mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
DISAPPROVING RULE SUBMITTED BY DEPARTMENT OF LABOR RELATING TO SAVINGS ARRANGEMENTS BY QUALIFIED STATE POLITICAL SUBDIVISIONS FOR NON- GOVERNMENTAL EMPLOYEES
Francis Rooney (Republican, FL) \u2014 2017-2-15

I rise today in strong support of H.J. Res. 67, a resolution which will protect individual savers for their retirement and small business retirement plans. prgtoken I was proud to introduce this resolution to affirm the bipartisan protections the ERISA law has afforded workers and retirees for decades. ERISA offers important legal safeguards so workers and retirees will receive their hard-earned savings. prgtoken We need Federal Government policies that will empower workers to save for their retirement and incentivize small businesses to offer 401(k) plans to their employees. prgtoken H.J. Res. 67 preserves these policies and protections, and will terminate the defective efforts instituted in the last hours of the recent administration, in which they implemented regulatory loopholes to replace private savings for retirement with sweetheart deals for city- and State-run programs with fewer protections and lower standards. prgtoken The California folks that are in charge of this stuff were quoted in an article in a national publication in the spring, gloating about their exciting win, and that it ``would have no liability or fiduciary duty for the plan. . . . We have been given the green light. . . . '' prgtoken The regulation we are terminating here would restrict our hardworking savers from deciding what they can invest in. They will be required to blindly entrust their hard-earned money to State and local bureaucrats unless they affirmatively opt out. prgtoken The government will decide what investment options will be available to them. There is a serious risk of political or social investing by these bureaucrats instead of individual investor-based decisions. prgtoken Worst of all, the regulation which we are abolishing would undermine the very successful 401(k) retirement savings program. Due to 401(k)'s and related defined-contribution plans, savings have gone from $7.8 billion to over $25 billion in about 20 years. It has been a huge success. prgtoken We should be encouraging Americans and private companies to privately invest in 401(k) plans, which offer three distinct advantages: prgtoken The contribution amount to a 401(k) plan is three times what can be put in an IRA. prgtoken Employers match contributions. Many companies match 1 for 1 up to 4 percent of what the employee puts in. That is a powerful incentive for the employee to save. prgtoken The last thing is, 401(k) plans are protected by the ERISA law. They ensure that workers' savings are secure. prgtoken Furthermore, some 57 million Americans currently participate in privately funded IRAs. prgtoken In the end, the regulations which we are abolishing were just another Big Government mandate to crowd out the private sector. These resolutions will put an end to the administration's sweetheart deal, and will ensure that private sector workers continue to receive strong protections as they save for their retirement. prgtoken This resolution will block
SOCIAL SECURITY ADMINISTRATION RESOLUTION OF DISAPPROVAL
Mitch McConnell (Republican, KY) \u2014 2017-2-15

