mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
FEDERAL REGISTER PRINTING SAVINGS ACT OF 2017--Continued
Thad Cochran (Republican, MS) \u2014 2018-1-22

the language in section 148 of the continuing resolution is included exactly as requested by the administration. It is consistent with language that has been adopted many times in past continuing resolutions. prgtoken The appropriation for missile defeat previously approved by Congress is very explicit. Section 2002 of that appropriation provides that the funds ``shall be allocated to programs, projects, and activities in accordance with the detailed congressional budget justifications submitted by the Department of Defense to accompany the Fiscal Year 2018 Budget Amendments requested by the President on November 6, 2017.'' It further provides that ``changes to the allocation of such funds shall be subject to the reprogramming requirements set forth in the annual appropriations Act.'' Section 2002 explicitly protects the oversight prerogatives of the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence and its role in approving deviations from the Administration's request. prgtoken I will continue to work with the Senator from North Carolina on his concerns but must object to his request. prgtoken , I object.
FEDERAL REGISTER PRINTING SAVINGS ACT OF 2017--Continued
Mitch McConnell (Republican, KY) \u2014 2018-1-22

I thank the ic leader for his comments and his indication that he intends to support the measure before us. prgtoken I think if we have learned anything during this process, it is that a strategy to shut down the government over the issue of illegal immigration is something the American people didn't understand and would not have understood in the future. So I am glad we have gotten past that, and we have a chance now to get back to work. prgtoken Therefore, , I ask unanimous consent that the mandatory quorum call be waived.
IN HONOR OF LINDA WEPPNER FOR RECEIVING THE GREATER CHEYENNE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE'S WOMEN'S LEADERSHIP AWARD
Liz Cheney (Republican, WY) \u2014 2018-1-22

I rise today to extend my congratulations to Linda Weppner for receiving the Women's Leadership Award from the Greater Cheyenne Chamber of Commerce. Every year, the Cheyenne Women's Entrepreneur Roundtable recognizes a woman who exhibits outstanding leadership in their professions and service to others with the Women's Leadership Award. It recognizes those who go above and beyond for their businesses and for their community. Linda has made an excellent example for her family, friends, and residents across the state through her hard work, tenacity, and passion for her work and community. As the broker/owner of Century 21 Bell Real Estate, Linda enjoys helping people turn their dreams of owning a home into a reality. Her leadership and service to others is apparent through her involvement in real estate education, instructing aspiring realtors, and participating on multiple boards and organizations. She served as the president of the Cheyenne Board of Realtors and the Cheyenne Multiple Listing Service, and is currently a member of the board for the Wyoming Association of Realtors, the Greater Cheyenne Chamber of Commerce, and the Women's Civic League of Cheyenne, to name a few. Linda is committed to supporting her community in all aspects of her life and I thank her for her dedication and significant contributions. Again, , I would like to extend my congratulations to the 2017 recipient of the Greater Cheyenne Chamber of Commerce's Women's Leadership Award, Linda Weppner. She and her family deserve to be extremely proud of this accomplishment.
FEDERAL REGISTER PRINTING SAVINGS ACT OF 2017--Continued
John Cornyn (Republican, TX) \u2014 2018-1-22

I know the paperwork is being finalized, but I for one--and I guess I am not the only one; I am sure there is broad appreciation for the fact that our ic colleagues who voted to close the government have now changed their minds and now will vote on final passage, having just voted on cloture, to reopen the Federal Government. This was a strategy that lacked an endgame and was never going to work. prgtoken The safety, health, and livelihoods of Americans across the country didn't deserve to be held hostage, and the American people have had enough of these kinds of games. I think, basically, the verdict of the American people is ``A pox on both your houses.'' prgtoken I don't think anybody comes out of this looking very good. But surely, this calculated stunt that put funding for our government, military, and the Children's Health Insurance Program at risk, all because our colleagues wanted to accelerate consideration of the DACA issue--the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals--was a mistake by any measure. prgtoken They, of course, had planned this strategy for months. Many of them had signaled their intention to vote against any spending bills unless the DACA issue was resolved, despite the fact that a majority of Americans in recent polls said that avoiding a shutdown was more important to them than other priorities. prgtoken If we just think about it, trying to deal with the concerns--and they are legitimate; I am sympathetic with them--of the 690,000 DACA recipients versus 320 million Americans who were hurt by this shutdown, it just seems disproportionate and unnecessary. prgtoken For most of the last 3 days, negotiations led to nowhere. The majority leader in particular took the conciliatory gesture of--instead of pursuing the 4-week extension--saying: OK. We will do it for 3 weeks. That is ultimately what our colleagues across the aisle voted on, but what did they have to show for that? To my mind, they got nothing to show for that. prgtoken Sure, they got a commitment from Senator McConnell, the majority leader, to take up the issue of immigration in February. He was going to do that anyway. We know the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals Program expires on March 5. So logic would tell us that, yes, we are going to have to take it up in February. But it just seemed so unnecessary and so harmful to try to shut down the government to force something that was going to happen anyway. So I said: That doesn't make much sense to me. prgtoken I am glad our colleagues decided to take this step to reopen the government while we resume our work to find a solution on this immigration issue. But we have a lot of other important issues. prgtoken First of all, the Children's Health Insurance Program will be reauthorized as part of this vote here shortly. But we have other issues. prgtoken We have to agree on spending caps for this fiscal year so that the Appropriations Committees can figure ou
IRANIAN PROXIES TERRORIST SANCTIONS ACT OF 2017
Ted Poe (Republican, TX) \u2014 2018-1-22

