mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
Healthcare (Executive Session)
Lamar Alexander (Republican, TN) \u2014 2018-5-8

for the sixth consecutive year, Care insurance rates are going up, and are already running around pointing fingers, trying to find someone else to blame. prgtoken About 10 days ago, the distinguished ic leader came to the floor and warned that, very soon, health insurance companies will be announcing rates for 2019 in each State across the country. He said that many health insurance companies will propose rate increases. prgtoken Today, several ic Senators held a press conference saying that insurance rates are going to go up in 2019. Well, they are exactly right. Insurance premiums are going to go up in 2019, just as they have for the 5 previous years of Care. But they are exactly wrong about who to blame. prgtoken The wrote the bill. They wrote Care, and they voted for Care--every single one of them. Not a single one of us voted for Care. They wrote the bill. If they are looking for someone to blame, they should look in the mirror. prgtoken Running around, pointing fingers, and trying to find someone else to blame is a little like selling somebody a house with a leaky roof and then blaming the new owner for the leaky roof. built the house with the leaky roof. They built these insurance markets--the individual markets, where no one can find insurance. They wrote the sloppy law. They failed to make the markets competitive, and they erased the ability of consumers to have choices. They didn't follow the law when they paid out cost-sharing payments that were designed to help low-income Americans pay for their out-of-pocket expenses, and--this is the very worst--when s were prepared 1 month ago to stabilize these markets and, according to the Oliver Wyman healthcare experts, to lower rates by up to 40 percent over 3 years, the said no. prgtoken President asked Ryan and he asked Senator McConnell to put that bipartisan proposal in the omnibus spending bill that passed. The s said yes, and the said no. So the rates are going up because wrote the law, and they said no to lowering the rates. prgtoken What don't say--but every American should know very well-- is that health insurance rates didn't start increasing when President took office 15 or 16 months ago. Insurance rates have been increasing since Care took effect more than 5 years ago. prgtoken In 2010, there was a big discussion at the Blair House. I was invited to make the case for President , who stayed there all day and listened. prgtoken I said: Respectfully, , the Affordable Care Act will not work. I said directly to him that Care would send an unfunded Medicaid mandate to States. It did. prgtoken I said: It will cut Medicare by one-half trillion dollars. It did. prgtoken I said: There will be new taxes in it. There were. prgtoken I said: It will mean that for millions o
TRIBUTE TO REAR ADMIRAL LEONARD C. DOLLAGA
Steve Daines (Republican, MT) \u2014 2018-5-8

today I wish to recognize the service and achievements of an esteemed and valued member of our Armed Forces, RDML Leonard C. Dollaga, U.S. Navy, on the unanimous confirmation of his promotion on Thursday, April 26, 2018. prgtoken Over the past 2 years, I have had the pleasure of working with Admiral Dollaga in his capacity as Director of the Navy's Appropriations Matters Office. As the principal representative of the Secretary of the Navy and the Chief of Naval Operations to the Senate and House Appropriations Committees, he has provided invaluable support to Members and committee staff in presenting the budgetary needs of the Department of the Navy for our consideration and ensured timely and transparent communication flow to support Congress's enactment of appropriations for fiscal years 2017 and 2018. Throughout that time, Admiral Dollaga has provided superior support to me during a number of engagements with political and military leaders across the Asia-Pacific region. I would like to share with you some highlights of his fine career. prgtoken For the past 28 years, Admiral Dollaga excelled in leading our Navy's sailors aboard fast-attack and fleet ballistic missile submarines. He served sea tours on the USS Los Angeles, SSN 688; USS Rhode Island, SSBN 740 (Blue); and USS Cheyenne, SSN 773. He commanded USS Charlotte, SSN 766, followed by a command tour as commodore of Submarine Development Squadron Twelve, where he was in charge of nine fast-attack submarines and led the tactical development of the U.S. Submarine Force. prgtoken Ashore, his assignments enabled him to positively impact the submarine prgtoken force and Navy. He served as an admissions officer at the U.S. Naval Academy; the technical assistant to the director of Naval Nuclear Propulsion; the nuclear officer program manager and submarine officer community manager on the staff of the Deputy Chief of Naval Operations, Manpower, Personnel, Training, and Education; the prospective commanding officer instructor for the Pacific submarine force; and the chief of the program and budget branch on the Joint Staff, Program and Budget Analysis Division. His current assignment as director of the Navy's Appropriations Matters Office, FMBE, exposed him to the widest possible view of the Department of the Navy's budgetary requirements within the broader context of the national defense arena, preparing him well for future leadership at the highest levels of our Navy. prgtoken As Admiral Dollaga departs the Pentagon for his next assignment, I want to take this opportunity to urge my colleagues to join me in extending our congratulations to him on his promotion; to thank him, his wife, Lani, and his family for their years of service; and to wish him ``fair winds and following seas'' as he continues to lead our Navy in the years ahead. prgtoken Thank you.
VICTORY IN EUROPE DAY
Glenn Thompson (Republican, PA) \u2014 2018-5-8

