mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
POVERTY IN SUBURBAN COMMUNITIES IS ON THE RISE
Erik Paulsen (Republican, MN) \u2014 2017-12-6

when one thinks of poverty, it is likely they envision poverty in an urban or maybe a rural setting; and it may come as a surprise, but poverty in suburban communities is on the rise. prgtoken In fact, the number of people living in poverty outside of the Twin Cities' urban core in Minnesota increased 93 percent between 2000 and 2015. prgtoken The suburbs are often thought of as places of comfort, if not wealth. However, when considering suburban areas, it is estimated there are more than 187,000 people in poverty in the Twin Cities. prgtoken Organizations within our community, like People Reaching Out to People, PROP; the Lakewinds Food Co-op; Southwest News Media; and Chanhassen DECA students, Mark Self, Brian Taylor, and Alex Walther, are shedding light on the issues of suburban poverty and making a difference. prgtoken , the holiday season that we are in now is a time to come together and think about others who may need a little extra help and generosity. It is the perfect time to start helping neighbors and friends in our communities who are struggling. Awareness is just the first step. Taking action should follow.
RECOGNIZING THE NATIONAL INTERSCHOLASTIC ATHLETIC ADMINISTRATORS ASSOCIATION
Todd Young (Republican, IN) \u2014 2017-12-6

today I wish to formally recognize the 40th anniversary of the National Interscholastic Athletic Administrators Association, NIAAA, which is headquartered in Indianapolis, IN. Since its founding in 1977, the NIAAA has established itself as a leading professional organization for educational-based athletic programs for academic institutions nationwide. This association plays a critical role in the development of our young people as athletic administrators work tirelessly to provide access to extracurricular activities, teach strong work habits, and promote civil engagement. prgtoken December of 2017 will mark the 40th year since launching the NIAAA mission. The organization has since grown to over 11,000 members nationwide. Currently, its core curriculum consists of 45 courses with a budget over $1.8 million. Despite the known fact that physical activity improves the overall personal development of young adults, evidence argues that the quality of coaching impacts the developmental effects of extramural sports. To ensure that positive, professional development is preserved, the NIAAA offers resources for secondary school athletic administrators to manage safe, high-quality athletic programs for all students. Along with professional educational opportunities, the NIAAA has participated in 10 years of scholarship donations totaling to $120,000 and recognizing 600 students as scholarship essay winners. prgtoken The NIAAA's commitment to its mission and its efforts to provide developed leaders is inspiring. In acknowledgement of its success, the NIAAA became the first national association to be accredited by the North Central Association Commission on Accreditation and School Improvement in the postsecondary division. The NIAAA has also developed the only all-inclusive Professional Education Program and Certification Program for secondary school athletic administrators. prgtoken I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing the NIAAA for their renowned administrators and for their dedication to America's youth. As one of Indiana's Senators, I am honored to represent the NIAAA and commend their commitment to responsible athletic administration.
TAX CUTS AND JOBS ACT
John Cornyn (Republican, TX) \u2014 2017-12-6

I ask for our colleagues to vote no on the motion to instruct, unless you happen to believe that 2 percent and below growth is the new normal for the American economy, and we have nowhere to go but down as a country; that people don't react to incentives to keep more of what they earn and businesses invest more in jobs and in pay that people can take home and spend to enhance their standard of living; and unless you are satisfied with the fact that companies are incentivized to keep earnings abroad and not bring them back home and invest in pay and jobs here in America. If you believe there is no better, brighter future for the American people, yes, vote for the King motion to instruct. prgtoken If you believe we can and will do better under this bill, vote no.
TAX REFORM
Vicky Hartzler (Republican, MO) \u2014 2017-12-6

