mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
REMEMBERING PAUL WELLSTONE
Al Franken (Democrat, MN) \u2014 2017-10-24

I rise today to remember and celebrate the life of my friend, Senator Paul Wellstone. prgtoken Paul led a lot of fights in the Senate on behalf of working families and those without a voice. He didn't back down even when a fight seemed unwinnable. He told voters exactly what he believed even when it wasn't popular. It was by taking such positions that Minnesotans, whether they agreed with him or not, always knew where he stood. prgtoken In the final days of the 2002 campaign, he told Minnesotans: I don't represent the big oil companies, I don't represent the big pharmaceutical companies . . . they already have great representation in Washington. It's the rest of the people that need it. I represent the people of Minnesota. prgtoken But Paul also knew full well that standing up to powerful interests could have steep political costs. His career in the Senate was bookended by votes on going to war in Iraq. Both of his votes were unpopular, but Paul stood on principle, not on politics. His maiden speech, the first speech he gave as a Senator, was in opposition to the first Gulf war, and one of the last Senate votes he cast was against the second war in Iraq. prgtoken He was facing a tough reelection challenge at the time of his vote, and he knew it might cost him his seat, and he told friends so. But to have voted otherwise, he said, would have violated the principles that guided his career. So he voted his conscience and put political considerations aside, just as he did throughout his time in public office. prgtoken Then, just 11 days before election day, his plane went down, taking not only Paul and Sheila, his wife, but their daughter Marcia, campaign staffers Tom Lapic, Mary McEvoy, and Will McLaughlin, as well as pilots Richard Conry and Michael Guess. prgtoken Since coming to the Senate, I have learned how well regarded Paul was around the Capitol, not only by Senators from both sides of the aisle but also by Capitol police officers, whom he knew by name, and the elevator operators, for whom he always made time. prgtoken Paul's legislative work continues to make a profound difference in the lives of millions of Americans. Among his accomplishments are his pioneering efforts, along with Senator Pete Domenici of New Mexico, on mental health parity, which ensures that copays and deductibles for addiction and mental health services are on par with payments for other medical services. The law was jointly named for Paul and Senator Domenici, and it passed in late 2008, 6 years after Paul's death. prgtoken After I was seated in 2009, one of the first things I did was to work with Paul's son David on getting the final rules written to implement Wellstone-Domenici. That work inspired me to later push for investments in school mental health services, to help students and their families who need those services. prgtoken Paul also led the David-and-Goliath effort to stop ban
BANKRUPTCY JUDGESHIP ACT OF 2017--Continued
Jeff Flake (Republican, AZ) \u2014 2017-10-24

I rise today to address a matter that has been very much on my mind. At a moment when it seems that our democracy is more defined by our discord and our dysfunction than by our own values and principles, let me begin by noting a somewhat obvious point that these offices that we hold are not ours indefinitely. We are not here simply to mark time. Sustained incumbency is certainly not the point of seeking office, and there are times when we must risk our careers in favor of our principles. Now is such a time. prgtoken It must also be said that I rise today with no small measure of regret--regret because of the state of our disunion, regret because of the disrepair and destructiveness of our politics, regret because of the indecency of our discourse, regret because of the coarseness of our leadership, regret for the compromise of our moral authority, and by ``our,'' I mean all of our complicity in this alarming and dangerous state of affairs. prgtoken It is time for our complicity and our accommodation of the unacceptable to end. In this century, a new phrase has entered the language to describe the accommodation of a new and undesirable order, that phrase being the ``new normal.'' But we must never adjust to the present coarseness of our national dialogue with the tone set at the top. We must never regard as normal the regular and casual undermining of our democratic norms and ideals. We must never meekly accept the daily sundering of our country, the personal attacks, the threats against principles, freedoms, and institutions, the flagrant disregard for truth and decency, the reckless provocations, most often for the pettiest and most personal reasons, reasons having nothing whatsoever to do with the fortunes of the people whom we have been elected to serve. None of these appalling features of our current politics should ever be regarded as normal. We must never allow ourselves to lapse into thinking that is just the way things are now. If we simply become inured to this condition, thinking that it is just politics as usual, then Heaven help us. prgtoken Without fear of the consequences and without consideration of the rules of what is politically safe or palatable, we must stop pretending that the degradation of our politics and the conduct of some in our executive branch are normal. They are not normal. Reckless, outrageous, and undignified behavior has become excused and countenanced as ``telling it like it is'' when it is actually just reckless, outrageous, and undignified. prgtoken When such behavior emanates from the top of our government, it is something else. It is dangerous to a democracy. Such behavior does not project strength, because our strength comes from our values. It instead projects a corruption of the spirit and weakness. prgtoken It is often said that children are watching. Well, they are. And what are we going to do about that? When the next generation asks us ``Why didn'
ISSUES OF THE DAY
Louie Gohmert (Republican, TX) \u2014 2017-10-24

