mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
SENATE RESOLUTION 353--DESIGNATING DECEMBER 16, 2017, AS ``WREATHS ACROSS AMERICA DAY''
Susan M. Collins (Republican, ME) \u2014 2017-12-7

I am pleased to be joined by my colleague Senator Angus King in sponsoring this resolution to designate December 16, 2017, as Wreaths Across America Day. Since its inception, the Wreaths Across America project has become an annual tradition of donating, transporting, and placing Maine balsam fir remembrance wreaths on the graves of our fallen heroes buried at Arlington National Cemetery, as well as at veterans cemeteries and memorials in every State and overseas. In the program's 26 years, more than 4.5 million wreaths have been placed in honor of those who have served our country. prgtoken The origin of Wreaths Across America is an inspiring example of that generosity and gratitude. During the Christmas season in 1992, Morrill and Karen Worcester took time during their busiest season to donate and deliver wreaths from their company in Harrington, ME, to Arlington National Cemetery to honor the heroes who lie at rest there. At first, a small group of volunteers laid the wreaths with little notice. In recent years, however, the Arlington Wreath Project has grown to become a national phenomenon. The people of Maine are proud that this important and well-deserved tradition began in our State. prgtoken This year, on December 16, thousands of volunteers in Arlington, throughout our Nation, and overseas will carry out the mission of Wreaths Across America to ``Remember, Honor, Teach.'' This will conclude a weeklong procession between Maine and Virginia, with stops along the way to pause and remember the men and women who have died to preserve our freedoms, spread the message about the importance of honoring those who serve, and remind the people of the United States about the sacrifices made by our veterans and their families. This procession helps to ensure that those sacrifices are never forgotten. prgtoken The Patriot Guard Riders, along with other dedicated escort groups, will accompany tractor-trailers filled with donated wreaths from Maine to Arlington National Cemetery. America's trucking industry has long supported Wreaths Across America by providing drivers, equipment, fuel, and related services to assist in the transportation of wreaths across the country to more than 1,200 locations. prgtoken Wreaths Across America not only honors our departed heroes but also imparts the important message to veterans who are still with us that we honor their service. It tells our men and women in uniform today that we are grateful for their courage and devotion to duty. It tells the families of those serving our country that they are in our thoughts and prayers. And it tells the families of the fallen that we share their grief. prgtoken Throughout human history, the evergreen wreath has been offered as a tribute to heroes. On December 16, 2017, we will again offer this enduring symbol of valor and sacrifice as part of our never-ending obligation to thank those who wore the uniform of our country. In this
NOMINATION OF STEVE GRASZ
Ben Sasse (Republican, NE) \u2014 2017-12-7

today the Judiciary Committee had the opportunity to advance the nomination of Steve Grasz, one of the foremost appellate attorneys in the State of Nebraska, and I would like to make one brief comment about that. prgtoken The Judiciary Committee has now heard and soon the full Senate will be hearing about the impeccable credentials of Mr. Grasz. Steve has served with distinction as Nebraska's chief deputy attorney general for nearly a dozen years. During that time, he defended our State's laws with integrity, humility, and decency. Whether he was litigating before the Eighth Circuit, before the Nebraska Supreme Court, or before the U.S. Supreme Court, Steve's character and professionalism earned the respect of s and alike. prgtoken Members of the committee became familiar with Steve and in particular his recommendation from President 's U.S. attorney for Nebraska, Deborah Gilg. She wrote to the committee: ``Steve has always enjoyed a reputation for honesty, impeccable integrity, and dedication to the rule of law.'' She continued by noting that Steve ``possesses an even temperament well-suited for the bench and always acts with respect to all that interact with him.'' prgtoken Steve has earned the support of s and back in Nebraska, and I hope that when his nomination comes to the floor of the Senate, we will take to heart all of the support he has across the political spectrum and from well-respected lawyers across our State. prgtoken Thank you for the time, .
PERSONAL EXPLANATION
Bill Flores (Republican, TX) \u2014 2017-12-7

