mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
Introductory Statement on S. 944
Chuck Grassley (Republican, IA) \u2014 2017-4-26

I have long been a champion of domestic biofuel production, including ethanol, biodiesel and cellulosic fuels. Domestic biodiesel production supports tens of thousands of jobs. Replacing traditional diesel with biodiesel reduces emissions and creates cleaner air. Homegrown biodiesel improves our energy security by diversifying our transportation fuels and reducing our dependence on foreign oil. Biodiesel itself is a very diverse fuel. It can be produced from a wide array of resources such as recycled cooking oil, soybean and other plant oils, and animal fats. prgtoken I am proud of the success of the American biodiesel industry, and I am glad to be introducing today the American Renewable Fuel and Job Creation Act of 2017, which will ensure the continued success. I appreciate Senator Cantwell's leadership in joining this effort. I also appreciate the support of Senators Roberts, Hirono, Blunt, Whitehouse, Ernst, Heitkamp, Thune, Udall, Heinrich, Shaheen, Klobuchar, Franken, Donnelly, and Murray. This bill will modify the biodiesel fuel blender's credit to a domestic production credit starting this year and extend the credit through 2020. prgtoken Congress created the biodiesel tax incentive in 2005 when I was chairman of the Senate Finance Committee. As a result of this incentive and the Renewable Fuel Standard, biodiesel is providing significant benefits to the nation. prgtoken Senator Cantwell and I have been advocating the mixture credit be modified to a producer credit since 2009. Converting to a producer credit improves the incentive in many ways. The blenders credit can be difficult to administer because the blending of the fuel can occur at many different stages of the fuel distribution. This can make it difficult to ensure that only fuel that qualifies for the credit claims the incentive. It has been susceptible to abuse because of this. prgtoken A credit for domestic production will also ensure that we are incentivizing the domestic industry and associated American jobs, rather than subsidizing imported biofuels. A credit for domestic production will also ensure that we are incentivizing the domestic industry and associated American jobs, rather than subsidizing imported biofuels. Since 2014, we have seen imports increase from 510 million gallons to about 1 billion gallons in 2016, and already in the first quarter of 2017 imports are 10 percent higher than they were last year at this time. prgtoken We should not provide a U.S. taxpayer benefit to imported biofuels. By restricting the credit to domestic production, we will also save taxpayer money. The nonpartisan Joint Committee on Taxation estimated a similar amendment adopted in the Finance Committee in 2015 would have reduced the cost of the extension by $90 million for 2016 alone. prgtoken Importantly, modifying the credit will have little to no impact on the consumer. Much of the credit will continue to be passed on to the blender
OPIOID EPIDEMIC FUNDING IN THE 21ST CENTURY CURES ACT
Ryan A. Costello (Republican, PA) \u2014 2017-4-26

burn pits, which are found on military bases, create substances that can be toxic. Tires, batteries, human waste, medical waste, and other garbage items are put into pits and set on fire, sometimes after being soaked with jet fuel. Burn pits were regularly used in Iraq and Afghanistan, so veterans of these wars are particularly at risk. prgtoken My colleagues and I have introduced legislation that says, if a veteran does not have visible wounds, it is often difficult to provide the proof that VA needs to process a claim--but it shouldn't be that burdensome for a veteran who has sacrificed so much for our country--to get the treatment they need when they come home. There are many reports of veterans who believe their illness was caused by their exposure to burn pits who have not been able to get the VA to provide them with coverage. prgtoken This epidemic is being compared to the major problem veterans who were exposed to Agent Orange had when they returned home from the Vietnam war, and we cannot let that happen again. So we have introduced legislation because veterans who are exposed to burn pits and subsequently have complications need to have the right diagnosis and treatment as soon as possible. prgtoken This bill would create a Center of Excellence at the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, which would provide research to be able to properly address the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of these veterans. It is important the men and women who dedicate their lives to protecting our country can access the care they need when they return home.
ISSUES OF THE DAY
Louie Gohmert (Republican, TX) \u2014 2017-4-26