I come to the floor today to praise the progress the Senate and the House has made toward passing tax reform for the American people. prgtoken Our tax plan would roughly double the standard deduction, a deduction that 71 percent of Missourians use. When our tax bill passes, the simple truth is that it will allow Missouri families and families everywhere to take home more of their paychecks. prgtoken Our tax plan will also be more fair, eliminating special interest loopholes and making it easier for average Americans to file taxes. Currently, our country spends a total of $378 billion per year filing tax returns. Our tax plan will change all that. prgtoken , I look forward to working with my colleagues on the final version of this bill so we can give Americans a great present by Christmas and watch our economy thrive.
AMERICANS DISAPPROVE OF MEDIA COVERAGE
Lamar Smith (Republican, TX) \u2014 2017-12-6

according to a new Quinnipiac poll, 58 percent of Americans disapprove of the media's coverage of the President. Only 38 percent approve. It is no surprise why the American people disapprove of the media's coverage. prgtoken A few weeks ago, CBS Evening News ran a lengthy story mocking President for taking a sip of water during the middle of a speech. prgtoken To date, the broadcast networks of ABC, CBS, and NBC have spent over 12 hours on an unproven -Russia connection while only devoting 4\1/2\ minutes to the Clinton uranium scandal involving Russia. prgtoken Newsweek published a headline accusing Ivanka of plagiarism because she used a sentence from a previous speech. Newsweek should check the dictionary. It is not plagiarism if you use your own words. prgtoken These are only three of many examples that account for why 58 percent of Americans disapprove of the media's coverage. Their liberal bias is on display for all to see, and Americans are tired of it.
TAX CUTS AND JOBS ACT
Mitch McConnell (Republican, KY) \u2014 2017-12-6

I ask that the Chair lay before the Senate a message from the House of Representatives. prgtoken The Presiding Officer laid before the Senate the following message from the House of Representatives: Resolved, That the House disagree to the amendment of the Senate to the bill (H.R. 1) entitled ``An Act to provide for reconciliation pursuant to titles II and V of the concurrent resolution on the budget for fiscal year 2018,'' and ask a conference with the Senate on the disagreeing votes of the two Houses thereon.
DEFENSE DEPARTMENT BUDGET
John J. Duncan, Jr. (Republican, TN) \u2014 2017-12-6

several times over my 29 years in Congress, I have wondered whether there are any fiscal conservatives at the Pentagon. It seems that the Defense Department is just like every other gigantic bureaucracy. When it comes to money, the refrain is always more, more, more. prgtoken On November 14, the House passed what one Capitol Hill paper described as a $700 billion compromise Defense bill. It was $80 billion over the budget caps and many billions more than even President had requested. prgtoken I opposed almost all the major initiatives of the administration, but it was false to say that the Defense Department had been depleted or eviscerated during those years or that now we must rebuild the military. In fact, public relations experts in future years should conduct studies about how the Defense Department has been able to convince the public it has been cut when it is now getting more money than ever. prgtoken Defense Department appropriations have more than doubled since 2000. In addition, the Department has gotten extra billions in several supplemental or emergency appropriations bills. prgtoken The military construction bill is a separate bill that has added another $109.5 billion over the last 10 years. It would be hard to find any U.S. military base anyplace in the world that has not had several new buildings constructed over the last few years. prgtoken In fiscal year 2016, we spent over $177 billion on new equipment, tanks, guns, et cetera. We have spent similar amounts for many years. Most of this equipment does not wear out or have to be replaced after just 1 year. prgtoken It is ironic that the only President in the last 60 or 70 years who has tried to rein in defense spending is the only President in that period who spent most of his career in the military. prgtoken In Evan Thomas' book, ``Ike's Bluff,'' when told by his top staffer that he could not reduce defense spending, President Eisenhower said if he gave another star to every general who cut his budget, ``there would be such a rush to cut costs, you'll have to get out of the way.'' prgtoken The book also quotes Eisenhower as saying: ``Heaven help us if we ever have a President who doesn't know as much about the military as I do.'' prgtoken Therein lies an explanation for a big part of what has caused much excessive and/or wasteful defense spending and the willingness, even at times eagerness, to go to war and support permanent, never-ending wars. prgtoken Only 18 percent of the current Congress has ever served in any branch of the military. Members are afraid that if they do not vote for an increase in defense spending or if they question waste by the military, some demagogue will accuse them of ``not supporting the troops.'' prgtoken It would be a huge understatement to say that I usually do not agree with New York Times editorials, but the editorial board, on October 22, published an editorial entitled ``America's Forever Wars,'' po
ORDERS FOR THURSDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2017
Chuck Grassley (Republican, IA) \u2014 2017-12-6

