mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
TAX CUTS AND JOBS ACT
Mike Bishop (Republican, MI) \u2014 2017-11-16

I want to thank the chairman for yielding, for his steadfast leadership, and for giving me the opportunity to be a part of this incredible opportunity on behalf of this great country. prgtoken Tax reform is about giving hardworking Americans of all walks of life the confidence they need to make their dreams a reality. So the question that needs to be asked is whether or not the current Tax Code, and all of its targeted tax credits, really increases people's paychecks. Does it treat people fairly? Does it put American workers first? prgtoken What about fostering economic growth? Does it help create more good- paying jobs? On that subject, I think Michigan is a great case study, my home State of Michigan. You see, I am from the Motor City where we are known for our blue-collar work ethic. Our families come from humble beginnings. They get up every morning and go to work to make ends meet to build a better life for their family and for their kids. We persevered through some pretty serious economic death spirals, I must say, and I would refer back to 2008 as an example. prgtoken More than 8,000 people left our State. Just think about that. We are the only State in the Union to lose population--and more would have left if they had a chance to sell their homes. prgtoken At the time, I was the Senate majority leader in Michigan under the last administration, overseeing the only branch of government. I saw firsthand how the administration pursued targeted tax credits, one after the other, that favored one industry over the other. It was a classic example of government picking winners over losers, and as expected, it failed miserably. prgtoken As we see at the Federal level today, in Michigan, these targeted tax benefits were paid for by everyone else in the form of tax increases, and not only did it fail to attract growth in emerging sectors as they had hoped, but it caused our economy to go into a tailspin, a very serious tailspin. prgtoken Michigan quickly became the only State in the country experiencing zero economic growth. Per capita income fell for the first time. It was one of the highest to begin with, and just a few years later, it was one of the lowest. By 2009, unemployment hit a record high of 15 percent. Neighboring States that had more hospitable environments for good job growth attracted our families and our neighbors. prgtoken As I said, we are the only State in the Union to lose population. But as Senate majority leader at that time of the only branch of government, we didn't just say no to the government's failed policies. We offered solutions and loaded up the pipeline with legislation to help the newly elected legislature and Governor Rick Snyder get the job done. prgtoken What did we do? We did exactly what we are doing here today. We started with tax reform. While balancing budgets, we found ways to lower rates on individuals, reduce baseline rates for job creato
APPROPRIATIONS
Thad Cochran (Republican, MS) \u2014 2017-11-16

I would like to review for the Senate the status of appropriations for fiscal year 2018. prgtoken The Appropriations Committee has marked up 8 of the 12 regular appropriations bills for this fiscal year. The committee has also processed two supplemental appropriations bills and one continuing resolution. prgtoken We have little time to finalize the regular appropriations bills and to consider additional supplemental appropriations requests for defense and for natural disaster recovery. prgtoken We need a new budget deal to finish our work. Congress and the administration must reach agreement on acceptable top-line funding levels for defense and nondefense programs. prgtoken At the funding cap currently in law, the Appropriations Committee would be hard-pressed to write a 2018 Defense bill that fully meets our national security needs or reflects the priorities of the Senate. prgtoken The current continuing resolution expires on December 8. We cannot afford to extend that CR into next year. prgtoken A budget agreement is necessary for the Senate to approve responsible appropriations legislation. I urge all parties to those negotiations to redouble their efforts to reach agreement.
HONORING FATHER SOLANUS CASEY
Jim Banks (Republican, IN) \u2014 2017-11-17

