mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
STATEMENTS ON INTRODUCED BILLS AND JOINT RESOLUTIONS
Heidi Heitkamp (Democrat, ND) \u2014 2017-10-5

I rise today to discuss and bring awareness to the obligation that we have to never forget what is happening to way too many Native American women in this country. prgtoken For too long, the disproportionate incidents of violence against Native American women have gone unnoticed, unreported, or underreported, and it is time to address this issue head-on. That is what I intend to do today and in the remaining days of my time in the Senate, until we actually get a bill passed. prgtoken There is no official database or requirement for information collection regarding the number of missing and murdered Native women. In most cases, the only records of them are records that have been provided to us by the families and friends of the victims. It is critical that Congress push the U.S. Department of Justice and the FBI to work with Tribal communities to come up with culturally appropriate protocols for responding to cases of missing and murdered Native women. prgtoken I would like to take this time to honor Savanna LaFontaine-Greywind, whose story has been told on the news in North Dakota and nationally and who has been on the forefront of my mind since introducing this bill. prgtoken On August 19, Savanna, a 22-year-old member of the Spirit Lake Tribe, who was 8 months pregnant, went upstairs to her neighbor's apartment in Fargo, ND, after being invited to try on a dress for alterations. While she was there, what awaited her in that apartment were truly horrific acts of violence. Although Savanna's baby daughter survived and is now safe with her father and grandparents, that was the last time anyone who loved Savanna saw her alive. prgtoken After 8 days of searching for Savanna by the family and the community, her body was finally found by chance by kayakers in a nearby river. Her body was wrapped in plastic and duct taped. Her death was an incredible tragedy and, unfortunately, one that happens way too often to Native women. prgtoken While the news of Savanna's death was heard around the world, thousands of indigenous women are murdered and disappear each year, with many of those cases being ignored or forgotten. prgtoken Over my decades in public service, I have worked with Tribal communities on issues that involve violence against Native women. In response to those talks and to this latest tragedy, today I am introducing legislation that would help tackle the barriers to bringing justice for missing and murdered Native women across the country. prgtoken My bill, which is named after Savanna, would work to improve Tribal access to Federal databases for missing persons. It would promote interjurisdictional collaboration by establishing protocols for responding to cases of missing and murdered Native Americans, and it would require the collection of data related to missing and murdered Native women. prgtoken Native women are an inherently vulnerable population whose voices are still not heard by most peopl
Introductory Statement on S. 1927
Richard J. Durbin (Democrat, IL) \u2014 2017-10-5

today I reintroduced the Adjunct Faculty Loan Fairness Act, a bill that would enable faculty working less than full-time to participate in the Public Service Student Loan Forgiveness Program. prgtoken Contingent faculty members are like full-time instructors. They have advanced degrees. They teach classes and spend many hours outside the classroom preparing for class. They hold office hours, grade papers, and give feedback to students. They provide advice and write letters of recommendation. Students rely on them. Since most adjuncts have advanced degrees and, as the 63 percent of graduate degree recipients who borrow have an average of almost $59,000 in student loans, they are among the 44 million Americans with student debt. prgtoken The Public Service Loan Forgiveness program is meant to encourage graduates to go into public service by offering student loan forgiveness for eligible Federal loans after ten years of full-time work in government or the non-profit sector. Public service fields like nursing, military service, and public health qualify. And many education jobs qualify, including full-time work at public universities and part-time work at community colleges in high-needs subject areas or areas of shortage. But other faculty members, those who work part-time, are not eligible for loan forgiveness because the law requires an annual average of 30 hours per week to qualify for the program. For adjunct faculty working on a contingent basis--many of whom may only teach one or two classes while holding down other part-time jobs to make ends meet--this requirement can be difficult or impossible to meet, even when they are putting in more than 30 hours of work each week. prgtoken The number of faculty hours given for each class is calculated differently at different schools. Some schools give one hour per hour in the classroom while others actually take into consideration the time required outside the classroom. So, even as these faculty members are working hard to provide quality instruction for their students, often without the option of moving into a tenured, full-time position, their public service is not recognized by the current Public Service Loan Forgiveness program. prgtoken The Adjunct Faculty Loan Fairness Act of 2017 would solve this by amending the Higher Education Act to expand the definition of a ``public service job'' to include a part-time faculty member who teaches at least one course at an eligible institution of higher education. They would still have to meet all the other requirements to qualify for the public service loan forgiveness program, including making 120 on-time payments while employed at a qualifying institution, and they could not be employed full-time elsewhere at the same time. I believe it corrects a major flaw in the current system and rewards individuals for their contribution to public service rather than penalize them for the number of hours the
HISPANIC HERITAGE MONTH
Benjamin L. Cardin (Democrat, MD) \u2014 2017-10-5

