mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
RECOGNIZING STAFF SERGEANT RICHARD B. HUNTER ON RECEIVING THE AIR FORCE CROSS
Matt Gaetz (Republican, FL) \u2014 2017-10-16

it is my privilege to pay tribute to Staff Sergeant Richard B. Hunter upon being awarded the Air Force Cross, the second highest military decoration that may be awarded to a member of the United States Air Force. prgtoken While deployed as a combat controller in November 2016, Staff Sergeant Hunter heroically and without regard for his personal safety, maximized effects on the battlefield by integrating air assets, employing precision fires, and protecting the wounded with his own body, saving the lives of his teammates. prgtoken As friendly forces entered the village, they were ambushed by heavy machine gun fire from insurgents. Staff Sergeant Hunter immediately identified the enemy locations and directed multiple ``danger-close'' strikes so close the team was blasted by dirt. prgtoken While under enemy fire, Staff Sergeant Hunter shielded the wounded with his body and provided suppressing fire with his rifle. Simultaneously, he coordinated close air support missions, deconflicted airspace, and maximized fire support from the overhead gunships. prgtoken While attempting to maneuver out of the kill zone, Staff Sergeant Hunter continued to accurately direct ``danger-close'' engagements on the massing enemy forces. Due to the smoke being so thick the team couldn't see, Sergeant Hunter used the overhead aircraft to direct them through the village. prgtoken At great risk to his life, Staff Sergeant Hunter acted to protect and recover his wounded teammates. While under heavy fire, he was able to direct air strikes via a radio in one hand, and use the other to drag the wounded to safety. prgtoken Staff Sergeant Hunter controlled 31 ``danger-close'' missions resulting in an estimated 27 enemies eliminated and 3 vehicles destroyed, with the closest precision strike 9 feet away. prgtoken The courage shown by this dedicated Special Tactics Combat Controller is a true testament of his character. Staff Sergeant Hunter has displayed selfless commitment to service and sacrifice. prgtoken The exceptional skill that Staff Sergeant Hunter demonstrated resulted in 57 total lives saved. Through his extraordinary heroism, superb airmanship, and aggressiveness in the face of the enemy, Staff Sergeant Hunter reflected the highest credit upon himself and the United States Air Force. prgtoken The entire Northwest Florida community is immensely proud of our District's tradition of military service and support for all those who bravely serve our Nation. prgtoken On behalf of the United States Congress, it is a true honor to recognize Staff Sergeant Richard B. Hunter upon this most notable distinction. prgtoken He is truly a remarkable man, and I thank him for his selfless service to his country.
ORDERS FOR TUESDAY, OCTOBER 17, 2017
Mitch McConnell (Republican, KY) \u2014 2017-10-16

I ask unanimous consent that when the Senate completes its business today, it adjourn until 10 a.m Tuesday, October 17; 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; further, that following leader remarks, the Senate proceed to executive session and resume consideration of the Trachtenberg nomination under the previous order; finally, that the Senate recess from 12:30 p.m. until 2:15 p.m. to allow for the weekly conference meetings.
TRIBUTE TO DAN KNUTSON
John Thune (Republican, SD) \u2014 2017-10-16

today I recognize Dan Knutson, an intern in my Washington, DC, office, for all of the hard work he has done for me, my staff, and the State of South Dakota. prgtoken Dan is a graduate of Lincoln High School in Sioux Falls, SD, and a recent graduate of Augustana University, having earned a degree in psychology. He is a dedicated worker who has been committed to getting the most out of his experience. prgtoken I extend my sincere thanks and appreciation to Dan Knutson for all of the fine work he has done and wish him continued success in the years to come.
RECOGNIZING THE ANNUAL SURRENDER DAY IN SCHUYLERVILLE
Elise M. Stefanik (Republican, NY) \u2014 2017-10-16

I rise today to honor and recognize Annual Surrender Day in Schuylerville, New York, a day that commemorates the surrender of British General John Burgoyne to the colonial army following the Battle of Saratoga. prgtoken The Battle at Saratoga, fought in October 1777, marked a crucial win for the Americans that is considered the turning point leading to victory in the Revolutionary War. After a failed campaign through the Adirondack region of New York, General Burgoyne found his army surrounded by American forces and retreated to Saratoga where he surrendered his entire army to American General Horatio Gates. The surrender at Saratoga not only bolstered American morale in the north, but also served as a deciding factor in bringing active French support to the American cause. prgtoken The residents of the Saratoga region celebrate this historic day with a reenactment of the famous battle, music from local students and musicians, and other Revolutionary War related festivities. We are proud that the 21st District of New York can commemorate this important event in American history
Tax Reform and the Budget (Executive Session)
John Cornyn (Republican, TX) \u2014 2017-10-16

