mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
TAX REFORM
Marco Rubio (Republican, FL) \u2014 2017-11-29

I hope that in tax reform, we will try to do what we should do in all of our policies; that is, come up with ideas that are both pro-growth and pro-worker. prgtoken There are a lot of good things in this tax bill, but we need to make it better. We can make it more pro-growth and more pro-worker. Senator Lee from Utah and I have a plan that helps us move in that direction. I will describe it briefly, and I want him to have the opportunity to weigh in on this as well. prgtoken On the pro-growth side, it is about becoming more globally competitive, and we do so by lowering the current corporate tax rate. The current corporate tax rate in the United States is 35 percent; we would reduce that to 22 percent. Now, the current bill has it at 20, but 22 percent is just as competitive as 20. Here is why. Just like the current bill, it would be lower than the global average rate of 23 percent. Just like the current bill, it would move us from last place to third place among the G7 countries. So it is just as pro-growth. It makes us just as competitive, but it allows us to do the pro-worker reform that we desperately need. prgtoken Here is what it allows us to do. It allows us to change the child tax credit in the current bill to help working families even more. No. 1, it would make it fully refundable up to the amount you pay in payroll tax. No. 2, it would eliminate the marriage penalty, meaning you pay more in taxes if you are a married couple than you do if you are an individual. No. 3, it would index the tax credit to chained CPI, which basically means that as inflation grows and the cost of living goes up, the credit doesn't lose its value because it doesn't go up. prgtoken The one thing I want to emphasize is, Who does this help? I have had some people in the past and even today ask: Why are you doing this? This is like welfare. prgtoken I find that offensive. I find it offensive not because I am offended by people who need the help and are in the safety net program because they have come upon difficult times but because the people we are trying to help are not on government assistance. They are workers. You have to work to get this credit. In essence, the credit applies against their tax liability, be it payroll tax or income tax. A lot of people who are working don't make enough money to be paying a lot of income tax, but they pay up to 15.3 percent of what they make in payroll tax. It is their primary tax liability, and if you don't allow the credit to apply toward that, you are not helping them. prgtoken Who are they? Who are the kinds of people we are talking about? In essence, who are these workers? Well, this chart tells you who they are. They are the waitresses making about $20,000 a year. They are not fully benefiting from this credit right now. If we do it the way Senator Lee and I are talking about doing it, they would. They are the home health aides. They are the office clerks. They are
ARMS SALES NOTIFICATION
Bob Corker (Republican, TN) \u2014 2017-11-29

section 36(b) of the Arms Export Control Act requires that Congress receive prior notification of certain proposed arms sales as defined by that statute. Upon such notification, the Congress has 30 calendar days during which the sale may be reviewed. The provision stipulates that, in the Senate, the notification of proposed sales shall be sent to the chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. prgtoken In keeping with the committee's intention to see that relevant information is available to the full Senate, I ask unanimous consent to have printed in the Record the notifications which have been received. If the cover letter references a classified annex, then such annex is available to all Senators in the office of the Foreign Relations Committee, room SD-423.
PROVIDING FOR CONSIDERATION OF H.R. 3017, BROWNFIELDS ENHANCEMENT, ECONOMIC REDEVELOPMENT, AND REAUTHORIZATION ACT OF 2017, AND PROVIDING FOR CONSIDERATION OF H.R. 3905, MINNESOTA'S ECONOMIC RIGHTS...
Jason Lewis (Republican, MN) \u2014 2017-11-29

I sincerely hope that our friends on the other side of the aisle will soon get over their obsession with the 2016 election and actually work with the majority on genuine tax reform, genuine healthcare reform, and, of course, Congressman Emmer's good bill from Minnesota, H.R. 3905, which I am proud to stand up and support today, to expand employment opportunities for my home State of Minnesota. prgtoken Employers in the mining, energy, infrastructure, and manufacturing industries have been struggling to invest in projects and employees over the last 8 years. prgtoken In fact, when a business finally figures out a way to go forward, determining the economic feasibility of a project, and decides to invest, then the Federal Government comes in and changes the rules, forcing them back to square one. Minnesota is all too familiar with this process. prgtoken Last-ditch Federal, bureaucratic decisions are costing our citizens thousands of well-paying jobs, our communities tax revenue, and our State educational systems funding, and is costing many Minnesotans their way of life. prgtoken Over the past 100 years, Congress has studied and voted on where mining should and should not take place. Minnesota has a proud history of protecting the State's natural beauty, while also encouraging safe mining, providing jobs for our citizens, especially in the northeastern part of the State. That is why they call it the Iron Range. prgtoken We now have private companies that are willing to invest in Minnesota, employ our constituents, and grow our communities. And what has the Federal Government done? They put up a road block, without congressional intent or input. prgtoken The Federal Government is proposing to unilaterally ban mineral exploration and development on 235,000 acres of land that was meant to provide jobs in our State. prgtoken , Congressman Emmer's bill does not undo environmental studies, the bill does not fast-track mining, and it doesn't even approve a mine. It is simply a vote to let the State of Minnesota review and approve mining operations, based on each individual's projects, merits, and impacts.
TAX REFORM
Shelley Moore Capito (Republican, WV) \u2014 2017-11-29

