mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
SUPPLEMENTAL APPROPRIATIONS ACT, 2019
John Thune (Republican, SD) \u2014 2019-3-28

when s took office after the 2016 Presidential election, we had one goal in mind: make life better for American families. We knew a big part of that was getting our economy going again. prgtoken After years of sluggish economic growth, family budgets were stretched thin. Getting ahead had frequently been replaced by getting by. Wages were stagnant and jobs and opportunities were often few and far between. prgtoken So the s and the President got right to work. We repealed burdensome regulations that were hamstringing economic growth, and we passed a comprehensive reform of our outdated Tax Code. prgtoken You might ask, Why the Tax Code? Well, the Tax Code has a huge effect on American families' prosperity. It helps determine how much you bring home in your paycheck and how much you have left over to spend or save. It helps determine what kind of jobs, wages, and opportunities are available to you. A small business owner struggling to afford a heavy tax bill is unlikely to have the money to hire a new worker or to expand her business. A larger business is going to find it harder to create jobs or improve benefits for employees if it is struggling to stay competitive against foreign businesses paying much less in taxes. prgtoken Prior to the passage of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, our Tax Code was not helping American workers. It was taking too much from Americans' paychecks, and it was making it difficult for businesses to grow and to create jobs. We passed the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act to put more money in Americans' pockets, spur economic growth, and expand opportunities for American workers. prgtoken We cut tax rates for American families, doubled the child tax credit, and nearly doubled the standard deduction. prgtoken We lowered tax rates across the board for owners of small- and medium-sized businesses, farms, and ranches. We lowered our Nation's massive corporate tax rate, which, up until January 1 of last year, was the highest corporate tax rate in the developed world. We expanded business owners' ability to recover the cost of investments they make in their businesses, which frees up cash they can reinvest in their operations and in their workers, and we brought the U.S. international tax system into the 21st century so American businesses are not operating at a competitive disadvantage next to their foreign counterparts. prgtoken Now we are seeing the results. Our economy is thriving. Economic growth in the fourth quarter of 2017 to the fourth quarter of 2018 was 3.1 percent, the strongest growth we have seen literally in 13 years. The unemployment rate dropped to 3.8 percent in February, the 12th straight month the unemployment rate has been at or below 4 percent. That is the longest streak in nearly 50 years. The number of job openings has once again exceeded the number of job seekers. In fact, the Department of Labor reports that January was the 11th straight month wit
ISSUES OF THE DAY
Louie Gohmert (Republican, TX) \u2014 2019-3-28

. Will the gentleman stay for a question. prgtoken , I am deeply moved and touched by everything my friend from New Jersey has had to say. But at one point, my friend said, he really believed that some day Americans will look back on this point in history. And one of my great concerns, because of the love I know is shared between us both for this country; and desperately wanting this country, our children, grandchildren, great grandchildren, someday to enjoy our freedoms, one of my biggest concerns is that it won't be Americans that look back; that if we stay on this road where we dismember and kill babies, it may not be Americans that look back, it may be historians in some other country after the United States no longer exists in its present condition that look back and say, Wow, look how degenerate they had gotten, and it just seemed so accepted. prgtoken Does the gentleman from New Jersey, my friend, have any concerns that, perhaps, if we don't address this problem that it may not be Americans that look back and see this problem area? prgtoken I yield to my friend.
CONGRESS MUST UPHOLD IDEA PROMISE
Glenn Thompson (Republican, PA) \u2014 2019-3-28

in the 1970s, Congress made a commitment to provide a free and appropriate education to students with disabilities. prgtoken While we have made tremendous progress, thanks to the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, we have also failed to fully fund the cost of special education that was promised by Congress at that point in time. prgtoken Congress promised to cover 40 percent of the extra cost of special education, but we have never come close to fulfilling that promise. In fact, current funding remains only at 14 percent of the targeted amount. prgtoken , that is shameful. prgtoken This means our students and schools suffer, it means that the programs will be cut, it means schools won't be able to recruit and retain qualified teachers, and above all else, it means that students with disabilities will not be able to succeed, not without the appropriate high-quality services they deserve. prgtoken That is why I proudly cosponsored the bipartisan IDEA Full Funding Act, which would mandate gradual increases in IDEA funding to reach that full commitment made by Congress of 40 percent by fiscal year 2029 and each subsequent fiscal year. prgtoken , I urge my colleagues to support this bill and uphold the promise to provide students and schools with the resources they need.
EXECUTIVE CALENDAR (Executive Session)
Mitch McConnell (Republican, KY) \u2014 2019-3-28

in order to guarantee a particular amendment would get a vote without consent, we would have to be able to get 60 votes and vote cloture to advance the amendment. prgtoken I will just reiterate to my friend from Oregon that his complaint is legitimate, but it does require, no matter what the majority leader says with regard to openness of the bill, some level of bipartisan cooperation in order to process amendments. We have tried that on numerous occasions, and Members on both sides have sort of hunkered down and objected to each other's amendments, thereby making the amendment process, in an open fashion, simply impossible. prgtoken I do have a consent agreement pending. I don't know whether the Senator from Oregon wants to continue to object to all of these--
STATEMENTS ON INTRODUCED BILLS AND JOINT RESOLUTIONS
Susan M. Collins (Republican, ME) \u2014 2019-3-28