I rise today to honor Father Solanus Casey and to celebrate his upcoming beatification on Saturday, November 18th. Father Casey was born in Oak Grove, Wisconsin, the son of Irish immigrants. Though he faced challenges in the early part of his life, Father Casey's love for God guided him to the priesthood. Thus, he joined the Capuchin Order and was ordained a simplex priest. On July 31, 1904, he celebrated his first Mass. prgtoken Father Solanus' journey took him to all parts on the country. He was assigned to monasteries in New York, Detroit, and most importantly Huntington, Indiana, where he served the Capuchin novitiate of Saint Felix. He was known for his kind demeanor, his ``attitude of gratitude,'' and his devotion to the Church and God. He served the people of Huntington with distinction from 1946 to 1956. Shortly after, Father Solanus passed away on July 31, 1957. prgtoken After years of research and advocacy by the Father Solanus Guild, Father Solanus will be recognized as another step farther along the path to Sainthood this weekend. I am particularly pleased that the Catholic Church is recognizing a man who touched so many lives in Northeast Indiana. Father Solanus still has a strong following to this day, and I would like to congratulate the Catholic Diocese of Fort Wayne-South Bend for all of its efforts throughout the years to celebrate the life and memory of this generous man. I am excited to celebrate this momentous occasion with all of my constituents whose lives have been touched by Father Solanus and his ministry. Father Solanus Casey truly lived a noble, Christian life.
HONORING THE FIRST RESPONDERS TO THE GLOVERSVILLE FIRE
Elise M. Stefanik (Republican, NY) \u2014 2017-11-17

I rise today to honor and recognize the brave actions of the first responders to a fire in Gloversville, New York. prgtoken Due to the quick and decisive response of Gloversville police officers and firefighters, tragedy was averted in a burning house on Grand Street in the early morning of October 20, 2017. Upon discovery of the fire, Officer Melinda Palmer, Sergeant Robert Brown, Officer William Christman, Fire Department Battalion Chief Brandt Minkler, and Officer Ronald Reu were able to ensure the safety of the occupants, two of whom escaped without injury while two were hospitalized and are expected to fully recover. If not for the brave actions of these first responders, the outcomes for these individuals could have been drastically different. prgtoken On behalf of New York's 21st District, I would like to thank these firefighters and police officers for their bravery and decisive action, and honor the sacrifices that they have made for the community.
CONFERENCE REPORT ON H.R. 2810, NATIONAL DEFENSE AUTHORIZATION ACT FOR FISCAL YEAR 2018
Barbara Lee (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2017-11-17

I rise in strong opposition to H.R. 2810, the Fiscal Year 2018 National Defense Authorization Act. This bill authorizes $700 billion in defense spending for our already out-of- control Pentagon budget. It would also increase funding by $66 billion for wars that Congress has never debated or voted on. And once again, my colleagues have used an off-the-books spending gimmicks to further expand the already-bloated Pentagon budget. prgtoken , enough is enough. prgtoken Instead of writing blank checks to the Pentagon, Congress needs to live up to its constitutional obligation to debate matters of war and peace. We need to rip up the 2001 blank check for endless war. We need to stop funding wars without end. prgtoken Simply put, , we need to do our job. prgtoken And this Defense Authorization Act does just the opposite. It allows Congress to kick the can down the road again, while funding wars with no debate on the costs and consequences to our troops or to the American people. prgtoken , I do have to say that I am pleased by the passage of my amendment, which I co-authored with my good friend Congressman Burgess, to report on the audit-readiness of the Pentagon. This is a good first step, but much work remains to bring some accountability to Pentagon spending. prgtoken So I call on Ryan to act to actually audit bloated Pentagon spending and to bring forth an authorization so Congress can vote up or down on these wars. prgtoken I urge my colleagues to vote `NO' on this bill and reject this wasteful spending.
RECOGNIZING NATIONAL ADOPTION DAY
Bobby L. Rush (Democrat, IL) \u2014 2017-11-17

