mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
CARE CORPS DEMONSTRATION ACT
Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (Republican, FL) \u2014 2017-7-25

I would like to highlight the Care Corps Demonstration Act, a bill that Congresswoman Michelle Lujan Grisham and I will be introducing this week. prgtoken Every year, millions of seniors and individuals with disabilities find themselves in need of long-term care and services. However, our Nation faces a critical shortage of caregivers. To address this growing problem, I have joined Michelle to introduce the Care Corps Demonstration Act. prgtoken This commonsense and bipartisan bill will create a grant program that will provide compassionate young men and women an opportunity to gain valuable experience working with seniors and individuals with disabilities across our great land. prgtoken Care Corps will not only help empower our young adults to meet our Nation's senior needs, but it will also provide them with essential educational assistance and give them an opportunity to start or further their careers as caregivers. prgtoken , I encourage my colleagues to cosponsor this bill so that our seniors and those with disabilities receive the care they so desperately need while empowering our youth to advance their careers.
PROVIDING FOR CONGRESSIONAL DISAPPROVAL OF THE RULE SUBMITTED BY BUREAU OF CONSUMER FINANCIAL PROTECTION RELATING TO ARBITRATION AGREEMENTS
Jeb Hensarling (Republican, TX) \u2014 2017-7-25

I thank the gentleman from Missouri (Mr. Luetkemeyer) for yielding, and I appreciate his leadership on this issue, as I do the gentleman from Pennsylvania as well. prgtoken , since 1925, this institution, the United States Congress, has recognized the right of consumers to engage in arbitration, which we know for so many consumers is their avenue for redress of grievance. We know that this has been upheld on multiple occasions by the Supreme Court. We have almost 100 years of precedence. And now this rogue agency, the Orwellian-named CFPB, decides to promulgate a rule, and it is not even an agency it is one unelected, unaccountable individual who has decided that Americans no longer have the right to contract, they no longer have the right to decide that they would prefer to arbitrate instead of go through a class action lawsuit. prgtoken , let's let people know what this is truly about. What this is about is the trial attorneys relief act. Theirs are the voices that we are hearing on the other side of the aisle, and we are hearing them loud and clear, because what we know is that, in class action lawsuits, consumers end up with almost nothing and the trial lawyers make out like bandits. prgtoken Even in the CFPB's own study, they figured out that those who go through class action are doing well to get $32.35, yet the trial lawyers make out with millions. We also know in the CFPB's own study that those who went through arbitration ended up with settlements of $5,389. prgtoken , here are just a couple of different class action lawsuits that have happened recently. A Dell Computers class action lawsuit: $500,000 for class members, $7 million for the lawyers; Subway sandwiches: $50,000 for the class members, $500,000 for the trial attorneys. prgtoken Oh, here is a good one, , Coca-Cola class action: $0 for class members, $1.2 million for the lawyers; L.A. Fitness International: $7,000 for class members, $200,000 for lawyers. prgtoken , the American people are not foolish. It is time to drain the swamp and to start off with the bureaucracy that is taking away their rights to have dispute resolution through arbitration. They are tired of seeing others go and kowtow to the trial lawyers lobby in this town to give them what they want. It is time to make sure that Americans' consumer rights can be protected, and so it is time that we pass this Congressional Review Act for all Americans.
PROVIDING FOR CONGRESSIONAL DISAPPROVAL OF THE RULE SUBMITTED BY BUREAU OF CONSUMER FINANCIAL PROTECTION RELATING TO ARBITRATION AGREEMENTS
Keith J. Rothfus (Republican, PA) \u2014 2017-7-25

