mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
NATIONAL DEFENSE AUTHORIZATION ACT FOR FISCAL YEAR 2018--MOTION TO PROCEED--Continued
Rand Paul (Republican, KY) \u2014 2017-9-12

I rise today to oppose unauthorized, undeclared, and unconstitutional war. What we have today is basically unlimited war, anywhere, anytime, anyplace upon the globe. prgtoken My amendment would sunset in 6 months the 2001 and 2002 authorizations for use of force. What does that mean? This was legislation passed many years ago to go after the people who attacked us on 9/11. I supported that battle, but I think the mission is long since over. I don't think anyone with an ounce of intellectual honesty believes these authorizations from 16 years ago and 14 years ago--I don't think anyone with intellectual honesty believes they authorized war in seven different countries. prgtoken Not only is it lives we are losing, the American soldiers, the brave young men and women who are sent to distant lands and asked to give their lives for their country without the Senate taking the time to authorize the war--I think that is terribly unjust and should end. prgtoken There are some who argue that we don't even need to vote at all. Some of the Presidents, and ic, have said they have article II--this is the second article of the Constitution--they say that by the Constitution, they can do what they want, when they want, where they want, and that Congress never has to approve their authorization and never has to give authority to go to war. These advocates of perpetual war argue that these powers are implicit and that no one can stop a President who wants to go to war. prgtoken This is diametrically opposite of what our Founding Fathers thought. Madison in particular disagreed. Madison wrote that the executive branch is the branch most prone to go to war; therefore, the Constitution, with studied care, vested that power in the Congress. Our Founding Fathers saw the prgtoken history of Europe as the perpetual history of war--brothers fighting brothers, Kings of two different countries who were cousins, brothers, uncles, fathers, sons. The history of Europe was perpetual war. prgtoken When we broke away, we said: We are going to have some checks and balances in place. We are going to make it difficult to go to war. We are going to vest that power in the Congress. prgtoken But somewhere along the way, we lost our way, and we now commit ourselves to war or one man or one woman commits us to war without any vote by Congress. This is not what our Founding Fathers intended. prgtoken Former President , when he was a candidate, wrote that no President should unilaterally go to war unless we were under imminent attack. That is the understanding of the Constitution that most originalists take. Yet, once Mr. was in the White House, he bombed seven different countries. He expanded the use of Executive power. He expanded the war-making power of the Presidency, even while all along saying that he was for a narrower interpretation. prgtoken Candidate said that the war in Afghanistan had lost its pur
ORDERS FOR WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 13, 2017
Mitch McConnell (Republican, KY) \u2014 2017-9-12

I ask unanimous consent that when the Senate completes its business today, it adjourn until 10 a.m Wednesday, September 13; 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; finally, that following leader remarks, and notwithstanding the provisions of rule XXII, the Senate resume consideration of the motion to proceed to H.R. 2810 with no postcloture time remaining.
DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR, ENVIRONMENT, AND RELATED AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS ACT, 2018
Bill Flores (Republican, TX) \u2014 2017-9-12

. Mr. Chair, I rise today to offer an amendment that redirects $120 million from CMS overhead spending, which is a 3\1/2\ percent reduction, towards increasing funding in three specific areas: $40 million for pediatric research, $40 million for Alzheimer's research, and $40 million to address our country's opioid crisis. prgtoken The approval of this amendment will motivate CMS to modify its current punitive bureaucratic culture. Today, hardworking American families are demanding that their government find competent solutions for a struggling healthcare system, and CMS' failure to properly implement the Taking Essential Steps for Testing Act of 2012--or the TEST Act, as it is more commonly known--is a notable example of bureaucratic incompetence. prgtoken American families expect the Federal Government to work with healthcare providers, not against them, to ensure the efficient delivery of healthcare. prgtoken In 2012, the TEST Act was passed and signed into law due to the mandatory and harsh sanctions that CMS was then imposing on hospitals and labs that violated the Clinical Laboratory Improvements Amendments Act--or CLIA, for short. prgtoken While CLIA regulations are necessary, in some instances, the sanctions that CMS imposed against hospitals and laboratories at the time that inadvertently violated the statute were found to be draconian and at odds with the efficient delivery of healthcare. prgtoken At the time the TEST Act was considered in 2012, Congress determined that there were instances where a hospital or laboratory's violations were accidental, unintentional, and resulted in no patient harm. prgtoken At the time, CMS lacked the flexibility to align the severity of the sanctions for minor and inadvertent actions at the lab, resulting in needless punitive penalties, such as revoking lab certificates and banning principals from owning or operating certified laboratories. prgtoken The TEST Act was passed in 2012 to provide CMS with needed discretion to substitute reasonable alternative sanctions in the event of minor or inadvertent violations. In lieu of the previously mandatory sanctions, the TEST Act allowed more appropriate remedies like directed plans of action, onsite monitoring, and/or modest monetary penalties. prgtoken Yet, despite being given this mandate and this flexibility, CMS has written its regulations and interpreted the underlying statute in a way that are clearly at odds with Congress' intent in the TEST Act. There are serious impacts when CMS fails to use their congressionally mandated discretionary authority to issue appropriate sanctions. prgtoken Healthcare providers are forced to divert scarce resources to severe penalties, to oppressive settlements, and/or to a costly appeals process. These would not be needed if CMS had properly implemented the TEST Act. This diverts scarce resources from patient care to dealing with an out-of-control CMS, and negatively impacts healthcare in our co
HONORING PETTY OFFICER CHARLES NATHAN FINDLEY
Peter J. Roskam (Republican, IL) \u2014 2017-9-12

