mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
RECOGNIZING THE MIRACLE LEAGUE OF NORTHAMPTON TOWNSHIP
Brian K. Fitzpatrick (Republican, PA) \u2014 2018-4-17

I rise today to recognize an organization in my district that strives to empower individuals with special needs as well as their families. prgtoken The Miracle League of Northampton Township fosters both social and educational growth through sports and recreation. Along with buddy programs and coaching opportunities, Miracle League offers those with special needs the ability to participate in baseball, basketball, bowling, and soccer leagues. prgtoken On May 5, this organization will be holding its first annual charity wiffle ball tournament. The Miracle League of Northampton Township Wiffle Ball Classic will take place at Miracle League Fields in Churchville, and will feature a single elimination bracket along with awards for best team name and best uniforms. prgtoken I would like to recognize president Brian Damiani and vice president Allan Corless, along with the executive directors, board members, and volunteers, for the countless hours they put in to improve the lives of those in Bucks County. prgtoken Recognizing Warwick Township for its Rank as One of Pennsylvania's Safest Cities
Tax Reform (Executive Session)
John Barrasso (Republican, WY) \u2014 2018-4-17

today is the last tax day under the old, awful, and broken tax system that the American people have had to put up with for decades. prgtoken Under the tax relief law that s passed in this body in December--it was signed by President and passed the House, as well--we now a have a simpler and fairer system and, so importantly, one that is much less expensive for American families. prgtoken One big thing we did in the tax law was to double the standard deduction that people can take. This is what it means. This one change alone, all by itself, means that 95 percent of taxpayers will be taking the standard deduction from now on. It means people will not have to waste a lot of time wading through paperwork and boxes of receipts. People will not have to spend hours chasing after little itemized deductions, as they have done year after year on tax day. They will not just be crossing their fingers, hoping they are doing everything right, hoping they don't overpay, and hoping they don't run afoul of the law by not paying the amount that is required by law. It is going to be much simpler and much fairer. prgtoken When I thought of all of the things we have been working on with tax relief, tax reform, tax reductions, to me, it can be summed up in just two words: simpler and lower. Taxes needed to be lower, and they needed to be simpler. So what we are seeing now is both simpler and lower taxes. That is a big change that people are going to notice. They are noticing it now in their paychecks, but they are really going to notice it next April 15 when they file their taxes. prgtoken Americans will not have to wait until next year to see a lot of the benefits of this tax relief law. They are seeing it today because the law wasn't just tax reform and simplification; it was an immediate, big tax cut as well. It means hard-working Americans are seeing money in their paychecks, and they are seeing it today. prgtoken Average wages have gone up nearly 3 percent. That is a big increase compared to the stagnant wage growth we saw during the entire previous administration. prgtoken According to the Bureau of Economic Analysis, American workers brought home almost $200 billion more in February than they did in December. Some of it came right away in the form of bonuses that companies handed out because of the tax law; some of it came when employers cut the amount of income tax that they were withholding from a worker's paycheck; and some of it was because of higher wages we have seen with raises announced across the country. It all adds up to about $200 billion more for hard-working Americans. prgtoken That is money people can then spend on things that are important to them and their families. It is about American families' priorities, not necessarily how the government thinks it can spend its money better than the American people. It is money people can save for things such as tuition for their kids, a n
PROVIDING FOR CONGRESSIONAL DISAPPROVAL OF A RULE SUBMITTED BY BUREAU OF CONSUMER FINANCIAL PROTECTION
Patrick J. Toomey (Republican, PA) \u2014 2018-4-17

