mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
Tax Reform (Executive Calendar)
James Lankford (Republican, OK) \u2014 2019-4-10

I want to join several of my colleagues today who are noting that we are approaching tax day. It is not a day Americans look forward to, but it is part of our responsibilities. The old joke about the two things that are certain--death and taxes--is still certain for all of us. prgtoken This year, it is interesting to approach this tax season in the first year of everyone filing under the new tax law. It has been fascinating to read some of the stories about what some of the media--the national media in particular--is saying about the tax law. They are so desperate to find anything to criticize. It is fascinating to me to read the headlines versus the stories. prgtoken The headline in this story in particular is ``This is going to wipe us out,'' in reference to the new tax law. When you read through the story and find out who they say is going to get wiped out, here is their illustration of the person: a person moving from a $400,000 house this past year to one valued at $1.1 million. He concedes he has a first-world problem of his taxes going up, but he says that owing more in taxes is ``a little disheartening''--as he moves from a $400,000 house to a $1.1 million home. I am excited for him and his new home. I am sure it is beautiful. But that was their illustration of who is going to get hard hit by the tax changes. prgtoken This article from a national source said: ``Is a Tax Refund Ahead in Your 2019? Some Taxpayers Received a Tax Bill Instead.'' You go to the middle of the story, and they make this one little note: ``Only about 5% of taxpayers . . . are expected to pay more under the new law.'' In other words, 95 percent of Americans--even in this story that is a negative story about the taxes, they hide the simple fact that 95 percent of Americans will pay the same or less. The vast majority of those will pay less in their taxes for the next year. prgtoken How about this one. Here is another national story that came out. ``Small business owners struggling to understand 's new tax law.'' When you get down to literally the last line of the story, it ends like this, with the same small business owner: I don't know [yet] if it's going to impact my cash flow, the way I have to put money aside for this year, because I'm not sure. I may even do better [under the tax law], I don't know [yet]. prgtoken That was their whole story to say that people are struggling under this tax law--it was just the uncertainty. prgtoken What am I finding in Oklahoma? I am finding more jobs and more opportunity across the State. This is not some accident of history; this is the direct result of a change in the tax law. prgtoken I am quite confident that my liberal colleagues have all been very excited to find something to complain about through this process, but they overlook the simple fact that this one story buries 95 percent of Americans who do the same or better under the tax law and th
CLINTON INVESTIGATION
Chuck Grassley (Republican, IA) \u2014 2019-4-10

. On Monday, I spoke about the Clinton investigation, and I want to reiterate one very serious issue. The FBI apparently had highly classified information potentially relevant to the Clinton investigation in its possession. prgtoken The FBI drafted a memo in May of 2016 to get access to the information. That memo said review of the information was necessary to complete the investigation. Sadly, that memo was never sent. prgtoken How could the FBI finish the investigation of the Clintons if they never got access to all of the potentially relevant information? prgtoken Congress needs to know what happened in that instance. prgtoken .
Healthcare (Executive Calendar)
Steve Daines (Republican, MT) \u2014 2019-4-10

