mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
HONORING LARRY MISHEL
Keith Ellison (Democrat, MN) \u2014 2017-10-19

for more than 30 years, trickle-down economics has influenced our policies to redistribute economic power to the top. prgtoken My friend and outgoing Executive Director, Larry Mishel has long been at the forefront of developing progressive economic alternatives to counter the popularity and effectiveness of trickle-down theory. Thanks in large part to his research; we know trickle-down policies gave us slower growth and stagnant wages for working families. prgtoken Throughout his career--before, becoming President of the Economic Policy Institute--Larry focused on researching the wages of working people and making the case for actions that would raise these wages. He realized how important power was in this equation, and so he argued for measures to improve the rights of working people to organize and bargain for higher wages. prgtoken Larry's work on the discrepancy between wages and productivity, and his analysis of skyrocketing CEO pay, were the first of their kind. Larry has expanded on and refined this research over the last 30 years. Larry's recent work focuses on workers' rights and how the erosion of unions has hurt working people--union and non-union alike. prgtoken Throughout his career, Larry Mishel has created a necessary counter balance to the ``common knowledge'' Wall Street approach to economic policy in the U.S. He did this through his own research, but also by building EPI up as a research organization willing to take on the conventional wisdom in either party. prgtoken We all know the immeasurable contribution Larry and EPI have made to successive campaigns to raise minimum wages at the federal and state levels. For years, EPI's Policy Center has provided the economic analysis of the Progressive Caucus budget. We know the budget adds up, would boost wages, and would, in time, lower the deficit. We know it would build better infrastructure and a better education system because EPI, under Larry's leadership, runs all the numbers for us, and alerts us if our plans threaten to come up short in any way. Larry's contribution is incredibly valuable as it provides a concrete framework for our fight to support working folks across the country. prgtoken After 30 years at EPI--15 as President--Larry is stepping aside at the end of 2017. He will continue to provide innovative research on the rights and wages of working people. And, he will remain at EPI as a senior researcher. Thea Lee, who is the incoming President, will have big shoes to fill. However, Thea is the perfect fit to build on Larry's legacy and EPI's work on behalf of low- and middle-income families. prgtoken I want to extend a heartfelt thanks to Larry for his years of service, and I look forward to seeing the incredible work he will do in the months and years to come.
CONGRATULATING SHILOH BAPTIST CHURCH ON 100TH ANNIVERSARY
Bradley Scott Schneider (Democrat, IL) \u2014 2017-10-19

I am proud to rise today to recognize Shiloh Baptist Church on the occasion of their 100th Anniversary. prgtoken For the last century, Shiloh Baptist Church has been an integral part of the community in Waukegan, Illinois. This extraordinary anniversary is a moment of celebration for the entire Shiloh family, and I wish them well as they mark the occasion this weekend. prgtoken Shiloh is known for its work to put faith into action through community-based programs of outreach to neighbors. During the harsh, cold weather months, the church runs an emergency shelter for families and individuals experiencing homelessness through the PADS Lake County program. This critical service offers some of our neediest people the immediate shelter they need to stay safe and warm, as well as the more comprehensive resources needed to get out of homelessness and back into permanent housing. In addition, the church organizes a weekly soup kitchen and offers a food pantry available for those in need. prgtoken Shiloh also takes seriously the spiritual development of all its members, through Christian education and young adult ministry, as well as outreach to those who cannot attend services, including the sick, elderly, and those incarcerated at the Lake County Jail. prgtoken For the last 25 years, Shiloh has been ably led by Pastor Wallstone E. Francis, a dedicated minister to his congregation, scholar of the Scripture, and active leader in the conununity. prgtoken This l00th Anniversary is themed ``Embracing Our Past. Enriching Our Present. Envisioning Our Future.'' prgtoken I congratulate the entire Shiloh family on this anniversary and look forward to working with them to enrich our neighborhoods and envision a better future for the communities we love.
CONCURRENT RESOLUTION ON THE BUDGET, FISCAL YEAR 2018
Ron Wyden (Democrat, OR) \u2014 2017-10-19