I rise this afternoon to address the CRA we voted to proceed to and on which we will vote for final passage tomorrow. It is a Congressional Review Act resolution that will allow us to repeal an ill-conceived CFPB regulation. prgtoken Let me start with just a word about the CFPB because this is an agency that is fundamentally flawed in its design and has been so since day one. prgtoken First, there is a single individual director. There is no bipartisan commission. There is no board. There is no need for consensus. There is one-man rule. prgtoken Secondly, this one individual can only be removed for cause. He is part of the executive branch, but the Chief Executive can't fire him. This makes no sense. prgtoken Finally, the entire CFPB--this huge regulatory agency--is subject to no meaningful oversight. They are not dependent on Congress--the people's representatives--for taxpayer funding. They just draw whatever they want out of the Fed, which means the Fed has that much less to hand over to the Treasury. An individual, rather than a commission, no ability to remove, except for cause, and not subject to appropriation-- it is a recipe for a disaster. That is what we have had. prgtoken It is not just my opinion, by the way. A three-judge panel of the DC Circuit Court of Appeals ruled that this structure is fundamentally unconstitutional. I will quote briefly from their decision. They said: ``The CFPB's [concentration of] enormous executive power in a single, unaccountable, unchecked Director not only departs from settled historical practice, but also poses a far greater risk of arbitrary decision making and abuse of power, and a far greater threat to individual liberty, than does a multi-member independent agency.'' prgtoken Fortunately, we have an Acting Director at the moment who gets this. Mick Mulvaney has testified about these very flaws in the CFPB and suggested, as many of us have, at least some structural reforms, making the CFPB subject to appropriations so Congress has meaningful oversight; requiring that the major rules they pass be subject to a legislative approval, which is Congress taking responsibility for the action Congress delegates; giving the President the ability to hire and fire a Director; and having an independent inspector general so we have a watchdog. prgtoken This is the least we should do. Our colleagues on the other side have not been willing to agree to any of them, so we have this badly flawed agency. It shouldn't be surprising that a flawed structure leads to badly flawed policies. That is why we are here discussing this CRA. It is about the indirect auto lending guidance, as it is called, that the CFPB issued some time ago. prgtoken Let me explain a little bit about what this is. Indirect auto lending--what is that? Direct auto lending is what you might think. It is when a consumer, a buyer--someone who wants to buy a car--goes to a bank and lines up financing from
PROVIDING FOR CONGRESSIONAL DISAPPROVAL OF A RULE SUBMITTED BY BUREAU OF CONSUMER FINANCIAL PROTECTION
Mike Crapo (Republican, ID) \u2014 2018-4-17

. Finally, President 's Statement of Administration Policy also endorses this resolution. I am going to read a few highlights from the statement. This bulletin limits the ability of auto dealers to offer auto loans to their customers and was not issued pursuant to notice-and-comment rulemaking. As a result, the CFPB failed to allow the public to comment before it made significant changes to an important sector of the economy. Dodd-Frank explicitly excludes the regulation of auto dealers from the CFPB's jurisdiction. Disapproving this bulletin, therefore, would provide consumers with more options for auto financing while ensuring that the CFPB abides by congressional limits on its jurisdiction. prgtoken This rule should be disapproved, and any future action on the matter should go through the appropriate rulemaking process established by Congress. If this rule stands, banks, credit unions, and finance companies holding nearly $1.1 trillion in outstanding loans will needlessly face significant liability, and the ability of auto dealers to play a valuable role by matching buyers and lenders will be diminished. prgtoken I urge my colleagues to support this resolution. prgtoken . prgtoken .
IN RECOGNITION OF BRAMBLETON MIDDLE SCHOOL'S INAUGURAL YEAR
Barbara Comstock (Republican, VA) \u2014 2018-4-17

I rise today to recognize Brambleton Middle School in Ashburn, Virginia as they celebrate their inaugural year with a Day on Capitol Hill. prgtoken Since its opening in August 2017, Principal Renee Dawson and the entire faculty and staff has worked tirelessly to ensure the high quality of education to students from every background and creed. prgtoken Brambleton Middle School upholds the mission to empower all students to make meaningful contributions to the world. Built on the acronym, C.L.I.M.B Brambleton faculty and staff work to Create, Lead, Inspire, Motivate, and Believe in the power of diversity to foster a community of excellence. In thanks to this dedicated faculty and staff; Brambleton Middle School students are achieving remarkable things in the classroom while also expanding their horizons through extracurricular activities including VEX robotics and the Civil War History Book club. The Eighth Grade recently organized a kindness brigade, putting out Random Acts of Kindness Magnets around the school. Coming from a family of educators, I understand the impact that teachers and other school staff can have on our children. With that in mind, I am proud of the faculty and staff at Brambleton Middle School who foster personal and educational growth through their approachable and collaborative methodology inside and out of the classroom. Principal Dawson has been passionate about building a cohesive path for her students with the philosophy that it takes a community to raise children, and together as a school, we will be that positive impact in our community. Before the first day of school, Principal Dawson invited all sixth-graders to write her a letter asking for feedback on their individual learning experiences. From this letter-writing campaign, Principal Dawson and the Brambleton Middle School community formed the BAM Ambassadors, a group of 30 kids selected to serve the community as school leaders. By soliciting suggestions and forming the BAM Ambassadors, Principal Dawson and the Brambleton Middle School leadership team set a foundation for the school as it continues to grow. prgtoken The hard work these students put towards their academics and their unwavering commitment to civic engagement is inspiring. I hope their curiosity and tenacity persists in future endeavors, and they continue to make a difference. prgtoken , I ask that my colleagues join me in recognizing Brambleton Middle School's inaugural year, and I wish each student many more successes as they continue their education.
TAX REFORM
Todd Young (Republican, IN) \u2014 2018-4-17