I rise today in recognition of United States Navy Petty Officer Charles Nathan Findley and his service to our nation. On August 20th of this year, Petty Officer Findley was killed after a collision between the USS John S. McCain and a merchant vessel in waters near Singapore and Malaysia. Respected by his fellow officers, Findley served as an electronics technician first class in the Navy. His friends and family will remember his love of rebuilding cars, Japanese culture, and foreign travel. Findley was a father and husband, leaving behind an 8-year-old daughter, 6-year-old son, and his beloved wife Riho. His contributions as a Petty Officer for the United States Navy and his sacrifice to our nation serves as a reminder to us all that our freedom exists because of the dedication of brave individuals such as Charles. Our country is at a loss without his loyal service. and distinguished colleagues, please join me in honoring Petty Officer Charles Nathan Findley and his distinguished service to our nation.
JOLENE HERFEL, VICE PRINCIPAL OF THE YEAR
Tom Emmer (Republican, MN) \u2014 2017-9-12

I rise today to recognize Randall and Sheryl Hubin, the owners of the Pizza Ranch in Andover, on being recognized as the Pizza Ranch Franchisee of the Year. prgtoken The Hubins received this award not just because of their dedication to the Pizza Ranch brand but also because of their commitment to the Andover community. prgtoken Randall and Sheryl have owned the Pizza Ranch for the past 4 years, and, as a direct result of its success, not only have they been named Franchisee prgtoken of the Year, but they were also awarded the Community Impact Award last year. prgtoken Opening and operating a franchise business is not an easy job. We appreciate the jobs that people like Randall and Sheryl Hubin create and the commerce they bring to our communities. prgtoken Congratulations, Randall and Sheryl, on your award, and thank you for your contribution to Minnesota's Sixth Congressional District and the Andover community. Recognizing POW/MIA Day
Introductory Statement on S. 1793
Chuck Grassley (Republican, IA) \u2014 2017-9-12

the IRS has never been, and likely will never be, an agency anyone is glad to hear from. prgtoken However, American taxpayers should at least have confidence that they will receive a fair shake from the agency. Without this, our system of taxation that relies on voluntary reporting of income will fall apart. prgtoken In recent years, gross mismanagement and inappropriate actions by certain IRS employees have shaken what confidence taxpayers have had in the agency. prgtoken Today, Senator Thune and I are reintroducing legislation we introduced last Congress aimed at ensuring that appropriate safeguards are in place to protect taxpayer rights by preventing IRS abuses. prgtoken Called the Taxpayer Bill of Rights Enhancement Act (TBORE), our bill updates and strengthens several provisions enacted in prior Taxpayer Bill of Rights legislation. prgtoken I am pleased that several of the provisions in last Congress' version of the bill were enacted into law, including codifying the Taxpayer Bill of Rights. prgtoken However, more must be done if we are going to renew the taxpaying public's confidence in the IRS. prgtoken No legislation is likely to fix all of the IRS recent shortcomings on its own. There is a need for a change of culture within the IRS. prgtoken We hope our bill will serve as a catalyst for a cultural shift within the IRS. Our bill sends a clear message to the IRS--Congress is not going to tolerate poor service and the systematic abuse of taxpayer rights. prgtoken We look forward to working with our colleagues toward reforming the IRS and protecting taxpayer rights.
EXECUTIVE CALENDAR (Executive Session)
John McCain (Republican, AZ) \u2014 2017-9-12