I thank the chairman for yielding and for his leadership on getting this legislation to the floor. prgtoken , the CFPB's anticonsumer, anti-arbitration, pro-trial lawyer rule is just the latest example of the harm that can be done by an out-of-control, Washington-knows-best bureaucracy. This is a teaching moment for the country about how, when elites in Washington pander to special interests, they end up hurting the very people they claim to be protecting. prgtoken We all want fairer outcomes for consumers, but the CFPB's unfair, deceptive, and abusive rule will deprive millions of Americans of a convenient, fast, and effective way to resolve their disputes. prgtoken According to the CFPB's own study, only 13 percent of class actions provided a benefit to consumers, and the average payout was--get this-- $32. How is that pro-consumer? The same study, on the other hand, showed that consumers who obtain relief through arbitration recover over $5,300, on average. Again, that is $5,300 in arbitration against $32 through a class action. prgtoken Meanwhile, trial lawyers in class actions earn about $1 million, on average. Consider that--$1 million for the plaintiffs' lawyers, a $32 coupon, $32 cash, for a consumer. In other words, trial lawyers stand to earn 31,000 times more than a consumer in a class action. prgtoken In arbitration, however, consumers get meaningful relief. Yet the CFPB has finalized a rule that would effectively get rid of arbitration and promote class actions as the preferred dispute resolution process. This hardly seems fair. prgtoken The CFPB's anti-arbitration rule is an invitation to trial lawyers to take all they can get. Banks, credit unions, and other businesses that American consumers interact with on a daily basis will be forced to hold greater reserves because of the risk of future costly litigation. This will increase costs for consumers, and it will lead to less access or more expensive financial services for millions of Americans. It could also harm the safety and soundness of the financial system, according to the Comptroller of the Currency, one of the main Federal banking regulators. prgtoken The Dodd-Frank Act requires that any move by the CFPB to regulate arbitration agreements needs to be in the public interest and for the protection of consumers. I fail to see how forcing consumers to accept a coupon for their troubles and handing millions of dollars in payouts to trial lawyers meets either of those goals. prgtoken Only at the CFPB could endangering local banks and credit unions and restricting consumer access to financial services be cast as a win for the American people. But, again, this is what you get from the least accountable agency in history, an agency with, according to the D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals, massive and unchecked power that is headed by a Director who possesses more unilateral authority than any single commissioner or board member in any other independen
RURAL AMERICA'S CONTRIBUTIONS
James Comer (Republican, KY) \u2014 2017-7-25

I thank Representative Arrington for shining the spotlight on rural America today. prgtoken I am proud to be a product of rural America. The great thing about growing up in rural America is you learn values, you learn morals, and you learn a work ethic. Not every individual in America has that opportunity. So those of us that grew up with that upbringing in rural America should appreciate that. prgtoken That is why, when I took the oath of office as a brand-new Congressman back in November, I said my number one priority is to promote agriculture and restore and revive rural America. I believe we can. I believe in the future of rural America. But we are going to have to work together. prgtoken Rural America has many challenges right now. The number one challenge is the economy. We need to help create good-paying jobs in rural America, because in rural America we are faced with a brain drain. That is why our best and brightest young people graduate from the good public schools that we have in rural America, they go off to college or technical school, but they don't come back. There aren't the same opportunities, unfortunately, in many of the rural communities as there are in the more urban and suburban areas. prgtoken I believe that we can change that because rural America has so much to offer. We have work ethic. We have available skilled workers. We have communities where everyone knows everyone. Everyone has a spirit of community. We have good churches, good schools, and good rural hospitals. prgtoken So I believe that we need to spread that message as Members of Congress. As Members of Congress, we also need to invest in rural America. prgtoken As was mentioned earlier, one of the President's main priorities is an infrastructure bill. I believe that we need to invest in infrastructure. I believe in a limited government, I believe in small government, but I do believe it is the government's responsibility to do certain things. One of those things that is the government's responsibility is to invest and maintain infrastructure. When we talk about infrastructure, it is not just interstates and airports. It is also things that we need in rural America, like broadband and wireless technology. prgtoken I believe that we can create an environment with public-private partnerships where we can make that investment to help revive rural America and help to create jobs in rural America to keep our best and brightest in rural America. prgtoken Growing up in Monroe County, which is a rural community in south- central Kentucky, I had the opportunity to go to Monroe County schools, where I knew every student in my class. I knew the teachers, I knew where they lived, I knew where they go to church. I played every sport I could play and excelled in none, but I enjoyed that opportunity and learned a lot about it. Of course, we went to church on Sundays. prgtoken Throughout my business career as a farmer, the president of the
TRIBUTE TO PAUL KASTER
Pat Roberts (Republican, KS) \u2014 2017-7-25