I do greatly appreciate my friend across the aisle. Mr. Garamendi made some good points. For example, the people speak, and we are thankful they do. And that is why, when the ic House Members and ic Senate Members voted to pass something known as Care--it is hard to call it the Affordable Care Act because it has come at the cost of some people's lives, their doctors, their insurance policies, their medicines they needed--but the American people did speak, and they said, ``Not again,'' and they put out of the majority as a result of that bill. prgtoken As I explained to some of my colleagues in the Conference who were saying that the is the one who got us the majority back, I pointed out in conference, if you look at the polls, it is very clear. No one person got us the majority back in November 2010. The got the s the majority back. prgtoken The polls back then showed that we were not trusted any more than we had been so much in the past, as they were, the voters were just upset with the passing a bill they didn't want, that the had not read, and didn't know what it said, and they were going to have to pass it to find out what was in it. prgtoken And they were lied to repeatedly. You can keep your insurance if you like it. If you like your doctor, you can keep your doctor, and all those. Turns out they knew in advance--not all of the people here, but the people in the administration who kept saying it, they knew they were lying because they knew people would not keep their insurance whether they liked it or not; they would not keep their doctors if they liked them as they may well not be in the network and probably wouldn't be in many networks. prgtoken So it is so true that the people speak, and thank goodness they do. And then they have returned, not only s to majorities in the House, repeatedly, on the promise of repealing prgtoken Care, but also gave the Senate the majority twice now on the promise to repeal Care and, unfortunately, the Senate has not delivered. prgtoken We passed a bill here in the House, it was after much wailing and gnashing of teeth, and a terrible bill at first that would have allowed premiums to continue to go up. Some say, yeah, but you should have voted for it; it would give the President some wind at his back. prgtoken But when the American people found out that premiums were going to continue to go up, their deductibles would continue to go up, the insurance companies would continue to get bailouts after record profit years, they were not going to be returning s to the majority. prgtoken So it is still very critical that we keep our promises and we take a lesson from the actual planks of the platform that got our great President elected: number one, build a wall and secure the border; number two, repeal Care; number three, we would have tax reform. Those se
STOP SETTLEMENT SLUSH FUNDS ACT OF 2017
Darrell Issa (Republican, CA) \u2014 2017-10-24

such time as I may consume. prgtoken , I want to take a moment to agree with the gentleman from New Jersey. The idea that you can pay a fine to get out from underneath criminal prosecution is one that I would like to see either eclipsed to where it is almost invisible and rarely used or done away with altogether. I would certainly agree to join with the gentleman in finding further prohibitions to that practice. prgtoken It has been too often that a corporation able to pay large amounts of money not only escapes its actions, but, of course, it escapes the prosecution of key individuals who may, in some cases, be responsible for the loss of life and/or health. prgtoken So I want to join with the gentleman from New Jersey. That is not what this bill is about. It doesn't deal with it, nor does it fail to deal with it. It is not the subject of the bill. prgtoken I urge the gentleman, who does agree with a portion of what we have to say, to work with me. I will be happy to be his cosponsor on a piece of legislation to try to curtail that practice. prgtoken Today, we are trying to curtail a practice in which we have examples of both s and in the Office of the Attorney General, their justice departments, from making settlements that seem to have political bias. And that is what we are here to stop. prgtoken Mr. Chair, .
OTTO WARMBIER NORTH KOREA NUCLEAR SANCTIONS ACT
Luke Messer (Republican, IN) \u2014 2017-10-24

I want to thank my colleague from Kentucky for his leadership and my colleague from Indiana for his leadership on this legislation as well. prgtoken , from day one, President 's message to North Korea has been clear: the U.S. will not tolerate any North Korean actions that threaten American lives. prgtoken Hoosiers appreciate President 's leadership and understand the crisis we face. North Korea is an erratic and brutal regime. We simply cannot accept a world in which North Korea has nuclear weapons that can reach American shores. prgtoken Unfortunately, with each missile test, we are moving closer to that world becoming a reality. That is why I am proud to work with my colleague from Kentucky and other colleagues on the Otto Warmbier North Korean Nuclear Sanctions Act. With this bill, we will give foreign financial institutions a clear choice: you can either do business with Kim Jong-un in North Korea, or you can do business with the United States--but not both. prgtoken By imposing the toughest financial sanctions ever on North Korea, this bill cuts off crucial resources that the regime relies on to finance its weapons program. prgtoken , I urge my colleagues to support this measure, help us meet the North Korean threat head-on, and do what is necessary to protect our country.
BANKRUPTCY JUDGESHIP ACT OF 2017--Continued
John McCain (Republican, AZ) \u2014 2017-10-24

