mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
Museum of the Bible (Executive Session)
James M. Inhofe (Republican, OK) \u2014 2017-11-16

this week, after 3 years of planning and construction, we now will be dedicating tomorrow and officially opening the Museum of the Bible. prgtoken This is led by Steve Green of Hobby Lobby. We all remember Hobby Lobby of Oklahoma. Steve has been a friend of mine and his parents have been friends of mine for a long period of time. He is the chairman of the board of directors for this long-awaited museum that will allow visitors from not just this country but from all over the world--they will be coming here to see what it is all about and how this plays a pivotal role in our country's history. There is no better place than Washington, DC, in our Nation's Capitol, to remind us of the scope of the Bible's impact on our history and our narrative. It has been long- awaited. prgtoken Indeed, one of our Founding Fathers, Patrick Henry, was renowned for his readings of the Bible. He said at the end of his life: ``This book is worth all the books that ever were printed, and it has been my misfortune that I never found time to read it with the proper attention and feeling till lately.'' prgtoken He is the one--and not many people are aware that historians are relooking at the history of this country, and they are saying we could not have won that war. I mean you have to sometimes close your eyes and envision the greatest army on the face of this Earth coming down with thundering marches, going through Boston, and going up to Lexington and Concord. There is no way in this world that a handful of trappers and hunters could have won that thing. Yet we know why, and he knew why, when you talk about Patrick Henry. They said: We are not strong enough. It can't be done. prgtoken There is one thing they overlooked, and that is the strength that comes from God that we had, and they didn't have. He said: We are not weak if we make a proper use of those means which the God of nature hath placed in our power. . . . armed in the holy cause of liberty, and in such a country as that which we possess, are invincible by any force which our enemy can send against us. Besides, sir, we shall not fight our battles alone. There is a just God who [reigns] over the destinies of nations; and who will raise up friends to fight our battles for us. prgtoken And he did, and they fired that shot heard around the world. prgtoken I think that is really important today to think about because people come to this country and they want to know what makes America work. prgtoken I have been privileged to sponsor the African dinner every February, and people come in from all over Africa. They are always surprised when they come and they find out walking through the Capitol what real significance God and the Bible has to the history of this country. We are the largest Christian community in the world. We cannot and should not deny the role our Judeo-Christian values played in the formation of this count
NOMINATIONS
Mitch McConnell (Republican, KY) \u2014 2017-11-16

. On another matter, today, the Senate will continue to fulfill its important responsibility of providing advice and consent on President 's nominations. So far this week, we have confirmed talented individuals to important positions in the Departments of Transportation, Labor, and Defense. prgtoken Yesterday, the Senate advanced the nomination of Joseph Otting to serve as Comptroller of the Currency. Mr. Otting's experience as a leader in various financial agencies has helped prepare him to serve in this new role. I look forward to voting to confirm him later today. prgtoken Next, the Senate will consider two well-qualified nominees to serve on Federal district courts. Donald Coggins and Dabney Friedrich both have the experience and temperament to excel as judges. Both of these individuals have stellar legal credentials. Their careers demonstrate a serious commitment to the law, and by confirming them both, the Senate will continue to ensure the Federal judiciary fulfills its particular role in our constitutional system. prgtoken I would like to thank Chairman Grassley for his leadership of the Senate Judiciary Committee, which reported both of these nominees on a voice vote. I look forward to advancing their nominations very soon.
STATEMENTS ON INTRODUCED BILLS AND JOINT RESOLUTIONS
James E. Risch (Republican, ID) \u2014 2017-11-16

I rise today to introduce the Blackrock Land Exchange Act of 2017. prgtoken The legislation supports a mutually beneficial effort between the Bureau of Land Management and the J.R. Simplot Company in Idaho that began over 20 years ago. Simplot proposed an exchange of their privately owned land with superior natural resources and recreational opportunities for a similar sized parcel of BLM land adjacent to a Simplot phosphate processing facility. This facility adds significant value to the Pocatello, Idaho area as a large employer that sustains over 350 jobs with an over $55 million annual economic impact. prgtoken In 2007, BLM issued a Final Decision Record on the Environmental Assessment concluding the exchange would have no significant environmental impact, which was reaffirmed in 2009 by the Department of Interior Board of Land Appeals. However, the exchange has been held up since 2011 due to the District Court for Idaho ruling that BLM needed to prepare a full Environmental Impact Statement including detailed future use to comply with the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969. prgtoken This raises the possibility of a dangerous precedent for future land conveyances, as the exchange itself does not authorize further activities. Future use of the proposed adjacent land by the phosphate facility would still be subject to NEPA with opportunity for public comment. Halting the Blackrock Land Exchange for this reason could largely increase the scope, length, and cost of the NEPA process. prgtoken This bill will allow for this exchange in Idaho that has support from--State and local government as well as various land users. It will also protect future exchanges from cycles of unnecessary review and litigation. The Blackrock Land Exchange Act of 2017 is in the best interest of Idaho land users, local economies, and future utilization of government land. prgtoken Thank you, . .
TAX CUTS AND JOBS ACT
George Holding (Republican, NC) \u2014 2017-11-16

