mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
PRESERVING ACCESS TO MANUFACTURED HOUSING ACT OF 2017
Keith Ellison (Democrat, MN) \u2014 2017-12-1

I thank the gentlewoman for yielding. prgtoken , I come to this conversation based on people I know who live in manufactured housing. A lot of folks call it mobile homes or trailer parks. We call it manufactured housing. But I have walked those places, sat in those rooms, and just been with my neighbors, friends, and constituents who live in manufactured housing. I appreciate them tremendously. They are wonderful folks. The folks I know are just part of those 17 million people who live in manufactured housing. prgtoken If Congress got rid of manufactured housing, the national homeownership rate would fall about 6 percent. So manufactured housing, no doubt, is important and is an affordable alternative for many people. prgtoken But that doesn't mean the lender can rip them off. That doesn't mean the lender can pick their pockets, and that doesn't mean that the lender can let some big monopoly reach in the borrower's pockets and take their money away from them. prgtoken Just because the loan payment on manufactured housing might be lower than rent doesn't mean they get to up the skim. They have still got to be fair to people. prgtoken Look, for folks who are watching this debate, it is important to understand what we are really talking about. I am going to boil it down as best I can. We are saying: If you live in manufactured housing and if the loan is going to be extra high in the interest rate, if the interest rate is 6\1/2\ or 8\1/2\ above the annual percentage rate, which could bring you as high as the ranking member said, 18 percent, then certain things kick in for you. prgtoken If they are going to charge borrowers that kind of interest rate, the law says we are going to look out for them by saying that the lender has to explain the consequences of default--it will ruin the borrower's credit--that the lender has to disclose the loan terms in the monthly payments, that the lender has to ensure that the borrower receives homeownership counseling. And this is really important: under another regulation, the lender is forbidden from being the dealer and steering that person to a lender. In the case of Clayton Homes, they are both. prgtoken They will sell the borrower the unit and give them the loan. They will say: Hey, do you know what? We are going to sell you a nice new unit here. Don't worry about borrowing or where to look for a loan. We got you covered. We are in that business. prgtoken They are a monopoly. What is happening here, , is that all those protections that a high-cost-loan borrower is about to face this legislation takes away. That is all we are talking about here. We are saying that if a borrower is going to get a high-cost loan, then he should get certain protections. The borrower should get information and counseling. People should tell the borrower what is going to happen if he defaults. prgtoken They are saying: Hey, man, that is getting in the way of my money. We don't want you telling t
RECOGNIZING WORLD AIDS DAY
Sheila Jackson Lee (Democrat, TX) \u2014 2017-12-1

I thank you, and I want to extend my courtesies to the gentleman from Texas for his courtesy as well, Mr. Al Green. prgtoken I stand here today because this is World AIDS Day. Since 1988, we have commemorated World AIDS Day. I have on my lapel, if you will, on my shawl, a red ribbon which symbolizes remembrance. prgtoken Earlier today I called in to the Thomas Street Clinic, as I have celebrated with them for many years, and while I was in Washington, I wanted to give them the recognition as fighters against HIV/AIDS. prgtoken It does not seem that long ago, but HIV/AIDS affected many around the world before the disease even made its way to America's shores. Countless researchers, healthcare providers, politicians, and educators have contributed to the global initiative to contain and eventually eliminate its presence in all corners of the world. prgtoken I remember going to Zambia on the first Presidential trip dealing with HIV/AIDS around the world. 38.6 million people worldwide were living with HIV at the end of 2005, and more than 25 million have died of AIDS since 1981. prgtoken In December, we remember that, and that is what this day is: a day of remembrance, when an estimated 1 million to 1.2 million HIV-positive individuals live in the United States and approximately 56,000 new infections occur every year. prgtoken , my district is impacted, upwards of 22,000 people. Texas is impacted. prgtoken Today is a day of remembrance to honor those we lost and to commit to those we fight for. prgtoken , established by the World Health Organization in 1988, December 1st is universally known as World AIDS Day. prgtoken World AIDS Day serves to focus global attention on the devastating impact of the HIV/AIDS epidemic. prgtoken All governments, national AIDS programs, churches, community organizations and individuals are given the opportunity to display their commitment to fight this deadly disease. prgtoken It has been more than 30 years since the first AIDS case was reported in the United States. prgtoken It does not seem like it was too long ago, but HIV/AIDS had affected many around the world before the disease even made its way to America's shores. prgtoken Since then, countless researchers, healthcare providers, politicians, and educators have contributed to the global initiative to contain and eventually eliminate its presence in all corners of the world. prgtoken Although HIV/AIDS is no longer a mysterious and mischaracterized entity, it is the most relentless and indiscriminate killer of our time. prgtoken And though a diagnosis is no longer the sealing of an immediate fate, it is the beginning of an indefinite battle for life, adequate health care, and for social belonging. prgtoken With an estimated 38.6 million people worldwide living with HIV at the end of 2005, and more than 25 million people having died of AIDS since 1981, December 1st is a date which serves to remind everyone that action makes a difference in
TAX CUTS AND JOBS ACT--CONTINUED
Charles E. Schumer (Democrat, NY) \u2014 2017-12-1

