mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
DISAPPROVING A RULE SUBMITTED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
Bob Gibbs (Republican, OH) \u2014 2017-2-1

in his last month in office, President fired one last shot in his war on coal. By finalizing the so-called stream protection rule, the administration made it more difficult for an already distressed industry to provide a reliable and affordable energy source for our economy. prgtoken In reality, the only thing President tried to protect was the jobs of bureaucrats at the expense of hardworking Americans. This rule adds no new environmental protections. It only duplicates what Federal and State regulators are already doing to protect the environment. prgtoken Additionally, this rule could close off as much as half of the U.S. coal reserves for mining. The bureaucrats writing this rule did not truly understand the impact of this because, in the 7 years they took to write it, no one bothered to visit an actual mine. prgtoken We cannot allow out-of-control bureaucrats to regulate an industry that employs thousands of Americans out of existence simply to save the radical liberal agenda. I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting this resolution of disapproval of yet another regulatory overreach by the administration.
Nomination of Neil Gorsuch (Executive Session)
Orrin G. Hatch (Republican, UT) \u2014 2017-2-1

I rise today in support of the nomination of Judge Neil M. Gorsuch to serve as the next Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of the United States. Judge Gorsuch has been nominated to fill the seat left vacant by the late Justice Antonin Scalia. prgtoken Justice Scalia was a dear friend of mine, and his death was a great loss to me and to our country, not just to me personally but for the whole Nation. Justice Scalia joined the Supreme Court after years of unbridled activism by the Court, during which time Justices imposed their own left-wing views--completely unmoored from the law as written--on the American people. prgtoken In response, he led a much needed revolution based on the enduring principle that the role of a judge is to say what the law is, not what a judge wishes it were. As the intellectual architect of the effort to restore the judiciary to its proper role under the Constitution, Justice Scalia was a singularly influential jurist. prgtoken To say that he leaves big shoes to fill is an understatement. Any worthy successor to his legacy will not only be committed to continuing his life's work but also capable of delivering the sort of intellectual firepower and leadership that Justice Scalia provided for decades. prgtoken Of all the potential candidates for this position, this vacancy, Neil Gorsuch stands out as the jurist best positioned to fill this role. His resume prgtoken can only be described as stellar: Columbia University, a Marshall Scholarship to study at Oxford, Harvard Law School, clerkships for Judge Sentelle on the DC Circuit and for Justices White and Kennedy on the Supreme Court, a distinguished career in private practice and at the Department of Justice, and more than a decade of service on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Tenth Circuit. prgtoken Even among his many talented colleagues on the Federal bench, his opinions consistently stand out for their clarity, thoughtfulness, and airtight reasoning. In the words of one of his colleagues appointed by President Carter, Judge Gorsuch ``writes opinions in a unique style that has more verve and vitality than any other judge I study on a regular basis.'' He continued: ``Judge Gorsuch listens well and decides justly. His dissents are instructive rather than vitriolic. In sum, I think he is an excellent judicial craftsman.'' prgtoken This view of Judge Gorsuch's capabilities is broadly shared across a wide swath of legal observers. Consider some other descriptions of his qualifications from outlets that could hardly be considered conservative. The New York Times reported on his ``credentials and erudition.'' The Los Angeles Times called him a ``highly regarded . . . jurist,'' and ABC News described how ``in legal circles, he's considered a gifted writer.'' prgtoken I think there can be no doubt that Judge Gorsuch has the credentials to make him a capable and effective member of the U.S. Supreme Court. Nevertheless, I have
FAREWELL TO SCOTT GRAVES
Glenn Thompson (Republican, PA) \u2014 2017-2-1