73 years ago, Nazi Germany's forces formally surrendered, marking the end of World War II in Europe. prgtoken Today, we commemorate Victory in Europe Day, or VE Day. Celebrations erupted throughout the world on May prgtoken 8, 1945, to mark the end of the Second World War in Europe. prgtoken From Paris to London to New York and in small towns everywhere, people poured into the streets to join the revelry. prgtoken Old photos showed ticker tape parades and streamers galore, exciting and proud crowds were cheering the German surrender. prgtoken The war was over in Europe, and so many American GIs would return home to be with their loved ones. prgtoken It would take another 4 months and the use of two atomic bombs before Japan surrendered and World War II ended for good. prgtoken , the end of the war in Europe meant an end to nearly 6 years of war--a war that cost millions of lives; a war that destroyed homes, families, and cities; but a war that stamped out hatred and bigotry for the greater good. prgtoken VE Day is one that shall never be forgotten.
HONORING PRIVATE FIRST CLASS ROBERT BURKE
Rodney Davis (Republican, IL) \u2014 2018-5-8

I rise today to commemorate Private First Class Robert Burke from the United States Marine Corps, who gave the ultimate sacrifice 50 years ago during Operation Allen Brook in Le Nam, Vietnam. For his bravery, he was awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor. At the age of 18, he is the youngest Medal of Honor recipient from the Vietnam war. prgtoken Private Burke enlisted in the U.S. Marines in 1967, while he was still a student at Monticello High School in Piatt County, Illinois. He was sent to the Republic of Vietnam with India Company of the 3rd Battalion, 27th Marines, where he was assigned as a machine gunner. During Operation Allen Brook on May 17, 1968, Private Burke and his company came under intense fire from the well-concealed North Vietnamese. With several of his fellow marines wounded, Private Burke spared no time. He immediately used his machine gun to launch several one-man assaults against the enemy, allowing upwards of three dozen casualties to be evacuated. prgtoken He relentlessly delivered fire to the enemy, even obtaining a casualty's rifle when his own malfunctioned. He continued to advance in defense of his brothers in arms until he was mortally wounded. prgtoken No words of gratitude can properly express how thankful the American people and the Congress are for Private Burke's selfless actions that saved the lives of so many. Private Burke gave his life for his friends and for his country. He is the truest example of bravery, and I am proud to honor him today.
PROVIDING FOR CONSIDERATION OF H.R. 5645, STANDARD MERGER AND ACQUISITION REVIEWS THROUGH EQUAL RULES ACT OF 2018; PROVIDING FOR CONSIDERATION OF H.R. 2152, CITIZENS' RIGHT TO KNOW ACT OF 2018; AND...
Ken Buck (Republican, CO) \u2014 2018-5-8

such time as I may consume. prgtoken We have before us a rule that makes three pieces of legislation in order: a bill that increases transparency for pretrial release programs, legislation that streamlines the review process for mergers and acquisitions, and a resolution of disapproval for the CFPB's harmful indirect auto lending rule. prgtoken The Federal Government's greatest responsibility to its citizens is to secure their safety and security. Congress has a duty to recognize when there is a security problem that is putting people in jeopardy, especially when it is a Federal pretrial release program that is putting potentially violent offenders onto the streets without any supervision. The American people deserve to know that their hard-earned tax dollars are being spent in the most responsible way possible. We cannot continue pushing millions of dollars into broken programs that release dangerous individuals back on the street. prgtoken Additionally, Congress has a statutory duty to ensure that businesses are not pursuing anticompetitive mergers and acquisitions. However, that does not mean that we should continue fostering the current climate that features the DOJ and FTC maintaining two distinctly different processes for reviewing these transactions. We have the unique opportunity to create certainty for businesses while harmonizing the review process with the SMARTER Act. prgtoken Finally, the House must take advantage of this opportunity to rein in the CFPB utilizing the Congressional Review Act's power to overturn harmful regulations on the indirect auto lending industry. Not only will this resolution of disapproval end a detrimental piece of guidance, but it will also send a strong message to regulatory agencies that they cannot overstep their statutory boundaries and will not get away with attempting to cloak major regulatory actions merely as guidance documents. prgtoken I urge support of the rule and the underlying legislation.
PROVIDING FOR CONGRESSIONAL DISAPPROVAL OF A RULE SUBMITTED BY BUREAU OF CONSUMER FINANCIAL PROTECTION
Carolyn B. Maloney (Democrat, NY) \u2014 2018-5-8

