mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
CHILD PROTECTION IMPROVEMENTS ACT OF 2017
Patrick J. Toomey (Republican, PA) \u2014 2018-2-7

I rise today to honor the Super Bowl champions, the Philadelphia Eagles. Last Sunday night in Minneapolis, the Philadelphia Eagles defeated the vaunted New England Patriots by a score of 41 to 33 in one of the most amazing Super Bowls ever--one of the most amazing NFL games ever. It was really an extraordinary night. In so doing, the Eagles captured their first Super Bowl title ever and the franchise's first national championship since 1960. prgtoken The Eagles' arguably improbable Super Bowl run came despite many serious injuries and a whole lot of doubt from naysayers and pundits and oddsmakers. The oddsmakers, by the way, had the Eagles as underdogs in every playoff game they played, but, of course, they won every one of them. prgtoken It is a team led by Doug Pederson, a coach who, himself, entering the season, was often doubted and sometimes dismissed by the punditry and the talking heads. Not only did Coach Pederson make his critics look silly, but, in winning the Super Bowl, he beat a man who is arguably considered one of the best coaches in NFL history. Pederson did it by deploying one of the greatest offensive game plans I think the NFL has ever seen. prgtoken The group of men who comprise the Eagles' roster embody the city of Philadelphia. They are brash, gritty, and talented, with a never-say- die attitude. They are led by stalwarts like Malcolm Jenkins, Fletcher Cox, Carson Wentz, and Alshon Jeffery. The Eagles' ``next man up'' mentality was incredible to witness. prgtoken Think about what they had to overcome. Over the course of the regular season, the Eagles lost a Hall of Fame left tackle, their amazing middle linebacker, arguably the best pound-for-pound player in all of football, and they still steamrolled through to a 13-to-3 record in the regular season. prgtoken For all of that, maybe the greatest example of the ``next man up'' mentality in NFL history was the way that Nick Foles took over for Carson Wentz at quarterback when Wentz was lost to a serious injury late in the season. The fact is, Wentz was, I think, the leading candidate for the league's MVP at the time of his injury. I think he still should be considered a leading candidate for MVP for the season. The fact that Nick Foles was able to step in and guide the team not just into the playoffs, not just through the playoffs, but all the way to the Super Bowl and to a Super Bowl victory against the New England Patriots is what legends are made of. prgtoken The Philadelphia Eagles are a historic franchise. Some of the best players in the history of the game have worn the green and white. Names like Van Brocklin, Bednarik, White, and Dawkins come to mind. This Super Bowl is also for all of these great players who put on the Eagles jersey over the years. prgtoken I will conclude with this. If you listen to sports radio in Philadelphia or most of Eastern Pennsylvania, you learn that the passion of the fan base is really extr
CHILD PROTECTION IMPROVEMENTS ACT OF 2017
Tim Scott (Republican, SC) \u2014 2018-2-7

6 weeks after the passage of tax reform, we continue to show the American people how we are delivering on our promises with real, lasting tax reform. prgtoken In fact, a recent poll showed that 69 percent of Americans are satisfied with the boost in our economy. Another poll showed that Americans' approval of our tax reform package has more than doubled since its passage. I know it will continue to rise as more families see the benefits coming their way. Our new tax law will ensure that they are able to keep more of their paychecks and that the jobs of the future are created right here in the good old U.S.A. prgtoken Back home in South Carolina, we continue to see positive changes because of tax reform. More businesses are awarding their employees with raises, and as a result, more families are putting more money in their bank accounts and in their pockets. prgtoken Here is a real-life example. I received a note from Steve Potts, the CEO of Scout Boats in Summerville, SC. Scout Boats is, for those who may not know--but everybody knows Scout Boats--Scout Boats is a world- class brand. It has been recognized all over the world for quality boats. Here is a success story, an organic success story. prgtoken Back in 1989, Steve started his business with his wife in their garage. They did very well for a while, and then, of course, very quickly, Hurricane Hugo came about several months later and wiped them out. They had to start all over again. prgtoken They had two employees in 1989. Their life savings were invested into Scout Boats. Today, almost 30 years later, they have 340 employees. This year, they are going to hand out $1,000 bonuses to their 340 employees, and they hope this is the year that they will take their employees from 340 to 350 and exceed 400 employees. prgtoken He said: We're confident this will help-- prgtoken The tax reform package. --further stimulate our own company morale, as well as become an attractive career opportunity for new employees we are currently searching for. . . . We believe by us giving back to our employees, we're doing exactly what you and many others originally intended with tax reform. prgtoken This is fantastic news and proof that we are reaching our goals. prgtoken I want to say thank you to Steve, not only for sharing your story but for rewarding the hard work of your employees. It is what happens in small and medium businesses all over the country. prgtoken Having started a small business myself, I understand and appreciate the dedication Steve had to his vision and to his employees, because for Steve and so many entrepreneurs, their employees are an extension of their family. So being in a position to provide those folks with a $1,000 bonus each is a big deal. It is a big deal for the company. It is a big deal for the employees. It is reflective of the fact that most small businesses are reinvesting in their future, which mean
MORTGAGE CHOICE ACT OF 2017
Bill Huizenga (Republican, MI) \u2014 2018-2-7