today I want to talk to you about time and how little of it we have to accomplish two incredibly important legislative priorities, one that is national in scope and potentially historic in impact. The first of those priorities is tax reform. We have a target date on the calendar, and now the clock is ticking. We have to get to work. prgtoken The budget resolution that we will consider this week sets November 13 as our deadline for the Finance Committee to report a bill, and of course the distinguished chairman of the Finance Committee, Senator Hatch, is on the floor, and that is a commitment I know he takes very seriously. prgtoken This bill, I hope, will broadly cut taxes on individuals and businesses alike and put more money in the pockets of working families across the country. What I like most about the plan I have seen so far is that it is bold. We are not trimming a little here and a tiny bit there. We are slashing rates, consolidating brackets, and eliminating pet credits and deductions. This is not JV tax reform. This is tax reform that is serious and based upon our commitment to get the economy growing again. prgtoken Two weeks ago, the House approved its version of the resolution, and the Senate Budget Committee reported out its version. Now the Senate will consider the committee's resolution in the coming days. Why do we need that budget resolution? How is this all going to work? prgtoken Well, these resolutions from each Chamber are the first step in passing pro-growth tax reform. They authorize the use of a tool called budget reconciliation. That means when the tax reform legislation is considered, it can't be stopped by less than a majority of the Senate. Of course, this isn't our first choice. prgtoken I wish our colleagues across the aisle, our ic friends, would join us in bipartisan tax reform, but passing a budget resolution in the Senate is a must because this is something we can hold in reserve if our friends across the aisle simply refuse to participate in the process of pro-growth tax reform. It is a key procedural step because we have to fundamentally change the Tax Code before the end of the year. prgtoken How well our economy does next year, how many jobs are created, and how much investment occurs here in the United States will depend largely upon our success in passing pro-growth tax reform this year. The clock is ticking, and we have to act with dispatch and with determination. prgtoken As the President said last week in Pennsylvania, ``we want lower taxes, bigger paychecks, and more jobs for . . . American workers.'' He is absolutely right. Lower taxes, bigger paychecks, and more jobs are the things we all ought to want, and they are worth the fight. prgtoken Under this administration we are already seeing results. The economy is bouncing back. Unemployment is at a 16-year low. Wages are rising and the stock market is soaring. The slumbering giant, which is
HONORING THE SHAVERTOWN VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT MEDAL OF VALOR RECIPIENTS
Lou Barletta (Republican, PA) \u2014 2017-10-16

it is with great pride that I honor the first responders of the Shavertown Volunteer Fire Department, who are being presented with Medals of Valor for their selfless acts to rescue Iilou Warmouth earlier this year during a terrible house fire. prgtoken On the night of July 4, 2017, the Shavertown Volunteer Fire Department received reports of a massive fire consuming two homes in the nearby Dallas Borough. After arriving at the scene, the firefighters discovered that Mrs. Warmouth was trapped in one of the burning buildings. prgtoken Firefighter Keith Rinehimer found Mrs. Warmouth, selflessly running into the flames to save her. During the rescue, his face mask malfunctioned, forcing him to inhale smoke, but he continued to push on. As he helped carry Mrs. Warmouth through the fire, he was forced to remove his gloves to help carry her, receiving severe burns on both hands. prgtoken Firefighter Ted Sherrill helped Keith Rinehimer move Mrs. Warmouth from the bedroom, through smoke and flames, to the kitchen where they were met by Assistant Chief Erik Sowga, Captain David Rinehimer, and firefighter John Berti. Together, they decided to exit the building through the front door, in order to get Mrs. Warmouth life-saving medical attention as quickly as possible, despite the fact that it was consumed by fire with temperatures reaching 800 degrees. prgtoken Mrs. Warmouth was taken to the Geisinger Trauma Center immediately for treatment, while Keith Rinehimer was treated for burns on both hands, as well as smoke inhalation, and all other first responders on scene were treated for heat exhaustion. Thankfully, Mrs. Warmouth has made a full recovery and all members of the Shavertown Volunteer Fire Department have already returned to serving their communities. prgtoken Assistant Chief Erik Sowga, Captain David Rinehimer, and firefighters Keith Rinehimer, Ted Sherrill, and John Berti all went above and beyond the call of duty that Independence Day. Their selfless and courageous acts saved the life of Mrs. Warmouth, and for that they are more than deserving of the Medals of Valor they are being presented with. prgtoken , please join me in honoring these true American heroes of the Shavertown Volunteer Fire Department.
NATIONAL FOREST PRODUCTS WEEK
John Boozman (Republican, AR) \u2014 2017-10-16

