mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
LEGISLATIVE PROGRAM
Kevin McCarthy (Republican, CA) \u2014 2017-12-14

I thank the gentleman for yielding. prgtoken , on Monday, the House will meet at noon for morning hour and 2 p.m. for legislative business. Votes will be postponed until 6:30 p.m. prgtoken On Tuesday and the balance of the week, the House will meet as early as 10 a.m. for legislative business. prgtoken , the House will consider a number of suspensions next week, a complete list of which will be announced by close of business tomorrow. prgtoken This list will include several bills from the Science Committee that are part of the House Innovation Initiative. These bills support Americans pursuing careers in science, technology, engineering, and math, with a focus on veterans and individuals historically underrepresented in those fields. prgtoken , my friend and I recently cohosted the third Congressional Hackathon, and I think he and I would agree that STEM education is an issue of national competitiveness, and I look forward to the House passing these bills next week. prgtoken In addition, the House will consider two measures from the Financial Services Committee. First, H.R. 4015, the Corporate Governance Reform and Transparency Act sponsored by Representative Sean Duffy. This bill will improve the quality of the proxy research while increasing transparency for public companies and their investors. prgtoken Second, H.R. 3312, the Systemic Risk Designation Improvement Act sponsored by Representative Blaine Luetkemeyer. This bill replaces Dodd-Frank's arbitrary thresholds with a process that analyzes each institution of its individual risk factors. prgtoken , the House will also consider the conference report to accompany H.R. 1, the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act sponsored by Representative Kevin Brady. This historic legislation will cap off a 31-year journey to reform America's broken Tax Code. We will double the standard deduction, making the first $12,000 of income for an individual and $24,000 for a family tax free. prgtoken We will increase the child tax credit because investing in families is among the most important investments we make. We will reduce the tax rate on small businesses to the lowest rates that have been seen in 40 years. And we do all this while simplifying the Tax Code so Americans can file in minutes on a form the size of a postcard. prgtoken s have championed cutting taxes and growing our economy for years, and I am excited to deliver this important promise. prgtoken Finally, , additional legislative items are expected, including legislation related to government funding and a number of other end-of-the-year priorities. I will be sure to inform all Members if additional items are added to our schedule.
Children's Health Insurance Program (Executive Session)
John Kennedy (Republican, LA) \u2014 2017-12-14

I want to speak for a few minutes on two subjects. I don't have prepared remarks so I am going to speak from the heart. prgtoken Let me talk first about the CHIP program. One of my favorite people in the U.S. Senate is my colleague from Pennsylvania, Senator Casey, and he just spoke very eloquently about a program called the Children's Health Insurance Program, which is part of our Medicaid Program. It provides health insurance for the children of America who are too poor to be sick. prgtoken That bill will pass. The Children's Health Insurance Program will be renewed. I want to look the American people in the eye right now and tell them: Do not worry. Do not worry. prgtoken This is an extraordinarily able program that has served the people of this country and our country well, and I don't want anybody to be unnecessarily frightened at Christmas. If you are a mom or a dad or a child or concerned citizen out there today and you hear that CHIP is in danger, with all the respect I can muster, I want to say it is not. Don't believe it. The CHIP program will be renewed.
Tax Reform Bill (Executive Session)
Shelley Moore Capito (Republican, WV) \u2014 2017-12-14