this amendment provides reconciliation instructions to three Senate committees for the purpose of repealing and replacing the Affordable Care Act; in effect, rerunning the same bad movie the Senate has now seen three times. By now, Americans understand what these partisan healthcare bills have in store for the middle class: higher premiums, worse healthcare, and a safety net in tatters. prgtoken I will close by saying that there is now a desire on both sides of the aisle to set aside this my-way-or-the-highway approach to governing. Bipartisanship is about taking each other's good ideas, and I believe the Senate can work together to lower people's premiums. prgtoken This amendment is a vote to look for more partisan ideological trophies when the Senate ought to be working together to find common ground. prgtoken I urge my colleagues to reject this amendment.
HONORING THE LIFE OF FALLEN HERO, SERGEANT LA DAVID TERRENCE JOHNSON
Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (Republican, FL) \u2014 2017-10-23

it is with my deepest sympathy that I rise today to recognize the tragic loss of Sergeant La David Terrence Johnson, one of four brave U.S. Special Forces soldiers--and you see them here listed--killed during an ambush in Niger on October 4 as a result of enemy fire. prgtoken Sergeant Johnson was a proud south Floridian, a decorated soldier, having been awarded several honors, and well-loved throughout our community. prgtoken Sergeant Johnson was a loving husband to his wife, Myeshia, and a devoted father to their wonderful children, Ah'Leeysa Jones and La David Johnson, Jr. He leaves behind a baby girl due in January. prgtoken Sergeant Johnson will always be remembered as a loyal family man, a dedicated soldier who made the ultimate sacrifice for our country. prgtoken I offer my deepest sympathy to Sergeant Johnson's mourning family, friends, and loved ones. prgtoken Godspeed to Sergeant La David Terrence Johnson.
CUBAN AIRPORT SECURITY ACT OF 2017
John Katko (Republican, NY) \u2014 2017-10-23

such time as I may consume. prgtoken , I urge my colleagues to support this bill for the reasons that I have already spoken about, but I do want to note that there are two things in this bill that are very important. One is to give us the ability to examine whether or not the airports in Cuba are indeed safe. prgtoken As you heard from the statements earlier during this colloquy from myself, from Mr. Vela, and from Mr. McCaul, there are gaps in our knowledge of Cuba that are simply unique to most of the other aviation communities. It is incumbent upon us to try and find out what is going on down there. prgtoken As my colleague, Mr. McCaul, stated, we were denied visas because they knew we were coming to look at their airports. They allow very little oversight from the TSA at their airports. prgtoken They or someone in their country have attacked our embassy employees. The communist Cuban party controls the vast majority of what happens with aviation with very little knowledge of what the internal workings of that are. They are not collaborative partners at all, and that is a major concern. prgtoken The other part of the bill is reviewing international aviation standards. prgtoken Are they keeping up to date with evolving threats, such as the laptop threat and others that we know of around the world? Are they adhering to the standards that are set by the ICAO? And are those standards sufficient going forward? prgtoken Those are all things we need to take a look at. I urge my colleagues to pass this bill because it is a Homeland Security bill. I hope that my colleagues in the Senate, including Senator Rubio, my good friend who is championing the companion bill, I hope that he pushes it over there quickly; and I hope we get this to the President's desk for signature because we can't mess with things that involve homeland security. prgtoken , .
RECOGNITION OF TONY REED
Dave Brat (Republican, VA) \u2014 2017-10-23

I rise today to remember Anthony ``Tony'' Reed who passed away in June, and was a good friend who had a deep love for America. prgtoken Born in the United Kingdom in 1938 as it was hurtling towards the start of World War II, Tony eventually immigrated to Virginia with his mother and stepfather in 1947. Before his 20th birthday, Tony enlisted in the U.S. Army Reserve and joined the C&P Telephone Company. Tony's reserve career was distinguished, rising from the rank of Private to Colonel in the Army Special Forces. He also achieved the status of Master Parachutist, logging over 900 parachute jumps. prgtoken In 2015, Tony sat down with me and my former Chief of Staff to discuss a white paper he wrote for my attention on China. He was a Senior Fellow at The International Strategic Studies Association and was steeped in world history. Tony was a true gentleman and scholar and gave us many great memories. prgtoken Tony will certainly be missed.
HONORING OUR ARMED FORCES
John Thune (Republican, SD) \u2014 2017-10-23

