mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
THE SENATE'S SECRET HEALTHCARE BILL
Raja Krishnamoorthi (Democrat, IL) \u2014 2017-6-20

the healthcare bill the Senate leadership is writing has not been subjected to any public hearings or debate and, to this day, the contents of the bill remain a secret. This bill is being written by 13 men-- men. And because it is being written in secret, only those in the room have a say. prgtoken Under normal circumstances, every Senator would have the chance to read and debate a bill, just as we had in the House. But these are not normal circumstances. prgtoken As that secret committee reshapes our healthcare system behind closed doors, no woman has a seat at the table, no has a seat at the table, and 77 percent of Americans do not have a Senator at the table. prgtoken The Senate leadership has deprived nearly 250 million Americans of representation in the writing of this healthcare bill because they thought no one would notice. They will be proven wrong.
WORLD REFUGEE DAY
Paul Tonko (Democrat, NY) \u2014 2017-6-20

I rise today, on World Refugee Day, to share some facts on the United States Refugee Resettlement Program. prgtoken America's Refugee Resettlement Program is a small but powerful humanitarian expression of American values and founding principles. And just as important, it makes us safer. prgtoken Refugees go through vetting that is already extreme. If there is any doubt about a refugee's identity, he or she is not admitted. The process is so rigorous, there hasn't been a single fatal terrorist attack carried out by a refugee in the United States since the Refugee Act became law in 1980. prgtoken Americans across our great country support resettlement. America's faith communities are leading the call for America to stand by her principles and shelter the fleeing victims of our enemies, including the Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Albany in my own 20th District of New York. That is because it speaks directly to American values of strength, inclusiveness, and compassion. prgtoken New Yorkers have played a vital role in the resettlement program, and refugees are positively contributing to communities across New York State and beyond. The United States Committee for Refugees and Immigrants' Albany field office has helped resettle refugees from Afghanistan, from Burma, Iraq, Ukraine, and the Congo, just to name a few. Some of these refugees are single mothers seeking a better life for themselves and their children; others are families fleeing war and persecution. prgtoken We have the strength, the means, and the capacity to welcome these refugees with open arms. Let us stand with these huddled masses and remain a beacon of freedom around the world.
MOBILE WORKFORCE STATE INCOME TAX SIMPLIFICATION ACT OF 2017
John Conyers, Jr. (Democrat, MI) \u2014 2017-6-20

I rise today in opposition to H.R. 1393, the ``Mobile Workforce State Income Tax Simplification Act of 2017.'' prgtoken I agree with the bill's sponsors that a uniform framework specifying when an employer must withhold state income tax could help ensure simplicity and be more administrable than the current varied state standards. However the means by which H.R. 1393 achieves this result would lead to significant state revenue losses and could actually encourage income tax avoidance. prgtoken To begin with, rather than promoting uniformity, H.R. 1393 would have a significant adverse impact on income tax revenues for certain states. prgtoken According to the Congressional Budget Office, for example, New York could lose between $55 million and $120 million annually if this measure was signed into law. prgtoken Other states that would be adversely impacted include Illinois, Massachusetts, and California. prgtoken And, as a result of the lost revenues from non-resident taxpayers, these states could be forced to make up their losses by shifting the tax burden to resident taxpayers or levying new taxes. prgtoken And states may even have to cut governmental services, such as funding for education and critical infrastructure improvements. prgtoken Another problem with H.R. 1393 is that it essentially provides a roadmap for state income tax liability avoidance. prgtoken By allowing an employer to rely on the employee's determination of the time he or she is expected to spend working in another state during the year, the bill prevents the employer from withholding an employee's state income taxes to a non-resident state. prgtoken This would be the result even if the employer is aware that the employee has been working in a state more than 30 days, as long as that state cannot prove that the employee committed fraud in making his annual determination and that the employer knew it. prgtoken Rather than proceeding with this flawed bill, the House should be considering a fair and uniform framework to allow states to collect taxes owed on remote sales. prgtoken By staying silent since the Supreme Court's 1992 Quill decision, Congress has failed to ensure that states have the authority to collect the sales and use tax on Internet purchases. prgtoken Placing brick and mortar businesses at a competitive disadvantage hurts main street Americans and means fewer local jobs and fewer opportunities. prgtoken Lost tax revenues mean that state and local governments will have fewer resources to provide their residents essential services, such as education and police and fire protection. prgtoken We owe it to our local communities, our local retailers, and state and local governments to act this Congress. prgtoken I am disappointed that rather than moving the bipartisan eFairness legislation that our communities need, we are considering H.R. 1393 instead. prgtoken Accordingly, I oppose H.R. 1393.
SUPPORTING FAMILIES IN SUBSTANCE ABUSE TREATMENT ACT
Danny K. Davis (Democrat, IL) \u2014 2017-6-20

