mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
FIRST 100 DAYS OF BROKEN PROMISES
Bill Pascrell, Jr. (Democrat, NJ) \u2014 2017-4-27

on the campaign trail, the President talked a good game on trade that appealed to working families. But now that he is President, his promises ring hollow. prgtoken He promised to stop outsourcing and shipping jobs overseas, but he issued 15 contracts since becoming President with companies that have outsourced jobs. He promised to hold China accountable and label them a currency manipulator. He reversed that pledge. prgtoken He promised to drain the swamp, but he has done just the opposite. He stacked the Cabinet with wealthy insiders; and his White House is filled with friends, family, and a stunning display of nepotism and conflicts of interest. prgtoken He said he would release his tax returns. That is a laugher. Breaking with 40 years of precedent, he has not released his taxes and claimed the American people don't care. prgtoken Seventy-four percent of Americans want to see his tax returns. And we will never know the full extent of his conflicts of interest and how he stands to enrich himself in office until we see his tax returns. prgtoken Congressional tax-writing committees can request them because they have the authority under IRC 6103, and I urge my colleagues to support this effort.
SUSTAIN THE RESISTANCE
Lloyd Doggett (Democrat, TX) \u2014 2017-4-27

this is undoubtedly the greatest 100 days of any President in human history. Give President a grade of A- plus for the greatest broken campaign promises in history; the greatest meaningless executive orders, offering showy ceremonies when a mere phone call would have done the job; certainly, the very greatest number of insulting tweets--no President in history has ever come close; the greatest conflicts of interest; the greatest embrace of authoritarian leaders; the greatest gap between reality and fantasy, unquestionably. He talks as a populist and he governs as a plutocrat. prgtoken The greatest thing about 's 100 days is that America still exists without a major war or an economic free fall. Every day we survive without a -inspired catastrophe is a great day for our country. prgtoken Sustain the resistance and remain hopeful for a -free America.
TRIBUTE TO PUNAHOU SCHOOL NATIONAL SCIENCE BOWL TEAM
Colleen Hanabusa (Democrat, HI) \u2014 2017-4-27

I rise today to celebrate Punahou School's win in the Hawaii Regional Science Bowl and for earning the opportunity to compete in the National Science Bowl for the second year in a row. prgtoken Created by the Department of Energy's Office of Science in 1991, the National Science Bowl is one of the largest and most prestigious academic competitions in the United States. Over 265,000 students have participated throughout the National Science Bowl's 26 years. This year, over 14,000 students competed for a coveted spot in the National Science Bowl. Each team completed a series of daunting hands-on challenges that tested their knowledge. This meeting of some of the brightest student minds has encouraged thousands to expand their understanding of mathematics and science and pursue careers in such fields. prgtoken This week, Punahou School will compete against 62 other high schools in the National Science Bowl. To the Punahou School team--John Winnicki, Andrew Winnicki, Anna Kimata, Deborah Wen, Conrad Newfield, and Coach Warren Huelsnitz--all the best in this year's competition. They are a great example to their peers and I wish them continued success in their education and careers. prgtoken , I am honored to represent these students and their families in the United States Congress and I know all my colleagues in the House will join me in congratulating them on competing in the National Science Bowl Finals 2017.
STATEMENTS ON INTRODUCED BILLS AND JOINT RESOLUTIONS
Ron Wyden (Democrat, OR) \u2014 2017-4-27