it is very hard for me to add to the eloquence of my dear friend from Arizona, but I do want to say it has been one of the great honors of my life to have the opportunity to serve with a man of integrity, of honor, decency, and commitment to not only Arizona but the United States of America. prgtoken I have seen Jeff Flake stand up for what he believes in, knowing full well that there would be a political price to pay. I have seen him stand up for his family. I have seen him stand up for his forbearers who were the early settlers of the State of Arizona. In fact, there is a place called Snowflake, AZ, and obviously the ``Flake'' part comes from his direct predecessor. prgtoken It is the Flake family and families like them who came and worked and slaved and raised families and made Arizona what it is, and it has never had a more deserving son than Jeff Flake and his beautiful wife Cheryl and children. prgtoken So I would just like to say, Jeff, I have known you now for a number of years. I know you have served Arizona and the country, and there is one thing I am absolutely sure of, and that is you will continue that service, which is part of your family. It is part of your view of America. It is part of your willingness and desire to serve Arizona. One of the great privileges of my life has been to have the opportunity to know you and serve with you. prgtoken As we look, all of us, at some point at our time that we have spent here--whether it be short or whether it be long--we look back and we think about what we could have done, what we should have done, what we might have done, the mistakes we made, and the things we are proud of. Well, when the Flake service to this country in this Senate is reviewed, it will be one of honor, of brilliance and patriotism and love of country. prgtoken I thank you. God bless you and your family. prgtoken .
GAO OPINION LETTER ON 2016 TONGASS PLAN AMENDMENT
Lisa Murkowski (Republican, AK) \u2014 2017-10-24

I ask unanimous consent that a letter from the U.S. Government Accountability Office, GAO, dated October 23, 2017, be printed in the Record. prgtoken The letter provides notification that the 2016 Amendment to the Tongass Land and Resource Management Plan, USDA, Forest Service, Tongass Land and Resource Management Plan, Record of Decision, R10-MB- 769I, Washington, D.C.: December 9, 2016, is a rule subject to the Congressional Review Act, 5 U.S.C. Sec. 801 et seq. prgtoken I wrote to GAO on February 13, 2017, asking it to determine whether the 2016 Tongass plan amendment constitutes a rule subject to the CRA. In response, as communicated in its letter of October 23, GAO determined that the plan amendment is a rule and does not fall within any of the exceptions provided in the CRA. Accordingly, with this GAO opinion and its publication in the Congressional Record, the rule will be subject to a congressional joint resolution of disapproval. prgtoken The letter I am now submitting to be printed in the Congressional Record is the original document provided by GAO to my office. I will also provide a copy of the GAO letter to the Parliamentarian's office. prgtoken For those who may be interested, the 2016 Tongass Plan Amendment can be found online at https://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/tongass/ landmanagement/?cid=stelprd3801708. GAO's determination can be accessed at http://www.gao.gov/products/B-238859. prgtoken I look forward to debating the future of this rule in the weeks and months to come.
RECOGNIZING THE LIFE OF JOHN HANCOCK
Pete Olson (Republican, TX) \u2014 2017-10-24

when you look at the heavens tonight, you may notice a new bright star. My fellow Texans from Sugar Land and Fort Bend County have seen that star for years. It is our John Hancock. prgtoken John enjoyed life with us for 89 years. John is a native Texan, Houston proud, born on February 13 of 1928. He is a Korean Army veteran, 33 years with Mobil Oil, an investment adviser. prgtoken John loved many things. He loved University of Texas football, Hook 'em Horns. He loved his Astros, our baseball team. He loved his hometown of Sugar Land. He loved going to church prgtoken at Sugar Land First United Methodist Church. He loved to bowl. He bowled 297 points when he turned 80. But most of all, he loved his amazing wife, Linda. prgtoken John and Linda are in Heaven together right now. Linda is there saying, ``Roll Tide,'' for her beloved Alabama Crimson Tide playing their football games. John is beside her saying, ``Beat LA,'' which is exactly what his beloved Astros will do in a few hours. prgtoken Thank you, John. May the peace of Christ be with you and Linda forever.
THE BICENTENNIAL BIRTH ANNIVERSARY OF THE BAHA'I FAITH
Lynn Jenkins (Republican, KS) \u2014 2017-10-24