the Senate has been acting to provide relief from harmful regulations by utilizing the Congressional Review Act, which provides the legislative tools needed to repeal them. prgtoken I am pleased to report that just yesterday the President signed the first of several regulation-relief resolutions we hope to send him. Later this week, he will sign a second resolution--a resolution identical to the one I sponsored in the Senate that can bring relief to thousands of mining families in Kentucky and across the country by overturning the problematic stream buffer regulation. prgtoken Today, we will send him another one. In a few minutes we will vote to protect the constitutional rights of Americans with disabilities. The resolution will provide relief from an overly broad and legally deficient regulation that threatens the Second Amendment rights of law- abiding Americans with disabilities. prgtoken Specifically, in the waning days of the administration, the Social Security Administration issued a rule that the ACLU and disability groups across the country oppose because it unfairly treats many Americans with disabilities. prgtoken Under this rule, the Social Security Administration must report to the National Instant Criminal Background Check System anyone who receives benefits for certain disabilities and whom the Social Security Administration believes needs a representative payee to help manage these benefits. As a result of being included on this list, many disabled Social Security beneficiaries are barred from lawfully purchasing a firearm, even though there has been no adjudication that the beneficiary is ``mentally defective,'' which is the standard under both the Gun Control Act of 1968 and the NICS Improvement Amendments Act of 2007 for being barred from buying a firearm. prgtoken Numerous disability rights groups oppose the regulation as unfairly stigmatizing the disabled. They agree with us on the need to stop the regulation. The substantive problem with the regulation is compounded, the groups note, by ``the absence of any meaningful due prgtoken process protections prior to the Social Security Administration's transmittal of names to the NCIS database.'' prgtoken The National Council on Disability, the nonpartisan independent Federal agency charged with advising the President and Congress on policies that affect people with disabilities, opposes the regulation, too. The Council also urges us to use the Congressional Review Act to repeal this eleventh hour regulation ``because of the . . . constitutional right at stake and the very real stigma that this rule legitimizes.'' prgtoken Our colleague from Illinois, the assistant ic leader, apparently disagrees with the ACLU, the National Council on Disability, and disability rights groups across the country. He came to the floor yesterday to discuss this issue. Like him, we are all deeply saddened by the senseless loss of life due to
EXECUTIVE CALENDAR--Continued
John Cornyn (Republican, TX) \u2014 2017-2-15

earlier today the Senate moved forward with the President's nominee to head up the Office of Management and Budget, Congressman Mulvaney. Congressman Mulvaney spent years representing the people of South Carolina and has been thoroughly engaged on budget issues during his time in the House of Representatives. prgtoken He has highlighted the fact that the Federal Government is on an unsustainable fiscal path if nothing changes in Washington, DC, and that it is reckless to keep running up the Nation's credit card with trillions in more debt and unfunded liabilities, not to mention the immorality of passing down to the next generation the obligation of actually paying that money back. prgtoken So Congressman Mulvaney is actually, I think, a very good choice for this critical role, and I look forward to voting on his confirmation soon.
BLACK LUNG BENEFITS
Evan H. Jenkins (Republican, WV) \u2014 2017-2-15

my home State of West Virginia has almost 20,000 coal miners. Tens of thousands more worked in the mines and are now enjoying a well-deserved retirement. prgtoken They proudly mined the coal that powers our Nation, and it puts food on their table. These miners worked hard each and every day, and we owe them a debt of gratitude. prgtoken Our Nation made them a promise to take care of them if they developed black lung disease. And for decades now, the Federal Government has guaranteed black lung benefits, and the so-called Byrd amendment 7 years ago reiterated that commitment to our miners. prgtoken As we draft healthcare reform here in Congress, I urge my colleagues to maintain these essential black lung benefits for our miners and their families. prgtoken I have introduced legislation to affirm our commitment to protecting the Byrd amendment and these critical black lung benefits. I introduced it last Congress, too, and I am committed to continuing to fight for it because we cannot let our miners down. prgtoken While mine safety continues to improve, we must guarantee that our miners have the benefits they need in case they are diagnosed with black lung disease. These benefits provide critical support for our retired miners and their families. For some disabled miners, it may be the only income they have. In West Virginia, almost 5,000 families rely on these benefits. prgtoken This is a promise we made to them, and it is a promise that we must keep. Just as we have relied on our miners to mine the coal that built the skyscrapers and won world wars, our miners should be able to rely on us. prgtoken I urge my colleagues to support the protection of black lung benefits and to honor the hard work of our miners.
Executive Branch Investigation (Executive Calendar)
James M. Inhofe (Republican, OK) \u2014 2017-2-16