President recently signed an executive order that made abundant sense for those who are in the world of common sense where good sense is common, which at least is not the case in the Federal courthouse in San Francisco. prgtoken Our friend, Andrew McCarthy, has written an op-ed for National Review regarding the decision of the oligarch masquerading in the Federal courthouse in San Francisco. Judge William H. Orrick III is amazing. In fact, his arrogance is only exceeded by his ignorance. prgtoken It is an excellent article. Normally I wouldn't read an entire article, it is not that long, but this is so well written by the prosecutor of The Blind Sheikh that it bears hearing the words from Andrew McCarthy. prgtoken He said: ``A showboating Federal judge in San Francisco has issued an injunction against President 's executive order cutting off Federal funds from so-called sanctuary cities. The ruling distorts the E.O. beyond recognition, accusing the President of usurping legislative authority despite the order's express adherence to `existing law.' Moreover, undeterred by the inconvenience that the order has not been enforced, the activist court--better to say, the fantasist court-- dreams up harms that might befall San Francisco and Santa Clara, the sanctuary jurisdictions behind the suit, if it were enforced. The court thus flouts the standing doctrine, which limits judicial authority to actual controversies involving concrete, nonspeculative harms. ``Although he vents for 49 pages, Judge William H. Orrick III gives away the game early, on page 4. There, the appointee explains that his ruling is about . . . nothing. ``That is, Orrick acknowledges that he is adopting the construction of the E.O. urged by the Justice Department, which maintains that the order does nothing more than call for the enforcement of already existing law. Although that construction is completely consistent with the E.O. as written, Judge Orrick implausibly describes it as `implausible.' '' prgtoken I would interject at this point, , that upon hearing President 's executive order requiring sanctuary cities such as San Francisco, where their heart is so calloused on the side figuratively facing people like Kate Steinle, innocent people who are just trying to live freely their own lives, and is greatly softened on the side of those criminals who have come into the United States illegally who would tend to shoot lovely, law-abiding daughters like Kate. prgtoken So it seemed eminently reasonable what I had read was in the order. I didn't read the whole order originally, but it made eminent sense, of course, the President of the United States saying that he is authorized by the Constitution in carrying out enforcement and by Congress in carrying out enforcement, saying we are not sending Federal money to sanctuary cities--to any cities--that are refusing to use the money for the purpose for which it is in
RECOGNIZING NOLAN HENDERSON
Steve Stivers (Republican, OH) \u2014 2017-4-26

I rise today to recognize Nolan Henderson, a true American hero and pillar of our community, who passed away earlier this month. prgtoken Henderson was born and raised in Glenford, Ohio in Perry County. Soon after his graduation from Glenford High School, where he was part of the 1941 State Championship basketball team, he made the decision to join the Army. prgtoken In the Army, Henderson served with the 101st Airborne ``Screaming Eagles'' Division as a paratrooper in the 907th Field Glider Artillery Battalion. He fought in the Normandy invasion on D-Day, and was awarded the Bronze Star, Distinguished Unit badge with 4 bronze stars, and the WWII Victory Medal. His Battalion would go on to become the most decorated Army division of WWII. prgtoken After returning home, Henderson began a long career of serving the Glenford community. He served nearly 40 years as the Mayor of Glenford and 35 years as a rural carrier for the U.S. Postal Service. He was an active member of multiple community organizations, touching nearly every aspect of the community. This included time on the Northern Local School Board, the Glenford Lions Club, and the Shelly Park Board. He even served with the Hopewell Volunteer Fire Department. prgtoken Throughout his life, there is no doubt of the impact he has had on our community and our nation. Thank you Nolan Henderson.
ISSUES OF THE DAY
Dana Rohrabacher (Republican, CA) \u2014 2017-4-26

