, they are not single issues. There are a lot of issues. It is the rules. prgtoken Secondly, there are ways and means to provide for consideration in a transparent, open fashion in which I could offer an amendment to a rule that I thought was not in the benefit of this House or the American people. prgtoken Unfortunately, this is the process, which is the very first process under which we have considered a piece of business, not necessarily legislation, and that is ironic. It is what it is, but it will, as such a process does, force us to vote against a piece of organizational rules because we don't agree with some of those rules. That is what I will do.
ADOPTING THE RULES OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES FOR THE 118TH CONGRESS
Rosa L. DeLauro (Democrat, CT) \u2014 2023-1-9

when we conclude this rules debate, I will offer a motion to commit to add the expanded child tax credit. prgtoken In the face of the majority's draconian agenda, we want to provide a tax cut, yes, to children and families to make ends meet. The child tax credit is the most effective tool we have in the fight against rising costs, an antidote to inflation. It is about financial stability for families. prgtoken Nothing in this rules package helps American families. Make no mistake, a vote against a motion to commit means s are willing to raise taxes on working families. prgtoken The expanded child tax credit was the largest tax cut for working families in generations, a lifeline to the middle class. It drove the largest decrease in child poverty in history. People could pay their electric bills, fill their gas tanks, pay for childcare. It reached more than 61 million children, lifted 4 million out of poverty, and led to a 26 percent decline in hunger in families with children. There has never been a Federal program that has had such a profound impact in such a short amount of time. prgtoken Do the right thing. Vote ``yes'' on the motion to commit.
HONORING MS. LYNN YATES
C. A. Dutch Ruppersberger (Democrat, MD) \u2014 2023-1-9

I rise today to celebrate my friend and long-time staff member, Ms. Lynn Yates, on her well-deserved retirement after 20 years of exceptional service to the constituents of Maryland's Second District. prgtoken Ms. Yates began her career in public service nearly 50 years ago--in 1976--as a scheduler and executive assistant to multiple Baltimore County Executives, including myself, before joining me in Congress in 2003. prgtoken A Towson, Maryland, native, Ms. Yates graduated from Towson High School, where she was renowned for throwing a ``no hitter'' as the star pitcher for the softball team. She earned a business degree Magna Cum Laude from Towson University, while minoring in art. She later received her Master's in Public Administration from the prestigious University of Pennsylvania. prgtoken In addition to many athletic pursuits--she was once one of Baltimore County's premier female dirt track racers--Ms. Yates has cultivated a lifelong passion for the outdoors. An avid hiker, skier, camper and kayaker, Ms. Yates has visited nearly every National Park in the country. She is a dedicated conservationist and does her part to reduce waste, while inspiring others to as well, so that future generations may experience the same joy she has found in the great outdoors. prgtoken Beyond her academic and athletic endeavors, Ms. Yates is one of the most knowledgeable and compassionate Congressional caseworkers who has ever worked with our team. Throughout her long and distinguished career, Ms. Yates has helped thousands of Second District constituents, many of which are among the most vulnerable members of our community, including seniors, disabled individuals and the recently-widowed. Her grasp of the extremely-complicated Social Security and Medicare systems have made her a go-to resource amongst her peers. Simply put, I believe she is the best in the country when it comes to helping constituents understand and access the assistance to which they are entitled. prgtoken , there is no way to quantify the numbers of letters, calls and messages I have received over the years from grateful constituents who have received successful outcomes thanks to Ms. Yates' dedication and skill. Maryland's Second District will truly miss Lynn's expertise and empathy as she transitions to a well-earned retirement. prgtoken On behalf of myself, Ms. Yates' coworkers and the entire Second District of Maryland, I thank her for a job well done. I will be forever grateful for her service and, most importantly, her friendship I ask my colleagues to join me today to honor the career of Ms. Lynn Yates and her commitment to public service.
FAMILY AND SMALL BUSINESS TAXPAYER PROTECTION ACT
Mike Thompson (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2023-1-9

I rise in opposition to this misguided, expensive, and unpaid for legislation. prgtoken For years, my colleagues on the other side of the aisle have done everything they can to demonize the IRS. But here is the reality: When the IRS doesn't have the funding it needs, then two very bad things happen. The very wealthy tax cheats are able to avoid paying their fair share; and two, our constituents who need help from the IRS face unnecessary and destructive delays in getting that help. prgtoken The majority can't criticize the IRS for its performance while simultaneously fighting to cut the IRS budget. prgtoken Despite what my colleagues on the other side of the aisle would lead you to believe, , there aren't 87,000 storm troopers funded in this bill who are going to bang down your door. That is pure and utter nonsense. prgtoken Taxes are the price we pay to live in a civilized society. They are a fundamental part of our civic responsibility to one another. prgtoken This bill is a bad idea, and I encourage all my colleagues to vote ``no''.
HONORING DAVID AXELROD'S SERVICE AS DIRECTOR OF THE INSTITUTE OF POLITICS AT THE UNIVERSITY OF CHICAGO
Raja Krishnamoorthi (Democrat, IL) \u2014 2023-1-9

