mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
Tribute to DeLynn Henry (Executive Calendar)
Jeff Merkley (Democrat, OR) \u2014 2017-2-15

here we are on another evening, debating another Cabinet nominee, addressing the question that Hamilton put before us, which is whether an individual is of fit character to serve in a particular post. This effort, this advice and consent responsibility held by the Senate, is one that was anticipated by our Founders to be used rarely because the very existence of this power, they felt, would ensure that a President would nominate people who are appropriately suited to the post they would hold. So I do find it troubling the number of times I have come to the floor in these last few weeks to speak about a nominee and consider whether they are fit and to find that perhaps the individual is lacking. prgtoken Tonight we are considering the nomination of Congressman Mick Mulvaney to head the Office of Management and Budget. This is a powerful organization, and it is a very important position. It plays a critical role in the oversight and management of our Federal budget. It plays a critical role in determining what gets funded and what doesn't get funded. So with that in mind, it is important that we have a robust debate about this position and about this nominee. prgtoken To break that down a little bit, the Office of Management and Budget puts together the budget for the President. In doing so, they take the vision our President has articulated, and they build it into a roadmap to accomplish that vision because where you spend money affects what actually happens as we pursue programs here in the United States of America. prgtoken It is the Director of the OMB who works to make sure the various pieces of the Federal Government are working together like gears that mesh cleanly together and do not conflict. It is the Director of the OMB who helps to determine the cost of proposed legislation, which can advance or doom any particular proposal. It is the position of the OMB Director to review the impact of proposed regulations, and that can also have a significant impact. prgtoken I come to this conversation with a number of concerns, and the first is the position of the nominee on Social Security. For 82 years, Social Security has provided for the American people, and it has helped our Nation prosper. prgtoken On the third anniversary of the Social Security Act, in 1938, Franklin Roosevelt pointed out: ``Men and women too old and infirm to work either depended on those who had but little to share, or spent their remaining years within the walls of a poorhouse.'' prgtoken That is not the vision we have today. Thanks to Social Security, our seniors have a basic income to see them through their golden years. They can live out their lives in relative comfort and security, rather than, as Franklin Roosevelt put it, ``within the walls of a poorhouse.'' prgtoken In 2016, roughly 61 million Americans received over $900 billion in Social Security benefits. That is a huge injection into our economy, and it is spen
Introductory Statement on S. 392
Tim Kaine (Democrat, VA) \u2014 2017-2-15

today I am reintroducing the 400 Years of African American History Commission Act. prgtoken We are 2 years away from a key anniversary in American history. August 2019 will mark 400 years since the first documented arrival of Africans who came to English America by way of Point Comfort, VA. This historic and tragic moment, when ``20 and odd'' Africans, as it was recorded were the first recorded group of Africans to arrive involuntarily and were sold as involuntary laborers or indentured servants in the colonies. This indelible mark in American history should not pass without recognition. prgtoken During my tenure as Governor of Virginia, I presided over the 400th anniversary of the founding of Jamestown, VA, by the English colonists in 1604. Two years ago I attended the 450th anniversary of the founding of St. Augustine, FL, which celebrated Hispanic heritage. Both commemorations included activities sponsored by Federal commissions, which were voted on and passed by Congress. prgtoken Having commemorated the English and Spanish heritage of our founding, there is no reason it should be any different for the arrival and continuous presence of Africans and African Americans in the English settlements in 1619. There is no dispute that the beginning of African and African-American presence in what is now the United States was both heartbreaking and regrettable. Although in 1619 slavery was not yet an institution, the involuntary status of those first Africans was the impetus to slavery. Slavery as an institution broke up families, resulted in the deaths of thousands, and caused irreparable damage to our American psyche. And though we should never forget that period of stain on our history, slavery is not the only part of African-American history. I have had an opportunity to visit the National Museum of African American History and Culture. The museum makes a tremendous effort to tell the complete story of African Americans and it is important that we remember the whole story. African Americans have contributed to the economic, academic, social, cultural and moral well- being of this Nation. Their impact and influence has shaped this nation to what it is today. prgtoken So today, with my cosponsor Senator Mark Warner, I reintroduce the 400 Years of African American History Commission Act, which would establish a commission that would plan programs and activities across the country to recognize the arrival and influence of African Americans since 1619. It is my hope the establishment of a ``400th'' commission would create an opportunity to bring continued national education about the significance the arrival of African Americans has made to the United States and the contributions that have been made since 1619. Additionally, the commission would create space to discuss race relations in America and focus on dismantling the institutional systems that have adversely hindered African American progress
RECOGNITION OF JOSEPH CACHERO SELECTION AS A DELEGATE TO THE CONGRESS OF FUTURE SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY LEADERS
Juan Vargas (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2017-2-15

