mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
Montana Ag Summit (Executive Calendar)
Chris Van Hollen (Democrat, MD) \u2014 2017-5-2

I oppose the confirmation of Jay Clayton to be a member of the Securities and Exchange Commission. prgtoken When the stock market crashed in 1929, public confidence in the markets plummeted as well. Investors large and small lost their life's savings. Congress responded with laws to help rebuild public faith in the markets. Thus in the wake of the Great Depression, Congress created the Securities and Exchange Commission to protect investors and maintain fair, orderly, and efficient markets. prgtoken Congress designed the SEC to see that investors and the markets have reliable information and clear rules for honest dealing. The SEC's job is to make sure that brokers, dealers, and exchanges put investors' interests first. The SEC ensures that companies offering securities for investment tell the public the truth about their businesses, the securities they are selling, and the risks involved. prgtoken Congress took pains to create the SEC to have some distance from Wall Street. The law provides that no Commissioner can engage in any business or employment other than serving as Commissioner. The law prohibits any Commissioner from participating in any stock transactions of a type that the Commission regulates. prgtoken Mr. Clayton has extensive experience working in capital markets. He has represented a long list of financial firms. His numerous conflicts may make him captive to the industry that President nominated him to police. One of his better-known clients is Goldman Sachs. The Department of Justice found that Goldman Sachs falsely assured investors that sound prgtoken mortgages backed securities that Goldman sold, when Goldman knew that these securities were full of mortgages that were likely to fail. prgtoken During his confirmation hearing, I asked Mr. Clayton about Goldman Sachs' $5 billion settlement with the Department of Justice. I asked Mr. Clayton if he felt that Goldman Sachs had been engaged in shady practices, but Mr. Clayton said only that he felt the case stood on its own. I cannot comprehend why Mr. Clayton demurred on this topic. We should all be able to agree that if a firm pays $5 billion in a settlement, it was engaged in shady practices, to say the least. prgtoken Duriing Mr. Clayton's confirmation hearing, he said that he is ``100 percent committed to rooting out any fraud and shady practices in our financial system.'' If he is confirmed, I hope he stands by that pledge. prgtoken The SEC, investors, and the American people need an independent voice. They need a politically independent voice, as well as a voice that can be independent enough to make tough enforcement decisions about the financial firms it regulates. I have serious doubts that Mr. Clayton can be that voice; thus I oppose his nomination.
Government Funding Legislation (Executive Session)
Elizabeth Warren (Democrat, MA) \u2014 2017-5-2

when he was running for President, laid out a pretty clear vision of how he would deal with Wall Street. He said: ``Wall Street has caused tremendous problems for us.'' He claimed he wasn't ``going to let Wall Street get away with murder,'' and he called out Goldman Sachs as the prime example of a big bank that has too much influence over the political process. That was really powerful stuff. prgtoken When Candidate became President , he seemed to forget every scrap of his tough-on-Wall Street talk. Within weeks of taking office, he turned over his administration's economic agenda to none other than Goldman Sachs. His senior strategist, Steve Bannon, spent half a decade at Goldman Sachs as an investment banker. His National Economic Council Director, Gary Cohn, came directly from Goldman Sachs, where he spent 25 years and rose to become President of the bank. His Secretary of the Treasury, Steve Mnuchin, spent 17 years at Goldman Sachs before leaving to start his own hedge fund, which brings us to Jay Clayton, President 's nominee to run the Securities and Exchange Commission. To be fair, Mr. Clayton never worked at Goldman Sachs, he just worked for Goldman Sachs, taking their money and representing them for years as a lawyer at a major New York City law firm. prgtoken So here we are, just over 8 years after Wall Street triggered a financial crisis and brought the economy to its knees, and President has put the Goldman Sachs gang in charge of holding Wall Street accountable. 's betrayal of his campaign promises on Wall Street is shameful, but it is also dangerous, especially when it comes to picking the person to lead the SEC. The SEC is supposed to be the cop on the beat for Wall Street. That is why Congress created it in the 1930s, after fraud and other misconduct on Wall Street led to an enormous stock market crash and the Great Depression. Congress gave the SEC the authority to oversee financial markets and to hold companies and individuals accountable when they defrauded investors. prgtoken When the SEC doesn't do its job, the consequences can be devastating. Look at what happened the last time the SEC was under control in the years leading up to the 2008 crisis. The SEC was asleep at the switch. While Wall Street flooded the market with dangerous securities and lied to investors, the SEC heard nothing, saw nothing, stopped nothing. The -led SEC did nothing. When the whole market blew up, it was ordinary prgtoken investors and working families who got asked to bail out Wall Street. prgtoken So what kind of SEC Chairman would Mr. Clayton be? Let's start by looking at how he would lead the SEC's enforcement efforts against Wall Street, how he would be as a cop on the beat. Under ethics rules, for the first half of his term, Mr. Clayton cannot participate in any enforcement action that involves one of his former clients. That means
GOVERNMENT FUNDING LEGISLATION
Charles E. Schumer (Democrat, NY) \u2014 2017-5-2