in just a short time, we will proceed to a final vote on the tax bill. We understand they have the votes to pass their bill, despite a process and a product that no one can be proud of, and everyone should be ashamed of. Historians will mark today as one of the darkest black-letter days in the long history of this Senate. prgtoken Once hailed as the greatest deliberative body, as a beacon of American democracy, and the envy of representative governments around the world, the Senate seems to have abandoned those qualities in a rush to pass a bill that no one is proud of. Substantively, the s have managed to take a bad bill and make it worse. It was chockful of special interest giveaways before tonight, but now, under the cover of darkness and with the aid of haste, a flurry of last-minute changes will stuff even more money into the pockets of the wealthy and the biggest corporations while raising taxes on millions in the middle class. prgtoken One provision may be a metaphor for the whole bill. One college, Hillsdale College, has been exempted from taxes on colleges with large endowments. Hillsdale College is supported by the DeVos family, one of the largest contributors to the Party. A specific provision, just like an earmark, was slipped into the bill, added by a Senator who fought to remove earmarks from Congress several years ago. A single wealthy college--the pet project of a billionaire campaign contributor to the Party--was exempted from a tax by a Senator who fought to get rid of earmarks. This, unfortunately, is the metaphor for this bill and how high the stench is rising in this Chamber as we debate the bill tonight. prgtoken In my long career in politics, I have not seen a more regressive piece of legislation so devoid of rationale, so ill-suited for the conditions of the country, so removed from the reality of what the American people need. Working people in this country are struggling. Corporations and the very wealthy are doing great. prgtoken There is no reason for rushing through a tax break for millionaires and billionaires, paid for by pilfering the pockets and the healthcare of middle-class Americans. Millions of middle-class families will get a tax hike next year and millions more thereafter because of this bill. That is why this bill is such a monstrosity, such a danger to the country, and the American people know it. That is why they oppose the bill in large majorities. prgtoken My friends will ultimately pay consequences for this bill in 2018 and beyond. The Party will never again be the party of tax cuts for middle-class people. With the passage of this tax bill today, it will be the first day of the new Party--one that raises taxes on the middle class, abandoning its principles for its political paymasters. prgtoken With respect to the process, the bill my friends hope to pass so soo
CELEBRATING 36 YEARS OF DISTINGUISHED SERVICE--KEITH S. PARKER
Ted Lieu (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2017-12-1

