mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
INVEST IN THE NATION'S INFRASTRUCTURE
Jim Costa (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2017-7-27

I rise today to bring attention to our Nation's infrastructure. I am talking about our roads, our bridges, our rail corridors, our waterways and dams, the investments that over two centuries have made America great, the greatest economy in the world. prgtoken We have a long history of investing in the infrastructure in America, starting with the canal and rail systems in the 19th century, the highways and air transportation systems in the 20th century. However, over the last 25 years, we have lived off the infrastructure investments our parents and grandparents made in the previous generations. prgtoken Why? Because there has been a lack of political will here in Washington, D.C to make new investments. But Congress, working with the President, must face this challenge head-on. prgtoken I believe there is bipartisan support for infrastructure investment, having been part of a bipartisan conversation this year with Members of Congress and with the administration. There is an attempt to offer a proposal to make major investments in our Nation's infrastructure. prgtoken We are talking about four different areas. First, there needs to be an incentive component. I strongly support incentivizing States and local governments to provide their own funding for these efforts. We know infrastructure projects move forward most effectively when local, State, and the Federal Government all do their part. prgtoken In the San Joaquin Valley in my district, Merced, Madera, and Fresno Counties have all increased their local sales tax to pay for critical transportation projects. Earlier this year, California enacted a bill to increase State gas tax and vehicle fees to provide over $52 billion over the next 10 years in California for much-needed transportation projects. And while more needs to be done in California, we know that, if we provide incentives across the country, States ought to come up and do their part as well. prgtoken The second focus of the administration's action is to support projects in rural areas. On Wednesday last week, the Agriculture Committee held a hearing in which we discussed strategic infrastructure investments in rural areas with a goal of increasing opportunities. The importance of investing in our rural areas cannot be overstated. Too often, rural America gets left behind in the infrastructure and development conversation. I know because I represent a large part of rural America in the San Joaquin Valley in California. prgtoken The third focus is transformative projects, projects that make creative and dramatic changes. I have always supported and will continue to support these projects, such as high-speed rail in California, California WaterFix. prgtoken Water is so critical to the West, especially in the San Joaquin Valley. Water provides the food that we have on America's dinner table every night. It is a national security issue. prgtoken These projects support deeper, systemic change, and they
IN RECOGNITION OF MR. JOHNNY MARINES
Tony Cárdenas (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2017-7-27

it is with great pride that I rise to recognize the accomplishments and contributions of Mr. Johnny Marines. prgtoken Mr. Marines is actively involved in the betterment of his community, the Los Angeles region, and in neighborhoods across our great nation. Mr. Marines has been recognized by countless local leaders in both New York and California for his tremendous support to the community and dedication to assisting those in need. Mr. Marines, a native of the Lower East Side of New York, has been a great force in the rise of the popular Latin American group, Aventura and more recently, bachata star, Romeo Santos. Johnny Marines founded JME, a diversified entertainment and media company with ventures in integrating music, film, television and philanthropy. Johnny has made it his mission to grow the number of opportunities for Latino musical artists to be successful and make an impact on the community that listens to these artists. Before becoming involved in the music industry, Mr. Marines dedicated his life to protecting and serving New York City residents. He attended John Jay College School of Criminal Justice until he was recruited by the NYPD on August 30, 1993. In March 1994, Johnny graduated from the New York Police Academy in the top 10 percent of his class. Mr. Marines was promoted to the rank of sergeant in March 2003, retiring with that rank in February 2009. He has not forgotten his humble roots and the neighborhood that had a profound impact on his upbringing. Mr. Marines has committed to dedicating his time and resources to give back to his community. Mr. Marines has worked with elected officials and music groups to provide holiday dinners to needy families, ship food and supplies to struggling families in the Dominican Republic, and visit sick children in hospitals in an effort to lift their spirits. Mr. Marines has led the way in helping others in California in the City and County of Los Angeles, focusing on assisting Angelenos with developmental disabilities. Mr. Marines has established himself as a leader and a charitable American utilizing his talents to create unique opportunities for all ages to thrive and impact the world I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Mr. Johnny Marines and applauding his contributions and philanthropic endeavors.
AMERICAN HEALTH CARE ACT OF 2017--Continued
Christopher Murphy (Democrat, CT) \u2014 2017-7-27

