mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
Immigration and Customs Enforcement (Executive Session)
David Perdue (Republican, GA) \u2014 2018-7-11

I rise to talk about my opposition to the section 232 motion which will be voted on later today. prgtoken I have utmost respect for my colleagues who are bringing this motion. I totally understand their logic, and I respect their point of view on this and many other issues. One of the great things about this deliberative body is that we deliberate. Unfortunately, I just don't understand why this body continues to try to tie the hands of this President at every turn. prgtoken We all know that enacting tariffs on imports is not the goal here. This prgtoken President is committed to creating a more level playing field for our workers and our companies here at home that compete on the unlevel playing field which exists in the trade world we know of today. We need to give this President, and every future President, frankly, room to negotiate. prgtoken The 1962 Trade Expansion Act was passed by Congress to give the executive branch the authority and flexibility to negotiate on trade. It was this authority that paved the way for negotiations on the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade--GATT--which helped reduce global trade barriers. prgtoken Most of my career, I have dealt within the GATT restrictions and opportunities we have to trade across borders internationally. I think, more than anybody else in this body, I have actually transacted products across borders internationally. I am very concerned, in this era of entrenchment in Congress, where we are so paralyzed that we can't even fulfill our most basic constitutional function of funding the government on time--which we have only done four times in 44 years--in that environment, if we get the authority on trade back, that we will not be able to even hold a vote and have a debate and will hamstring any administration's negotiating efforts. prgtoken Credibility in negotiating trade terms is absolutely critical. Imagine a head of state in another part of the world dealing with our head of state, knowing that before he can make any deal, he has to wait on us in this body to act. I have been waiting 3 years to see this body act on healthcare. We haven't been able to find a way to even solve one of the most near crises we all know exists today. So imagine what a world would look like if we are trying to do that in the trade environment. prgtoken Like me, President is an outsider to this political process. He is a business guy who has seen the impact of unfair trade practices in the real world. For years, he has seen how America has often been treated unfairly when it comes to trade. I know, and most people who have traded internationally in the last four decades know, these rules were written by us. We wrote these rules. It created an unlevel playing field that allowed the rest of the world to develop, but guess what. In the last 40 years, we have seen global poverty be reduced by almost two-thirds, while our poverty rate in the United States, si
Introductory Statement on S. 3197
Susan M. Collins (Republican, ME) \u2014 2018-7-11

Ensuring that more Americans are better prepared financially for retirement is one of my top priorities. prgtoken That is why I rise today to introduce the SIMPLE Plan Modernization Act with my colleague from Virginia, Senator Mark Warner. Our legislation will provide greater flexibility and access to both employees and their employers seeking to utilize the popular SIMPLE plans as an option for saving for retirement. prgtoken According to the non-partisan Center for Retirement Research, there is an estimated $7.7 trillion gap between the savings American households need to maintain their standard of living in retirement and what they actually have. A recent Gallup poll found that only 51 percent of working Americans believe that they will have enough money to live comfortably in retirement. Though this is the highest percentage of confidence in nearly a decade, we must continue to work to ensure that even more Americans will have the resources they need to enjoy their ``golden years.'' prgtoken Another contributing factor is that employees of small businesses are much less likely to participate in employer-based retirement plans. According to a study by the PEW Charitable Trusts, roughly 30 million U.S. private-sector full-time workers continue to lack access to a work-based plan to save for retirement. prgtoken SIMPLE retirement plans were established in 1996 to encourage small businesses to provide their employees with retirement plans that are less costly and easier to navigate. A business with 100 or fewer employees can create a SIMPLE retirement savings account so long as it does not offer another employer-sponsored retirement plan. prgtoken The SIMPLE Plan Modernization Act would help to expand access to SIMPLE plans by increasing the contribution limit for most small businesses. This would achieve two important goals, : first, it would encourage more small businesses to offer a retirement savings benefit to their employees; and second, it would allow employees of small businesses to save even more for retirement each year on a tax-deferred basis. prgtoken This legislation is a win-win proposition for retirement security. There are many small employers that simply cannot afford a 401(k) plan. For them, this legislation would provide enhanced savings opportunities. At the same time, the legislation is carefully constructed to prevent employers with a 401(k) plan from dropping that plan to adopt a SIMPLE plan. And the legislation preserves strong incentives for small businesses that become more successful to move from a SIMPLE plan to a 401(k) plan. We believe our approach will encourage businesses and their employees to take steps to save for retirement, and eventually move towards a more substantial retirement package, like a 401(k) plan. prgtoken In my home state of Maine, the vast majority of businesses are eligible to sign their employees up for SIMPLE Plans. Financial adv
CELEBRATING THE LIFE OF DR. ASAHEL ``ASH'' E. HAYES
Darrell Issa (Republican, CA) \u2014 2018-7-11

