mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
Tribute to David Hankerson and David Connell (Executive Session)
Johnny Isakson (Republican, GA) \u2014 2017-5-17

we debate a lot of heavy things in the United States Senate. We make tough decisions. Decisions of the fate of our country lie in the balance. But day in and day out, sometimes we go an entire day or week without talking about the people who make America work: the entrepreneurs, the employees, the employers, the people who run the businesses, pay the taxes, and employ the citizens who make this country go. prgtoken Today, I rise to talk about two citizens from my home county, Cobb County. First is David Hankerson. David announced this week his retirement after being employed by our county for 33 years. He came to the community development department of the county 33 years ago, and 11 years later, he became the first county manager of the county and served in that position for a record 24 years. During that time, the county doubled, not just in its population, but tripled and quadrupled in its revenue. It did new and different and innovative things. As tax rates went down, productivity went up. Its popularity as a place to locate became preeminent. He is one of the shining stars in the State of Georgia today, in Cobb County. prgtoken I rise for a special reason to pay tribute to David Hankerson, however, because he represents something I was a part of in 1984. At the time he was being hired, I did not know him as an employee for the county; I was in the State legislature, trying to change the government for our county from an elected CEO to an appointed county manager, a professional operator of the county. That had not been done in Georgia. In other parts of the country, it had been done successfully. You had continuity of leadership--someone whose job was to be a good leader, who wasn't an elected politician, someone who could do the job. prgtoken David Hankerson was hired to do that job in Cobb County, GA. He did one of the most remarkable jobs anyone has ever done. In fact, the great testimony is that every year since he was there--24 years ago as county manager--someone has tried to hire him away from Cobb County. Every year he decided to stay because he once had said: I have made a commitment. As long as the commitment is returned by the community to me, I am going to stay and see it through. prgtoken On this day, as I rise on the floor of the U.S. Senate to pay tribute to David Hankerson, I pay tribute equally to all those who make our government work, our businesses work, our communities work, and our country work, to the men and women laboring in the fields and toiling in the vineyards, working in the shops, working in the offices who make America the great country it is today, and to the great chambers of commerce that make it happen as well. prgtoken I pay great tribute to David Hankerson and thank him for the contribution and sacrifice he made to the people of Cobb County, GA, and the State of Georgia. prgtoken , I would like to pay tribute to one other Georgian, the ret
WELCOMING RABBI THOMAS A. LOUCCHEIM
Martha McSally (Republican, AZ) \u2014 2017-5-17

I rise today to honor Rabbi Thomas Louccheim, who led us in the opening prayer. He is a rabbi at the Congregation Or Chadash in Tucson, Arizona. Rabbi Louccheim moved to Tucson with his wife, Marcia, in 1989 and has been a pillar in our community ever since. prgtoken Having served as a rabbi at Temple Emanu-El and as an executive for Handmaker Hospice, he is a strong advocate for peace and religious harmony. He worked closely with the Muslim community in the aftermath of September 11 and has continued to promote understanding by organizing annual Muslim-Jewish peace walks. prgtoken He founded the first Jewish-Christian-Muslim Scriptural study group in our community and has contributed to interfaith literature. In a world where religion too often divides us, Rabbi Louccheim has shown that we are all stronger together. prgtoken Rabbi Louchheim's influence extends past southeastern Arizona. In fact, his influence reaches beyond this Earth. The rabbi is a namesake for the only space object in the universe named after a rabbi, Asteroid 9584 Louccheim. prgtoken I was honored to join Rabbi Louccheim in a Holocaust Remembrance walk last year. I have personally witnessed his compassion and leadership in the faith community in southeastern Arizona. I am honored to welcome him to the House of Representatives today and to personally thank him for offering this morning's prayer.
PROVIDING FOR CONSIDERATION OF H.R. 115, THIN BLUE LINE ACT
Neal P. Dunn (Republican, FL) \u2014 2017-5-17