. Thank you, . prgtoken We are starting to hear rumors of what is in the so-called skinny bill, and it is not skinny. It is humongous. It is filled with all sorts of conservative priorities, whether it be--these are rumors--the end to the individual mandate, the elimination that insurance companies are required to include certain coverages, the denial of funding to Planned Parenthood. This is not a bill that is designed to go to conference. This is a bill that is designed to become law. prgtoken I just want to put all of the pieces together for folks what we are hearing tonight, because you are hearing, if you are following this all across America, different pieces of news emerging from different parts of this city. Let me try to put it together for you for a minute. prgtoken First, you are seeing this skinny bill get fatter and fatter, which all of a sudden looks like a piece of legislation that is not designed to go to conference. It looks like a piece of legislation designed to become law. prgtoken It is healthcare arson. It sets the insurance markets on fire. It immediately takes insurance from 16 million people and drives rates up by 20 percent on a compounding basis. This is insanity. prgtoken It is getting bigger and bigger, which makes you wonder, wait a second, is this about going to conference or becoming law? Then we got another piece of information. The White House doesn't support the conference. The White House likes the skinny bill and wants it to become law. Then we got another piece of information. The House of Representatives tomorrow morning will declare what is called martial law. That is a procedural move that will allow the House to pass the bill that comes from the Senate as quickly as possible. This isn't going to conference, this is becoming law. Then the icing on the cake is the most curious piece of news: a statement from the of the House in which he says, not ``we will go to conference,'' he says, ``I am willing to go to conference.'' prgtoken Why ``I am willing to go to conference'' and not ``we will go to conference''? Well, maybe you got the clarification from his spokesman who said: ``Conference committee is one option under consideration, and something we are taking steps to prepare for should we choose that route, after first discussing with the members of our conference.'' prgtoken Can you see what is happening here? Can you see what is happening here? This is a bill that is being sold as just a procedural step to get to conference, but everything else that is happening around it suggests this is becoming law. Even if I am not right, let's also be clear about the process. Even if there is a conference, how on Earth is the conference going to come to a conclusion that the Senate could not? Right? You are going to introduce the Freedom Caucus to the U.S. Senate and think you are going to get more functionality and not less functionality? Even if you get to that confer
AMERICAN HEALTH CARE ACT OF 2017--Continued
Tom Udall (Democrat, NM) \u2014 2017-7-27

the Senate is now in its third day of voting on major healthcare legislation, and we still have no idea exactly what the leadership wants or what bill they are going to put on the floor. The leadership tosses out options, bills that would affect the lives of millions of Americans and one-sixth of our economy. Not even s know what proposal is coming next, and the American public certainly doesn't know what is coming, and they are very interested because they have healthcare and they want to know if it is going to be taken away from them. prgtoken It is as if the s are playing healthcare roulette. The leader spins prgtoken the roulette wheel, the ball lands arbitrarily on some version of the ACA repeal, and the leader quickly calls a quick vote on that random version of ACA repeal. prgtoken Soon we are going to vote on a cynical amendment from the s offering Medicare for all. My understanding is the Senator offering this isn't even going to support his own amendment. If you were in a State legislature, you would be prohibited from offering an amendment like that. They oppose this Medicare-for-all amendment. They oppose Medicare for all. So why are they seeking a vote? To distract from their own dangerous bills and reckless process. It is a desperate ploy, and everyone sees through it. I support healthcare for all. It should be a right in this Nation. But this is a phony and insincere amendment. prgtoken All the while, the President stands to the side, not caring one whit what the bill looks like or how many people will be hurt in the rush to get a bill out the Senate door. prgtoken On Tuesday, we voted on the leadership's Better Care Reconciliation Act 2.0. That would cut 22 million Americans off healthcare. It also has been rejected overwhelmingly by Americans. prgtoken Yesterday, we voted on straight ACA repeal, not replacement. That bill would throw 32 million Americans off of healthcare. That idea is no more popular than the other bills. prgtoken Today, maybe we will vote on a last-ditch version which would repeal parts of Care, the so-called skinny repeal option. That bill is no better. It would mean 16 million Americans get thrown off healthcare, and the other very important part of this is that it would raise premiums 20 percent. We have heard our friend from Nebraska come down here on the floor and talk about their concern about healthcare and concern about the cost of premiums. They ought to know that this proposal is going to raise premiums 20 percent. prgtoken This bill is the s' last hope. It takes away the individual mandate to get health insurance and the employer mandate to provide health insurance to employees. Like the other schemes the s have tried, it would hike premiums for the elderly and for the sick. prgtoken Blue Cross Blue Shield is opposed to this proposal. They say ``strong incentives for people to o
HONORING THE SELMA 15U ALL STAR BASEBALL TEAM
Terri A. Sewell (Democrat, AL) \u2014 2017-7-27

