mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
TAX REFORM
Orrin G. Hatch (Republican, UT) \u2014 2017-6-27

I rise to discuss once again the ongoing effort to reform our Nation's Tax Code. prgtoken I have been coming to the floor regularly to talk about this subject for more than 6 years, and, during that time, more and more Americans have recognized the need to fix our broken and outdated tax system. Members of Congress from both parties have similarly acknowledged that, when it comes to our Tax Code, the status quo is untenable. prgtoken President has made tax reform one of his top priorities, which is essential. Presidential leadership on tax reform has been sorely lacking in the past. Of course, for some the involvement of the President in this endeavor complicates matters. Indeed, some of my friends on the other side of the aisle are, by all appearances, bound and determined to block the passage of any part of President 's agenda even if, in terms of policy, there is common ground and it is good for all Americans. Still, I welcome the involvement of the President in this effort and hope that more and more of my colleagues will eventually do the same. prgtoken Today I want to take a few minutes to rebut the growing narrative in the media and elsewhere that tax reform is going to be a secretive exercise, involving the input of only a few key players. prgtoken True enough, there have been meetings involving the administration, House and Senate leaders, and tax writers in recent weeks, wherein we have been discussing tax reform at a high level in an effort to reach some agreement. However, while this process may result in an agreed upon framework, this will not be the be-all and end-all of tax reform. On the contrary, as chairman of the Senate's tax-writing committee, I am committed to ensuring a robust process in the Senate for developing, considering, and passing any tax reform package. That is how the Senate functions best, and that is what I intend to see happen. prgtoken Toward that end, I have been working to involve all of the members of the Senate Finance Committee in this effort. We have a number of great Senators on the committee, many of whom have put in years of work on different areas of the tax system. I think it would be foolish to let that experience and expertise go to waste, especially at this time in our lives. Every on the committee is involved in this process, and I have asked some Senators to focus on particular areas. prgtoken For example, I have asked Senators Enzi and Portman to focus on the international tax system. This issue is essential. Our antiquated international tax system leaves American businesses at a decidedly competitive disadvantage, and it is one of the main drivers behind the stream of inversions and foreign takeovers we have seen in recent years. Both of these Senators have put in a lot of time and a lot of work on this issue in developing proposals for a better path forward, and some of that development in the past has occurr
CBO ESTIMATE OF H.R. 1628
Michael B. Enzi (Republican, WY) \u2014 2017-6-27

for the information of my colleagues, the Congressional Budget Office released its estimate of H.R. 1628, the American Health Care Act of 2017, in May 2017. Information related to this House-passed bill can be found on the Congressional Budget Office's Website with the following link: https://www.cbo.gov/system/ files/115th-congress-2017-2018/costestimate/hr1628aspassed.pdf.
OPIOID ADDICTION CRISIS
Tim Murphy (Republican, PA) \u2014 2017-6-27

I thank my friend from Oregon, and I thank all the Members speaking here tonight. I want to say, as you saw, this was a bipartisan coalition of Members. We are much better off working hand in hand to pass legislation that changes issues than standing next to each other as pallbearers for another 59,000 people in our Nation next week. prgtoken , with that and with some hope that we can pass this legislation and save some lives, .
SISSETON-WAHPETON SIOUX TRIBE'S SESQUICENTENNIAL CELEBRATION
Mike Rounds (Republican, SD) \u2014 2017-6-27

today I wish to recognize the 150th anniversary of the Sisseton-Wahpeton Sioux Tribe's treaty with the U.S. Government, which coincides with the Tribe's 150th annual Fourth of July celebration. prgtoken Beginning in 1867, the Sisseton-Wahpeton Dakota Nation's annual Fourth of July Wacipi is the oldest continual event in South Dakota and one of the oldest established celebrations in the Nation. The Sisseton- Wahpeton Sioux Tribe is dedicated to maintaining their culture in the modern world through art, language, spirituality, and traditions, all of which is celebrated during its annual Fourth of July Wacipi. They also use the celebration to honor area veterans who bravely fought defending our freedoms. prgtoken The story of the Sisseton and Wahpeton bands is one of movement of the Native people that made their home on the Lake Traverse Reservation, where they still celebrate today. Here, Tribal members draw on their rich history, continue their traditions, and contribute to a vibrant, growing economy in the area. prgtoken On behalf of all South Dakotans, I wish to congratulate the Sisseton- Wahpeton Sioux Tribe on their sesquicentennial celebration. I thank them for their treaty, friendship, and alliance with the United States of America over the past 150 years and look forward to continuing our friendship in the 150 years to come.
IMMIGRANT HERITAGE MONTH
Ryan A. Costello (Republican, PA) \u2014 2017-6-27