I am proud to be here today to support this historic bill that will put our economy back on the path to stable and sustained growth. prgtoken This bill finally levels the playing field and restores the global competitiveness of American businesses by moving to a territorial system. This key aspect of our bill removes the punitive barriers of the current worldwide system and allows companies to reinvest their overseas profits in America, without fear of getting hit with an excessive tax burden. This important change ensures that America remains the best place to start, grow, or invest in a business. prgtoken As companies begin to see the benefits of this new territorial system, I look forward to continuing to work with the chairman to explore ways to move toward a residency-based taxation system to ensure that American citizens have a level playing field around the global as well. prgtoken I have heard from companies, American companies, that say as they expand their operations overseas, the Tax Code has made it prohibitive for them to hire Americans for these jobs. In fact, our current system of citizenship-based taxation makes Americans nearly 40 percent more expensive to employ overseas than their foreign counterparts. prgtoken , I thank the chairman very much for his understanding of this issue and look forward to our continued work to ensure that talent, not tax burden, is the driving factor in the hiring decisions of multinational companies. prgtoken I am proud to support this bill. I look forward to it growing the economy and ensuring businesses of all sizes have the capital necessary to hire more employees, grow their operation, and give Americans the raise they deserve.
TAX CUTS AND JOBS ACT
Don Young (Republican, AK) \u2014 2017-11-16

Congress established Alaska Native Settlement Trusts in 1988 to provide permanent health, education, and welfare benefits to Alaska Natives, who are among the most economically disadvantaged populations in the United States. prgtoken Unfortunately, , the Tax Code has, in many cases, impeded the creation and funding of Alaska Native Settlement Trusts. As a result, Alaska Native Settlement Trusts have not been able to function in the manner Congress originally intended to provide benefits for Alaska Natives. To remedy some of these tax issues, I have sponsored H.R. 3524, which permits an Alaska Native corporation to deduct contributions to their settlement trust. prgtoken The provisions of H.R. 3524 were not included in H.R. 1, and the tax bill also adversely increases Alaska Native Settlement Trust tax rates from 10 percent to 12 percent. This would make it more difficult for Alaska Native Settlement Trusts to provide long-term benefits to Alaska Natives. prgtoken , I request that the provisions of H.R. 3524 be included in the final conference report that results from the conference committee.
AUTHORITY FOR COMMITTEES TO MEET
Mike Crapo (Republican, ID) \u2014 2017-11-16

I have 6 requests for committees to meet during today's session of the Senate. They have the approval of the Majority and Minority leaders. prgtoken Pursuant to rule XXVI, paragraph 5(a), of the Standing Rules of the Senate, the following committees are authorized to meet during today's session of the Senate: Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry prgtoken The Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry is authorized to meet during the session of the Senate on Thursday, November 16, 2017, at 12 p.m in SR-216 to conduct a hearing. Committee on Armed Services prgtoken The Committee on Armed Services is authorized to meet during the session of the Senate on Thursday, November 16, 2017, at 10 a.m. to conduct a hearing on the following nominations: John C. Rood, of Arizona, to be Under Secretary for Policy, and Randall G. Schriver, of Virginia, to be an Assistant Secretary, both of the Department of Defense. Committee on Finance prgtoken The Committee on Finance is authorized to meet during the session of the Senate on Thursday, November 16, 2017, at 10 a.m in SH-216 to conduct a hearing on the bill entitled ``Tax Cuts and Jobs Act.'' Committee on the Judiciary prgtoken The Committee on the Judiciary is authorized to meet during the session of the Senate on Thursday, November 16, 2017, at 10 a.m in SD-226 to conduct a hearing on S. 2070 and the following nominations: Leonard Steven Grasz, of Nebraska, to be United States Circuit Judge for the Eighth Circuit, Terry A. Doughty, to be United States District Judge for the Western District of Louisiana, Terry Fitzgerald Moorer, to be United States District Judge for the Southern District of Alabama, Mark Saalfield Norris, Sr to be United States District Judge for the Western District of Tennessee, and Scott W. Brady, to be United States Attorney for the Western District of Pennsylvania, and Andrew E. Lelling, to be United States Attorney for the District of Massachusetts for the term of four years, both of the Department of Justice. Select Committee on Intelligence prgtoken The Select Committee on Intelligence is authorized to meet during the session of the Senate on Thursday, November 16, 2017, at 2 p.m in SH- 219 to conduct a closed hearing. Subcommittee on Oceans, Atmosphere, Fisheries, and Coast Guard prgtoken The Subcommittee on Oceans, Atmosphere, Fisheries, and Coast Guard of the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation is authorized to meet during the session of the Senate on Thursday, November 16, 2017, at 10 a.m in SR-253 to conduct closed hearing entitled ``Coast Guard Readiness: How Far Can We Stretch Our Nation's Only Multi-Mission, Military.''
RECOGNIZING THE JACKSONVILLE CITIZENS POLICE ACADEMY AND THE POLICEMAN'S BALL
Darin LaHood (Republican, IL) \u2014 2017-11-16

