mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
AUTHORITY FOR COMMITTEES TO MEET
James M. Inhofe (Republican, OK) \u2014 2018-1-23

I have 7 requests for committees to meet during today's session of the Senate. They have the approval of the Majority and Minority leaders. prgtoken Pursuant to rule XXVI, paragraph 5(a), of the Standing Rules of the Senate, the following committees are authorized to meet during today's session of the Senate: Committee on Armed Services prgtoken The Committee on Armed Services is authorized to meet during the session of the Senate on Tuesday, January 23, 2018, at 9:30 a.m to conduct a closed hearing on Nuclear Posture Review and pending nominations. Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs prgtoken The Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs is authorized to meet during the session of the Senate on Tuesday, January 23, 2018, at 10 a.m to conduct a hearing on the following nominations: Jelena McWilliams, of Ohio, to be Chairperson of the Board of Directors, and to be a Member of the Board of Directors, Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, Marvin Goodfriend, of Pennsylvania, to be a Member of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System, and Thomas E. Workman, of New York, to be a Member of the Financial Stability Oversight Council. Committee on Energy and Natural Resources prgtoken The Committee on Energy and Natural Resources is authorized to meet during the session of the Senate on Tuesday, January 23, 2018, at 10 a.m. to conduct a hearing entitled ``Examine the performance of the electric power system in the Northeast and mid-Atlantic during recent winter weather events, including the bomb cyclone.'' Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pension prgtoken The Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pension is authorized to meet during the session of the Senate on Tuesday, January 23, 2018, at 10 a.m to conduct a hearing entitled ``Facing 21st Century Public Health Threats: Our Nation's Preparedness and Response Capabilities, Part 2.'' Select Committee on Intelligence prgtoken The Select Committee on Intelligence is authorized to meet during the session of the Senate on Tuesday, January 23, 2018 at 2:30 p.m to conduct a closed hearing. Subcommittee on Cybersecurity prgtoken The Subcommittee on Cybersecurity of the Committee on Armed Services is authorized to meet during the session of the Senate on Tuesday, January 23, 2018, at 3:30 p.m. to conduct a closed hearing. Subcommittee on Surface Transportation and Merchant Marine Infrastructure, Safety and Security prgtoken The Subcommittee on Surface Transportation and Merchant Marine Infrastructure, Safety and Security of the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation is authorized to meet during the session of the Senate on Tuesday, January 23, 2018, at 2:30 p.m to conduct a hearing.
Earmarks (Executive Calendar)
Mike Lee (Republican, UT) \u2014 2018-1-23

I am grateful for the work that has been done by the Senator from Arizona on this topic. prgtoken One of the first times I remember seeing the Senator from Arizona on TV, many years before I was elected to the Senate, was while he was serving in the House of Representatives. I saw him interviewed on national television, talking about this issue--talking about the corruption that inevitably flows prgtoken from a system that allows for favors like these to be handed out. I remember the immense respect I had for this man whom I did not yet know and wouldn't come to know for another decade or so, but who was willing to call out something that he believed was contrary to public policy, contrary to any system that would result in a good consequence, a good outcome for the American people. prgtoken I also appreciate the comment he made a moment ago about a familiar refrain by defenders of earmarks. Senator Flake mentioned that over time people would point out that earmarks were, even during their heyday, maybe representing a couple of percentage points of total Federal spending. Well, that may be true, if you want to put it that way, in those terms, as they inevitably did at the time, quite persistently. But it overlooks a few things. It is a much larger percentage, of course, of discretionary spending, and of domestic nondefense discretionary spending could even be a larger percentage. But more to the point, something that is only 2 percent doesn't necessarily mean that it is having a favorable impact and that it is not having an impact that is itself very significant. prgtoken When you look at a mile-long train, the engine car might represent only about 2 percent of the total length of the train, but it is what is driving the train. It is what is determining where the train goes, and if that train is going in a wrong direction, that can be very bad. So I have always found unpersuasive the initially persuasive argument that this is just a tiny segment of Federal spending. prgtoken At the end of the day, earmarks represent everything that we are uncomfortable with about Washington. Moving back to them would represent a departure from a very favorable reform that we had in this body 7 years ago. prgtoken So I would ask Senator Flake, who has served in Congress longer than I have and who has seen this, to tell us what he fears most about bringing back earmarks.
Nomination of Alex Azar (Executive Calendar)
Ron Wyden (Democrat, OR) \u2014 2018-1-23