let me just note that today I am paying close attention to the healthcare issue. I don't want anybody to think when they look at me giving this speech on the floor of the House that this is evidence that there is arm-twisting going on here in the Capitol about trying to get people's vote on the healthcare issue. No, it is just humorous. prgtoken This is a shoulder replacement. I had this one replaced, actually, 4 or 5 months ago, and it is doing fine now. This one was a week ago. The cause of this, of course, has been excessive surfing. When I was older, I should have understood that you cannot surf as much as you can when you are younger without eliminating the cartilage that is there, then the cartilage is gone, and the bones grind on each other. prgtoken Well, that is just one example, however, of a healthcare issue that is going to be with us much more frequently now as the population of this country is growing older. The older people get, there will be other infirmities that really were not suffered on such a scale when we died off at a younger age. prgtoken So what we need to do is to make sure that we set down policies and a system that will provide the American people with the greatest and the most effective care that is possible within the budget that we have to deal with. prgtoken Today I thought I would talk about that, of course--health care. But there are a few other issues I would like to discuss. prgtoken Tax reform, of course, is something that is being focused on today as well--tax reform for fiscal year `17. And, of course, fiscal year `18, the appropriations bill. Border security, of course, has to be on this list. prgtoken These are issues that we are every day talking about here on Capitol Hill. The work is intense, people are serious, and there is a job for us to do. President is in the White House, and he is working hard as well. prgtoken This is not the time for the other side to be politicizing every issue that comes up, but, instead, to admit that s now have legitimately won the election for President and legitimately won a majority in both Houses of Congress. prgtoken Thus, we should put in place policies that are, yes, fair, honest, and effective. But, also, we have to realize that it is fair, honest, and effective based on what those people who are elected by the people to make the decision believe is fair and effective. prgtoken Unfortunately, what we have now, and we see this across the country, are people who--and I don't even know if they understand the system at all, but they are arrogantly trying to be engaged with disrupting the system because they did not win. That cannot be tolerated for long. I would hope that people have a change of heart and work with us. We are willing to work with Members of the other party, the ic Party, to make sure we come up with both health care and tax reform that the American people will accept and applaud. prgtoken First,
NOMINATION OF ALEXANDER ACOSTA
Mitch McConnell (Republican, KY) \u2014 2017-4-26

on another matter, I am pleased that the Senate voted yesterday to confirm Rod Rosenstein to serve as Deputy Attorney General, despite the unnecessary delay, and I look forward to advancing another nominee today. prgtoken For the past 8 years, burdensome regulations put forth by the administration have held back our economy and taken a toll on too many hard-working Americans. Fortunately, we now have an administration that has already proven its commitment to easing the regulatory burden on our economy and advancing policies that actually promote economic growth and job creation. prgtoken The Department of Labor nominee before us today, Alexander Acosta, shares that commitment, and he has just the right experience to address these issues. He was previously confirmed to three positions by voice votes here in the Senate, meaning not a single Senator of either party recorded a vote in opposition, so it is no surprise that he has earned a host of bipartisan support for his current nomination as well. We should confirm him without delay. The sooner we do, the sooner he can advance labor policies that put American workers, businesses, and our economy first.
THANKING OUR WORLD WAR II VETERANS
Mike Bost (Republican, IL) \u2014 2017-4-26

earlier this week, I had the honor of welcoming to Washington, D.C more than 50 of our Southern Illinois veterans. The visit was put together by the Honor Flight of Southern Illinois, a nonprofit organization that transports veterans to Washington to visit the memorials honoring their service and sacrifice. prgtoken According to the VA, an estimated 640 World War II veterans leave us each day. It is time to express our thanks, and that time is running short. prgtoken We owe a debt of gratitude to those heroes and those who serve in defense of freedom and liberty. I will never forget the opportunity to welcome them to this Nation's Capital and thank them for all they have done for this country. Recognizing McKendree University Women's Bowling Team
ACCOMPLISHMENTS IN THE CONGRESS
John Cornyn (Republican, TX) \u2014 2017-4-26