the balance of my time. prgtoken I want to commend Representative Noem and all of the cosponsors of this important bill. These are programs that have been proven to work. They are what are called evidence based, where the research demonstrates that, with them, individuals have been able to improve the quality of not only their lives, but certainly the lives of their children and the lives of everyone with whom they come into contact. prgtoken I agree that today has been a tremendous day for the Ways and Means Committee and also a tremendous day for the people of the United States of America, where we have come together with five bills that will be passed at the end of the day dealing with the needs, hopes, and aspirations of our vulnerable population of children. You really can't have a better day than that. prgtoken And so again, I commend Chairman Brady, Ranking Member Neal, and all of the Members for their participation, engagement, and involvement. prgtoken , I urge passage of the bill, and .
MODIFICATIONS OF CREDIT FOR PRODUCTION FROM ADVANCED NUCLEAR POWER FACILITIES
Kevin Brady (Republican, TX) \u2014 2017-6-20

I rise today in strong support of H.R. 1551, legislation supported by s and , focused on strengthening America's energy security. prgtoken This bill is sponsored and led by Congressman Tom Rice, and it clarifies an prgtoken existing law dealing with tax credits for nuclear energy production and making sure these credits work effectively for America. It addresses an urgent problem that now poses a threat to America's energy security and, by extension, our national security. prgtoken As a result of an uncertainty with respect to the nuclear production tax credit, there is a risk of construction grinding to a halt on several cutting-edge nuclear power plants in our country. Meanwhile, our global competitors like Russia and China are pushing forward nuclear power to bolster their own energy sectors. prgtoken Nuclear power is critical to an all-of-the-above strategy for American energy independence and our national security. It is urgent that we take action now to solve this issue in our Tax Code and provide the certainty that our energy innovators need to continue moving forward with construction. That is exactly what Congressman Rice's bill will do. prgtoken To be clear, I would rather be standing here today to announce that this important bill is part of overall tax reform. But the fact is that our focus on that important goal doesn't prevent us from acting to solve urgent problems in existing law like this. prgtoken The fact is this bill is not what Washington calls a tax extender. That circus isn't coming back to town. This bill is a solution to a serious and immediate problem in our Tax Code that threatens our energy security. That is why we are moving it forward right now. prgtoken , I want to thank Congressman Rice for his leadership on H.R. 1551 and the strong support from the South Carolina and Georgia delegations, all who have weighed in on this. And as we continue working with President in the Senate to deliver comprehensive tax reform this year, we should pass this bill now, provide greater certainty for our nuclear energy innovators.
CBO COST ESTIMATE--S. 512
John Barrasso (Republican, WY) \u2014 2017-6-20

in compliance with paragraph 11(a) of rule XXVI of the Standing Rules of the Senate, the Committee on Environment and Public Works has obtained from the Congressional Budget Office an estimate of the costs of S. 512, the Nuclear Energy Innovation and Modernization Act, as reported from the committee on May 25, 2017. prgtoken , I ask unanimous consent that the cost estimate be printed in the Record.
Building and Sustaining a Larger Navy (Executive Calendar)
Roger F. Wicker (Republican, MS) \u2014 2017-6-20

let's talk about the size of our Navy's fleet. prgtoken The current fleet has 276 ships, but the Navy's requirement is now for 355 ships--a figure supported by congressionally mandated future fleet architecture studies. prgtoken Last week, I spoke on the floor about the national imperative to build a larger Navy. I outlined the critical missions that our Navy performs every day to help secure the country's vital interests. I also described an intense naval competition with our real and potential adversaries. This is a competition America cannot afford to lose. prgtoken America needs a bigger Navy. How do we get there? Related to that question is when we get to a 355-ship fleet. According to the Chief of Naval Operations, ADM John Richardson, we should reach our 355-ship objective in the mid-2020s. To do that, we should have started yesterday. Building and sustaining technologically advanced ships is a long-term national project. It cannot happen overnight. It takes years. prgtoken As chairman of the Seapower Subcommittee, I intend to lay a firm foundation this year to help support a buildup. Based on my subcommittee's work, I am convinced that Congress has a critical role to play in determining how we get to 355. All options should be on the table. Here are four ideas to consider. prgtoken No. 1, ramp up hot production lines. prgtoken The Navy's accelerated fleet plan states that over the next 7 years, the shipbuilding industrial base can support building more ships than are currently planned. The Navy plans to build 59, but the shipbuilders can actually complete 88. We should do this. Many hot production lines have excess capacity. Congress should authorize the Navy to ``buy in bulk,'' using multiyear and block buy contracts. These contracts would help solidify the skilled workforce, stimulate suppliers, and drive down costs. We can also authorize advance procurement funding to buy long-lead-time pieces and parts. prgtoken No. 2, extend the service life of ships in the fleet. prgtoken A quarter century ago, the Navy had 450 ships and deployments that averaged 167 days. Now the average deployment exceeds 200 days. In other words, the Navy is smaller, but the tempo of its operations has accelerated. An extra month of deployment puts additional wear and tear on ships, and this can force early retirement and ultimately squander taxpayer dollars. prgtoken Better maintenance can extend ships' service lives, delay retirement, and help us reach the 355-ship goal faster. I applaud the President's budget request for fully funding ship depot maintenance. We must build new ships and maintain the current fleet better. prgtoken In a recent speech to the Naval War College, the CNO, Admiral Richardson, noted that extending the lives of Arleigh Burke-class destroyers could help the Navy reach the 355-ship objective 10 to 15 years earlier. The commander of Navy Sea Systems Command, VADM Thomas Moore, agreed with the C
TRAVELER REDRESS IMPROVEMENT ACT OF 2017
John Katko (Republican, NY) \u2014 2017-6-20