I rise today in support of the Thin Blue Line Act, which will make murder or attempted murder of a law enforcement officer, or first responders, an aggravating factor in death penalty determinations. prgtoken The officers of the thin blue line put their lives at risk every day and are willing to make the ultimate sacrifice so that we can rest easy at night. Our law enforcement and first responders run into danger so that others can run away from it. They do this despite the rise in violence against them. prgtoken We have witnessed a 167 percent increase in ambush-style killings of police officers in 2016 alone. This is tragic, and it is unacceptable. prgtoken The Thin Blue Line Act will hold cop killers accountable and seek justice for those murdered in the line of duty, and it will show our resolve as citizens to protect the officers who have sworn to protect us. prgtoken During this week, National Police Week, we can also show our gratitude to law enforcement and their families by passing the Thin Blue Line Act. It is an honor to represent them in Congress.
STATEMENTS ON INTRODUCED BILLS AND JOINT RESOLUTIONS
John Thune (Republican, SD) \u2014 2017-5-17

there is no doubt that the last 8 years were not good ones for the American economy. Yearly economic growth under the administration averaged just under 1.5 percent. That is less than half the growth needed for a healthy economy. That kind of weak growth has consequences: fewer jobs, fewer opportunities, and lower wages. prgtoken Wage growth was almost nonexistent during the administration, and new jobs and opportunities were few and far between. There have been a few encouraging signs since the election. Both wage and job growth have shown some improvement, but we are still a long way from getting our economy back to full health. The GDP report for the first quarter of this year underscored the need to implement the kind of progrowth policies that were lacking during the years. prgtoken One major way to spur economic growth and improve the health of our economy is to reform our Nation's Tax Code. Our current Tax Code is strangling businesses, both large and small. Our Nation has the highest corporate tax rate in the developed world, putting American businesses at a competitive disadvantage in the global economy. prgtoken Small businesses and family farms face high tax rates, at times exceeding those paid by large corporations. These tax policies have consequences. A small company that owes a large tax bill to the Federal Government is unlikely to be able to come up with the capital necessary to expand the business or hire new workers. prgtoken When American businesses are taxed at a far higher rate than their foreign counterparts, it is likely to be the foreign rather than the American company that expands and thrives. Tax reform needs to address these obstacles to growth. Later this year, the Senate plans to consider a major tax reform package. Two of the most powerful tax- related things we can do to increase economic growth are lowering business tax rates and allowing business to recover their investments in inventory, machinery, and the like faster. prgtoken The Senate tax bill will do both. Today, I am introducing legislation that I hope will be a part of the final tax reform package in the Senate. My bill--I am calling it the Investment in New Ventures and Economic Success Today Act, or the INVEST Act for short--focuses on helping small- and medium-sized businesses by allowing them to recover their costs faster. prgtoken Earlier this year, the Economic Innovation Group released a report on economic dynamism. Economic dynamism, as the Economic Innovation Group defines it, refers to the rate at which new businesses are born and die. In a dynamic economy, the rate of new business creation is high and significantly outstrips the rate of business deaths, but that hasn't been the case in the United States lately. prgtoken New business creation has significantly dropped over the past several years. Between 2009 and 2011, business deaths outstripped business births. While the numb
HONORING LAW ENFORCEMENT
John H. Rutherford (Republican, FL) \u2014 2017-5-17