I ask unanimous consent that when the Senate completes its business today, it adjourn until 10 a.m Thursday, December 7; further, that following the prayer and pledge, the morning hour be deemed expired, the Journal of proceedings be approved to date, and the time for the two leaders be reserved for their use later in the day; further, that prgtoken following leader remarks, the Senate be in a period of morning business, with Senators permitted to speak therein for up to 10 minutes each until 11 a.m.; I further ask that at 11 a.m Senator Strange be recognized for up to 30 minutes; finally, that at 11:45 a.m the Senate proceed to executive session to consider the Balash nomination as under the previous order.
CONCEALED CARRY RECIPROCITY ACT OF 2017
John H. Rutherford (Republican, FL) \u2014 2017-12-6

I thank the chairman for yielding. prgtoken , in my 41 years of law enforcement, 12 years as a sheriff of Duval County, Florida, I can tell you I have seen many, many times where good, law-abiding citizens used legal firearms to stop dangerous people from harming them, their loved ones, and even their neighbors. prgtoken , as a law enforcement professional, I want good people carrying firearms. prgtoken The Fraternal Order of Police that represents thousands of officers all across the United States of America supports good people carrying firearms. Do you know why? Because we know, as law enforcement officers we understand that, at our agencies, our priority one response time target is 7 minutes. prgtoken In a life-and-death situation, we target getting there in 7 minutes. That is in a well-policed community. I want to put s, , and everyone on notice that, for that 7 minutes, you better be prepared to protect yourself. prgtoken If an active shooter in a mall, in a school, in a church like we just saw in Sutherland Springs, Texas, is killing people, let's say to the tune of five people per minute, that is an average of 35 dead, unarmed citizens before the police can even arrive at the scene. prgtoken Believe me, we want good, law-abiding citizens who are authorized to carry firearms to have the ability to intervene in a violent situation before law enforcement can even arrive at the scene. We need the Concealed Carry Reciprocity Act to ensure that these good, law-abiding citizens can retain the constitutional right to bear arms legally across State lines and hopefully be able to stop a violent incident. prgtoken , none of our other constitutional rights stop at a State line. Our Second Amendment rights should not stop at that line either. prgtoken , I strongly encourage my colleagues to support H.R. 38 and save lives.
TAX CUTS AND JOBS BILL
Orrin G. Hatch (Republican, UT) \u2014 2017-12-6