I rise to recognize and celebrate the life and accomplishments of Dr. Asahel ``Ash'' E. Hayes, who passed away in California on July 10, 2018. prgtoken Ash dedicated 60 years of his abundant life to the fitness industry and inspired many others to develop a love and appreciation for exercise. prgtoken He was appointed to the President's Council on Physical Fitness and Sports by presidents Gerald Ford and Ronald Reagan. Ash served as a member of the Board of Directors of the American Council on Exercise since its inception, and continued on the Board serving as emeritus historian. prgtoken For decades, Ash served in leadership roles on local boards and committees, including the U.S. Olympics Committee, the San Diego Unified School District, the IDEA Foundation, and at his alma mater, the University of California, Los Angeles. prgtoken His lifelong advocacy of physical fitness and health continued to be recognized throughout his life. In 2007, Ash was honored with the San Diego State Alumni Association's Distinguished Alumni Service Award. And in 2009, he received the President's Council on Physical Fitness and Sports Lifetime Achievement Award. These accolades reflect Ash's strong dedication to the bettering of our community. He was a wise mentor, a supportive teacher, and most importantly, he instilled others with passion. prgtoken My deepest sympathies and prayers go to his wife Juanita and their family. While we mourn the loss of a great husband, father, mentor, and much more, we can find joy in the fact that Ash's legacy will continue to enrich the lives of generations to come.
AMERICANS BELIEVE NEWS IS BIASED
Lamar Smith (Republican, TX) \u2014 2018-7-11

Gallup recently polled Americans on their perceptions of bias, inaccuracy, and misinformation in news reporting. Their survey found: prgtoken Sixty-two percent said the news they read in newspapers, see on television, or hear on the radio is biased; prgtoken Forty-four percent believe the news they read in newspapers, see on television, or hear on the radio is inaccurate; prgtoken More than a third described the news they see on these channels as misinformation--false or inaccurate information that is presented as if it were true. In other words, fake news. prgtoken The same poll found 8 out of 10 adults feel angry or bothered by seeing biased information. prgtoken It is obvious that the news media have abandoned objective, fact- based reporting and are instead promoting a liberal agenda. Their news reports only tell one side of the story: their side. Until the news media returns to objective reporting, Americans will continue to view them skeptically.
Nomination of Brett Kavanaugh (Executive Session)
Chuck Grassley (Republican, IA) \u2014 2018-7-11