first, I wish to respond to the President's latest tweets about the bipartisan, bicameral deal we just reached to fund the government through September. prgtoken Members of both parties worked very hard to come to this agreement. There was a real spirit of cooperation. I thank Majority Leader McConnell and Ryan and Leader Pelosi, as well as Senators Cochran and Leahy and Congress Members Frelinghuysen and Lowey, all who worked together often until the wee hours of the morning to make this happen. We all spent a lot of time working on it, and I think we got a very good outcome. So when the President threw cold water on this deal and actually recommended a government shutdown, I was deeply disappointed. Here we saw and s working together in the best traditions of the Senate, and the President disparages it in a way that is destructive, essentially saying: Let's have a shutdown. prgtoken The President has been complaining about the lack of bipartisanship in Washington. Well, this deal is exactly how Washington should work when it is bipartisan. Both parties negotiated and came to an agreement on a piece of legislation we each can support. It is truly a shame that the President is degrading it because he didn't get 100 percent of what he wanted. Bipartisanship is best summed up by the Rolling Stones: You can't always get what you want--or at least everything you want.
WORKING FAMILIES FLEXIBILITY ACT OF 2017
Rosa L. DeLauro (Democrat, CT) \u2014 2017-5-2

I rise in strong opposition to this bill which would give workers less flexibility and less pay. The economic challenge of our time is that people are in jobs today that just don't pay them enough to live on. They are struggling to make prgtoken ends meet. This bill would make that worse. prgtoken It forces workers to decide between time-and-a-half overtime pay and paid time off when they work more than 40 hours a week. It enables employers to exert more control over employees' wages and hours that hinders a worker's ability to plan family time, to have flexible and stable schedules, and, yes, to make ends meet. prgtoken Rather than helping American workers earn better wages and more time off, this bill creates more power for employers to delay paying overtime wages for as long as 13 months. For people who need to work extra hours to pay those bills, this legislation forces them into an impossible choice between time and money with no guarantee of time off. prgtoken This bill is nothing more than a false promise of time off and a pay cut. Working Americans deserve better. We have an obligation to pursue public policy that puts workers before corporations. Instead of forcing bad choices for workers about their time off, we ought to bring the Healthy Families Act to the floor which would enable workers to earn paid sick days, because no one should have to choose between getting healthy and putting food on the table. prgtoken Instead of considering this legislation which will hurt workers and their ability to earn fair wages, we should be considering the FAMILY Act, which would create a national paid leave insurance program to allow workers to take time off while they are caring for a new child, a seriously ill family member, or their own serious health conditions. prgtoken Instead of undermining workers' schedules, we should be considering the Schedules That Work Act, which gives workers more control over their schedules, offers them real predictability and stability in their shifts and in their work hours. prgtoken These are the policies that workers need, policies that reflect the realities of working in America today, the challenges that workers face. This bill goes in the opposite direction. prgtoken , I urge my colleagues to oppose it.
STATEMENTS ON INTRODUCED BILLS AND JOINT RESOLUTIONS
Tim Kaine (Democrat, VA) \u2014 2017-5-2

. . In today's increasingly competitive global market, it is more important than ever that students develop the right skills and knowledge to succeed in postsecondary education and enter the workforce. Our nation's future depends on providing students with an engaging experience that is relevant to the workforce and integrates partnerships with industry and higher education. Unfortunately, many high schools currently lack these opportunities, leaving students unprepared for 21st century careers. In fact, nearly 80 percent of college instructors and 60 percent of employers indicate that public high schools fall short in preparing students for postsecondary education.
PASS A HEALTHCARE BILL THAT WORKS FOR THE AMERICAN PEOPLE
Tulsi Gabbard (Democrat, HI) \u2014 2017-5-2

I recently wrapped up a townhall tour across my district in Hawaii, visiting every single island. A common theme that I heard from folks was one of concern and questions about this healthcare bill that we may be voting on later this week. prgtoken They are worried about their aging parents not being able to pay for their premiums and prescriptions and that newly added provisions that threaten those with preexisting conditions with skyrocketing costs will have such a devastating impact. prgtoken Every time we hear about the new versions and new changes to this bill, it gets worse than the one before. Among a host of new problems, the latest version strips away protections on healthcare benefits like maternity care, substance abuse, mental health services, while also expanding an already-crippling age tax against our seniors, against our kupuna. prgtoken No matter how you package it, this bill is a handout to insurance and pharmaceutical corporations while breaking the bank for those most in need of care. I urge my colleagues to stand in strong opposition to this bill and, instead, pass a healthcare bill that works for the American people.
RAISING AWARENESS OF MARINES UNITED OFFENSIVE FACEBOOK PAGE
Norma J. Torres (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2017-5-2