a quick comment about climate change: No one--no one--has denied that the climate is consistently changing. All the Scriptural evidence, historical evidence, and archeological evidence says, yes, it has always been changing and always will change. But what they are trying to infer is that because of that, then the world is coming to an end because of what? Manmade gases--anthropogenic gases--manmade gases. That is what the real hoax is, but I am not going to waste my time on that. However, I will next week, I might add. prgtoken The Senator from New York talked about the fact that we have an attorney general who has sued the EPA many times. Let me just remind everyone--and I don't think I have heard this on the floor, but I have watched after after come by and just brutally attack Scott Pruitt, a guy I know to be an honorable man. I don't know of one attorney general who has served with him who doesn't agree with that. prgtoken In terms of suing, I think it is important to understand that almost every who has stood up and said disparaging things about Scott Pruitt and talked about the fact that he has sued the EPA countless times--their attorney general from their State has also sued the EPA. I will read the States: The attorneys general from Wisconsin, Colorado, Ohio, Nevada, Indiana, New Mexico, Missouri, Florida, Michigan, and Montana, all have ic Members of the Senate who have been criticizing Scott Pruitt. Their own States have filed lawsuits against the EPA. prgtoken The other thing I want to mention, which I think is very important, is a letter from our newest Senator, Luther Strange. Senator Strange is the replacement for our Honorable Jeff Sessions, who now is the Attorney General. This letter is signed by two pages of attorneys general from all over America--ic States, States, States where have come to this floor criticizing him. I will read the last two paragraphs of the letter from Luther Strange signed by all of these ic and Attorneys General: Scott Pruitt is more than just an exemplary state attorney general, he is also our friend. A man of deep faith who is committed to his family and to his friends, Scott seeks always to do the right thing. His friendship and leadership have been invaluable to us over the years. The Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency plays a critical role in our Nation's government. prgtoken Keep in mind, this is coming from ic attorneys general. Attorney General Pruitt has proven over the course of his career that he has the right character, experience, and knowledge to serve as the Administrator of the EPA. We urge the Senate to confirm his nomination. prgtoken This is signed by about 22 attorneys general, and s. prgtoken , I ask unanimous consen
EXECUTIVE CALENDAR (Executive Session)
Michael B. Enzi (Republican, WY) \u2014 2017-2-16

when I woke up this morning I was remembering some of the Old West stories about catching the culprit and hanging him. Then we got a little more sophisticated out West, and we said: You know, we need to give that person a fair trial and then hang him. prgtoken Sometimes I feel like these Cabinet position hearings are exactly that. They let the person ask questions. They ask very leading questions. I am not sure anybody listens to the answers. Then they have to answer a whole bunch of questions. I am not sure anybody reads the answers to those questions, and if they do, any time you read something, there can be a certain bias that is built into it. I am sorry that is happening to Cabinet after Cabinet after Cabinet position. prgtoken Traditionally, a President has gotten the Cabinet that he wanted, often in the first week that he was in. Some of them got it on the first day they were in. prgtoken This is a key position for the President. But we have to remember that he doesn't get to make any final decisions. He gets to recommend to the President and make a presentation to the President on what there ought to be, and then the President presents a budget. prgtoken Looking back over the last 8 years, we have voted on the President's budget. For 7 years, the President got zero votes. That means his budget did not go into place. In the eighth year, he got one vote. I am hoping that Representative Mulvaney can do a considerably better job than that in outlining what our needs are, presenting it to the President, and getting some agreement so that we can get this country on a plan to where we can quit increasing the $20 trillion debt burden which faces us because of the 8 years of anemic economic and policy growth we have had. prgtoken With unprecedented attempts to delay the new Cabinet, Senate have ensured the President has been without an OMB Director longer than any other President in the past 40 years. The reason I use 40 years is that is as long as that position has been in place. prgtoken According to Senate records, from President Jimmy Carter to President , the longest it ever took to approve a first budget director for new Presidents was 1 week--1 week. We are now in week 4 and with little movement. As Majority Leader McConnell said last week, this is the slowest time for a new Cabinet to be up and running since President George Washington--and that was last week that he said that. prgtoken It is vital we fill this position. I am hopeful Mr. Mulvaney and the OMB will ensure that the taxes of hard-working Americans sent to Washington are spent in the most effective and efficient way. The Federal Government has not been currently focused on making sure hard- working taxpayers get the best deal for their money. A new OMB Director focused on responsible budgeting can help ensure the duplication of government programs and agencies is discovered and it is addressed. This will help the
DUCKS UNLIMITED'S 80TH ANNIVERSARY
J. French Hill (Republican, AR) \u2014 2017-2-16