in a short while, the Senate will have a cloture vote on Mr. Azar's nomination to run the Department of Health and Human Services. The debate will be about a lot more than that. It is a question of whether the administration should be allowed to take this country backward on health and to discriminate against Americans. It is a question of whether the attacks on Medicaid should continue and whether this administration will be held accountable for its broken promises on lower drug prices, insurance for all, no cuts to Medicare or Medicaid. prgtoken I regret to say to the Senate today that I have no confidence that Mr. Azar will change course at the Department of Health and Human Services. I do not support his nomination, and I urge a ``no'' vote today. prgtoken .
ADDITIONAL STATEMENTS
Richard Blumenthal (Democrat, CT) \u2014 2018-1-23

I rise today with a heavy heart to pay tribute to Margaret Soong Meow Lee, a remarkable educator, researcher, and family woman. Sadly, Mrs. Lee passed away on August 1, 2017. She will be remembered for her dedication to helping others as well as for her invaluable contributions to the field of forensic science. prgtoken Mrs. Lee was born in Sarawak, Malaysia, and went on to earn her bachelor's degree in education from Taiwan Normal University. Subsequently, she received a master's degree in education from Long Island University and a postgraduate certificate from Seton Hall University in bilingual and multilingual education. prgtoken Mrs. Lee became a teacher and ultimately an assistant high school principal in Sarawak and served as the commissioner of women's affairs. She brought her love for educating others to the United States and continued teaching in New York. Her impressive career in the New York City public school system lasted nearly a decade. prgtoken After moving to Connecticut, Mrs. Lee worked at the Veterans Administration Hospital in West Haven as a computer programming analyst for 20 years. Her exemplary work at the VA hospital still benefits that facility. prgtoken Mrs. Lee's extraordinary life's work includes her husband's career as well. As the wife of Dr. Henry C. Lee, the founder of the University of New Haven's Institute of Forensic Science and internationally renowned forensic scientist, Mrs. Lee accompanied her husband to hundreds, if not thousands, of his lectures. Throughout the course of his distinguished criminal justice career, Dr. Lee received unfailing support and assistance from his wife. They traveled the world together, with Mrs. Lee serving as a trusted sounding prgtoken board, expert aide de camp, and vital source of insight and perspective. Her remarkable intelligence and wisdom greatly assisted Dr. Lee and the many professionals and criminal justice experts who worked with him. I have valued my personal relationship of many years with these two uniquely talented, insightful, and public-spirited friends and professionals. prgtoken Known as a caring mother, excellent educator, and strong advocate for the University of New Haven's international students, Mrs. Lee received many awards including a ``Mother of the Year'' award by the Chinese American Parent-Student Council of New York City and an honorary doctor of humane letters degree in 2012 from the University of New Haven. To honor her ongoing memory and strong support for the university, the Margaret Lee Scholarship Fund was established upon her passing. prgtoken My wife, Cynthia, and I extend our deepest sympathies to Mrs. Lee's family during this difficult time, particularly to her husband--a dear friend and role model of public service--their two children, and their four grandchildren. May their many wonderful memories of Mrs. Lee provide them solace and comfort in the days ahead.
DACA, CHIP, and Other Issues Before the Senate (Executive Session)
Charles E. Schumer (Democrat, NY) \u2014 2018-1-23

