mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
NOMINATION OF LEONARD STEVEN GRASZ
Mitch McConnell (Republican, KY) \u2014 2017-12-11

this week, the Senate will consider three more outstanding individuals nominated by President to serve on our Nation's Federal circuit courts. prgtoken For 8 years, we had a President who selected judicial nominees based on a so-called ``empathy standard.'' It was an ideological litmus test designed to find nominees who would favor certain groups or individuals over others. While that may sound like a good standard for the party in the case for whom the judge has empathy, it doesn't sound so great if you are the other person. prgtoken On the other hand, President has nominated talented individuals who will ensure that the Federal judiciary maintains its particular role in our constitutional system. The judicial nominees before the Senate this week are each well-credentialed and have the integrity and temperament to serve our Nation on the circuit courts. They are dedicated to upholding the rule of law and giving every litigant a fair shake. That is how the American people expect judges to decide cases, and the Senate is working to confirm President 's nominees, who will do just that. prgtoken First, the Senate will consider the nomination of Leonard Steven Grasz to serve on the Eighth Circuit Court of Appeals. Then it will consider the nomination of Texas Supreme Court Justice Don Willett to serve on the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals. Finally, later this week, the Senate will consider the nomination of James Ho to serve on the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals. Each of these nominees will make strong additions to the Federal bench, and I look forward to considering them in the coming days. prgtoken I wish to once again commend Chairman Grassley for his leadership of the Senate Judiciary Committee. His excellent work has allowed us to bring these nominees to the floor. prgtoken Later today, the Senate will advance the nomination of Mr. Grasz, a talented individual with experience in both private practice and public service. prgtoken After graduating from law school at the University of Nebraska, Mr. Grasz began a distinguished career in law. Working as the chief deputy attorney general of Nebraska for nearly 12 years, he excelled, representing the State of Nebraska in numerous appellate cases, including before the U.S. Supreme Court. prgtoken Nebraska Governor Pete Ricketts, along with five other top State officials, wrote a letter to the Judiciary Committee supporting Mr. Grasz's nomination. Here is what they had to say: Steve has become a leading expert on state and federal constitutional law. His demeanor and temperament have earned the respect of Nebraskans across the political spectrum in our state. prgtoken Mr. Grasz has won the support of prominent Nebraskans from both sides of the aisle. Our former colleague, Senator Ben Nelson, came to know Mr. Grasz when Senator Nelson was the Governor of Nebraska. Senator Nelson wrote: Steve won my respect
Recognizing James Williams and Nick Clason (Executive Session)
Orrin G. Hatch (Republican, UT) \u2014 2017-12-11

before I turn to the main portion of my remarks, I would be remiss if I failed to recognize two staffers who were instrumental in helping us pass the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act earlier this month--James Williams, my senior policy adviser, and Nick Clason, a talented young staffer. Both worked long hours to help make tax reform a reality. I wanted to take just a brief moment to recognize them for the late nights they spent helping me to hash out the details of this bill. They are some of the hardest working members of my staff, and I hope they know how much I appreciate them.
ORDERS FOR TUESDAY, DECEMBER 12, 2017
John Hoeven (Republican, ND) \u2014 2017-12-11

I ask unanimous consent that when the Senate completes its business today, it adjourn until 10 a.m Tuesday, December 12; 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 Grasz nomination; further, that the Senate recess from 12:30 p.m. until 2:15 p.m. to allow for the weekly conference meetings; finally, that all time during recess, adjournment, morning business, and leader remarks count postclosure on the Grasz nomination.
MURDER IS NOT CAUSED BY GUNS, TRUCKS
Joe Wilson (Republican, SC) \u2014 2017-12-11

The Times and of Orangeburg, South Carolina, published a thoughtful editorial on November 21, entitled: ``Murder is not caused by guns, trucks.'' prgtoken The editorial begins: ``Every time violence hits close to home, the debate is renewed.'' ``. . . the Nation has been stunned by mass killings in Las Vegas, Texas, and New York City. In two of the incidents, guns were the weapon of terror. In New York--as has been the case in Europe in recent times--a truck was used to run over innocent people.'' prgtoken The editorial continues: ``It is time to take a look beyond the surface issue such as weapons--and stop the blame game, says Marianne Clyde, a licensed therapist and expert in mental health in the workplace with more than 27 years of experience.'' prgtoken Clyde continues: ``The world will change, not by overregulation, blaming, demonizing, but rather by one person at a time, taking personal responsibility for our thought processes and responses, creating an environment that creates unity and solutions that work.'' prgtoken The editorial concludes by noting that, ``Clyde's point is to have individuals look deeper and realize that her points back up the title of her writing: `Murder is not caused by guns or trucks, but by our thinking.' '' prgtoken In conclusion, God bless our troops, and we will never forget September the 11th in the global war on terrorism.
FINANCIAL INSTITUTION CUSTOMER PROTECTION ACT OF 2017
Blaine Luetkemeyer (Republican, MO) \u2014 2017-12-11