today I wish to recognize the distinguished accomplishment of Kansan Paul Kaster on the occasion of his 2017 National Federation of Independent Business, NFIB, Young Entrepreneur Award. prgtoken Mr. Kaster, of Leawood, KS, is the founder and owner of Crooked Branch Studio, which specializes in woodworking. I ask that my colleagues join me in recognizing Paul on his outstanding achievements. I wish him nothing but the best for his future entrepreneurial and educational endeavors.
CONGRATULATING JENNIFER LOWE, PAUL PARK, HENA RAFIQ, CHRISTA SCHMIDT, AND NOELLE SMITH ON RECEIVING FULBRIGHT AWARDS
Kenny Marchant (Republican, TX) \u2014 2017-7-25

I rise today to recognize Jennifer Lowe and Christa Schmidt of Farmers Branch, TX, Paul Park and Hena Rafiq of Irving, TX, and Noelle Smith of Dallas, TX, for their exemplary academic work which earned these scholars Fulbright awards for 2016- 2017. Jennifer attends Pitzer College, Christa attends Saint Olaf College, Paul attends Saint John's University in Minnesota, Hena attends the Southern Methodist University, and Noelle attends Davidson College. prgtoken Established by Congress in 1946, the Fulbright program selects U.S. citizens to further their knowledge in an educational exchange program, allowing those chosen to study, research, or teach abroad. With only 1,600 Fulbright awards going to U.S. students each year, it is a tremendous honor for five of the recipients to be residents of the 24th District of Texas. These recipients will be focusing on the conditions and challenges that face the regions to which they will be traveling, as well as establishing meaningful U.S. relationships with these communities. Jennifer, Paul, Hena, Christa, and Noelle will be traveling to India, Thailand, Kosovo, Malaysia, and Mexico, respectively. When these fine students return, they will share the wealth of knowledge and experiences they garnered while abroad and be better equipped to excel in their fields. prgtoken , on behalf of the 24th District of Texas, I would like to congratulate Jennifer, Paul, Hena, Christa, and Noelle again for receiving this incredibly prestigious award. I wish them the best of luck with their travels, and I know that they will achieve greatness in their future endeavors.
ADDITIONAL STATEMENTS
Cory Gardner (Republican, CO) \u2014 2017-7-25

today I wish to honor Dr. Temple Grandin's induction into the National Women's Hall of Fame. Dr. Grandin is an internationally recognized leader for her work in animal sciences and autism awareness. I would also like to wish Dr. Grandin a happy 70th birthday. prgtoken Dr. Grandin has contributed immensely to the study of animal sciences and the agriculture industry. She has been an esteemed college professor at Colorado State University for more than 20 years, and much of her research and inventions have become standard industry procedure, like humane cattle slaughter. She began her career in the early 1970s and was one of only a handful of women working in animal sciences. She paved the way for other women to thrive in this industry. prgtoken In addition to her professorship, Dr. Grandin has become a well-known advocate and spokeswoman for autism awareness. She has published countless books about living with autism and has been recognized on the Time Magazine's Top 100 Most Influential People under the ``Heroes'' category. She has received honorary doctorate degrees from 13 universities across the country and around the world. Dr. Grandin has also received numerous industry awards for her significant contributions to agriculture, as well as her advocacy for autism awareness. prgtoken Dr. Grandin has undoubtedly left a lasting impression on the animal sciences and autism advocacy. I congratulate her induction into the prestigious National Women's Hall of Fame and again wish Dr. Grandin a very happy birthday.
FINANCIAL NET WORTH
F. James Sensenbrenner, Jr. (Republican, WI) \u2014 2017-7-25