today I wish to honor and pay tribute to the late Army SGT Philip J. Iyotte, a hero from South Dakota who, after 66 years, has returned home. prgtoken At a young age, Philip Iyotte, a member of the Rosebud Sioux Tribe, was given his Lakota name of Soldier Who Stands Alone. In 1950, Philip enlisted in the U.S. Army and was assigned to the Army's 21st Infantry Regiment of the 24th Infantry Division. Shortly after, he was deployed to the Korean conflict. On September 2, 1950, Sergeant Iyotte was seriously injured from fragments from an enemy missile. Nineteen days later, he bravely returned to the battlefield. prgtoken On February 9, 1951, 21-year-old Sergeant Iyotte was declared Missing in Action after being captured by Chinese forces during Operation Thunderbolt. When the war ended, several returning prisoners of war reported that Sergeant Iyotte passed away around September 10, 1951, and was buried at the main prisoner of war camp in Korea. Sixty-six years after being captured and killed, his remains have finally been returned to his family in White River, SD. prgtoken For his bravery and service, Sergeant Iyotte was awarded the Purple Heart, the Combat Infantryman's Badge, the Prisoner of War Medal, the Korean Service Medal, the United Nations Service Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, and the Korean War Service Medal. prgtoken I consider it an honor to pay tribute to SGT Philip J. Iyotte. May his family and his Oyate find comfort in knowing that his remains have now been laid to prgtoken rest and the legacy of his service and sacrifice to our Nation lives on.
HONORING NEVADA'S WORLD WAR II FILIPINO VETERANS
Dean Heller (Republican, NV) \u2014 2017-10-23

today I wish to honor several Nevada heroes who are being recognized with a Congressional Gold Medal for their service in the Philippines during World War II: Sergeant Regalado Baldonado, Private Aurelio Dela Cruz, Corporal Benito Anton, Private First Class Leonardo Palao, and the many other Filipino and Filipino American veterans across our Nation. My appreciation for their service and sacrifice is immeasurable. prgtoken During World War II, more than 260,000 Filipino soldiers from the U.S. commonwealth of the Philippines answered President Roosevelt's call to fight under the American flag. These individuals fought bravely, some making the ultimate sacrifice in defense of democracy and freedom. More than half a century later, our Nation made a commitment to honoring them for their service. prgtoken As a member of the Senate Veterans' Affairs Committee, I believe it is our solemn responsibility to recognize those who put their lives on the line. That is why I was proud to work with my colleague Senator Hirono to pass into law the Filipino Veterans of World War II Congressional Gold Medal Act, Public Law 114-265, to recognize the dedication and heroism of these individuals. prgtoken Now the time has come to award this Congressional Gold Medal to Filipino World War II veterans on October 25, 2017, and I could not be more proud and humbled that Nevada is home to Filipino veterans who served and are most deserving of this medal. Today I would like to again recognize and honor Filipino veterans who are living in Nevada: Sergeant Regalado Baldonado, Private Aurelio Dela Cruz, Corporal Benito Anton, and Private First Class Leonardo Palao. To these heroes, your place in history will not be forgotten. There are also many other Filipino veterans from Nevada who have passed on, but our gratitude extends to their family members who will ensure their legacy lives on. prgtoken While the awarding of this Congressional Gold Medal is a proud moment for the Filipino community and America, many Filipino veterans have yet to receive recognition for their service. There is no doubt to me that Filipino soldiers served honorably in the Commonwealth Army of the Philippines, Recognized Guerilla Forces, and New Philippine Scouts alongside U.S. troops during World War II. However, some have still not been verified by the U.S. for their service because they don't have the documentation the U.S. requires. This is an injustice that I will continue fighting so that every Filipino veteran is afforded respect for and acknowledgement of their contributions to our country. prgtoken I am honored to acknowledge all Filipino and Filipino American veterans for their dedication to our country and am proud this Congressional Gold Medal will serve as a constant reminder of the importance of the Filipino and Filipino American community in our Nation's history.
TRUMP ADMINISTRATION ECONOMIC ACCOMPLISHMENTS
Joe Wilson (Republican, SC) \u2014 2017-10-23

