mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
RECOGNIZING GREENBERG TRAURIG
Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (Republican, FL) \u2014 2017-4-4

I rise today to recognize Greenberg Traurig, an iconic law firm located in my congressional district whose growth, over the past 50 years, has been symbolic of the growth of our south Florida community. prgtoken In 1967, attorneys Larry Hoffman, Mel Greenberg, and Robert Traurig saw an opportunity to capitalize on south Florida's emergence as a center of global commerce and joined together to found the law firm Greenberg Traurig Hoffman. Over time, these visionaries played an important role in defining the south Florida skyline and its corporate landscape. Now their firm has expanded across Florida, across our country, and even internationally. prgtoken Fifty years after its founding, Greenberg Traurig today has more than 2,000 attorneys practicing in 38 locations on three continents. With a culture strongly rooted in providing legal excellence for clients and an unparalleled commitment to community service, Greenberg Traurig prospered and grew alongside Miami to the extent that both are now global influencers. prgtoken I am truly proud to have Greenberg Traurig, founded in my congressional district, as a continued partner in the growth of south Florida, and I wish the firm another 50 years of continued success.
DENY TERRORISTS THE RECRUITS OF THE NEXT GENERATION
Adam Kinzinger (Republican, IL) \u2014 2017-4-4

we woke up this morning to yet more horrific images of dozens of people killed by another chemical weapons attack in Syria. prgtoken , this included children who were gasping for their last breath as they perished because of the brutal, murderous dictator Bashar al-Assad, who decided that chemical weapons would be used to extinguish their life. prgtoken , for 6 years, we have failed in the Western world to address this horrific act. In fact, for the first time since World War II, we are accepting the use of chemical weapons as just a normal part of everyday life. prgtoken , the Western world, the free world, needs to stand up, needs to make clear that Assad needs to go, and needs to stand up for humanity, lest we see these images again. prgtoken We wonder how to defeat terrorism you do it by denying terrorists the recruits of the next generation, of which Bashar al- Assad is creating many.
Affordable Care Act (Executive Calendar)
David Perdue (Republican, GA) \u2014 2017-4-4

it is humbling to be on the floor of the U.S. Senate with colleagues like Senator Lankford from Oklahoma. It is an honor to listen to his words, to his heart, on an issue like today because this is, I believe, a historic day. prgtoken On January 31 of this year, I had the great honor of being invited to the White House when President announced his nominee for Associate Justice of the U.S. Supreme Court, Judge Neil Gorsuch. It was a professional rollout of this nomination, but it spoke more to the man, the individual, Judge Gorsuch, than it did to the circumstance surrounding it. prgtoken Today, I want to again discuss Judge Gorsuch's nomination and the 200-plus years of historical precedent put on the line today. As an outsider of this political process, it is clear to me what is going on here. It really has nothing to do with Judge Gorsuch. prgtoken The minority party today abandoned 230 years of tradition because of politics, in my opinion. Never before in the U.S. history has a purely partisan filibuster killed a Supreme Court nomination. Never before, in the history of our country, has a partisan filibuster killed a district judge nomination. Never before, and until 2003, has a partisan filibuster killed a circuit judge nomination 2003 was the first time in our history that the rules of the Senate were used in a purely partisan way to stop a judicial nomination. prgtoken In 2003, the ic Party threw out over 200 years of precedent when it comes to circuit judge nominees and killed a circuit judge nomination. Today they attempted to do the same thing when it comes to a nominee to the highest Court in the United States. prgtoken It should be noted s did not attempt to do this to either Justice Sotomayor or Justice Kagan when they were nominated by President a few years ago. Throughout our history, even the most controversial Supreme Court nominees have gotten an up-or-down vote, a simple majority vote. On that note, I also wish to point out there is no longstanding rule or tradition that a Supreme Court nominee must obtain 60 votes to be confirmed. prgtoken Judge Clarence Thomas was confirmed by a narrow 52-to-48 margin. Even though a single Senator could have required 60 votes to invoke cloture, and none did. Likewise, Justice Samuel Alito was confirmed by a 58-to- 42 margin. Again, no Senator required 60 votes to invoke cloture. Neither of those nominees were filibustered to death. They got an up- or-down vote. prgtoken Mainstream media outlets have repeatedly fact-checked the minority party on this. For example, last week the Washington Post said: ``Once again: There is no `traditional' 60-vote `standard' or `rule' for Supreme Court nominations, no matter how much or how often claim otherwise.'' prgtoken Even PolitiFact has repeatedly pointed out that ``Gorsuch, like all other Supreme Court Justice nominees, needs only a simple majori
ENCOURAGING EMPLOYEE OWNERSHIP ACT OF 2017
Jeb Hensarling (Republican, TX) \u2014 2017-4-4