I applaud the recent sanctions applied to Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps. But there's more work to be done. Iranian proxy militias with American blood on their hands operate throughout the Middle East, especially in countries like Iraq and Syria. Mr. Sherman and I introduced H.R. 4238, the Iranian Proxies Terrorist Sanctions Act of 2017. This resolution will apply terrorist sanctions on two of the most dangerous Iranian proxy militias in Iraq and Syria. By targeting these two groups, we will combat Iran's expansionism while signaling to regional partners we will not allow their citizens to be used as Iranian pawns. Our gains against ISIS in Syria and Iraq have been followed by Iran filling the vacuum--turning our victories into defeats. MS, we must turn the tide against Iran's conquest of the Middle East. prgtoken We must designate these two groups for what they are: terrorists dedicated to carrying out the bloody will of the Supreme Leader in Tehran. I urge all Members to cosponsor this important bill, H.R. 4238. And that's just the way it is
OPEN THE GOVERNMENT
Mimi Walters (Republican, CA) \u2014 2018-1-22

2\1/2\ days ago, shut down the Federal Government in an attempt to score political points at the expense of the American people. prgtoken chose to ignore the impact that this has on our Nation. Over 2 million troops go unpaid as they bravely continue to serve and protect us. Nine million American children--16,000 of whom reside in Orange County--don't have the long-term assurance of healthcare coverage. prgtoken , this is no way to run a government. The vast majority of do not disagree with any part of the House-passed continuing resolution, yet they chose to shutter the Government over unrelated issues. prgtoken leadership chose this reckless course of action at the expense of the American people. prgtoken Open the government. Stop this reckless political ploy, and let us get on with serving the American people.
FEDERAL REGISTER PRINTING SAVINGS ACT OF 2017--Continued
Richard Burr (Republican, NC) \u2014 2018-1-22

I thank the vice chairman of the committee. There are over 30-plus professional staffers who staff both sides of the Intelligence Committee. On each side, there is a staffer designated for each of the intelligence agencies in this country. I would dare say today they know their particular portfolio of intelligence agencies as well as the employees who work inside that agency. They are experts. They are tasked with that degree of knowledge. Layered on top of that are 15 Members of the U.S. Senate whom the leadership on both sides have asked to spend countless hours behind closed doors--as the vice chairman said--typically in a bipartisan fashion to provide for every Member and for the American people our certification that we agree with what the intelligence community is doing; that it lives within the letter of the law; that there is some congressional oversight on a constant basis, in real-time, assuring Members and the American people of that accuracy. Why would you take away the tools we have to actually hold them accountable? prgtoken I know appropriators believe this hinders their ability to spend money when we are in a continuing resolution prgtoken period because of section 504. I am not sure I interpret it the same way they do. Just because an executive branch has asked for a pot of money, I have never considered that the committee couldn't go in, because of a vehement disagreement with the way some of it is being spent, and alter it. That altering means that on the part of 15 Members we have a hesitancy as to how it is being done. If you neuter the committee, you neuter our oversight. prgtoken , at this time, I ask unanimous consent that the Burr amendment to amendment No. 1917, which is at the desk, be considered and agreed to.
SCHUMER SHUTDOWN
Virginia Foxx (Republican, NC) \u2014 2018-1-22