I rise to celebrate the retirement of Keith S. Parker--public servant, fierce education advocate, public servant, and community leader, after 36 years of service. prgtoken Keith began his career with the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) in 1981 and has held numerous positions since that time including Senior Consultant in the Staff Affirmative Action Officer, Staff Affirmative Action Officer, and Executive Officer in the Administrative Services division. He has held the position of Assistant Vice Chancellor, Government & Community Relations since 1998 and has devoted his career to advocating for important issues for UCLA. Keith is the true embodiment of a public servant. prgtoken During his impressive career that spans over three-and-a-half decades, he has worked on many important issues affecting students and faculty, including building relationships with community leaders, organizations, and elected officials at the local, state and federal government throughout the Greater Los Angeles area, integrating community service projects into advocacy activities, and UC systemwide Advocacy Days in Los Angeles and Washington, D.C. prgtoken Prior to his service with UCLA, Keith worked at the Minnesota Department of Education in the area of staff development and as an Instructor in the Afro-America Studies Department at the University of Minnesota. Keith has truly been a champion for UCLA and has devoted his life to helping others and the greater Los Angeles community. prgtoken UCLA has been extremely fortunate to benefit from his experience, leadership and kindness. I ask my colleagues to join me in celebrating Keith's 36 years of distinguished service to the University of California, Los Angeles and wish him peace, happiness, and joy in his retirement.
TAX CUTS AND JOBS ACT--CONTINUED
Tim Kaine (Democrat, VA) \u2014 2017-12-1

I don't need a full minute. I am just here to say that permanent middle-class tax cuts is more important than 25 to 20 percent for corporations. prgtoken The problem with the bill is the priority. It prioritizes the corporate tax cuts over individual tax cuts for middle-class people and that is why we oppose it and that is why everyone should support this amendment. People come first.
PROTECTING AN OPEN INTERNET
Anna G. Eshoo (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2017-12-1

last week, FCC Chairman Pai circulated his plan to extinguish the most important technological achievement in modern history: the free and open internet. His plan guts the 2015 open internet rules and removes the FCC as the cop on the beat to protect consumers online. prgtoken Without protections against blocking, throttling, or paid prioritization, there will be nothing to stop ISPs from slowing or blocking a website or charging consumers more to access certain content. It would allow ISPs to pick winners and losers by charging small businesses tolls to reach potential customers online, and they will be able to control the flow of information on the internet. prgtoken Millions of Americans cheered for the 2015 rules to protect the open internet, rules that have been upheld by the courts. With those rules in place, ISPs have been less likely to mess with content. prgtoken Meanwhile, investment in the online ecosystem continues to grow with innovative new apps and more buildout of broadband. prgtoken I stand here in opposition to Chairman Pai's plan, and I urge my colleagues to do the same. The internet belongs to all of us, not just the big ISPs.
REMEMBERING ROSA PARKS
Brenda L. Lawrence (Democrat, MI) \u2014 2017-12-1

I rise today to pay tribute to Rosa Parks, who, 62 years ago today, changed the face of the United States. prgtoken On December 1, 1955, Rosa Parks refused a bus driver's orders to give up her seat on a segregated bus in Montgomery, Alabama. This simple act led to a bus boycott that helped to energize the civil rights movement. prgtoken Reflecting on that day, Rosa Parks once said: ``The only tired I was, was tired of giving in.'' prgtoken She didn't give up. She didn't give in. Rosa Parks reminds us that we all must never, never give in when faced with injustice. Her brave actions have inspired all of us. Each and every one of us have an opportunity to stand up, sit down, or kneel for what is right. prgtoken It is because of civil rights champions like Rosa Parks that future generations can grow up in a nation that is free and fair for all.
FACING A CRISIS IN OUR COUNTRY
Steve Cohen (Democrat, TN) \u2014 2017-12-1

today, in Federal district court in Washington, Michael Flynn pled guilty to lying to the FBI, a felony. It is a strong indication that he is cooperating with the Mueller investigation concerning Russia and its involvement with President and his team and the election of the President of the United States. prgtoken We are facing a crisis in our country with our Constitution, our form of government, and the rule of law. I have filed a bill to amend the Constitution to not allow pardons of people from any President's campaign team or family. I am also the sponsor of a bill that says you can't fire a special counsel without cause. The special counsel would have the right to seek redress in court. prgtoken We must be ready to protect Bob Mueller and the integrity of the rule of law in this country, for I foresee this President firing him, as Nixon did in the Saturday Night Massacre. prgtoken We are repeating the horrors of Watergate and the shredding of our Constitution, common sense, and decency.
TAX CUTS AND JOBS ACT--CONTINUED
Bill Nelson (Democrat, FL) \u2014 2017-12-1