I rise today to congratulate Ducks Unlimited on its 80th anniversary. Over the past eight decades, Ducks Unlimited has partnered with local communities and Members of Congress to support conservation of millions of acres of waterfowl habitats across North America. prgtoken As a lifelong outdoorsman, I know the value of these habitats and the benefits that they provide to countless Americans who enjoy these areas for a wide array of recreational and scientific activities. prgtoken We must ensure the preservation of these habitats for future generations, and I know that Ducks Unlimited will work to ensure this goal for another 80 years. prgtoken I would like to extend my thanks and congratulations to DU and wish them continued success for many generations to come.
COAL REFUSE-TO-ENERGY LEGISLATION
Keith J. Rothfus (Republican, PA) \u2014 2017-2-16

I rise today to highlight the progress hardworking western Pennsylvanians have made in restoring our hillsides and streams in historic mining communities polluted by waste coal. prgtoken Through the use of innovative technology, workers in the coal refuse- to- prgtoken energy industry have brought about an incredible transformation of formerly polluted areas, restoring landscapes to their original natural beauty. prgtoken It is a success story all around, both environmentally and economically. Unfortunately, one-size-fits-all Washington regulations threaten to stop this success story in its tracks and to destroy the family-sustaining jobs the coal refuse-to-energy industry supports. prgtoken That is why, for the third time, I am reintroducing the Satisfying Energy Needs and Saving the Environment, or SENSE Act, in the 115th Congress as H.R. 1119. prgtoken My legislation ensures that regulations are tailored to allow a very specific and small subset of power plants to continue their remediation efforts and restore western Pennsylvania's natural beauty, as well as landscapes in historic mining communities across the country. prgtoken This legislation passed the House with bipartisan support last year, and I urge my colleagues to support it once again so that the vital and successful work of providing electricity while cleaning up the environment can continue.
TRIBUTE TO CHARLES ``DEEDLE'' WALKER
John J. Duncan, Jr. (Republican, TN) \u2014 2017-2-16

I rise today to pay tribute to Charles ``Deedle'' Walker who will be turning 90 years old on March 4, 2017. Deedle Walker was born in East Tennessee in 1927. prgtoken He helped operate his older brother's gas station when the United States was at war during WWII. prgtoken He once entered a free throw contest shooting under-handed and managed to finish second after sinking 24 out of 25 free throws. prgtoken After graduating from Carter High School, he was offered a basketball/football scholarship at the University of Alabama. Unfortunately, he became ill from spinal meningitis and did not go there. However, he was lucky to later attend Carson-Newman College. prgtoken He hitchhiked to college daily to attend class and starred in basketball and baseball under the tutelage of legendary Coach Frosty Holt. He also signed a minor league contract with the Pittsburgh Pirates. prgtoken More importantly he met his future wife, Martha Dale Kitts, of Knoxville, Tennessee while at Carson-Newman. prgtoken While attending a friend's wedding, in which Martha was a bridesmaid, in Washington, D.C Martha and Deedle became engaged. They were married later that day at the Capitol Hill Baptist Church on August 5, 1950. prgtoken Martha Walker later taught English and was the librarian at Carter High School where Deedle attended. Deedle enjoyed a 40-year career with the telephone company Southern Bell and its successors, and he was also a longtime basketball referee in the Knoxville area. prgtoken Deedle is an early riser and a hard-working man. In fact, he still greets anyone who sleeps past 8 a.m. on a Saturday morning with ``Good afternoon.'' prgtoken Martha and Deedle had five children: Mark, Laura, Christopher (died in infancy), Joel and Don. They now have eight grandchildren and five greatgrandchildren, with another one on the way. prgtoken I hope everyone will join me on March 4th in wishing Deedle Walker a Happy 90th Birthday.
TRIBUTE TO ELLEN WOOD
Steve Daines (Republican, MT) \u2014 2017-2-16