such time as I may consume. prgtoken , I rise in support of H.R. 1343, the Encouraging Employee Ownership Act. I also want to commend the and sponsors of this important bill: Mr. Hultgren of Illinois, Mr. Delaney of Maryland, Mr. Higgins of New York, Mr. MacArthur of New Jersey, Ms. Sinema of Arizona, and Mr. Stivers of Ohio. prgtoken Their bipartisan efforts resulted in a bipartisan bill that will help small businesses, including startups, to successfully reward their hardworking employees; and, while doing so, this bill will allow small businesses to effectively deploy their capital to grow and to create jobs on Main Streets all across our country. prgtoken We all know, , that small businesses are the heart and soul of the American economy. In fact, they helped create more than 60 percent of the Nation's net new jobs over the past two decades. So if our Nation is to have a healthier economy that offers more opportunity to more Americans, then we must encourage small-business growth and small-business startups, and this starts with ensuring they have access to the capital and credit they need to grow. prgtoken Yet as we have heard from countless witnesses who have appeared before the House Financial Services Committee, community banks and credit unions in particular--the primary source of our small-business loans--are simply drowning, , in a sea of complicated and costly regulations. The same occurs with the maze of burdensome securities regulations that are written with the largest public companies in mind but end up hurting smaller companies. prgtoken Although small companies are at the forefront of innovation and job creation, they often face significant obstacles in obtaining funding in our capital markets. These obstacles often result from the proportionately larger burden that securities regulations place on small companies when they seek to access capital both in the public and private markets. prgtoken These small companies also face difficult challenges on how best they can deploy their limited resources and capital--to grow and thrive or to be able to sufficiently compensate their workforce, which is a critical component of their success. prgtoken Currently, the SEC allows private companies to offer their own securities to employees as part of written compensation agreements without having to comply with burdensome Federal securities registration requirements under what is called SEC rule 701. Now, unfortunately, one of the rule's thresholds has not been adjusted in two decades. What the bipartisan supporters of this bill are proposing is simply to modernize this SEC rule with a modest increase in that threshold. prgtoken Increasing the rule 701 threshold gives private companies more flexibility to reward and retain employees and permits private companies to keep valuable, skilled employees without having to use other methods such as borrowing money or selling
ENCOURAGING EMPLOYEE OWNERSHIP ACT OF 2017
Barry Loudermilk (Republican, GA) \u2014 2017-4-4

I thank the gentleman from Michigan for yielding the time. prgtoken , over the last 8 years, our Nation has experienced sluggish economic growth. Americans have suffered through stagnant paychecks and a lack of new opportunities. Last year, the economy grew at a meager 1.6 percent, which is half of the historic average. prgtoken However, there has been one job filled that has grown at a faster rate than any other; and that job is those who specialize in regulatory compliance. This is a testament to the crushing onslaught of new regulations under the previous administration, where compliance with regulation and red tape was emphasized more than growing businesses and creating jobs. prgtoken We in Congress must do our part to foster economic growth and relieve our job creators of the excessive burden of complying with unnecessary regulation. The bill before us today will do exactly that. prgtoken Currently, businesses that offer more than $5 million in stock to their own employees are required by law to comply with costly financial disclosures. This number was set nearly 20 years ago. It is time to update the law and raise this threshold to encourage small-business startups and give them the resources they need to expand and create jobs. prgtoken The Encouraging Employee Ownership Act would raise this threshold to $10 million and give private businesses more flexibility to reward their employees with ownership of a company. This bill passed the Financial Services Committee last month with strong bipartisan support. prgtoken This is just one of the many steps that we must take to foster innovation and encourage capital formation, to provide every American with opportunities that they deserve. We must build an economy that is open and accessible to every single American, not one that is closed off to those who can't afford to comply with the high cost of bureaucratic red tape and endless government paperwork. prgtoken As a former small-business owner for 20 years, I know the employees benefit tremendously from any opportunity to participate in a company's success. I support this bill because I know from personal experience this model works and helps startup companies to retain their best employees over the long term. prgtoken Americans are not satisfied with the stagnant economy that has become the new norm in our Nation. It is unacceptable for government to stand in the way of prosperity and make it harder for Americans to succeed. Small businesses employ half of U.S. workers, and we must promote, not hinder, small business growth. prgtoken This bill, , empowers Main Street, not Wall Street. I encourage all of my colleagues to support this bill.
TRIBUTE TO COLEEN AND BILL SANDQUIST
David Young (Republican, IA) \u2014 2017-4-4