I rise today on tax day to recognize this as the very last time Americans will have to file their taxes under the complicated, burdensome, outdated system of the past. Today, we officially kick off a new tax code--one that is simpler, fairer, and allows hard-working Americans to keep more of their hard-earned money. prgtoken Since we passed the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act last December, success stories have poured into my office from Indiana businesses that are paying their workers more and from constituents who are earning more. Tax reform has provided needed relief across Indiana and across the entire country. prgtoken To date, we have found scores of companies in my home State of Indiana that have invested in their employees, invested in capital improvements, or lowered energy rates for consumers. They range in size from large companies, such as Walmart and AT&T, to smaller Indiana businesses, such as Family Express, which has 70 convenience stores across the State and is building 10 more and increasing its starting wage. ``We feel obligated to pass on a significant portion of the tax savings to our staff,'' said Family Express president and CEO Gus Olympidis. prgtoken My guest to this year's State of the Union Address was another beneficiary of this historic tax overhaul. Chelsee Hatfield is a young mother of three children and a teller at a rural branch of First Farmers Bank & Trust in Tipton, IN. Chelsee received a raise and a bonus as a result of this tax reform effort. This additional income will help Chelsee go back to school to earn her associate's degree. It will enable her to put money away for her children's future college education. Chelsee represents so many Americans who work in small towns and who live in our rural communities and are going to get a fair shot because of the benefits from tax reform. prgtoken The tax reform success stories don't stop there. NIPSCO, or the Northern Indiana Public Service Company, is an electric utility company in Merrillville, IN. It is passing on $26 million in new savings to its customers. Andy Mark, a mechanical and electrical parts supplier in Kokomo, is hiring more employees. Muncie Aviation Company is providing tax reform bonuses for all of its employees. One Hoosier, who lives in Cedar Lake, IN, is growing his third-generation milk-hauling business, and another, who lives in Southern Indiana and works for U-Haul in Louisville, used his $500 tax bonus to pay a bill. These bonuses and raises are allowing more Hoosiers to save for a rainy day, to put more money away towards their child's education, to make repairs to their home, and to keep food on the table. prgtoken It is worth noting that when we were debating tax reform, I listened carefully to feedback from my constituents across Indiana. I spent a lot of time traveling the State, holding roundtables, visiting businesses, and talking to folks on the street. I am glad to say that Hoosier vo
CONGRATULATIONS MURPHYS BORO MIDDLE SCHOOL GIRLS VOLLEYBALL TEAM
Mike Bost (Republican, IL) \u2014 2018-4-17

today I proudly honor the Murphysboro Middle School Blue Devils Girls volleyball team for winning the Class L State Championship for the second straight year. prgtoken Along the way, the team also captured their eighth consecutive Junior Southwest Egyptian Conference title. That win was also a career milestone for Coach Mike Layne. It marked the 1,000th combined career win while coaching volleyball for Murphysboro Community Unit School District at both the middle school and high school levels. prgtoken I extend a heartfelt congratulations to the players, coaching staff, school officials, family, and friends who supported these young ladies on their incredible journey. Southern Illinois is proud of you. prgtoken Go, Blue Devils.
TRIBUTE IN HONOR OF BREANNA I. NIXON
Mike Bishop (Republican, MI) \u2014 2018-4-17

I include in the Record the following Proclamation: prgtoken Whereas, the 8th Congressional District of Michigan joins in celebration as we commemorate BreAnna I. Nixon as she is recognized with the Youth on the Move Award by the Greater Lansing Area Club. prgtoken Whereas, Ms. Nixon has dedicated her time to developing as an entrepreneur and an athlete. She has taken the initiative to create a yard business where she shovels snow, mows lawns and rakes leaves for regular clients throughout the year. Like others in her family, BreAnna is active in sports as a member of track, volleyball and basketball teams. In 2017 she placed second in the citywide shotput tournament with a throw of 24.8 feet. She has shared her passions with those around her and dedicated herself to the ideals that advance our community. prgtoken Let it be known, that the Member of the United States Congress, the Honorable Michael D. Bishop of the 8th Congressional District of the State of Michigan, hereby recognizes BreAnna Nixon for her outstanding achievements. Therefore, this document is signed and dedicated to honor this milestone. May others know of my warmest wishes and continued support in the future.
TAX REFORM
Mitch McConnell (Republican, KY) \u2014 2018-4-17

