mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
CONFIRM DAVID BERNHARDT
Paul A. Gosar (Republican, AZ) \u2014 2019-4-10

I rise today in strong support of David Bernhardt's nomination to be the next Secretary of the Interior. prgtoken Members of the Western Caucus strongly support his nomination. prgtoken David Bernhardt loves his country and has served her well as a model public servant for over 15 years. David has already been confirmed twice by the U.S. Senate, once to be the solicitor and the top legal mind of the country on these issues and the second time to be the Deputy Secretary. Just last week, the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee advanced his nomination by a strong bipartisan vote of 14-6. prgtoken During his tenure with DOI, David has worked diligently to increase hunting and fishing access, ensure clean water for future generations, and empower local decisionmaking. David is a champion for sportsmen and rural communities. prgtoken Mr. Bernhardt is the most qualified candidate we have ever had as the Secretary of the Interior. Simply put, David Bernhardt is the leader the Department and the American people deserve. prgtoken , I urge my colleagues in the Senate to vote tomorrow based on David's credentials, leadership, and principles. If that occurs, I have no doubt he will be confirmed with a strong bipartisan vote. prgtoken Confirm Bernhardt.
Tax Reform (Executive Session)
John Thune (Republican, SD) \u2014 2019-4-10

tax day is not anyone's favorite day, but thanks to the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, millions of American families are facing a less painful tax bill this year. They are also seeing a lot of economic opportunity. prgtoken When s took office after President 's election, we were determined to make things better for American families. Under the administration, the economy had stagnated, wages barely grew, job growth was weak, business investment growth was low. prgtoken s knew that if we wanted to make life better for families, we had to turn that around. American families can't thrive if the economy isn't thriving. You need a strong, growing economy to give Americans access to good wages, good jobs, and real opportunities. prgtoken So we got right to work. We repealed burdensome regulations that were acting as a drag on economic growth, and we passed a comprehensive reform of our Nation's outdated Tax Code. prgtoken Why the Tax Code? Well, the Tax Code has a huge effect on our economy. A small business owner facing a huge tax bill is unlikely to be able to expand her business or to hire a new employee. In fact, if her tax burden is heavy enough, she may not even be able to keep her business open. prgtoken Similarly, a large business is going to find it pretty hard to create jobs or improve benefits for employees if it is struggling to stay competitive against foreign businesses that are paying much less in taxes. prgtoken Prior to the passage of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, our Tax Code was not helping our economy. In fact, it was doing the opposite, and so we made reforming our Tax Code a priority. prgtoken Our goal with the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act was twofold: put more money in Americans' pockets immediately and get the economy going again to give Americans access to good jobs, good wages, and opportunities for the long term, and that is exactly what we did. To put more money in Americans' pockets right away, we cut tax rates for American families, doubled the child tax credit, and nearly doubled the standard deduction, and now families are seeing the effects. prgtoken The liberal Tax Policy Center reports that under the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, 90 percent of middle-class families are seeing a tax cut. For 2018, the typical family of four saw a tax break of more than $2,000. That is more money every month to put toward a family vacation, a home or car repair, or a kid's braces, or to tuck away in savings for a rainy day. prgtoken That is not all. As I said earlier, families aren't just seeing a lower tax bill; they are also seeing more economic opportunity thanks to the economic growth spurred by the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. prgtoken The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act lowered tax rates across the board for owners of small- and medium-size businesses, farms, and ranches. It lowered our Nation's massive corporate tax rate, which up until January 1 of last year was the highest corporate tax rate
MEDICARE
Mitch McConnell (Republican, KY) \u2014 2019-4-10