I come here today to again speak in support of comprehensive tax reform. For weeks, I have worked to highlight the enormous benefits that our tax reform efforts will have for the economy. I am very excited about the point where I think we are now because I know this will help our middle-income families, workers, and businesses of all sizes. prgtoken I think it should not be lost that the tax reform bill doubles the standard deduction. In my small State of West Virginia, 83 percent of the people living there don't itemize. They are going to use the standard deduction, and that is going to be doubled. It also significantly increases the child tax credit, which is great for families and great for young families with children trying to make ends meet. prgtoken It will make America's businesses more competitive around the world, which I think will lead to higher wages and more opportunities for our workers. prgtoken I encouraged my colleagues to join these efforts as the Senate proposal worked its way through the Senate Finance Committee and again as it came to the Senate floor for debate. Next week, we hope to see the conference committee report on the Senate floor. prgtoken Last week, I explained why I was proud to cast my vote for this critical legislation. I expressed my optimism that the Senate and the House would come together, reconcile the differences between the two bills, and settle on an agreement that would provide real relief and real opportunity for the American people. prgtoken Today, we are closer than ever to getting comprehensive, pro-growth tax reform across the finish line, and that is why I am standing here to explain why it is so important that we move it all the way through this process and pass these reforms. prgtoken I asked you to take my word, and I have for the last several weeks and months, but now, today, I ask you to not simply take my word on this. Throughout the process, when I have been back at home in West Virginia, I have heard from constituents, friends, and even strangers who are really rooting for this effort. They are rooting for it because they understand what a difference it will make in their lives. Whether I am at a roundtable discussion or at the grocery store, so many West Virginians have shared with me what tax reform would mean for them and their families. They have encouraged me and they have encouraged us to get this done because they know what tax reform would do for our State in terms of jump-starting the economy. prgtoken One West Virginian I recently heard from, Donald from Beckley, recently wrote to me on behalf of his sons and grandchildren, who he said will ``reap the rewards'' of the tax reform bill. He wrote: There are too many minimum wage jobs in West Virginia and not enough higher-paying jobs for advancement. There is no ladder for the young people to climb anymore. prgtoken Donald added that he would be very surprised if
NET NEUTRALITY
Mike Lee (Republican, UT) \u2014 2017-12-14

earlier today, the FCC voted to reverse a major impediment to a free and open internet--the title II internet regulations that were imposed under President in 2015. These regulations are commonly referred to as net neutrality. For the sake of convenience, that is what I will call it. prgtoken I want to congratulate FCC Chairman Ajit Pai for his brave accomplishment today. He has fought for what he knows is right, and he has done so in the face of tremendous pressure and, at times, overwhelming opposition. I also want to use this opportunity to correct the record about what it is that the FCC has actually accomplished. prgtoken There is an astonishing amount of misinformation about this issue, and there is a lot of hyperbole surrounding it. If you believe the passionate voices defending these regulations, then you may believe that the FCC just jeopardized the entire internet as we know and love it and sometimes loathe it. These activists tend to paint a scary vision of America without net neutrality--a vision in which large internet service providers prey on ordinary consumers and startup businesses, a vision in which internet access would be rationed or bundled up in very expensive, unaffordable packages. One viral tweet even suggested that Google would start charging two bucks apiece for internet searches. prgtoken These are falsehoods, every one of them, and they will be exposed as such in the coming days, weeks, and months, when the internet hums right along just like usual and skyscrapers in all of our major cities remain standing. In the wake of that, we are going to look back at these dire predictions, these mere hysterics, like the Y2K bug or the Mayan apocalypse of 2012. In the present, these exaggerations have real-world consequences that go far above and beyond scaring the public. prgtoken In the last 6 months, Chairman Pai and his family have been attacked in the grossest and most unacceptable terms. Even his children have been singled out for intimidation. These kinds of attacks have absolutely no place in our public discourse. Why don't we tone down the rhetoric and see if we can get to the truth about net neutrality. We can start with a little background. prgtoken In 2015, the ic-controlled FCC issued the so-called open internet order. This order made dramatic changes to how the internet is classified for purposes of Federal regulation. prgtoken Until 2015, broadband internet was classified as an information service. As such, it was subject to light-touch regulations that allowed innovators to build without seeking permission from the Federal Government. This classification reflected common sense, and it reflected the intent of Congress. prgtoken The internet is a fast-moving information superhighway. If slow- moving government regulators had gotten involved decades ago, it could have inhibited innovation--the same kind of innovation that keeps service fast and keeps p
Fifth Anniversary of the Sandy Hook Mass Shooting (Executive Session)
John Cornyn (Republican, TX) \u2014 2017-12-14