I am pleased to introduce, along with the senior Senator from California, Mrs. Feinstein, the Smithsonian American Women's History Museum Act. This bill would establish an American women's history museum in our Nation's Capital. prgtoken American women have made invaluable contributions to our country in every field, such as government, business, medicine, law, literature, sports, entertainment, the arts, and the military. Telling the history of American women matters, and a museum recognizing these achievements and experiences is long overdue. prgtoken In 1999, a Presidential commission on commemorating women in American history concluded that an ``appropriate celebration of women's history in the next millennium should include the designation of a focal point for women's history in our Nation's capital.'' In 2014, Congress took an important step toward realizing this goal when it passed legislation creating an independent, bipartisan commission to study the potential for establishing such a museum in Washington, DC. Following 18 months of study, the bipartisan commission unanimously concluded, ``America needs and deserves a physical national museum dedicated to showcasing the historical experiences and impact of women in the country.'' I could not agree more. prgtoken The bill we are introducing takes the next step toward creating this national museum. Incorporating the recommendations of the bipartisan Commission, the bill would establish a national museum to collect, study, and create programs incorporating and exhibiting a wide spectrum of American women's experiences, contributions, and history. The Smithsonian Institution would be the governing body, ensuring that this museum is free and open to all who visit Washington, DC. Following the Commission's recommendation, the Smithsonian has begun an American Women's History Initiative to increase its research and programming related to American women, past and present. prgtoken , this year we commemorate the 100th anniversary of American women's suffrage and the decades-long fight for women's equality at the ballot box. The story, leaders, and lessons of women's suffrage are among the most powerful in our nation's history. Amid celebrations of that historic moment, I can think of few better ways to honor those women and that momentous achievement than by passing this legislation. A museum dedicated to women's history would help ensure that future generations understand what we owe to those American women who have helped build, sustain, and advance our society. prgtoken I urge my colleagues to support this legislation.
SUPPLEMENTAL APPROPRIATIONS ACT, 2019
Mike Lee (Republican, UT) \u2014 2019-3-28

for the last 3 years, the world has watched with rapt attention as the United Kingdom has debated and negotiated that country's exit from the European Union after the historic Brexit vote in June of 2016. prgtoken There have been multiple deals proposed since then, and now the deadline for withdrawal fast approaches this Friday. As the special ally of Britain for a very long time--a very close ally for well over 100 years--this is and it ought properly be of great interest to us in the United States of America. prgtoken Throughout times of change and tumult, the UK has been one of our staunchest and most loyal allies. We stood beside each other through two world wars and throughout the Cold War. Now, in the 21st century, the United States and the United Kingdom have become even stronger friends and partners, both in the fight against global terrorism and for freedom, peace, and prosperity. prgtoken The United Kingdom, significantly, is the seventh largest trading partner the United States has. In 2017 alone, we are talking about $232 billion in goods that were traded between our two countries. Now, Britain's impending exit from the European Union presents an enormous opportunity to strengthen and to preserve our special relationship. prgtoken As the Brexit deadline approaches, the United States should stand ready and willing to negotiate a free trade agreement with the United Kingdom, which is the purpose of the resolution that I want to bring before this body today. Prior to this, we haven't been able to have true free trade with Britain, precisely because the UK was a member of the EU and, therefore, had to play by its rules. prgtoken Yet once the UK leaves, it will reclaim the authority to make its own trade agreements, opening up a window of opportunity for genuine, bilateral free trade with our own country. Such an agreement would advance prosperity on both sides of the Atlantic as an engine of economic liberty. prgtoken This resolution--the one I would like to bring up and plan to bring up either later today or Monday, based on the schedule I am trying to negotiate with Senator Wyden--is a good deal. It is a good deal for the United States and for the United Kingdom. I think it is such a no- brainer, in fact, that most Americans would probably be surprised to find out that we don't already have a free trade agreement with our friends on the other side of the pond. prgtoken Yet there are some objections to this resolution. Some of my colleagues have argued that by encouraging a free trade agreement with Britain, we would somehow be meddling in this affair or picking sides, or that we would somehow be affirming Brexit. Yet this resolution that I want to offer and am suggesting that we call up and pass by unanimous consent, itself, says nothing about whether or not Brexit should or should not happen--not at all. That is not a decision that belongs to this body, and it is not a decision that I a
HONORING ROCK BRIDGE HIGH SCHOOL BOYS BASKETBALL TEAM
Vicky Hartzler (Republican, MO) \u2014 2019-3-28