I would like to recognize the Jacksonville, Illinois Citizens Police Academy (CPA) Alumni Association, as they celebrate their 6th annual Policeman's Ball to honor the brave members of the police force in our community. prgtoken Since 1999, the CPA has recruited and trained citizens to join their alumni association, which provides assistance to the Jacksonville Police Department and the community at large. Throughout the year, members of the alumni association assist the Jacksonville Police Department with traffic control, parking for events, and park patrol. prgtoken Every year, the CPA Alumni Association host the Policeman's Ball to honor all Central Illinois' policemen and women. The Policeman's Ball is a celebration of the dedication and service our brave policemen and women give to our community. This year, the CPA is recognizing Jean Jumper, the Executive Director of the West Central Mass Transit District, with the Civilian Community Service of the Year Award. Under Jean's leadership, West Central Mass Transit found a way to keep buses running when the Illinois state government was unable to provide funding. I am grateful for her service to West Central Illinois and her community. prgtoken I extend my sincere congratulations to the Citizens Police Academy Alumni Association on their years of service and applaud the efforts to recognize the sacrifice of Central Illinois officers with the 6th annual Policeman's Ball.
TAX CUTS AND JOBS ACT
Brad R. Wenstrup (Republican, OH) \u2014 2017-11-16

more jobs, bigger paychecks, and fairer taxes. Those are the three big promises of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, and I am proud to lend my support. prgtoken This tax relief legislation serves as an opportunity for all American families to achieve the American dream--because it is crafted with working families and providing relief for the middle class in mind. prgtoken This bill does much to reform and revitalize the tax code. I look forward to doing even more to assist American families and communities, ensure U.S. companies can fairly compete with foreign counterparts, and close existing loopholes in our laws. For years, our nation's high corporate tax rate has created an unlevel playing field for U.S. businesses to compete in global markets. By reducing rates and moving to a territorial system much in line those of our international competitors, we will incentivize companies to build investment here, thereby creating new jobs and increasing take-home pay for hardworking Americans. prgtoken Further compounding this problem is the ability, in some industries, for foreign-based competitors to exploit loopholes in the tax code to avoid taxes altogether. For instance, under current law foreign-based reinsurers to transfer a portion of their profits to offshore tax havens, and thus shielded from our corporate tax rate, has essentially gutted the domestic reinsurance industry over; the last two decades. Rather than allowing our domestic insurers to effectively compete, this uneven and unfair playing field instead promotes the use of foreign inversions and affiliate transactions to achieve a lower tax rate. This environment erodes the U.S. tax base to the tune of billions, and forces U.S. insurers to decide whether solely-domestic operations, which many have maintained for decades, is worth paying a higher effective tax rate these are not decisions that our tax code should force on job creators. prgtoken As our country competes with the rest of world in a 21st century global economy, it is essential that our tax policies offer opportunities for job creators in the United States of all sizes to grow, thrive, create jobs, and increase the take-home pay for all hard- working Americans so that they may thrive and seek their dreams. prgtoken As the U.S. economic engine drives forward, aided significantly by the passage of this historic legislation, we must also ensure that neglected and distressed communities are kept in mind. My district in southern Ohio has leveraged the New Markets Tax Credit (NMTC) and Historic Tax Credit (HTC) to bring hundreds of millions of dollars of investment to such areas, and the net result is thousands of permanent new jobs and housing units in my district alone. prgtoken Given the positive impacts these pro-growth credits have had in my district and across the country, I was hopeful for the preservation of NMTC and HTC as my colleagues on the Ways & Means Committee crafted this legislat
TRIBUTE TO ROGER MEYER
Mike Rounds (Republican, SD) \u2014 2017-11-16

today I recognize Roger Meyer for all of his hard work on behalf of myself, my staff, and the State of South Dakota while working in my Washington, DC, office. prgtoken Roger has devoted the majority of his career to public service, including working in Congress and at the Department of Energy. In addition, Roger spent time on detail at the Federal Emergency Management Agency as an adviser to the Small State and Rural Advocate. prgtoken I extend my sincere thanks and appreciation to Roger for his years in public service and wish him all the best in the years to come.
TAX CUTS AND JOBS ACT
Ron Estes (Republican, KS) \u2014 2017-11-16