I thank the ranking member for yielding and for her leadership on the Financial Services Committee. prgtoken , I strongly, strongly oppose this resolution, which will actually encourage discrimination against people of color who want to buy cars. prgtoken I know my colleagues claim that this is about a rulemaking process, but let's be clear: This is not about process. This is about discrimination. prgtoken This issue is very simple. Financial institutions that make auto loans have an obligation not to discriminate against borrowers based on the color of their skin. This has been the law since Congress passed the Equal Credit Opportunity Act over 43 years ago. prgtoken The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau found compelling evidence that, when financial institutions allow auto dealers to increase the interest rates on auto loans for specific borrowers that come into their dealership, minority borrowers were systematically charged a higher rate. In other words, this particular practice resulted in illegal lending discrimination. prgtoken So the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau did what it was supposed to do. It told financial institutions to stop this illegal and discriminatory practice or risk being sued by the Bureau for lending discrimination. prgtoken But the Consumer Bureau did not stop there. It also told the lenders exactly how they needed to change their practices to avoid being sued for lending discrimination. prgtoken This kind of transparency is a good thing. It allows the Consumer Bureau to root out discrimination in the auto lending market while also providing guidance and certainty to all the lenders that want to do the right thing. prgtoken Yet this guidance is exactly what the resolution before us today would repeal. Why? This would have the effect of encouraging discrimination against minority borrowers in the auto lending market and discouraging the Consumer Bureau from cracking down on this horrible practice. prgtoken I believe we need to stand strong against discrimination in all forms, including lending discrimination. prgtoken , I urge my colleagues to vote for their constituents, to vote for consumers, and to oppose this resolution.
TRIBUTE TO CYRUS ``RUSS'' JOLLIVETTE
James E. Clyburn (Democrat, SC) \u2014 2018-5-8

I rise to pay tribute to an outstanding public servant, Cyrus Jollivette or ``Russ,'' as we knew him. prgtoken Russ was a dedicated Floridian with an extensive record of achievements. He held titles from Senior Vice President to Board Chairman for many state and national organizations and had an extensive record of work in causes as diverse as expanding educational opportunity, improving access to health care, helping minority men and women advance professionally, and strengthening the nonprofit community. prgtoken He was well known throughout Florida and Washington, D.C. for his commitment to these causes and to many colleges, universities, and other entities dedicated to the creation of opportunities for young people. He was especially recognized for his 24-year-long service to the University of Miami, for which he secured hundreds of millions of dollars of federal support for medical research, most notably for cancer, diabetes, and nursing, as well as cutting edge environmental health and marine sciences research and the University's internationally recognized North-South Center. prgtoken I knew Russ best, however, for his work to advance diversity and minority education and training. He stood for the development of educational opportunities for all, with particularly minority-serving historically black colleges and universities. prgtoken Russ was a generous and caring leader in philanthropy, having directed the University of Miami Foundation and the Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Florida Foundation, through which he was able to award millions of dollars to education, health access, and training initiatives. He played a major role in helping shape health policy at the local, state, and federal level. prgtoken He was committed to his home state of Florida and played a leading role rebuilding after Hurricane Andrew. His pride in his talented daughter and his two grandchildren, Lauren and Richard, was unbounded. prgtoken , Russ Jollivette was a trusted, respected, true friend and loved by family, friends, and whomever he came into contact. I ask the House to join me in celebrating this life well lived.
Climate Change (Executive Session)
Sheldon Whitehouse (Democrat, RI) \u2014 2018-5-8

situated off the northeast corner of Australia lies one of the seven natural wonders of the world, a wonder that is visible from space--the Great Barrier Reef. Each year, around 2 million visitors come from around the globe to experience the Great Barrier Reef. They come to see hundreds of species of sharks, dolphins, fish, mollusks, whales, seabirds, and other marine life thriving in nearly 133,000 square miles of coral reef. Some of these coral structures are thought to date back as long as 25 million years. When Pope Francis spoke of the ``wonderworld of the seas,'' this is the kind of beauty and bounty he had in mind. prgtoken It is difficult to imagine something so expansive and ancient threatened so profoundly by one of Earth's more recent inhabitants-- humans--but it is. The oceans are taking the brunt of our modern carelessness. They are warming, acidifying, and literally suffocating under our carbon dioxide emissions. They are fouled with our plastic garbage, and they are polluted with runoff from farming and storm water wash into the sea. prgtoken I have come to the floor before to plead that my Senate colleagues heed the warnings of our oceans. Those warnings are loud and clear and measurable. They are measurable with thermometers, tide gauges, and simple pH tests, and they are chronicled by the testimony of fishermen and sailors. prgtoken Today I wish to focus on that Great Barrier Reef. A healthy coral reef is one of the most productive engines of life on Earth. It is home to 25 percent of the world's fish biodiversity. The corals use calcium carbonate--a compound usually readily available in ocean water--to build their hard skeletons. These hard structures shelter the living coral polyps and undergird the entire ecosystem that depends on the reef. Without the corals, the whole thing collapses. prgtoken The living corals have evolved a symbiotic relationship with tiny photosynthetic algae called zooxanthellae. The algae live in the surface tissue of the corals. It is the algae that provide the color that you see healthy corals display. The corals' metabolic waste is converted by the algae back into food and oxygen for the corals, and, in turn, corals shelter the algae. prgtoken However, the range of pH, temperature, salinity, and water clarity within which this symbiotic magic takes place is fairly narrow. Get outside that comfort range, and the corals get stressed. When they are stressed enough, they begin to evict their algae. This is what is called ``coral bleaching.'' The corals whiten as they shed their colorful algae. prgtoken Of course, without the algae, corals can't live for long. The algae can resettle, and the corals can recover, but if the algae don't resettle, the corals soon die. That is what is happening in huge swaths of the Great Barrier Reef, and here is why. prgtoken As we have pumped massive quantities of waste CO2 into the atmosphere, dramatically raising the con
Nomination of Michael Brennan (Executive Session)
Tammy Baldwin (Democrat, WI) \u2014 2018-5-8

