mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
TAX CUTS AND JOBS ACT--CONTINUED
Debbie Stabenow (Democrat, MI) \u2014 2017-12-1

my friend from South Carolina said the proof is in the pudding. I would suggest the proof is in your paycheck. That is what I suggest. prgtoken We had a chance yesterday with my amendment to absolutely guarantee that my friends on the other side of the aisle believe what they are saying; that people are going to get a minimum of $4,000 in increased wages. I offered an amendment to simply say that in a couple years from now--2 years from now, 2020, we can make it 2021 or 2025, just pick a day when folks are going to get $4,000 in their wages, and we will put that in an amendment and pass it. prgtoken The truth is, there is no guarantee in this bill. If my friends on the other side of the aisle believed that there would be $4,000 more in wages in middle-class families' pockets with this supply-side trickle- down economics tax cut, they would have voted for my amendment yesterday, which simply says that if there is a $4,000 increase in wages, the tax cut continues. If it doesn't, if they don't have $4,000 more in people's pockets, then the tax giveaway stops because all it means is it is adding to the national debt. prgtoken I am all for anything that puts money in people's pockets. I have sponsored and voted for tax cuts for small businesses, manufacturers, farmers, and families over the years in public service and here in the Senate, and I want to do that; close tax loopholes that are taking jobs overseas, not increase new ones, which, by the way, this bill does, a new $4 billion tax loophole for oil companies--not closing tax loopholes. If folks really believe this, if they really believe the numbers, let's lock it down. The proof is in your paycheck. That is what families in Michigan are saying. They want to know it is in their paycheck. They want to know it is a guarantee. You know what, they are very skeptical. Because the truth is, in the past, supply-side economics/trickle-down economics has not worked. You say that it is going to trickle down. People in Michigan are still waiting. They are still waiting to catch it. It is not trickling down. We do have examples. What are the facts? prgtoken With the tax cut in 1986, 10 years after that, the wages of working people in this country were flat. They did not go up. That is a fact. prgtoken With President Bill Clinton in his effort to balance the budget in 1997, I was pleased. I had only been in the House for 6 months and went in and had the opportunity to balance the budget, which we did for the first time in 30 years. prgtoken What happened during that process? Actually, taxes on wealthy people were raised a little bit to give a middle-class tax cut and invest in education, which I know our distinguished Presiding Officer cares deeply about, and innovation. What happened? There were 22 million jobs that were created. prgtoken Then we went into 2001, 2002 with President , and there was a big tax cut in 2001, a supply-side/trickle-d
TAX CUTS AND JOBS ACT--CONTINUED
Patty Murray (Democrat, WA) \u2014 2017-12-1

I come to the floor this afternoon to speak on behalf of myself, along with Senator Wyden, about the incredible healthcare impacts that this tax bill will have on families. prgtoken It is astonishing just how far my colleagues are willing to run from the truth in order to jam this terrible tax bill through Congress. prgtoken They said it was going to lower taxes for the middle class. Well, it will not. prgtoken They claim it is going to create jobs. Experts tell us the exact opposite. prgtoken They are once again telling families to place their faith on tired trickle-down economic theories, and we have seen how that works. It doesn't. prgtoken Unfortunately, I could go on, but I did come to the floor this afternoon to clear up any remaining confusion about one particular claim that Senate s are making in order to justify handing more tax breaks to massive corporations and the wealthy. prgtoken The Senate tax bill includes a truly devastating healthcare change that is going to raise families' premiums, cause millions of people to lose their coverage, and create even more chaos and instability in our healthcare markets. People have rejected every single attempt this year to undermine their healthcare, so it is worth asking, why are they doing it again? Why are s doing it in this bill? The answer is simple. s wanted to spend the savings from taking away millions of people's healthcare on tax cuts for those at the top. prgtoken Taking healthcare away from families to pay for big corporations' tax breaks is bad enough; what makes it even worse is how they are trying to deny what they are doing. prgtoken Senate s are claiming that if they pass the bipartisan bill that Chairman Alexander and I agreed on, all the damage from the healthcare sabotage in their tax bill will somehow go away. They couldn't be more wrong. Our bill, the Alexander-Murray bill, was designed to shore up the existing healthcare system and deal with the problems that President and s already created, not to solve the new problems in this awful tax bill. And just yesterday, the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office confirmed that. Here is what they said will happen regardless of whether Alexander- Murray becomes law as well: Premiums will go up 10 percent each year, 13 million people will lose coverage, and markets will be even more unstable, which experts have said will cause some of our communities to lose their coverage options. prgtoken There has been some discussion on whether passing something called reinsurance, which is a program designed to help with the cost of enrolling the sickest patients, might mitigate the serious damage this tax bill would do. The answer is no there as well. This policy is good policy on its own, but it will not stop the premium increases, and it will not stop the coverage losses and the chaos
HELP VETERANS EXPOSED TO TOXIC BURN PITS
Raul Ruiz (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2017-12-1