yesterday the Senate passed a continuing resolution to reopen the government and provide for a 6-year reauthorization of the Children's Health Insurance Program. The majority leader and I were also able to agree on a path forward for the DACA legislation. The continuing resolution extends government funding until February 8. prgtoken If an agreement on DACA isn't reached by February 8, the Senate will immediately proceed to immigration under a neutral process that is fair to all sides. This is the first guarantee that the majority will give the DACA bill a fair consideration and an up-or-down vote on the floor, and it means we can hopefully resolve the fate of the Dreamers much sooner than the March 5 deadline. prgtoken The majority now has 16 days to work with us to write a bill that can get 60 votes and prevent the Dreamers from being deported. The clock is ticking. Sixteen days--that is not much time. They have to get moving. Leader McConnell, his colleagues, and all of us should hear the countdown clock ticking to protect the 800,000 Dreamers from deportation. We can get it done. Every -- all 49 of us--supports DACA. Now the pressure is on Leader McConnell and the moderate caucus to help find us a solution that protects the 800,000 Dreamers and can pass the Senate. prgtoken Over the weekend, a bipartisan group of Senate moderates came together and helped renew the urgency of the immigration debate. After talking with Senator Durbin, it is my understanding that this bipartisan group, which includes several moderates, expressed a sincere desire to protect the Dreamers in the upcoming legislation--more so than before the weekend. Leader McConnell's promise to consider DACA legislation was made just as much to this bipartisan group as it was made to me. If he does not honor our agreement, it will be a breach of trust with not only the ic Senators but with several Members of his own party as well. prgtoken will continue to fight as hard as ever for the Dreamers, but I am more hopeful today than last week that we can assemble 60 votes for a DACA bill in the Senate, and we now have a real pathway to get such a bill through the Senate. prgtoken I am also very glad that a 6-year reauthorization of CHIP passed alongside yesterday's bill to reopen the government. It was a long time coming. Despite bipartisan majorities that support CHIP in both Houses, the majority allowed CHIP to expire, leaving 9 million sick children in the lurch. That shameful wrong has been made right, but we should extend CHIP for an even longer period of time. The CBO projected that 10 years of CHIP or a permanent authorization would actually save the government $6 billion. How could that be? Because fewer children will go into the exchange and fewer will need subsidies because CHIP is an efficient, well-run, and successful program. So i
TRIBUTE TO WALTER MONDALE
Tina Smith (Democrat, MN) \u2014 2018-1-23

I would like to celebrate Vice President Walter Mondale, who recently marked his 90th birthday. When Vice President Mondale was asked about the legacy of the Carter administration, he responded this way: ``We told the truth, we obeyed the law and we kept the peace--and that's not bad.'' Not only was that description apt and characteristically humble, I submit that it captures Walter Mondale's values and virtues. prgtoken First, Walter Mondale tells the truth. And aren't we so sorely in need of this today? Sometimes, when Mr. Mondale told the truth, it was painful. And sometimes, when he told the truth, he paid a political price. But truth in public service is a luminous thing, and Walter Mondale has always shone brightly. prgtoken Honesty was taught early by his parents, Theodore, a Methodist minister, and Claribel, a music teacher. An old friend of Mondale's once observed that he would often ask, ``I wonder what my mother's going to think about that?'' Well, his mother did not see her son become Vice President and ambassador, and Reverend Mondale did not see him become attorney general and Senator, but I suspect, he thinks about them still. prgtoken Second, Walter Mondale respects the rule of law and lives the rule of law. And aren't we so sorely in need of this today? prgtoken Not surprisingly, one of Fritz and Joan Mondale's favorite movies was ``A Man for All Seasons,'' in which Sir Thomas More famously observes that, when the last law is down and the Devil turns on you, there is no place to hide. In other words, the rule of law protects all of us. prgtoken You might say, well, respect for the law is just the baseline we might expect of the most famous graduate of the University of Minnesota's law school--now Mondale Hall--who went on to become the State's chief lawyer; yet we have seen that even prominent public officials, trained in the law, can cut corners when tempted by money or power. prgtoken Walter Mondale has never cut corners. In both his private life and his public life, this is a man who has always turned square corners. prgtoken Finally, Walter Mondale works for peace. And aren't we so sorely in need of this today? prgtoken We know of the Vice President's important role in the Camp David Peace Accords and the Egypt-Israel Peace Treaty. We know of his role as ambassador to one of our most important allies. But when we think of Walter Mondale and peace, we must think also of his goal of community reconciliation through civil rights. As the lead author of the Fair Housing Act, for more than half a century, he has fought for equity and fairness. prgtoken Yes, Walter Mondale tells the truth, obeys the law, and works for peace. That, I would suggest, is not just ``not bad''; it is wonderful and extraordinary. prgtoken As I recognize Vice President Mondale and his contributions to this country, I wish him a happy birthday.
EXECUTIVE CALENDAR
Debbie Stabenow (Democrat, MI) \u2014 2018-1-23