I just came back from the organizing committee meeting with my good friend from California for the House Agriculture Committee. I appreciate the opportunity to work with this gentleman and all of the folks who serve on that committee that really provides policy to our Nation's agriculture industry. prgtoken It is about making sure that Americans have access to affordable, high quality, and safe food. I actually look at the Agriculture Committee as well as having a dual mission of making sure that the rural economies of our Nation are robust or successful. prgtoken , I rise to say thank you and farewell to Scott Graves, staff director of the House Agriculture Committee, an individual who served well for many years. prgtoken , as you know, there is a right way to do business here in the House, and Scott Graves has understood what it takes to manage the Agriculture Committee, the chairman's personal affairs and agenda. But he also has found time to help out members of this committee from both sides of the aisle. prgtoken Knowing is one thing; execution is everything. prgtoken I have always been impressed with the way we have been able to work on the committee in a bipartisan manner for the good of agriculture, and 320 million Americans have benefited from safety, innovation, and forward thinking of the agriculture industry. prgtoken Under Scott's leadership, he made this look easy. Now, as he embarks upon the next step in his career, I wish Scott Graves all the best, his wife, his little boy, and his little one to be born later this year. prgtoken The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania has a slogan on every road sign entering the State, and the sign reads, ``You've got a friend in Pennsylvania.'' Well, Scott, you don't have to drive far, but realize this holds true for me and all of my staff, you've got a friend in Pennsylvania. SNAP Helps Lift People Out of Poverty
DISAPPROVING A RULE SUBMITTED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
Thom Tillis (Republican, NC) \u2014 2017-2-1

I want to thank my colleague from Utah and his eloquent comments about the Supreme Court nominee. I would like to associate myself with everything he said. He has the kind of experience and insight that I hope so many Members on both sides of the aisle will listen to. prgtoken I am here to talk about the spirit of bipartisanship and getting things done. I submitted an editorial to my local newspaper down in Charlotte a couple of weeks ago. The whole premise of my opinion was that in November the voters did not vote for a mandate; they voted for a results mandate. They are tired of the gridlock they see up here in Washington. They are tired of people promising things they know they can't deliver. They are wanting for a leader in President and in the congressional leadership people who want to produce results. They want people who want to work across the aisle and come up with bipartisan solutions to a lot of the problems that confront this Nation. prgtoken You would have thought that I changed my registration and became a member of the minority party with the criticism that I got from people on my side of the aisle. I was called a RINO. For those of you who don't know what that is, that is a in name only. prgtoken When I was the speaker of the house in North Carolina, the last thing I was ever called was a RINO. We worked on a conservative agenda that made sense. We gained the support of a number of along the way. North Carolina is a lot better place because of the courage of those folks who were willing to work across the aisle to help our great State, to go from one of the laggards in terms of economic performance to one of the leading States in the Nation for economic performance over the course of about 4 years. prgtoken I don't really care about the criticism from the talking heads--from the far left or the far right--because I consider them one of the great threats that we have to actually turning this Congress around and getting things done. I am going to do everything I can to reach across the aisle and produce solutions to some of the most vexing problems we have. prgtoken There are solutions within our reach. If you think about immigration reform, there is a 40-year-old failure on the part of the s and to address the immigration problem. Everybody wants their position on one end of the spectrum or the other versus what the American people want or a solution to the problem--a solution that makes sure the American worker is respected and taken care of, that our borders are secure, and that we end this 40-year-old failure on the part of Washington to solve the problem. prgtoken They want solutions on criminal justice reform. We have many people in prison who, after they get out, are more likely to go back into prison because we really haven't thought about commonsense ways to help them enter back into society and have productive li
PROVIDING FOR CONGRESSIONAL DISAPPROVAL OF A RULE SUBMITTED BY THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Ann Wagner (Republican, MO) \u2014 2017-2-1

. I thank Chairman Hensarling for the time. prgtoken , Mr. Huizenga, the chair of the Capital Markets and Government Sponsored Enterprises Subcommittee, for his leadership on this issue. prgtoken , I am proud to cosponsor the SEC disclosure rule for resource extraction, which is an important tool for Congress to use in disapproving excessive red tape brought by Washington bureaucrats. prgtoken The previous administration placed crushing regulatory burdens on the American people. In 2015 alone, Federal regulations cost almost $1.9 trillion--nearly $15,000 per American family. This particular SEC regulation, which was issued by the administration, regarding resource extraction disclosures will make it more expensive for our public companies that are involved with energy production to be competitive overseas with foreign state-owned companies. prgtoken , I am pleased to support this resolution of disapproval. The SEC has estimated that ongoing compliance costs for this rule could reach as high as $591 million annually and fully admit that it has the potential to divert capital away from other productive opportunities, like growing a business and creating jobs. prgtoken Securities law should not be used to advance foreign policy objectives, particularly when the compliance cost of implementing those objectives is so expensive--with no added benefit of investor protection. prgtoken While this rule had already been vacated before the U.S. District Court of D.C. in 2013, I am happy that, through this resolution of disapproval, Congress--we the people--can now weigh in as well on this harmful rule. I urge the passage of this resolution.
PROVIDING FOR CONGRESSIONAL DISAPPROVAL OF A RULE SUBMITTED BY THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Claudia Tenney (Republican, NY) \u2014 2017-2-1