2 years ago, I exposed the ' plan for socialized medicine and allowed every Senator here to take a clear stand and reject this disastrous idea once and for all. Unfortunately, very few Senate were willing to oppose socialized medicine then. Well, they are back at it again today. So now I am here again to shed some much needed light on what seems to be a never-ending game to score political points and, even worse, to set the stage for terrible policy--a continuing call for socialized medicine. prgtoken We are seeing this false narrative of ``free socialized medicine'' making headlines, but you see, it is not actually free; somebody has to pay for it. In fact, every single one of us and our kids and our grandkids will be paying for it for a long time if this nonsensical plan becomes reality. prgtoken Montanans face enough hardships with rising prescription drug costs and rising premiums. The ' socialized medical scheme will cost the American taxpayer $32 trillion over 10 years--$32 trillion--not to mention that this scheme would kick millions off their healthcare plan and eliminate private health insurance. prgtoken In combination with the left's absurd Green New Deal, what we are seeing here today is a pattern when it comes to the ' very liberal and leftist agenda. They don't blink an eye when their liberal policies cost the taxpayers trillions of dollars, and they aren't coming up with feasible solutions. prgtoken In fact, too many Montanans are faced with the very tough choice of choosing between health and putting food on the table. Prescription drug prices are out of control. Montanans are sick and tired of being sick and tired. They want Congress to do something. They want results. They want outcomes. That is why I have been fighting for a commonsense solution like my bill, the CREATES Act, which addresses high prescription drug costs and improves access to care in our rural communities. prgtoken The left's pie-in-the-sky proposal promises a great deal, but we all know the extent of empty promises in this town. These proposals do nothing but throw hard-working Montanans under the bus, foot the massive tax bill to the taxpayers, and prop up failed policies just to appease a radicalizing base across this country in the ic Party. The people of Montana want better than this. They deserve better than this. prgtoken To my colleagues who are attempting to make a hard run to the left to score some points within your base, I simply ask this: Will you please put your country over your party? Will you put the interests of the people over your own self-political interests, or will you continue to peddle the lie of socialized medicine to the American people? prgtoken I think it is time we get to work, hunker down and roll up our sleeves and produce real results that the people of Montana and across our Nation deserve. They deserve serious answers, and they de
ADDITIONAL STATEMENTS
John Barrasso (Republican, WY) \u2014 2019-4-10

today I wish to celebrate the Centennial of the Rotary Club of Casper, Wyoming, a club which holds special importance for my wife, Bobbi and me. prgtoken On Saturday, May 4, 2019, the Rotary Club of Casper will recognize their 100th anniversary at a special celebration. Rotary organized in Casper, WY on March 12, 1919, just 14 years after the first Rotary club was formed in Chicago, and 28 years after Wyoming's admission to the Union. prgtoken At a luncheon on March 12, 1919, 15 businessmen, representing all walks of Casper life, met and elected their leadership--President James T. Gratiot, Directors Loui McMahon, Steve Starrett, George Nelson, Billy Johnson, Carl Shumaker, and Otis Walker. With a shared mission and sense of duty, these charter members laid the groundwork for a century to come. prgtoken The Casper Daily Tribune noted Rotary's founding in an article the following day, March 13, 1919, ``The purpose of the club is to encourage business and social relations and its by-laws define the policies of the club in a way that marks various departures from other clubs or societies.'' With this in mind, the club hit the ground running, impacting the Casper community in positive and distinct ways. prgtoken Within their first years of forming, Casper Rotary's commitment to the community was proven and acknowledged. As early as 1920-21, with memories of WWI fresh in their minds, they voted to support and donate funds to the construction of an air base near Casper. This air base, established in 1942, would come to fruition as the Casper Army Air Field. Governor Bryant B. Brooks, who would join the club and become president, noticed their initiative and addressed the club early on. This began a pattern with the club hosting a great number of Wyoming Governors, U.S. Senators and Congressmen, and local officials. prgtoken The Rotary Club of Casper always realized the importance of the youth of their community. From the beginning, the club sponsored the Boy and Girl Scouts. They established a student loan fund for students wishing to further their education and engaged with high school students to encourage their ambition. They were part of the effort to bring a junior college to Casper, lobbying the State legislature in Cheyenne. Their efforts were rewarded in 1945, when Casper College was established as Wyoming's first junior college. prgtoken Countless dollars and volunteer hours were donated and continue to be given to the creation of parks, camps, playgrounds, and swimming pools for the community. The most well-known is Rotary Park on Casper Mountain. Popular since the early 1940s, Rotary Park contains the picturesque Garden Creek Falls and Bridle Trail. Additionally, each August, Rotary helps host Casper's Riverfest and the Great Duck Derby. Rubber ducks fill the North Platte River with the proceeds going to the area's trail systems. The club's continuing engagement and investment in future pro
IN MEMORY OF DR. BETTYE MYERS
Michael C. Burgess (Republican, TX) \u2014 2019-4-10