I rise to recognize the 200th anniversary of the birth of Baha'u'llah, the founder of the Baha'i Faith. The message from the Baha'i faith has been that of justice, unity, and peace. I am proud to join my Baha'i constituents in Kansas and those around the world to recognize the occasion of the Bicentennial Birth Anniversary of the Baha'I faith. prgtoken The Baha'i Faith first arrived in the U.S. over 120 years ago and now the Baha'is live not only in my state of Kansas, but in every state of our union. Wherever they may live, Baha'is champion the principles of their faith and strive to build a better world by being good citizens, serving their communities, as well as working side by side with others to promote the common good. prgtoken Our world would do well to follow the example of Baha'u'llah, as he was known for his charity, service to others, and known as a father to the poor. I am grateful for this opportunity to wish the entire Baha'i community the very best as they continue to be an example of common respect and service to their fellow man.
AUTHORITY FOR COMMITTEES TO MEET
John Cornyn (Republican, TX) \u2014 2017-10-24

I have 6 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, October 24, 2017, at 10 a.m to conduct a hearing on the following nominations: David J. Ryder, of New Jersey, to be Director of the United States Mint, Department of the Treasury, and Hester Maria Peirce, of Ohio, and Robert J. Jackson, Jr of New York, both to be a Member of the Securities and Exchange Commission. committee on finance prgtoken The Committee on Finance is authorized to meet during the session of the Senate on Tuesday, October 24, 2017, at 10 a.m in room SD-215 to consider nominations. committee on finance prgtoken The Committee on Finance is authorized to meet during the session of the Senate on Tuesday, October 24, 2017, at 10 a.m in room SD-215 to consider nominations of: Kevin K. McAleenan, of Hawaii, to be Commissioner of U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Department of Homeland Security. committee on foreign relations prgtoken The Committee on Foreign Relations is authorized to meet during the session of the Senate on Tuesday, October 24, 2017, at 10 a.m to hold a hearing entitled ``Assessing U.S. Policy towards Burma: Geopolitical, Economic, and Humanitarian Considerations.'' select committee on intelligence prgtoken The Select Committee on Intelligence is authorized to meet during the session of the Senate on Tuesday, October 24, 2017, at 2:30 p.m in room SH-219 to conduct a closed hearing. subcommittee on oceans, atmosphere, fisheries, and coast guard prgtoken The Subcommittee on Oceans, Atmosphere, Fisheries, and Coast Guard of the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation is authorized to meet during the session of the Senate on Tuesday, October 24, 2017, at 2:30 p.m in room SR-253 to conduct a hearing entitled ``Reauthorization of the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act: Fisheries Science''.
PROVIDING FOR CONSIDERATION OF H.R. 469, SUNSHINE FOR REGULATIONS AND REGULATORY DECREES AND SETTLEMENTS ACT OF 2017, AND PROVIDING FOR CONSIDERATION OF H.R. 732, STOP SETTLEMENT SLUSH FUNDS ACT OF...
Rick W. Allen (Republican, GA) \u2014 2017-10-24

I rise today to support my fellow Georgian's, Congressman Doug Collins, bill, H.R. 469. prgtoken One of the biggest complaints I hear about the Federal Government is the lack of accountability or these backroom deals. One glaring example of this is what is referred to as sue and settlement litigation. prgtoken Under previous administrations, left-leaning groups would sue a Federal agency to try and enact regulatory changes without going through the normal rulemaking process. Both parties, the Federal Government and special interest groups, settle in court with an already-agreed-upon deal. prgtoken Regulatory rules are then made quickly without any public notice or the input of any other relevant parties but carry the rule of law. prgtoken These new rules are often the most burdensome and cost our businesses billions of dollars each year. This doesn't sound like draining the swamp to me. prgtoken H.R. 469 stops these unfair arrangements by requiring agencies to publicly post and report to Congress on sue and settlement complaints, consent decrees, and settlement arrangements. It also prohibits the same-day filing of complaints and settlement agreements in cases seeking to compel agency action. prgtoken Congressman Collins' legislation, the Sunshine for Regulations and Regulatory Decrees and Settlements Act, will provide greater accountability and transparency to the American public, while stopping special interests from improperly influencing our Nation's regulatory regime. We must uphold a fair and transparent regulatory process. The American people demand this from us. prgtoken , I urge my colleagues to support the rule on this commonsense legislation.