mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
Nomination of William Wehrum (Executive Session)
Brian Schatz (Democrat, HI) \u2014 2017-11-8

the Senate has, actually, already considered Bill Wehrum to be the Assistant Administrator for Air and Radiation at the Environmental Protection Agency, who is the person in charge of the rules to administer the Clean Air Act at the EPA. This person has already been considered, and the Senate decided that he was not right for the job. prgtoken Over 10 years ago, President nominated Mr. Wehrum to head the Office of Air and Radiation at the EPA. He was rejected because his 6- year record as an employee at the EPA told the Senators all that they needed to know. As the ranking member, Jim Jeffords, put it at the time: ``Mr. Wehrum's disdain for the Clean Air Act is alarming.'' If you disagree with the foundational Federal law that we use to keep our air clean, then it is hard to believe that you can competently lead the EPA's efforts when it comes to protecting our right to clean air. A decade later, nothing has changed. Mr. Wehrum has done nothing that should change our minds about his ability to lead the EPA. prgtoken This, of course, is part of a pattern. This administration continues to nominate anti-science, pro-pollution, climate-denying people to lead the U.S. agencies that are in charge of science and climate. prgtoken Scott Pruitt has denied a century's worth of established science and basic facts that say that climate change is real, urgent, and caused by humans. He now leads the No. 1 Federal Agency that is charged with working on climate change. prgtoken Then there is Jim Bridenstine, who hopes to lead NASA, which is one of our Nation's top science agencies. He, too, is still on the fence about climate change. prgtoken Meanwhile, 13 Federal agencies, including the EPA and NASA, just published a dire report that reads that greenhouse gases released by human activity are to blame for rising temperatures and severe weather throughout the world. prgtoken This is why Mr. Wehrum should not go any further. It is really very simple. Our own government scientists say that climate change is real, urgent, and caused by humans. prgtoken If you do not want to take their word for it, here in the United States in this year alone, a record number of category 4 hurricanes killed dozens of people and destroyed or damaged entire communities in the southern United States and Puerto Rico. Wildfires killed dozens of people and burned more than 8.4 million acres in the Northwest. Droughts lasting for months wiped out farmers' crops and forced ranchers to sell livestock in the Midwest. The city of Seattle had soot on cars from the wildfires. For a period, the State of Montana, depending on where you were, looked like it was literally on fire. prgtoken The U.S. Forest Service's budget is soon to be more than 50 percent firefighting. This is supposed to be the Forest Service for the conservation and management of our forests, and now it is the Federal firefighting of our forests. There have been 15 severe weathe
VOTE EXPLANATION
Robert Menendez (Democrat, NJ) \u2014 2017-11-8

I was unavailable for rollcall vote No. 266, on the nomination of Peter B. Robb, of Vermont, to be general counsel of the National Labor Relations Board. Had I been present, I would have voted nay. prgtoken , I was unavailable for rollcall vote No. 267, on the motion to invoke cloture on William L. Wehrum, of Delaware, to be an Assistant Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency. Had I been present, I would have voted nay.
Healthcare (Executive Session)
Gary C. Peters (Democrat, MI) \u2014 2017-11-8

