mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
VOLCKER RULE REGULATORY HARMONIZATION ACT
Warren Davidson (Republican, OH) \u2014 2018-4-13

I rise on behalf of Ohio constituents who have suffered reduced access to the banking system due to the loss of community financial institutions in Ohio's Eighth District. prgtoken Like many things in Dodd-Frank that were intended to do good and protect consumers, the Volcker rule is doing the exact opposite. The Volcker rule was designed to protect depositors from having their deposits placed at risk through proprietary trading. It was not designed to discourage other forms of capital from flowing into our banking system, from increasing competition, or from lowering prices for a broad swath of customers. prgtoken This pragmatic, bipartisan compromise on Volcker is a great step forward in enabling community banks to reach their compliance costs and allow them to deploy more capital in the communities that serve. prgtoken My hope is we can move forward and pursue more commonsense solutions like this, especially to help underserved communities where we have seen local banking services dry up. I encourage support for this bill.
LEGISLATIVE PROGRAM
Kevin McCarthy (Republican, CA) \u2014 2018-4-13

. So if you care about the military, you care about education, you care about opioids, and you are concerned about breaking a trust because you negotiated this, why did you vote ``no?'' Why did you vote against the things you just said you cared about? Then you said you cared a lot about the deficit. But on this floor, we had a balanced budget agreement--you actually said you supported it--but that is not how you voted. You voted ``no.'' So when you had an opportunity----
VOLCKER RULE REGULATORY HARMONIZATION ACT
Jeb Hensarling (Republican, TX) \u2014 2018-4-13

the balance of my time. prgtoken , as I listened very carefully to my friend and ranking member describe this parade of horribles that is going to befall our economy if H.R. 4790 is enacted, I would gently remind her that a majority of her own Members supported it. So all of these accusations that she has made against the majority party, I hope, and believe, she has, obviously, foisted upon the majority of her own Members who clearly do not support her in what she is attempting to do. prgtoken In addition, , I would remind all Members, contrary to the Volcker rule, that weighs in at almost 1,000 pages, H.R. 4790 weighs in at 8 pages. If you read the bill, you will discover that it does not repeal the Volcker rule. Again, I don't know what bill the ranking member was debating, but it is not H.R. 4790. prgtoken Now, , just think about it for a second. Paying your taxes--tax day is coming up--is not a pleasant time of year. And as unpleasant as that time is, think if you had to file your taxes with five different Federal agencies. Think about the fact that if you had a question about your taxes, that you had to call the Internal Revenue Service, you had to call the Department of Labor, you had to call the EPA, and you had to call the CFPB. What if you had five different agencies interpreting the Internal Revenue Code, all enforcing it in different ways? That would take one of the worst days of the year and compound it mightily. prgtoken What the gentleman from Arkansas is trying to do on the majority side, and what the gentleman from Illinois is trying to do on minority side, is say: If we are going to have a Volcker rule--one of the most complicated, complex rules ever devised by the mind of man--maybe we ought to have one agency interpret it and one agency enforce it. prgtoken Why do we do that, ? prgtoken We do that so that capital can be available to the people I spoke about in my opening statement. So that Jeff and Arlis can have capital to expand their small businesses on Main Street. That is what this is all about--so that our small businesses can thrive, so that the people who want to own a home can thrive, and so that this economy can grow. This is commonsense. It is why it is a strong, bipartisan measure-- another strong, bipartisan measure that, unfortunately, our ranking member chooses not to partake in. And it is one of the reasons why, unfortunately, , if we listen to that side of the aisle--or at least a particular voice--we will continue to have bad economic growth. We need good economic growth for all of the American people. prgtoken , I urge all Members to support H.R. 4790, and .
VOLCKER RULE REGULATORY HARMONIZATION ACT
Bill Huizenga (Republican, MI) \u2014 2018-4-13

