mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
ASIA-PACIFIC ECONOMIC COOPERATION BUSINESS TRAVEL CARDS ACT OF 2017
Henry C. "Hank" Johnson, Jr. (Democrat, GA) \u2014 2017-10-26

I rise to support S. 504, the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Business Travel Cards Act of 2017. S. 504 would permanently authorize the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Business Travel Card program, an initiative that provides expedited airport processing to those who are eligible. prgtoken The program, originally created for business travelers from Asia- Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) countries, expanded to include United States citizens after the passage of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Business Travel Cards Act of 2011. Without reauthorization, the program is set to expire on September 30, 2018. prgtoken Georgia is home to one of the world's busiest airports, Hartsfield- Jackson Atlanta International Airport. Atlanta residents witness firsthand the chaos of international travel and the need for streamlined processing in international airports. S. 504 would permanently authorize designated lanes at airports in participating countries, encouraging companies to continue international trade operations and business transactions. Ensuring smooth and efficient modes of transportation is critical for Americans to expand our economy overseas. prgtoken As a member of the Transportation & Infrastructure Committee and member of the Aviation Subcommittee, I look for legislation that will streamline aviation safety, innovation, consumer service, and airport infrastructure. S. 504 achieves many of these goals, and that is why I support this legislation.
COMMENDING DANIA E. RODRIGUEZ FOR 20 YEARS OF SERVICE WITH THE ASSOCIATION OF STATE AND TERRITORIAL SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT OFFICIALS
Madeleine Z. Bordallo (Democrat, GU) \u2014 2017-10-26

I rise today to commend Dania E. Rodriguez for her 20 years of service with the Association of State and Territorial Solid Waste Management Officials (ASTSWMO). prgtoken Dania has been serving in the capacity of Executive Director of the Association of State and Territorial Waste Management Officials in Washington, D.C. since July 2013. She previously served as the Deputy Executive Director of ASTSWMO for six years. During her time at ASTSWMO, she served as the liaison between the states and numerous federal agencies to work on policy issues. prgtoken Dania keeps the ASTSWMO running smoothly by providing support to the ASTSWMO staff and Board of Directors. She manages the day-to-day operations to include the association's budget, cooperative agreements. prgtoken Dania graduated from Hood College in Frederick, Maryland where she received a B.A. in Political Science. She also holds an Executive Certificate in Nonprofit Management from the McCourt School of Public Policy at Georgetown University. She worked for the American Petroleum Institute before starting her career at ASTSWMO. prgtoken Dania has an impressive record of experience and expertise in technical, financial and policy development in environmental work. She holds comprehensive knowledge of state and territorial environmental programs. Dania has been a true friend and advocate of Guam and the region. prgtoken She was the first Executive Director of ASTSWMO to directly collaborate with Guam and assist with the development of the first Zero Waste Conference held in Micronesia. She also played a vital role in making the first EPA Pacific Islands Environment Conference come to life for Guam, the CNMI and America Samoa. prgtoken On behalf of the people of Guam, I commend Dania for her outstanding service to our community throughout her career. I extend a sincere Si Yu 'us Ma 'ase' (thank you) and look forward to her continued contributions to our island and nation.
TAKE BACK HEALTHCARE FROM PHARMACEUTICAL COMPANIES
Tulsi Gabbard (Democrat, HI) \u2014 2017-10-26

for far too long, Big Pharma has played by its own rules, benefiting from skyrocketing drug prices on the backs of our most vulnerable populations. prgtoken Back in 2003, legislation was passed establishing Medicare part D to make prescription drugs more affordable for people, but Big Pharma lobbyists influenced those policies and made it so there is a provision included that would ban the Secretary of Health and Human Services from negotiating lower prices directly with pharmaceutical companies, something that the VA can already do today. prgtoken Over 42 million Americans who are enrolled in Medicare part D continue to face rising costs on brand name drugs, fewer generic drugs, and higher premiums, making it difficult, if not impossible, for many to fill their prescriptions. prgtoken I urge my colleagues to cosponsor the Medicare Prescription Drug Price Negotiation Act to take back our healthcare from pharmaceutical companies and allow the Secretary of HHS to negotiate drug prices directly with manufacturers to secure affordable, lifesaving medication for millions of Americans.
VOTE EXPLANATION
Robert Menendez (Democrat, NJ) \u2014 2017-10-26

I was unavailable for rollcall vote No. 251, on the nomination of Scott L. Palk, of Oklahoma, to be United States District Judge for the Western District of Oklahoma. Had I been present, I would have voted nay. prgtoken , I was unavailable for rollcall vote No. 252, on the motion to invoke cloture on the nomination of Trevor N. McFadden, of Virginia, to be United States District Judge for the District of Columbia. Had I been present, I would have voted nay.
LEGISLATIVE PROGRAM
Steny H. Hoyer (Democrat, MD) \u2014 2017-10-26