I am pleased the Senate is considering Brian Benczkowski to serve as the Assistant Attorney General for the Criminal Division. This is a critical position at the Department of Justice and its extended vacancy has hindered the agency's effectiveness. Mr. Benczkowski has the experience and qualifications to lead the Criminal Division. I am proud to support his nomination on the floor today. prgtoken Mr. Benczkowski was nominated 400 days ago. The Judiciary Committee held his confirmation hearing nearly a year ago. A fully staffed and well-functioning Criminal Division is vitally important to the Department of Justice's mission. prgtoken Over a dozen former U.S. Attorneys, from both the and administrations, support his nomination. They wrote that the head of the criminal division is ``the nerve center of federal prosecution, and the absence of a confirmed occupant can diminish the effectiveness of our law enforcement program throughout the country.'' prgtoken The former prosecutors went on to state: ``Those of us who know Brian recognize that he is the right person to provide that leadership and to be a strong and effective partner with the United States Attorneys' Offices.'' prgtoken Mr. Benczkowski already has an impressive legal career. He previously served as the staff director on the Senate Judiciary Committee from 2009-2010. prgtoken He also served as a counsel on the House Judiciary Committee. Before that time, he worked on the Senate Budget Committee and served as a counsel to Senator Domenici for 4 years. prgtoken Mr. Benczkowski excelled as a leader during his time on the Judiciary Committee. During his time as staff director, he was instrumental in passing the Fair Sentencing Act. This law reduced the disparity in federal criminal sentencing between crack and powder cocaine. His leadership was instrumental prgtoken in several pieces of bipartisan legislation, including the Crime Victims Fund Preservation Act of 2009, the Secure and Responsible Drug Disposal Act of 2009, the Judicial Survivors Protection Act of 2009, and the Combat Meth Enhancement Act of 2009. prgtoken Mr. Benczkowski also served in several different roles at the Department of Justice. In 2008, he became the chief of staff to the Attorney General and the Deputy Attorney General. He also served as the chief of staff to the ATF. In total, he held five senior leadership positions in different divisions in the Department of Justice, working with components and law enforcement agencies across the Department. prgtoken During Mr. Benczkowski's decade in the private sector, he gained extensive litigation management experience that will serve him well as he oversees the Criminal Division. prgtoken Some of my colleagues on the other side of the aisle have said they will not support his nomination because he allegedly lacks experience. They say this because Mr. Benczkowski was never a prosecutor. prgtoken But the hea
LAKE OKEECHOBEE
Brian J. Mast (Republican, FL) \u2014 2018-7-11

I would like to ask a question of this body. I would like every Member of this body to think about this: What would you do if one of your neighbors each and every day was taking their garbage and throwing it over your fence into your yard? What would you do if that were the case? prgtoken In the case of my community, it is not just the garbage of neighboring communities that enters its way into our community, it is toxic water pollution. prgtoken So if somebody throwing garbage over your fence would infuriate you as an individual, then I would ask you to imagine how you would feel if your neighbor was knowingly poisoning the kids in your backyard, your children? prgtoken I don't think that I know of words. I don't think I know of a four- letter word that would describe this for me. I don't know of an emoji that I could text anybody. I don't know an emotion that I could use to adequately describe the feeling of having my community poisoned, knowingly and willingly, year after year after year. prgtoken Now, the World Health Organization says that any amount greater than 10 parts per billion microcystin algae is poison for humans and that it causes everything from nausea to liver disease. That is a pretty broad spectrum. prgtoken The Florida Department of Environmental Protection just reported that the level released into our waters is more than 150 parts per billion. prgtoken Let me say that one more time. prgtoken The World Health Organization said that anything greater than 10 parts per billion is poison. The water being released into my community that plays no role in producing this toxic water is being exposed to water that is more than 150 parts per billion, 15 times what is considered harmful to human health. prgtoken The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is planning to resume its poisoning operations later this week. As a result of that, I would like to ask three things: prgtoken Number one, to the Department of Defense, who is currently conducting a systemwide review of its policies: Do not release one more drop of this poison water into my community, into Florida's Treasure Coast, into the epicenter of population for hundreds of thousands of people. Our community did not create the problem or the conditions leading to this poison, and we must not be forced to have the health of each of our citizens put at risk as a result of someone else's garbage being thrown into our yard--or, rather, by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers releasing it into our backyard. prgtoken Number two, I would ask this of our President: The situation has resulted in a state of emergency in years past, and the Governor has already declared a state of emergency for Florida and a number of counties, including for Martin and St. Lucie Counties. I call for a Federal state of emergency to be declared right now. prgtoken I also ask this. Previous administrations had this request come before them, and those administrations did nothing. I would ask
National Flood Insurance Program (Executive Session)
Richard C. Shelby (Republican, AL) \u2014 2018-7-11