such time as I may consume. prgtoken , this legislation seeks to expand the Department of Homeland Security's Traveler Redress Inquiry Program, commonly referred to as TRIP, to assist travelers who feel that they have been repeatedly selected for enhanced screening in an unfair manner. prgtoken Currently, the TRIP process only provides redress to individuals who have been placed on the no-fly list. However, for reasons unknown to the individual, they can be perpetually selected for enhanced screening without any opportunity to correct the record, if he or she fails, that this is due to an error. prgtoken This issue first came to our attention when an individual who works for a Washington, D.C.-based nonprofit organization alerted the committee that he had been subject to enhanced pat-downs by TSA agents every time he traveled through an airport for over 3 years. prgtoken Although he twice submitted inquiries to the Department of Homeland Security through the TRIP process, he remained unable to obtain information as to why he was currently getting flagged as a potential security threat at the airport. prgtoken As you can imagine, this can cause a great deal of stress and worry for someone who feels that they have been targeted by the U.S. Government for unknown reasons. prgtoken After continued prodding of TSA by my subcommittee staff, this individual, a U.S. citizen, was cleared by Homeland Security and is now able to travel hassle free. prgtoken Unfortunately, this example is not an isolated case. Several weeks ago, a member of the committee staff also was repeatedly selected for enhanced prgtoken screening on multiple flights after traveling to the Middle East as part of an official congressional staff delegation. prgtoken When my staff looked into this case, the staffer had been mistakenly flagged for enhanced screening due to erroneous information that was entered into the Terrorist Screening Database, or TSDB. prgtoken As these anecdotes demonstrate, Homeland Security needs to establish a formal mechanism to handle these cases. My legislation requires the Department to do just that. prgtoken I would like to thank Chairman McCaul, Congressmen King and Vela, and Congresswoman Watson Coleman for their support of this bipartisan legislation. I thank the for allowing today's consideration of the bill, and I encourage my colleagues to support this bill. prgtoken , .
MOBILE WORKFORCE STATE INCOME TAX SIMPLIFICATION ACT OF 2017
Bob Goodlatte (Republican, VA) \u2014 2017-6-20

. Madam , such time as I may consume. prgtoken Madam , the Mobile Workforce State Income Tax Simplification Act provides a clear, uniform framework for when States may tax nonresident employees who travel to the taxing State to perform work. In particular, this bill prevents States from imposing income tax compliance burdens on nonresidents who work in a foreign State for 30 days or fewer in a year. prgtoken The State tax laws that determine when a nonresident must pay a foreign State's income tax and when employers must withhold this tax are numerous and varied. Some States tax income earned within their borders by nonresidents even if the employee only works in the State for just 1 day. prgtoken These complicated rules impact everyone who travels for work and many industries. As just one example, the Judiciary Committee heard testimony in 2015 that the patchwork of State laws resulted in a manufacturing company issuing 50 W-2s to a single employee for a single year. The company executive also noted, regarding the compliance burden, that ``many of our affected employees make less than $50,000 per year and have limited resources to seek professional advice.'' prgtoken States generally allow a credit for income taxes paid to another State; however, it is not always dollar for dollar when local taxes are factored in. Credits also do not relieve workers of substantial paperwork burdens. prgtoken There are substantial burdens on employers as well. The committee heard prgtoken testimony in 2014 that businesses, including small businesses, that operate interstate are subject to significant regulatory burdens with regard to compliance with nonresident State income tax withholding laws. These burdens distract from productive activity and job creation. prgtoken Nevertheless, some object that the States will lose revenue if the bill is enacted. However, an analysis from Ernst & Young found that the bill's revenue impact is minimal. There is little motive for fraud and gaming because the amount of money at issue, taxes on less than 30 days' wages, is minimal. prgtoken Also, the income tax generally has to be paid; the question is merely to whom. Nor does this bill violate federalism principles. On the contrary, it is an exercise of Congress' Commerce Clause authority in precisely the situation for which it was intended. prgtoken The Supreme Court has explained that the Commerce Clause was informed by structural concerns about the effects of State regulation on the national economy. Under the Articles of Confederation, State taxes and duties hindered and suppressed interstate commerce. The Framers intended the Commerce Clause as a cure for these structural ills. This bill fits squarely within this authority by bringing uniformity to cases of de minimis presence by interstate workers in order to reduce compliance costs. prgtoken Last year's version of the bill passed the House on suspension by voice vote. This y
Healthcare Legislation (Executive Session)
John Cornyn (Republican, TX) \u2014 2017-6-20