I wish to join my colleagues and all Americans in celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month and the innumerable contributions of the Hispanic American community. There is much to celebrate. Although Hispanic Americans comprise 18 percent of the U.S. population, Latino-owned businesses, by some estimates, are responsible for approximately 86 percent of this country's small business growth. What is more, their economic influence is unrivaled by any other demographic since the baby boomers, representing a $1.5 trillion segment of the consumer market, according to a recent Stanford University state of Latino entrepreneurship, and perhaps, most notably, Hispanic Americans play an increasingly important role in our democracy, with a record 27 million Latinos eligible to vote in last year's election. prgtoken It has never been clearer that Hispanic Americans represent an impressive cultural and economic force. Ultimately, however, their value to this country is not in their statistics. It is in their character. A love for family, a commitment to community, and an unparalleled penchant for hard work are the tenets of Hispanic heritage. They are also the building blocks of America. This is no coincidence: Hispanic Americans helped build and sustain our Nation. They are an irreplaceable thread in the fabric of American society. With their knack for innovation, with their fearless pursuit of better lives, and sometimes with their bare hands, they have shaped this country from the ground up, and we are all the better for it. prgtoken While we use this month to reflect on their dignity and importance to this country, this year, in particular, the Hispanic American community is best served through actions not just words. Congress must pass the Dream Act. President 's order to rescind the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals, DACA, Program has shaken the Hispanic American community and most American to their core. Dreamers were brought to this country as children, with no decision in the matter. More importantly, they are quintessentially American in every way, except for their immigration status. They have lived, played, worshipped, and gone to school alongside our children most of their lives. They are our children's classmates and neighborhood friends and teammates. They are the college students studying at the library. They are the young serviceworkers at our favorite restaurants, studiously saving up for next semester's tuition. They are young men and women in uniform, serving in harm's way, defending our freedoms. prgtoken Dreamers were raised here, and most know no other home except the United States of America. If Congress does not act to protect them, the President's actions will force many of them out of work, into hiding and into poverty. This will not make America stronger. What makes America stronger are the Dreamers themselves. Their spirit, character, and will to overcome represent what i
Puerto Rico Recovery Effort (Executive Calendar)
Robert Menendez (Democrat, NJ) \u2014 2017-10-5

I rise today, as I have on so many occasions, to give voice to the 3.5 million Americans who call Puerto Rico home. Their lives have been turned upside down by Hurricane Maria, and now more than ever, they desperately need to be heard. I invite my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to join me in amplifying the voices of millions of Puerto Ricans calling out for help and the millions here on the mainland who have yet to hear from their families. prgtoken Here on the floor with me today are aerial photos of the destruction caused by Hurricane Maria, the astounding damage I saw firsthand when I toured Puerto Rico by helicopter on Friday, pictures largely taken by me. prgtoken Take this collapsed bridge in the municipality of Utuado, situated in the central mountains of Puerto Rico. Every day, the 30,000 Americans who live in Utuado depend on these bridges to cross the beautiful rivers that run through it, but today those 30,000 Americans are secluded, waiting in the dark, and wondering when help will arrive. prgtoken Images like these have stayed with me from the moment I left Puerto Rico, and I share them today because the people of Puerto Rico need our collective voices and support to stop this humanitarian crisis from devolving into a full-blown American tragedy. prgtoken This is another example of some of the devastation of a large number of homes in a community. prgtoken If we hope to overcome the monumental challenges before us, we need a full grasp of the reality on the ground. I thought that is why President went to Puerto Rico this week--to get a dose of reality. Instead, the President continued to feed on his own warped version of reality. The President told the people of Puerto Rico that they should be ``very proud'' that the death count was only ``16 versus literally thousands of people'' who died in ``a real catastrophe like Katrina''--a real catastrophe like Katrina. And certainly that was a catastrophe, but this is no less real for the people of Puerto Rico. Yet, moments later, the AP reported that fatalities in Puerto Rico have tragically risen to 44. And while I pray it is not the case, I fear that it may be even worse, because we have secluded communities that still have not gotten access, so we don't know what is happening there. prgtoken In short, the situation is perilous, and we don't have a moment to waste. prgtoken Like many, I had hoped that during his visit to Puerto Rico, the President would take the high road and set a new tone after his administration's woefully delayed and inadequate response to Hurricane Maria. Instead, the President took victim-blaming to a whole new level. He told emergency responders and local elected officials: ``I hate to tell you, Puerto Rico, but you have thrown our budget a little out of whack.'' prgtoken Well, , perhaps we have to dial back the budget- bursting, trillion-dollar tax cuts you want to give to billionaire famil
IN RECOGNITION OF LUZERNE COUNTY COMMUNITY COLLEGE ON THEIR 50TH ANNIVERSARY
Matt Cartwright (Democrat, PA) \u2014 2017-10-5