there are a number of matters where we disagree in the U.S. Senate, and they range from deeply held foundational beliefs to the smallest details of legislative language. Despite these disagreements, I believe there is a lot we can all agree on. prgtoken I hope I speak for every Member of Congress in saying that in this great Nation of ours, hard work should always be rewarded. If you play by the rules and do the right thing, you should have an opportunity to earn a good life for yourself and for your family. Our mothers, fathers, and others before us have worked hard to ensure that we have a fair shot at the American dream. Unfortunately, it feels like the fabric of the American dream has started to fray for far too many families. Even more troubling, we are seeing nominees from this administration who seem committed to actively unraveling the support and the protections that help workers get ahead. prgtoken Today we are considering the nomination of Peter Robb to be general counsel of the National Labor Relations Board. Mr. Robb would be responsible for ensuring safe working conditions and fair compensation for American workers. He would be tasked with protecting the treasured right of workers to engage in good-faith negotiations with their employers. prgtoken However, a brief look at Mr. Robb's career reveals a clear track record of working to undermine our Nation's workers and middle class on behalf of corporate executives. To Mr. Robb's credit, he is not trying to hide his record or run away from his record. All you have to do is visit his firm's website, and you will see the experiences he is proud to display. I believe it is a preview of how he will approach his position at the National Labor Relations Board. His self-proclaimed accomplishments include: advising large corporations on mergers, acquisitions, and plant closings; securing labor injunctions; and bringing suits against labor organizations. prgtoken When someone tells you who they are, believe them. While I certainly believe that every American and corporation is entitled to vigorous representation by their lawyers, I also believe Senators must evaluate every nominee's full body of work. Let's be clear about how Mr. Robb has chosen to spend his professional life: helping management close plants and cut jobs, suing unions, delaying workers' rights to collectively bargain, and defending companies that violate workplace safety and fair pay laws. prgtoken At a time when corporate profits and executive compensation have skyrocketed and worker wages are stagnant, I have no confidence in Mr. Robb's ability to be a neutral arbiter between labor and management, let alone advocate for the safety and the well-being of America's working men and women. Our Nation's workers deserve a nominee who will protect their right to negotiate for fair pay and safe working conditions, not someone who has spent his entire career litigating against w
HYDROPOWER POLICY MODERNIZATION ACT OF 2017
Raul Ruiz (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2017-11-8

I rise in strong opposition to H.R. 3043, the Hydropower Policy Modernization Act, which undercuts Federal-Tribal treaty and trust obligations. In fact, parts of this bill specifically eliminate protection for Tribes and ensure that dams and other hydropower projects do not harm Tribal fisheries, livelihoods, or violate treaty rights. prgtoken This is unacceptable. Not only does this undermine Tribal sovereignty, but it flies in the face of our moral and legal obligation to protect Tribal treaties, land, and resources under the Federal trust responsibility. prgtoken I am especially disappointed that the majority had the opportunity to fix this issue, yet walked away from the table. Even though I brought this up as an issue to fix in committee, the majority rushed this bill through committee for a House vote without adequately addressing Tribal concerns. prgtoken Furthermore, the majority refused to make in order my amendment, meaning they denied the fix to empower Tribes to set reasonable conditions on hydropower projects to protect their reservation and resources. In fact, the letter sent by ic Ranking Member Pallone requesting a hearing to allow Tribal input and Tribal participation on this particular issue was left unanswered. prgtoken So I say this to those s who do support Tribal sovereignty and self-determination: You can still fix this issue and improve the Federal hydropower licensing process, simultaneously, while still protecting Tribal treaty rights, by supporting the Rush substitute amendment. prgtoken Join the ic Rush amendment that includes language to empower Tribal governments to determine when a project may harm their Tribe. Without this fix, this bill undermines Tribal governments and harms resources and lands, therefore, putting energy profits above Tribal treaty rights. prgtoken I urge my colleagues to take a stand. Do not ignore your responsibility to Tribes when it matters most. Support the ic substitute amendment sponsored by Representative Rush that preserves the responsibility of the Federal Government to honor treaty obligations and protect Tribal resources.
ENCOURAGE CONSTITUENTS TO SIGN UP FOR A HEALTH PLAN
Pramila Jayapal (Democrat, WA) \u2014 2017-11-8

in Burien, Washington, tomorrow, we will be holding an event to provide constituents information on signing up for healthcare coverage under the Affordable Care Act. prgtoken With open enrollment season beginning last week, I want to make sure that residents of our district know that they have until December 15 to sign up. And while the majority has been undermining the ACA at every turn, the numbers that are coming in tell a completely different story about how important this act is for thousands of Americans across the country. prgtoken More than 200,000 Americans chose a plan on the first day of open enrollment, which is more than double last year. This is all on top of the more than 1 million people who visited healthcare.gov, the official Federal website; a one-third increase in traffic from 2016. prgtoken , our State exchange in Washington State has reported a 19 percent increase in visits from last year. The surge in enrollment is promising and it is a clear repudiation of the 's efforts to strip healthcare from millions across the Nation. prgtoken , I urge my colleagues to spread the word about how their constituents can get covered.
PUERTO RICO 6 WEEKS AFTER HURRICANE MARIA
Luis V. Gutiérrez (Democrat, IL) \u2014 2017-11-8