I rise today to recognize and congratulate Coleen and Bill Sandquist of Adel, Iowa, on the very special occasion of their 60th wedding anniversary. They celebrated their anniversary on March 2, 2017. prgtoken Coleen and Bill's lifelong commitment to each other and their family truly embodies Iowa values. As they reflect on their 60th anniversary, may their commitment grow even stronger, as they continue to love, cherish, and honor one another for many years to come. prgtoken , I commend this great couple on their 60th year together and I wish them many more. I ask that my colleagues in the United States House of Representatives join me in congratulating them on this momentous occasion.
38TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE TAIWAN RELATION ACT (TRA)
Blake Farenthold (Republican, TX) \u2014 2017-4-4

April 10th marks a very special day for the United States and Taiwan. It was on this day in 1979 that the Taiwan Relations Act was enacted as United States law that codifies the relationship between Taiwan and the United States. It outlines our relationship with Taiwan regarding trade, cultural exchanges, and security among other important areas. In addition to the Taiwan Relations Act, the Six Assurances also guides the relationship between the United States and Taiwan. In 1982, three years after the passage of the Taiwan Relations Act, the ``Six Assurances'' of the United States to Taiwan were given by then President Ronald Reagan. Both the Taiwan Relations Act and the Six Assurances have guided our relationship with Taiwan for more than 30 years. We celebrate the 38th anniversary of the Taiwan Relations Act by thanking Taiwan for its great friendship and its support as a beacon of democracy in East Asia. I also noticed that Chinese President Xi is visiting the United States. It is our hope that the upcoming -Xi meeting is constructive as U.S. engagement of the PRC is important to the peace and stability of the region. It is also our hope and insistence that US-Taiwan relations and Taiwan's security and interests are not in any way compromised. We are so proud of Taiwan's accomplishments over these thirty-eight years and look forward to ever further strengthening our economic relations with Taiwan in the future.
prayer
John Boozman (Republican, AR) \u2014 2017-4-4

the Senate is at a crossroads. Senate at the behest of far-left activist groups are leading the charge to break a 230-year-old precedent of confirming Supreme Court nominees by a simple majority vote. Why? prgtoken Well, when you go down the list, there is only one reason. That reason is not based on substance or reality; it is purely partisan. Judge Gorsuch is eminently qualified. That does not seem to be in dispute. His credentials are exceptional. His resume is impressive. His judicial demeanor, professional competence, and integrity all exceed what you expect in a nominee for the highest Court in the land. prgtoken Judge Gorsuch checks every box, so much so, that the American Bar Association gave Judge Gorsuch its highest rating. The ABA's assessment, mind you, has been referred to by the minority leader as the ``gold standard'' when it comes to evaluating a nominee's fitness to serve on the Court. Senate must be concerned about Judge Gorsuch's past then. Again, that is not the case. No one was able to dig up anything remotely resembling a scandal in Judge Gorsuch's past during this process. You can't manufacture a controversy where none exists. Nothing about Judge Gorsuch has come to light during this confirmation process that could conceivably merit blocking a vote on the nominee. prgtoken I have heard some try and argue that Judge Gorsuch is out of the mainstream. That hasn't stuck, either. This is a judge who has been with the majority of the Tenth Circuit Court of Appeals 99 percent of the time, and 97 percent of his decisions were unanimous. Judge Gorsuch is about as mainstream as you are going to find. prgtoken Editorial boards from newspapers across the country, including USA Today, have written in support of his nomination. Does anyone honestly believe that USA Today, which is far from a conservative newspaper, would support confirming Judge Gorsuch to the Supreme Court if he were out of the mainstream? prgtoken Now Senate are seemingly creating new standards out of thin air to justify this blatantly partisan action. According to the talking points, the nominee is now expected to tell the Senate and the American people exactly how he or she would rule on matters that may come before the Court, especially the instances where the activist base has a very keen interest. As the Judiciary chairman rightly pointed out, the standards set by Justice Ginsburg in her confirmation hearings that it would be inappropriate for a nominee to offer hints or make commitments on matters that may come before the Court have been adhered to ever since. prgtoken This leaves Senate with a filibuster that lacks a reason. The minority leader has suggested that the Senate abandon Judge Gorsuch's nomination if cloture is not agreed to and ask the President to submit a new nominee. This demand rings hollow. Here is the truth: If this nominee cannot get the Sena
NATIONAL PET ADOPTION DAY
Roger Williams (Republican, TX) \u2014 2017-4-4