I missed roll call vote 653 on the Motion to go to Conference on H.R. 1, the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, taken on December 4, 2017. Had I been present for this vote, I would have voted YEA. prgtoken I was not present for this vote due to an emergency illness on Sunday and due to a previously scheduled commitment with a large group of constituents in Waco, Texas. prgtoken Pro-growth tax reform that provides a simpler, fairer tax code will lead to more jobs and bigger paychecks for hardworking American families.
REMEMBERING PEARL HARBOR
Tulsi Gabbard (Democrat, HI) \u2014 2017-12-7

my heart is in Hawaii today as we commemorate the 76th anniversary of the attack on Pearl Harbor, a day that forever changed Hawaii and our country. prgtoken We remember those who paid the ultimate price on that fateful day and the millions of Americans who answered the call to serve in the months and years that followed, including two of our former U.S. Senators, Inouye and Akaka. prgtoken We remember the famed ``Go for Broke'' 442nd Infantry Regiment and other units made up of young men who, despite seeing their friends and family members be sent off to internment camps, still stood up and volunteered to serve, putting their lives on the line for this country. They served bravely, sacrificed greatly, and became the most highly decorated unit in all of the U.S. Army's history. prgtoken We must never forget what happened at Pearl Harbor, the lessons learned, and the sacrifices of those who served. There is no question that the stories of the Greatest Generation will live on forever in the hearts of a grateful nation.
DACA
Ron Wyden (Democrat, OR) \u2014 2017-12-7

this fall, I met with Dreamers in my home State of Oregon. At meetings in Eugene and in Portland, these young people gave powerful accounts of how the administration has needlessly and cruelly injected fear into their lives and the lives of their families. prgtoken Right now, these Dreamers--these young people who have done nothing wrong, who have terrific grades, wonderful conduct, who are helping their prgtoken families--are faced with the very real threat that they may be ripped away from the only lives and the only country they have ever known. These young people might be little more than numbers on a page to those who spend their days waging political fights in the Nation's Capital, but this is not just some academic topic for the thousands of young people across the land who would be affected by these vicious policies. This is a real-life issue with real-life consequences and real-life dangers for many of our friends and neighbors. prgtoken It is real for those like Cynthia Aguilar, whom I met this fall at the University of Oregon in Eugene. She spoke eloquently about how her mother sacrificed so much for her, living paycheck to paycheck so Cynthia could have an education and a better life. prgtoken It is real for those like Eastern Oregon University student Daysi Bedolla, who spoke just as movingly when we met in Portland, as well as in La Grande at a townhall I held in her community. Not only does Daysi talk about the huge contributions that Dreamers are making in their hometowns and college campuses, she demonstrates her contributions each day at Eastern Oregon University as the school's student body president. prgtoken Cynthia, Daysi, and so many others are what I call the real dream team, and I am proud to be their teammate in this fundamental fight for fairness. It is not a small fight. In Oregon alone, there are an estimated 11,000 Dreamers--enough to fill almost every seat in the Memorial Coliseum--and every one of those young people has parents and brothers and sisters and friends in their communities. They have well- laid plans to work hard in school, make something of their lives, and start families of their own in the United States. The strength of their stories fuels our fight, and that is why I join colleagues today in insisting that the Dream Act come to the floor of this Senate. This has been a long battle. prgtoken I am proud to have been with the Dreamers every step of the way from the Dream Act legislation to President 's actions on DACA. I am also pleased to have worked with my colleagues to introduce legislation like the Protect Dreamer Confidentiality Act. This bill would ensure that the information Dreamers provided to the government isn't somehow used against them for immigration enforcement. prgtoken Congress has to come together and work in a bipartisan way on a fair path forward for Dreamers. This effort from the White House to punish innocent young peo
Farewell to the Senate (Executive Session)
Al Franken (Democrat, MN) \u2014 2017-12-7