I come to the floor to voice my very strong support for the tax reform legislation that will come before the U.S. Senate this week. prgtoken This bill will power economic growth and provide great opportunities for American workers. It will lead to increased wages, and it will help our small businesses expand. I have said often on the Senate floor that small businesses in West Virginia comprise 95 percent of the businesses in West Virginia and over 50 percent of the workforce. Small businesses want to thrive, and they want to expand. prgtoken It will provide much needed tax relief for middle-class working families in my State and across the Nation, and for many in the working class, the increase in the standard deduction will lower rates and provide for a much simpler process. I have talked about this on the floor a lot. I think that one of the things that is underemphasized and not talked about in this great tax relief package is the simplification model that many Americans really want and deserve in the Tax Code. So let's talk about our State of West Virginia. prgtoken In my State of West Virginia, 83 percent of individual tax filers take the standard deduction--83 percent. This bill will nearly double that deduction--from $6,300 to $12,000 for an individual and from $12,700 to $24,000 for married couples. That is for 83 percent of the filers in my State of West Virginia. For West Virginians who are already taking the current standard deduction, this provision means less taxable income and lower tax bills--more money in their pockets at the end of the day that they have earned. prgtoken Others who itemize will find that they are actually better off with the increased standard deduction. At tax time, they will make the determination: Should I take the standard deduction? I used to itemize in the past. They may make the determination: I am really better off taking the standard deduction because it is almost doubling. That is what I am going to do. That means that they will benefit financially and avoid the complications that come along with itemizing. prgtoken Families with children will benefit from the child tax credit that is doubled. This will provide real help to working families who are trying to afford education costs, pay rent or their mortgages, and simply make it to the end of the month. Whether they want to put money aside for their futures or they need money to get through the prgtoken tough child care or health costs, more money is a significant factor in a lot of people's families. They are working hard, and they want and deserve more money. prgtoken I was interested in an editorial that was in my local newspaper today, written in a negative way about this bill. It is funny, but it is not humorous. It actually does not mention the 83 percent of West Virginia earners who are going to be having the benefits of this simply by doubling the standard deduction and by doubling the child tax
MORNING BUSINESS
Chuck Grassley (Republican, IA) \u2014 2017-11-29

I rise to commemorate November as National Adoption Month. During this month, we are reminded of the importance of adoption to so many families and children in Iowa and all across the country. As Americans are celebrating the season of Thanksgiving with family and friends, adoptive families are celebrating with their new families, giving thanks for the joy of somebody they adopted. prgtoken Since the first recognition of National Adoption Day 16, 17 years ago, nearly 65,000 kids have been adopted on National Adoption Day, which is always celebrated on the Saturday before Thanksgiving each year. In 2016 alone, over 4,700 adoptions were finalized on National Adoption Day. prgtoken National Adoption Month is certainly a time to celebrate the joys of a new family; however, it is also a reminder of the obstacles that so many children may face. Nationally, there are over 425,000 children in foster care. Over 100,000 of these children are hoping to be adopted. In Iowa, there are about 1,000 kids in foster care who are eligible for adoption. prgtoken This year, the special focus of National Adoption Month is older youth waiting to be adopted. Teenagers, unfortunately, face more difficulty in being adopted than do younger children. prgtoken As cofounder and cochair of the Senate Caucus on Foster Youth, I have had the chance to hear directly from teenagers in foster care. In fact, our Senate Caucus on Foster Youth has a couple, three seminars every year just to listen to older youth in the foster care system, particularly those who are about ready to age out. These young people tell me that, more than anything else, they want a loving family. They tell me that they need families and that nobody is too old to be adopted. The support that parents provide to teens is critical to navigating the transition to adulthood--from making decisions about higher education to finding a job or buying a car. A loving family continually provides the support teens need to succeed. prgtoken Congress must continue to work toward policies that help make adoption a reality for our foster youth. We must work to ensure that all children, no matter their circumstances, have permanent, loving homes and consistent, caring adults in their lives. I am glad that the Senate preserved the adoption tax credit in the tax reform legislation, and I am hopeful that Congress will continue to work on policy that promotes adoption and improves the lives of those in foster care. prgtoken As National Adoption Month comes to an end tomorrow, I thank all of those who work to improve the lives of children. I thank advocates for children who tirelessly work to make adoption possible, and I thank adoptive parents and families for opening their hearts and homes.
TAX REFORM
John Thune (Republican, SD) \u2014 2017-11-29