I rise today to commemorate Immigrant Heritage Month. America is a great nation of immigrants, and we should recognize the countless contributions and positive impact immigrants have made on our country. We should take pride in the fact that most of us have passed down the stories of our families traveling from somewhere else in pursuit of the American Dream. I'm proud to be the descendant of Irish, Italian, and German immigrants who sought a better life in the United States. Our country was built on the just belief that all men are created equal, and we have a proud history of advancing economic, educational, and personal opportunity. It is my honor to take this opportunity to celebrate our country's traditions during Immigrant Heritage Month.
PATRIOT WEEK
Mike Bishop (Republican, MI) \u2014 2017-6-27

we need to get back to the core values that our Nation embraced 241 years ago. That is why this year I have reintroduced my Patriot Week resolution, H. Con. Res. 12, which creates a national week of appreciation for the brave individuals, documents, and values that define our Nation's history to be taught in schools and honored in workplaces across America. prgtoken Patriot Week would begin on the solemn anniversary of September 11 and end with Constitution Day on September 17. prgtoken , our founding principles have been ignored and eroded. Society has seemingly lost interest in the longstanding history that made our country great. prgtoken As we approach Independence Day, we must reflect on who we are as a nation and how we can improve what is good for generations to come. America has become too divided, and we must get back to the core values that make our country great. prgtoken Just as immigrants learn the history of our country, high school seniors should be able to pass, at minimum, the same citizenship exam upon graduation. Ronald Reagan once said that ``freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction.'' His words must serve as a wake-up call to every one of us today. prgtoken I urge my colleagues to support Patriot Week, and I would like to take this opportunity to wish our Nation a happy and safe Independence Day. We are grateful for all those who serve to keep us safe at home, in our Nation's Capital, and all over the world.
ADDITIONAL STATEMENTS
Steve Daines (Republican, MT) \u2014 2017-6-27

today I wish to recognize the Huntley Project Irrigation District for its 110th anniversary and for its impact on Montana. The district originated from an irrigation project in southern Montana that was completed by the Bureau of Reclamation in 1907. The Huntley Project was one of the first Reclamation projects in Montana and led to the development and success of agricultural land in much of the surrounding area. As agriculture is Montana's No. 1 industry, it is critical that farmers and ranchers have irrigation projects set in place that are able to provide a reliable supply of water for their crops. prgtoken Leading by example is the way we do things in Montana, and this project shows how the dedication and ingenuity of our farmers and ranchers works. It has led to economic development for the area and beyond and transformed farming areas to be even more fruitful for our farmers and ranchers. prgtoken Our farmers and ranchers have made it through the tough times because of determination and have overcome many challenges. This anniversary celebrates more than an irrigation project but honors the determination and ambition of the Montana farmer and rancher. Congratulations again for the 110th anniversary of the Huntley Project, and thank you to everyone who has made it a success.
IMMIGRANT HERITAGE MONTH
Carlos Curbelo (Republican, FL) \u2014 2017-6-27

June is Immigrant Heritage Month, and as the son of parents who fled Castro's Cuba, like so many other residents of south Florida, I am especially proud of my district's rich immigrant history and culture. From small-business owners to law enforcement, hundreds of thousands of immigrants and their descendants across south Florida are contributing to our economy, culture, and local communities as living examples of American success. prgtoken I know from firsthand experience the great and generous spirit of the American people and the unimaginable opportunities our Nation provides to all who are willing to work for them. prgtoken Despite the longstanding tradition of welcoming immigrants to our shores, our Nation continues to have vigorous debate about immigration policy. Unfortunately, , the current debate has left thousands of immigrant children, who were brought to this country by their parents, in constant fear of deportation to countries of origin many of them don't even remember. prgtoken They have attended school with our own children, graduated high school, sometimes even serving in the military, and today are seeking to contribute to American society and help grow our economy. prgtoken , the President, the former President, and Members of Congress in both Chambers and from both parties agree that these young people, commonly referred to as DREAMers, should be treated with compassion. prgtoken I too agree, which is why I introduced legislation that would give these young people the certainty that they deserve. The Recognizing America's Children Act creates three pathways to legal status for them: academic, military service, or employment. All qualified applicants would be thoroughly vetted, and any individual who has been involved in serious criminal conduct will be disqualified. prgtoken , immigration reform means strengthening security at our border and modernizing our visa program to keep Americans safe, but it also means offering immigrants who love our country just as much as we do the opportunity to fully participate in the American experience. It is my hope that this Immigrant Heritage Month will lead us to act in this regard. Mental Health Awareness Semipostal Stamp Act
BETTER CARE RECONCILIATION BILL
John Thune (Republican, SD) \u2014 2017-6-27