last week I traveled the district and heard from constituents who are grateful for the historic progress being made by the administration creating jobs. prgtoken President has led a strong pro-business team. The economy has added over 800,000 private sector jobs since January. Consumer confidence is at a 13-year high. The number of unemployment claims has plunged to the lowest level in over 40 years. prgtoken I appreciate the President can share the significance of the DOW soaring above 23,000 points, up nearly 5,000 points, or 27 percent, since election day, as you can see in his tweet on Wednesday. prgtoken The President's critics will never give him credit for American families. Columnist Clarence Page has described the ``anti- derangement syndrome'' drives critics to irrational extremes. prgtoken But these critics can't dispute the facts. The fresh faces, fresh voices, and fresh ideas that President has brought to Washington is making a difference for American families. prgtoken In conclusion, God bless our troops, and we will never forget September the 11th in the global war on terrorism.
BANKRUPTCY JUDGESHIP ACT OF 2017--Continued
Marco Rubio (Republican, FL) \u2014 2017-10-23

. Thank you, . prgtoken I thank the senior Senator from Florida on this issue. I want to elaborate on it a little further. Any time we ask the taxpayers of this country to step in and help a private industry, it is important and incumbent on us to justify why. The amendment he just made that we have been working to get included in what is before the Senate obviously deals with agriculture at large, and he described some of the different industries in Florida that have been hurt in agriculture and some of the crops in Florida that were impacted by the storm. prgtoken The reason I want to focus my attention on citrus is not because we don't care about the other industries that were damaged, but citrus is in a unique and precarious place. I want to describe it to people who may not be as familiar with this as those who live in Florida and see it all the time. prgtoken First, I would say that one of the signature issues in the campaign and in politics today is the desire to make more and produce more in the United States; the idea that somehow, because of these changes in the global economy, we have lost significant industries to other countries, and we talk about that primarily in manufacturing, but we also talk about it in technology and things of this nature. I don't think prgtoken we should leave agriculture out of that conversation. If we want there to be agriculture in the United States, then we have to deal with each of those crops and the unique challenges they face. We most certainly want to have agriculture in the United States. prgtoken A lot of people don't identify Florida as an agricultural State. It is better known for its tourism and being one of the largest places where people move to be in warm weather and not have State income tax, but Florida is a large agricultural State. I encourage people to look at the numbers. If you have spent any significant time in Florida, it is not just something we put on our license plates and not something we call ourselves in our heritage, it is real now. Tens of thousands and hundreds of thousands of jobs across the supply chain and entire communities are sustained by the presence of agriculture. In the case of citrus, the overwhelming majority of growers are actually families who have had these operations for sometimes two or three generations and are trying to stay afloat. prgtoken You look at this and ask: What is this industry doing wrong to be under these circumstances? Yes, they had a storm, but why can't they rebuild like everybody else? Two things. First, citrus in Florida was already facing an extraordinary challenge. It wasn't a better orange or better grapefruit that some other countries are doing than we are. It is a disease called citrus greening that didn't just blemish the fruit the way the canker did, but it killed the trees. You have a significant number of growers who are on the borderline of being out of business because unlike--a
BANKRUPTCY JUDGESHIP ACT OF 2017--Continued
Thad Cochran (Republican, MS) \u2014 2017-10-23