I rise today to honor Joseph Cachero, a student at Hilltop High School in Chula Vista, California, for his selection to represent the State of California as a Delegate at the Congress of Future Science and Technology Leaders. The event will be held at the Tsongas Center at University of Massachusetts Lowell in Lowell, MA, from June 29, 2017 to July 1, 2017. prgtoken The Congress of Future Science and Technology Leaders is an honors- only program designed to motivate and direct the top students in our country who aspire to be scientists, engineers, and technologists and encourage them to stay true to their dream. All delegates are nominated by their teachers or the National Academy of Future Scientists based on proven academic excellence and a demonstrated desire to enter the scientific or technology professions. prgtoken I want to congratulate Joseph Cachero and Hilltop High School in their success and leadership in the scientific field.
WE OWE THE AMERICAN PEOPLE THE ABSOLUTE TRUTH
Daniel T. Kildee (Democrat, MI) \u2014 2017-2-15

National Security Adviser Michael Flynn's resignation is no substitute for answers to the serious questions that remain over President 's questionable connections to Russia, to Vladimir Putin. prgtoken Federal investigators believe that Flynn, who held secret communications with Russia's Ambassador, could have been compromised, or even the subject of blackmail. The Justice Department disclosed this danger to the White House weeks ago, yet the President allowed Mr. Flynn to continue in his position as National Security Adviser, after having that information disclosed to them. prgtoken This conduct could only be the tip of the iceberg. There are serious, unanswered questions that remain, and our prgtoken national security is at stake. Americans deserve answers. prgtoken Did the President or others know or direct Flynn's secret communications with Russia? prgtoken Why did the White House sit on its hands for weeks, even after being told its National Security Adviser could have been compromised? prgtoken Were campaign officials colluding with Russians? prgtoken These are questions that the American people deserve answers to. We need a bipartisan, independent commission to examine these questions. The credibility of our government is at stake. Congress must act.
Order of Procedure (Executive Calendar)
Gary C. Peters (Democrat, MI) \u2014 2017-2-15