during times of strife and stagnation, the most powerful tool we have at our disposal is the power of prayer. prgtoken It is with that in mind that I offer my most heartfelt prayers for the men and women serving in uniform who are going without pay, and for the 9 million children forgoing access to critical healthcare during this Schumer shutdown. prgtoken House s fulfilled our bipartisan mission to responsibly fund the government, support our troops, and reauthorize CHIP for the children who rely on the program. The reason that Senator Schumer and Senate shut down the government is plain and simple. They value the demands of illegal immigrants more than they value the needs of American citizens. prgtoken It is now the third day of the Schumer shutdown and that is 3 days too many in my book. I pray that the Senate who have shut down our government will soon see reason and will fund the government. Our citizens deserve better. prgtoken End the Schumer shutdown.
SENATE RESOLUTION 379--TO AUTHORIZE THE PRODUCTION OF RECORDS BY THE PERMANENT SUBCOMMITTEE ON INVESTIGATIONS OF THE COMMITTEE ON HOMELAND SECURITY AND GOVERNMENTAL AFFAIRS
Mitch McConnell (Republican, KY) \u2014 2018-1-23

on behalf of myself and the distinguished ic leader, Mr. Schumer, I send to the desk a resolution on documentary production by the Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations, and ask for its immediate consideration. prgtoken , the Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations of the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs recently conducted an investigation into the purchase and shipment of illicit opioids into and throughout the United States. The Subcommittee has now received a request from the Department of Homeland Security seeking access to records that the Subcommittee obtained during the investigation. prgtoken In keeping with the Senate's practice under its rules, this resolution would authorize the Chairman and Ranking Minority Member of the Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations, acting jointly, to provide records, obtained by the Subcommittee in the course of its investigation, in response to this request and requests from other Federal or State government entities and officials with a legitimate need for the records.
Earmarks (Executive Calendar)
Jeff Flake (Republican, AZ) \u2014 2018-1-23

from Utah. Let me just say that during a televised, bipartisan meeting recently at the White House, the President suggested that we might be more collegial around here, more efficient in Congress, if we would just bring back earmarks. The reaction from the lawmakers present was decidedly mixed. Some cheered that declaration, but most of us, I have to say, recoiled at the thought. prgtoken As someone who served in Congress during the gluttonous earmarking era, when pork was used regularly to buy and sell Congressmen's votes, I can tell you firsthand this is an idea that nobody ought to be laughing at or embracing. Amidst public corruption investigations and a constant stream of embarrassing headlines about sweetheart deals for family and friends, Congress was forced to place a moratorium on earmarks about 7 or 8 years ago. prgtoken Earmarking does not improve the legislative process. In fact, it compromises Members into ignoring unethical behavior and voting for bad bills that they would otherwise oppose. Remember, Care was approved with just a single vote being secured with an earmark--the one that was derided as the ``Cornhusker kickback.'' Likewise, when Senators receive earmarks, they are agreeing to support hundreds of other earmarks stuffed into an appropriations bill. prgtoken When people say the appropriations process would be a lot smoother, would work a lot better with earmarks, I would respond by saying that there was a period of about 10 years when earmarks really hit the high point, in 1994 or 1995 through 2006. I served in the House from 2001 to 2012, and during that time we had earmarks for part of the time and went without earmarks part of the time. And 2005, I think everybody recognizes, was the high point--or the low point, if you want to put it that way. There were a total of 16,000 earmarks spread across 12 appropriations bills and 1 authorization bill, worth about $30 billion. prgtoken One would think that if we had that much to grease the skids in Washington, we should have been able to pass all appropriations measures and move through the process. We would have a more collegial, compliant body. During that time, in 2005--I just checked--we passed only five appropriations bills in the House--only five. We ended up with an omnibus bill, and that was when s controlled the House, the Senate, and the White House. prgtoken So this notion that we have to have earmarks, and if we just get back to earmarks then this place will run smoothly and we will get through the appropriations bills--with 16,000 earmarks, worth about $30 billion, only five appropriations bills were approved. prgtoken We all remember too well the indoor rain forest in Iowa, the teapot museum in North Carolina, and, of course, the bridge to nowhere in Alaska. When a challenge was made to that infamous bridge and other pork projects, not-so-veiled threats were leveled at Senators
Order of Procedure (Executive Calendar)
John Thune (Republican, SD) \u2014 2018-1-23

I ask unanimous consent that notwithstanding rule XXII, at 5 p.m all postcloture time be considered expired and the Senate vote on confirmation of the Powell nomination; that if confirmed, the motion to reconsider be considered made and laid upon the table, the President be immediately notified of the Senate's action, and the Senate then vote on the motion to invoke cloture on the Azar nomination.
ORDERS FOR WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 24, 2018
Steve Daines (Republican, MT) \u2014 2018-1-23