I urge the Senate to approve the disaster relief supplemental appropriations bill. prgtoken This bill will provide additional funding for response and recovery operations in areas devastated by recent hurricanes. prgtoken The storms this year have been severe in both strength and number. Communities in Texas, Florida, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands are struggling to recover. prgtoken Both the Disaster Relief Fund and the National Flood Insurance Program are depleted. They will soon run out of money for disaster response and to pay flood insurance claims. prgtoken The supplemental funding in this bill will ensure that first responders and Federal agencies have the necessary resources to continue their important work. prgtoken This bill also includes funding in response to the deadly wildfires that have ravaged western States. While these emergency funds are needed now, I will continue working with my colleagues to find a better way to fund wildfire suppression in the future. prgtoken This will not be the end of our efforts to respond to this year's disasters. The Appropriations Committee will continue to work with the administration and with the affected delegations to determine and provide for additional recovery needs. I am committed to doing what is necessary to get the job done.
RECOGNIZING JANET JOHNSON AS EXTENSION EDUCATOR OF THE YEAR
James Comer (Republican, KY) \u2014 2017-10-23

I rise today to congratulate Janet Johnson for being named Educator of the Year by the National Extension Association of Family and Consumer Sciences. prgtoken Janet Johnson has worked tirelessly for the citizens of Allen County as an agent for the University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension Service. She dedicates her time to extending UK's research knowledge to help Kentuckians build strong families. prgtoken Much of Johnson's work revolves around community and economic development. In fact, she helped secure nearly $20 million in renovation and beautification funding for Allen County. prgtoken Johnson was an integral part of ``Plate It Up Kentucky Proud,'' which encourages consumers to purchase and eat local produce. Regionally, she was extremely influential in connecting producers and consumers in south central Kentucky through the Farm to Table program. These accomplishments only scratch the surface of Johnson's contribution to outreach and engagement for communities and families in Kentucky. prgtoken Simply put, Janet Johnson is an outstanding professional in family and consumer sciences who has paved the way for many transformative programs in Kentucky. I am proud to recognize her as Extension Educator of the Year and as a distinguished teacher and colleague.
ASIA-PACIFIC ECONOMIC COOPERATION BUSINESS TRAVEL CARDS ACT OF 2017
Martha McSally (Republican, AZ) \u2014 2017-10-23

such time as I may consume. prgtoken , I rise today in support of S. 504, the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Business Travel Cards Act of 2017. prgtoken The Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation, or APEC, has been an economic catalyst for the Asia-Pacific region since 1989. APEC facilitates increased trade and business cooperation among the 21 member countries in the region that promote innovation, inclusiveness, and sustainable growth. prgtoken Specifically, this bill reauthorizes the APEC Business Travel Card Program. The program began as a pilot in 2011, and this bill would implement best practices found throughout the 7-year pilot program. prgtoken The APEC Business Travel Card is a travel document issued to business travelers who are citizens of APEC-participating economies. Valid for 5 years, the card eliminates the need for its holders to possess a visa when visiting other APEC-participating economies as long as preclearance has been obtained through a trusted traveler application process. prgtoken Our partnerships in the Asia-Pacific region are more important now than ever before. The APEC Business Card champions free and open trade, promotes economic integration, enhanced border security, and facilitates a sustainable global business environment. The program also helps to enhance border integrity and security in participating economies by prechecking each applicant against watch lists of other participating economies. prgtoken The program offers cost savings to travelers and moves frequent travelers who have been prescreened through the international travel process more efficiently. prgtoken The APEC Card is currently set to expire on September 30, 2018. Now is the time to reauthorize this important partnership between the United States and our friends in the APEC region. prgtoken I would like to thank my colleagues Miss Rice and Mr. Donovan for introducing the House version of this bill, as well as Ms. Hirono and Mr. Daines in the Senate for their part in moving this legislation forward. prgtoken I urge Members to join me in supporting this bill, and .
ORDERS FOR TUESDAY, OCTOBER 24, 2017
Steve Daines (Republican, MT) \u2014 2017-10-23

I ask unanimous consent that when the Senate completes its business today, it adjourn until 10 a.m Tuesday, October 24; further, that following the prayer and pledge, the morning hour be deemed expired, the Journal of proceedings be approved to date, the time for the two leaders be reserved for their use later in the day, and morning business be closed; further, that following leader remarks, the Senate resume consideration of the House message to accompany H.R. 2266; further, that the Senate recess from 12:30 p.m. until 2:15 p.m. to allow for the weekly conference meetings; finally, that all time during morning business, recess, adjournment, and leader remarks count postcloture.