. Let me emphasize, we are not eliminating the SEC's or the DOJ's enforcement authority. We are simply asking them to revisit this rule. Both of these agencies still retain their power to ensure a level playing field and to root out corruption. prgtoken It is important we recognize that vacating this rule is part of the joint resolution. I urge my colleagues to vote in favor of this resolution.
ARMS SALES NOTIFICATION
Bob Corker (Republican, TN) \u2014 2017-2-1

section 36(b) of the Arms Export Control Act requires that Congress receive prior notification of certain proposed arms sales as defined by that statute. Upon such notification, the Congress has 30 calendar days during which the sale may be reviewed. The provision stipulates that, in the Senate, the notification of proposed sales shall be sent to the chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. prgtoken In keeping with the committee's intention to see that relevant information is available to the full Senate, I ask unanimous consent to have printed in the Record the notifications which have been received. If the cover letter references a classified annex, then such annex is available to all Senators in the office of the Foreign Relations Committee, room SD-423.
TRIBUTE TO LAYNE BANGERTER
Mike Crapo (Republican, ID) \u2014 2017-2-1

today I wish to recognize the outstanding work of a longtime member of my Senate staff, Layne Bangerter, who has been appointed as special assistant to President . prgtoken Layne has been a valued member of my staff for more than 13 years. Serving as director of agriculture and natural resources, he has provided sound counsel on critical issues for our State. For example, Layne dedicated countless hours to crafting the Owyhee Public Land Management Act and has worked to ensure sound implementation of the agreement. His well-honed ability to build relationships has been key to the success of this and many other efforts. prgtoken As a rancher and farmer, Layne has unique on-the-ground experience with how Federal policies affect land, water, and people. He also has significant understanding from his work for the U.S. Department of Agriculture Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service Wildlife Services and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. He has used this experience to inform a number of critical agricultural and natural resources issues, including wildlife, conservation, forestry, water, and agricultural programs. He knows the right balance needs to be struck between conservation and responsible natural resources practices and that the one-size-fits-all approach never works in real America. Layne is the kind of guy that you want in your corner--he listens, uses common sense, and then works to come up with the best possible solutions. prgtoken Layne is positive, encouraging, and affable while also having a pragmatism shaped by extensive experience. His insight will no doubt be extremely valuable to the administration. While I will miss having Layne as a member of my staff, I wish him all the best in this new endeavor and look forward to our continued friendship. Thank you, Layne, for your hard work on behalf of Idahoans and our country, and congratulations on this next step in your career. I wish you, Betsy, and your wonderful family continued success.
COMMITIEE ON HOMELAND SECURITY AND GOVERNMENTAL AFFAIRS
Ron Johnson (Republican, WI) \u2014 2017-2-1

rule XXVI, paragraph 2, of the Standing Rules of the Senate requires each committee to adopt rules to govern the procedure of the Committee and to publish those rules in the Congressional Record not later than March 1 of the first year of each Congress. Today the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs adopted committee rules of procedure. prgtoken Consistent with Standing Rule XXVI, I ask unanimous consent to have a copy of the rules of procedure of the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs printed in the Record.
CONDITIONS AT THE SOUTHERN BORDER OF THE UNITED STATES
Steve King (Republican, IA) \u2014 2017-2-1