on a separate and happier note, today is a great day for our Nation's Federal judiciary. Yesterday afternoon, we confirmed Justice Don Willett, who currently serves on the Texas Supreme Court, who has been nominated by President to the United States Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit. Soon we will be voting on Jim Ho, the former solicitor general of the State of Texas, who has also been nominated to the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals. prgtoken These are two outstanding nominees, and they reflect the best of Texas. They are each fathers, lawyers, scholars, public servants, and active participants in their communities. I wish to take just a few minutes to discuss each of their unique stories, as well as their sterling records of professional accomplishment. prgtoken Don Willett was raised in Talty, a small town outside of Dallas, TX. He was adopted at a young age and raised by a single mom for most of his life. She must have been one heck of a lady because her son went on to achieve great things from those humble beginnings. prgtoken He attended Baylor for undergraduate and Duke Law School. He clerked on the same court to which he has been nominated and now confirmed, the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals. He worked in private practice and served Governor, and then President, . prgtoken That is not all, though. He went on to work at the Department of Justice's Office of Legal Policy and later served as deputy attorney general of Texas before his appointment to the Texas Supreme Court. He was elected to his first full term in 2006 and reelected in 2012. prgtoken While serving on my State's highest court, Justice Willett was recognized for his excellence by the Texas Review of Law and Politics, which named him as its ``Distinguished Jurist of the Year'' in 2014. prgtoken Justice Willett's confirmation now is good news, and, perhaps, the best news for him personally is that he will no longer have to run for election, as he has had to do as a member of the Texas Supreme Court, because, of course, his appointment now is for life tenure. prgtoken Jim Ho's story is no less remarkable. Jim was born in Taiwan, and his parents immigrated to New York when he was a toddler. Jim learned English by watching Sesame Street. prgtoken When he was young, his parents moved to California, where Jim later attended Stanford before moving on to law school at the University of Chicago. As an adult, in his professional life, Jim clerked for Judge Jerry Smith on the Fifth Circuit, the court to which he has now been nominated and will be confirmed, and he later clerked for Justice Clarence Thomas on the U.S. Supreme Court. prgtoken Jim has worked in a variety of legal capacities in the private sector. He has also served at the Civil Rights Division and the Office of Legal Counsel at the Department of Justice. prgtoken It is when he was at the Civil Rights Division that I first met Jim and I offered him a job on
HONORING THE LIFE OF COL. WESLEY L. FOX, USMC (RET.)
Robert J. Wittman (Republican, VA) \u2014 2017-12-14

I rise today to honor the life of Col. Wes Fox. Col. Fox enlisted in the United States Marine Corps in 1950 at the start of the Korean War to begin his 43-year career. Wes served 16 years as a noncommissioned officer before commissioning as a second lieutenant and retiring as a colonel. prgtoken Col. Fox valiantly served the nation and became a recipient of the Medal of Honor for his actions in Vietnam. He led his men through heavy fire, even picking up the weapon of a Marine killed in action, to continue fighting the enemy. Col. Fox sustained severe injuries from shrapnel, continued to lead his Marines, and called in air support. After the battle was over, Fox refused medical treatment, set up and supervised a defensive perimeter, and remained until all the Marines were evacuated. According to his Medal of Honor citation, ``his indomitable courage, inspiring initiative, and unwavering devotion to duty in the face of grave personal danger inspired his Marines to such aggressive actions that they overcame all enemy resistance and destroyed a large bunker complex.'' Col. Fox retired from the Marines in 1993 with decorations including the Bronze Star and Purple Heart. prgtoken After retirement, Col Fox served as the Deputy Commandant of First Battalion in the Corps of Cadets at Virginia Tech. Col. Fox authored two books: ``Marine Rifleman: Forty-Three Years in the Corps (Memories of War)'' and ``Six Essential Elements of Leadership: Marine Corps Wisdom from a Medal of Honor Recipient.'' I am honored to have known Wes and to have served as a witness to the countless lives he touched through his selfless service and leadership. He is survived by his wife, prgtoken Dottie; three daughters; four brothers; four sisters; and nine grandchildren. prgtoken , I ask you to join me and countless others as we recognize the many contributions of Colonel Wesley L. Fox.
TRIBUTE TO BOB BURNISON
Steve Daines (Republican, MT) \u2014 2017-12-14