. Madam , I rise today in memory of Bettye Myers, an invaluable member of the Texas Woman's University community. Dr. Myers, a longtime Denton resident, taught at TWU as a Professor of Kinesiology for more than half a century. She recently passed away at the age of 92. prgtoken Before she was a professor, Myers began her time at the university as a student. After prgtoken completing the 11th grade, she enrolled at TWU and earned her bachelor's degree in Health, Physical Education & Recreation, with a minor in Government-Sociology, in 1946. The following year, she completed a master's degree at TWU and in 1960 earned a Ph.D. in counseling psychology from the University of Michigan. Dr. Myers returned to TWU as a faculty member in 1961. After completing 54 years of faithful service to the university, she retired in 2015. In honor of her service, TWU dedicated the Dr. Bettye Myers Butterfly Garden in 2016. prgtoken Throughout her career, Dr. Myers was an involved and beloved member of the Denton community. She was actively involved in many organizations, including the TWU Alumnae Association, the Kiwanis, AIDS Services of North Texas, the United Way of Denton County, and the Denton Independent School District Board of Trustees. In recognition of her service and contributions, the City of Denton declared September 26, 2006, her 80th birthday, as ``Bettye Myers Day.'' prgtoken Dr. Myers received more than 30 awards for education and civic participation; however, she is most remembered for her kindness and dedication. Her legacy will continue on at Myers Middle School, where generations of North Texans will learn about her lifelong dedication to education as students at the school that bears her name. prgtoken I am grateful for Dr. Myers' many contributions to TWU and Denton. A true North Texas legend, she will be remembered by those whose lives she touched. I offer my condolences to her many friends and family upon this great loss.
IN HONOR OF KARL B. McMILLEN
Duncan Hunter (Republican, CA) \u2014 2019-4-10

. Madam , I rise today to honor Karl B. McMillen, a Marine, a successful business owner and entrepreneur, and a generous philanthropist. Karl's life can be broken down into 3 distinct parts. The first part was to study hard and get educated. Then came working hard and building a successful business; and now he's giving back. Karl McMillen was born September 19, 1928, in Miami, Arizona. In 1929, when Karl was just a year old, his family moved to California, seeking relief from the Great Depression. In the years that followed, Karl's father Mac instilled a strong work ethic in his son--through his childhood and teen years, Karl helped Mac with odd jobs, mining and other pursuits. After graduating from Pasadena Junior College in 1946, Karl joined the Marine Corps. After two years with the Marines he left the service and began work at a plumbing company to earn some money. Seeking to advance his education, in the Fall of 1949, Karl enrolled at the University of New Mexico (UNM). One summer, during a break back home to Pasadena, he met a young woman named Thelma Mastraight. After a 3 month courtship Karl knew that Thelma was the woman for him, and they married in the fall of 1950. From there, the married couple went back and forth from Southern California and New Mexico for Karl to continue his education at UNM. During breaks, both worked hard to earn a decent living. Over the next couple years, Karl became a water-softening wizard and started a small prgtoken business with his fraternity brother installing lawn sprinklers. He eventually transferred to the University of Southern California (USC) for his junior year in 1952, where he gained the necessary tools to run his plumbing business with the mentality of a businessman. Karl graduated from USC in 1954 with a B.S. in Finance. From there, he worked at Kohler and then created Cobabe Plumbing. By 1964, the company employed 150 journeymen, operated a fleet of 76 trucks, and was performing 7,000 jobs a year in Southern California. In 1968, Karl started a new plumbing supply business with his friend Ralph Todd called Todd Pipe & Supply. Their winning theory was simple: treat your customers as people. This golden touch playbook led to the small company in Hawthorne, California growing to nine highly-respected facilities in California and Nevada, including San Diego. Karl's success as a businessowner was the result of hard work, honesty, integrity, and respect for others. Karl served as Co-Founder and Chairman of the company before he sold it in 2004. It still successfully operates in Los Angeles, Riverside, Orange, and San Diego Counties. Karl's amazing story of business success is counterbalanced by the emotional deaths of his first wife to alcohol and cancer, and both his sons who lost both of their lives to substance abuse. Karl, too, has struggled with alcoholism and proudly has over 20 years sobriety today. When Karl retired from the plumbin
Remembering Fritz Hollings (Executive Calendar)
Richard C. Shelby (Republican, AL) \u2014 2019-4-10