. Madam , it is my honor to address you here on the floor of the United States House of Representatives. And I came here to the floor with a bit different topic in mind, but as I listened to the gentleman from Texas, I thought it would be a good idea, while there still was a captive audience on the topic, to refresh some things with perhaps a bit different perspective. prgtoken And that would be that, from my time and experience, I have traveled most every mile of the southern border, that would be 2,000, all together. I think it would be true that I have traveled every mile of California and Arizona and New Mexico, and most all the miles in Texas. I have flown a lot of it. I have driven a lot of it. I have been out on the water on some of it. And I have spent some nights down on the border, a number of them in some of the dangerous crossings, like San Miguel's crossing on the Tohono O'odham Reservation. It is one of those without any night vision and without what we would call official security. prgtoken So when I hear that the border is as secure as it has ever been and that there is no security threat to the U.S which is what we have just heard here in this previous hour, Madam , I absolutely don't agree with that. prgtoken And if there is no terrorism that is any factor at all, that there has never been a terrorist attack on the southern border, I would point the gentleman to the five heads that were lined up on the Mexican side of the fence across from the people that were driving to church in New Mexico a few years ago. I think those children that looked out the windows of their cars as they were getting a ride to church were victims of the terror that was created by heads stacked along the side of the highway within feet of our U.S. border. prgtoken As I spend time with the Border Patrol agents that have made a career out of protecting our border down there, they tell me that there are murders on the Mexican side of the border, where they just throw the body over the fence on to the U.S. side; and other cases where they identify bodies on the Mexican side of the border, and they will call the Mexican security people, whom they have good relations with, as a rule, and they will see the equivalent of an S-10 pickup pull up and just throw the body in the back of the pickup and drive away, with zero forensics and very little attempt to identify who the perpetrators might be that have committed these murders there so close to the border. prgtoken I have made surprise visits down to the border on a number of occasions, and I make it a point to drop in and see what is going on and talk to the people that are there protecting and guarding our border. prgtoken I recall one of those visits down to Sasabe, Arizona, at a relatively rural crossing there. I pulled into that port of entry and port of exit for us, and I got out and I decided on the spot that, well, I should let them know who I am for reasons of co
Nomination of Betsy DeVos (Executive Calendar)
Lisa Murkowski (Republican, AK) \u2014 2017-2-1

. Thank you, . prgtoken She has committed that the focus she will give, not only to Alaska but to all States will not undermine, erode, or ignore public schools and that she will, in fact, work to support our public schools. She has committed to me that she will come to Alaska in order to learn from Alaska's educators, our parents, school board members, and our tribal representatives to see for herself the challenges we face. prgtoken I still continue to have concerns. I think Mrs. DeVos has much to learn about our Nation's public schools, how they work and the challenges they face. prgtoken I have serious concerns about a nominee to be Secretary of Education who has been so involved in one side of the equation--so immersed in the push for vouchers--that she may be unaware of what actually is successful within the public schools and also what is broken and how to fix them. prgtoken Betsy DeVos must show us that she truly understands the children of Alaska and across America, both urban and rural, who are not able to access an alternative choice in education, as in so many of my communities. She must show us that she will work to help the struggling public schools that strive to educate children whose parents are unable to drive them across town to get to a better school. That she will not ignore the homeless students whose main worry is finding somewhere safe to sleep and for whom their public school is truly a refuge. And that she will fight for the children whose parents don't even know how to navigate these educational options. prgtoken I believe that my colleagues here in the Senate and the many, many they represent have the right to debate these questions, to air their thoughts and concerns and perspectives about this nomination, and again I believe that any President has the right to expect that we do so. prgtoken I conclude my remarks to make clear that my colleagues know firmly that I do not intend to vote, on final passage, to support Mrs. DeVos to be Secretary of Education. I thank the chairman of the committee for working with me and with my colleagues on this matter, but I cannot support this nominee. prgtoken , .
UNDOING JOB-KILLING REGULATIONS
Stevan Pearce (Republican, NM) \u2014 2017-2-1

many times, people ask me: Just what is it about regulations that kills jobs? That is what we are involved in this week is undoing some of those regulations. I will be introducing one today to unwind a regulation that the BLM recently put into place. prgtoken What happened is, over a year ago, for the first time in 40 years, we allowed Americans to export oil. We are diminishing the trade deficits--that is, we are making our economy stronger--by shipping to South American countries and to countries all over the world. It is good for American jobs. Then the BLM comes in and puts in its onshore oil and gas order No. 3 rule, which will make it more difficult for us to produce oil off of public lands. It simply shouldn't be there. prgtoken We are introducing legislation today that will reject that as a bureaucratic entanglement of job creation in the country. That is as simple as we could be. We look forward to the support of the Members of the House.
Travel Ban (Executive Calendar)
Joe Donnelly (Democrat, IN) \u2014 2017-2-1

I rise today to speak about the nominee for Secretary of State. I will be brief and to the point. prgtoken Mr. Rex Tillerson led his last organization in a lobbying campaign to undermine the national security interests of the United States in favor of Russia, Iran, and corporate profit. Putting narrow corporate interests ahead of America's national security interests is inexcusable for a CEO and disqualifying for a nominee to be our Nation's chief diplomat. prgtoken I will vote against Rex Tillerson's nomination for Secretary of State, and I encourage my colleagues to do the same. prgtoken Thank you, . . prgtoken .