November 18th is National Adoption Day, intended to raise awareness of adoption. Since the beginning of National Adoption Day, over 65,000 children have been placed in a home. On any given day 428,000 children are in foster care in the United States. Currently, in Illinois, there are 2,806 foster children waiting to be adopted. prgtoken , to recognize this important day, I am participating in a wonderful project that highlights the importance of finding adoptive families for foster children waiting a permanent home. For the month of November, I will be honoring the Olsson family from Evergreen Park, Illinois, which is in my district. Scott and Heather Olsson adopted a 12-year-old boy named Nathan. On his 11th birthday, Nathan received the best gift when the Olsson's decided to open their heart and their home as foster parents. Nathan remembers the laughter and warmth of the first night he spent with his adoptive family. They were all having a great time as his father Scott, told ``corny Dad jokes.'' Then his parents set a birthday cake on the table that read ``Welcome Home.'' Nathan remembers that moment as he thought, ``Home! I feel home for real.'' prgtoken Since then the Olsson family has created wonderful memories, and I know they have many more to create. Many more birthdays, holidays, and special occasions. prgtoken , I would like to thank Heather and Scott Olsson for breaking the cycle for a young boy. Because of you, he no longer goes from foster home to foster home and instead, has a stable home. Because of you, there is one less child in the system. prgtoken At the age of 12, Nathan understands the simplicity and efficiency of adopting an infant, but he urges those considering adoption to consider an older child who may have made poor choices because of instability. And , in the words of Heather Olsson, it's always scary to add a new family member, whether adopted or biological, but don't allow that fear to hold you back. Adoption is a rewarding experience.
HONORING MIRIAM STEINBERG
Eliot L. Engel (Democrat, NY) \u2014 2017-11-21

I rise today to honor an exceptional member of the Scarsdale community, Miriam Steinberg, for her tireless dedication and selflessness to the Coachman Family Center Shelter. Miriam has donated over $50,000 worth of food and supplies for the homeless and deserves a great deal of recognition for her efforts. prgtoken A lifetime resident of Scarsdale, Miriam is the President of Our Coupon Cares, a non-profit committed to providing supplies to homeless shelters through clipping coupons. Miriam's monthly visits to the shelter have led her to be one of the largest individual donors in the area. Each month, Miriam brings 15 grocery bags filled with cereal, snacks, juice, body wash, notebooks, board game and other supplies, totaling over 700 grocery bags since she became President. Currently, she is preparing for the Thanksgiving holiday and hopes to provide those with a memorable holiday. prgtoken Miriam's altruism is a model for others to look upon, , she has given so much back to her community and her efforts have been beyond exemplary. I want to congratulate Miriam on all she has done and thank her for her remarkable work.
IN RECOGNITION OF COMMANDER PAT SLACK
Rick Larsen (Democrat, WA) \u2014 2017-11-21

I rise to recognize the distinguished career of Commander Pat Slack of the Snohomish Regional Drug & Gang Task Force, who will be retiring at the end of this year. prgtoken Commander Slack is an army veteran who received the Bronze Star for his service in Vietnam. Following his service, he spent 25 years with the Snohomish County Sheriff's office and five years as a Deputy Chief with the Everett Police Department. prgtoken In 2000, he became the Commander of the Snohomish Regional Drug & Gang Task Force, which has become the largest of its kind in the state under his leadership. The task force targets drug trafficking organizations and street gangs involved in drug activity to reduce availability and trafficking of drugs in the state and county. This is with the ultimate goal of improving the quality of life in our communities. prgtoken Commander Slack was instrumental in starting the drug take back program in Snohomish County and he has been a member of a number of national and local teams and organizations focused on drugs and public health. prgtoken I would like to recognize Commander Slack for his excellent leadership and his commitment to fighting the opioid epidemic in my district.
PERSONAL EXPLANATION
Mark Pocan (Democrat, WI) \u2014 2017-11-21