I rise this afternoon in honor of my good friend from South Carolina, the late Senator Fritz Hollings, who spent many, many years right here in this Chamber. prgtoken As we mourn his passing today, we remember the great impact Fritz Hollings had both in the Senate and in his home State of South Carolina, where he served as Governor, as Lieutenant Governor, as a member of the State legislature, and so forth. From 1966 to 2005, which was nearly four decades, he also represented South Carolina in Washington--right here in this body. prgtoken Born and raised in Charleston, SC, Fritz Hollings was a distinguished graduate of the Citadel and served as an Army artillery officer during World War II, for which he was awarded, among other things, the Bronze Star. prgtoken For 36 years, Fritz Hollings served alongside Strom Thurmond in the Senate, whom the Presiding Officer will remember. He was the junior Senator of his State for six terms, which made him the longest serving junior Senator in the history of the Senate. Throughout his tenure, Fritz served as a senior member of the Appropriations Committee, where I served with him. He was also the chairman of the Budget Committee and the chairman of the Commerce Committee. He was a skilled legislator and statesman. prgtoken In terms of influential policy, Fritz made quite a mark. He was instrumental in the creation of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, which we know as NOAA. When he was chairman of the Commerce Committee, he also helped to enact laws to alleviate childhood hunger and to expand competition in telecommunications during the early stages of the internet. prgtoken He may have spent nearly 39 years in the Senate, but his time in Washington was not all that made up his career. prgtoken Fritz Hollings served three terms in the South Carolina House of Representatives. He won his first election in 1948 at the age of 26. He went on to serve as South Carolina's Lieutenant Governor and then as its Governor at the age of 36. In 1984, while he was a sitting Senator here, he ran for President of the United States. He was a true public servant. He devoted his entire life to the betterment of his country, to his State, and to his people. prgtoken As we honor his lasting impact and achievements throughout his career, we are reminded that Fritz was what we would call a southern gentleman. With a distinguished Charlestonian southern drawl and a quick wit, Fritz was courteous and well mannered. He built his seniority with patience and respect. prgtoken I am grateful for his friendship and camaraderie over the last 40 years. Annette and I join his family as we mourn his passing and celebrate his life and the legacy he leaves behind in the U.S. Senate. prgtoken . prgtoken .
100 DAYS OF DISARRAY
Paul Mitchell (Republican, MI) \u2014 2019-4-10

Friday is the 100th day of control of the House; 100 days of disarray. prgtoken In the first 3 months, 97 bills have passed the House. In the first quarter of last session, 132 bills had passed. prgtoken There are 97 bills that have passed the House, which is far more than have cleared committees; that number is only 68. So much for regular order; so much for hearings; so much for amendments. prgtoken They have passed far fewer bipartisan bills, it is no surprise, yet they continue to take up and pass resolutions that are literally useless. We have spent 20 percent of our time on nonmeaningful, nonbinding resolutions. prgtoken Instead of working on the items we promised the American people, like fixing our infrastructure, healthcare, and workforce issues, let me recap some of the things that have been accomplished here: prgtoken The House failed to speak out strongly against anti-Semitism. prgtoken have failed to produce a budget and said they won't. They can't even agree on budget caps. prgtoken They have ignored the humanitarian crisis at the border that continues to grow. prgtoken And they refuse to bring to the floor the Born-Alive Abortion Survivors Protection Act, which has 198 supporters.
SAVE THE INTERNET ACT OF 2019
Greg Walden (Republican, OR) \u2014 2019-4-10