on a completely different matter, for some time now, my colleagues and I have been speaking out about the ' parade of fantastical new proposals--plans to spend unprecedented sums of Americans' money in order to seize unprecedented control over Americans' lives. prgtoken Just a few weeks ago, the Senate voted on the so-called Green New Deal. It was Washington ' plan to power down the U.S. economy and have the Federal Government intrude on basically every economic transaction and personal life choice in radically unprecedented ways. The specifics of the proposal, limited as they were, painted enough of a picture for outside experts to roughly estimate the price tag at as much as $93 trillion, which is more money than the Federal Government has spent in its entire history, in exchange for the systematic dismantling of American prosperity. prgtoken It advocated for the abolition of the most affordable and plentiful domestic energy resources available to American families and a hog-tied American economy that our competitors would leave in the dust. prgtoken So it should come as no surprise that for the sequel we see and hear that Senate may soon officially introduce their proposed Washington, DC, takeover of health insurance--the plan I call ``Medicare for None.'' prgtoken It is a fitting name for a proposal that would gut the Medicare Program as American seniors know it, reuse the label on a new, government-run, one-size-fits-all arrangement, and remove 180 million Americans from the private insurance they have chosen in order to funnel them into a system without choice. prgtoken What is especially ironic is that my ic colleagues are choosing to agitate for this pivot toward socialism during this particularly important economic period--at this particular moment, with more job openings than Americans looking for work for the first time since recordkeeping started, when we have seen unemployment reach a 49- year low and wages growing faster than they have in a decade. It is the kind of economy where a single mom in Mississippi says: ``It's amazing that I'm getting paid almost $20 an hour to learn how to weld.'' prgtoken It is the kind of economy where garage door installers in Nevada say they are literally afraid to let potential new hires walk out the door because American workers are in such high demand. prgtoken Let's remember that this transformation is being helped along by Senate ideas and policies that are the polar opposite-- totally opposite--of what our ic friends are now calling for. prgtoken Here is how pro-growth and pro-opportunity policies helped us get where we are: by encouraging job creators to invest here at home instead of penalizing success; by recognizing that working families know best how to spend their paychecks, not Washington; and by creating conditions for an economic surge that touches every corner of our count
CLEAN FUELS NATIONAL AND THE CLEAN FUELS NATIONAL FUEL SUMMIT
Jim Banks (Republican, IN) \u2014 2019-4-10

. Madam , I rise today to celebrate Clean Fuels National and the Clean Fuels National Fuel Summit held in Fort Wayne, Indiana. Hundreds of attendees spanning from Washington State to Pennsylvania will participate in this invitation-only forum. Business leaders will discuss important issues facing the industry, such as natural disaster preparation, card skimming and UST regulations. prgtoken This forum would not be possible without the hard work of Clean Fuels National and the Vanover Family. Kas, Mike, and Gregg Vanover founded Clean Fuels National in 2000, on the idea of providing exceptional fuel filtration and tank cleaning services to Northeast Indiana. Nineteen years later, Clean Fuels National is the largest fuel filtration and tank cleaning company in the United States. However, its roots remain grounded in Northeast Indiana. The bedrock of Clean Fuels National lies in the close-knit support of the surrounding community and its loyal customers. Today, Clean Fuels National employs over 60 individuals from Northeast Indiana and is constantly expanding. prgtoken I offer my congratulations to Clean Fuels National on all of their achievements, and best wishes for continued success in the years to come.
REMEMBRANCE OF MICHAEL PRATT
Rodney Davis (Republican, IL) \u2014 2019-4-10

. Madam , I rise today to honor the life of Michael ``Mike'' Pratt, who passed away on March 30th of this year. Mike Pratt worked as a Logistics and Support Specialist under the Chief Administrative Officer since November 2006. During those years, he worked diligently throughout the U.S. Capitol in his support role providing special event and furniture moving services to the Capitol and the Capitol Visitor Center. prgtoken Mike was a well-known face throughout the Capitol for his superior work supporting major events, such as multiple State of the Union Addresses, Presidential Inaugurations, Congressional Gold Medal Ceremonies, Congressional Transitions, and various other events that took place here in our nation's capital. However, what ingratiated Mike to the many offices and employees in the Capitol was his commitment to his day-to-day tasks. prgtoken It is the dedicated service of Mike and his colleagues that allow the U.S. House of Representatives to function seamlessly on a daily basis. Mike is survived by his long-time girlfriend, Renika Bridges and son, Caliea ``Spunky'' Hill. We remember him as a true professional and remain grateful for his many years of service to Congress. I extend my deepest condolences to his family, friends, and co-workers. He will be missed.
Tax Reform (Executive Calendar)
Joni Ernst (Republican, IA) \u2014 2019-4-10