I wish to honor the decade of dedicated and distinguished service that David Axelrod has provided to the University of Chicago as the Director of its Institute of Politics (IOP). Ten years ago, Mr. Axelrod founded the IOP with a mission to inspire, challenge, and train young people to play an active role in American civic life. In Mr. Axelrod's tenure as Director, the IOP has been exceptional in delivering upon its mission through the development of the Pritzker Fellows Program that brings established practitioners to IOP to conduct weekly seminars with students; a Career Development program that places more than 250 students each year in public service internships; a Series program that brings prominent leaders to campus for large-scale public events; and a Civic Engagement program that provides pathways for students to activate their interest in public service. prgtoken Under Mr. Axelrod's energetic leadership, the IOP has become an integral part of the University of Chicago and raised the profile of both the university and region in the world of politics and public policy. As a nonpartisan institute, the IOP provides a space for thoughtful dialogue on contentious issues and has hosted leading academics, politicians, journalists, and activists from across the political spectrum. Yet, Mr. Axelrod's leadership is, perhaps, best illustrated by the countless students who have found candid guidance, thoughtful mentorship, and early career development opportunities at the IOP. prgtoken What Mr. Axelrod has accomplished is exactly what people living in Illinois and beyond have come to expect from him. Since graduating from the University of Chicago, Mr. Axelrod himself never stopped being an active participant in American civic life. He got the ``bug'' for public service after seeing John F. Kennedy give a speech near his childhood home in New York City. As a young journalist at the Chicago Tribune, Mr. Axelrod covered city and state politics. After meeting at the University of Chicago, Mr. Axelrod became the Chief Strategist for the future president's successful come-from-behind U.S. Senate Campaign and both of President 's stellar presidential campaigns. As Senior Advisor to President , Mr. Axelrod helped the President respond successfully to the 2008 financial crisis and usher through Congress the groundbreaking Affordable Care Act. It is not an exaggeration to say that Mr. Axelrod is one of the greatest political strategists of our time. Mr. Axelrod has utilized his vast experience and knowledge to develop the next generation of political leaders and public servants through the IOP, and his groundbreaking career serves as a guiding inspiration to the students and alumni of the university. prgtoken While Mr. Axelrod's leadership will be missed, the IOP has selected a new director who also embodies the kind of dedicated public service the organization instills in students. Former
FAMILY AND SMALL BUSINESS TAXPAYER PROTECTION ACT
Donald S. Beyer, Jr. (Democrat, VA) \u2014 2023-1-9

I rise in opposition to this absurd legislation. The bill before us will cut the necessary investments to make the IRS more responsive to regular people, improve customer service, and work through the IRS backlog. prgtoken In exchange for making the IRS less responsive to the people, the bill is going to add $114 billion to the deficit, according to the CBO. prgtoken Why? prgtoken My friends want us to believe that a horde of 87,000 armed Federal agents are ready to kick in your doors for tax enforcement. prgtoken This is total nonsense, a fantasy, a fabrication that has been fact- checked over and over again and always found false. prgtoken The real reason they are passing this bill is to protect wealthy tax cheats like the former President from having their tax returns scrutinized. prgtoken The richest 1 percent avoid paying $100 billion every year because we don't fund the IRS. prgtoken s' first priority is to help the very rich tax evaders at the expense of their own regular American constituents. prgtoken I urge Members to vote against this misguided legislation.
FAMILY AND SMALL BUSINESS TAXPAYER PROTECTION ACT
Brian Higgins (Democrat, NY) \u2014 2023-1-9

Charles Rettig, the former IRS Commissioner, who was appointed by the administration, said early last year that the United States is losing $1 trillion in unpaid taxes every year. He said the agency lacks the resources to catch tax cheats. Most of the unpaid taxes, he said, are a result of evasion by wealthy and large corporations. prgtoken With this legislation we are considering today, it is clear that the GOP once again is putting tax-evading profits over people. prgtoken , I am asking my colleagues to join me in rejecting this legislation to protect working families that play by the rules and fight fairly every day.
COMMENDING LeBRON JAMES
Donald M. Payne, Jr. (Democrat, NJ) \u2014 2023-1-9