I rise today to honor Luzerne County Community College, which is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year. LCCC was founded in 1966 by the Luzerne County Board of Commissioners as a public, two-year college to provide affordable, accessible education for residents of Northeastern Pennsylvania and first began educating students in 1967. prgtoken When the College opened in 1967, Northeastern Pennsylvania was facing a pivotal moment in its history as the regional economy shifted away from coal industry jobs. The College responded to the demand for qualified, educated individuals to meet the needs of the area's rapidly changing industrial framework. From a two-building location in Wilkes- Barre, LCCC moved to its permanent, 122-acre location in Nanticoke in 1974. In the early 2000s, LCCC began expanding its reach beyond its Nanticoke Campus to include Hazelton, Berwick, Elk Lake, and its newest location in downtown Scranton. prgtoken Today, Luzerne County Community College offers associate degree, certificate, and diploma programs to over 5,000 students annually. The community college option provides affordable college education to a diverse student body from recent high school graduates to adult learners who are returning to the classroom for the first time since high school. LCCC offers programs in Nursing, Criminal Justice, Business Administration, and Computer Information Systems. prgtoken For many students, their education does not end with Luzerne County Community College. Many choose to continue their education at one of over 40 baccalaureate degree-awarding institutions with which LCCC has matriculation or transfer agreements. Many students in Northeastern Pennsylvania are set on a pathway toward success that begins with a strong educational groundwork from LCCC. prgtoken The College is committed to remaining at the forefront in affordable, accessible education in the Wyoming Valley and continues to adapt and respond to meet the needs of the area's growing and changing educational, economic, and industrial needs.
CONCURRENT RESOLUTION ON THE BUDGET FOR FISCAL YEAR 2018
John A. Yarmuth (Democrat, KY) \u2014 2017-10-5

. Madam Chairwoman, 4 minutes. prgtoken Madam Chairwoman, I suppose I should be saying thank you. I will get a huge tax cut under the tax cut plan, as well the majority of those people sitting here--the majority of our colleagues in Congress--who are, like me, fortunate enough to be millionaires already. prgtoken Forgive me if I am in no mood to say thank you, because I was elected not just to represent millionaires, but to represent aspiring millionaires, working families, seniors, and veterans. For all of them, for anyone who isn't already a millionaire, this budget is a slap in the face. prgtoken With all of the problems facing our country right now, all the people struggling to get ahead, it is unfathomable to me that this Congress could look at people like me and say: Hey, that guy, let's give him more money. In fact, let's give all millionaires hundreds of thousands of dollars in tax cuts. prgtoken Really, I am small potatoes. President , according to his financial disclosure, will get hundreds of millions of dollars in tax cuts. prgtoken Where is all that money coming from? If you are listening to this and you are not a millionaire, probably from you. prgtoken To pay for our own tax cuts and the tax cuts for wealthy donors, s are going to increase taxes on 45 percent of American families with children. That is just the start. Seniors, people with disabilities, and low-income families will see their healthcare cut. prgtoken Poor seniors will lose benefits that help them keep food on the table and their homes heated in the winter. Veteran benefits, meals for hungry schoolchildren, programs that make education affordable and job training available, investments that generate economic growth and create good-paying jobs are all at risk in this budget. prgtoken They are also cutting corporate tax rates, which we will be paying for by plunging our Nation into deeper and deeper debt, giving multinational giants another advantage over small- and mid-size businesses in the name of perpetuating the myth of supply-side economics. prgtoken Supply-side failed. They renamed it trickle-down, but nothing trickled down. Now it is job creators. When that fails, maybe they will call it ``I get mine now; you get yours later--maybe.'' But whatever they name it, it is a sham. This plan is a hoax on the American people, and it will make most people's lives more difficult. prgtoken So forgive me if I am in no mood to say thank you for the extra money in my pocket. With millions of Americans struggling and scraping to get ahead, and with my tax cut increasing their challenges, I cannot begin to justify my extra money, and, quite frankly, I cannot fathom how my colleagues are able to justify theirs. prgtoken With this budget, s aren't just passing the buck, they are pocketing it. Madam Chair, I strongly urge my colleagues to vote ``no'' on the budget. prgtoken Madam Ch
U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS DISASTER RELIEF
Barbara Lee (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2017-10-5