. I thank the gentleman for that answer. Perhaps now he knows why I asked the first two questions. prgtoken Apparently, it is not the debt that is of concern, because if the debt were of concern, the $17 billion would be of concern. prgtoken That was put in the bill, as the gentleman knows, to try to pay for, as we paid for every nickel of the Affordable Care Act, and that was one of the larger pay-fors. prgtoken Now, many Members on your side of the aisle don't like that pay-for, and many Members on my side of the aisle don't like that pay-for. That pay-for said that we are going to decide, if we are exceeding expenditure caps, what needs to be cut. prgtoken As the gentleman knows, that board has never been appointed. But if it had been appointed, we would have had 30 days--30 legislative days or calendar days--30 calendar days in which to say, no, we don't agree with that. So the representatives of the people would have had that. prgtoken But my point is we are selective in what we want to pay for, and I think that is a concern certainly to me, and I am sure it is to others. prgtoken And the gentleman said: Of course, it is offset. The gentleman, here, says this is not offset. prgtoken Can I ask the gentleman, why is this not offset? Why is this $17 billion apparently not a worry for the debt and the other dollars for children are necessary to be offset? prgtoken I yield to my friend.
CONCURRENT RESOLUTION ON THE BUDGET FOR FISCAL YEAR 2018
Pramila Jayapal (Democrat, WA) \u2014 2017-10-26

I thank Mr. Yarmuth for yielding me time. prgtoken , I rise in strong opposition to this fiscal year 2018 budget resolution for a number of reasons, not the least of which is that the underlying assumptions are grossly misleading. It assumes fictions like hundreds of billions of dollars from the repeal of the Affordable Care Act, and it assumes an economic growth rate of 3 percent, which most economists on both sides do not believe is possible. prgtoken This budget is merely a vehicle for s to fast-track tax cuts for millionaires, billionaires, and large corporations. Any assertion of cuts for working families is debunked by experts like Leonard Burman, cofounder of the nonpartisan Tax Policy Center, who has called this ``utterly implausible.'' prgtoken , the facts are these: 80 percent of the tax cuts go to the top 1 percent by 2027; the average tax cut for the top 1 percent in 2027 will be $207,000; and 42 million middle class households will face a tax increase, including those earning between $50,000 and $150,000, who will see a tax increase of one-third. That is what this budget lays the path for. prgtoken If we want to see where this will lead, let's just look at Kansas, a place where the legislature has rolled back the tax cuts that they passed from several years ago because they simply didn't work and put Kansas' economy into a downward spiral. prgtoken We know who wins under this budget resolution. It simply paves the way for a huge tax cut for the wealthiest millionaires, billionaires, and corporations. That is wrong, and I urge a ``no'' vote on this budget.
CONCURRENT RESOLUTION ON THE BUDGET FOR FISCAL YEAR 2018
Sheila Jackson Lee (Democrat, TX) \u2014 2017-10-26

. What do you think will happen to this Nation if we vote for this budget plan, this Halloween of a plan? prgtoken The latest budget mandates $4.9 trillion in budget cuts. prgtoken , I cannot vote for this. I cannot vote for it because of the people in Texas after Hurricane Harvey; the people in Louisiana after Hurricane Nate; the people in Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, and Florida after Hurricanes Maria and Irma. I cannot vote for this. This will gut disaster relief, education, infrastructure, research, veterans benefits, and it will clearly provide tax cuts for the rich. prgtoken The budget provides $1.6 trillion in tax cuts to millionaires, billionaires, wealthy corporations. It doesn't give any money to the middle class.
HONORING THE BIRTHDAY OF SENATOR DENNIS J. JACOBS
Cheri Bustos (Democrat, IL) \u2014 2017-10-26

I rise today to honor Senator Dennis ``Denny'' J. Jacobs of East Moline, Illinois on the occasion of his 80th birthday. prgtoken Denny was born in Rock Island County, Illinois on November 8, 1937 to parents Oral ``Jake'' and Shirley Jacobs. Denny graduated from United Township High School in 1955 and married his high school sweetheart, Mary Ellen DuffY, shortly after. He is a graduate of Augustana College in Rock Island, Illinois. Denny and Mary Ellen raised six children. prgtoken Following in his father's footsteps, Denny dedicated nearly 30 years of his life to public service. He was elected Mayor of East Moline in 1973, a position he held for 14 years. In 1986 Denny was appointed to serve as Senator for Illinois' 36th District. He served his community in this capacity until his retirement in 2004. Denny not only made a deep impact on his district, but also on the State of Illinois. One of his biggest legislative accomplishments was expanding 9-1-1 service statewide. Denny worked tirelessly to advocate for his community and to bring investment to this region. prgtoken I join with his family and friends in congratulating him on this special occasion and wishing him a very happy 80th birthday.
CONCURRENT RESOLUTION ON THE BUDGET FOR FISCAL YEAR 2018
Lamar Smith (Republican, TX) \u2014 2017-10-26