last week, the Senate came another step closer to providing real tax relief to the middle class and providing a much needed boost to our economy. Yes, I am talking about the passage of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. prgtoken That bill spent years in the making. As my chief legislative focus for many years, tax reform is not some off-the-cuff effort. No, we have been researching, holding dozens of hearings, commissioning bipartisan working groups, and working with our friends on the other side of the Capitol and down the street at the White House for some time now. prgtoken This bill is going to put another $2,200 in the pockets of the average American family. This bill is going to boost the economy. It is going to grow jobs and finally help end the wage stagnation we have been faced with for years. prgtoken This bill is going to unleash the American spirit, bringing businesses back home where they started and encouraging other businesses to both come from abroad, as well as to grow from within. Once again, America will be open for business. prgtoken I have not been alone in this process though, not by a long shot. In fact, tax reform has been a priority for many of my colleagues, including some who are no longer serving. I am talking, of course, about people like Congressman Dave Camp and Senator Max Baucus, who did a lot to move this effort forward. I feel gratified to have been here and to have worked with my colleagues to get this far. prgtoken As efforts this year began in earnest, we set out to build on the work of our former colleagues and to give low- and middle-income Americans some much needed relief and to give our country an opportunity to compete in the global economy. Our bill will do that, but as we all know, these great reforms are not quite yet promised to the American people. There is still work to do as we work to iron out our differences with the House and make sure every section of this bill is ready to be eased into law or passed into law. prgtoken That said, I think we deserve to celebrate a little bit and, more importantly, to thank everyone for their work to get us to this point. So many people--both in and out of Congress--have worked hard to get us this far, and I want to express my appreciation for their efforts. Of course, I can't thank everyone in a single floor speech, but I do want to thank some who may be within earshot of this Chamber. prgtoken First and foremost, I need to thank Secretary Mnuchin and Director Cohn for their commitment to this effort and their help in getting it done. It is good to finally have an administration that is willing to lead out on tax reform. I also want to thank the distinguished majority leader who also did so much to secure the details of the bill and shepherd it through the Senate. Furthermore, I want to thank Chairman Brady and Ryan over in the House of Representatives, as well. They, too, have been great partners and leaders in this
TRIBUTE TO MAJOR MICHAEL ``PAKO'' BENITEZ
Mike Rounds (Republican, SD) \u2014 2017-12-6

today I recognize Maj. Michael ``Pako'' Benitez for all of his hard work on behalf of myself, my staff, and the State of South Dakota while working in my Washington, DC, office. prgtoken Pako entered military service in 1997 and has devoted his career to the United States Armed Forces. Before his time in my office, Pako served as a flight commander and F-15E instructor weapons system officer. Pako's experiences and expertise have been a true asset to the office. prgtoken I extend my sincere thanks and appreciation to Pako for his service to our country. I wish him continued success in the years to come.
SUPPORTING CONCEALED CARRY
Claudia Tenney (Republican, NY) \u2014 2017-12-6

I rise today to support H.R. 38, the Concealed Carry Reciprocity Act of 2017, which passed the House with a bipartisan vote a few moments ago. prgtoken As the Representative of a district with a large number of law- abiding prgtoken firearm owners, I know many individuals who have concealed carry permits use their firearm for personal protection. This commonsense measure would also allow qualified law-abiding citizens who have obtained concealed carry permits to carry their firearms across State lines and in other States. prgtoken Since 1991, the number of concealed carry permits has increased dramatically, while the violent crime rates have dropped nearly 51 percent, according to the Bureau of Justice Statistics. Additionally, the fix on the so-called NICS provision of the legislation would add an extra layer of accountability to the National Instant Criminal Background Check System for individuals who are legally prohibited from obtaining a firearm. prgtoken As one of the leading advocates for Second Amendment rights in New York State, I was the first to introduce a full repeal of Governor Andrew Cuomo's gun-grabbing so-called SAFE Act. I firmly believe that our Second Amendment rights are God-given by the Constitution and something we need to defend each and every day.
TAX CUTS AND JOBS ACT--Continued
Marco Rubio (Republican, FL) \u2014 2017-12-6