I rise to honor the Rock Bridge High School Bruins boys basketball team of Columbia, Missouri, for winning the Missouri State Championship Class 5 Basketball Championship in Springfield. prgtoken In winning the school's first boys basketball state title, the Bruins exhibited a never-say-die attitude, staging a comeback after being down by eight points heading into the final quarter against Christian Brothers College High School. prgtoken The Bruins came close last year, bowing out in the semi-finals, but this year's team would not be denied. prgtoken The long hours of practice paid off, as Rock Bridge came roaring back in the final quarter to win 63-59 and bring home the championship. prgtoken This season finale is a testament to the great coaching of Jim Scanlon and the dedication and hard work of all the players, whose determination and teamwork brought home the victory. prgtoken So congratulations to the Rock Bridge High School Bruins, state champs from Missouri's Fourth District. We are proud of you and we wish you continued success.
THE AMERICAN PEOPLE DESERVE THE TRUTH
Doug Collins (Republican, GA) \u2014 2019-3-28

thus far, I have released four transcripts of interviews from the Judiciary Committee into the apparent wrongdoing at the FBI and the Justice Department. prgtoken Today, I release the fifth. prgtoken The American people deserve transparency, they deserve to know what transpired at the highest levels of the FBI, and the origin of the probe into President 's campaign. prgtoken Therefore, , I request the link, dougcollins.house.gov/ nellieohr be placed in the Record so the American people can review the transcript of Nellie Ohr's interview. prgtoken I will continue to work to release as many transcripts as possible. prgtoken The American people deserve the truth.
CONGRATULATING VINCENNES UNIVERSITY MEN'S BASKETBALL CHAMPIONS
Larry Bucshon (Republican, IN) \u2014 2019-3-28

I rise today to recognize the accomplishment of an outstanding group of young men from Vincennes University in Indiana. prgtoken For the first time since 1972 and the fourth time in school history, the Vincennes University Trailblazers captured the National Junior College Athletic Association Men's Basketball Championship. prgtoken Led by coach Todd Franklin, the Blazers had a benchmark year, ending the season with a record of 34-2 and defeating Ranger College in the championship game by a score of 87-77. prgtoken The team's standout in the finals was freshman forward Kevin Osawe, who scored 22 points and had ten rebounds, earning the tournament's most valuable player honors. prgtoken Athletics provide a set of skills that will be with these young men for the rest of their lives. prgtoken The commitment and follow-through required to come together as a team and win a national championship are rare and should be commended. prgtoken Congratulations to the Vincennes University Blazers men's basketball team on a job well done, and good luck next year.
RECOGNIZING POLICE CHIEF TROY McGEE OF HELENA
Greg Gianforte (Republican, MT) \u2014 2019-3-28

. Madam , I rise today to honor Troy McGee of Helena for his four decades of public service in the Helena Police Department, including nearly 23 years as chief of police. Growing up in the community he would serve, Troy graduated from Helena High School in 1971 and Carroll College in 1975. Troy began his career with the Helena Police Department in 1975 and worked his way through the ranks. After nearly 20 years in the department, Troy was promoted to police chief in August 1996. Throughout his career, Troy was dedicated to law enforcement safety and training in Montana. He has contributed his time, experience, and perspective to several organizations, including the Montana Attorney General's Law Enforcement Advisory Council, the Montana Peace Officers Standards and Training Council, and the Montana Law Enforcement Academy Advisory Board. He also has advocated for law enforcement with the Montana Chiefs of Police Association and the Montana Police Officers Protective Association. As Helena's chief of police, Troy created stronger relationships between his department and the community. He also bolstered the city's relationship with other law enforcement agencies. His commitment to coordination and partnership led the city's police department to work with the Lewis and Clark County Sheriff's Department to form a joint SWAT team. Troy has dedicated his life to the well-being of his community and law enforcement officers throughout our state. On behalf of the people of Montana, thank you for your service, Chief McGee. Madam , for his decades of outstanding service and for his dedication to public safety, law enforcement, and his community, I recognize Troy McGee for his spirit of Montana.
HONORING LOYD RUTHERFORD OF MOULTON, ALABAMA
Robert B. Aderholt (Republican, AL) \u2014 2019-3-28