I thank Chairman Brady for his efforts to get this tax reform bill done. prgtoken Our outdated and uncompetitive Tax Code has led to slow economic growth over the past decade in America. Today, we are taking an important step to fix that. The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act will reform the Tax Code and help foster economic growth. prgtoken For more than three decades, families have paid a growing cost for our country's increasingly complex and burdensome Tax Code that is chockfull of special interest loopholes. This is not fair. prgtoken The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act will simplify the process of filing taxes by doubling the size of the standard deduction and removing the need for millions to itemize their deductions. It will provide tax cuts to millions of middle-income working families. prgtoken The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act also includes many tax reforms for businesses in order to spur economic growth. The bill makes it easier for entrepreneurs to start businesses, and it brings down the corporate tax rate from 35 percent to 20 percent to be in line with our competitors around the world. prgtoken This will help spur economic growth by encouraging businesses to move their capital and jobs back to the United States and will help lower prices for Americans, who are the ones who ultimately pay for high corporate taxes through higher prices. prgtoken I'm proud that the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act is focused on growing the economy, bringing jobs back to Main Street, and increasing paychecks for workers. This bill is committed to helping families because the family unit is the cornerstone of our nation. We made a promise to families that we'd deliver them tax relief--and we're holding to it. The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act will fix our bureaucratic tax nightmare and puts families first again.
TAX CUTS AND JOBS ACT
Kevin Brady (Republican, TX) \u2014 2017-11-16

I am pleased to work with the gentleman from Alaska (Mr. Young) on this important issue for the Alaska Native community. Under the tax bill, Alaska Native Settlement Trusts would be unintentionally subject to a higher tax rate. prgtoken I thank him for bringing this to my intention. I assure him that I will focus on this in conference as we finalize individual rate structures between the House and the Senate. I also look forward to working with him to advance the provisions of his bill in this important area.
TAX CUTS AND JOBS ACT
Vern Buchanan (Republican, FL) \u2014 2017-11-16

I also want to acknowledge our incredible chairman and his leadership over the last 7 years I have been here and working this plan forward. It is an exciting time for all of us. prgtoken , I rise today in support of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, legislation to provide tax relief to middle class families and small- business owners across America. prgtoken As a businessman for more than 30 years, I have had the opportunity to employ thousands of workers. I have seen firsthand how broken our tax system can be for many hardworking Americans. prgtoken Under this bill, not only will the average family of four receive a tax cut, but small businesses will finally be taxed at a lower rate to help them expand and grow jobs in America. prgtoken According to the nonpartisan Tax Foundation, this bill will create 1 million new jobs and grow the economy by 4 percent, a growth rate this country hasn't experienced since 2000. prgtoken It is time to give all Americans a break in terms of their taxes. With passage of this bill, we will finally have the opportunity to help middle class families and get our economy back on track. prgtoken I urge support for this critical bill to cut taxes and reform our tax system.
TAX CUTS AND JOBS ACT
Kevin Cramer (Republican, ND) \u2014 2017-11-16

we know that the economic and job creation benefits are key components of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, making the U.S. globally competitive again, giving much-needed tax cuts to American business, and much-needed wage increases to American workers. But, , it is really the long overdue direct tax benefits to the vast middle class, who don't have a lobbyist living in the rich suburbs of Washington, D.C that take center stage for me and my fellow North Dakotans. prgtoken You see, 80 percent of the citizens of North Dakota file claiming this standard deduction. That means, , that the vast majority of my constituents will see their deductions nearly doubled if they do nothing else. And obviously, with the doubling of the standard deduction, it will likely inspire even more North Dakotans to claim this simple deduction. prgtoken , this huge benefit, combined with greater job opportunities and simpler, less expensive filing costs, and, of course, a generous family tax credit, will put more money in the pockets and less anxiety in the hearts of middle class North Dakotans. Supporting this reform package is easy for me because it is right for North Dakota, and I thank Chairman Brady for this outstanding work.