today is tax day, the deadline for most Americans to file their tax returns. For many middle-class households, that means sending too much of their hard-earned money off to the IRS--hardly cause for celebration. But this year, the gray clouds of tax day have a silver lining. Today is the very last time that American families will have to file under the unfair, outdated Tax Code that Congress and the President got rid of a few months ago. Out with the old and in with the new. prgtoken s' historic overhaul cut taxes for families and small businesses. We doubled the standard deduction, expanded the child tax credit, and lowered rates as well. And we accomplished all of this while preserving key middle-class provisions, such as the mortgage interest deduction. The upshot of all of this is simple: major tax relief for middle-class families and a big shot in the arm for the U.S. economy, which will lead to more--and higher-paying--homegrown American jobs. prgtoken Already, tax reform has given American workers a raise, since less of each paycheck needs to be withheld for the IRS. When all is said and done, the Treasury Department estimates that our tax cuts will leave 90 percent of wage-earners with more take-home pay--that is 90 percent of wage earners with more take-home pay as a result of our tax reform measure. prgtoken In addition, millions of Americans are receiving special bonuses, pay raises, or new benefits from their employers as a direct result of tax reform. Thousand-dollar bonuses for workers at Kansas City Southern Railway in Missouri; a higher starting wage at First Farmers Bank & Trust in Indiana; prgtoken higher wages and new job opportunities at CSS Distribution Group, a small business packaging and distribution company in Kentucky; billion- dollar investments in pension plans for UPS and FedEx workers--the list goes on and on. prgtoken My ic colleagues from New York and San Francisco scoff publicly at the idea that a $2,000 tax cut or a $1,000 bonus would make a difference for American families. They have called these things ``crumbs.'' Something tells me they haven't tried that talking point around many middle-class kitchen tables. I suspect they would be laughed out of the room. prgtoken And these are just the first fruits. Tax reform laid the foundation for a more prosperous future with more good-paying American jobs. That is because we made sending jobs overseas less appealing. We created new incentives for businesses to invest, expand, build, and hire right here at home. We gave overseas competitors something to worry about--a healthy, competitive U.S. economy. Already, job creators of all shapes and sizes are investing more and expanding. For example, a furniture store in Ohio is planning a 4,500-square-foot expansion, a craft brewery in Iowa is planning to open a new production line, and a deck and patio builder in Virginia is hiring 10 new employees to m
JUSTICE FOR VICTIMS OF IRS SCAMS AND IDENTITY THEFT ACT OF 2018
Ted Poe (Republican, TX) \u2014 2018-4-17

such time as I may consume. prgtoken , identity theft is a problem across the United States. It affects millions of Americans each year. A recent study found that $16 billion was prgtoken stolen from more than 15 million American consumers in 2016. prgtoken In the last several years, sophisticated phone scams targeting taxpayers, including recent immigrants and elderly persons, have been prevalent throughout the United States. Callers claim to be IRS employees using fake names and bogus IRS identification badge numbers. The fraudsters sometimes know a lot of information about the targets, and they may even alter the caller I.D. to make it look like the real IRS is calling them. prgtoken Victims are told they owe money to the IRS and that it must be paid promptly through a gift card or wire transfers. Victims are threatened with arrest, deportation, or suspension of a business or driver's license. In many cases, the caller becomes hostile and insulting. In an effort to trick victims into sharing private information, these thieves sometimes claim that the refunds are ready for deposit. If the phone isn't answered, the scammers leave an urgent callback request. prgtoken These crimes must be prosecuted in order to protect victims and bring scheming criminals to justice. I urge my colleagues to support H.R. 2905, the Justice for Victims of IRS Scams and Identity Theft Act, which will help Congress better understand how many identity theft crimes are being prosecuted, as well as ways to prevent these crimes, bolster assistance that is made available to victims, and go after the thieves. prgtoken I thank Congressman David Young for his work on this bill, which will protect American consumers, and I urge the Senate to take it up without delay. prgtoken , .
RESTRICTING IMMEDIATE SALE OF SEIZED PROPERTY BY SECRETARY OF THE TREASURY TO PERISHABLE GOODS
A. Drew Ferguson IV (Republican, GA) \u2014 2018-4-17

I rise today in support of H.R. 5446. This commonsense legislation makes a targeted but important reform to protect American small businesses by ensuring that the rules for seizure of perishable goods are restricted only to goods that are, in fact, perishable. prgtoken The fact that we are having to even comment or debate on the fact that a small business in Texas was destroyed by the actions of an IRS agent that determined that bridal dresses were perishable is unconscionable, and it should not happen, and it should not have happened then; and I agree with my colleague from New York that it should never happen again, and this legislation will help ensure that. prgtoken Now, I don't think we have to explain to anybody that, since these bridal gowns are not perishable, why is this bill even necessary? But it is a shame that we have had agents use this particular piece of legislation to actually leave a family destitute because of their actions of selling bridal dresses under the guise that they were perishable. prgtoken This legislation tightens up the law to eliminate the language that the IRS agents in Dallas and others across the country have used to justify their overreaching use of same-day sale provisions. H.R. 5446 makes an important step to prevent the IRS from redefining these words to suit their own purposes, threatening the livelihoods of American small businesses. prgtoken , I am proud to sponsor this legislation to strength protections for small businesses and job creators, and I encourage my colleagues to vote ``yes'' and do the same.