. . Every day, Social Security provides vital benefits to millions of Americans who worked and paid into the system. To ensure workers would receive full access to these fundamental lifeline benefits, for many years, the law protected these earned benefits from attempts to recover debts. However, 20 years ago, Congress suddenly reversed course, and made a change to the law that allowed the government to cut Social Security and other hard-earned benefit payments in order to collect student loan and other federal debts, like home loans owed to the Veterans Administration, and food stamp overpayments. Now, more and more seniors are finding themselves subject to government garnishment of their already modest Social Security benefits in order to recoup student loan debts. In fact, the New York Times published an editorial recently titled, ``Haunted by Student Debt Past Age 50'' that highlighted the worsening struggle that seniors face with student debt. prgtoken Student loan debt is becoming an increasingly serious problem in Oregon and across the Nation, with students and their families burdened by crushing student loan debt. Even in the best circumstances, many families will struggle to pay off crippling loans for years to come. However, for people who rely on benefits like Social Security after retirement, disability, or the death of a family member, making payments on student loans or other Federal debts can become an insurmountable hardship. prgtoken Because of the lifeline nature of these earned benefits, for more than 40 years the law prevented all creditors from collecting hard- earned Social Security, railroad retirement, and black lung benefits to recoup debts. The only exceptions included unpaid Federal taxes, child support or alimony payments, and court-ordered victim restitution. These protections helped ensure that our social safety net programs were functioning as intended--something I think we can all agree is essential to preserving Social Security and other earned benefits. prgtoken Astonishingly, when the law changed as part of a 1996 omnibus budget bill, these changes were never fully debated in Congress. This means Members of Congress never had the chance to really explore how this policy would affect beneficiaries. The legislation ultimately included some protections for the most vulnerable, but even those protections have not been updated in 20 years. prgtoken We now realize what a profound effect the loss of these protections has had on retirees and individuals with disabilities, who often live on fixed incomes. More and more seniors and people with disabilities are having their Social Security and other lifeline benefits taken away to pay federal debts. For example, according to a GAO report, in 2004, about 8,000 seniors were living in poverty after having their benefits garnished to recover a student debt. In 2015, over 67,000 seniors were subject to garnishment for a student
FURTHER CONTINUING APPROPRIATIONS ACT, 2017
James P. McGovern (Democrat, MA) \u2014 2017-4-28

the American Medical Association sent letters to Ryan and Minority Leader Pelosi saying that ``We are deeply concerned that the AHCA would result in millions of Americans losing their current health insurance coverage. Nothing in the'' so- called ``MacArthur amendment remedies the shortcomings of the underlying bill.'' prgtoken And then they say that, basically, this addition that the s added to the healthcare bill ``could effectively make coverage completely unaffordable for people with preexisting conditions.'' prgtoken I include in the Record the letter from the American Medical Association. American Medical Association, Chicago, IL, April 27, 2017. Hon. Paul Ryan, , House of Representatives, Washington, DC. Hon. Nancy Pelosi, ic Leader, House of Representatives, Washington, DC. Dear Ryan and Leader Pelosi: After reviewing the MacArthur Amendment to H.R. 1628, the American Health Care Act (AHCA), the American Medical Association (AMA) remains opposed to passage of this legislation. As we have previously stated, we are deeply concerned that the AHCA would result in millions of Americans losing their current health insurance coverage. Nothing in the MacArthur amendment remedies the shortcomings of the underlying bill. The amendment does not offer a clear long-term framework for stabilizing and strengthening the individual health insurance market to ensure that low and moderate income patients are able to secure affordable and adequate coverage, nor does it ensure that Medicaid and other critical safety net programs are maintained and adequately funded. The MacArthur Amendment would allow states to apply for waivers from critical consumer protections provided in the Affordable Care Act (ACA), including the age rating ratio of 3 to 1, the requirements that health insurers must cover certain essential health benefits, and the ban on health status underwriting. The current ban on health status underwriting protects individuals from being discriminated against by virtue of their medical conditions. Prior to the passage of the ACA, such individuals were routinely denied coverage and/or priced out of affordable coverage. We are particularly concerned about allowing states to waive this requirement because it will likely lead to patients losing their coverage. Although the MacArthur Amendment states that the ban on preexisting conditions remains intact, this assurance may be illusory as health status underwriting could effectively make coverage completely unaffordable to people with preexisting conditions. There is also no certainty that the requirement for states to have some kind of reinsurance or high-risk pool mechan
FURTHER CONTINUING APPROPRIATIONS ACT, 2017
Sheila Jackson Lee (Democrat, TX) \u2014 2017-4-28

as the gentleman from Massachusetts was speaking, I rushed to the floor because he was making such eloquent and important statements, and I wanted to make sure to join him on recognizing that, though we are pushing the can down the road, we know what the mindset of the administration is in terms of funding this country. As a member of the Budget Committee, we received the skinny budget, and, to my dismay, it was a budget that harmed and hurt and undermined the governance of this Nation. prgtoken I think it is important to match the Affordable Care Act with the outside needs of living and thriving in this Nation. So my Houston Housing Authority has now stopped vouchers for families in Section 8 housing for fear of not having the money. They had breaking news 2 days ago telling those families, don't show up because we have no money to house you--similar to no money and no room at the inn. prgtoken The zeroing out of the community development dollars, which ends our opportunities for parks and sidewalks and housing and fixing those hurricane roofs of senior citizens who are living in devastation from Hurricane Ike. prgtoken It is not realizing the importance of the National Endowment for the Arts or recognizing the EPA and clean air and clean water for those of us who live near the Gulf or near the border. prgtoken It is not recognizing that you are not the President of the 10 percent that may approve of what you are doing, but you are the President of the United States of America. prgtoken And then, for those who work in health care, in a meeting I just had with the National Institutes of Health, $6 billion cut. Do you realize that one of the institutes sends 88 percent of their moneys out for grants so that researchers, young scientists who live here in the United States, can thrive and provide new kinds of research?
OFFSHORE DRILLING
Maria Cantwell (Democrat, WA) \u2014 2017-4-28