first of all, I want to thank the chairwoman of the Budget Committee for yielding me time. prgtoken , we need to pass this budget not only to rein in out-of- control spending, but also to give Congress the go-ahead on much-needed tax reform. prgtoken We need to reduce the tax burden on hardworking Americans. The typical household in the 21st Congressional District of Texas pays over $15,700 in Federal taxes. Past experience shows that tax relief generates strong economic growth. It enables Americans to save, invest, create jobs, and spend more of their income. prgtoken Our vision of tax reform benefits families across America. For example, in my congressional district, one-sixth of households utilize the child tax credit. Increasing the child tax credit will help families keep more of their hard-earned money to use on child care or parental leave, school supplies, college savings, and other expenses associated with raising a child. prgtoken Let's help American families enjoy a more prosperous future rather than pay more of their hard-earned dollars to the Federal Government.
IN HONOR OF SERGEANT FIRST CLASS JEREMIAH W. JOHNSON
George Holding (Republican, NC) \u2014 2017-10-26

I rise today to honor the life and legacy of Sergeant First Class Jeremiah ``JW'' Wayne Johnson, who gave his life while serving our nation on October 4, 2017, in Ouallam, Niger. SFC Johnson was one of four servicemen killed in the hostile attack in southwest Niger. prgtoken A Member of the 3rd Special Forces Group, SFC Johnson proudly served our Nation for ten years as a Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear Specialist (74D). At home, he enjoyed fixing and riding motorcycles, forging and customizing knives, and most importantly, spending time with his family. prgtoken During his tenure in the Army, SFC Johnson received numerous awards and commendations, including the Army Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal, Army Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal and the Armed Forces Service Medal. Posthumously, SFC Johnson was awarded the Purple Heart Medal, Meritorious Service Medal and the Combat Action Badge. prgtoken SFC Johnson was laid to rest in North Carolina on October 16, 2017. His motorcade was met by hundreds of community members, including many uniformed veterans and active duty soldiers, who gathered to honor his life and pay their respects. prgtoken , please join me today in commemorating the life of SFC Jeremiah ``JW'' Wayne Johnson and also in offering our condolences and prayers to his wife Crystal, their two daughters, Addie and Elisa, and to his many family members, friends and comrades as they mourn the loss of this brave hero.
TAX REFORM
John Hoeven (Republican, ND) \u2014 2017-10-26

I rise once again today to talk about how we are working to reform our outdated Tax Code and to provide much needed tax relief to our Nation's small businesses and to hard-working families and ranchers. We are working to not only provide hard-working taxpayers with tax relief but also to strengthen our economy and to stimulate job creation. prgtoken Along with the regulatory relief we have already provided and are working to continue to provide, this tax relief is all about a growing economy, more jobs, and higher wages for hard-working Americans and then making sure that they not only keep more of their earnings after tax but that they see growing wages due to a stronger economy that is so important after the last decade of stagnant wages and income. It is important to understand that this tax relief is both. It is absolutely about lowering the tax burden, but it is also about moving wages and incomes higher. That is the rising tide that lifts all boats in our country. prgtoken Today, the House of Representatives passed a budget resolution that the Senate sent them last week, so now we have completed the first step in terms of enacting pro-growth tax reform that, as I said, will provide tax relief to millions of middle-class families who have been struggling to get ahead over the past decade. prgtoken Today, I want to focus on how our tax proposal will reduce the tax burden on small businesses. Small businesses make up 96 percent of all employers in my State and over 90 percent of the businesses in the country. Over 90 percent of the businesses in this country are small businesses. prgtoken Earlier this week, we had a very productive meeting with the President to talk about our priorities for tax relief, and I specifically highlighted to him the importance of ensuring that tax reform works for our small businesses. When you talk about small businesses, you are talking about farmers and ranchers. As I said, 90 percent of all the businesses in this country are small businesses. So we are working with the administration and with the House to enact tax reforms that will enable American families to keep more of their hard- earned money and, as I said, empower our small businesses to invest and grow. prgtoken Our effort is about growing our economy and regaining our economic competitiveness in a global economy. Our Tax Code needs to ensure that our small business owners and entrepreneurs can compete in that global economy. prgtoken Small businesses, as I said, are the engine that drives our economy. They are the backbone of our economy. Small businesses create more jobs and employ more people than major corporations. They are the heart and soul of Main Streets across America. These businesses earn the majority of all business income in the United States and employ over half the private sector workforce in 49 out of 50 States. They employ over half of the private sector workforce in 49 of our 50 Stat
Wildfire Funding (Executive Session)
Michael B. Enzi (Republican, WY) \u2014 2017-10-26