I rise this afternoon to urge my colleagues to oppose the confirmation of Michael Brennan to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit. By bringing Mr. Brennan's nomination forward without my support, Chairman Grassley and Leader McConnell are breaking with a longstanding Senate tradition that has guaranteed a voice for home State Senators, regardless of party, in the consideration of judicial nominees. prgtoken The blue slip is an important part of this institution and its historic respect for the rights of each Senator, as well as the rights of the minority party. As the chairman of the Judiciary Committee, Mr. Grassley himself wrote in 2015: This tradition is designed to encourage outstanding nominees and consensus between the White House and home State Senators. Over the years, Judiciary Committee chairs of both parties have upheld a blue-slip process, including [most recently] Senator Patrick Leahy of Vermont . . . who steadfastly honored the tradition even as some in his own party called for its demise. I appreciate the value of the blue-slip process and also intend to honor it. prgtoken Today, respect for that time-honored blue slip comes to an end. Not only is Michael Brennan being considered on the Senate floor, but tomorrow the Senate Judiciary Committee will hold a hearing on a nominee for a traditional Oregon seat on the Ninth Circuit for whom neither Oregon Senator has returned a blue slip. I urge my colleagues to recognize that while today's action disrespects my role as the junior Senator from Wisconsin, tomorrow it may well be you. With the majority's choice to end this tradition, each of us is diminished in our own ability to represent the constituents who chose to send us here. prgtoken I did not return a blue slip for Michael Brennan because his nomination does not reflect the consensus between the White House and home State Senators that the chairman of Judiciary Committee, Mr. Grassley, praised in 2015. Mr. Brennan did not receive the requisite support from Wisconsin's bipartisan judicial nominating commission, which has been used in some form for nearly four decades to identify candidates for Federal judgeships in my home State. Senator Johnson and I have worked to continue this longstanding process during my tenure in the Senate, and it has actually produced consensus nominees who have been confirmed to two vacancies on our district courts and for two U.S. attorney positions. prgtoken More troubling still is a fact made clear in Mr. Brennan's answers to the Judiciary Committee's questionnaire; namely, that President never intended to respect that commission's work for this vacancy. The White House interviewed Michael Brennan for the job on the very day our bipartisan nominating commission began to solicit candidates for its consideration. prgtoken Chairman Grassley has made an argument that the White House engag
SPURRING BUSINESS IN COMMUNITIES ACT OF 2017
Nydia M. Velázquez (Democrat, NY) \u2014 2018-5-8

such time as I may consume. prgtoken I rise in support of H.R. 4111, a bill that will improve access to the Small Business Investment Company program in underserved communities. prgtoken SBICs have assisted thousands of high-growth companies over the years by ``filling the gap'' in the capital markets for businesses that have outgrown the SBA's 7(a) guaranteed loan program but remain too small or too risky for traditional private equity markets to bear. prgtoken SBICs operate in a unique public-private partnership with SBA. Once managers raise enough private capital, the agency provides matching funds which are pooled together and invested in high-growth small businesses. prgtoken To maximize the impact of the program, it is essential that SBIC licenses are processed in a timely fashion and also geographically spread across the country. As it stands now, nearly three-quarters of SBICs are located in just 10 States. prgtoken Today's bill will address these points by prioritizing those license applications from managers that will invest in our underserved communities. prgtoken The SBIC program has done a lot of good for the small business community over the years. Enabling SBA to fast-track more capital into the hands of small-business owners is a top priority for both sides of the aisle in this committee. prgtoken I urge Members to support this legislation, and .