I ask unanimous consent that when the Senate completes its business today, it adjourn until 10 a.m Wednesday, January 24; 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; finally, that following leader remarks, the Senate proceed to executive session and resume consideration of the Azar nomination.
Funding the Government and Tax Reform (Executive Calendar)
Mike Crapo (Republican, ID) \u2014 2018-1-23

I, too, rise in support of the nomination of the prgtoken Honorable Jerome, or ``Jay,'' Powell to be the Chairman of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System. prgtoken I appreciate this opportunity to immediately follow my colleague Senator Brown, as he and I serve together in leading the Banking Committee on critical issues like this. Senator Brown has very well described a number of the critical aspects of what this nomination means to America. I don't think there is any overstating the importance of this nomination--one of the very few most important nominations any President gets to make. prgtoken The Federal Reserve Chairman plays a critical role in shaping the U.S. and global economic landscape as well as the regulations affecting financial institutions and markets. prgtoken If confirmed to this position, Governor Powell would be central to ensuring a safe and sound financial system while also supporting a vibrant, growing economy. He will play a key role in right-sizing Federal regulations and alleviating unnecessary burdens, a stated goal of the Federal Reserve. He would also Chair the Federal Open Market Committee, the body charged with making key decisions for the Nation's monetary policy. prgtoken Governor Powell has a unique background, which will help him lead the Federal Reserve. He has demonstrated his understanding of the markets and regulations during his tenure over the past 5 years at the Federal Reserve. prgtoken Most recently, he has served as Chairman of the Fed's Committee on Supervision and Regulation, a highly important and impactful position. prgtoken Governor Powell previously served as Assistant Secretary and Under Secretary of the Treasury under President George H.W where he was responsible for policy affecting financial institutions, the Treasury market, and other critical areas of our economy. He also has firsthand experience in investment banking and was a partner in the Carlyle Group before being appointed to the Board of Governors. prgtoken Governor Powell was reported out of the Banking Committee with overwhelming bipartisan support last year and was recently approved again this year with near-unanimous support. If confirmed to this new role, I look forward to continuing our work together with Governor Powell on a host of important issues before the Banking Committee. prgtoken I support this nomination today and urge all of my colleagues to do the same. prgtoken Thank you.
Senate Reform (Executive Calendar)
Roger F. Wicker (Republican, MS) \u2014 2018-1-23

we can do more to streamline nominations, and we can do more to prevent the next budget stand-off. prgtoken I want to remind my colleagues of the bipartisan work that has been done by Senate Appropriations members-- and ic--in just the past year. Eight of the twelve annual appropriations bills passed out of committee last year. Most passed unanimously, with unanimous votes from s and in the full Appropriations Committee. The remaining four were released as chairman's marks. prgtoken Let me recount the work that was done last year. prgtoken On July 13, 2017, the full Appropriations Committee, on a bipartisan basis, unanimously approved the fiscal year 2018 Military Construction and Veterans Affairs and Related Agencies appropriations bill. The vote was 31 to 0. prgtoken On July 20, 2017, the committee unanimously--again by a vote of 31 to 0--approved the fiscal year 2018 Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies appropriations bill. prgtoken Also on July 20, the committee approved the fiscal year 2018 Energy and Water Development appropriations bill by a vote of 30 to 1--still an overwhelming bipartisan vote on the part of the Appropriations Committee. prgtoken On July 27, 2017, the Appropriations Committee unanimously, by a vote of 31 to 0, approved the fiscal year 2018 Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act. prgtoken Also on July 27, the Appropriations Committee approved the fiscal year 2018 Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act. That was by a vote of 30 to 1--overwhelmingly bipartisan. prgtoken On the same day, July 27, the committee unanimously approved the fiscal year 2018 Legislative Branch appropriations bill. prgtoken I could go on and on. Two more: prgtoken In 2017, the full Appropriations Committee approved the Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies appropriations Bill. The vote then was a little closer--29 to 2--but still overwhelmingly bipartisan by a pretty evenly divided Appropriations Committee. prgtoken On September 7--well before the end of the fiscal year--the Senate Appropriations Committee unanimously approved the 2018 Department of State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs appropriations bill. prgtoken All of these bills and then four chairman's marks have been available to this Senate for consideration, and not a single one of them has been brought to the floor. What would be the reason for that? I think Members of the majority would say it is because we couldn't get 60 votes for cloture on a motion to proceed, and realizing that we couldn't get the 60 votes, we decided not to burn the time that we needed for other considerations, such as nominations or tax reform or other legislation that had a chance. Members of the minority party would probably say we couldn't get to a realistic caps agreement