today I rise to talk about H. Res. 133, a bill I introduced with my friend and Texas colleague, Congressman Marc Veasey. prgtoken This resolution expresses support for the designation of April 11 as National Pet Adoption Day and the month of April as National Pet Adoption Month. Simply, we are aiming to highlight the importance of pet adoption. prgtoken , each year, 2.7 million adoptable dogs and cats are euthanized in the United States. As a rancher and lifelong animal lover, this is heartbreaking. prgtoken The Humane Society of the United States, ASPCA, Animal Welfare Institute, and local shelters such as PAWS Shelter of Central Texas have endorsed this resolution. prgtoken , we request that the President issue a proclamation calling upon the people of the United States to observe April 11 as National Pet Adoption Day and the month of April as National Pet Adoption Month. prgtoken More than 60 Members of Congress have signed on to our bipartisan resolution, and I encourage others to do so. For those who may be watching this back home, call your Representative in Washington and have them support this bill. prgtoken In God We Trust.
JOINT COMMITTEE ON PRINTING
Richard C. Shelby (Republican, AL) \u2014 2017-4-4

on April 6, 2017, the Joint Committee on Printing organized, elected a chairman, a vice chairman, and adopted committee rules for the 115th Congress. Members of the Joint Committee on Printing elected Senator Richard Shelby as chairman and Congressman Rodney Davis as vice chairman. Pursuant to rule XXVI, paragraph 2, of the Standing Rules of the Senate, I ask unanimous consent that a copy of the committee rules be printed in the Record.
REMEMBERING MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR.
Doug LaMalfa (Republican, CA) \u2014 2017-4-4

I rise today to recognize that on this day, April 4, 49 years ago, Martin Luther King, Jr was assassinated on a hotel balcony in Memphis, Tennessee. prgtoken We all know the story: the most prominent civil rights activist in the sixties, if not of our entire Nation's history, was shot dead in cold blood at the still very young age of 39 years old. It is a tragic tale of a man who had accomplished much and still had more to accomplish, but we should note this day as remembrance to honor the sacrifice he risked and he made during a very difficult time in our Nation's history. prgtoken He demonstrated to the world that it was not the color of a person's skin that we should be judged, but by the nature of their character. He led by example in an era of violence that violence was not the answer. prgtoken The peaceful protests he organized were an illustration of how to go about achieving social change in America, building bridges of understanding. The image of the Selma bridge comes to mind. prgtoken His strong Christian beliefs helped him to see what many others could not, and opened the doors for millions to follow in his path. prgtoken Mr. King's work is not done. It is very saddening to still see so many in racial strife in these days in our Nation, but he showed the right way to lead, the right way to peacefully protest, and the right way to inspire to fulfill his famous dream.
Affordable Care Act (Executive Calendar)
Rob Portman (Republican, OH) \u2014 2017-4-4

I rise today to express my strong support again for Judge Neil Gorsuch. I spoke on the floor the other day about Judge Gorsuch. I just heard my colleague from Georgia talk about him, and he did a terrific job. prgtoken This guy, Neil Gorsuch, is the right person for the job. He is qualified. He is smart and he is fair, and a bipartisan majority of the Senate will vote for this worthy candidate tomorrow. Let me underscore that. A bipartisan majority of the Senate will vote for this worthy candidate tomorrow. He will end up getting on the Court. prgtoken I must tell you that I regret that some of my colleagues on the other side of the aisle refused to provide him that up-or-down vote without going through the process we had to go through today. As someone who has gone through two Senate confirmations myself, I know they are not always easy. But I will tell you, it is a whole lot better for this institution and our country when we figure out ways to work together-- in this case, to continue a Senate tradition of allowing up-or-down votes. prgtoken I like to work across the aisle. I have done that through my career. I can point to 50 bills I authored or co-authored that have become law in the last 6 years. They were bipartisan, by definition, because they got through this body and were signed into law by President . I have voted for President 's nominees before President . When President had a well-qualified judge here on the floor, I voted for that judge. I voted for Loretta Lynch. That was not an easy vote. I took heat for it back home because I thought she was well-qualified. I think that is what we ought to do in this body. prgtoken I am disappointed in the situation we are in. I think we could have followed more than 200 years of Senate tradition and not allowed for a partisan filibuster to try to block this nomination. We chose not to do that in this body. Never in the history of this body has there been a successful partisan filibuster of a Supreme Court judge--never. Some of my colleagues said: How about Abe Fortas? That was several decades ago, and that was bipartisan. Abe Fortas was a Supreme Court Justice who had some ethics issues, and he actually dropped out of trying to get the nomination because of it. But never have we stood up as s--or stood up as --and blocked a nominee by using the filibuster. It has just not been the tradition. prgtoken Instead, it has been to allow an up-or-down vote--a majority vote. There are two Justices on the Supreme Court right now who got confirmed with less than 60 votes. One is Clarence Thomas--probably the most controversial nominee in the last couple of decades, I would say. I wasn't in the Senate then, but I was watching it, as many of you were. It was certainly controversial, yet he got to the Court with 52 votes. Justice Alito was confirmed by 58 votes only 10 years ago. So these nominees were not filibuster