this week, I have the distinct honor of recognizing Bob Burnison of Richland County for many years of volunteer service and leadership in his local community. Bob has a long history of supporting charitable activities in northeastern Montana. His efforts have inspired others to volunteer their time and strengthened the spirit of giving. When folks like Bob come together to help others, it brightens the holiday season for everyone. prgtoken This Christmas is the 39th year that Bob has been involved with collecting donations for the Salvation Army. Over the years, Bob has organized scores of volunteers to help make each giving season a success. This commitment to helping others is commendable considering Bob's professional obligations as the undersheriff of Richland County. He has given over four decades of service in law enforcement. The vast majority of the donations Bob has helped generate have remained in the local community to help offset essential living costs for those in need. Neighbors helping neighbors is a cornerstone for sustaining healthy communities, and local leaders like Bob are often a catalyst for this type of activity. prgtoken With nearly four decades of volunteer service and over four decades of public service, Bob has done a good job leading by example. Organizations across Richland County have pitched in to make sure the spirit of giving remains strong, and the next generation of volunteers are finding the joy that comes with helping others. Merry Christmas, Bob, and thank you for preserving the charitable traditions in your community.
COAST GUARD AUTHORIZATION ACT
Dan Sullivan (Republican, AK) \u2014 2017-12-14

I rise today to commend this body. My colleagues, every single Senator, voted in unanimous consent to move forward on the National Defense Authorization Act, which was signed into law just this week by President . In particular, I want to thank the chairman of the Armed Services Committee, John McCain, who did so much to shepherd this important piece of legislation through this body and to the President's desk. I thank Senator McCain for all his service and sacrifice to America for decades. prgtoken The NDAA, as we all know, is an important, critical piece of legislation, boosting our national security, rebuilding our military readiness, and protecting the men and women in uniform who serve our Nation. It has been a piece of legislation that for 56 consecutive years on a bipartisan basis has moved through the Senate and the House to be signed by the President. Many times you hear there is not a lot of bipartisanship that is going on in Washington. On issues like this, there is. This bill, which authorizes almost $700 billion for our troops who need it, passed the Senate unanimously. prgtoken Not all the members of the military had their bill, which authorized spending and funding for what they are doing, moved through the Congress. Unfortunately, our men and women in the U.S. Coast Guard--our Nation's fifth branch of service--have been, once again, left behind. The NDAA covers the Army, Air Force, Navy, and Marines. prgtoken The Coast Guard Authorization Act focuses on the heroic men and women in the Coast Guard. This year, we worked hard on that bill, S. 1129, the Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2017. I sponsored this bill with Chairman John Thune, the chairman of the Commerce Committee; Ranking Member Bill Nelson; and Senator Lisa Murkowski. This bipartisan bill-- and it is very bipartisan--will give the Coast Guard the resources it needs to protect our waterways and coastlines, block illegal traffickers and smugglers of drugs, and more efficiently procure future Coast Guard cutters, which our country, and my State, desperately need. It is a very, very important bill. prgtoken In constructing this legislation, we worked in a bipartisan manner for months. However, despite broad support from both s and , it appears the Coast Guard Authorization Act--a critical bill for homeland security, for the safety of our mariners and fishermen, and for showing support to the thousands of men and women who serve in the Coast Guard--has become stuck. prgtoken As chairman of the committee responsible for the U.S. Coast Guard, I must speak up for the men and women of this important service and the critical services they provide. This bill should have been moving months ago. Not only does this bill contain critical needs and authorizations and funding authorizations for the Coast Guard, it also contains provisions of vital importance to our maritime and fishing communities. Included in
ADDITIONAL STATEMENTS
John Boozman (Republican, AR) \u2014 2017-12-14