President , in his attempt to deflect focus from the 100-day performance in his administration is, today, throwing a Hail Mary pass to try to allow offshore oil and natural gas drilling to take place in very protected areas of our Outer Continental Shelf. prgtoken The President's approach is unlawful and should be withdrawn before taxpayers pay any amount of money to go forward with it. He is attempting to open up coastal areas to oil and gas production, and he is touting job creation as a factor in his decision. I believe that the economic numbers revealed today show that we need to be doing more, but I doubt that this approach will be a successful approach for more American jobs. prgtoken The truth is that instead of creating new jobs, President is poised to favor sectors that will compete with the already growing and thriving industries of fishing, tourism, and recreation, and in some potential areas will also threaten defense issues where we could have a potential conflict. prgtoken The bottom line is that the BP Deepwater Horizon explosion and subsequent oil spill was a catastrophic human, economic and ecological disaster. Eleven members of the crew were killed in the explosion, and 17 others were injured. Oil spewed in the ocean for nearly 3 months, resulting in the largest oil spill disaster in the history of the United States. prgtoken In the end, the BP Horizon disaster resulted in 134 million gallons of oil spilled into the Gulf of Mexico; that is 12 times more than the Exxon Valdez tanker spill in 1989 in Alaska. prgtoken I should say that many attempts have been made by in Congress to make sure we continue to update our laws. But s have repeatedly blocked legislation that would hold polluters liable for oil spills and improve offshore safety and environmental responses. prgtoken So today it is very frustrating that the President of the United States is proposing to roll back the important safety regulations that were put in place during the administration. In fact, this book right here shows the Deepwater Horizon impact that was discussed by Members of Congress, the problems we had at the Department of Interior, and asked that these new regulations be put in place. prgtoken These regulations by the administration helped put a new regime into place after Deepwater Horizon. But now President is bringing those regulations into question, suggesting that we should roll them back. He is even questioning the new regulations on blowout preventer systems and well control, which, if my colleagues will remember, was the centerpiece of the problem with Deepwater Horizon. prgtoken The blowout preventers used had not been tested; the information was not overseen and regulated properly. So after all of that damage was outlined in this report and we made sure to implement changes, now President , in his first 100 days as the President of the United
ORDERS FOR MONDAY, MAY 1, 2017
Mitch McConnell (Republican, KY) \u2014 2017-4-28

I ask unanimous consent that when the Senate completes its business today, it adjourn until 3 p.m Monday, May 1; 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 proceed to executive session and resume consideration of the Clayton nomination as under the previous order.
42ND ANNIVERSARY OF THE END OF THE VIETNAM WAR
Doug LaMalfa (Republican, CA) \u2014 2017-4-28

this Sunday, April 30, will be the 42nd year of the conclusion of the Vietnam war. The conflict started between Communist-backed North Vietnam and the U.S.-supported Government of South Vietnam in November 1955 and went on for another 20 years. prgtoken While the motives and justification of the war were seen as controversial to many, what needs to be recognized is the service demonstrated by our brave men and women who risked their lives to do their duty asked of them. Many of them made the ultimate sacrifice. For that sacrifice, our Nation is eternally grateful. prgtoken Of the nearly 3 million Americans who served in Vietnam, 58,220 laid down their lives in that service. We can find their names forever enshrined right down the road here in Washington, D.C at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall. prgtoken Oftentimes, those who did return were not treated well or properly welcomed home for having served in a war they did not create or ask for. Finally, and thankfully, that welcoming has improved for our Vietnam veterans in recent years as we honor their service. Much still needs to be done in regard to the effects of Agent Orange and other health issues. prgtoken Of the 75 living Medal of Honor recipients, 52 earned their medal in Vietnam. In total, there were a staggering 260 soldiers awarded the Medal of Honor for heroic acts in the Vietnam war. prgtoken As we commemorate the 42nd year of the fall of Saigon and the dissatisfactory ending of the war in Vietnam this Sunday, we must be thankful for the millions who served in what seemed a thankless role then, who risked their lives in battle for freedom, and for the many still missing or those who did not make it back alive.
RECOGNIZING THE LIFE OF FALLEN SOLDIER ARMY CAPTAIN (CPT) RALPH JOHN HARTING III
Trent Kelly (Republican, MS) \u2014 2017-4-28