in support of National Forest Products Week and in my role as a cochair of the Senate Paper and Packaging Caucus, I would like to recognize the almost 20,000 hard-working men and women employed by the forest products industry in the great State of Arkansas. prgtoken Arkansas is home to over 90 wood products, paper, and packaging manufacturing facilities that make over $8 billion in products annually and contribute over $1.2 billion to the State and local economies through wages and compensation. prgtoken The forest products industry plays a valuable role in the life of every American, every day. From paper and packaging to wood products, tissue, and other personal care items, paper and wood products are at the heart of modern life and a modern economy. In total, the industry employs about 900,000 Americans nationwide and manufactures over $280 billion in products every year. That is nearly 4 percent of the current U.S. manufacturing GDP. prgtoken In addition to cochairing the Paper and Packaging Caucus, I am also a cochair of the Senate Recycling Caucus. In this dual capacity, I have seen the success the forest products industry has had in pairing economic growth with respect for the environment. Be it through the use of carbon-neutral biomass energy or the successful implementation of voluntary recycling programs that now reach 96 percent of Americans, the forest products industry is leading by example. prgtoken Last year, I had the opportunity to see firsthand how the forest industry contributes to the economy of my State. Congressman Bruce Westerman and I visited timber-rich south Arkansas on our ``Seed to Sawmill'' tour. We learned about proper forest management and the positive environmental impacts achieved through conservation efforts. We also visited a seedling nursery, working private forests, state-of- the art processing facilities, and the U.S. Forest Service's Experimental Forest in Crossett. prgtoken It is clear that the forest products industry contributes a great deal to Arkansas and to the U.S. economy overall. That is why it is important for us to highlight how forest products improve our lives, help grow our economy, and promote healthy environmental practices. prgtoken I urge my colleagues to join me in celebrating National Forest Products Week and reflect on the many ways this recyclable and renewable resource impacts our daily lives for the better. Thank you for the opportunity to recognize the hard-working professionals of the forest products industry in the great State of Arkansas.
KEITH SWERDFEGER TRIBUTE
Scott R. Tipton (Republican, CO) \u2014 2017-10-16

I rise today to honor Mr. Keith Swerdfeger of Pueblo, Colorado, who has been honored with the Lifetime Business Achievement Award from the Colorado State University--Pueblo. prgtoken Keith Swerdfeger was born and raised in Pueblo, Colorado, and has had a lifelong passion to start a business and make a contribution to his hometown. In 1968, Keith realized his dream of becoming a business owner, opening Swerdfeger Construction, Inc. with his wife Sharon. This was the beginning of a very successful business venture. Today, Swerdfeger Construction, Inc. is a vital part of Pueblo's economy as well as in southern Colorado and six other states, employing up to 500 people. Keith readily gives all of the credit to his employees for his company's success, while continuing to strive to create more jobs and opportunities. prgtoken Keith is passionate about investing in the Pueblo community and firmly believes that part of his company's success has come as the result of the work he, his family and employees have done to give back. Keith has been very active with the Pueblo Economic Development Corporation, Pueblo County United Way, the Colorado Contractors, the Distribution Contractor Association, the Greater Pueblo Chamber of Commerce and other civic and industry associations. Keith represented Colorado House of Representatives District 47 from 2011 to 2013 where he served on the Economic and Business Development Committee, the Finance Committee and the Local Government Committee. He was a strong advocate for his District and the community of Pueblo and worked diligently to bring jobs and economic opportunities to the people of southern Colorado. prgtoken , Keith Swerdfeger has been a long-time business leader and tireless civic volunteer for his hometown of Pueblo, Colorado. I'm fortunate to consider him a dear friend. When we tell younger generations of Puebloans that the keys to a successful life are dedication and a strong work ethic, we can point to Keith as an example. Pueblo is grateful to have Keith Swerdfeger as one of its sons.
Introductory Statement on S. 1974
Jeff Flake (Republican, AZ) \u2014 2017-10-17