I am honored to be here this evening with my friend, Sheriff Dave Reichert, and all of my colleagues who stand with our law enforcement officers, their families, and their communities for this National Police Week. prgtoken It is a time where we come together as a country to recognize the sacrifices our police officers make for us every time they put on that uniform. prgtoken Last week I had the privilege of attending the Nassau County Sheriff's Office Law Enforcement Memorial Service in Florida, where we recognized those who have lost their lives in the line of duty. And in a very special way, we honored the life of Officer Eric James Oliver, who was killed in the line of duty on November 22, 2016. prgtoken Officer Oliver died doing what he loved, protecting and serving his community. Before he joined the sheriff's office, Officer Oliver served our Nation in the United States Navy. But his most important job, Mr was being the loving father to his 6-year-old daughter, Shelby. prgtoken Tonight I commend the many sacrifices made by each and every law enforcement officer in Florida's Fourth District, but this year we give special recognition to Officer Eric Oliver and the great loss felt by his family, his Nassau County Sheriff's Office colleagues, and our entire northeast Florida community. prgtoken Tonight I also want to honor in a special way two Department of Homeland Security officers who lost their lives in service to their country. prgtoken First, I rise to honor Special Agent Jeremy Scott McGuire. Scott served with the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, assigned to the National Security Investigations Division at the Homeland Security Investigations office in New Orleans, Louisiana. prgtoken On January 25, 2016, Special Agent Scott McGuire lost his life while on special assignment in Miami, Florida. In his final assignment, he was conducting investigations to identify, disrupt, and dismantle transnational criminal enterprises and terrorist organizations that threatened the security of the United States. prgtoken He is survived by his wife, Suzy, and son, Finn. Special Agent McGuire earned an extensive list of awards and accolades in recognition of his academic accomplishments, and his investigative successes. In fact, posthumously, Scott received the HIS national award for top illicit drug trade investigator of 2016. prgtoken Special Agent McGuire left behind the greatest legacy a man can live. He was truly a man of distinction and a man of devotion to not only his work, but also to his family and friends, and he lives on as a hero. prgtoken Second, I rise to honor fallen Officer Brian Beliso, a U.S. Immigration and Customs enforcement officer assigned to the Fugitive Operations Unit at the Enforcement and Removal Operations office in San Francisco. Officer Beliso began his work with ICE in 2007. Very early in his career, Brian distinguished himself as a charismatic leader and a dedicated employ
PROVIDING FOR CONSIDERATION OF H.R. 115, THIN BLUE LINE ACT
Mo Brooks (Republican, AL) \u2014 2017-5-17

as a former Tuscaloosa County prosecutor and Madison County district attorney, I fully understand the importance of the rule of law that, in turn, protects us from anarchy, crime, destruction, and death. Without the rule of law, criminal brute force prevails. prgtoken Unfortunately, leftist political forces who care more about inciting racial division for political gain and less about crime and terror victims regularly second-guess those who wear the uniform to protect and serve. prgtoken For emphasis, antipolice, leftist political rhetoric has helped incite ambush-style attacks against police in places like Dallas, Baton Rouge, Des Moines, and Palm Springs. prgtoken I support the Thin Blue Line Act because I appreciate the sacrifice of law enforcement officers, and because it is morally right to help protect officers who risk their lives to protect ours.
FEDERAL AGENCY MAIL MANAGEMENT ACT OF 2017
Steve Russell (Republican, OK) \u2014 2017-5-17

such time as I may consume. prgtoken I present today H.R. 194, the Federal Agency Mail Management Act of 2017. Approximately 2 years ago, President signed into law the Presidential and Federal Records Act Amendments of 2014. prgtoken The law modernized and improved Federal recordkeeping statutes by codifying agency responsibilities that have been in practice for decades. Once the law was enacted, the General Services Administration, or GSA, identified technical provisions in the law that the agency interpreted as limiting its ability to regulate Federal agency mailroom operations. prgtoken The GSA has been responsible for the regulation and oversight of Federal agency mail management for many years. Congress did not intend for the 2014 law to change the mail management structure. prgtoken , H.R. 194 provides clarification to ensure that the GSA is responsible for mailroom management oversight, and not the National Archives and Records Administration. Both GSA and the National Archives have worked with Congress to make the correction, and both entities support H.R. 194. prgtoken , an identical bill was passed by the House with unanimous voice vote near the end of last Congress. We hope that this legislation will be signed into law this Congress to correct the unintended consequences of a previous law. prgtoken This corrective measure has bipartisan support, and I appreciate having my friend and colleague, Mr. Connolly of Virginia, join me as a cosponsor. prgtoken , I urge my colleagues to support this bill, and .
American Law Enforcement Heroes Act (Executive Session)
John Cornyn (Republican, TX) \u2014 2017-5-17