I thank Congresswoman Frankel and Congresswoman Jackie Speier of the ic Women's Working Group for hosting tonight's Special Order and for their constant advocacy on behalf of the victims of the Marines United scandal. prgtoken The gentlewoman is correct. While I was not blessed with a daughter, I was blessed with three sons, one who I am proud to call a veteran of the United States Air Force. prgtoken My son Christopher was the first one to leave home, and I can't imagine, as a mother of a child who is leaving him for the first time going into basic training, receiving the types of calls that these parents must have received, completely heartbreaking. prgtoken One of the stories that my son shared with me was of a suicide that happened that involved one of his classmates, and how the parents found out about her suicide through a Facebook post because everyone was sharing a condolence note. prgtoken So these things happen; and while we cannot and may not be able to always control the actions of these young men and women, there is a basic understanding and expectation from parents like myself that when we send our boys, and our young men and our young women, daughters and sons, to the military, that they will be taken care of; and when they file a complaint, that those complaints will be taken seriously and fully investigated. They deserve nothing less. prgtoken Sexual harassment in the military certainly isn't new, but this scandal is a wake-up call that we cannot afford to ignore. The victims of Marines United don't just deserve our sympathy and our support, they deserve a commitment to doing everything that we can to finally bring an end to sexual harassment in the military in all forms. prgtoken This isn't a case of boys being boys. This is a disgusting violation of women who have taken an oath to defend our Nation. prgtoken I would like to read part of Erika Butner--corporal, U.S. Marine Corps, prgtoken 2011 to 2016--part of her testimony here today. prgtoken She begins by stating her name and thanking you for the opportunity to testify at the August 8, 2011, hearing. prgtoken And she states: ``I enlisted in the United States Marine Corps knowing I could have potentially deployed to a combat zone. If presented the opportunity, I would have given my life for this country without hesitation. Never once did I think the war I'd fight would be among my very own brothers in arms. ``During the time I spent in the Marine Corps, various clothed photos of me were taken from my personal social media accounts without my consent and shared on sites that are like Marines United with great frequency. They would post my photo and caption it, `Smash or Pass,' in other words, `Would you have sex with this woman or not?' followed by extreme vulgar, degrading, and repulsive comments, including rape talk. My so-called brothers in arms shared clothed photographs of me on Marines United, posted my contact information, and d
WORKING FAMILIES FLEXIBILITY ACT OF 2017
Adriano Espaillat (Democrat, NY) \u2014 2017-5-2

I offered an amendment during the markup of this bill which would have stopped this legislation from enabling bad actors to cheat workers out of their pay. It would have exempted willful and repeated violators of the minimum wage and overtime protections from this act, but my colleagues unanimously voted against this amendment, a clear indication of where they stand on protecting hardworking Americans. prgtoken I urge my colleagues to vote ``no'' on this bill.
KOREAN INTERDICTION AND MODERNIZATION OF SANCTIONS ACT
Lloyd Doggett (Democrat, TX) \u2014 2017-5-2

I commend the leaders of the Foreign Affairs Committee for their leadership on this important matter. We need stronger international action like this to send a message to the North Korean regime. prgtoken Our sanctions approach should be at least as strong against North Korea as it has been against Iran; and to be effective, sanctions must include all countries. Chinese trade during the last year with North Korea has actually increased. It is clear that it is shirking its responsibility. If it were to limit energy and access to hard currency reserves to North Korea, the regime would likely collapse. prgtoken Intensified sanctions of the type contemplated by this measure are particularly important because, despite all of the recent saber rattling from , we have no acceptable military solution. Any military attack on North Korea would result in the death of hundreds of thousands, if not millions, of the 25 million Koreans in the greater Seoul area and the over 100,000 Americans that are in that region. prgtoken Only this week, General McMaster, President 's national security adviser, conceded that a preventive military strike would result in a human catastrophe. We cannot eliminate the risk of North Korea, but we can better manage it, and this measure is a step in the right direction. prgtoken The arsenal of our democracy is more than just our military might. Let's apply every bit of international pressure possible and hope that the great self-described dealmaker Donald J. can begin direct negotiations to secure an agreement with North Korea that achieves at least as much as President did with Iran.
WELCOMING REVEREND RIC METZGAR, SR.
C. A. Dutch Ruppersberger (Democrat, MD) \u2014 2017-5-2