the ranking member seems as if she would like to have a conversation about housing and prices. I am happy to do that--I am a former realtor and builder--just not right now. prgtoken Today, we are here to talk about H.R. 4790, the Volcker Rule Regulatory Harmonization Act, introduced by my good friend and colleague, Mr. Hill. prgtoken H.R. 4790 would streamline the regulatory authority over the Volcker rule by granting the Federal Reserve the exclusive primary authority, while requiring all of the other agencies to yet do their job as prescribed. prgtoken This was really about proprietary trading. Because of the key role that market making plays in ensuring deep, liquid capital markets, the framers of the Volcker rule sought to exempt market-making activities from the coverage of its prohibition on proprietary trading. prgtoken There is just one problem: The line between impermissible ``proprietary trading'' and permissible ``market making'' is virtually impossible to draw. prgtoken To add insult to injury, the framers of the Volcker rule unartfully conferred responsibility for both implementing and enforcing the rule on five different Federal financial regulators, all of which have different mandates and regulatory philosophies: the Federal Reserve, FDIC, OCC, SEC, and the CFTC. It is an alphabet soup of regulators. prgtoken With each regulator having different statutory mandates and regulatory missions, is it any surprise that these five agencies have failed to reach a consensus on the regulation to implement the Volcker rule's vague legislative language? prgtoken Let me give you another example. This is a little like driving down an unmarked section of the road where the State police, the Department of Transportation, the local police, the parking attendant, and the FBI have all been told that they have primary enforcement responsibilities for the speed limit. It just doesn't make sense. As a result, banks are getting out of the market-making business for fear of running afoul of the Volcker rule. This is a great detriment to the U.S. capital markets. prgtoken The real-world implications of the Volcker rule have been higher borrowing costs for job creators, smaller investment returns for hardworking families, and less economic activity overall because of further regulatory restraints placed on already reduced liquidity margins in key fixed-income markets, including the corporate bond market. prgtoken So, needless to say, from its inception, the Volcker rule has been a solution in search of a problem. It seeks to address activities that had nothing to do with the financial crisis, and its practical effect has been to undermine financial stability rather than to preserve it. prgtoken H.R. 4790 is a much-needed first step to addressing the numerous unintended and negative consequences of the Volcker rule. This bipartisan bill, as has been pointed out, streamlines the rulemaking authority of the Federal Reserve.
VOLCKER RULE REGULATORY HARMONIZATION ACT
Roger Williams (Republican, TX) \u2014 2018-4-13

I rise today in support of H.R. 4790, the Volcker Rule Regulatory Harmonization Act. I appreciate the gentleman from Arkansas (Mr. Hill) for his leadership on this issue. prgtoken At over 930 pages, section 619 of Dodd-Frank, otherwise known as the Volcker rule, is as lengthy as it is complex and confusing. The Volcker rule is framed as a solution to a problem that never existed in the first place. Right now there are five different agencies responsible for overseeing the implementation of the Volcker rule. These five agencies all have different legal mandates and regulatory missions, which have led to duplicate and concurrent reviews into U.S. banks. prgtoken In the 25th District of Texas, community banks are struggling to get by and wonder why they have five different regulators knocking on their doors about the same issue. Only in Washington would that kind of backwards thinking be rewarded. prgtoken H.R. 4790 would streamline regulatory authority over the Volcker rule by giving the Federal Reserve exclusive rulemaking authority. In other words, banks won't have five different regulators coming to them about the same regulation. As a result, Main Street will be able to breathe again. prgtoken , the bottom line is this: This is a commonsense way of governing that we should see more of in this Chamber. I am proud to support this piece of legislation that passed the committee with wide bipartisan support just last month, and I encourage the whole House to vote in favor of it today. prgtoken Now, we have had a lot of quotes. I have a quote. ``Business is good and business is getting better. H.R. 4790 moves our economy to new levels like we have never seen in years. Roger Williams, small business owner. Thank you very much.''
ISSUES OF THE DAY
Louie Gohmert (Republican, TX) \u2014 2018-4-13

it has been an interesting week here. I always appreciate following people speaking who want to limit waste in our Federal Government. prgtoken I only heard a little snippet, but it caught my ear. I heard something mentioned about EPA Director Scott Pruitt gave a raise to two people who shouldn't have gotten them. prgtoken Actually, I can elaborate a little bit on that. prgtoken One of his staff had recommended a raise to two people without the Director's permission, and they didn't get the raise. It didn't happen. prgtoken He is one of the most effective people in that job. He is one of the reasons the economy is doing well. And jobs for minority members are at an all-time high record-setting. So I can understand when a Cabinet member like Scott Pruitt is doing an incredible job and the economy is exploding as a result doing so well, people being employed, and making more. prgtoken , I can also report, having spent 2 weeks in my district a week before and a week after Easter--I am hearing it from people in jobs you wouldn't even think of that--that the economy is doing well. It is pretty typical for people telling me, who are in retail, whatever it is, their sales are up 30, 40, or 50 percent from where they were after the first quarter, even last year. prgtoken I really don't believe we would ever have gotten a tax bill if we had not had the undying commitment to get something done that we had from President . So it is a good thing. It is going to be a good year. When the economy is going good, it is a good thing. I have been here 13 years, but I have noticed that if s are in the majority and the economy is being turned around--I know President had said we will never see 3 percent growth in the economy again, it would take a magic wand, would have to have a magic wand to get the economy growing by 3 percent ever again--and another piece of good news is we have found out that President , as President, has already made enough changes, through people like Scott Pruitt and others, so that the economy has already hit 3 percent growth; and we hope by the end of the year it will be much better. So good news. prgtoken My friend is concerned about waste. It is not what was initially reported, but I am thrilled to see the concern about waste. I know that is one thing that both sides of the aisle now will be concerned about. prgtoken But it is interesting. When the economy gets to going so well, that is when I usually see my friends across the aisle get more concerned and start using the term ``corruption.'' prgtoken And why not? prgtoken I know back in 2005 and 2006, when there were being arrested and there was trouble across the country with corruption on both parties, and we started hearing the term ``corruption, corruption, corruption,'' it was a huge help to the . They won the majority. Then, as soon as people saw how bad the corruption had become under the
HONORING MILITARY CHILDREN
Virginia Foxx (Republican, NC) \u2014 2018-4-13