as we approach tax day, America's roaring economy keeps on speeding ahead as we continue to see the positive impact that the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act is having throughout Iowa and the rest of our country. prgtoken Last week, yet another outstanding jobs report was released, showing that the economy added 196,000 jobs in March--well above expectations. prgtoken Just think, since tax reform was passed, 3.2 million jobs have been created. And year-over-year wage growth remains strong at 3.2 percent in March. prgtoken After years of stagnant wage growth, we have now had 8 consecutive months in which it exceeded 3 percent. prgtoken Under the leadership of Governor Kim Reynolds, Iowa's unemployment rate is the lowest in the country and is tied for the lowest rate ever recorded in our State. I have seen the effects of tax reform firsthand in my home State, and they are paying off big time. prgtoken Thanks to Senate pro-growth tax reform, a business owner in Pella, IA, has saved tens of thousands in taxes, allowing her to increase the wages of her employees, purchase new semi-trailers, and upgrade her facilities. prgtoken A small brewery in central Iowa has been able to hire a new full-time employee and purchase an additional fermenter, increasing their production by 17 percent. prgtoken In a survey of Iowa businesses last month, 87 percent of folks said they plan to make capital expenditures this quarter, and the vast majority expects sales to grow over the next year. prgtoken By lowering tax rates and doubling the standard deduction and child tax credit, the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act has also helped families throughout Iowa keep more of their hard-earned dollars. prgtoken In 2018 alone, Iowans saved an estimated $1.8 billion in Federal taxes. A single mother earning $30,000 a year is saving over $1,000 in taxes. Iowans earning between $40,000 and $80,000 are receiving an average tax cut of $1,128 dollars. prgtoken These savings are certainly not pennies, as some of our ic colleagues have suggested. These tax cuts are allowing families to get ahead and save for their future. prgtoken Iowans are feeling the strong effects of the pro-growth tax cuts that s passed. Folks are keeping more of their own money, and at the same time, the rising tide of our economy is lifting wages. prgtoken A couple of years ago, we were in the midst of the most sluggish economic recovery in our history. Folks, it wasn't much of a recovery. Today, thanks to tax reform, Americans are able to keep more of their own hard-earned money, our economy is booming, wages are finally rising, and unemployment is at a near 50-year low. prgtoken Tax reform has created a more competitive tax system while providing much needed relief for hard-working Iowans and job creators of all sizes. And folks, this really is only the beginning. prgtoken .
RECOGNIZING CHRIS McGUIGAN OF PLAINS
Greg Gianforte (Republican, MT) \u2014 2019-4-10

. Madam , I rise today to honor Chris McGuigan of Plains whose work with the Sanders County Fair and Rodeo has attracted the world's top professional competitors. After years of volunteering at the fair, Chris began serving on the Sanders County Fair Board in 2001 and became its chairman a decade later. In 2017, Chris was appointed fair manager, a position from which he recently stepped down. Over the years, he estimates he has volunteered at least 1,000 hours to help make the fair and rodeo a success. A retired Sanders County sheriff's deputy with 25 years of service, Chris helped lead many improvements to the fairgrounds, including upgrading the livestock facilities, improving the rodeo surface, constructing a 4-H horse arena and crow's nest, and making the arena ADA accessible. The vision and accomplishments of the Sanders County Fair Board under Chris's leadership have brought the fair and rodeo wide acclaim for its excellence. In fact, the Women's Professional Rodeo Association seven times recognized the rodeo arena surface as having the best footing in the region. ``Hands down, the Sanders County Rodeo is one of the top-notch rodeos in Montana, and Chris has been the right-hand man there for years,'' said Lori Franzen, co-owner of Powder River Rodeo, which produces the rodeo in Plains as well as 90 professional rodeo events across the country. ``Last year in the bull riding event alone, 10 of the top 15 cowboys in the professional circuit were competing in Plains.'' prgtoken Madam , for his more than two decades of service and outstanding dedication to improving the Sanders County Fair and Rodeo, I recognize Chris McGuigan for his spirit of Montana.
Tax Reform (Executive Calendar)
Roy Blunt (Republican, MO) \u2014 2019-4-10