I know I don't need to tell anybody that American families have had a tough time in recent years. Weak economic growth, stagnant wages, and a lack of opportunities have left many Americans struggling just to get by. prgtoken To put a fine point on that, during the entire years of the Presidency, there wasn't a single year wherein the growth rate and the economy exceeded 3 percent. If we go back to the end of World War II, average economic growth in this country has averaged somewhere in the 3 to 3.5 percent range. So in the entire 8 years of the Presidency, there was not a single year--not one year--where economic growth exceeded 3 percent. prgtoken What did that mean for American workers? It meant that their wages stayed flat. In many cases, up until just recently, American families haven't had a pay raise for the better part of a decade as a result. It has been a sluggish, anemic, slow-growth economy that wasn't creating the kind of good-paying jobs or the wage levels that enabled American families to benefit from increasing incomes. prgtoken A recent survey found that 50 percent of Americans consider themselves to be living paycheck to paycheck. That makes perfect sense if we look at the economic statistics, economic record of the past 8 years. About one-third of those same Americans say they are just $400 away from a financial crisis. prgtoken Real help is on the way. This week, we will bring the Senate version of comprehensive tax reform to the Senate floor. The legislation we have produced will provide immediate, direct relief to hard-working Americans, but that is not what we are hearing from . Here is what we are hearing say about the Senate plan--and I will just contrast that with the facts, what is really true. Here is what we have heard: The s have somehow drafted this secret tax plan behind closed doors and are forcing it through the voting process much too fast. prgtoken No doubt we have heard this as well: The Senate tax bill raises taxes on lower and middle-income, middle-class Americans while cutting taxes for the rich. prgtoken Here is an interesting attack that is coming from my colleagues on the other side as well who have, in the past, not been considered budget hawks: The Senate tax bill somehow is a budget buster that irresponsibly increases the deficit. prgtoken First off, let me address that question. The answer to the deficit question is that this is a $5.5 trillion tax cut. Seventy percent of the tax cut is paid for by ending loopholes and special exemptions in the Tax Code today--what we call base broadeners--broadening the base by doing away with some of the preferences that exist in the code today. prgtoken The Joint Committee on Taxation says that with a static score, we will have about a $1.4 trillion delta to cover. Assuming that we use current tax policy--and we normally do extend current tax policy--we believe the remainin
REQUIRING COMPLETION OF TRAINING PROGRAM IN WORKPLACE RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Gregg Harper (Republican, MS) \u2014 2017-11-29

such time as I may consume. prgtoken , I rise today in strong support of this House resolution. The resolution is one part of the Committee on House Administration's comprehensive review of the laws, procedures, and resources concerning workplace harassment in the House. A harassment-free policy and workplace is vital in creating that culture that will require everyone on Capitol Hill to work together effectively. prgtoken First and foremost, , there is no place for sexual harassment in our society, and especially in Congress--period. I believe as Members of Congress, we must hold ourselves to a higher standard, a standard that demonstrates we are worthy of the trust prgtoken placed in us by our constituents and the American public. prgtoken There have been a number of accounts by current and former colleagues and staff that suggest not every office is achieving this goal. That is simply unacceptable. prgtoken This resolution will mandate that each Member, officer, employee, intern, and fellow of the House of Representatives is fully aware of the laws that apply to them and their right to a harassment-free workplace under the Congressional Accountability Act. prgtoken The Committee on House Administration recently held a hearing as its first step in its review. We heard from Members, House employment counsel, and the Office of Compliance. There was a broad consensus that mandatory training is a necessary step for the House to prevent and eliminate harassment in the workplace. prgtoken It is important to note, , that s and have joined together to take this step, and I want to specifically thank Representative Comstock and Representative Speier for their leadership on this issue. prgtoken The resolution requires training and education to ensure that each Member, officer, employee, intern--paid or unpaid--and fellow knows their obligations and rights. Further, the resolution requires that each congressional office post in a prominent place a notice describing the rights and protections provided to House employees under the Congressional Accountability Act. Both of these measures are regular order in the private workplace, and the House should do nothing less. prgtoken The American people have entrusted each of their Representatives with an enormous responsibility. Each Member is sent here to help make our country better. The first place we should start is in our own Chamber. Training on workplace rights and responsibilities will ensure that those who are victims of harassment can obtain justice and work in that harassment-free environment. prgtoken In Ronald Reagan's farewell address, he spoke of his vision of America as the shining city on the Hill, one built on rocks stronger than oceans, with everyone living in harmony and peace. We are not perfect and we never will be, but I believe in that vision. prgtoken This resolution can be one important step to protect the members of ou
A TRIBUTE TO ARKANSAS STATE SENATOR GREG STANDRIDGE
Steve Womack (Republican, AR) \u2014 2017-11-29