there is no question that the Nation's warfighters are among the bravest and most selfless people in the world. It is fitting that grateful Americans often find a way to thank our servicemen and -women for their defense of our Nation. prgtoken It is also important, though, not to forget the great sacrifices children of our servicemembers make as well. prgtoken April is the Month of the Military Child, and during this month, we celebrate and honor the incredible children of our servicemembers. prgtoken Many military children serve as America's youngest ambassadors abroad when their parents are stationed overseas. They may also go long periods of time without the day-to-day parent interactions that many civilian children enjoy, such as meals together and bedtime stories. prgtoken I salute the children who, alongside their parents, bear countless sacrifices to protect our country's freedoms. prgtoken This month and every month, these children deserve our gratitude.
CONGRATULATING ROCHESTER COLLEGE MEN'S AND WOMEN'S BASKETBALL TEAMS
Mike Bishop (Republican, MI) \u2014 2018-4-13

I rise today to congratulate the Rochester College men's and women's basketball teams for winning their respective fourth and first-ever USCAA championships. prgtoken With a stingy defense and a strong will to win, the Rochester College men's team posted an insurmountable lead in their final game, beating the Oakwood University Ambassadors 80-61. prgtoken Men's head coach Klint Pleasant said: ``In 20 years of having the privilege of coaching these young men, I can't think of a time I have ever been more proud. Toughness, resolve, commitment, and genuine relationships ruled the day.'' prgtoken The Rochester College women's team knocked off the first and second seed in the tournament en route to their championship, beating Paul Quinn College 72-57. prgtoken Head coach Brent Wichtner summed up their team's success saying: ``I am so extremely proud of this team and the resiliency they have shown. This will be a day I will always remember.'' prgtoken , I am honored to congratulate the talented, hardworking student athletes of Rochester College. prgtoken Go Warriors.
VOLCKER RULE REGULATORY HARMONIZATION ACT
Barry Loudermilk (Republican, GA) \u2014 2018-4-13

I want to thank the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Hensarling) for yielding time and the gentleman from Arkansas (Mr. Hill) for bringing this bill, a very important bill, to the floor for a vote today. Mr. Hill's bill will simplify and streamline one of the most complicated regulations from Dodd-Frank, the Volcker rule. prgtoken The Volcker rule is intended to prevent banks from engaging in risky investments that do not benefit their customers, also known as proprietary trading. There are currently five Federal regulatory agencies implementing the Volcker rule. This has caused overlap, duplication, and confusion among regulated companies. prgtoken The bill on the floor today will ensure that one Federal agency, the Federal Reserve, is responsible for writing prgtoken this regulation and that each bank's primary regulator will have the sole enforcement authority for that bank. This will streamline and simplify this overly complicated rule so financial institutions can spend more of their time making loans to consumers and businesses and less time on regulatory compliance. prgtoken This bill will also fully exempt our small community banks that maintain less than $10 billion in assets from the Volcker rule rather than requiring them to prove a negative. prgtoken There are currently 176 banks headquartered in my home State of Georgia, and all but three of them have less than $10 billion in assets. This bill will go a long way toward relieving small community banks in Georgia from unnecessary, complicated, and burdensome regulation. prgtoken This bipartisan bill passed out of committee by a vote of 50-10 with the support of all the s and the majority of the . I urge all my colleagues to support this bill.
CONGRATULATING THE CITY OF OGDENSBURG ON ITS 150TH ANNIVERSARY
Elise M. Stefanik (Republican, NY) \u2014 2018-4-13