this has to do with the child tax credit. We had a debate about it last week. I want to explain to everybody why it is so important that we continue to focus on it. Irrespective of whether we agree with the final outcome and whether the numbers were high enough in the Senate bill--and I continue to believe they were not--they are significantly better than the House position on this matter. I want to explain why. prgtoken The loss of the personal exemption hits middle-income families to the tune of about $600. That has to be made up for. If you add to that the fact that over the last 15 years because of inflation, the value of the child tax credit has declined by over $300, that leads you to the conclusion that the break-even point for a child tax credit that deals with the middle-income family hit and the erosion of the value of the credit due to inflation brings you to $1,900. As a result, if you wanted to actually help families be better off than they are today, which is the goal of tax reform, the $2,000 amount in the Senate bill is basically the break-even point, plus $100. The House, unfortunately, in their bill only calls for $1,600. prgtoken The first part of this motion to instruct is to ensure that the increase in the child tax credit, to our conferees instructing, be no less. Maybe it is more, but it can be no less than the $2,000 that is in the Senate bill. prgtoken The second part, which was the topic of our debate, is the impact on low-income workers or workers in the lower part of the income scale-- firefighters, teachers, police officers, construction workers, welders, home health aides. These are working people, the backbone of our country, the people who have suffered the most over the last 25 or 30 years, as the economy has made some people very profitable but left far too many American workers behind. Their anxieties, their daily concerns, the challenges they are facing really underpin a lot of the anxiety in our country, both electoral, political, and economic. Their primary tax liability is the payroll tax. If you make $40,000 a year, the biggest chunk of the taxes you pay is the payroll tax. prgtoken By the way, when I hear people say that people making $40,000 or $30,000 a year don't pay taxes, they are wrong. They pay taxes. They take money out of your paycheck. They paid a tax. It is irrelevant whether it is a payroll tax or an income tax. Those are taxes. When I hear people say that, it is offensive. Working people across the income scale pay taxes. Unfortunately, that is not recognized in a lot of the debates that are going on here about working people. prgtoken One of the things the Senate bill does do is it lowers the threshold upon which the tax credit begins to apply from $3,000 to $2,500. Again, not nearly enough, but it is certainly better than the House position. We can't regress on that point. prgtoken The second part of this instruction is, it asks the conferee
RECOGNIZING REVEREND STEVE HOGG
Ralph Norman (Republican, SC) \u2014 2017-12-6

it gives me a great deal of pleasure to rise and note the celebration that we will be having not only for the birth of Christ for the month of December, but on December 10, this coming Sunday, I will celebrate the First Baptist Church in Rock Hill, South Carolina, under the leadership of Reverend Steve Hogg. prgtoken Let me give you a little background on the church and on Reverend Hogg. Reverend Hogg was born on January 14, 1958, in Roxana, Kentucky. I think his birthday will signify his 60th in January. He married Monieca on March 27, 1982. They have two children, Steven and Jacqueline. prgtoken The history of his service began in February of 1977 to November of 1977, where he was bus minister of the First Baptist Church in Whitesburg, Kentucky. From there he went to the Summer Missionary, First Baptist Church, from 1977 to 1980 and 1983. He was pastor of the Colson Baptist Mission from November of 1977 to March of 1984. prgtoken He then went and served as pastor of the Bethel Baptist Church from March of 1984 to December of 1987, where he began his ministry in the First Baptist Church in Rock Hill, South Carolina, in December of 1987. prgtoken Let me just give you a couple of milestones for the church. First Baptist Church relocated in April of 2004 to an 84,000 square-foot phase 1 facility on 52 acres of land near I-77. Let me tell you, as a developer, we were involved in that area, and there were no shopping centers when the church moved out there. There were no hotels when the church moved there. There were no gas stations where the church moved. They literally moved out in an area of town on faith that this area was going to be where the church wanted to grow, and grow it has. prgtoken The church budget has increased from $490,000 to $2,637,000. They have had over 1,500 baptisms. They sponsored the first African-American congregation for membership in the York prgtoken Baptist Association. They sponsored a second African-American congregation for membership in the York Baptist Association. prgtoken Reverend Hogg has had a long and distinguished service to our State and country. He has served as president under the South Carolina Baptist Convention in 1993 to 1994. He served as the second vice president in 1992 to 1993. He has been chairman of the United Christian Baccalaureate Planning Committee. He has served on the executive committee of the Billy Graham Carolinas Crusade. He is a charter member of the city of Rock Hill No Room for Racism Board. He is the cofounder and State codirector of Changing South Carolina which led a movement to ban video poker. prgtoken The activities of the church that he has started include many contemporary worship services, the intercessory prayer ministry, and a ministry for the deaf. He started the television broadcasts of morning services, and he has live-streaming of the worship services. He has conducted eight capital fund campaigns. I could go on and on. prgtoken It