I am pleased to support the nomination of Dr. Kevin Hassett to be Chairman of the Council of Economic Advisers. Kevin is exceptionally qualified to be Chairman of the CEA, where he will play an integral role in tax reform and shaping this administration's progrowth economic policies. prgtoken I have known Kevin for quite some--beginning when he served as the chief economic adviser to my Presidential campaign in 2000. The only time I have doubted his intellect was when he agreed to return to advise for my 2008 Presidential campaign. prgtoken He has an extensive economic career spanning multiple administrations, including those of Presidents Clinton and George H.W. . Currently, Kevin works at the American Enterprise Institute, AEI, as the State Farm James Q. Wilson Chair in American Politics and Culture and director of Research for Domestic Policy. Before joining AEI, Kevin served as a senior economist at the Federal Reserve and did a stint at Columbia Business School teaching economics and finance. prgtoken To understand fully how smart he is, Kevin's former colleague told me the story of how he printed out a 400-plus page technical paper at the request of Kevin, only to realize he had printed out the original German version rather than an English translation. Without batting an eye, Kevin said ``no problem'' and went about reading the scholarly report in German. prgtoken Kevin's nomination has received support from an ideologically diverse group of notable economists, including past CEA Chairmen. Additionally, the Senate Banking Committee approved his nomination by voice vote. prgtoken I am pleased to support Kevin's nomination today. I wish him, his lovely wife, Kristie, and their sons, John and Jamie, all of the best in this new chapter of their lives.
FEDERAL INFORMATION RESOURCE TO STRENGTHEN TIES WITH STATE AND LOCAL LAW ENFORCEMENT ACT OF 2017
Will Hurd (Republican, TX) \u2014 2017-9-12

such time as I may consume. prgtoken , I rise in support of H.R. 2442, the Office for State and Local Law Enforcement Information Sharing Review Act, introduced by the gentlewoman from Texas (Ms. Jackson Lee). prgtoken The Office for State and Local Law Enforcement is authorized in section 2006(b) of the Homeland Security Act and is located within the DHS Office of Partnership and Engagement. The office largely serves as a source of information on DHS resources available to State and local law enforcement partners, as well as a point of contact for questions regarding DHS policies and programs. prgtoken This bill requires a report on the activities of Office of State and Local Law Enforcement within the Department of Homeland Security. The report must include how the office is working to improve information sharing between DHS and law enforcement agencies, an overview of the performance metrics used by the office to measure success, feedback from State and local stakeholders, and an overview of ongoing activities. prgtoken This reporting requirement will ensure the office is continually identifying areas for improvement in the Department's information- sharing efforts with State and locals, and coordinating with relevant DHS component agencies to close these gaps. prgtoken I applaud the gentlewoman from Texas for including a sunset on the reporting requirement after 5 years. While the information gathered through this report will be valuable for congressional oversight, it is important that we do not continue to require never-ending reporting requirements from the Department. prgtoken , I urge my colleagues to support this measure, and . House of Representatives, Committee on the Judiciary, Washington, DC, September 5, 2017. Hon. Michael T. McCaul, Chairman, Committee on Homeland Security, House of Representatives, Washington, DC. Dear Chairman McCaul, I write with respect to H.R. 2442, the ``Federal Information Resource to Strengthen Ties with State and Local Law Enforcement Act.'' As a result of your having consulted with us on provisions within H.R. 2442 that fall within the Rule X jurisdiction of the Committee on the Judiciary, I forego any further consideration of this bill so that it may proceed expeditiously to the House floor for consideration. The Judiciary Committee takes this action with our mutual understanding that by foregoing consideration of H.R. 2442 at this time, we do not waive any jurisdiction over subject matter contained in this or similar legislation and that our committee will be appropriately consulted and involved as this bill or similar legislation moves forward so that we may address any remaining issues in our jurisdiction. Our
TRIBUTE TO MASTER GUNNERY SERGEANT WILLIAM T. MAHONEY
Johnny Isakson (Republican, GA) \u2014 2017-9-12

today I wish to pay tribute and honor the distinguished service of one of my former Defense fellows, Marine Corps MGySgt William T. Mahoney. Will and his family have faithfully served our Nation for 30 years, and for that, we are forever grateful. Will's service has always been exemplary, and he will be sorely missed as he moves on to enjoy his well-deserved retirement. prgtoken Will enlisted in the Marine Corps on January 7, 1987, and attended basic training in Parris Island, SC. His occupational specialty training as a ground-to-air missile systems operator took place at Fort Bliss in El Paso, TX. Tours in Yuma, AZ, and Okinawa, Japan, followed, with deployments to San Clemente Island, CA, and South Korea. prgtoken Will was selected for Marine security guard duty while in Japan and, after graduating, went to school in Quantico, VA, and served at the U.S. Embassy security detachments in Vienna, Austria, and Lusaka, Zambia. Upon his return to the United States, he was assigned to Marine Corps Air Station in Cherry Point, NC. Following this tour, Will was assigned to 8th Marine Corps District Recruiting Headquarters in New Orleans, LA. prgtoken Selected for Marine security guard duty for a second time while serving in New Orleans, Will returned to Quantico for training as a security detachment commander. After completing his training as the class honor graduate, Will assumed command of the Marine detachment at the American Embassy in Ljubljana, Slovenia. He later served as command of the security detachment in Tbilisi, Republic of Georgia, where he was meritoriously promoted to the rank of gunnery sergeant and selected for instructor duty in Quantico. prgtoken Will served as an instructor-adviser and the operations chief for Marine Corps Embassy Security Guard School, where he was responsible for training the men and women who guard America's embassies and consulates around the world. Upon completion of that tour, Will was assigned to Marine Corps Air Station, New River, NC. He deployed to Anbar Province, Iraq, in late 2008. prgtoken While serving in Iraq, Will was selected for the prestigious congressional fellowship program, one of only four enlisted servicemembers to have been selected for this program at that time. After returning stateside in August 2009 and completing several months of familiarization training and education in Washington, DC, he was assigned to serve as a member of my legislative staff. Will provided invaluable insight on matters ranging from the New START Nuclear Disarmament Treaty to veterans' affairs issues to weapons procurement programs for the Department of Defense. prgtoken Following his fellowship in my office, Will was assigned as the senior enlisted adviser to the Undersecretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness. In this position, he advised senior Department of Defense officials on all matters pertaining to the enlisted members of the Armed Forces, their fa
DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR, ENVIRONMENT, AND RELATED AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS ACT, 2018
Glenn Grothman (Republican, WI) \u2014 2017-9-12