I am proud to introduce and welcome to Washington, Maryland State Delegate Ric Metzgar, a friend for a long time, Second District resident, who has been representing eastern Baltimore County in the Maryland General Assembly since 2015. He has been serving his community far longer. prgtoken Delegate Metzgar has lived in Essex for most of his life, graduating from Kenwood High School before attending Northwest Bible College. His father worked for the Glenn L. Martin airplane community, and his mother owned a drycleaning business. prgtoken Delegate Metzgar managed a local car dealership and a diner, and, as an ordained minister, he has served as a ministry leader and Sunday school director for several local churches. He founded Gateway Pastors and Churches Association. prgtoken In Annapolis, Delegate Metzgar serves on the Health and Government Operations Committee as well as the Maryland Veterans Caucus. His volunteer efforts within his community are unending. prgtoken Delegate Metzgar has long served as chair of the Essex Christmas parade and co-chair of the massive Essex Day Festival. He is a member of the board of directors for the Heritage Society of Essex and Middle River. prgtoken Delegate Metzgar is married with two children and two grandchildren. I am honored to call Delegate Metzgar a friend and constituent of the Second Congressional District of Maryland, and I offer sincere thanks on behalf of this entire body for his delivery of today's opening player.
ANNIVERSARY OF THE L'AMBIANCE PLAZA COLLAPSE
James A. Himes (Democrat, CT) \u2014 2017-5-2

April 23rd marked the thirtieth anniversary of one of the gravest tragedies in the history of the State of Connecticut: the collapse of L'Ambiance Plaza, a 16-story tower under construction in Bridgeport. I rise today to extend my condolences and pay tribute to the 28 workers who lost their lives in the collapse, the 22 survivors whose lives were forever changed, and the countless first responders and volunteers who spent ten days searching the debris for their friends and neighbors. The victims were family in the House of Labor--a collection of carpenters, ironworkers, and pipefitters--whose tragic and preventable deaths remind us that we must never give up the fight for safer workplaces. Today, 30 years on since this tragedy at L'Ambiance Plaza, I give my sincere thanks to the Fairfield County Labor Council, the Fairfield County Building Trades, the Connecticut State Building Trades and the Connecticut AFL-CIO--all of whom have advocated for safer construction sites and workplaces. We owe it to the victims of this disaster to advocate for measures that make Connecticut's workplaces safer and protect the good men and women of Connecticut's workforce.
National Charter Schools Week (Executive Calendar)
Brian Schatz (Democrat, HI) \u2014 2017-5-2

Scott Pruitt, Mike Flynn, Betsy DeVos-- there is a pattern here. This administration keeps choosing people who seem like the wrong fit to run their agency, and now we are about to add Jay Clayton to the list. prgtoken He is different in a lot of ways. I met with him. He is a good person. He is a sensible person desiring to be a public servant, and he is a very smart lawyer. But he is not the right candidate to lead the SEC because it is on the frontlines of making sure that Wall Street follows the rules. And that is the No. 1 issue here because Mr. Clayton has too many ties to the industry that he would be in charge of overseeing. prgtoken Wall Street is full of his friends and business contacts, and there is nothing wrong with that, generally. We need lawyers in the securities industry. We need honorable people who help companies to do an IPO, but that doesn't mean that individual is appropriate to be in charge of the SEC and in charge of reining in Wall Street. That causes the problem. prgtoken I do not question Mr. Clayton's integrity. I have no doubt that he is a good person. But how can we say that the best person to hold Wall Street in check is someone with strong ties to the big banks, someone who has built his career there, who very well may go back to his old law firm in a few years? prgtoken I talked with Mr. Clayton at his confirmation hearing about whether he would go back to Wall Street after his time at the SEC ended, and he said he couldn't rule it out. That is just one of several concerns that I have. If we look at Mr. Clayton's statements about the SEC, it is clear that he is not the right person to be the cop on the Wall Street beat. prgtoken He has talked about ``monitoring'' the financial sector; that is the word he used--``monitoring.'' But the United States does not need someone to ``monitor'' Wall Street. We need someone who will aggressively enforce the rules, to make sure we don't have a repeat of 2008, when the big banks made so many bad and reckless decisions that our economy failed. prgtoken We have a very short memory in Washington about what happened to our country less than 10 years ago, but the rest of the country remembers. There are far too many communities still working to recover from the great recession. prgtoken Now is not the time to walk back the small steps toward progress we have made in protecting the economy from bad actors on Wall Street. But I am afraid this is what could happen under this administration, including if Mr. Clayton should be confirmed. prgtoken In his confirmation hearing, he said he wants to lighten the penalties companies face when they get into trouble with the SEC, and that is not something I can support. We cannot expect big banks and investment firms to play by the rules when they know they can pay a small fine and keep behaving badly as a cost of doing business. Regulation and enforcement has a cost, but that cost is meant to put