. Madam , I want to acknowledge the lifetime of service Mr. Loyd Rutherford of Moulton, Alabama has given to the farm community in our nation and the difference he has made in countless lives. prgtoken Mr. Rutherford currently serves on the board of directors for Alabama Farm Credit. He will be retiring on April 19, 2019 after almost 30 years of service to the board. In addition to this longevity on the board, he has served as Chairman of the Board for almost the same length of time, taking that title in 1995. He held that title until 2017. prgtoken In addition to Mr. Rutherford's service to the state of Alabama, he has also served other parts of our nation. He served on the District Benefits Administrative Committee for the Farm Credit Bank of Texas. Rutherford also worked on the Farm Credit Benefit Alliance plan sponsor committee, which services both AgFirst Bank and the Farm Credit Bank of Texas, the Tenth District Farm Credit Council Board, the National Farm Credit Council board, and the Farm Credit Council Services Board. prgtoken Mr. Rutherford retired from working 32 years with a local cooperative in Alabama. He is currently the owner and operator of JRL Inc a construction and development company in Moulton, Alabama. He also farms cotton, soybeans, cattle and broilers. prgtoken I want to commend Mr. Rutherford for his service, especially his time serving Alabama Farm Credit. The organization has helped an untold number of farmers, especially those just getting started in the business, to realize their dreams of making a career out of helping to feed America. prgtoken He is married to Janice and they have three children, Jeffrey, Regina and Tanya, eight grandchildren and six great-grandchildren. I am happy to congratulate Mr. Rutherford and I wish him all the best in his well- earned retirement from the Alabama Farm Credit Board of Directors. I know his leadership and knowledge will be greatly missed.
ORDERS FOR MONDAY, APRIL 1, 2019
Lisa Murkowski (Republican, AK) \u2014 2019-3-28

I ask unanimous consent that when the Senate completes its business today, it adjourn until 3 p.m Monday, April 1; further, that following the prayer and pledge, the morning hour be deemed expired, the Journal of proceedings be approved to date, the time for the two leaders be reserved for their use later in the day, morning business be closed, and the Senate resume consideration of H.R. 268; further, that notwithstanding the provisions of rule XXII, the cloture motions with respect to H.R. 268 filed during today's session of the Senate ripen at 5:30 p.m Monday, April 1; finally, that if cloture is not invoked with respect to the motions filed on H.R. 268, the cloture motion with respect to S. Res. 50 ripen at 2:15 p.m Tuesday, April 2.
LEGISLATIVE PROGRAM
Steve Scalise (Republican, LA) \u2014 2019-3-28

I, too, am hopeful that we are able to start an appropriations process and, ideally, to complete it by summer--well in advance of the September 30 government funding deadline--because we shouldn't be operating under deadline after deadline, where we go until the midnight hour. prgtoken But as the gentleman knows, you can't start an appropriations process until you actually set what are known as the 302 numbers, the 302(a) and (b) numbers, so that we know what each appropriations bill can target in terms of its overall spending number, to have that caps limit. prgtoken Ideally, it would be done through a budget with the April 15 deadline, but maybe the gentleman is going to be able to work with the committee to get a budget passed out of committee before the deadline and, if not, as the gentleman urges, a hopeful desire to get a caps deal. I would like to get a caps deal as well. prgtoken I supported the last caps deal because it gave us 2 years of certainty. It was bipartisan. It was an agreement that, while we may disagree on top-line numbers--and we want more money for defense, and some on your side might want more for nondefense discretionary--we finally came to an agreement. That did give tremendous certainty to our men and women in uniform. So over 70 percent of this Federal Government was fully funded for the fiscal year. prgtoken Clearly, we had a difference on border security, and that remaining area of our budget wasn't funded. But at least the 70-plus percent of the people of this country who rely on those services and want a strong defense were able to see us achieve that. Hopefully, we can do something like that again well before the deadline. That is the objective.
SUPPLEMENTAL APPROPRIATIONS ACT, 2019
Rand Paul (Republican, KY) \u2014 2019-3-28

. The Senator made one point that the investigation was begun under s of this dossier. prgtoken The Mueller report and the Mueller aspect of this was begun under s, but the actual investigation--the promoting, the passing around of the fake Russian dossier--occurred under President 's administration. prgtoken What we need to discover and what we do not yet know is, Was President involved? Was this done for partisan purposes? Was this done to try to elect Hillary Clinton? Was this done with mal intent? prgtoken We need to know the truth, and to get to the truth, we need not only the Mueller report, but we need every ounce of information about the people at the very top of our intelligence community who were promoting the inclusion of this fake dossier that most American media outlets had discounted as unverifiable and that turned out to be unverifiable. prgtoken We based this investigation on a lie. We should investigate who the liars were. prgtoken I object.