Monday I returned from my third trip to Puerto Rico since Hurricane Maria devastated the island almost 2 months ago. prgtoken I wish I could report that a lot of progress is being made, but I can't. It is still a disaster, and it is a stain on the reputation of the United States of America. prgtoken Most places don't have power. Generators, the sound you hear humming in every corner of the island like metallic coquis, are running ragged from overuse. prgtoken In many places, the water is not on because the power is not on to pump it, and drinkable water mixes with sewer water all over the island. As you can see from this picture, people are tapping mountain springs and, in this case, are using it mostly for laundry, thank goodness, because the mountain water in many cases is contaminated from humans and animals. prgtoken This man is a police officer, first responder, but he is learning to make do just like every other Puerto Rican family. Everywhere you go, you see Puerto Ricans making do. prgtoken So think about your life without power, cell service, water, lights, fans, in some cases food. Imagine the dialysis patient or the elderly man in an electric wheelchair who uses oxygen tanks to breathe. I met those people in Puerto Rico. prgtoken How do you get to physical therapy or regular prenatal visits when there are still roads and bridges that have simply vanished? prgtoken On the one hand, when I am in Puerto Rico, I am confronted by the very best of mankind, the people who are helping strangers, feeding their neighbors, and pitching in wherever they can. prgtoken On the other hand, when I am in Puerto Rico, I am confronted with the human tragedy of people who, like all of us, depend on the government for basic assistance and help after a major disaster and have received nothing. prgtoken Yes, the damage is massive, but there is no task Americans cannot accomplish if we put our minds and backs into it. prgtoken , this is the Head Start building in Loiza. As you can see, the roof is torn up and there is metal sheeting that was blown around. The people in Loiza are forming a brigade to rebuild the structure so they can reopen the Head Start building. prgtoken One of the things I was doing in Loiza was bringing money to get them started, raised by the Puerto Rican Agenda in Chicago from the people of Chicago. Individuals in Chicago are investing in the well-being of people in Loiza. They have never met them, but they are investing in them. prgtoken They are not calling in expensive contractors or companies from Montana, and they are not waiting for the folks from FEMA or the U.S. military. They are not waiting for to grant Puerto Ricans a little more time now that he has made it clear that he will not personally give them his grade A help forever. Nope. The people of Chicago are getting help to the people of Puerto Rico before any official resources are coming to their rescue. prgtoken It boggles the mi
REJECT REPUBLICAN TAX PLAN
Janice D. Schakowsky (Democrat, IL) \u2014 2017-11-8

here is the tax scam: first, cut taxes for the wealthiest corporations and for the superrich. Number two, cut Americans' healthcare. prgtoken Don't take my word for it. Just look at the budget. After clearing the way for a $1.5 trillion tax cut, it proposes cutting Medicare and Medicaid--coincidentally, I don't think so--by $1.5 trillion. prgtoken It gets worse. Under the tax bill, American families would no longer get to deduct major medical expenses from their taxes. Seven in 10 households using the medical expense deduction make under $75,000 a year, and over half of the Americans who depend on that medical deduction are over 65 years old. prgtoken Families struggling to afford cancer treatment or long-term care should not have to pay a health tax so that billionaires can get a huge tax cut. prgtoken , I urge my colleagues to reject this scam. Americans deserve a better deal.
HONORING THE LIFE OF CARRIE BARNETTE
Ruben J. Kihuen (Democrat, NV) \u2014 2017-11-8