I rise today to speak about why I, too, will be opposing Alex Azar to be the Secretary of Health and Human Services. prgtoken I appreciate, as always, my great friend from Massachusetts and her advocacy for the people of her State and all of the country. prgtoken Perhaps more than any other agency, the Department of Health and Human Services touches the lives of people in Michigan and across the country every single day. It provides families access to Head Start and other early childhood education programs that help our youngest learners get off to a strong start. It helps ensure that families have health insurance, whether through Medicare, Medicaid, children's health insurance, or private insurance. It administers the Food and Drug Administration, which makes sure that medications are safe and effective. It works to ensure that health insurance and prescription drugs are affordable because the best medication and health coverage in the world will not help anyone if they can't afford them. prgtoken In short, this position is all about people. I expect our next Secretary of Health and Human Services to, above all, put people before politics or profits. Unfortunately, I do not have confidence that Mr. Azar will do that. prgtoken Some of my biggest concerns come in the area of prescription drugs prices--an issue that is extremely important in Michigan. I have spent a tremendous amount of time focused on that over the years, on what needs to happen. Bringing down costs for families is a very, very critical issue for so many, if not every family in Michigan. Far too many of our families are struggling to keep up with the rising cost of prescription drugs. prgtoken Take Patricia, who is 73 years old and a retired nurse. Patricia's doctor prescribed Humira for her severe rheumatoid arthritis. When she called the pharmacy, she learned the prescription would cost $1,405. Patricia told me: There is absolutely no way I can afford this amount on a monthly basis. Someone somewhere is getting extremely wealthy off of seniors. These companies should be called to task for their greed. prgtoken I agree with Patricia. prgtoken We know that Patricia is not alone in her struggling to afford her medication. Between 2008 and 2016, prices on the most popular brand name drugs rose over 208 percent--more than double in the United States. prgtoken I can tell you that the average Michigan family's income didn't double during that same time. These outrageous price increases force people in Michigan and across the country to do things we have heard so much about--split pills in half, skip doses, and even go bankrupt--just to stay on the medications they need to stay healthy or to even stay alive. These folks are spending money on prescriptions that they could be using to save for their retirements or to pay for college for their kids. That is wrong, and it needs to change. prgtoken I don't believe that
REMEMBERING REVEREND MARION BASCOM AND KONSTANTINE PREVAS
Chris Van Hollen (Democrat, MD) \u2014 2018-1-23