this is, in effect, a massive transfer of wealth under the guise of tax reform and under repeating the statement: It will help the middle class. You can repeat a statement, but that doesn't mean it is true. You have to look at what the facts are. I think you have heard a number of the speeches that will refute this-- that it is not middle-class tax relief. It certainly isn't when a lot of those so-called tax cuts for the middle class will evaporate; they will cease to exist after 7 or 8 years. prgtoken Let's take another part of this tax bill, the child tax credit. We are going to have a couple of amendments out of here on the floor tonight. We are going to have one that is going to increase the tax credit substantially, like $3,000 per child. When you compare that to the current existing bill, they have a tax credit that, in fact, if you have more than three children, if you have a large family, you are going to be penalized. That is what the facts are. prgtoken Let's see how the votes come later this evening on two amendments. One is a ic amendment, and one is a amendment. As to the child tax credit, let's see what the majority of our friends who are trying to ram this through in the dead of night do. Let's see what happens, because, clearly, their tax bill does not do enough. prgtoken This Senator has long supported increasing the child tax credit, including cosponsoring Senator Brown's amendment to increase the credit and make it easier for those who are in a low-income situation to claim that credit. I am going to continue to support increases for this tax credit for the middle class, as long as it is done in a fiscally responsible and thoughtful way. It doesn't make any difference who is proposing it. Let's see how the votes come out here on these two amendments. prgtoken Unfortunately, the bill that is before us does it backward because it actually increases those who have a number of children. We should be doing the opposite. I hope that we will find a way to drastically change this bill. Instead of limiting the child tax credit, let's go in and make the corporate income tax not at 20 percent but at 22 percent or 25 percent in order to fund the child tax credit to help those on the bottom line of the economic ladder. prgtoken We should be coming together in a bipartisan manner to flip the priorities in this bill and to significantly increase the child tax credit. Obviously, that is what the American people want, but that is not the bill of goods that you are getting sold here tonight. By saying something is something, that doesn't make it so. It is what the facts are. prgtoken .
TAX CUTS AND JOBS ACT--CONTINUED
Ron Wyden (Democrat, OR) \u2014 2017-12-1

I would just like to respond briefly to the Senator from Pennsylvania, who is baffled by why we are so opposed to the health provisions of the bill. The Congressional Budget Office says that the majority's provisions will cause 13 million people to lose coverage and premiums to go up 10 percent. This morning's paper makes the point that it will bring back junk insurance, which once again will allow discrimination against people with preexisting conditions. prgtoken I will use the last 30 seconds that I have, as we await the majority leader, to say, once again, that the American people and the Congress are actually going to find out some information about what is being offered. prgtoken I would just like to close my use of the minute by pointing out now another double standard. It sure looks like lobbyists on K Street have more and better information about what is about to be offered than do in the Senate. So what we are talking about is that we have seen one double standard after another. The tax breaks for the middle- class are temporary, and the wealthy get permanent ones.
HONORING REGINALD F. LEWIS
Elijah E. Cummings (Democrat, MD) \u2014 2017-12-1