while I am disappointed that we didn't continue the tradition of alternating speakers, I am glad that I got to hear both of the previous speakers. prgtoken I used to work with the Senators from Colorado to make sure that there were pictures taken annually from the same spots to show the way the trees are dying. There was an infestation that was causing this. The only reason we don't still take those pictures is all the trees are dead. You can't show that it is spreading when they are all dead. They need to be cleaned up, and I am glad there is work being done on forest management. prgtoken On healthcare, there is some effort being made between Senator Alexander and Senator Murray to get a bipartisan bill, but what we need to do around here is get some of the appointments finished up so that the President can have the people in place to solve these problems. We are having to spend 30 hours on the cloture of a district judge. I have never heard of that. I have been here 21 years now, and I have never heard of that. We have to get the appointments through. That is one of our prime jobs--to provide advice and consent for the President--and it is not happening on a timely basis. prgtoken We have had to do 44 cloture motions on different people for the administration. At this point in President 's first term, that had only happened five times. With the previous President, it hadn't happened at all, and the previous one, it had only happened once. Already 44 times this year, it has taken us around 30 hours to get somebody through the process, and we have hundreds waiting to get through the process. That is one of our primary jobs. If we can't get those through the process, it is pretty hard for us to do the legislation we need to do.
LEGISLATIVE PROGRAM
Kevin McCarthy (Republican, CA) \u2014 2017-10-26

. I look forward to that. prgtoken , I thank the gentleman for yielding. prgtoken CHIP is in effect; IPAB is not. It hasn't even created a board yet. So what you are saying to me is let's offset something that hasn't even been created. prgtoken What I am saying is the last time we had this bill on the floor, it was bipartisan votes. voted for it as well; 43 cosponsors on your side of the aisle. prgtoken So I don't think this question is just to me; it is probably for the whole body. But I think the reason the majority of the body wants to get rid of it is it hasn't even been created, and the majority of the people think it is a bad idea. So let's get rid of it now. prgtoken And do you know what? CHIP is already in effect. What is even worse on this process is it is in effect, but now people are freezing enrollments. prgtoken So, if your argument why can't help us on CHIP and why they want to defend millionaire lottery winners is somewhere that something not created has to be offset, I don't think that is really a fair argument.
Tax Reform (Executive Session)
Shelley Moore Capito (Republican, WV) \u2014 2017-10-26

I rise to again highlight the importance of enacting tax reform. I listened to the ic leader's speech. I have heard that speech a thousand times--a thousand times how only wealthy Americans are going to benefit from anything the s can come up with. Well, do you know what? Americans are smarter than that. Americans are smarter than that. prgtoken I represent a State, West Virginians who have struggling economic situations. If I were to go out on the street in West Virginia, and as I talked to individuals there, and asked them: Would you like more of your hard-earned money at the end of the day and have a tax cut and tax relief, I can guarantee you 100 percent would say: Heck, yeah. I can spend my money better at home with my priorities than what you are doing in Washington, DC. So let's not let that argument rule the day. As I said, we are smarter than that. prgtoken Let's talk about what this bill does. This is now my fourth, actually, in a series of something I believe in, which is tax reform for everybody in this country. prgtoken My first speech described the benefits we will have in economic growth. Something that was not mentioned by the previous speaker is how we have been stagnated for so long. The economic growth will rise all boats. Every middle-class worker will benefit from this, and every small business will benefit from this. My second speech was about small businesses. Ninety-five percent of my State is small business. Last week, I highlighted the importance of passing the budget resolution to allow Congress to move forward, and we did that. prgtoken Today, I want to talk about the importance of tax reform for middle- class families and the impacts this bill will have on them, the very real impact. You know what, raising a family is very expensive today. A recent study from the Department of Agriculture found that middle- income households will spend over $230,000 raising a child. It is staggering--staggering. prgtoken The Federal Reserve found that almost half of American families are struggling right now to come up with $400 if they have an emergency expense. In West Virginia, where the median income is $41,000--hardly the wealthy--families are forced to make hard tradeoffs as they balance their checkbooks each month. prgtoken Expenses are going up. Yet most Americans haven't received a raise in years. So we need to help working families, especially those living paycheck to paycheck, and this is one of the primary goals of our tax reform. We want middle-class, middle-earned-income prgtoken folks, hard-working folks to get more in their pocket to decide what they want to do with their money. I raised three children. I know just putting shoes on your children is an expensive proposition. Maybe you want to plan for a trip or save for college. Well, to pay for childcare and to save for college at the same time is almost impossible for our young families today. prgtoken