with the media and others looking at the first 100 days or so of this new administration, and looking at this new Congress and the majority, I think it bears reflecting on the last couple of months in the Congress under the new administration and looking at some of the accomplishments that have been made on behalf of the American economy and the American people. prgtoken We are committed to helping job creators do what they do best; that is, innovate, create more jobs, and employ prgtoken more people, and not force those same job creators to waste time dealing with onerous rules and regulations that bear no relationship to public safety. With a like-minded President, we have been able to deliver some real relief to the American people. prgtoken One of the ways we have been able to do that is through a mechanism known as the Congressional Review Act. The Congressional Review Act was created to give Congress an opportunity to do away with regulations with which it disagrees. It allows Congress to act as a real check. prgtoken The problem with regulations is, it is really a substitute for lawmaking. Of course, when Congress acts and passes laws, the President signs them, and then we are held accountable by the voters for the laws we pass. That is not so when it comes to the bureaucracy that writes regulations. Bureaucrats don't stand for election. Bureaucrats are not accountable to the people. So that is why it is really important for us to have a mechanism like the Congressional Review Act to act as a check on runaway regulation. prgtoken By using this mechanism, the Congressional Review Act, with an ally in the White House, we have started undoing some of the thousands of burdensome rules and regulations created by the administration-- rules and regulations that add up to a hefty pricetag for our country. By one estimate, the costs of these -era regulations add up to more than $1 trillion. That is a tremendous wet blanket on the American economy. If the job creators have to pay somebody to help them comply with these onerous rules and regulations, they obviously are not paying somebody to grow their business and to be productive. By one estimate, the cost of these regulations adds up to more than $1 trillion and more than 700 million hours of paperwork, but fortunately we have been able to chip away at them by working with the White House and focusing on bringing regulatory relief to the American people. prgtoken Here is the tally so far. So far, we have been able to save the American economy $636 billion worth of regulatory relief. That adds up to 52 million hours of compliance time. Again, when somebody is busy complying with busy work mandated by a micromanaging Federal bureaucracy, they are not doing productive work. prgtoken Now, some of these rules and regulations are things that we may not read or hear about in the headlines or the evening news--things like t
CONGRATULATING CONGRESSMAN STEVE STIVERS ON HIS PROMOTION
Bill Johnson (Republican, OH) \u2014 2017-4-26

I want to join my colleagues in congratulating Steve Stivers on his promotion to brigadier general. I served for 26\1/2\ years in the United States Air Force, and I can tell you that every officer who puts on the uniform, in the quiet moments of their own minds, they dream of the day that maybe someday they might aspire to become a flag officer or to attain the rank of general officer. prgtoken I can tell you that, from my perspective, it is a lot easier to get elected to the House of Representatives than it is to earn the rank of general--at least that is what my experience shows. I can tell you, I never served under Steve Stivers and his command, but if his military leadership and performance is anything like his performance here in the House, he is going to represent the State of Ohio and our Nation very well. prgtoken Congratulations to my colleague, Steve Stivers. God bless you, and thank you for your service to our country.
Remembering Jay Dickey (Executive Session)
Tom Cotton (Republican, AR) \u2014 2017-4-26