I am making my financial net worth as of March 31, 2017, a matter of public record. I have filed similar statements for each of the thirty-eight preceding years I have served in the Congress. Assets real property Single family residence at 609 Ft. Williams Parkway, City of Alexandria, Virginia, at assessed valuation. (Assessed at $1,441,186). Ratio of assessed to market value: 100 percent (Unencumbered): $1,441,186.00 Condominium at N76 W14726 North Point Drive, Village of Menomonee Falls, Waukesha County, Wisconsin, at assessor's estimated market value. (Unencumbered): $138,000.00 Undivided 25/44ths interest in single family residence at N52 W32654 Maple Lane, Village of Chenequa, Waukesha County, Wisconsin, at 25/44ths of assessor's estimated market value of $1,528,600: $868,522.73 Total Real Property: $2,447,708.73 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Common & preferred stock # of shares $ per share Value ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Abbott Laboratories, Inc..................................... 12200 44.41 $541,802.00 AbbVie Inc................................................... 8129 65.16 529,685.64 Allstate Corporation......................................... 370 81.49 30,151.30 AT & T....................................................... 7275 41.55 302,276.25 JP Morgan Chase.............................................. 4539 87.84 398,705.76 Benton County Mining Company................................. 333 0.00 0.00 BP PLC....................................................... 3604 34.52 124,410.08 Centerpoint Energy........................................... 300 27.57 8,271.00 Chemours Company............................................. 240 38.50 9,240.00 Chenequa Country Club Realty Co.............................. 1 0.00 0.00 Comcast...................................................... 634 37.59 23,832.06 Darden Restaurants, Inc...................................... 2160 83.67 180,727.20 Discover Financial Services.................................. 156 68.39 10,668.84 Dun & Bradstreet, Inc........................................ 1250 107.94 134,925.00 E.I. DuPont de Nemours Corp.................................. 1200 80.33
AMERICAN HEALTH CARE ACT OF 2017
Rob Portman (Republican, OH) \u2014 2017-7-25

I rise tonight to talk about the Portman amendment and about the broader substitute that repeals and replaces the Affordable Care Act, otherwise known as Care. prgtoken Is this replacement perfect? No. I don't think any replacement is. But it is a big improvement over the status quo. The status quo on healthcare is simply no longer sustainable. prgtoken It isn't working for Ohio. We heard a lot about the middle-class squeeze in Ohio, and it is real. Wages are flat and expenses are up. For most folks, the biggest single expense is healthcare costs. It is the fastest growing expense because of higher premiums and higher deductibles. prgtoken It wasn't supposed to be this way. In fact, when the Affordable Care Act--Care--was enacted in 2010, we heard a lot of promises about lower costs. They promised that Care would bring down premium costs by 2,500 bucks for the average family, but we now know that families have seen their premiums skyrocket. According to the Ohio Department of Insurance, health insurance premiums on the individual market in Ohio have nearly doubled since the Affordable Care Act went into effect 7 years ago. Small business premiums have gone up 82 percent. Premiums for this year are up double-digits, and next year we all expect the same. No one can afford that. prgtoken To make matters worse, we have seen a sharp increase in deductibles. For a lot of people covered by insurance, they feel as though they really don't have health care insurance at all because their out-of- pocket expenses are so high and deductibles are so high, they really can't access it. prgtoken These higher premiums and deductibles have already made healthcare unaffordable for a lot of hard-working Ohioans. But it is not just about costs, it is also about choice. Some people are losing their coverage altogether because the policies established in the Affordable Care Act were set up for failure. prgtoken Fifteen of the 23 nonprofit insurers set up around the country as co- ops around the Affordable Care Act have now gone bankrupt. One was in Ohio. Last year in my State, 22,000 hard-working Ohioans lost their coverage because our co-op declared bankruptcy. Many of them, by the way, had already paid their deductibles on that, and they lost that as well. prgtoken Worse than that even, right now there are 19 counties in Ohio without a single insurance company in the exchange market, the individual market--not one insurance company. Another 27 counties in Ohio have only 1 insurer. That is not competition. That is not choice. Far too many Ohioans--thousands of them--if they want health insurance, are told they have to move out of their county to another county. prgtoken Less competition has also meant less choices and higher costs for Ohio families and cost shifting on to employer-based plans. As these insurance companies have lost money, some of them haven't left Ohio, but they shifted their costs to other
BUDGETARY REVISIONS
Michael B. Enzi (Republican, WY) \u2014 2017-7-25