during my medical recovery, I missed the following roll call votes. Had I been present, I would have voted: October 31, 2017 prgtoken Yea on Roll Call No. 591 November 1, 2017 prgtoken No on Roll Call No. 592 prgtoken No on Roll Call No. 593 prgtoken Yea on Roll Call No. 594 prgtoken Yea on Roll Call No. 595 prgtoken Yea on Roll Call No. 596 prgtoken Yea on Roll Call No. 597 prgtoken No on Roll Call No. 598 prgtoken Yea on Roll Call No. 599 November 2, 2017 prgtoken No on Roll Call No. 600 prgtoken No on Roll Call No. 601 prgtoken No on Roll Call No. 602 prgtoken No on Roll Call No. 603 prgtoken Yea on Roll Call No. 604 November 3, 2017 prgtoken Yea on Roll Call No. 605 prgtoken No on Roll Call No. 606 November 6, 2017 prgtoken Yea on Roll Call No. 607 prgtoken Yea on Roll Call No. 608 prgtoken Yea on Roll Call No. 609 November 7, 2017 prgtoken No on Roll Call No. 610 prgtoken No on Roll Call No. 611 prgtoken Yea on Roll Call No. 612 prgtoken Yea on Roll Call No. 613 prgtoken No on Roll Call No. 614 November 8, 2017 prgtoken No on Roll Call No. 616 prgtoken No on Roll Call No. 617 prgtoken Yea on Roll Call No. 618 prgtoken Yea on Roll Call No. 619 prgtoken No on Roll Call No. 620 prgtoken Yea on Roll Call No. 621 November 9, 2017 prgtoken No on Roll Call No. 622 November 13, 2017 prgtoken Yea on Roll Call No. 623 prgtoken Yea on Roll Call No. 624 prgtoken Yea on Roll Call No. 625 November 14, 2017 prgtoken No on Roll Call No. 626 prgtoken No on Roll Call No. 627 prgtoken Yea on Roll Call No. 628 prgtoken Yea on Roll Call No. 629 prgtoken No on Roll Call No. 630 prgtoken No on Roll Call No. 631 November 15. 2017 prgtoken No on Roll Call No. 632 prgtoken No on Roll Call No. 633 prgtoken Yea on Roll Call No. 634 prgtoken Yea on Roll Call No. 635 prgtoken Yea on Roll Call No. 636 November 16, 2017 prgtoken No on Roll Call No. 637
HONORING MICHAEL ``MIKE'' FISHER
Michael T. McCaul (Republican, TX) \u2014 2017-11-21

I rise today to honor the life of one of the finest and most dedicated members of the Office of Emergency Management: Michael ``Mike'' Fisher of Bastrop, Texas. He was one of the most respected individuals in not only Bastrop County, but throughout our great state. prgtoken For 11 years, Mike served as Deputy Director of Emergency Management for Bastrop County. He was considered a ``man of vision and an innovator of Emergency Management.'' He had an uncanny ability to foresee the future of disasters and stay ahead of the diverse emergencies in our state and Bastrop County. These skills enabled him to succeed on many levels within his position. prgtoken Mike managed the emergency response for our local disasters, including the 2009 Wilderness Ridge Fire and the Hidden Pines Fire of October 2015, as well as coordinated the county's response to the major flooding events we've experienced in more recent years. prgtoken His leadership, knowledge, and dedication to the challenges he was given were so extensive that he was often sought out to help surrounding counties and jurisdictions. Mike was always looking to help others. prgtoken To his friends and colleagues, Mike was known as a trusted counselor, a good listener, and a peacemaker. Yet, when he spoke, all listened. prgtoken Above all, his most important accomplishment was his family. To Mike's wife, Bonnie, his entire family, and the good people of Bastrop County, you have the gratitude of the nation and we join you in mourning the loss of this great public servant.
RECOGNIZING ST. PAUL'S EPISCOPAL CHURCH OF WATERLOO, NY
Tom Reed (Republican, NY) \u2014 2017-11-21

I rise today to recognize St. Paul's Episcopal Church on its bicentennial, and to congratulate its clergy, staff, and members, as they celebrate this remarkable milestone. prgtoken St. Paul's was incorporated on November 17, 1817, in Waterloo, New York, and has ministered to the spiritual and physical needs of its surrounding community without ceasing in the two-hundred years since. prgtoken From its inception, St. Paul's has practiced the traditional Christian values of inclusion, hospitality, caring for the poor and others who are struggling. St. Paul's also strives to provide a welcoming environment for all individuals, regardless of where they are in their respective faith journeys. prgtoken I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing St. Paul's Episcopal Church as it celebrates two centuries of spiritual ministry and service to the community of Waterloo, New York.
HONORING THE LIFE OF BRASHER-WINTHROP VOLUNTEER FIREFIGHTER DAVID CARR
Elise M. Stefanik (Republican, NY) \u2014 2017-11-21