today I wish to recognize the 50th anniversary of the appointment of Rev. Marion Bascom and Konstantine Prevas, Esq to the Baltimore City Board of Fire Commissioners. These two men made significant contributions to the city of Baltimore and the Baltimore City Fire Department. prgtoken On January 23, 1968, Reverend Bascom was sworn in by Mayor Thomas D'Alessandro III as Baltimore City's first African-American member of the Board of Fire Commissioners. Mr. Konstantine Prevas was also sworn in that day. Reverend Bascom was a minister and fighter for social and economic equity. Mr. Prevas was an attorney, WWII veteran, and a leader of the Greek community with a long family history in the Baltimore business community. These two men may not have known about the great task that lay ahead of them, yet they both undertook each challenge and opportunity with vigor and commitment. The Baltimore City Fire Department is the beneficiary of their outstanding and tireless efforts. prgtoken Although Baltimore's fire department was desegregated in 1953 under the administration of Mayor Thomas D'Alessandro, Jr in 1968, it still had vestiges of Jim Crow. Segregation inside the firehouses and unfairness in the areas of discipline and promotions were among the issues that needed to be addressed. Commissioners Bascom and Prevas were well-suited to lead the fight against these inequalities. prgtoken Commissioner Bascom did not think that being the first African- American in leadership of Baltimore's fire department was the key to change in an institution that had a legacy of nepotism. He always credited Commissioner Prevas for being the deciding vote on a three- vote panel to move the department forward. Reverend Bascom would often say, ``Never forget the name of Konstantine Prevas. ``Gus'' Prevas was my friend. He voted with me on every issue that was of interest to Black people. If it was not for him, you still would be sitting on the Black toilet, sleeping in the Black bed, eating off the Black plate, drinking coffee out of the Black cup and washing up in the Black sink.'' prgtoken Thanks to the outstanding leadership of these two commissioners, the difficult challenges long facing the department were met with increased scrutiny and examination. The ``good old boy'' system, discrimination in assignments and promotions, bias in meting out discipline, and inequality in working and living conditions, all were finally being taken seriously. The African-American members of the department were invited to share their views of the issues that needed correction directly with the fire board. After a series of meetings, the following statement was released from an executive session of the fire board: ``The Board wishes to clearly state that it is unalterably opposed to the unwritten rule that seems to prevail in a few isolated fire houses with respect to the use of beds, toilets and other facilities. All such facilities
Funding the Government and Tax Reform (Executive Calendar)
Sherrod Brown (Democrat, OH) \u2014 2018-1-23

today, we consider the nomination of Federal Reserve Board Governor Jerome Powell to be Chair of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System, one of the most important jobs in our government. The Federal Reserve System is the central bank of the United States. It is responsible for monetary policy, ensuring the stability of the financial system and the safety and soundness of our banks. prgtoken The Federal Reserve in Washington, DC, also has 12 regions or districts around the country. One of them is located in my hometown of Cleveland. Governor Powell has been a member of the Federal Reserve Board since 2012. He supported important principles of monetary policy and critical elements of financial regulation. His track record over the past 6 years shows that he is a thoughtful policymaker. prgtoken As the Chair of the Board of Governors, he would lead the Federal Open Market Committee within the Federal Reserve. Governor Powell supports the statutory dual monetary policy goals of maximum employment and price stability--the cornerstones of a well-functioning economy. prgtoken Senator Crapo, who is joining me today, is chairman of the committee. We listened to testimony today about the nomination of another Fed Governor--not the highest position, as the Chairman of the Federal Reserve, but a Federal Reserve Governor--Mr. Goodfriend. The answers we elicited from him seemed to be, from my interpretation, that it was not clear that he has the same belief and respect for the dual mandate. The dual mandate, unlike what the Europeans do, is especially important for workers in this country. In Europe, the only charge of the central bank is to keep inflation down. In our country, the Federal Reserve, what we call our central bank, has two jobs equally balanced--the dual policy-- and that is to keep inflation down and to keep employment up. They are maximum employment and price stability, the cornerstones of a well- functioning economy. prgtoken To advance those policy goals, Governor Powell supports the Federal Reserve's current path of gradual increases in interest rates. He believes they should continue. At the same time, Governor Powell recognizes the importance of an independent Federal Reserve. That is very important. I don't want Members of Congress--with our prejudices, biases, and political ideologies--to influence or to compromise the independence of the Federal Reserve. Governor Powell recognizes that independence. He is committed to following an example of prior Federal Reserve Chairs by doing the job without a view to political outcomes. prgtoken Governor Powell played a significant role in implementing crucial reforms under Dodd-Frank. He understands the importance of the rules for stress tests, capital standards, and resolution planning. We need the Federal Reserve to make sure that those rules are applied thoroughly and consistently so that gaps or failures don't create larger risks