I just want to reiterate that this bill is about greater transparency and accountability among the banking regulators. prgtoken The Federal Government should not be able to intimidate financial institutions into dropping entire sectors of the economy's customers based on personal and political motivations. It should be based on risk and evidence of wrongdoing. prgtoken Our new AG has stopped this practice, and the FDIC has incorporated many of the principles in this bill already into their standard operating procedures. But the importance of this bill is to codify in law for the regulators the guardrails that are necessary to keep this from happening to protect our citizens from this and many other activities by an overreach of the bureaucracy. prgtoken , .
AUTHORITY FOR COMMITTEES TO MEET
Mike Crapo (Republican, ID) \u2014 2017-12-11

I have a request for one committee to meet during today's session of the Senate. It has 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 committee is authorized to meet during today's session of the Senate: Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry prgtoken The Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry is authorized to meet during the session of the Senate on Monday, December 11, 2017, at 5:45 p.m. to conduct a business hearing.
REMEMBERING RAY TREVINO
Dean Heller (Republican, NV) \u2014 2017-12-11

today I wish to memorialize Raymond Trevino, a man who gave so much to the people of Reno and who recently passed away at the age of 74. prgtoken Known for his kind spirit and generous heart, Mr. Trevino was widely known for helping those in need receive a warm, healthy meal. Mr. Trevino, who first started as a volunteer a quarter of a century ago, served as the dining room director at Catholic Charities of Northern Nevada's St. Vincent Dining Room. prgtoken It should go without saying that Mr. Trevino, Catholic Charities of Northern Nevada's longest serving employee, was a compassionate man who made a positive impact in the community. As the Reno Gazette-Journal recently noted, it is estimated that he served over 1 million meals to low-income and homeless people during his 25 years of service. prgtoken Before setting up the dining room, Mr. Trevino, an Army veteran, was a casino food and beverage executive and the owner of five restaurants. prgtoken Mr. Trevino was honored with the Mother Theresa Humanitarian Award in 2013 for his work helping those in need. He was also presented with the Dolan Service Award by Dolan Auto Group for assisting struggling individuals and families in the community. prgtoken As a testament to the legacy he leaves behind, at this year's annual Thanksgiving, over 200 volunteers came out to participate in the lunch and help feed more than 1,000 people. During the lunch, attendees paid tribute to Mr. Trevino's work and shared memories of his years of service. prgtoken As Nevada's senior U.S. Senator, I know that Mr. Trevino will be sorely missed. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family and loved ones during this difficult time.
Republican Tax Bill (Executive Calendar)
Ron Wyden (Democrat, OR) \u2014 2017-12-12

a number of Senators have inquired about the status of the tax legislation and, particularly, the prospect of a real conference committee. It is clear that s are talking among themselves, but apparently they feel, with respect to , this is a conference in name only. prgtoken What I would like to do is spell out what we know to date and talk a bit about what would really be in the public's interest. Specifically, late last night, the public learned through the press that s have made no progress--their words, not mine--with respect to the tax bill. prgtoken They said that all of the major issues were still outstanding. Then, when all of them got up and made their way through their breakfast cornflakes, we were told that, magically, everything had just been worked out--that everything was worked out and that this bill would be ready to go. prgtoken I know they have been trying to move at the speed of light. We had yet another dose of fake math yesterday when the Treasury Department reported its so-called analysis to project that this bill would generate great growth, when, in fact, it comes up $1 trillion short. So I would like to make sure the public understands what is on offer as of right now. prgtoken My sense is, with respect to the key issue, which is the well-being of the middle class, millions and millions of middle-class people are going to get hurt by this legislation, millions of them very quickly-- for example, millions are going to lose their health insurance coverage. Millions more are going to have high premiums. By 2027, half of the middle class in America will actually be paying more in taxes. prgtoken Senate s seem to be talking about a variety of issues, but not one of the tax issues they are talking about involves bettering the quality of life for America's middle class. We don't hear any discussion of that. We hear plenty of discussion about multinational corporations. We hear plenty of discussion about rates. We hear discussions about pass-through businesses. But all of this is really like rearranging the chairs at the country club. Maybe one day the multinational corporations will do a little bit better; maybe the next day well-off heirs will do a little better. What I heard at my recent town hall meetings is that the American people want to make sure that the middle class is not always getting the shaft. They want to make sure, for example, that in the tax law, the breaks for the multinational corporations aren't permanent and the breaks for the middle class aren't temporary. They want everybody to have a chance to get ahead. It is not too late to change course. prgtoken There are 17 moderate , led by our colleagues Senator Manchin and Senator Kaine, who have said that they are hungry for a bipartisan approach to bringing both sides together. I have introduced two comprehensive, bipartisan bills with senior conservative Republ
RECOGNIZING GRAYDON CARTER
Steve Cohen (Democrat, TN) \u2014 2017-12-12