I rise today to honor the life of David Carr, a firefighter in the Brasher-Winthrop Volunteer Fire Department who died in the line of duty on November 4, 2017. prgtoken David dedicated his life to serving others. After joining the Winthrop Volunteer Fire Department in 1979, he became Fire Chief of the department and maintained an active membership after his department merged with the firefighters of Brasher. David was also a member of the Tri-Town Volunteer Rescue Squad for 17 years, and served as chief for four years. In 2016, he was recognized for responding to the most calls of any EMT in his department. David was known by his colleagues as a trusted mentor and dedicated volunteer to the Tri-Town Community. prgtoken I would like to offer my deepest condolences to David's family and friends, particularly his wife, Lisa. David was an exemplary member of the community and his countless sacrifices made on behalf of the 21st District will not be forgotten.
TAX CUTS AND JOBS ACT
Yvette D. Clarke (Democrat, NY) \u2014 2017-11-24

I rise today in opposition to H.R. 1, the so-called Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. This egregious bill would penalize families for having multiple children, reduce incentives for affordable housing units, hurt the sick by eliminating the medical expense deduction, harm commuters by limiting the benefit of the transit tax credit to employers, and harm New York in particular by limiting the state and local tax deduction, which helps New York provide valuable benefits to people of all income levels. prgtoken Most importantly, this bill would add $1.5 trillion to our national debt, essentially paying for tax cuts to America's wealthiest citizens today on the backs of our children tomorrow. This bill exposes the moral bankruptcy of the agenda and I hope the American people will remember these actions in the future. prgtoken I ask all of my colleagues to oppose this legislation.
Tax Reform (Executive Session)
Mitch McConnell (Republican, KY) \u2014 2017-11-27

during the last decade, our complex Tax Code left hard-working families behind and allowed the wealthy and well connected to get ahead. It is so bad that one small business owner in Paducah, KY, recently wrote to my office asking for relief because, as he said, ``Taxes are suffocating my company, and me personally.'' prgtoken The pain isn't just being felt in Kentucky. It is an urgent problem nationwide. Families and job creators are doing their best to get ahead, but too often our Tax Code keeps them from reaching for the American dream. Working families and small businesses in our country deserve better than our outdated Tax Code, and that is what we are trying to deliver. prgtoken Tax reform represents the single most important thing we can do right now to spur economic growth, help support good jobs, and boost the middle class. This is our once-in-a-generation opportunity, and we should meet the challenge. prgtoken Overhauling our Tax Code can mean more money for small businesses to hire, to invest, and to expand. It can mean families keeping more of what they earn to save for a rainy day or an emergency. This relief can even mean getting one step closer to sending a child to college, buying a new car, or saving more for retirement. prgtoken This week, the Senate will continue our years-long effort toward tax reform. Under the leadership of Chairman Hatch, the Senate Finance Committee reported out legislation to replace our noncompetitive, complex, and outdated Tax Code. prgtoken Through dozens of hearings, substantial hard work, and an open amendment process, the committee has produced a bill that would prioritize the middle class and small businesses so they can keep more of their hard-earned money. prgtoken Our plan doubles the child tax credit, preserves the adoption tax credit, and roughly doubles the standard deduction to reduce how much income is taxed in the first place. prgtoken Put it all together, and a typical middle-class family of four making a median family income could see a tax break of around $2,200. As families sit around the table to balance their budgets and plan for the future, this money will make a significant impact. prgtoken In addition, our tax reform proposal will provide much needed relief for low- and middle-income families by repealing Care's individual mandate tax. By ending an unpopular tax from an unworkable law, this plan can help those who need it most. prgtoken The bottom line is this: We want to take more money out of Washington's pocket and put more money into the pockets of American families. To accomplish this goal, we will continue to consider the plan under regular order. Every Member will have a chance to offer amendments on the floor, and then we will vote. prgtoken There are many places in this legislation where we should all-- s and --be able to agree. For instance, our ic colleagues have the opportunity to help us e