a couple of months ago, I felt we had entered an important moment in the history of this country. We were finally beginning to listen to women about the ways in which men's actions affect them. The moment was long overdue. I was excited for that conversation and hopeful it would result in real change that made life better for women all across the country and in every part of our society. prgtoken Then the conversation turned to me. Over the last few weeks, a number of women have come forward to talk about how they felt my actions had affected them. I was shocked. I was upset, but in responding to their claims, I also wanted to be respectful of that broader conversation because all women deserve to be heard and their experiences taken seriously. I think that was the right thing to do. I also think it gave some people the false impression that I was admitting to doing things that, in fact, I haven't done. Some of the allegations against me are simply not true, others I remember very differently. prgtoken I said at the outset, the Ethics Committee was the right venue for these allegations to be heard and investigated and evaluated on their merits; that I was prepared to cooperate fully and that I was confident in the outcome. prgtoken An important part of the conversation we have been having the last few months has been about how men abuse their power and privilege to hurt women. I am proud that during my time in the Senate, I have used my power to be a champion of women and that I have earned the reputation as someone who respects the women I work alongside every day. I know there has been a very different picture of me painted over the last few weeks, but I know who I really am. prgtoken Serving in the U.S. Senate has been the great honor of my life. I know in my heart that nothing I have done as a Senator--nothing--has brought dishonor on this institution, and I am confident the Ethics Committee would agree. prgtoken Nevertheless, today I am announcing that in the coming weeks, I will be resigning as a Member of the U.S. Senate. I, of all people, am aware that there is some irony in the fact that I am leaving, while a man who has bragged on tape about his history of sexual assault sits in the Oval Office, and a man who has repeatedly preyed on young girls campaigns for the Senate with the full support of his party, but this decision is not about me; it is about the people of Minnesota. It has become clear that I can't both pursue the Ethics Committee process and, at the same time, remain an effective Senator for them. prgtoken Let me be clear. I may be resigning my seat, but I am not giving up my voice. I will continue to stand up for the things I believe in as a citizen and as an activist, but Minnesotans deserve a Senator who can focus with all her energy on addressing the challenges they face every day. prgtoken There is a big part of me that will always regret having to walk away from this j
Order of Procedure (Executive Session)
Maria Cantwell (Democrat, WA) \u2014 2017-12-7

the Department of the Interior is the steward and guardian of our public lands--our national parks, wildlife refuges, and wilderness areas. As the Supreme Court said more than a century ago, it is the Secretary of the Interior's responsibility to see that none of the public domain is given away to anyone who is not entitled to it. prgtoken As the steward and guardian of the public lands, the Secretary must represent the government and the people of the Nation as a whole, not the special interests or even the interests of a single State. But the Secretary does not do his job alone; he has delegated his authority and responsibility for land and minerals management to the Assistant Secretary for Land and Minerals Management. The Assistant Secretary exercises the Secretary's direction and supervision over the Bureau of Land Management. The Assistant Secretary needs to be someone who can discharge this important duty fairly and impartially. Equally important, though, he must be seen by the American people as someone capable of being a good steward of their public lands and not as someone who comes to the job with a predisposition to dispose of their public lands to special interests. prgtoken An impartial and unbiased decision-maker is a core element of the due process. The principle that no one can be the judge in his own case has been a hallmark of Anglo-American law for over 400 years. I believe confirming Mr. Balash to be Assistant Secretary of Land and Minerals Management would be contrary to this principle. prgtoken In 2014, Alaska's Department of Natural Resources filed a claim for 20,000 acres of the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge with the Bureau of Land Management. Alaska's Department of Natural Resources sought to remove the long-recognized boundary of the Refuge. It asked the Bureau of Land Management to convey the 20,000 acres of Refuge land that would then be outside the Refuge's boundary to the State of Alaska so that those lands could then be leased for oil and gas development. prgtoken Mr. Balash was the head of Alaska's Department of Natural Resources at the time it made its claim to the Bureau of Land Management. The Bureau of Land Management properly rejected Alaska's claim. Alaska appealed the Bureau's decision to the Interior Board of Land Appeals, where the appeal is now pending. If the Senate confirms Mr. Balash to be the Assistant Secretary for Land and Minerals Management, he will be overseeing the Bureau of Land Management. He will exercise the Secretary's direction and supervision over the Bureau of Land Management. He will be in a position of reversing the Bureau of Land Management's decision which originally denied Alaska's claim. prgtoken Moreover, Secretary Zinke has the authority to take jurisdiction of the case away from the Board of Land Appeals and to delegate that authority to decide the case to Mr. Balash. Mr. Balash may become the Interior Department's judge
MAKING FURTHER CONTINUING APPROPRIATIONS FOR FISCAL YEAR 2018
Patrick J. Leahy (Democrat, VT) \u2014 2017-12-7