today I recognize the career of Hall of Fame Magazine Editor Graydon Carter. prgtoken Graydon Carter is one of the great journalists of our time. He retires today after 25 years as the editor at Vanity Fair. He cofounded and was editor of Spy magazine, as well as the New York Observer. At Vanity Fair, he gave a venue to writers like Michael Lewis; Dominick Dunne; and Christopher Hitchens, one of the great journalists of our time. prgtoken Upon Christopher Hitchens' passing, Graydon said he was a wit, a charmer, and a troublemaker; and to those who knew him well, he was a gift from--dare I say it--God. prgtoken From his beginnings at Spy magazine and through his days at the New York Observer and Vanity Fair, he pointed out the shortcomings of . He gave him the epithet: short-fingered vulgarian. prgtoken For that and much more, Graydon Carter will be remembered as a great journalist, a great human being, a great raconteur, and a great friend.
Tax Reform Bill (Executive Session)
Debbie Stabenow (Democrat, MI) \u2014 2017-12-12

I come to the floor to talk about the Children's Health Insurance Program and Community Health Centers, but I do want to take a moment to respond to my friend and colleague, the distinguished Senator on the side. prgtoken I can speak for myself and others, I know, on this side who very much want to see tax reform, very much want to close loopholes that take jobs overseas and support small businesses, but what is in front of us and what was voted on was a bill that, when fully implemented, would raise taxes on something like 87 million middle-class Americans. That doesn't make any sense at all. prgtoken All of the rosy estimates on economic growth were not backed up in legislative language. As to the $4,000 wage increase that had been talked about as a minimum for people across the country to receive based on economic growth, I suggested we write that into law; that if, in fact, folks don't get their $4,000, the tax breaks would stop--and folks aren't willing to do that. prgtoken I want to make sure folks in Michigan get their $4,000 wage increase, and we don't get another bunch of promises with trickle-down economics, where everything goes to the top 1 percent, and folks in Michigan are still waiting for it to trickle down.
DACA (Executive Calendar)
Cory A. Booker (Democrat, NJ) \u2014 2017-12-12

I want to thank all my colleagues who have spoken today. I really want to thank Senator Durbin, who has been a friend and a mentor of mine since I came to the Senate almost exactly 4 years ago. I thank him for his leadership right now--really leading us on both sides of the aisle, as a central focal point for the Dreamers-- and for his words. I thank him for his leadership today and throughout this effort, making sure we don't leave for the holidays, leaving thousands of children in our country who know no other country--young adults--in a purgatory where they are anxiously waiting to see if this body will act. prgtoken This is a time where we have seen incredible activism. I cannot tell you how many times I have been stopped by Dreamers who drove for over 24 hours--drove across this country to come to the Capitol to make their case known. They love this country. They serve this country. They only know this country. They were here before they could even speak. They and their fellow American allies have been struggling and toiling and fighting for recognition. It reminds me of generations of Americans in the past who were fighting and toiling and struggling for recognition as citizens when citizenship was denied them. prgtoken I know stories from my own family, African Americans, who, literally, like many of these Dreamers--900 of these Dreamers--have served in the military. I know these stories from my family--people who served in war, served in World War II, served in Korea, like my father, and came back to a country that did not recognize their citizenship rights. prgtoken Women, Jews, Irish--so much of the story of America is Americans struggling and toiling and fighting, often coming to the Capital of the United States of America, fighting for recognition of their citizenship rights. They are patriots. prgtoken The young people I have encountered in my home State and the young people I have encountered here in the Capitol are patriots. Patriotism is love of country. I am one of these folks who believe that love of country is better seen than heard. I am telling you right now, the Dreamers I have encountered, their service, their sacrifice, their contributions to this country should resonate. prgtoken We know the data. Billions of dollars of our economy is being fueled by Dreamers who are here serving in every imaginable capacity--there for their neighbors, there for their community, there for other children, there for America. prgtoken I sat across from Dreamers in New Jersey who now, because of the inaction here in Washington, because of the uncertainty, these folks-- for whom we have collectively contributed to their education, contributed to their success, and are enjoying the fruits of their success--are now suddenly withdrawing from schools. They are feeling nervous that they are going to be ripped away from family members-- younger siblings who are already recognized citizens--as they fig
GUN VIOLENCE
Barbara Lee (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2017-12-12

