mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
ECONOMIC GROWTH, REGULATORY RELIEF, AND CONSUMER PROTECTION ACT
Jeb Hensarling (Republican, TX) \u2014 2018-5-22

3 minutes. prgtoken , for far too long, far too many people in our country have struggled to make ends meet. They have struggled to buy a car. They have struggled to buy a home. They have struggled--they have struggled for their version of the American Dream. prgtoken I hear from these people frequently, . I hear from Colton in Terrell, Texas, who said that he and his wife have been unable to get a mortgage due to credit and that they were 25, 30 years old and they had good credit but they were getting denied. They needed a home to provide a sense of stability, but they couldn't get it due to Washington's bureaucratic regulations. prgtoken , I heard from Dirk in Dallas. He said he used to have a $100,000 line of credit from his bank. He had an unsecured signature line of credit that he used for working capital for his small business. He often paid it down to zero, and cash flow was ample, but then the bank canceled it because of the bureaucratic government burden on the banking system. prgtoken I heard from Sherry in Eustace, who said: After a divorce 4 years ago, I needed to buy a car because my car was over 10 years old. I had a checking account in my name at my credit union, but they didn't loan me money for the car. prgtoken , we hear these stories far too often. The Main Street banks and credit unions that these people depend on have been suffering for years under the weight, the load, the volume, the complexity, and the cost of heavy Washington bureaucratic red tape. They haven't been able to serve these people to help get them into homes and to help get them into cars. prgtoken As one west Texas banker told me, : ``My major risks are not credit risks, risk of theft, or risk of some robber coming in with a gun in my office, my number one risk is regulatory risk.'' prgtoken We have been losing a community bank or credit union every other day in America and, with it, the hopes and dreams of millions. But today, that changes. Help is on the way with the Economic Growth, Regulatory Relief, and Consumer Protection Act. prgtoken , this is the most pro-growth banking bill in a generation. You would have to go back to 1999 to Gramm-Leach-Bliley. Although we didn't have a formal conference with the Senate, I am proud that over half of the bills in this package, including three-quarters of the regulatory relief provisions, came from the House. These are the provisions to help hardworking, struggling taxpayers get into home mortgages, get into car loans, and get into their small businesses. This is what will help drive 3 percent economic growth, which is the birthright of all Americans. prgtoken Today is an important day in the history of economic opportunity in America, and I encourage all of us to support the Economic Growth, Regulatory Relief, and Consumer Protection Act. prgtoken , .
VETERANS CEMETERY BENEFIT CORRECTION ACT
Johnny Isakson (Republican, GA) \u2014 2018-5-22

before the Senator from Montana leaves, I wish to thank him for 3 years of dedicated service and the last 2 in particular as we put together the pieces of shrapnel--which was the original attempt to make Choice work--to be a streamlined program that is going to work for all of our veterans. prgtoken Jon Tester has been a magnificent ranking member and a magnificent leader. I appreciate very much the kind things he had to say about me, and I say ditto to you. prgtoken I also thank Chairman Phil Roe, of Tennessee, in the House of Representatives. He has been a stalwart. prgtoken The reason we are able to act today and tomorrow--as the House did last week--and pass a bill before Memorial Day is because both bodies have worked together, and the votes have been overwhelming. Our motion to invoke cloture this morning was 91 to 4. The House passed this 3 to 1 when they passed it in final passage. So obviously there was a lot of unanimity, but that should not be a disguise for the effort it took. It took a lot of effort to get to where we are and a lot of people doing that effort--a lot of s, a lot of , a lot of staff. There was a tremendous amount of staff time. We went from doing the art of the impossible to making the art of the possible, with everybody working together, leaving our political weapons at the door, and putting our good heads together to make the Veterans' Administration system better for our veterans. prgtoken My speech is not going to be long because Senator Moran and Senator Tester have covered the types of examples the new Choice Program brings for all our veterans--a real choice, a real opportunity to make the private prgtoken sector a force multiplier for access to healthcare for our veterans but also make our healthcare system for our veterans accountable-- accountable to the most important people of all, and that is our veterans. prgtoken It does a few other things too. It creates a caregiver program for the Vietnam-era veterans. That hasn't been talked about much on the floor, but Patty Murray on our committee and Susan Collins from the caucus in the Senate have for years tried to get caregiver benefits for Vietnam-era veterans and veterans of other wars which were not covered previously. With the passage of this bill, they will be covered for those basic essentials of life and necessities. They will have that covered for them, and we will get it done. prgtoken Those veterans who came home from a terrible war in Vietnam with many injuries we had never seen people survive before also need care we never thought we would have to pay for before, but we are doing it now with caregivers for that generation, which is my generation. I am proud to say that we are finally looking after them and are seeing to it that they are included and are working hard on doing so. prgtoken We have also made Choice accountable to the veterans, working for our veterans and mak
TRICKETT WENDLER, FRANK MONGIELLO, JORDAN McLINN, AND MATTHEW BELLINA RIGHT TO TRY ACT OF 2017
Brian K. Fitzpatrick (Republican, PA) \u2014 2018-5-22