I come to the floor to honor the memory of former Congressman Jay Dickey, who passed on April 20. When Jay Dickey roamed the Halls of Congress, you knew there might be mischief afoot-- and what merry mischief it was. prgtoken Jay was opinionated, colorful, and zany. Now that he has passed, the warm laughter of memories once again echoes in these cold, marble halls as we reflect on his life. prgtoken He died last Thursday after a battle with Parkinson's, a battle he fought like every other--with determination and gusto. I, for one, will miss his counsel and friendship, as will the people of Arkansas whom he loved so deeply. prgtoken Jay was an Arkansas original. He was born and bred and in the end breathed his last in his hometown of Pine Bluff. He shared a lot in common with the mighty pines of South Arkansas. He stood tall and proud of his community's heritage. He was a pillar of the community. A lawyer and a businessman, he left his mark as an entrepreneur, starting franchises throughout the State, as an advocate representing the city and later taking on such famous clients as coach Eddie Sutton. prgtoken Unlike the proverbial tree in the forest, now that Jay Dickey has fallen, the whole State has taken notice. prgtoken But, of course, a man's accomplishments are only a window into his character. You had to know Jay personally to get a sense of all the fun there was inside him. It was as if his feet had sunk deep into the soil and soaked up all of the Natural State's richness: its humor, its earnestness, and its strip-the-bark-off candor. prgtoken I got to know Jay in my first political campaign. We had never met, and I was a political newcomer, but Jay spent many hours getting to know me and ultimately supported my candidacy, which helped to put me on the map. prgtoken Of course, Jay shared a lot of candid advice too. After attending one of my early townhalls, Jay and I went to lunch down the road at Cracker Barrel. I asked him how I did. Jay replied: Ya did good. Ya did good. But you gotta cut it down some. Ya see that baked potato there? That's a fully loaded baked potato--it's got cheese, sour cream, bacon, onions. Your answers are like that fully loaded baked potato! Make em like a plain potato. prgtoken That is just one of the countless stories that added to his legend. prgtoken This was the man who offered a ninth grader a college-level internship because he thought the kid had potential; the man who answered any phone in his office that rang twice, just to keep his staff on their toes; the man whose dog once drove his truck into a radio station in Hampton because he left the truck running during an interview to keep the dog cool, and somehow that dog put it in gear; the man who kept a picture of Jesus on his wall, and who, when meeting a new client, would point to the picture and say: ``Have you met my friend?'' prgtoken Yes, the first great joy of his life was hi
STATEMENTS ON INTRODUCED BILLS AND JOINT RESOLUTIONS
Jeff Flake (Republican, AZ) \u2014 2017-4-26

Arizona is home to more than a half million veterans. They have served in every conflict from World War II to present-day operations in the Middle East. Nothing makes me prouder than to shake the hand of one of these veterans and to call them an Arizonan. prgtoken Fortunately, many of these veterans have the support of friends and family, as well as their fellow veterans with whom they served, but far too many who have served our country lack a support system that can help them successfully make the transition back to civilian life. prgtoken For those who have post-traumatic stress or traumatic brain injury, this could be particularly difficult. Studies have shown that veterans often do not seek out medical health treatment due to concerns about stigma, negative career prospects, lack of awareness, or logistical challenges in accessing care. For those who go without treatment, it can lead to substance abuse and, in some cases, run-ins with the law. prgtoken While there is no justification for criminal behavior, it is important to recognize when certain actions may be symptomatic of the harrowing experiences a veteran has endured during years of service. This is something the criminal justice system often fails to deal with. By not providing treatment that actually addresses a veteran's underlying service-connected issues, our criminal justice system sometimes creates a vicious cycle. It overcriminalizes service- connected mental illness, undertreats incarcerated veterans, and increases recidivism. prgtoken To address the problem, the VA created the Veterans Justice Outreach Program in 2009. The program was established to remove veterans from the regular criminal justice process and to provide specially tailored treatments to address many of these underlying issues. These veterans treatment courts have a proven record of preventing initial incarceration and reducing recidivism. prgtoken The lifeblood of the program is the veterans justice outreach specialists, VJO specialists, who link veterans to available court services. These outreach specialists identify veterans in jails and local courts, they assess their health status, and they help them develop the rehabilitation treatment program specific to each of their needs. prgtoken I recently had the opportunity to observe the veterans docket and meet with some of these dedicated specialists while visiting the Mesa Municipal Court earlier this month. Let me tell you, there is no substitute for seeing this firsthand. Even though it is a courtroom setting, there is a comradery and collaboration that you don't see in traditional courtroom proceedings. I was amazed at how many prgtoken organizations there are to help these veterans--to help them successfully transition and help them with treatment. prgtoken The collaboration I am talking about comes from having a judge and hard-working staff who have served in the military themselves. They understand the