I thank Congresswoman Kelly for her tremendous leadership on so many fronts, especially as chair of the Congressional Black Caucus Health Braintrust and for her tireless work in helping us focus on the fact that gun violence should be treated as a public health crises and that it is just that. prgtoken Congress needs to do something to stop this epidemic of gun violence that is destroying so many communities all around the country. On an average day, 93 innocent lives in America are cut short, due to gun violence. These senseless deaths also disproportionately impact communities of color. prgtoken As a Representative from California's 13th Congressional District, I know all too well the devastating impact that gun violence has on our communities. prgtoken In fact, the Center for Disease Control recently reported that African-American children have the highest rates of firearm mortality overall. They are about 10 times more likely than White children to be killed by guns. Latino children are twice as likely as White children to be killed by guns. But no child--and I mean no child--regardless of their background, wealth, ZIP Code, or race, should be killed by gun violence. No child. It pains me, and I know it pains their parents and family members, to know that such promising young people have left us too soon. prgtoken Tonight, let me just read the names of a few of Oakland's children who have lost their lives to gun violence this year: prgtoken Anibal Andres Ramirez, who was only 13. He was Oakland's youngest gun victim this year. He was shot outside the new Walnut Plaza community center in east Oakland. prgtoken Luis Urquidez, who was 17 when his friend accidentally shot him. What in the world was that gun doing around this young boy? prgtoken Deangelo Hal, who was 17 when he, once again, accidentally shot himself with a stolen gun. prgtoken Keith Lawrence, who was 17 and a student at Skyline High School. Keith was found shot dead in a parking lot. prgtoken Soane Mausia, who was 18 when he and his brother were shot by men outside of their east Oakland home. prgtoken Joaquin Byrd, who was 18 and also a student at Skyline High School. He was shot during a fight at a fast food restaurant. prgtoken Sultan Bey, who was 18. He was college-bound and had dreams of becoming a computer engineer. He was shot while picking up a friend. prgtoken , this only happens in America. There are too many guns in America. At some point, we have to stand up and say: Enough is enough. prgtoken Let me say that 5 years ago this week, a deranged gunman walked into Sandy Hook Elementary School and massacred 20 children--20 beautiful elementary school children, whom we continue to remember, murdered in cold blood. Yet s in Congress refuse to lift a finger in support of legislation to prevent these kinds of tragedies from happening. prgtoken Shame on every who chooses devotion to the NRA over the lives of Americans. We simply
Department of the Interior 5-Year Offshore Oil and Gas Plan (Executive Session)
Bill Nelson (Democrat, FL) \u2014 2017-12-12

there are all kinds of reports swirling around Washington, and we are hearing from those reports that the administration is about to give a huge, early Christmas present to the oil industry. The reports are, the Department of the Interior is preparing to unveil a new 5-year plan for offshore oil and gas drilling--one that would open up the entire Atlantic coast of the United States to drilling. This new 5-year plan, which would go into effect in 2019, would replace the current 5-year plan that was finalized just last year and doesn't expire until 2022. prgtoken Why is the Department of the Interior in such a rush to waste taxpayers' money to write a new one? The answer is, the oil industry wants to start drilling in these areas now, and the administration is going to let them do it. While it hasn't been released yet, we are hearing that the administration's new plan will open up the entire Atlantic coast to offshore drilling--from Maine to as far south as Cape Canaveral. Let me show you why that is a problem. prgtoken This is the east coast of the United States. This is Maine. This is Florida. This is Cape Canaveral. This is Fort Pierce, FL. Look what happens on the Atlantic coast off the eastern continental United States. These are all military testing areas. Every one of these hatched areas--every one of these blocks--is of a place that has limited access because of military testing. prgtoken Take, for example, all of this area off the east coast of Florida. There is a place called the Cape Canaveral Air Force Station. There is a place called the Kennedy Space Center. We are launching commercial and military rockets, and within another year and a half, we will be launching American rockets with American astronauts that will go, just like the space shuttle before them, to and from the International Space Station and will carry crews as well as the cargo they already carry. prgtoken When you are launching to the International Space Station or, in 2 years, when we launch the largest rocket ever from the Kennedy Space Center--the forerunner to the Mars Program, taking humans to Mars, or in the case of the new Mars rocket, called the SLS, the Space Launch System--where do you think it will drop its solid rocket boosters? It will drop them precisely out here, which is exactly why you cannot have oil rigs out here. prgtoken All of the commercial rockets that come out of Cape Canaveral right now put up a host of communications satellites; that is, a constellation of satellites. How do you think we get our pinpoint GPS here on Earth? Many of those rockets are coming right out of the Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, and, increasingly, there is commercial activity at the Kennedy Space Center, which is collocated with the Cape Canaveral Air Force Station. prgtoken What about all of those scientific satellites that are out there that give us precise measurements on what is happening to the cli