as we said when we began to talk about tax reform months ago now, the purpose of tax reform was stronger families and expanding opportunities for every American. I think the facts are clear that that is exactly what happened. prgtoken Over the past year, most people saw bigger paychecks. Many of those people saw bigger paychecks because they had less money taken out of their checks. Ninety percent of middle-class Americans received a tax cut. Pay increases prgtoken for lots of other Americans set new standards in recent years. I think the pay increases of slightly less than 4 percent in the last year are higher than at any time in recent memory. prgtoken Under the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, the child tax credit doubled from $1,000 to $2,000 per child. That credit is available to many more families than before and obviously is twice as big as before. prgtoken People are able to keep more of what they earn. prgtoken We have an economy right now where people actually believe for the first time in a decade that the chance they are going to get a promotion is greater than the chance they are going to lose their job. They have also stopped worrying about their neighbor losing their job or someone else in their family losing their job. At this time, we have an economy where people who want to go to work can go to work with confidence. prgtoken Unemployment last month was at a 49-year low. Around a year ago, for the first time, more jobs were available than people looking for work. That had never happened before since keeping these statistics, that there were more jobs available than people looking for work. When it happened the next month, it was the second month in a row that it had ever happened because it had never happened before the first month. I think we are now 11 months into that statistic where there are more jobs than people looking for work. prgtoken In 2018, we had the strongest economic growth that we had seen since before the financial crisis about a decade ago. prgtoken According to the Department of Labor, average hourly earnings have increased by 3.4 percent year over year. That is the largest increase in a decade. Job openings increased to 7.6 million at the beginning of the year. That is the third highest job-opening number in a long time. As I said earlier, for the 12th straight month, the number of job openings has exceeded the number of jobseekers. prgtoken There is no doubt that the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act has been part of the economic turnaround and will continue to be. One of the ways it will do that is by promoting new investment in areas where they need it most, through what we call in the tax bill opportunity zones. prgtoken In Missouri, there are 161 areas that have been designated as opportunity zones, making them eligible for the investment incentives under the new Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. prgtoken I want to thank my friend from South Carolina, our colleague from South Carolina, Senator
NET NEUTRALITY
Louie Gohmert (Republican, TX) \u2014 2019-4-10