I rise to speak on the much needed topic of tax reform. The high rates and complicated nature of the current Tax Code are burdening individual taxpayers and making businesses less competitive in the global market. That simply has to change. It has been more than 30 years since we have passed major tax reform, and we are well past time. prgtoken Unfortunately, I recently learned of a serious threat to reforming the Tax Code called alpacas. Now, what do these cute, mild-mannered pets have to do with Federal tax policy? Earlier this year, I issued an oversight report entitled ``Tax Rackets: Outlandish Loopholes to Lower Tax Liabilities.'' That report demonstrated how clever accounting allows nearly anything imaginable to become a writeoff, including alpacas. prgtoken To illustrate the point, the report outlined how local and Federal tax bills can be sheared by claiming exotic pets--these exotic pets--as livestock and turning backyards into barnyards. That is when the fur really started to fly. prgtoken Alpaca owners associations that once brazenly touted this tax fleece as a key selling point for the animals now feigned outrage at the suggestion. The association tried to pull the wool over the eyes of taxpayers by retaining a professional PR consultant. They launched a media campaign, inundating my office and others with phone calls, social media messages, and letters with photos of alpacas. prgtoken Through slick reporting and aggressive lobbying, tax-subsidized alpaca ownership was somehow presented as a bulwark of small business and a flourishing middle class. If this mere mention of a tax break costing $10 million annually and enjoyed by relatively few taxpayers elicited such an outmeasured and aggressive response, imagine the backlash we will face when we are attempting to actually eliminate tax preferences benefiting powerful corporations and special interests to the tune of billions of dollars. prgtoken There are over 200 loopholes buried throughout the Tax Code that collectively cost $123 trillion annually. Again, there are over 200 loopholes buried throughout the Tax Code that collectively cost $1.23 trillion annually. This exceeds the total amount spent annually by the Federal Government for all discretionary programs, which includes defense, education, transportation, foreign aid, and protecting the environment. prgtoken These exemptions increase the bill for the average taxpayer. They also make the Tax Code so complicated that most individuals have to hire a tax professional or buy software to help complete their tax returns. prgtoken At more than 74,000 pages in length, no one--not even those in Washington who write the laws or enforce them--truly understands Federal tax law. Special interests are taking advantage of this confusion by hiring armies of accountants and Washington lobbyists to dodge taxes and cash in on the complexity of the code. For example, developers are claiming--th
CONCURRENT RESOLUTION ON THE BUDGET, FISCAL YEAR 2018--Continued
Chuck Grassley (Republican, IA) \u2014 2017-10-17

before I read from my remarks, I would like to make the point that I get the impression that what some Members of the other political party--but more often editorials and think tanks--believe and want the public to believe is that there is actually a tax bill produced by the tax-writing committees of the Congress, something that is very definitive in what it does to the tax policy. I want to make clear that there is no such document. All we have so far is what is called a framework agreed to by the leaders of the two tax- writing committees and the Treasury Department and the leaders of the House and the Senate. You cannot draw conclusions about who is going to pay what taxes just from the framework. prgtoken I will get into real detail on this, but the other thing I would like to make clear is the fact that there are a lot of people drawing conclusions about who is going to get tax benefits and who is going to be hurt as a result of all this information that is out there, from which no one can draw conclusions because there isn't any bill before the Congress at this point. There will be in a matter of weeks. prgtoken The budget that we are debating this week paves the way for fundamental tax reform. For more than a decade, both sides of the aisle have talked about the need for tax reform that provides tax simplification, tax fairness, and gives us the ability to increase our economic competitiveness so that we can grow the economy. prgtoken Under President , we had a bipartisan tax reform panel. Under President , we had the bipartisan Simpson-Bowles Commission. We have had individual Members also authoring tax plans, including a bipartisan bill authored by Finance Committee Ranking Member Wyden, the Senator from Oregon, and former Senator Coats, then representing the State of Indiana. prgtoken In addition to these high-profile plans that have been out there over the years, the Senate Finance Committee has also had countless tax reform hearings over this extended period. The prgtoken committee also held a series of bipartisan options papers discussions under then-Chairman Baucus. Additionally, under Chairman Hatch, we had bipartisan tax reform working groups. All of this work over the years has laid the foundation and informed the unified framework released by the Big 6. That is the framework I previously referred to. prgtoken The influence of these prior discussions and proposals on the Big 6 framework is evident. In other words, all of that work that has gone on over the years in different environs is bearing fruit now in getting a consensus of what we ought to do in a broad way of moving forward on tax simplification, tax reform, and tax cuts. prgtoken The framework is nothing but a framework and will be filled in with details by the tax-writing committees. It is at that point that any think tank, any Member of the other political party, any Member of our political party, any
ARMS SALES NOTIFICATION
Bob Corker (Republican, TN) \u2014 2017-10-17

section 36(b) of the Arms Export Control Act requires that Congress receive prior notification of certain proposed arms sales as defined by that statute. Upon such such notification, the Congress has 30 calendar days during which the sale may be reviewed. The provision stipulates that, in the Senate, the notification of proposed sales shall be sent to the chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. prgtoken In keeping with the committee's intention to see that relevant information is available to the full Senate, I ask unanimous consent to have printed in the Record the notifications which have been received. If the cover letter references a classified annex, then such annex is available to all Senators in the office of the Foreign Relations Committee, room SD-423.