I would like to read a few headlines from the past couple of weeks. prgtoken From the Detroit Free Press: ``Care rates in Michigan could skyrocket as much as 31 percent in 2018.'' prgtoken This is from the Associated Press: ``New Mexico health insurer proposes 80 percent premium hike.'' prgtoken From the Washington Examiner: ``CMS: 47 counties won't have Care coverage in 2018.'' prgtoken From Bloomberg: ``Anthem to Leave Care Markets in Indiana and Wisconsin.'' prgtoken From the Washington Free Beacon: ``Last Insurer in Delaware Requests Rate Hike of 33.6 Percent for 2018.'' prgtoken These headlines should probably be shocking--an 80-percent premium increase; 47 counties without an insurer--but they are not. Insurers leaving the market, huge premium hikes, lack of coverage--that is par for the course for Care. Unfortunately, too many Americans have gotten used to those types of headlines. I have lost count how many times I have come down to the floor to read similar headlines. prgtoken While these headlines may not be shocking anymore, they are still disturbing. Behind these stories are tens of thousands of struggling Americans who can no longer afford the Care premiums, Americans who are losing their healthcare plan again, Americans who are worried they won't have any coverage options at all for 2018. Care may have been well-intentioned, but good intentions are not enough. prgtoken Care was fatally flawed from the beginning, and it is rapidly imploding. We can do one of two things: We can just wait around for the exchanges prgtoken to collapse completely, as our colleagues across the aisle seem inclined to do, or we can act. Sitting around waiting for the exchanges to collapse might be the easier path, but we can't do much good for the American people if we are sitting on the bench and watching. prgtoken s promised the American people that we would rescue them from the burdens of Care, and we intend to keep that promise. Last week, Senate s released legislation to start undoing the damage caused by Care. It is called the Better Care Reconciliation Act. prgtoken To start with, our bill provides relief to individuals and families by repealing Care's burdensome individual and employer mandates. Under our legislation, Americans will no longer be forced to buy insurance they don't want or can't afford. Employers will no longer be faced with the choice of reducing worker hours or not hiring more employees simply to avoid the Federal Government's heavy hand. prgtoken Our bill also repeals the burdensome Care taxes. Taxes have consequences. When you raise taxes on everything from lifesaving medical devices, such as pacemakers, to health insurance itself, which Care did, it is no surprise that these things get less affordable. Our goal with this bill is to make healthcare more affordable and more accessible for all Americans. Repeali
ESTABLISHING A VISITOR SERVICES FACILITY ON THE ARLINGTON RIDGE TRACT
Paul Cook (Republican, CA) \u2014 2017-6-27

such time as I may consume. prgtoken , H.R. 1073, brought to us by our Natural Resources Committee colleague Congressman Don Beyer of Virginia, authorizes the National Park Service to construct a visitor services center at the United States Marine Corps Memorial in Arlington, Virginia. prgtoken The United States Marine Corps Memorial is one of the emblematic sites of our Nation's Capital. As a marine, the memorial is especially near and dear to my heart. It represents our Nation's gratitude and esteem for the Marines and those who have fought beside them. prgtoken While the statue depicts the flag raising on Iwo Jima--one of the most iconic events in World War II--the memorial is dedicated to all marines who have given their lives in defense of the United States since 1775. prgtoken Each year, the memorial attracts over 1 million visitors and hosts several popular events, including Summer Sunset Parades and the Marine Corps Marathon. prgtoken Despite this popularity, the memorial lacks basic visitor services such as permanent restroom facilities. The bill before us authorizes the construction of a visitor services center that includes permanent restroom facilities, thus allowing those visiting our Nation's Capital to visit and appreciate this grand memorial with increased comfort. prgtoken , I urge adoption of the measure, and .
65TH ANNIVERSARY OF LEVITTOWN, PENNSYLVANIA
Brian K. Fitzpatrick (Republican, PA) \u2014 2017-6-27

I rise to recognize the Network of Victim Assistance, NOVA, in Bucks County, Pennsylvania. prgtoken NOVA seeks to support, counsel, and empower victims of sexual assault and abuse in our region through advocacy and community education. By utilizing individual and group counseling, victims of sexual assault and abuse can regain control of their lives, and through education programs, children and communities learn to be advocates for victims of abuse, as well as prevention and personal safety. prgtoken Additionally, NOVA Bucks County maintains a 24-hour hotline to be able to support all sexual assault victims to get the assistance that they need, as well as assistance in court and safety programs for those with disabilities. I was pleased to tour their facility earlier this year. I am thankful for the work of Penny Ettinger, Kathy Bennett, Steve Doerner, Keith Kirkner, prgtoken Mandy Mundy, Bill Hoblin, and so many of the NOVA staff and volunteers serving Bucks County, including generous volunteers such as Tina Greenwood. prgtoken Through its programs and projects, NOVA empowers victims of sexual assault and abuse, providing them with the resources and security they need to live in spaces free from violence. I am proud to stand with them in their mission to stand with victims in the fight to end sexual assault.
REAFFIRMING THE COMMITMENT OF THE UNITED STATES TO THE NORTH ATLANTIC TREATY ORGANIZATION'S PRINCIPLE OF COLLECTIVE DEFENSE
Edward R. Royce (Republican, CA) \u2014 2017-6-27