I know people outside the beltway think nothing ever happens here--and certainly that nothing ever happens on a bipartisan basis--but they would be wrong on both counts. prgtoken Last night, the Senate passed a piece of bipartisan legislation called the American Law Enforcement Heroes Act. It is a great example of legislation everyone can agree on and get behind. prgtoken The main goal is to connect veterans--those who have served in our military and have a passion for public service--to opportunities in State and local law enforcement. When we think about it, who better than our retiring military personnel who are accustomed to wearing one uniform, moving then into the civilian law enforcement world wearing another uniform but continuing their legacy of public service. That way, those who have voluntarily put themselves in harm's way to keep the peace and promote American interests abroad and defend our homeland can continue the record of public service at home. prgtoken For veterans, that can mean a rewarding job in law enforcement. Through their training, experience, and sacrifice, there is no doubt that our veterans are equipped with valuable skills to keep our communities safe. By prioritizing existing Federal funds for State and local law enforcement agencies to hire veterans, we can better serve them as they transition into civilian life. We know that can be a challenging transition, but that is exactly what the American Law Enforcement Heroes Act that we passed yesterday does. prgtoken For State and local law enforcement groups, that means they can attract the best qualified men and women who are eager to serve their country in a new way. So this is really a win-win. prgtoken Fortunately, this legislation builds on the good work already underway in places like my home State of Texas. Over the last several months, I have had a chance to visit cities and counties all over the State that are actively recruiting veterans to serve as police officers or sheriffs. That includes law enforcement leaders from San Antonio to Houston, to Fort Worth. As my colleagues may recall, following the terrible killing of five police officers and shooting of seven more in Dallas, Police Chief David Brown made an appeal for people who were protesting or otherwise concerned about the law enforcement agencies involved to sign up and join them--to be a part of the solution and not just protesting the problem. prgtoken Thankfully, we have set a tremendous example in Texas of how hiring veterans to serve as law enforcement officers benefits all of our communities. I am glad this bill will follow their inspiration and help communities across the country hire more veterans. prgtoken I said before that this legislation is something everyone can agree on, in a polarized political environment, and that is of course evident by the broad bipartisan support it has received. prgtoken Let me express my gratitude to the senior S
PROVIDING FOR CONSIDERATION OF H.R. 115, THIN BLUE LINE ACT
Larry Bucshon (Republican, IN) \u2014 2017-5-17

law enforcement officers across this country go to work every day to serve and protect our communities. These brave men and women risk everything to keep our communities and our families safe and secure, and they do it selflessly. prgtoken I recently attended a ceremony in Putnam County, Indiana, honoring the service and sacrifice of the Indiana State Police officers who have given their lives in the line of duty. Yesterday I was at the White House with Vice President to recognize the dedication of the Indiana Fraternal Order of Police and to remember the service of the late sheriff's deputy of Howard County, Carl Koontz, who was killed in the line of duty. prgtoken Events like these are somber reminders of what these heroes who stand on the thin blue line, and their families, sacrifice on our behalf. We should all be grateful. prgtoken , this legislation ensures that officers who fall in the line of duty, and their families, receive the justice they deserve. I urge all of my colleagues to support this legislation that confirms the United States Congress stands behind our law enforcement.
RECOGNIZING HAROLD HAGER
Tom Reed (Republican, NY) \u2014 2017-5-17

I rise today to recognize a constituent, Harold Hager, who is celebrating his 100th birthday today. prgtoken Mr. Hager has dedicated his life to serving our country and local community. During World War II, he served in the United States Navy as a gunner on the USS Taconic. After the war, Mr. Hager returned home and worked for many years as a melding technician and foreman at Corning Glass Works. In 1972, after our area was devastated by Hurricane Agnes, Mr. Hager delivered urgently needed food and supplies to his neighbors in Elmira, New York. prgtoken Mr. Hager has served as a volunteer with the Steuben County Retired and Senior Volunteer Program since February 2012. He was previously assigned to the Painted Post Food Pantry and he currently serves at the Habitat for Humanity ReStore in Corning, New York. Mr. Hager has accumulated more than 4,500 lifetime service hours and, in 2016, he averaged 84 hours per month. He is truly an inspiration. prgtoken I ask my colleagues to join me in celebrating Harold Hager's 100th birthday and recognizing his life-long commitment to service.
Welcoming Back Senator Isakson (Executive Session)
Cory Gardner (Republican, CO) \u2014 2017-5-17