I will be brief here. The only effort to nationalize 5G and to fully regulate 5G is contained in the ' bill. That is where it is happening. prgtoken We had an amendment in the Rules Committee to prevent that, and the who control the Rules Committee by a 2-to-1 margin refused to even allow us to debate that amendment here on the floor. prgtoken Finally, the President never said he was going to nationalize 5G. Somebody leaked a memo out of the White House that said that is a good idea. I oppose that. Right that same day, within hours, they had been clear on that. prgtoken Let's be clear here. The facts of the matter are that this legislation nationalizes and regulates 5G like it has never been done before and threatens innovation and development of this exciting new opportunity for American consumers. prgtoken , I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from the great State of California (Mr. McCarthy), who is the leader.
BUDGET SCOREKEEPING REPORT
Michael B. Enzi (Republican, WY) \u2014 2019-4-10

I rise to submit to the Senate the budget scorekeeping report for April 2019. The report compares current-law levels of spending and revenues with the amounts the Senate agreed to in the Bipartisan Budget Act of 2018, BBA18. This information is necessary for the Senate Budget Committee to determine whether budgetary points of order lie against pending legislation. The staff of the Budget Committee and the Congressional Budget Office, CBO, prepared this report pursuant to section 308(b) of the Congressional Budget Act, CBA. prgtoken This is my third scorekeeping report this year. My last filing can be found in the Congressional Record for February 27, 2019. The information included in this report is current through April 8, 2019. prgtoken Since my last filing, three bills with significant budgetary effects cleared Congress, the Pesticide Registration Improvement Extension Act of 2018, P.L. 116-8; the John D. Dingell, Jr. Conservation, Management, and Recreation Act, P.L. 116-9; and the Medicaid Services Investment and Accountability Act of 2019, H.R. 1839. prgtoken Budget Committee staff prepared Tables 1-3. prgtoken Table 1 gives the amount by which each Senate authorizing committee exceeds or is below its allocation for budget authority and outlays under the fiscal year 2019 enforceable levels filing required by BBA18. This information is used for enforcing committee allocations pursuant to section 302 of the CBA. Over the current 10-year enforceable window, authorizing committees have increased outlays by a combined $3.4 billion. For this reporting period, as in my last report, 8 of the 16 authorizing committees are not in compliance with their allocations. One of these committees, Finance, further exacerbated its violations this work period with the passage of the Medicaid Services Investment and Accountability Act. CBO estimates that this measure will increase mandatory spending for all enforceable periods, including an increase in outlays of $27 million over the Fiscal Year 2019-2028 period. The Agriculture Committee reduced the size of its violations with the passage of the Pesticide Registration Improvement Extension Act, which CBO scores as reducing outlays by $5 million in Fiscal Year 2019 and by $23 million over the Fiscal Year 2019-2023 period. The Energy and Natural Resources Committee, which was not in breach of its allocation for the last reporting cycle, continued to reduce spending with the passage of the John D. Dingell, Jr. Conservation, Management, and Recreation Act. CBO estimates that this measure will reduce spending by $10 million over both the 5- and 10-year enforceable windows. This savings is credited to its allocation, as shown in the table. prgtoken Tables 2 provides the amount by which the Senate Committee on Appropriations is below or exceeds the statutory spending limits. This information is used to determine points of order related to the s
IN RECOGNITION OF BGSU HOCKEY'S NCAA TOURNAMENT APPEARANCE
Robert E. Latta (Republican, OH) \u2014 2019-4-10

. Madam , I rise to recognize the Bowling Green State University Hockey team for earning a bid to the 2019 NCAA Men's Hockey National Championship Tournament. Their admittance to this year's ``Big Dance'' follows a 29-year absence and marked the program's 10th appearance. prgtoken While this year's campaign saw the Falcons' fourth consecutive 20+ win season and fifth consecutive winning season, it was the first tournament appearance in nearly three decades. The team ranked in the top ten in scoring in the country, while also maintaining an impressive defense--ranking second in goals allowed in the NCAA. prgtoken The Falcons made the school, the city, and the entire community proud. Once again, congratulations to the Falcons on their NCAA Tournament appearance. Great job, Bowling Green Hockey.