I wish I had time to yield to the gentlewoman to hear that answer. prgtoken She is talking about megabanks. This is, frankly, just a red herring in this whole thing. prgtoken Congress has the opportunity to help more Americans realize a portion of the American Dream, not by some grandiose law or decree, but by simply reforming a burdensome regulation. Home ownership has been a pillar in American life for generations. Today, we can reaffirm that pillar and reassert that home ownership can and should be an attainable goal. prgtoken , , Representative Meeks, and many others who have worked so tirelessly on this to fix this flawed provision, and I encourage all of my colleagues to vote for H.R. 1153.
CHILD PROTECTION IMPROVEMENTS ACT OF 2017
Roy Blunt (Republican, MO) \u2014 2018-2-7

when the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act was signed into law in December, we heard a lot about what was going to immediately happen. This was going to be a tax cut for the rich. Corporations were going to use their money to buy back their stock and not share it with the people who work for them. prgtoken The Senate was as divided on a partisan basis as the Senate could be. Every person in the majority voted for the tax bill. Every person in the minority voted against the tax bill. prgtoken We heard from some of the leaders of the other side that it would be Armageddon. We heard from President 's Treasury Secretary that 10,000 people would die every year if the tax bill was signed into law. We heard that the average family would only get crumbs and scraps from the tax bill. It is turning out that this is not what appears to be happening at all. prgtoken Companies have stepped up to show that in a growing economy--in an economy they believe is going to grow--they value the people they work with and they value the employees of their company in a way we wouldn't have anticipated. I thought this would happen as we saw the economy take off from the tax bill. It didn't occur to most of us that companies would step up on day one and say: We are going to value and show our value to the people who work for us. prgtoken Over 3.8 million people now have received over $4 billion in bonuses. A lot of those happened in my State of Missouri. The Central Bank of St. Louis, which employs over 2,000 people, gave a $1,000 bonus to all full-time employees, and the 246 part-time employees will get a $500 bonus. prgtoken Charter Communications announced, as many people have, that they are going to increase their own minimum wage. Whatever their minimum salaries have been in the past, those are now going to be higher. The best kind of minimum wage increase is because you believe that is the fair thing to do for your employees and also because you believe it is what you need to do to keep good employees in a rising economy. I think we had gotten so used to the stagnant economy of the last 8 or so years that people had forgotten what happens when the economy begins to grow. So Charter Communications is now increasing their minimum wage to $15 an hour. prgtoken Commerce Bancshares, in Kansas City, has more than 2,300 employees in Missouri, and they gave a $1,000 bonus to all of their full-time employees and a $250 bonus to their part-time employees. prgtoken Mid-Am Metal Forming in southwest Missouri gave all 140 of their employees a cash bonus. prgtoken This is not just about big companies. This is about little companies looking at how they want to grow and knowing that to grow, they need to keep a workforce that can be part of that growth. prgtoken Great Southern Bank, in my hometown of Springfield, has over 800 Missouri employees. They gave a $1,000 bonus to full-time employees and a $500 bonus to part-time employees. prgtoken W
CHILD PROTECTION IMPROVEMENTS ACT OF 2017
John Barrasso (Republican, WY) \u2014 2018-2-7