today I rise to congratulate the Selma 15U All Star baseball team for winning the 2017 Dixie Baseball World Series. It has been 45 years since a team paraded the World Series trophy through the streets of my hometown, Selma, Alabama, but this losing streak finally came to an end on Sunday, July 23, in Independence, Louisiana. After falling short of winning last year's title, the team was ready for a taste of redemption. In a hard fought, 8-3 win against Hattiesburg, Mississippi, the Selma 15U All Stars secured their place in history and brought home the gold. An enthusiastic crowd of family and community members was waiting to welcome their hometown champions back to Selma. The team is comprised of 14 boys: Dione Allen, Alex Colquitt, Tevin Craig, Matthew Davis, Trovonn Davis, Joseph Estes, Xavier Green, Jeremy Lee Jr Amarion Molette, Octavious Palmer, Jacob Peavy, George Turner, Milam Turner, and Richard Allen Waters. They come from a combination of Dallas County High School, Meadowview Christian Academy, Morgan Academy, and Selma High School. Built on a foundation of diversity, this team showcases what can happen when communities are united in a common cause. Through their hard work and dedication, these boys displayed what it means to be a leader in their communities. Selma is often portrayed as a city lacking in opportunities for civic engagement, but the Selma 15U All Stars is a direct antithesis to this misguided characterization. The man behind this remarkable group of young men is Head Coach Ricky Waters. I had the great privilege of going to grade school with Ricky in our hometown of Selma. I know that this victory is of special importance to him since he took the field against the same opponent, Hattiesburg, at the Dixie Baseball World Series when he was a player, 38 years ago. Although Ricky's time at bat ended in a loss, he was able to lead this team of Selma 15U All Stars to victory in 2017. Ricky, along with Coaches Richard Davis, Jake Peavy, and Jason Foti, created a winning team of boys that everyone in Alabama should be proud of. As every sports fan knows, behind every great team is an even greater community. A raucous crowd of over 100 cheering fans and the blaring sirens of police cars and firetrucks welcomed the team of champions home. It was a bright day for Selma as the city came together to celebrate these young athletic ambassadors and their competitive triumph. This extraordinary group of young men and their dedicated coaches are a shining example of the positive impact sports can have on a community. I am proud to represent these local heroes, and I ask my colleagues to join me in paying tribute to the 2017 Dixie Baseball World Series champions, the Selma 15U All Star Baseball Team. Congratulations.
COUNTERING AMERICA'S ADVERSARIES BILL
Chris Van Hollen (Democrat, MD) \u2014 2017-7-27

I voted in support of H.R. 3364, the Countering America's Adversaries Act, which sanctions Russia, Iran, and North Korea. I call on President to sign this package into law, without delay. prgtoken This act imposes tough sanctions on Russia for its interference in our elections, its attempts to undermine faith in the democratic process across the West, its support of the brutal regime of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, and its intervention in Ukraine. Critically, the legislation prevents President --who has repeatedly demonstrated his affinity for Vladimir Putin--from removing sanctions on Russia without the approval of the Congress. It sends a clear and unequivocal message to the Kremlin: the United States will not tolerate attacks on our democracy. prgtoken The administration has repeatedly certified Iran's compliance with the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action. This landmark, multilateral nuclear accord is a critical part of our effort to prevent Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon and has made our partners and allies in the region safer. However, Iran's ballistic missile tests, its support for regional terrorism, and its human rights abuses merit a strong response. This act codifies executive orders sanctioning Iran for these dangerous, nonnuclear actions. prgtoken Our response to North Korea--which U.S. officials now believe will be able to field a reliable, nuclear-capable intercontinental ballistic missile as early as next year--must be bold and comprehensive. While I support the sanctions imposed on North Korea under the Countering America's Adversaries Act, I believe they fall far short of the aggressive sanctions needed to sever North Korea's ties to the international financial system and create the leverage necessary for successful nuclear negotiations. That is why I strongly urge the Senate to pass the Banking Restrictions Involving North Korea Act, which I introduced with Senator Toomey. I look forward to working expeditiously with my colleagues to pass comprehensive sanctions on North Korea in the fall.
BORDER WALL
Susan A. Davis (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2017-7-27

I have a few questions for my colleagues across the aisle--what can we do with 1.6 billion dollars? prgtoken How many highways and roads could we fix? prgtoken How many Americans could we train for good paying jobs, for that amount of money? prgtoken And didn't the President promise that Americans wouldn't have to pay for a wall? prgtoken Now in one big bill that's out of regular order we are being asked to waste 1.6 billion dollars on a wall that would be ineffective and offensive to our neighbors? prgtoken In my district, we know that our border is our strength, not our weakness. prgtoken San Diego and Tijuana are two regions, but we are one community. prgtoken We have worked for years to create an efficient border that allows thousands of people to safely cross into our country every day; spending money in our stores, paying taxes that support our infrastructure, and bringing economic stability to our region. prgtoken We cannot allow fear and uncertainty to isolate us from the rest of the world, and building a wall along our expansive southern border would do just that.
AMERICAN HEALTH CARE ACT OF 2017--Continued
Tim Kaine (Democrat, VA) \u2014 2017-7-27