today I wish to recognize and congratulate Luke and Deedee Alston of Polk County. The Alstons were recently named the 2017 Arkansas Farm Family of the Year. prgtoken The owners of Holly Springs Homestead--a cattle, poultry and agritourism farm near Mena, AR--Luke and Deedee, along with their sons Ryan and Drey, are fifth-generation farmers who are working the land as their parents and grandparents did before them. Holly Springs Homestead is an Arkansas Century Farm that was established in 1897 and has been in operation for 120 years. prgtoken The Alstons took a leap of faith a few years ago, leaving corporate jobs to return to the family farm full-time. Luke proudly says that he was born to farm, and it is a lifelong dream to look over the hood of a tractor every day. Through hard work and determination, the Alstons are enjoying tremendous success not only commercially but also in their efforts to educate visitors to the homestead about agriculture and the many reasons it is so important to our State's past and future. prgtoken As 2017 Arkansas Farm Family of the Year, Luke and Deedee will represent Arkansas well and use this award as a platform to promote farming and agriculture and foster respect for all the farmers, ranchers, and producers who contribute so much to our economy and food supply. They will also compete for the honor of being named the 2018 Swisher Sweets/Sunbelt Expo Southeastern Farmer of the Year in Moultrie, GA. prgtoken I wish the Alstons good luck in that competition and once again congratulate them on all their hard work that has culminated in this well-deserved honor.
IN RECOGNITION OF MASHPEE HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL
William R. Keating (Democrat, MA) \u2014 2017-12-15

I rise today in recognition of Mashpee High School's third consecutive Super Bowl victory. prgtoken On December 2nd the Mashpee Falcons faced off against the Blackstone Valley Tech Beavers in the Division 7 Super Bowl. The Falcons were up by six points with three minutes left in the game and a last minute interception sealed this 22-16 victory. Fans erupted in ``three-peat'' cheers at Gillette Stadium, home of the New England Patriots. This is the third consecutive and fourth overall state championship for Mashpee High School Football. prgtoken They left it all on the field last weekend and, as Coach Belichick would say, ``did their job.'' The dedication and support of every player, every cheerleader, their families, the coaches, and other faculty members set the foundation for the Falcons' undefeated season. With over twenty straight wins under their belt, I have no doubt that the Falcons will continue to make our community proud. I look forward to following their season next year and wish all of our graduating seniors continued success in the future. prgtoken , I am proud to honor the third consecutive Super Bowl victory for Mashpee High School. I ask that my colleagues join me in congratulating them and wishing them all the best in the many seasons to come.
HONORING ZACHARY GOLDBERG
Dwight Evans (Democrat, PA) \u2014 2017-12-15

I rise today to honor a dedicated, driven and hard-working young man from the Second Congressional District of Pennsylvania, Zachary Goldberg, the winner of this year's Congressional App Challenge in my District. prgtoken Zachary Goldberg is a Chestnut Hill resident and a senior at Germantown Friends School in Philadelphia. For this year's Congressional App Challenge Zachary created an app called the Pennsylvania Legislation Tracker. In his words: ``I developed the Pennsylvania Legislation Tracker to make information about the Pennsylvania General Assembly more readily available, enabling people to keep up to date on which legislation is currently being considered and supported by their state legislators.'' prgtoken Our students are our next generation of leaders. I was so impressed by Zachary's attention to detail and keen awareness to help our community by developing such a thoughtful app that aims to keep Philadelphians and Pennsylvanians more informed in the political process. It is great to see such a passion for politics and helping others at a young age. prgtoken The 2nd Congressional District of Pennsylvania is very proud of this great accomplishment and extends gratitude to Zachary Goldberg for his efforts to fight for a stronger tomorrow and dedicated support to the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.