last week, President gave his State of the Union Address. It was full of that same spirit of optimism and confidence that I have heard over the past year from the people at home in Wyoming. I imagine the Presiding Officer has heard the same things from people in her State of Iowa as well. As the President said, ``This is our new American moment.'' ``This is our new American moment,'' and I agree. The American economy is back on the right track. It is going to take a lot of hard work for us to stay on the right track. Some of that work involves building our country's infrastructure. America's roads, bridges, dams, highways, and ports are critical to our Nation's success. s know it. know it. prgtoken The American Society of Civil Engineers gives America's infrastructure a poor grade. One out of every five miles of highway pavement is in bad condition. As chairman of the Environment and Public Works Committee, I am committed to improving this situation by working with the President and with Members of both parties. We need to fix a lot of our aging infrastructure. To do that, we need a robust, fiscally responsible infrastructure plan that makes it easier to start and to finish these projects more quickly. prgtoken I was chairman of the Transportation Committee in the Wyoming State Senate. I saw how we could make projects less costly and more efficient if we could just speed up and streamline the permitting process and the approval process for projects to get done. prgtoken We have a project back home to rebuild a highway interchange in the northern part of Sheridan County in Sheridan, WY. It took 14 years to develop and get the approval of the planning and permitting for this interchange that needed to be built for safety purposes. The actual construction took less than 2 years. This is a safety project. It is important for trucks and cars that go through this part of our State to do it in the safest way possible. Anything we can do as members of the EPW Committee and Members of the Senate to make sure we can finish projects like this one faster is going to be better for our communities and is going to be better for people's safety. prgtoken According to the Bipartisan Policy Center, there are 59 different reviews and permits that an infrastructure project may need to get. There are a dozen different agencies that can slow down projects along the way, and that is just at the Federal level. prgtoken One of the steps that takes the longest amount of time is what they call an environmental impact statement. We all agree we need to make sure that big construction projects don't damage the environment. The problem is, these reviews have taken on a life of their own. They now take an average of 5 years to complete. That is just one type of review that the construction projects have to go through before workers can put a shovel in the ground. prgtoken The regulations and redt
HONORING THE CITY OF BEDFORD FOR PROVIDING EARLY CANCER DETECTION SCREENING TO ITS FIREFIGHTERS
Kenny Marchant (Republican, TX) \u2014 2018-2-7

I rise today to recognize the extraordinary leadership of the City of Bedford for being the first city in the United States to provide early cancer detection blood testing to its fire department. prgtoken According to the International Association of Firefighters, cancer is now the leading cause of death among firefighters. During fire suppression and overhaul activities, firefighters may be exposed to smoke and other byproducts of combustion, many of which contain known carcinogens. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimate that firefighters have a 14 percent higher rate of cancer incidence as compared to the general population. prgtoken For departments across the country, these are more than just statistics; it is a reality that firefighters and their loved ones feel acutely. After experiencing firsthand the losses of both retired and active firefighters due to cancer, the City of Bedford took action. Earlier this year, the Bedford City Council--working with the Bedford Professional Firefighter's Association and Fire Chief Sean Patrick Fay--voted to provide early cancer detection blood testing to the fire department. With this test, Bedford firefighters have an advanced tool to help detect the possible presence of cancer in its beginning stages, giving them the best chance to fight the disease. prgtoken The firefighters of Bedford put themselves at tremendous risk day in and day out to ensure the safety of their community. I am profoundly encouraged by the implementation of the early cancer detection screening program and am certain that this is the first of many steps we can take to enhance protection for our firefighters. prgtoken , on behalf of the 24th Congressional District of Texas, I ask all my distinguished colleagues to join me in honoring the outstanding and proactive leadership of the City of Bedford and the brave men and women of the Bedford Fire Department.
ORDERS FOR THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 8, 2018
Mitch McConnell (Republican, KY) \u2014 2018-2-7

I ask unanimous consent that when the Senate completes its business today, it adjourn until 10:30 a.m Thursday, February 8; 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, and morning business be closed; finally, that following leader remarks, the Senate resume consideration of the House message to accompany H.R. 695, with the time until the cloture vote equally divided between the two leaders or their designees.
OFFSHORE OIL AND GAS DRILLING
Susan M. Collins (Republican, ME) \u2014 2018-2-7

I wish to join my colleagues in expressing my serious concern with the 5-year oil and gas leasing plan released by the Interior Department that proposes opening up vast portions of U.S. waters for possible oil exploration and development, including along the Atlantic seaboard and the coast of Maine. prgtoken I am opposed to any effort to open waters off the coast of Maine or any proximate area to offshore drilling, which could negatively affect the health of Maine's fisheries and other coastal resources, threatening to harm not only the environment but the State's economy as well. The Maine lobster industry, for example, has an estimated $1.7 billion impact to the State's economy annually, not to mention the many other fishing, aquaculture, and coastal tourism industries that help to drive the State's economy. These critical industries are dependent on Maine's pristine waters, and even a minor spill could damage irreparably the ecosystem in the gulf of Maine and create serious economic disruption. prgtoken I look forward to working with the administration to ensure that the Interior Department's plan is revised to pose no unnecessary threats to the economy and way of life in coastal Maine.
RECOGNIZING THE APPOINTMENT OF REP. CARLOS TRUJILLO TO SERVE AS U.S. AMBASSADOR TO THE ORGANIZATION OF THE AMERICAN STATES
Matt Gaetz (Republican, FL) \u2014 2018-2-7