when life hangs in the balance, the Federal Government must not stand in the way of this process. We have to get this done once and for all. prgtoken , today, I urge my colleagues on both sides of the aisle, appeal to the better angels of your nature. All the groups that they say are opposed to this bill, I will tell you who is in favor of this bill: Over 80 percent of the American people, and they are the ones who have the power in this country, and they are the ones we have to listen to.
TRIBUTE TO HEATHER ANDERSON
Marco Rubio (Republican, FL) \u2014 2018-5-22

today I honor Heather Anderson, the Manatee County Teacher of the Year from Martha B. King Middle School in Bradenton, FL. prgtoken Heather credits her students as the reason why she was named Teacher of the Year. During the award ceremony, she noted that they keep her going every day and thanked them for giving her purpose and meaning. Everything she does is for her students, and she cannot wait to see what the future holds for them. prgtoken Heather wanted to be a teacher since she was a child and said this award is one of the most rewarding parts of her career. For students who enter her classroom, she has committed herself to positively contributing to their lives, promises to value and treat them with respect, hold the highest standard for herself and students, and monitor and adjust her work to ensure they are prepared for their educational future. prgtoken In her classroom, students are able to use tablets to learn and conduct research for their assignments. These tablets were not provided by the school, but through a fundraiser she put together. She is dedicated to seeing each and every one of her students succeed in school and in life. prgtoken Heather is an English I honors and language arts teacher at King Middle School. She serves as chair of the language arts department and has been a teacher for 18 years. prgtoken I extend my appreciation to Heather for her hard work and dedication to her students and wish her continued success in the years to come.
VA MISSION BILL (Executive Session)
Richard C. Shelby (Republican, AL) \u2014 2018-5-22

. We rise today to speak about the VA MISSION Act, bipartisan legislation that would make much needed reforms to the VA Choice and VA Community Care programs. Among these reforms, the existing VA Choice program, funded as a mandatory program, will merge with a streamlined Medical Community Care program, funded with discretionary dollars. I commend my colleagues for a job well done. prgtoken As chairman of the Appropriations Committee, however, I want to express my concern that this legislation authorizes significant discretionary spending for the VA without providing any way to pay for it under the spending caps imposed by the Budget Control Act, BCA. The Congressional Budget Office estimates this bill will cost $49 billion over the next 5 years--roughly $10 billion per year. Without relief from the caps plus an anticipated return to sequestration levels in 2020, this $49 billion could come at the expense of existing programs, including those at the VA. prgtoken I am also concerned that the underlying bill only provides funding for the VA Choice program through May of 2019, with no funding plan for the new program which is expected to come online in fiscal year 2019. These problems are not insurmountable. They do, however, require funding above and beyond what was contemplated in both the caps deal and the BCA. Fortunately, there is existing law and ample precedent for adjusting spending caps to reflect changes resulting from a shift in mandatory spending to discretionary spending. prgtoken I want to ask Senator Isakson and Senator Tester if it is also their understanding that this funding deficiency could imperil other VA funding and, if so, whether they will commit to assisting Senator Leahy and me in enacting a solution when the Military Construction and Veterans Affairs Appropriations bill comes to the floor that will provide adequate resources for the programs authorized in this bill without doing harm to existing programs?
COMMENDING LOCAL 2018 HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATES FOR THEIR DECISION TO ENLIST IN THE UNITED STATES MARINES AND OUR COMMUNITY SALUTES OF FAIRFAX, VIRGINIA FOR HOSTING THE INAUGURAL HIGH SCHOOL ENLISTEE...
Barbara Comstock (Republican, VA) \u2014 2018-5-22

I rise today to recognize the 10 Fairfax, Virginia area high school seniors who plan to enlist in the United States Marines after graduation. These students have excelled in their academic and extracurricular activities, and I offer my sincere congratulations upon their high school graduation. prgtoken I commend these student leaders for their selflessness and courageous decision to serve their country as members of the United States Marines: prgtoken David Kha; Luke Kim; Ismael Shehat; Zachary Torres; Alex Cundith; Jasper Allison; Joshua Adkins; Ian Framstad; Robero Fuentes; Jenish KC. prgtoken These students will be honored by the Our Community Salutes Fairfax Chapter of Our Community Salutes at their Inaugural Military Enlistee Recognition Ceremony on Tuesday, May 22, 2018 in Sterling, VA. prgtoken , I ask my colleagues to join me in thanking these young men and women and their families for their dedication to serving this great Nation. We owe them and the many Americans who have served and will serve a debt of gratitude.
HONORING THE LIFE OF OFFICER LANCE WHITAKER
John H. Rutherford (Republican, FL) \u2014 2018-5-22