before we vote this morning, I want to express my support for the appointment of conferees and my belief that this is yet another encouraging sign of a return to regular order in the appropriations process. prgtoken The package of appropriations bills that will be conferenced with the House received overwhelming bipartisan support in the Senate. This broad agreement was facilitated by a concerted effort by both parties to prevent partisan riders from poisoning the well. Thus far, we have been able to translate bipartisan cooperation among members of the Appropriations Committee into success on the Senate floor. prgtoken At this time, I want to recognize and to commend the continued efforts of the committee members in the process, especially the and ic managers of this package. In particular, I want to thank Vice Chairman Leahy for his strong partnership in this effort and Senator Alexander, who is here on the floor, who has guided this process and will chair the conference committee. prgtoken We will continue to consolidate critical mass for a return to regular order, but we still have a long way to go. This is another step in the right direction. Senator Alexander, Vice Chairman Leahy, and I will have a strong slate of conferees joining us. On the side, it will be Senators Boozman, Daines, and Lankford. On the ic side, it will be Senators Feinstein, Schatz, and Murphy. prgtoken Our objective will be to build upon the momentum we have generated in the Senate by urging the same type of bipartisan cooperation in the conference. We will aim to return to the Senate floor--hopefully, sooner than later--with a conference report that reflects bipartisan agreement and merits the support of our colleagues. prgtoken It is, I believe, the right thing to do for the American people. Whatever partisan fights may ensue in the coming weeks, I believe the appropriations process should not suffer those wounds, and we should continue our hope and work. Thus far, it has been immune from such a fate. It is my hope that we can continue on that path. That will be our goal in this conference committee. I hope others will join us. prgtoken . prgtoken .
CELEBRATING THE CLINTON COUNTY FAIR'S 70TH YEAR
Elise M. Stefanik (Republican, NY) \u2014 2018-7-11

I rise today in honor of the Clinton County Fair's 70th celebration. prgtoken Since its debut in 1948, what was then the Clinton County Agricultural and Industrial Fair has been known for showcasing Clinton County's agricultural industry. For 70 years, the Clinton County Fair has provided the surrounding community with a family-friendly environment filled with attractions while exposing all of its attendees to the world of agriculture. Each summer, the fair welcomes community members to a variety of exciting exhibits and showcases all that the county's farmers and manufacturers have to offer. Attendees can experience livestock shows and demonstrations, a demolition derby, wildlife exhibits and more throughout the six-day celebration of the county's agricultural and industrial achievements. prgtoken On behalf of New York's 21st District, I would like to congratulate the Clinton County Fair and its board on 70 years of honoring Clinton County agriculture, and join the residents of Clinton County in celebrating the important role that agriculture plays in their daily lives.
Doug Collins (Republican, GA) \u2014 2018-7-11