I rise today to commend basketball superstar LeBron James for calling out sports media bias. prgtoken Late last year, a photo resurfaced of Dallas Cowboys' owner Jerry Jones blocking the integration of an Arkansas high school in 1957. Mr. James asked why he was not getting any questions about this photo and stated that the media had plenty of questions after former teammate Kyrie Irving promoted an anti-Semitic film on social media. prgtoken Jerry Jones owns an $8 billion sports franchise, the world's most valuable one according to Forbes. The Cowboys rank among the worst NFL teams for minority hiring. prgtoken The possible connection between these points is far more important than the hateful beliefs of one basketball player. Yet, the media asks about Irving and stays quiet about Jones. prgtoken It is a question the media needs to answer for James and the Black community in America.
ADOPTING THE RULES OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES FOR THE 118TH CONGRESS
Diana DeGette (Democrat, CO) \u2014 2023-1-9

if there was any overriding issue of clarity in the last election it was that Americans feel strongly that they should have the freedom to make their own healthcare decisions, not politicians. prgtoken Apparently, House s weren't listening because just 2 months after a record number of Americans voted to vehemently oppose the GOP's efforts to criminalize abortion care in this country, we have today a set of rules that will make their extreme agenda a reality. These rules will pave the way for the immediate passage of not one, not two, but three bills that will limit women's rights to reproductive care. prgtoken , 25 percent of their initial agenda is anti-choice. This is not what the American people want. Sixty-one percent of this country strongly support a women's right to abortion care. prgtoken , I urge all of my colleagues to stand up to this extremism and stand up for the people who we were elected to serve. prgtoken Vote ``no'' on the previous question to bring up the Women's Health Protection Act and vote ``no'' on the rule. Let's listen to our constituents.
FAMILY AND SMALL BUSINESS TAXPAYER PROTECTION ACT
Brad Sherman (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2023-1-9

for 3 days and 3 long nights, every class of came to this floor to argue about which of them hated the national debt more. Now, as the first thing, they bring forth a bill that will increase the national debt by $1.6 trillion, according to six bipartisan Secretaries of the Treasury. prgtoken Working people can't evade taxes. They get W-2s and 1099s. prgtoken s support this bill, because every time a billionaire successfully cheats on his taxes, a member of the Freedom Caucus earns his wings. prgtoken As co-chair of the bipartisan CPA Caucus, and former head of the second largest tax agency in America, I say we need staff to put the Service back into the Internal Revenue Service. prgtoken One employee for every 2,000 tax returns filed, that is the staffing level that Ronald Reagan insisted upon. It is the level would restore. prgtoken took outrageous positions on his returns, and counted on a light audit. Whereas Ronald Reagan paid his taxes and staffed the IRS. prgtoken Don't make honest taxpayers feel like suckers. Stand with Ronald Reagan and vote ``No.''
ADOPTING THE RULES OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES FOR THE 118TH CONGRESS
Suzan K. DelBene (Democrat, WA) \u2014 2023-1-9

later this evening, my colleague and friend, Congresswoman DeLauro, will offer a motion to add the expanded child tax credit to the rules package, This gives us an opportunity to start the 118th Congress on the right foot. prgtoken Instead of focusing on an extremist agenda, we can advance a proven solution to an issue that impacts every community in our country-- childhood poverty. prgtoken The United States, shamefully, has one of the highest rates of childhood poverty in the developed world. We have a solution that we know works, the expanded child tax credit that delivered up to $300 per child each month to over 40 million families. These resources helped parents pay for food, rent, gas, and other essentials. prgtoken We must bring back the expanded child tax credit and deliver for children and families. prgtoken , I urge my colleagues to vote ``yes'' on this motion to commit. Reducing childhood poverty should be a bipartisan effort.
FAMILY AND SMALL BUSINESS TAXPAYER PROTECTION ACT
Terri A. Sewell (Democrat, AL) \u2014 2023-1-9

I rise to speak against H.R. 23. The funding provided through the Inflation Reduction Act is an important step to address the lack of resources for the IRS so that they could do their job. prgtoken How many of us have called the IRS and been on the phone waiting for hours only to be told that you were being transferred to yet another department and also continue to be waiting? prgtoken Over the past year, the IRS has already been cut by 15 percent, and more cuts means more delays and lack of services for our constituents. As Representative Neal said, the IRS failed to collect over $500 trillion last year alone because of lack of resources, lack of prgtoken compliance, and the targeting of those people who are less fortunate through the EITC compliance. They have been hurt. prgtoken , this is about tax compliance. This is also about racial equity and fairness. Historically, African Americans have been disproportionately audited by the IRS due to their claims of EITC. I ask for fairness and equity and ask for my colleagues to vote ``no'' against this bill.
ADOPTING THE RULES OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES FOR THE 118TH CONGRESS
Pete Aguilar (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2023-1-9

I thank the gentleman from Massachusetts for yielding. prgtoken , I rise today in opposition to the rules package which was written behind closed doors. prgtoken What we are voting on this evening is nothing short of a complete surrender to the demands of the most extreme s on the other side of the aisle. prgtoken Rather than taking this opportunity to bring us together, the adoption of this rules package sets us on a path of division and default. The extremists plan to use these rules to hold the economy hostage in order to enact more cuts to Social Security and Medicare. prgtoken , last week our Nation saw the lowest unemployment in 50 years, a testament to the leadership of President and House . Yet, it is clear that the new majority is determined to undermine that economic recovery at every turn. prgtoken , I urge a ``no'' vote.