. Thank you, . prgtoken It is great to have our colleague from Georgia on the floor of the Senate once again, doing the outstanding job that he has always done for the people of Georgia, recognizing the great individuals back home who make Georgia such a great State, and we are just blessed to have him here. I thank him for his continued service for the people of Georgia and the people of this country.
ORDERS FOR THURSDAY, MAY 18, 2017
Jerry Moran (Republican, KS) \u2014 2017-5-17

I ask unanimous consent that when the Senate completes its business today, it adjourn until 10 a.m Thursday, May 18; further, that following the prayer and pledge, the morning hour be deemed expired, the Journal of proceedings be approved to date, the time for the two leaders be reserved for their use later in the day, and morning business be closed; further, that following leader remarks, the Senate proceed to executive session to resume consideration of the Brand nomination, with the time until 12 noon equally divided in the usual form; further, that notwithstanding the provisions of rule XXII, the postcloture time on the Brand nomination expire at 12 noon tomorrow; finally, if confirmed, the motion to reconsider be considered made and laid upon the table, and the President be immediately notified of the Senate's action.
Healthcare Legislation (Executive Session)
John Barrasso (Republican, WY) \u2014 2017-5-17

s have been warning for years now about the grave damage Care has done to the American healthcare system. We have pointed out how the healthcare law's regulations are destabilizing the health insurance industry. We have warned that the Care markets are unstable. We have talked about the death spiral which has already doomed Care. prgtoken It seems like every day we get more proof that the collapse is well underway. Last week, the insurance company Aetna announced it was exiting the individual Care markets entirely. CNN did a story about this last Wednesday. The headlines said: ``Aetna to Care: We're Outta Here.'' It is interesting because Aetna as a company was one of the cheerleaders for Care early on; they jumped in and said: We are very involved. We want to make this work. Here they are pulling out, saying it has failed. prgtoken Humana had already said it was quitting the exchanges, not just one place but everywhere. prgtoken In the past month or so, we have seen big companies drop out of the markets in Virginia and in Iowa. There is now just one company left selling in the exchanges for Nebraska and for Delaware. There is just one company selling in Alaska, in Missouri, in Alabama, in Oklahoma, in South Carolina, and in my home State of Wyoming. prgtoken For people living in all of these States, there is a monopoly for whom they get to buy their insurance from under the Care markets. That is not a marketplace, it is a monopoly. prgtoken The Associated Press looked at all of these companies dropping out. It now found that 40 percent of America--4 out of 10 counties in America--will have just 1 company selling insurance in the Care exchanges for next year; 4 out of every 10 counties in America. That is what you get with an Care exchange. prgtoken How is that supposed to bring down prices? Other companies have been saying how much they will need to charge if they are going to stick around for 1 more year under Care. It looks like we will have another year of incredible price increases. In Maryland, insurance companies are demanding average premium increases of anywhere between 18 and 59 percent. In Connecticut, they are asking for 15 to 33 percent more next year. prgtoken are desperate to blame the collapse of Care on President . My question to the is this, What about all of the companies that dropped out of the marketplaces last year? What about the double-digit price increases Americans were paying year after year under Care? prgtoken The premium for the average benchmark plan in the exchanges went up 25 percent at the start of this year. Are going to try to blame that on someone else? prgtoken In March, the Kaiser Family Foundation reported the results of a poll on healthcare in America. In this poll, 4 out of 10 American adults with insurance under Care said they have trouble affording