first, I applaud the Senator from Alaska. He makes us all want to be there. prgtoken , let me speak for a moment in my role as vice chairman of the Senate Appropriations Committee about the continuing resolution that the distinguished majority leader has just mentioned. prgtoken The current spending caps set in place by law will not responsibly fund the government or alleviate the consequences of sequestration on both our domestic priorities and our military readiness. prgtoken Since March 1, along with many others, I have constantly repeated that we must reach a bipartisan budget deal that is based on parity, free of poison pill riders, not waste taxpayer dollars on a useless border wall, which we will never be reimbursed for by Mexico. But with the current continuing resolution expiring tomorrow, we are running out of time to reach an agreement. prgtoken The continuing resolution before us today will allow us more time to reach a bipartisan agreement and keep the government's lights on during negotiations. I will join with the distinguished majority leader in voting for this, but the key to successful negotiation during that time is parity. Sequestration has had devastating consequences on our country that are going to impact a generation, but we have to raise the caps on both sides of the ledger--defense and nondefense. prgtoken Anywhere you go, the vast majority of Americans will agree that it is not an academic exercise. The decisions we make here today have real impacts on people's lives. prgtoken There is no question that sequestration has hurt our military readiness, but it has also hurt our Nation's economy, and it has led to a decline in critical government services on which millions of Americans depend. prgtoken Our veterans have been shortchanged. An average of 558,000 veterans fail to get a healthcare appointment during the 30-day standard. The average wait time for the VA to process a benefit appeal is over 3 years. prgtoken Our infrastructure is crumbling. America, this great Nation, now gets a D-plus rating from the American Society of Civil Engineers. This means that the roads, the bridges, the dams, the drinking water, the public parks, and the schools we all use and depend on have a near- failing grade. prgtoken Education programs have suffered. The purchasing power of the maximum Pell Grant now covers only 29 percent of the average price for college. prgtoken Our elderly citizens are getting shortchanged. More than 1 million Social Security benefits appeals are backlogged an average of 605 days. An estimated 10,000 people die each year before their appeals are completed. prgtoken I could go on and on. prgtoken If we raise the caps for defense programs but do not also raise the caps to properly fund our nondefense priorities, we will still shortchange our men and women in uniform. If we don't invest in our Nation's economy and educate our youth, the military will not have t
FURTHER CONTINUING APPROPRIATIONS ACT, 2018
Marcy Kaptur (Democrat, OH) \u2014 2017-12-7

I thank the gentlewoman for yielding. prgtoken , this disruption to those responsible for managing healthcare adds an unnecessary burden under the circumstances they confront daily. Many States are now preparing to shut down their CHIP program in case Congress doesn't act. How is that for a Christmas or Hanukkah present to the children of America? prgtoken The majority's priorities are out of line, and no leadership on budgetary caps, no leadership on working with to find common ground on funding priorities, no leadership to finalize government funding for the entire 2018 fiscal year, which began 3 months ago. Unacceptable. prgtoken Instead, s choose to avoid doing what is critical. Rather than pass a tax bill that rewards the wealthiest in our country and wreaks havoc on America's hardworking middle class families, they ought to do the dutiful work of managing the funds to operate the departments that serve the people of the United States. The American people are worried, , and the majority has abdicated their leadership. prgtoken I urge my colleagues to keep their powder dry on any hasty vote on this bill, and demand the majority come to the table to finalize the fiscal year 2018 spending plan.
PROGRESSIVE CAUCUS: GOP TAX SCAM
Jamie Raskin (Democrat, MD) \u2014 2017-12-7

I am delighted to be here on behalf of the Congressional Progressive Caucus. prgtoken We are going to have some discussion about recent developments in Congress over this week, and we are going to focus on the proposed tax legislation. prgtoken , from Washington (Ms. Jayapal), vice chair of the Congressional Progressive Caucus. She is going to talk about what that plan means for working people in America.
TRIBUTES TO LUTHER STRANGE
Joe Manchin, III (Democrat, WV) \u2014 2017-12-7

I rise as a Member of this great body to say thank you to our good friend from Alabama for serving. It is such a shame that we have so many good people in this body and some really great people in this body who are here for such a short period of time, and to have a person like Senator Strange come before us and be part and try to make a difference. prgtoken I truly enjoyed his speech based on bipartisanship, which is what we are all here for, and seeing how we have digressed to the point where there is very little bipartisanship that goes on and then knowing that we can make that change and make a difference. prgtoken I want to thank the Senator. It has always been a joy to be around him. He has such a way and such a demeanor about him--his congeniality, his camaraderie and wanting to make this place work the way it is supposed to work and the way they have told us it did work. prgtoken With that I would say, Senator, I am grateful I got to know you. I am grateful that you have passed through these doors for all of us to call you our friend. I am sad that you are not staying. prgtoken I know there are bigger things in store for you. I know your life is going to be blessed, and with that, you blessed us by being part of us for a period of time. prgtoken Thank you, Senator.