section 3001 of S. Con. Res. 3, the Concurrent Resolution on the Budget for Fiscal Year 2017, allows the chairman of the Senate Budget Committee to revise the allocations, aggregates, and levels in the budget resolution for legislation related to healthcare reform. The authority to adjust is contingent on the legislation not increasing the deficit over the period of the total of fiscal years 2017-2026. prgtoken I find that S. Amdt. 267 fulfills the conditions of deficit neutrality found in section 3001 of S. Con. Res. 3. Accordingly, I am revising the allocations to the Committee on Finance, the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions, HELP, and the budgetary aggregates to account for the budget effects of the amendment. I am also adjusting the unassigned to committee savings levels in the budget resolution to reflect that, while there are savings in the amendment attributable to both the HELP and Finance committees, the Congressional Budget Office and Joint Committee on Taxation are unable to produce unique estimates for each provision due to interactions and other effects that are estimated simultaneously. prgtoken I ask unanimous consent that the tables, which provide details about the adjustment, be printed in the Record.
AMERICAN HEALTH CARE ACT OF 2017
Orrin G. Hatch (Republican, UT) \u2014 2017-7-25

I rise today to once again remind my Senate colleagues what is at stake with the procedural vote that took place today. prgtoken The Senate voted on the motion to proceed to the House-passed budget reconciliation bill. The Senate will now start working in earnest to consider and, hopefully, pass legislation that would repeal and replace Care with a 2-year transition period, or other, specific replacement policies. prgtoken That is a complicated undertaking to say the least. However, the first vote on the motion to proceed was relatively simple. While pundits and talking heads have already analyzed this particular vote to death, all of the talk boils down to a single question: Do s want to repeal and replace Care? prgtoken I don't want to belittle or discredit the concerns some of my colleagues have raised about the various legislative proposals that are out there. However, we won't be voting on any particular policy or proposal. prgtoken On the contrary, the vote was simply to determine whether the Senate is actually going to consider the budget reconciliation bill. Members were not voting for or against any particular healthcare proposal; they were simply voting on whether the Senate will actually debate any such measure. prgtoken That being the case, the vote was a simple one. Anyone who supports the larger effort to repeal and replace Care should be willing to at least debate the various proposals that have been put forward. prgtoken That is the very definition of a no-brainer. prgtoken The final pieces of Care were signed into law in March 2010, more than 7 years ago. Since then, the law has been one of the key focal points of legislative and political debate and discourse nationwide. Very few topics in our Nation's history have been the subject of more public debate and fierce disagreement. prgtoken After all this time, one thing is very clear: Care has failed the American people. prgtoken The vast majority of Americans are dissatisfied with the healthcare status quo. These people want answers from Congress that will bring down their healthcare costs, reduce their tax burdens, and put them back in charge of their own healthcare. For more than 7 years now, virtually every in Congress has been promising to provide those solutions. prgtoken We have never been closer to making good on those promises than we are right now with a President ready to take action to support congressional efforts to repeal and replace this unworkable law. prgtoken Make no mistake, none of the major proposals that have been put forward are perfect. In fact, in my personal view, they are all far from perfect. But, at the end of the day, any bill--particularly a bill as wide and sweeping as one that addresses a large portion of our healthcare system--that is ``perfect'' in the eyes of one Senator is likely fatally flawed in the eyes of 99 others. prgtoken Translation: Wh