I am pleased to bring this rule forward on behalf of the Rules Committee. The rule provides for consideration of H.R. 50, the Unfunded Mandates Information and Transparency Act, and also H.R. 3281, the Reclamation Title Transfer and Non-Federal Infrastructure Incentivization Act. prgtoken The rule provides for 1 hour of debate for each bill, equally divided by the chair and ranking member of the Oversight and Government Reform Committee and the Natural Resources Committee, respectively. It also provides for a motion to recommit for each bill. prgtoken Last night, the Rules Committee had the opportunity to hear from the sponsor of H.R. 3281, Mr. Lamborn from Colorado, about his bill and its importance for improving the management of water and water-related facilities. We also heard from my friend and a former Rules Committee member, Chairwoman Virginia Foxx, on H.R. 50, which she introduced. prgtoken , both of these bills are, at their core, about promoting effective government and enhancing the cooperation and collaboration between the government and non-Federal entities. prgtoken The Federal Government has its hands in a lot of things. That is not always a bad thing, but we see far too many instances where Federal involvement does more harm than good. That is why s in this Chamber are committed to reining in the Federal Government where it needs to be reined in, to increasing its efficiency and transparency, and to giving the American people a louder voice in the decisions that impact them. prgtoken H.R. 3281, the Reclamation Title Transfer and Non-Federal Infrastructure Incentivization Act, empowers water users and seeks to reduce the administrative paperwork and liability Federal taxpayers bear by streamlining the process through which some Bureau of Reclamation projects are transferred to non-Federal entities. prgtoken Today, the Bureau of Reclamation is the Nation's largest wholesale water supplier, providing one out of five Western farmers with irrigation water and delivering trillions of gallons to people annually. prgtoken Under the current law, the BOR is allowed to transfer day-to-day operational and maintenance responsibilities to project beneficiaries, but the Bureau cannot transfer title or ownership of any of these facilities unless prgtoken Congress specifically enacts legislation authorizing such a transfer. prgtoken This legislation recognizes that Federal bureaucracy is not doing any favors for water users or for aging infrastructure projects. That is why this bill focuses on empowering local water users and incentivizing non-Federal investment in water infrastructure. This bill helps reduce regulatory paperwork and the Federal backlog on water infrastructure repair, while increasing efficiencies for water users. prgtoken Where Congress can streamline Federal operations and increase local control to the benefit of taxpayers and end users, we should act. H.R. 3281 is a step toward ac
CROOKED RIVER RANCH FIRE PROTECTION ACT
Raúl M. Grijalva (Democrat, AZ) \u2014 2018-7-11

such time as I may consume. prgtoken , the Crooked River Ranch Fire Protection Act removes 830 acres from the wilderness study area in central Oregon. The land is adjacent to a rural subdivision, and its removal from WSA will arguably make it easier for the local community and the BLM to plan wildfire mitigation projects. prgtoken While we take issue with the point that the WSA designation limits mechanical thinning and other necessary forest treatments, the area is not suitable for wilderness designation, and the release from the WSA makes sense. prgtoken However, we still have concerns with this bill, because it ignores the collaborative process that was trying to develop a comprehensive plan for the entire area. That plan would have led to lasting conservation gains by designating wilderness and would have done even more to protect the community from wildfire by creating special management areas adjacent to Crooked River Ranch. Unfortunately, the collaborative group stalled out after this legislation was introduced. prgtoken Only Congress can permanently change the status of a wilderness study area. Whenever we choose to make a permanent change, we have a responsibility to consider the whole picture and listen to all stakeholders. prgtoken While it is disappointing that we are unable to fulfill that commitment with this legislation, we understand the need to prioritize safety of the Crooked River Ranch residents. prgtoken , .
RHODE ISLAND'S FISHERIES
David N. Cicilline (Democrat, RI) \u2014 2018-7-11

Rhode Island's commercial fishing industry provides thousands of good-paying jobs and hundreds of millions of dollars of economic activity every year; but later today, the House is voting on a bill that will jeopardize this critical sector of our State's economy. H.R. 200 undermines the science-based catch limits that we have used in recent decades to keep fisheries sustainable for the long term. prgtoken We have seen this movie before. It was just a few decades ago that Congress first put the science-based catch limits in place. Congress had to do so because overfishing had brought America's fisheries to the brink of economic and environmental collapse. prgtoken It turns out the science works. Since Congress put these science- based catch limits in place, dozens of fish stocks have been brought back to sustainable levels and overfishing incidents have been cut substantially. Good-paying jobs in the fishing industry have thrived. The industry now, as a whole, generates billions of dollars in economic activity every year. prgtoken H.R. 200 will reverse this progress. We cannot let it pass. It is a terrible bill that will harm fishermen in my State and all up and down the coast. prgtoken , I urge my colleagues on the other side of the aisle to reject this bill.