. Mr. Chair, I rise today in support of my amendment, which will reduce funding for the National Labor Relations Board by $99 million in fiscal year 2018. Since its inception, the NLRB has served as a partisan board that flips in ideology from one administration to the next, often cutting businesses off at the knees and stifling economic growth. prgtoken In just the last 8 years of the administration, the NLRB managed to overturn a total of 4,105 collective years of precedent in 90 cases. In cases such as the ambush election rule and the joint employer rule, the board significantly overstepped their bounds and dipped their hands into the day-to-day business operations of hardworking Americans. prgtoken Now, let me be clear: I am not here to attack the unions. I wish more people would join unions under the amendment that we just dealt with. I believe that employees should have the right to join a union if they think that joining a union is best for them and their family. But the fact remains, since 1990, the NLRB has received 65 percent fewer election petitions and 40 percent fewer unfair labor practice charges. Meanwhile, while private sector labor representation has decreased in the last 25 years, the NLRB's budget has increased in inflation- adjusted dollars by close to $50 million. prgtoken My amendment would implement a necessary reduction to the NLRB, which will bring their funding in line with their expected workload for the upcoming fiscal year. Specifically, my amendment saves taxpayers close to $100 million in the upcoming fiscal year and provides private industry with relief that the NLRB will have to focus on the most pressing cases that arise rather than engaging in partisan witch hunts. prgtoken Mr. Chair, I urge my colleagues to support my amendment, and .
CLOSE WORKING RELATIONSHIP WITH ISRAEL NEEDS TO CONTINUE
James Comer (Republican, KY) \u2014 2017-9-12

at the beginning of August, I was able to join the majority leader and a number of my fellow freshmen on an 8-day trip to Israel. prgtoken I would like to thank Leader McCarthy for organizing this informative and memorable visit, which taught me so much about the importance of the U.S.-Israel relationship and the numerous challenges and opportunities facing our two countries and our other allies in the region. prgtoken It is impossible to visit Israel without feeling the weight of history, from Biblical times to modern day. Staying in Jerusalem, seeing Bethlehem up close, viewing Israel from atop the Golan Heights, and traveling all along the Jordan River, all made a lasting impression. prgtoken My time in Israel also impressed me on Israel's undeniable security needs in the face of the persistent threat from Iran and its proxies in Syria and Lebanon, as well as the instability and violence stemming from the long-running conflict with the Palestinians. prgtoken Listening to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's presentation to our congressional delegation greatly enhanced my level of support for Israeli foreign aid, just as listening to the Palestinian Authority's presentation greatly enhanced my opposition to foreign aid for Palestine. prgtoken For these reasons, I believe U.S. security assistance to Israel should continue to be a high priority, and I am proud that defense collaboration between our two countries has yielded many important developments, including the Arrow anti-ballistic missile system, which is among the top missile shield technologies in the world. prgtoken Considering the growing threat of North Korea's nuclear missile program and Iran's ballistic missile development, it is clear that our efforts in this field are more important now than ever. prgtoken In addition to our successful cooperation on defense, the U.S. and Israel also work together on many other issues. One of these issues that is of particular interest to me is agriculture. I never dreamed that Israel's agriculture industry would be as advanced as it was. prgtoken Despite a very challenging ecosystem, Israel produces enough food to feed their entire country, as well as boasts a very impressive agriculture export market. prgtoken In conclusion, I believe the close working relationship between our two governments will remain critically important for many years to come, and I am grateful for the opportunity to advance these ties in one small way through my visit last month.