as a coauthor of this resolution, I also want to thank the other coauthors, including Steve Cohen of Tennessee, who has been a leader on NATO issues. prgtoken , in closing, let me say, for the advancement of our own security, the promotion of our values, and prgtoken a strong statement of support for our friends and allies, I urge my colleagues to support passage of this resolution. prgtoken , .
OPIOID ADDICTION CRISIS
Larry Bucshon (Republican, IN) \u2014 2017-6-27

. Thank you, . Thank you for holding this Special Order tonight to talk about this really important subject on behalf of the American people. prgtoken The opioid abuse disorder and drug addiction have impacted every community in our Nation. The epidemic knows know boundaries; does not discriminate based on age, gender, or socioeconomic status. prgtoken According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 91 American lives are lost every day from an opioid prgtoken abuse overdose. Unfortunately, drug overdoses in Indiana have increased fivefold over the past decade, and southern Indiana and the Wabash Valley, the area I represent, are bearing the brunt of this devastation. prgtoken This year in Vigo County, Indiana, population around 108,000 citizens, authorities have responded to over 16 opioid- or heroin- induced overdoses already this year. prgtoken Vanderburgh County, Indiana, 182,000 citizens, saw 29 deaths from overdose in 2016, which is a fourfold increase from the prior year. This year, the county has seen 25 confirmed heroin- or fentanyl-related overdoses already, but the coroner thinks it may be more. prgtoken Just this month, we have seen reports of instances of an opioid-based drug called gray death in Evansville, Indiana. prgtoken We are working here in Congress with our States and local communities to finally bring relief to these families, but a lot of work has to be done. While we still have much to do, over the past couple of years, we have actually made significant progress to bring hope to our communities and expand access to treatment for those who need it. prgtoken I was proud to be part of our efforts that we put into law, the landmark legislation, the Comprehensive Addiction and Recovery Act, or CARA, and I had the opportunity to author a portion of CARA that expanded access to medication-assisted opioid use disorder treatment, ensure patients have wider access to more comprehensive-based treatment options, and helped minimize the potential for diversion. prgtoken As Congressman Murphy mentioned, the key here is ongoing therapy, counseling, and monitoring. Medication-assisted treatment is not a panacea, but it is a component of a more comprehensive treatment plan for each individual. prgtoken Through our work in implementing the 21st Century Cures Act, Congress has provided significant funding for the States. In fact, Indiana recently was granted nearly $11 million from the Department of Health and Human Services to help us with this epidemic. prgtoken Again, most of us know someone, a family member, a friend, a neighbor, who has been impacted by this epidemic in some way. As a physician, I have seen the power of addiction up close and have focused on shaping real policy solutions here in Washington, D.C to improve access to treatment for patients who are battling their problem every day. We all share in this fight, and we can't end this epidemic through policy changes alone. I
RECOGNIZING CONGREGATION MICKVE ISRAEL
Earl L. "Buddy" Carter (Republican, GA) \u2014 2017-6-27

I rise today to congratulate Congregation Mickve Israel in Savannah, Georgia, as it celebrates its incredible 284th anniversary on July 11, 2017. prgtoken Just 5 months after General James Oglethorpe settled the colony, Jewish settlers fleeing persecution in Europe arrived in Georgia. They sought refuge in Savannah, where they were free to practice their beliefs. This brave group soon founded the Congregation Mickve Israel. prgtoken Predating our country by several decades as the first congregation in the South, Mickve Israel set an important precedent for the Jewish people. As such, wars, plagues, and religious struggles each challenged the congregation over the years, yet Mickve prgtoken Israel has withstood the test of time. It continues to be a beacon for the faithful and now welcomes 380 families inside its walls. prgtoken The story of Mickve Israel is special to the people and has been recognized for its achievement since its early years. President George Washington sent a personal letter to the congregation to honor its members and wish them well. prgtoken Since then, numerous Presidents over the years have made similar gestures, each one acknowledging the congregation's longevity and importance to the Jewish community. prgtoken I would also like to acknowledge the congregation's importance and congratulate Congregation Mickve Israel in reaching this impressive milestone. I know this religious community will continue to serve a caring, faithful, and integral role in Savannah, Georgia.