I rise in opposition to the nomination of Representative Mulvaney to be the Director of the Office of Management and Budget because I have deep concerns about his record. prgtoken I believe his far-right views are out of the mainstream and wrong for our Nation and wrong for the people of Michigan. prgtoken In part, my vote against his nomination is due to his long-held public belief that we should balance the Federal budget on the backs of seniors and retirees who have worked their entire lives. Representative Mulvaney's policies would mean raising the retirement age, making deep cuts in Medicare, and driving up costs for seniors who already struggle to afford the care they need. These are policy proposals that Mr. Mulvaney would bring to the highest levels of government, if confirmed, and I fundamentally disagree with his approach to budget policy. prgtoken While I disagreed with a number of Representative Mulvaney's positions when we served together in the U.S. House of Representatives, I entered his confirmation hearing with an open mind. I thought that in preparing for a role with broad jurisdiction over the Federal Government, he might have developed more nuanced views on some of these difficult issues. However, after speaking with Representative Mulvaney during our recent hearing and reviewing his responses to my colleagues, it is clear he will bring the same extreme views to the administration that he brought to the Congress. prgtoken On Social Security, which is absolutely critical to seniors and families across the State of Michigan, Representative Mulvaney has repeatedly called for congressional action to raise the retirement age and reduce benefits. He has publicly called Social Security prgtoken a ``Ponzi scheme.'' When I asked Representative Mulvaney about his views during this hearing, he confirmed to me that raising the retirement age is a central piece of what he calls Social Security reform. prgtoken I could not disagree more. Michigan workers have worked their entire lives and have contributed out of their paycheck to the Social Security trust fund. I simply cannot vote for someone who takes pride in telling these Michiganders--construction workers, nurses, autoworkers--that they need to spend another 5 years on their feet after a lifetime of hard work. prgtoken Social Security is not a Ponzi scheme, and labeling it as such shows callous indifference to Michigan families. Social Security is one of the most successful programs in our Nation's history. Confirming Congressman Mulvaney to lead the Office of Management and Budget is a direct threat to the financial security of millions of seniors and retirees. prgtoken If you believe Mr. Mulvaney's proposals on Social Security are wrongheaded, just wait until you hear his views on Medicare. He has vowed to ``end Medicare as we know it.'' He has said the plans of House Paul Ryan, which called for drastic cuts to Medicare, didn't go f
THE BLUE COLLAR CAUCUS
Marcy Kaptur (Democrat, OH) \u2014 2017-2-15

I thank the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Veasey) for his great leadership in bringing us together in this Blue Collar Caucus. I feel very comfortable. I actually have blue on today. prgtoken I thank the gentleman from Pennsylvania (Mr. Brendan F. Boyle) of the greater Philadelphia area, the gentleman from New Jersey (Mr. Norcross), and myself from the Toledo to Cleveland, Ohio, part of our country to bring to the attention of the American people the fact, for example, that workers in northern Ohio, since the year 2000, earn on average $7,000 less than they did at the beginning of the century. They have taken some great hits. They are hardworking people. They are fighting back, but they need our help. prgtoken In the last 3 weeks, if we take a look at President 's term thus far, we begin to see the real Donald at work, if I might quote one of the news media. After months of grandiose campaign promises to renegotiate NAFTA, bring back American manufacturing jobs, and make America great, we can begin to assess where he is putting his attention. I think this is really important for us, as we represent blue-collar America, what is he doing for them. I think the proof is in his actions, or lack thereof. prgtoken After roughly 20 executive orders and actions, we see President has a penchant for mediagenic events and moments with a hodgepodge of executive orders, but apparently not sending any legislation up here yet. And most striking is his clear motivation to assist his wealthy friends on Wall Street with appointments to the administration, such as Secretary of Treasury, rather than paying attention to average Americans who voted for him. He exhibits a great penchant for public approval rather than a focus on efforts to improve the current economic stagnation of average Americans. prgtoken We are noting that he is filled his Cabinet with billionaires and multimillionaires who simply can't figure out how to walk in the shoes of blue-collar America. His actions to help the wealthiest Americans will have significant consequences. prgtoken So what happened with his promise to drain the swamp? prgtoken I thought in the first month we would have had something that would really resonate out in the heartland. prgtoken While all of this happens just miles away at the White House, our congressional colleagues remain either silent or moving the car in reverse. prgtoken Why would they criticize activity that helps those who fund their elections? prgtoken We need campaign finance reform to dominate their political focus and write their policy objectives, like taking away today here in the House the ability of workers to save money for their own pensions, for heaven's sake. prgtoken In 's first days, he took action to roll back the financial reform bill called Dodd-Frank and tried to eliminate protections for seniors as they seek retirement investment advice. We know there are a lot of sharks out there in t
HUMAN RIGHTS, DEMOCRACY, AND THE RULE OF LAW IN CAMBODIA
Alan S. Lowenthal (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2017-2-15