I rise today to honor the life of Officer Lance Whitaker, who was killed in the early morning hours on May 15, 2018, while responding to a police call for service. prgtoken Officer Whitaker began his law enforcement career with the Atlantic Beach Police Department in Florida. He then joined the Jacksonville Sheriff's Office and has since served the city of Jacksonville faithfully for 17 years. prgtoken Officer Whitaker was known among his fellow officers for his kind heart, and he had a very contagious smile. It was clear to those around him that he loved his job and he believed in what he was doing. prgtoken Outside of work, Officer Whitaker was known as a proud father and family man. He is survived by his 14-year-old son, Cade Whitaker. prgtoken Just 3 weeks ago, I attended the rededication of the Fallen Officers Memorial Wall in Jacksonville, where we had the chance to remember and celebrate the lives of 61 men who have died protecting our city. Tragically, another name now must be added to that wall. prgtoken Today, I join the northeast Florida community to mourn the loss of Officer Whitaker. His service to the First Coast will never be forgotten, and my thoughts and prayers are with his family, friends, and all of the JSO family, and I thank them for their sacrifice on behalf of a grateful city. prgtoken Ralph Waldo Emerson once said: ``The purpose of life is not to be happy. It is to be useful, to be honorable, to be compassionate, to have it make some difference that you lived and lived well.'' prgtoken Officer Whitaker lived well. He did his job honorably and compassionately. He dedicated his life to his community, and he made a difference in the lives of many. Officer Whitaker lived his life well. Recognizing River City Science Academy for Outstanding Success
AUTHORITY FOR COMMITTEES TO MEET
John Thune (Republican, SD) \u2014 2018-5-22

I have 12 requests for committees to meet during today's session of the Senate. They have 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 committees are authorized to meet during today's session of the Senate: Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs prgtoken The Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs is authorized to meet during the session of the Senate on Tuesday, May 22, 2018, at 10 a.m. to conduct a hearing. Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation prgtoken The Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation is authorized to meet during the session of the Senate on Tuesday, May 22, 2018, at 10 a.m. to conduct a hearing. Committee on Environment and Public Works prgtoken The Committee on Environment and Public Works is authorized to meet during the session of the Senate on Tuesday, May 22, 2018, at 10 a.m. to conduct a hearing on pending legislation and the following nominations: Joseph Ryan Gruters, of Florida, to be a Director of the Amtrak Board of Directors, Jennifer L. Homendy, of Virginia, to be a Member of the National Transportation Safety Board, and routine lists in the Coast Guard. Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions prgtoken The Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions is authorized to meet during the session of the Senate on Tuesday, May 22, 2018, at 10 a.m. to conduct a hearing entitled ``The Healthcare Workforce: Addressing Shortages and Improving Care.'' Committee on Foreign Relations prgtoken The Committee on Foreign Relations is authorized to meet during the session of the Senate on Tuesday, May 22, 2018, at 2:15 p.m. to conduct a hearing. Select Committee on Intelligence prgtoken The Select Committee on Intelligence is authorized to meet during the session of the Senate on Tuesday, May 22, 2018, at 2:30 p.m. to conduct a closed hearing. Subcommittee on Cybersecurity prgtoken The Subcommittee on Cybersecurity of the Committee on Armed Services is authorized to meet during the session of the Senate on Tuesday, May 22, 2018, at 2:30 p.m. to conduct a hearing. Subcommittee on Emerging Threats and Capabilities prgtoken The Subcommittee on Emerging Threats and Capabilities of the Committee on Armed Services is authorized to meet during the session of the Senate on Tuesday, May 22, 2018, at 4:30 p.m. to conduct a hearing. Subcommittee on Personnel prgtoken The Subcommittee on Personnel of the Committee on Armed Services is authorized to meet during the session of the Senate on Tuesday, May 22, 2018, at 2:30 p.m. to conduct a hearing. Subcommittee on Readiness and Management Support prgtoken The Subcommittee on Readiness and Management Support of the Committ
Warren Davidson (Republican, OH) \u2014 2018-5-22