this week, I have the distinct honor of recognizing Ellen Wood of Winnett. Ellen has been serving up hospitality to the folks in Petroleum County for the past 25 years. Her culinary prowess have also pleased the tastebuds of many others well beyond her central Montana community. prgtoken In 1992, Ellen decided it was time to make an occupational change and purchased the Kozy Korner Bar and Cafe. It was not long after that The Kozy Korner became known for its delicious pies. Hunters, ranchers, tourists, and locals are all fortunate if they get a slice. Some even call ahead just to make sure they will not leave empty handed. You know a pie is good when you have to make reservations. Ellen has even shipped her homemade pies to repeat customers around the country. In addition to her pies, Gourmet Magazine did an article in 2005 on Ellen's plate-sized pancakes. It is no wonder that every 5 years during the Winnett all-school class reunion, the Kozy Korner serves as a hub of activity for the local community. A quarter century of hospitality and service to her neighbors and guests is a great accomplishment. prgtoken Being a small business owner is tough work, but Ellen had a trusted partner in her husband, Buck. He was U.S. Marine Corps veteran with over 4 years of service in Vietnam. He helped her run the Kozy Korner until he passed away in 2014. Today Buck's Bacon Cheeseburger is still one of the favorite menu items for Kozy Korner patrons. Hometown cafes are a staple of our Montana communities and so are people like Ellen and Buck. With that community spirit in mind, it is an honor to say thank you to Ellen for making a corner of Petroleum County a comfortable place to visit. If you are going to stop in, just remember to call ahead if you want a piece of the marionberry pie.
Ex-IM Bank (Executive Calendar)
Roger F. Wicker (Republican, MS) \u2014 2017-2-16

I am delighted to rise this afternoon in support of Scott Pruitt, nominated for EPA Administrator, and to congratulate the leadership of this Senate and the administration for persevering on this nomination to the point where we will get a vote tomorrow afternoon and I think be able to end the week on a positive note. prgtoken My good friend, the Senator from North Dakota, had just called for a good bipartisan day on the Senate floor, and I support many of the remarks she made in that regard. I would hope we could begin having some good bipartisan days with regard to the administration's nominations for these important positions. prgtoken Sadly, it looks as though we will not have a bipartisan vote for Scott Pruitt. He will be confirmed but not nearly with the vote he should receive from Members on both sides of the aisle who know that there has been extreme overreach on the part of the EPA leadership under the administration. The EPA needs a change in direction, and they need to become more sensible with regard to stopping pollution, while at the same time being friendly on job creation. So we will get this nomination finished tomorrow and we will have a good Administrator, but regrettably it will not be on a very bipartisan basis. prgtoken This is the Scott Pruitt whom I have had a chance to learn about since he was nominated in January. prgtoken The Scott Pruitt I have had a chance to learn about took on the polluters as attorney general for his State of Oklahoma and finalized multistate agreements to limit pollution, and he did so working with and working with s on a bipartisan basis across the political spectrum. I think we need that sort of person as EPA Administrator. Scott Pruitt negotiated a water rights settlement with the tribes to preserve scenic lakes and rivers, and I think he is to be congratulated on that, not scolded. He stood up to oil companies and gas companies as attorney general for the State of Oklahoma and challenged them when they were polluting his State's air and water. Then--something I applaud--when the EPA overstepped its bounds and its mission and ceased to follow the law, he challenged the EPA. I submit to my colleagues that that is exactly the sort of balance we need to return to as Administrator of the EPA. prgtoken In the hearing, which was rather extraordinary because of its length, Attorney General Pruitt demonstrated his knowledge, he demonstrated his intellect, and he demonstrated his patience. He was available all day long--an extraordinarily long hearing--answered more than 200 questions propounded at the hearing, and then beyond that he has now answered more than 1,000 questions for the record. Yet, in spite of this, it is disappointing that some of my colleagues, some of my friends on the other side of the aisle, have taken not only to disparaging his qualifications and his suitability for this position but also engaged in