last week, Congressman Steve Chabot and I, as the co-chairs of the Cambodia Caucus, called upon Secretary Tillerson and the administration to prioritize human rights, democracy, and the rule of law in Cambodia. prgtoken Just days later, Sam Rainsy, the leader of the opposition party in Cambodia, resigned in the face of a proposed bill that would dissolve the opposition party if he continued to lead the party. prgtoken This law on political parties would give the government far-reaching powers to suspend political parties at will. I urge the Cambodian National Assembly to set aside this undemocratic law that dangerously moves Cambodia toward being a one-party state, and to allow the Cambodian people to freely choose their own leaders.
Order of Procedure (Executive Calendar)
Sheldon Whitehouse (Democrat, RI) \u2014 2017-2-15

we are considering the nomination of Congressman Mulvaney to become the Director of the Office of Management and Budget. In the context of the review of this nomination, there has been a lot of talk about Congressman Mulvaney being a ``straight shooter.'' I do appreciate his courtesy meeting with me and his participation in our Budget Committee confirmation hearing last month, but I have to say that his 6-year record in the House of Representatives makes it completely impossible for me to vote for him as our Nation's chief budget officer. prgtoken He may be a straight shooter, but he shoots straight at the wrong targets. One of them is the credit of the United States of America. In the House of Representatives, Congressman Mulvaney repeatedly put our economy in jeopardy by voting to let the Federal Government default on its obligations. He had an opportunity after his nomination, when he came before the Budget Committee, to pivot to a more mainstream and responsible position, but he refused. In an answer to a prehearing question he said: I do believe that defaulting on America's debts would have great worldwide consequences. I do not believe that breaching the debt ceiling will automatically or inevitably lead to that result. prgtoken Well, if you breach the debt ceiling, and if you honor the debt ceiling law, that means that our government would not have the money to pay all of its bills. Something has to be defaulted on or the debt ceiling is a complete chimera. prgtoken Mr. Mulvaney's completely unsupported faith that a default on some of our Nation's obligations might not have grave consequences ignores basic economics, and it ignores the guidance prgtoken of liberal and conservative economists and experts alike, including Douglas Holtz-Eakin, Benjamin Bernanke, Hank Paulson, Janet Yellen, Jack Lew, and many, many others. prgtoken In fact, many of my colleagues in this room were gravely concerned about what happened if we blew through the debt ceiling, and that we perhaps had made a bet we would be unable to pay. To put it simply, lenders tend to charge more for riskier loans, and a borrower that won't pay all of its bills on time is riskier than one that does. prgtoken Tom Donahue of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce is not someone that I ordinarily cite favorably here in the Senate. He is an inveterate enemy on doing anything on climate change. He and I disagree on a great number of issues, but even Tom Donahue noted that a small increase in treasury rates, which would happen as the result of a default, ``would translate into hundreds of thousands of jobs lost every year.'' prgtoken A member of the self-styled ``shutdown caucus,'' Mr. Mulvaney chooses to ignore the fact that his fiscal brinkmanship has already cost the American people. Playing around with the debt ceiling and shutting down the government are not free exercises. According to the Wall Street firm
PROVIDING FOR CONSIDERATION OF H.J. RES. 43, PROVIDING FOR CONGRESSIONAL DISAPPROVAL OF FINAL RULE BY SECRETARY OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES; PROVIDING FOR CONSIDERATION OF H.J. RES. 69, PROVIDING...
Louise McIntosh Slaughter (Democrat, NY) \u2014 2017-2-15