. Madam , I rise in support of this historic bipartisan legislation. This progrowth bill is thanks to all the hardworking members of the House Financial Services Committee, and I am proud to have contributed to this meaningful reform. prgtoken S. 2155 will reduce regulatory burdens hindering Main Street by providing job creators with resources they need to grow their businesses and, frankly, their banks. Under Dodd-Frank, big banks have gotten bigger and small banks have become fewer. Our economy is not well served when small banks are handicapped. prgtoken As a former manufacturer, I understand the toll excessive regulatory burdens can have on small businesses. That is why I am a proud supporter of this legislation, and I look forward to seeing this bill signed on the President's desk.
FORMERLY INCARCERATED REENTER SOCIETY TRANSFORMED SAFELY TRANSITIONING EVERY PERSON ACT
Doug Collins (Republican, GA) \u2014 2018-5-22

I want to thank my colleague, Chairman Bob Goodlatte, who has been a great supporter of working towards finding solutions. I think that is what we are here for today is finding solutions. prgtoken I want to thank the chairman for working this, taking this, and moving forward on a lot of different fronts. But as we look forward, there are some things I want to clear up and some people I want to thank. prgtoken With Hakeem Jeffries, I couldn't ask for a better partner to work with through the intricacies of big solutions and big problems. These are big problems. Mr. Jeffries and I have said: Let's take a look and see what we can fix. prgtoken What is going to be said today is: I like this legislation, I like parts of this legislation; I like the legislation, but it doesn't go far enough; if it just did a little more--as if this place produced perfect results every time and we just want to wait. prgtoken But I also would ask those who choose to vote ``no'' today, and my question is this: Is it okay to make progress on many other things but on this one say no? Say no to a family who has a family member in prison who could get treatment and get help? prgtoken And when they come home--which over 90 percent of all prisoners in this country do, they come home--is it okay to say no to those folks, and say: No, we are not going to provide that for your family member; we are not going to provide extra treatment so that they can get help with addiction or work problems or anger management or skills deficits or education deficits? No, it is not. prgtoken Is it okay today to vote ``no'' and say: I like a lot of this bill, but I want to continue to shackle women as they have babies? prgtoken It is a pretty simple understanding. I get it. I want to see sentencing reform, too. I am on record as saying I do. I am on record as continuing past this to actually do that. prgtoken Mr. Jeffries and I have talked about this more than we ever imagined we would. But Congressman Jeffries is a great partner in this effort. prgtoken This bill is real and meaningful reform. Senator Cornyn and Senator Whitehouse across the way in the Senate have taken steps to actually introduce the same bill and are working to do this. The President has said this is something that can be signed. In fact, the President, Mr last week, said that America is a nation that believes in second chances. prgtoken The FIRST STEP Act gives those second chances. It gives us hope. It gives us an ability to look at people. As I have said on this issue many times, it is a money and moral issue. prgtoken In States like Georgia, Kentucky, Oklahoma, Texas, New York, and California, these issues have been discussed and evidence-based approaches have worked. We have seen it, , work in my home State of Georgia. We have seen an evidence-based approach be the way that you need to go. This bill provides the protection, and it also provides the incentive for this to work. prgtoken
75TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE BATTLE OF ATTU
Dan Sullivan (Republican, AK) \u2014 2018-5-22

as we approach Memorial Day to remember the men and women who sacrificed their lives in devotion to the causes of liberty, freedom, and democracy, I would like to take the opportunity to speak about one event in our Nation's history that had a profound impact on my great State. The Battle of Attu was the only land battle fought in North America during the Second World War. prgtoken Commonly referred to as the Forgotten Battle or Forgotten War, the campaign began in 1942 with the bombing of Dutch Harbor and subsequent invasions of Adak, Kiska, and Attu by the navy of Imperial Japan. On June 7, 1942, close to 3,000 Japanese soldiers invaded Attu, exactly 6 months to the day after the bombing of Pearl Harbor. As the only land battle during World War II, it was costly. In May of 1943, over 15,000 American soldiers stormed this small island in the Aleutians, and over the course of the engagement, the United States suffered 549 casualties and sustained more than 1,200 injuries. Many more were taken out of action due to disease and nonbattle injuries. Of the over 2,400 Japanese soldiers present at the battle, only 28 survived the battle by capture. prgtoken In addition to these often forgotten sacrifices is the impact on those residents who lived on Attu. During the Japanese invasion, all 47 residents of the island were detained, captured, and taken to Japan as prisoners, where 22 would later perish. Those who did survive were not able to return home; there were too few people to rebuild the community after being destroyed by war. prgtoken Today, before the Senate, I would like to take a moment to honor the brave servicemembers and the Alaska Territorial Guard members who fought and, in many cases, gave the ultimate sacrifice to defend the territories of the United States and the memory and lives of those Aleut evacuees and Attuan prisoners of war whose communities, culture, and languages were forever effected. prgtoken From May 17 to May 19, a memorial ceremony took place in Alaska to honor and acknowledge those who were affected by the Battle of Attu-- the Aleut evacuees, their descendants and veterans of this Forgotten War, both living and deceased.