I rise today to honor and recognize the 150th anniversary of the City of Ogdensburg. prgtoken Ogdensburgh, originally spelled with an ``h,'' was created in 1749 as a small village on the southern bank of the St. Lawrence River. After the British withdrew in 1796, settlers arrived under the American flag and named the town after Samuel Ogden, a patriot during the American Revolution. The settlement became a village in 1817, but it wasn't until 1868 that it dropped the ``h'' from its name and became a city. Over the past 150 years, the people of Ogdensburg have dedicated themselves to making Ogdensburg a welcoming and prosperous community. prgtoken Ogdensburg has grown significantly over the years, becoming an important link between the United States and Canada. In 1940, U.S. President Franklin D. Roosevelt and Canadian Prime Minister William Lyon Mackenzie King signed the Ogdensburg Agreement, which created the Permanent Joint Board of Defense. This agreement began a period of closer relations between Canada and the United States. More recently, the city became the site of the Ogdensburg-Prescott International Bridge, which spans the St. Lawrence River and allows easy travel between countries. As the only city in St. Lawrence County and the only U.S. port on the St. Lawrence Seaway, Ogdensburg remains vital to New York State. prgtoken On behalf of New York's 21st District, I want to congratulate the city of Ogdensburg on its 150th anniversary. I wish all its residents the best as they celebrate this important milestone.
HONORING THE MEMORY OF SERGEANT DIETRICH SCHMIEMAN
Dan Newhouse (Republican, WA) \u2014 2018-4-13

I rise today to introduce legislation to honor the memory of Marine Sergeant Dietrich Schmieman of Richland, Washington. prgtoken Dietrich grew up in central Washington and had a strong love for the Pacific Northwest. He had a positive influence on everyone he came into contact with and a life full of potential. prgtoken After high school, he enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps with the goal of becoming part of its Special Operations Command. He bonded with his brothers in arms, but he remained close friends with his family in Washington State as he traveled around the world honorably serving his country. prgtoken Sergeant Schmieman achieved his goal and was serving in the 2nd Raider Battalion at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, when he was tragically killed in a military cargo plane crash in July of 2017. He and 15 other servicemembers that passed away will never be forgotten for their sacrifice. prgtoken Dietrich is remembered for his kindness, his sense of adventure and strong friendships. In honor of his service, I am introducing legislation, with the support of the entire Washington State delegation in the House of Representatives, to designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located on West Van Giesen Street in West Richland, Washington, as the Sergeant Dietrich Schmieman Post Office. prgtoken I hope my colleagues will join me in supporting this legislation to honor the memory of Sergeant Schmieman, who gave his life for our Nation.
RECOGNIZING THE ALPENA WARRIORS GIRLS U19 HOCKEY TEAM FOR THEIR RUNNER UP FINISH AT THE MAHA STATE CHAMPIONSHIPS
Jack Bergman (Republican, MI) \u2014 2018-4-13

it's my honor to recognize the Alpena Warriors Girls U19 Hockey Team for their tremendous 2018 season and Runner Up finish at the MAHA State Championships. Through their perseverance and determination, the Warriors have distinguished themselves as athletes and representatives of their community and the First District. prgtoken In 2018, the Warriors U19 Girls hockey team earned 24 wins and 3 ties after coming off of a 30-loss season. During their phenomenal year, the Warriors out-scored their opponents 126 goals for to 61 against, and held opposing teams to just 1.63 goals per game. They went on to compete in the 2018 MAHA U19 Girls State Hockey Championships where they represented Alpena and Northern Michigan with pride and dignity both on and off the rink. There, they tied and later beat the undefeated tournament favorite to earn a spot in the championship game. After playing with passion, conviction, and sportsmanship, the Warriors earned the first State Runner Up honors in Alpena Girl's Hockey history--becoming one of only ten Alpena teams to earn a Runner Up or State Championship banner in Alpena Hockey history. prgtoken Captain Courtney Nunneley, Alternate Captains Emily Vivian, Hunter Lundquist, Taylor Tolsdorf, Lexie Gries, Emma Fraiser, and Erin Bailey, and Teammates Rheanna Chimmner, Gabbie Smith, Tatum Moran, Kelly Watson, Lizzy Heath, Kennedy Ellis, and Maddie Ellis should be proud of their performance this past season. Their work on the ice was only exceeded by the quality in which they represented the City and County of Alpena, Michigan. Their success was aided by Coaches Mike Nunneley, Jimmy Vivian, Shannon McGratten, Team Moms Marcy Nunneley, Tracy Vivian, and the rest of the Alpena parents who offered the team their time and talents. prgtoken , it's my honor to congratulate the Alpena Warriors Girls Hockey Team for their successful season and exceptional performance at the MAHA State Championship. Michiganders can take great pride in knowing the First District is home to such talented and dedicated individuals. On behalf of my constituents, I wish the Warriors all the best in their future endeavors.