today I rise in memory of fallen soldier Army Captain (CPT) Ralph John Harting III, who paid the ultimate sacrifice while defending our nation on April 29, 2005, during Operation Iraqi Freedom. CPT Harting was killed when a vehicle-borne improvised explosive device was detonated by a suicide bomber as he was conducting a traffic-control-point inspection in Diyarah, Iraq. Also killed was Captain Stephen W. Frank. prgtoken CPT Harting and CPT Stephen W. Frank were among an estimated 50 people who died that day in bombings carried out by insurgents trying to disrupt the newly formed Iraqi government. CPT Harting was assigned to the 2nd Squadron, 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment, Fort Irwin, California, which was attached to the 155th Brigade Combat Team (BCT) from Mississippi. prgtoken CPT Harting was born in Pontiac, Michigan and raised in Union Lake. Jay, as he was known to family and friends, applied to all four service academies and was accepted at each one. He enrolled at the U.S. Military Academy in West Point, New York. CPT Harting graduated with a mechanical engineering degree in 1998. CPT Harting and CPT Frank were classmates in college as well as Michigan natives. prgtoken At the time of his death, CPT Harting was survived by his wife, Jennifer, a 2-year-old daughter, a 1-year-old son, and an infant son who was born shortly after his death. prgtoken When the Frank family learned of the death of their son and CPT Harting, they invited the Harting family over to share stories. ``We talked about how we wished it was us to go first,'' Sue Frank told the Detroit Free Press. ``We were glad that the boys were not alone when they died. It was a comforting conversation, and we had an immediate bonding over the most tragic thing that could happen in your life. It's good to know that the Hartings are only two miles away.'' prgtoken CPT Harting and CPT Frank are both buried at the West Point Cemetery which is on the grounds of the U.S. Military Academy in West Point, New York. prgtoken CPT Harting and CPT Frank will always be remembered for their devotion to our nation and for paying the ultimate sacrifice to protect America.
Tax Reform (Executive Session)
Orrin G. Hatch (Republican, UT) \u2014 2017-5-1

last Wednesday, the administration unveiled the outlines of a tax reform plan, and, predictably, the plan has met with both praise and scorn from the usual sectors. Regardless of where the people might come down on the specifics of the President's plan, those who have been proponents of tax reform--hopefully those from both parties--should be pleased to see the President of the United States fully engaged in this effort. prgtoken For 6 years now, I have been beating the drum on tax reform. I have sought to make the case for reform here on the floor, in public forums and events, and in private conversations, and I haven't been alone. Indeed, Members from both parties have acknowledged the need to fix our broken tax system and have sought to move the ball forward on reform. prgtoken One thing I have said throughout this endeavor is that tax reform, if it is going to be successful, will require Presidential leadership, and that was not a political statement on my part. With those statements, I wasn't simply calling for the election of a President; on the contrary, I repeatedly implored President to engage with Congress on tax reform but really to no avail. prgtoken As of now, we finally have a President who is willing to lead in this effort. Once again, regardless of where anyone stands with regard to this President or the specifics of his tax plan, the fact that he is willing to meaningfully engage with Congress and the public on these issues should be viewed as a welcome sign for all tax reform advocates, regardless of their party affiliation. prgtoken With regard to the specifics of the outline, I believe the President has laid out a set of critical core principles that should hopefully serve as guideposts as the effort moves forward. Most importantly, the plan is designed, first and foremost, to grow the economy, and it would certainly do that. prgtoken In addition, the plan would greatly simplify the Tax Code to make it fairer, particularly for individuals and families, which has been a shared goal of tax reformers from both parties and from both sides of the aisle. For instance, over two-thirds of taxpayers take the standard deduction. Those taxpayers tend to be concentrated in the middle and lower income brackets. Under the President's plan, married couples would see the standard deduction doubled, so that they would not pay taxes on the first $24,000 of income. It would reduce rates for both large and small businesses and job creators, which is also something both s and have sought to accomplish in tax reform. prgtoken Overall, the President's tax plan would make our country more competitive in the international marketplace and reduce the tax burden on millions of middle-class families. prgtoken Clearly, as the effort moves forward, Congress and the administration will have to fill in the specifics. We will need to see how the numbers work out and wh