I appreciate my friend from North Carolina's words. prgtoken Today, we voted on a bill referred to as net neutrality. It is a position that was taken up by the Federal Communications Commission back during the administration. It was quite interesting. During the administration, President had said he would not allow the FCC to take over control of the internet, and then apparently was convinced otherwise and eventually made clear to the FCC they would take over control of the internet. prgtoken I know the bill is referred to as net neutrality, but it is anything but neutral. It is government control of the internet. And, yes, I realize that the internet has produced some billionaires who are tremendous contributors to the ic Party, but, to me and to my colleagues on the side of the aisle, it is more an issue of independence of this incredible invention of the internet. If it creates more billionaires that happen to become , so be it. But let's leave the internet free. prgtoken Net neutrality does not leave it free. It is government controlled. And that is what the new chairman, Chairman Pai, undid. He said: We are backing off. This is an executive position taken by the executive branch during the administration and we are now, as an executive branch, taking our hands off of the internet so that people are free to become billionaires, but we are not going to pick and choose winners, which means the government chooses losers, as well. prgtoken There was a good article by James Gattuso on March 11, 2019. He said: ``Just over 1 year ago, the Federal Communications Commission voted 3-2 to repeal the network neutrality rules it adopted in 2015.'' prgtoken That is such a misnomer, net neutrality. ``However, the FCC regulation could make a comeback if House have their way. ``Lawmakers in the House and Senate introduced legislation Thursday to restore the rule.'' prgtoken That is from last week. ``Sponsored by Senator Ed Markey, a from Massachusetts, and Representative Mike Doyle, a from Pennsylvania, the 3-page bill makes no attempt to modify or improve the 2015 rule. It simply declares that the 2017 order repealing net neutrality `shall have no force or effect.' ``Formally titled the `Open Internet Order,' the FCC imposed the rule 4 years ago under its ic chairman, Tom Wheeler. But the political battle over net neutrality has gone on close to 17 years. ``A Columbia University law professor, Tim Wu, coined the term `net neutrality' in 2002. Wu argued that because internet service providers such as Comcast and AT&T enjoy near-bottleneck control over the traffic going to web users, they should be prohibited from favoring any web content over another. ``In other words, according to Wu, internet service providers should be required to treat content providers neutrally. ``But regulation can make problems of its own. Today'
Tax Reform (Executive Calendar)
Todd Young (Republican, IN) \u2014 2019-4-10

I rise today to speak about our booming economy and the stellar jobs report we saw on Friday, thanks in part to tax reform. prgtoken With tax day just around the corner, I would like to briefly highlight the many benefits American families, workers, and job creators have experienced as a result of lower tax rates. prgtoken Since s passed the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, 3.2 million new jobs have been created. Our 3.8 percent unemployment rate is near a 50- year low. The unemployment rate for women in particular matches the lowest rate since 1953. Ninety percent of middle-class workers have experienced a tax cut, and jobless claims have recently dropped to the lowest level since 1969. Additionally, in 2018, manufacturing job creation was the highest it has been in over 20 years. prgtoken As the most manufacturing-intensive State in the Nation, Indiana particularly benefits from this tax cut bill. prgtoken Last year, in conjunction with tax day, I spoke on the Senate floor about the many stories that have already poured into my office from Indiana businesses that are paying their workers more and constituents who are earning more. This year, I am proud to say these stories continue. prgtoken My guest to last year's State of the Union, Chelsee Hatfield, is a prime example. When tax reform was signed into law, Chelsee, a young mother of three, was working as a teller at a rural bank, First Farmers Bank and Trust Company in Tipton, IN. She received a raise and a bonus as a result of tax reform. This additional income helped Chelsee go back to school to earn her associate's degree, and it enabled her to put money away for her children's future college education. I am proud to say that this summer, Chelsee graduated with her degree, and she has been promoted to a commercial loan administrative assistant position. What a powerful story. prgtoken I recently had the opportunity to visit with a third-generation small business owner in Fort Wayne. Dan Parker is the owner of Parker Towing & Recovery. He was able to purchase several new trucks thanks in part to tax reform. This means more trucks will be available to assist Hoosiers who have been in a car accident or have had their cars break down. Parker also recently expanded the company's office space and gave his staff raises. Parker said: ``As a result, we have less turnover now.'' prgtoken Another Indiana employer, Cardinal Manufacturing Company in Indianapolis, rewarded its team members with bonuses and pay raises. prgtoken Albanese Confectionery, a candy manufacturing company in Merrillville, provided bonuses that it says will happen annually as long as the tax reform bill stays in effect. prgtoken Lastly, I would note that this new Tax Code incentivizes new investment into distressed rural and urban communities to help the least among us through the creation of tax-advantaged opportunity zones around the State of Indiana. prgtoken The bottom line is tha