today I rise to remember the life of Carrie Barnette, a woman who was known for her love of pickles, hummingbirds, and willingness to help others. prgtoken Carrie loved country music, and she grew up listening to it at her grandparents' house. She frequently went to country music concerts and had traveled to the Route 91 Harvest music festival with her childhood friend, Jenn. prgtoken Carrie was a lifelong Californian who had just celebrated her 10th anniversary as a culinary team member at Disney California Adventure in Anaheim. prgtoken Carrie loved the children of her relatives and friends like her own, and friends say that she would have made a great mother. She also had the nickname of Aunt Carrie because all the children loved her. prgtoken I would also like to extend my condolences to Carrie's family and friends. Please know that the city of Las Vegas, the State of Nevada, and the whole country grieve with you.
GI Bill Fairness Act (Executive Session)
Patty Murray (Democrat, WA) \u2014 2017-11-8

I come to the floor to do what the administration has failed to do; that is, to stand up for working families and fight for an economy that actually works for all, not just for the richest among us. prgtoken On the campaign trail, President made promise after promise to workers. He promised to put them first and bring back good-paying jobs to their communities. Yet, since day one of his Presidency, we have seen him do just the opposite. His administration has rolled back protections for workers and families and prioritized corporate profits over working families' financial security. prgtoken He has put forth nominee after nominee who puts industry interests above the needs of families, like William Wehrum, President 's nominee to lead the EPA's Office of Air and Radiation. Mr. Wehrum is someone who prgtoken has worked to undermine the core mission of the office he would oversee. He is a nominee who has demonstrated a willingness to side with protecting Big Business instead of protecting our Nation's most valuable resources and whose independence is truly in question. prgtoken Unfortunately, when looking at President 's record as a businessman, these decisions do not come as a surprise. President spent decades as a real estate developer, cheating workers and contractors out of their hard-earned pay, and he refused to allow his own hotel workers to join together and advocate for safer working conditions and better wages. prgtoken President 's vision of our economy is one in which workers bear the burden, and the people who live in gilded towers get the benefit. The contrast with could not be clearer. Last week, rolled out an ambitious agenda to reform our labor laws to, once again, empower workers to join together, make their voices heard, and fight for better wages and benefits. prgtoken Currently, it is extremely difficult for workers to seek justice when corporations violate their rights, and if we want to rebuild the middle class, we have to change that because workers having the right to organize and join unions helped to build the middle class we have today. For many workers in the 20th century, good union jobs helped them to support their families and climb the economic ladder, but over the past few decades, our economy has worked in favor of corporations and those at the top. As corporate management and special interests have undermined workers in their right to collectively bargain, we have seen, of course, a decline in unions and union membership across the country. This has allowed President and billionaires like him to take advantage of their workers, and it has given workers little recourse in standing up and fighting for better working conditions. prgtoken The preamble of the National Labor Relations Act clearly states that it is the policy of the United States to encourage collective bargaining to give workers a voice, allowi
PROVIDING FOR CONSIDERATION OF H.R. 2201, MICRO OFFERING SAFE HARBOR ACT
Louise McIntosh Slaughter (Democrat, NY) \u2014 2017-11-8

such time as I may consume. prgtoken , if we defeat the previous question, I will offer an amendment to the rule to bring up H.R. 3440, the Dream Act. This bipartisan, bicameral legislation would help thousands of young people who are Americans in every way, except on paper. prgtoken have tried numerous times to protect DREAMers. We voted over and over to try and bring the Dream Act, and we have offered amendments, only to be blocked by this record-breaking closed Congress. There is bipartisan agreement that something must be done to help these young people. Let's do it today. prgtoken , I ask unanimous consent to insert the text of my amendment in the Record, along with extraneous material, immediately prior to the vote on the previous question.
PUBLIC HOUSING IMPERATIVES
Barbara Lee (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2017-11-8