today I rise to recognize the appointment of my good friend, Florida State Representative Carlos Trujillo, to serve as the United States Ambassador to the Organization of the American States. prgtoken In the Florida Legislature, Carlos serves as the Chair of the Appropriations Committee and Alternating Chair of the Joint Legislative Budget Committee where he executes his kind approach and strong leadership. I had the privilege to serve alongside Carlos in the Florida Legislature, and witnessed firsthand how his straightforward approach earned him respect from both sides of the aisle. prgtoken I was pleased to hear of his recent appointment by President as Ambassador to the Organization of the American States. I can assure you that he will do well in advancing the American principles of freedom and prosperity on the global stage. His background in law and his natural talent for negotiating ensure that for him, success is inevitable. prgtoken Carlos is a family man, and his success is strongly supported by a strong, loving family consisting of his wife Carmen and his children Carlos Manuel, Isabella Alba, Juan Pablo, and Felipe Andres. prgtoken , on behalf of the United States Congress, I am privileged to congratulate Florida State Representative, and my friend, Carlos Trujillo on his appointment to serve as U.S. Ambassador to the Organization of the American States.
TRIBUTE TO GEORGE BROWN
Don Young (Republican, AK) \u2014 2018-2-7

I rise today in memorial to an Alaskan who dedicated his life to his business and making his customers feel as though they were in their own living room having a meal with friends. On January 13, 2018, Alaska lost one of its hardest working, most dedicated and adventurous fathers, Mr. George Brown. prgtoken George embodied the ``Greatest Generation'' that came to Alaska in the years following World War II. He valued hard work, personal relationships, and personal responsibility. He and his wife, Peggy founded the Lucky Wishbone diner in Anchorage, Alaska in 1955, the same year McDonalds was founded but in a much different environment, serving the best burgers, shakes and especially fried chicken you could find anywhere. Sorry Kentucky, the Colonel had nothing on Mr. Brown. prgtoken George kept the very spirit of the Greatest Generation alive up until his passing by ensuring that generations of Alaskans had simple, handcrafted diner food that was unsurpassed by any other restaurant. He also pioneered the ``smoking ban'' in Anchorage by banning smoking in the restaurant in 1991. George and Peggy's place was home to so many of us. His smile and his infectious spirit could light up a room and his sense of humor warmed the restaurant where he was a fixture for over 60 years. prgtoken George was more than a restauranteur, he was my friend. As a frequent patron of the Lucky Wishbone, I can speak to his service to customers and how he always cared for his employees as though they were immediately family. He treated his staff like they were his daughters and sons which meant everyone made you feel at home when you visited the Lucky Wishbone. prgtoken George, Peggy and the Lucky Wishbone will live in infamy in our hearts and souls. I hope that George's sister Elaine, daughter Pat, son Corky, and his grandchildren can take comfort in the bond they have with George and the legacy of the Lucky Wishbone. I also hope the precious memories of George will bring them comfort, and that they will come to find, in the lovely words of Hugh Robert Orr: ``They are not dead who live in lives they leave behind. In those whom they have blessed, they live a life again, and shall live through the years eternal life, and shall grow each day more beautiful, as time declares their good, forgets the rest, and proves their immortality.'' prgtoken Please join me in expressing heartfelt appreciation for George and sympathies for his Alaskan family.
RECOGNIZING THE LIFE OF FALLEN MISSISSIPPI SOLDIER ARMY SPECIALIST (SPC) LARRY KENYATTA BROWN
Trent Kelly (Republican, MS) \u2014 2018-2-7

today I rise in memory of Army Specialist (SPC) Larry Kenyatta Brown who paid the ultimate sacrifice while defending our nation April 5, 2003, during Operation Iraqi Freedom III. SPC Brown was mortally wounded during a combat mission to liberate the Iraqi city of Karbala. SPC Brown was assigned to C Company, 1st Battalion, 414 Infantry Regiment, Fort Riley, Kansas. prgtoken SPC Brown, a Jackson native, attended Bailey Magnet High School where he was a track and basketball athlete. His high school principal, Dorothy Terry, said SPC Brown was a serious young man who was kind. Terry said SPC Brown also had a great sense of humor. prgtoken During the funeral held at Blacks Chapel Baptist Church, Brigadier General Frank Helmick described SPC Brown's devotion to our nation. ``Larry Brown displayed the intensive fortitude to fight and complete the mission even though it meant giving his life for our country.'' prgtoken Hundreds of people came to the funeral including twenty-nine soldiers from Fort Riley. Ten soldiers from Fort Polk, Louisiana carried Brown's coffin. prgtoken SPC Brown's bravery and courage in service to our nation will always be remembered.