over the Thanksgiving holiday week, the State of Arkansas and our Nation lost a devoted public servant with the passing of State Senator Greg Standridge of Russellville, Arkansas. prgtoken He was a 1985 graduate of Russellville High School. He was a Cyclone through and through. prgtoken Greg was coowner of CSI Insurance Agency in his hometown, was a longtime active member of First Baptist Church, and a member of the Russellville Football Booster Club. He found time to serve on boards for Workforce Investment, Pope County 911, Teen Challenge Women's Ministry, and the Pope County Fair. He was active with the Pope County Emergency Services Rescue Unit and was a volunteer firefighter. prgtoken Greg was elected to the Arkansas State Senate in a special election in 2015 and selflessly dedicated himself to improving Arkansas while fighting his long battle with cancer. prgtoken , as former President George H.W. said many years ago, any evaluation of having lived a successful life must include a measure of service to others. Senator Standridge may have died young at the age of 50, but his life was truly well lived. prgtoken I join his wife of 26 years, Karen Standridge; their children, Hunter, Lakin, Cameron, and Breonna; his mother, Jewel Simcox; his late father, Marvin Standridge; his sister and my classmate, Jeania Evans; and other extended family members in celebrating Greg's life. prgtoken , we will always remember his infectious smile that could fill every room.
NATIONAL DEFENSE AUTHORIZATION ACT FOR FISCAL YEAR 2018--MOTION TO PROCEED
Mitch McConnell (Republican, KY) \u2014 2017-11-29

during the last decade, hard-working American families have tried to get ahead, but they too often faced insurmountable barriers. The economy was sluggish, paychecks were stagnant, and jobs and opportunities stayed literally out of reach. The people we represent deserve a whole lot better than that, and it is time for us to deliver. It is time to take our feet off the brakes and get our economy going again and growing again. We could do that through tax reform. prgtoken Every American who has ever interacted with the IRS already knows that our Tax Code is broken. Rates are too high, deductions and loopholes are too complex to understand, and it is too easy for well- connected elites to take advantage. Passing tax reform is the single most important thing we can do right now to shift the economy into high gear and deliver much-needed relief to American families. prgtoken The Senate Finance Committee has developed a bill that is the result of literally years of work, dozens of hearings, and a full committee markup. I once again commend Chairman Hatch for his leadership of this committee and thank him for producing legislation to unleash the potential of our economy, to create jobs, and to keep them right here in America. prgtoken Throughout this process, we have kept middle-class families at the center of our efforts. We want to make their taxes lower, simpler, and fairer. That is why our plan would give the typical family of four with a median income a tax cut of close to $2,200 a year. A single parent raising his or her child on a modest income could also see a tax cut of nearly $1,400. These are real savings that can help families plan for their future and actually get ahead. prgtoken The Finance Committee's tax reform proposal also provides substantial relief to small businesses. We want to make it easier for them to grow, to invest, and, of course, to hire. The bill also will remove incentives for corporations to ship jobs and investments overseas. prgtoken Finally, our tax reform proposal delivers relief to low- and middle- income Americans by repealing Care's individual mandate tax. For too long, families have suffered under an unpopular tax from an unworkable law. Repealing this Care tax will help those who need it most. prgtoken Yesterday, the Senate Budget Committee, under Chairman Mike Enzi's leadership, reported out a bill, including our proposal to reform the Tax Code. I thank Chairman Enzi and the members of the Budget Committee for their outstanding work to get us to prgtoken this important moment. They have been strong advocates for tax reform, and I appreciate their efforts. The committee's report also included Chairman Murkowski's plan to further develop Alaska's oil and gas potential in an environmentally responsible way. Her legislation, which has the support of her Alaska colleague, Senator Sullivan, was designed to create good jobs, provide new sources of energy, and