we continue to make progress on legislation to clean up the mess left by the meltdown of Care, at least insofar as it affects the lives of millions of people who buy their insurance on the individual markets. These are individuals and small businesses that don't have the benefit of large employer healthcare plans, and they have been devastated by Care. prgtoken This is a rescue mission. Care is collapsing for millions of people, and we have to act in the interest of countless families and small businesses that are suffering tremendous harm. prgtoken I have told the stories myself; others have likewise told the stories. We have seen those reported in the media. For many people, healthcare costs, their insurance premiums are skyrocketing. We also know that because of the distortion in the insurance markets, many insurance companies are simply pulling out of counties and States around the country, so people have no choices when it comes to purchasing their healthcare on the exchanges. Of course, many people continue to lose access to their doctors. prgtoken We need to contrast this with what was promised when Care was passed. I know it sounds repetitive, but I am afraid that if we lose sight of what the promises were with Care, we can't actually calculate the tremendous harm and the deception that was involved in actually delivering on that promise. prgtoken President said that if you liked your policy, you could keep it--not true. He said if you liked your doctor, you could keep your doctor--also not true. He also said that a family of four could see an average decrease in premiums of $2,500 a year--also not true. prgtoken What is the response of our ic friends? We saw last night that they took to the Senate floor, and they gave impassioned speeches. prgtoken First of all, they criticized the s for coming forward to try to rescue the people who were being hurt by the failures of Care. They criticized us for that. Then they said that it was a secret bill after they had rejected every entreaty--every request--for them to work with us on a bipartisan basis to rescue the people who are being hurt by the failures of Care. They rejected that. prgtoken What did they do? They came to the Senate floor. They said that they hate the bill that they have not seen yet. Then they said: Oh, it is secret. So I guess it should be one or the other. Either they hate it because they know what is in it or it is secret. It cannot be both. prgtoken The fact is that we are working hard to meet our own internal deadline because we want to make sure that the people who will be hurt in 2018, when the insurance companies raise their premiums by digits-- and they are in the process of getting those approved. It will occur in the July-August timeframe when insurance companies will have to calculate what the premium is that they will have to charge. Then they will have to go
REMEMBERING JOHN BERLIN McCANTS
Tim Scott (Republican, SC) \u2014 2017-6-20

I would like to take a moment to recognize and honor the life of a dear friend and a true American hero, Mr. John Berlin McCants of Goose Creek, SC. prgtoken He served around the world in the U.S. Army for 22 years before retiring in 1975 and settling in Goose Creek with his wife and children. In 1992, he was elected to a seat on the Goose Creek City Council where he served for an outstanding 24 years. John was a lifetime leader with a compassionate spirit. He dedicated so much of his life helping those who cannot help themselves. For that, he will be remembered not only as a devoted public servant , but also an inspiration to so many people around South Carolina. prgtoken I can tell you that he certainly had a positive impact on my life. John was my political mentor. He taught me the ABCs of being an effective leader and a public servant who remains committed to the greater good of our State and country. prgtoken The A stands for personal accountability. John taught me that, as a Member, I should always be accountable for my decisions and choices. B is for backbone. John once told me that we seldom find that Members have backbones, and that it is critical for me to use it when necessary, to stand up for what is right. C is for common sense. He taught me that it is important to not let fear and political ideology deter me from common sense. These great lessons stick with me everyday as I walk the halls of the U.S. Capitol and make decisions on behalf of South Carolina and the entire Nation. prgtoken Simply put, John was a great person and a mentor to many; I am thankful to have known him. He truly did represent the very best of our State. To Christina, his wife, and their wonderful family, John is forever in our hearts, and I would like to add his legacy to our June 20, 2017, Congressional Record.