I rise to urge this body to send urgent aid to the U.S. Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico, and all of our Caribbean neighbors in its federal response to this year's devastating hurricane season. prgtoken Hurricanes Harvey, Jose, Irma and now Maria have ravaged our southern border, the U.S. Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico, and our friends and neighbors in the Caribbean. prgtoken Sadly, the pace of federal response in the Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico has been much too slow. prgtoken Nearly three weeks after Hurricane Irma, a category 5 hurricane, decimated the Virgin Islands, residents are still having trouble receiving appropriate aid and commodities. prgtoken Now, nearly two weeks after another category 5 storm tore through St. Croix, the U.S. Virgin Islands' three main islands have lost its economy, its physical infrastructure and scores of its people. prgtoken Insufficient quantities of food and supplies, lack of power, extremely long fuel lines, and lack of communication and cell phone coverage have left the Virgin Islands utterly decimated. prgtoken The Virgin Islands are in a humanitarian crisis, . No American citizen should be forced to endure these conditions, especially not with the level of resources at the disposal of our federal government. prgtoken My heart breaks for these families. I urge my colleagues and the Administration to fund all necessary resources not only to address the urgent humanitarian crisis but also the sustained commitment support funding necessary to help rebuild and restore infrastructure necessary for their economy and people to move forward.
TAX REFORM
Scott H. Peters (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2017-10-5

our tax system is broken and in desperate need of reform. We need a simpler Tax Code that is fiscally responsible, makes American businesses more competitive, and allows working families to prosper in a 21st century economy. prgtoken But the Ryan-McConnell tax proposal would do the opposite and fails on the promises made by President to boost the middle class. Middle class families would see an average tax increase of $1,290 per year. That is a 380 percent increase for an average family of four. prgtoken A new analysis from the nonpartisan Tax Policy Center said that the Ryan-McConnell proposal would add $5.6 trillion to the national debt, a 27 percent increase from the current debt which is already too high. prgtoken Under this proposal, the increased deficits will far outweigh the benefits prgtoken of reductions, and economic growth and hardworking Americans will both suffer. prgtoken Instead, we need forward-looking policies that are fiscally responsible and create opportunities for families and businesses in today's economy. That will only come from bipartisan negotiations where we can work together to create the best possible tax conditions for Americans.
INTRODUCTION OF THE CYBER BREACH NOTIFICATION ACT
J. Luis Correa (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2017-10-5

the data breach at Equifax, one of three major American credit-reporting companies in the United States, exposed the personal and financial information of up to 143 million Americans. The data breach gave hackers access to Americans' highly sensitive personal and financial information, including Social Security numbers, birth dates, home addresses, driver's license numbers, credit card numbers, and credit dispute claims. prgtoken The data breach occurred in May 2017, and, the agency became aware of the breach on July 29, 2017, but did not report it to the public until 40 days later. The delay in disclosing the breach is concerning because almost half of all Americans' sensitive information could be in the hands of cyber criminals, who are willing and ready to use that information for identity fraud and other crimes. prgtoken Cyber breaches like this one present a risk to privacy and individuals' personal financial welfare. In 2002, I helped pass California's data breach law requiring businesses and government agencies to notify residents of data breaches. This notification law was instrumental in ensuring the public was informed and could mitigate harm. It is imperative that breaches are reported in a timely manner for individuals to begin taking the appropriate steps in protecting their identities and financial information. prgtoken That is why, today, I am introducing the Cyber Breach Notification Act to establish federal standards modeled after California's data prgtoken notification law and HIPAA's data notification provisions, which is currently in place to notify individuals of data breaches. This legislation will require businesses to notify individuals affected by data breaches ``in the most expedient time possible and without unreasonable delay.'' Additionally, this legislation establishes a federal standard for data breach notification laws, but does not preempt current state breach notification laws or preclude states from creating more robust laws. This will ensure that millions of Americans are given proper and timely notice after a data breach to begin to mitigate harm.
LEGISLATIVE PROGRAM
Steny H. Hoyer (Democrat, MD) \u2014 2017-10-5

I thank the gentleman for his answer. prgtoken Let me, if I might, , simply suggest to the gentleman, we certainly understand, and this side agrees, we want to have secure borders. There is, obviously, a disagreement on the President's proposal of a wall, I think, frankly, on your side as well as on my side of the aisle. I would hope that we would not, in effect, hold hostage the 800,000 students, workers, and young people brought here as children who know no other country. prgtoken In my discussions with Mr. Ryan, and his public comments have indicated, he is sympathetic to making sure that we address that issue. He urged, as you know, President not to rescind DACA. The President did anyway. prgtoken I am hopeful that we can deal with the DREAMers, which I think certainly has very robust support on both sides of the aisle, in my view, Mr. Leader. I hope we can deal with that without clouding it with an issue, i.e the wall. Not security; security I think we can reach agreement on. But I am hopeful that we can do that. prgtoken The DREAMers are extraordinarily anxious. I presume you have met with some of the DREAMers. They are really very impressive people and are enhancing our communities and our country. prgtoken So I would hope that we could do that. I look forward to talking to you personally about how we move forward and, hopefully, move quickly. I would like to have done it by next week. prgtoken As you know, I said that it would be nice to do it in this work period, to lay to rest the anxiety of the 800,000-plus people who will be affected. But, if we can't do that, certainly I would hope that we could do it shortly after we get back after the next district work period. prgtoken , .