such time as I may consume, and from the Rules Committee for yielding me the customary 30 minutes. prgtoken Before I start, I include in the Record a letter from over 20 healthcare provider organizations regarding the danger of cutting certain providers off from title X funding because they also provide abortion with private funds. February 3, 2017. Hon. Mitch McConnell, Senate Majority Leader, Washington, DC. Hon. Charles Schumer, Senate Minority Leader, Washington, DC. Hon. Paul Ryan, of the House of Representatives, Washington, DC. Hon. Nancy Pelosi, Minority Leader, House of Representatives, Washington, DC. Dear Leader McConnell, Ryan, Leader Schumer and Leader Pelosi: As organizations representing health care and public health professionals and the people they serve across the country, we strongly oppose any effort to prevent Planned Parenthood health centers from participating in federal health programs, including Medicaid and the Title X family planning program. Any proposal to exclude Planned Parenthood from public health programs will severely curtail women's access to essential health care services, including family planning, well-woman exams, breast and cervical cancers screenings, and HIV testing and counseling. At a time when there is much uncertainty about the future of affordable health care in our country, it is dangerous to cut off access to the life-saving preventive care that Planned Parenthood provides to some of our nation's most vulnerable patients. Planned Parenthood health centers play a crucial role in improving the health and lives of people across the country. In fact, 2.5 million women, men and young people rely on Planned Parenthood for health care every year. For many women, Planned Parenthood is their only source of care-- offering basic preventive services that are fundamental to women's health and well-being. More than 50% of Planned Parenthood health centers are in areas with health professional shortages, rural or medically underserved areas. In 2014 alone, Planned Parenthood health centers provided nearly 400,000 cervical cancer screenings and more than 360,000 breast exams. Additionally, Planned Parenthood provides contraceptive services for over 2 million patients and more than 4 million tests and treatments for sexually transmitted infections, including HIV. These services improve women's health, prevent an estimated 579,000 unintended pregnancies, and decrease infant mortality. Policies that would exclude Planned Parenthood from public health funding would hurt millions of patients and undermine health care access in communities across the
Nomination of Andrew Puzder (Executive Calendar)
Elizabeth Warren (Democrat, MA) \u2014 2017-2-15

on December 8, nominated Andrew Puzder to serve as Secretary of Labor. He was scheduled to come before the HELP Committee tomorrow for his confirmation hearing. There is some reporting suggesting that he is having some second thoughts, and I sincerely hope that is true. The reasons Mr. Puzder is a terrible choice for this job are literally too numerous to cover fully, but I will at least give it a start. prgtoken If you work for a living, the Labor Secretary is very important to you. This person is responsible for protecting the interests of 150 million American workers. He will be the person responsible for enforcing the law that ensures that employers actually pay workers for every hour they work and setting the standards to prevent workplace injuries and even deaths. prgtoken Unfortunately, Mr. Puzder is not the kind of person the American people can trust to stand up for workers. Since 2000, Mr. Puzder has served as the CEO of the billion-dollar company CKE Restaurant Holdings. You may know it better as the parent company of Carl's Jr. and Hardee's. These two fast-food chains are known for paying very low wages to workers. Mr. Puzder has a long record of cheating workers out of overtime. He has paid out millions of dollars to settle claims when he was caught cheating. We are not talking about isolated incidents. They reflect the kind of business Mr. Puzder built. Mr. Puzder is a frequent political pundit and commentator who has vocally opposed higher minimum wages. He has also strongly opposed new overtime protections that would give 4 million workers an estimated $1.5 billion raise in a single year. prgtoken Mr. Puzder also delights in expressing personal disdain for his workers. He bragged in his very first memo as CEO. He wrote that he wanted ``no more people behind the counter unless they have their teeth.'' Ha, ha. He said he would like to replace his workers with robots because ``they are always polite, they always upsell, they never take a vacation, there's never a slip-and-fall, or an age, sex or discrimination case.'' prgtoken The Senate has an obligation to hear from those who are best qualified to prgtoken tell America about Mr. Puzder's suitability to be Labor Secretary and to stand up for American workers--his own workers. That is why many of us asked the chairman of the HELP Committee to include Mr. Puzder's workers in his confirmation hearing. When the chairman refused to do so, we just went ahead and convened our own forum to allow those workers a chance to speak. prgtoken Seventeen Senators attended. Those 17 Senators heard from Laura McDonald, who worked as a general manager at Carl's Jr. in Tucson, AZ, for 20 years. For years, she was forced to work extra hours without pay. Employees like Laura are the subject of a major lawsuit against Mr. Puzder's company, CKE, regarding unpaid overtime. prgtoken Those 17 Senators heard from Lupe Guzman, who is a single moth