I rise in honor of a native son of Baltimore, Maryland, Mr. Reginald F. Lewis. prgtoken Let me also acknowledge the presence of many of the Lewis family members in the gallery, including his mother, Carolyn; widow, Loida; daughter, Leslie; and brother, Anthony. prgtoken From November 30 to December 1, 1987, 30 years ago, Mr. Lewis negotiated the $985 million leveraged buyout of Beatrice International Foods. At the time, it was the largest leveraged buyout of an American company's overseas assets, and it led to the creation of what the New York Times identified in 1993 as the largest corporation in the United States led by an African American. prgtoken Mr. Lewis' accomplishments changed the face of American business forever and opened new doors of opportunity on Wall Street. His substantial philanthropic gifts have also continued to benefit Baltimore and, indeed, the Nation. They help young Americans of color to dream bigger, and in Lewis' own words, to ``keep on going, no matter what.'' prgtoken I invite everyone to join me in celebrating and honoring Reginald Lewis' memory and extraordinary accomplishments.
PRESERVING ACCESS TO MANUFACTURED HOUSING ACT OF 2017
Joseph Crowley (Democrat, NY) \u2014 2017-12-1

I thank the gentlewoman from California for yielding me this time. prgtoken This bill before us today, H.R. 1699, as I understand it, would eliminate the safeguards for manufactured homes that were put in place to protect consumers through the Dodd-Frank legislation, which included the creation of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. prgtoken The American people are looking at us and asking: What is Congress doing? prgtoken After everything went down after the 2008 crash, we saw how irresponsible folks on Wall Street were, many within the banking industry, the nonbank banks, and what they were doing. And the answer here is to take away even further protection for the American consumer. prgtoken The attack on the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau is an attack on everything America stands for. More than 12 billion in ill-gotten gains have been returned to the American taxpayer through the CFPB. prgtoken The CFPB stands up for them when others have let them down. So, naturally, from its inception, the s have done everything they possibly could to knee-cap this important agency. Now a White House is attempting to destroy it from the inside out. prgtoken The Great Recession brought millions of Americans a foreclosure notice and a pink slip, through no fault of their own. They were victims of a financial system that didn't look out for consumers. There weren't enough referees on the playing field, but they did look out for big banks.
TAX CUTS AND JOBS ACT--CONTINUED
Richard Blumenthal (Democrat, CT) \u2014 2017-12-1

I am honored to be here tonight. Even in moments of sadness and anger--and I feel both here--I am honored to be a Member of this body. I am particularly honored to be a Member of the U.S. Senate with Joe Manchin, whose bipartisanship and willingness to listen and to compromise and be reasonable is almost legendary. All of us, including Ranking Member Wyden of the Finance Committee, have been more than eager to be reasonable and compromise and seek bipartisan solutions. I truly want to thank Senator Wyden for his leadership on this issue, as well as his insight and his great commitment to the public interest. prgtoken We had a hearing earlier this week before the Armed Services Committee about future threats to our Nation and national security, with a panel of experts who testified that more than $1 trillion dollars--maybe trillions--would be necessary for us to invest in the future of our Nation's defense. So many of us asked them whether they thought it would be possible to make that investment at the same time that our Nation is about to incur an additional $1.5 trillion in debt as a result of this misguided, maligned scam, this tax bill, and when we asked that question, they shook their heads no. prgtoken The former Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Mike Mullen, once said--famously now--``The greatest threat to our national security is our national debt.'' The reason our national debt is a threat to our national security is very simply that it prevents us from the kind of commitment and investment in our national defense that we on the Armed Services Committee and we in this body and we the people of America know we have to make to secure our national defense. prgtoken Our national defense is about more than just hardware and even the great troops that we deploy--our service men and women who serve and sacrifice with such incredible bravery and dedication and patriotism-- it is also about the quality of our society. It is about whether we are equal, whether we give people the mobility to move and make of themselves what their aspirations are and make the American dream real in their lives and develop those skills through education and skill training that are so necessary to us as a nation. We can't produce the submarines and the F-35s and all of the extraordinary, complex hardware that we do without that skilled training. We know that in Connecticut because we produce submarines and jet engines and helicopters. We are proud of that, but we need more people with those skills. prgtoken Yet this measure will enhance the divisions in our society. It will divide us from each other as Americans. It will diminish the mobility-- social and economic mobility--in our great Nation, and it will increase economic insecurity. It will not make Americans more sure about their society, more confident in its equality and justice; it will create more anxiety and anger because at its core, this measure is