first let me thank Congressman Espaillat for yielding and for his tremendous leadership and advocacy to ensure that our communities have access to affordable housing, regardless of their income, regardless of their background. I want to thank the Congressional Progressive Caucus and him for leading this Special Order tonight because it is so important that the public really understand the issues that we are dealing with here in Washington, D.C on behalf of the American people. prgtoken Tonight, of course, we are calling on the administration and our colleagues across the aisle for greater investments in affordable housing, including in public housing. prgtoken Affordable housing should be a basic right. No one should have to choose between placing food on the table or paying their rent, especially not in the wealthiest country on Earth. Sadly, right now, our country is in the midst of an affordable housing crisis. Half of all families in this country are forced to spend more than 30 percent of their hard-earned income on housing. prgtoken Over 38 million families struggle to pay rent and put food on the table every day because they pay more than one-third of their income on housing. Right now there are only 12 counties in the entire country where a minimum-wage worker is able to afford a modest two-bedroom apartment. prgtoken Simply put, the housing crisis in America has reached epidemic proportions. It is really a state of emergency. Nowhere is this epidemic more evident than, for example, in my own district. The average renter in Oakland, California, for example, would be forced to spend a staggering 70 percent of their income on housing if they were to move today--70 percent--and many are being forced out. prgtoken In Oakland, the number of homeless individuals increased by 25 percent this year to more than 2,700 people. In all of my county, Alameda County, the homelessness population has increased by nearly 40 percent in the last 2 years to more than 5,600 people. prgtoken Now, these people have settled into encampments with all of their furniture and belongings across the streets of cities in my district. It is unconscionable and devastating that this un-American reality persists across the country. prgtoken Yet, instead of working to address this crisis, s have slashed funding, mind you, for housing assistance programs to their lowest level in 40 years. In the fiscal year 2018 budget, there are over $200 billion in cuts from programs that everyday families depend on, like SNAP, agricultural subsidies, and housing assistance. prgtoken What is worse, the budget slashes the budget of the Department of Housing and Urban Development by nearly 15 percent. The Secretary of HUD, I guess, supports this, which is mind-boggling because he is charged with developing housing strategies so that everyone can have decent, affordable housing. To cut it by 15 percent makes no sense. <|p
HYDROPOWER POLICY MODERNIZATION ACT OF 2017
Jim Costa (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2017-11-8

. Mr. Chair, I thank the gentleman from Illinois for yielding. prgtoken Mr. Chair, I rise in support of H.R. 3043, the Hydropower Policy Modernization Act. prgtoken Mr. Chair, I believe, and I think others do as well who have had experiences within their constituencies, within their congressional districts, that the hydro relicensing process is plainly broken, plain and simple. prgtoken Let me give you a couple of real-life examples of why this legislation is needed, and why it is needed now. They both provide energy in my district for the people in the San Joaquin Valley, for households, for farmers, and for people in the valley, and they are the same two examples that Congressman Denham spoke of a moment ago. prgtoken The Turlock and Modesto Irrigation Districts have worked through the licensing process in good faith for more than 8 years, and they have spent over $30 million to renew the license for Don Pedro Dam, a facility that has been in operation for almost 40 years. The districts estimate that, when they are finished with this process, they will have spent almost $50 million. prgtoken Meanwhile, the Merced Irrigation District, my constituency, has spent over 10 years and $20 million to relicense the Exchequer Hydroelectric project. This process is still not finished. This facility has been in operation for over 60 years. prgtoken Since these are public agencies, these costs are passed on to the ratepayers in mostly small, rural communities that Congressman Denham and I represent. It raises their electric costs. It makes no sense. prgtoken This is about maintaining clean, renewable energy. This is about reducing the regulatory burden and not passing these costs on to the ratepayers. Given the experience that I have just given you, my constituents believe that, frankly, this bill could go further in removing inefficiencies in the relicensing prgtoken process, but it is a good first step. It is a work in progress. It is certainly not perfect. prgtoken I support the legislation, and I urge my colleagues to do the same.