. The time is right because the consequences are so severe: 16 million people lose insurance, 20 percent premiums compounding over the years, insurance markets skyrocketing and unstable, and Planned Parenthood defunded--the healthcare provider of choice for 3 million women. prgtoken The final reason we should do this the right way, not the wrong way, is what was said by Senator Graham just a few hours ago. He described the bill that is now on the floor, the skinny repeal, the skinny bill, as a policy is a disaster as a replacement for Care. It is a fraud. prgtoken Is ``fraudulent disaster'' the best that the United States Senate can do now? Is that now the bar we have to get over? If we can say something is a fraudulent disaster, it is suddenly good enough to vote for? That is salt in the wound of a family that is worried about their sick child. That is salt in the wound of anybody who is worried about what would happen to their family tomorrow. Will they lose insurance? Will they pay more? Will they be blocked from going to Planned Parenthood? If this body passes a bill that even Members who vote for it claim is a fraudulent disaster, how do you think the American public will view this body? How will they view the degree of care and concern we exhibit to them? prgtoken This is not the best the Senate can do. We can do much better than this, we must do much better than this, and I ask my colleagues to send this to committee where we can listen to one another and get this right. prgtoken Thank you, . prgtoken .
PROVIDING FOR FURTHER CONSIDERATION OF H.R. 3219, DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE APPROPRIATIONS ACT, 2018
David E. Price (Democrat, NC) \u2014 2017-7-27

I rise in opposition to this so-called security minibus. prgtoken The majority has rushed through the fiscal year 2018 appropriations process, passing 12 bills without benefit of a budget resolution. Now they have failed to secure the votes on the floor for that -only omnibus package, so they have decided to move forward with what is before us today--four appropriations bills stitched together that would bust the Budget Control Act defense cap and, if enacted, result in a $72 billion sequester against all defense accounts. prgtoken The entire fiscal year '18 appropriations process has been a exercise in sham accounting and wishful thinking: ignore current law, jack up defense spending, and impose huge, unnecessary, and detrimental cuts on domestic appropriations. prgtoken When future students learn about congressional appropriations, this episode should be exhibit A of what not to do. prgtoken The four bills before us today are also full of objectionable and unreasonable policy riders, including the ridiculous inclusion in the rule of $1.6 billion to be spent on 74 miles of border wall. Nobody would know it from the President's hysterical rhetoric, but there are already 700 miles of fence along the border--vehicular fencing and pedestrian fencing. I know about it because most of that fence was built when I was chairman of the Homeland Security Appropriations Subcommittee. prgtoken When Congress appropriated funds to build that fence, we required segment-by-segment analyses and environmental impact studies. This bill doesn't include that. It doesn't include any language regarding congressional oversight. There are no requirements for Homeland Security to submit a cost-benefit analysis or to work with Congress through any modifications. prgtoken , funding an unnecessary wall, especially without congressional oversight, is not a defensible use of taxpayer dollars. We would simply become complicit in what we all know was campaign demagoguery. prgtoken Speaking of which, wasn't the Mexican Government going to pay for this wall? Weren't they going to pick up the tab? prgtoken This $1.6 billion should be spent on much more important priorities, within and beyond homeland security, that would actually improve the lives of our citizens. prgtoken It is time for s to stop playing games with taxpayer money and start negotiating with . We know this is going to have to happen eventually. We need a bipartisan budget and appropriations package that actually has a chance of becoming law and that addresses the need of a great country for serious investment. prgtoken Oppose the border wall. Oppose this sham appropriations minibus.
THE BORDER WALL IS EXPENSIVE AND UNNECESSARY
Anthony G. Brown (Democrat, MD) \u2014 2017-7-27

President 's immigration policies are unpopular. They don't protect our national security and don't promote our ideals as a nation. prgtoken Nowhere is that more apparent than his repeated calls for a border wall. This wall is so unpopular and nonsensical that the House has now resorted to funding it without even a straight up-or-down vote. prgtoken Why are they doing this? Not only to give the President a much-needed win, but to fool the American taxpayer who was repeatedly promised that Mexico would pay for this wall. prgtoken The border wall is expensive and unnecessary. It is opposed not only by a huge majority of Americans, but also by those living on the border. prgtoken Now, Members of Congress are being forced to choose between voting for the wall and voting to fund our military. I support our servicemembers. I spent 30 years in Active and Reserve Duty. I am a member of the House Armed Services Committee. I want to improve the readiness of our Armed Forces, but I cannot and will not support a multi-billion dollar wall that Members of both sides of the aisle now know is unnecessary and ineffective. I will not throw away $1.6 billion to feed the President's ego. On this issue, the American people deserve to know exactly where their representatives stand.