Congress must act to help our veterans exposed to burn pits and must act now. In Iraq and Afghanistan, the military used burn pits to get rid of huge piles of trash, exposing our men and women in uniform to toxic chemicals and carcinogens in the air and soil--veterans like my constituent and my friend Jennifer Kepner, a mother who died from pancreatic cancer in October 2017. prgtoken That is why I urge a vote on H.R. 1279, the Helping Veterans Exposed to Burn Pits Act that I support and cosponsor. This bipartisan bill will create a center of excellence within the VA that will help diagnose, treat, and rehabilitate veterans who were exposed. Veterans will be served by staff with specialty expertise needed to address the kinds of health conditions those exposed now suffer. prgtoken This bill also directs the VA and DOD to establish a program to train their health providers to treat veterans exposed and to study the long- term effects of exposure. So I urge all of my colleagues to support this critical bill and bring it to a vote immediately to help save our veterans lives.
THE GOP TAX PLAN
Adriano Espaillat (Democrat, NY) \u2014 2017-12-1

the GOP tax plan is more than a bad deal for most working class and middle class Americans. It is a tax scam. prgtoken Many families that will be hit the hardest by this tax plan are New Yorkers. It will cost New Yorkers a total of $17 billion, and they are my constituents. Repealing the State and local tax deduction, also known as SALT, is an assault on my constituents. prgtoken My district will have the highest tax increases in the Nation without SALT repealing SALT means that 760,000 New Yorkers residing across the State will have their taxes increased. prgtoken This is a bad deal for them and all Americans. This will mean an average of almost $5,000 for middle class families. Investing in education, firefighters, police services, and many other essential services keep our cities running. They are not an option. City services are not a luxury, and we should not be punishing taxpayers who pay for them. prgtoken , I urge my colleagues to reject this tax scam and negotiate a better deal.
OPPOSE SENATE TAX BILL
Jimmy Panetta (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2017-12-1

I rise today to speak out against the Senate's version of the tax reform bill because this bill will hurt the central coast in California. prgtoken By fully repealing the State and local tax deduction, 177,000 households in my district that deduct an average of $23,000 each year will be hurt. prgtoken By repealing the student loan interest deduction, low- and middle- income students in my district will find college further out of reach and will be hurt. prgtoken By allowing individual tax cuts to expire on people earning less than $75,000, over 140,000 households in my district will see their taxes go up and they will be hurt. prgtoken Now, with confirmation that the tax cuts will not pay for themselves but will add over $1 trillion to our debt, this tax reform bill will be a tax burden bill not only for my constituents in my district, but for all of our constituents in our Nation. Worse, this bill will hurt prgtoken not only my two daughters, but all of our sons and daughters. prgtoken That is why I oppose the Senate bill, and I urge my colleagues to do the same.
TAX CUTS AND JOBS ACT--CONTINUED
Jeff Merkley (Democrat, OR) \u2014 2017-12-1

I thank my senior colleague from Oregon for his leadership in this debate on these important tax provisions. There is so much at stake here for the future of our society as we have been debating what we see as one provision after another that is designed to make the richest Americans richer while increasing the taxes on some 87 million middle-class Americans. Then, we get this nice, little list. s have given the lobbyists a list of 30 special interest provisions, circulated it, and said: This is what we are going to put in our managers' amendment for all of you. prgtoken My colleague from South Carolina was speaking a moment ago about one that hasn't even been filed--life insurance provisions. What is that? Maybe my colleague would like to come to the floor and explain it and explain why this is being circulated to lobbyists, to the swamp, instead of to the Members of the U.S. Senate. Thirty of these provisions--who knows what all is in this. Isn't there any form of transparency or integrity left in this Chamber in terms of legislative debate? Have the American people had a chance to see this list? It is online now. The few who might be listening in might be able to see these titles, but this is not the way to do business in the U.S. Senate. This is not the way to do the people's business. This is the way to do the swamp's business. prgtoken What happened to clearing the swamp? What happened to that? How is it that the richest Americans are making out like bandits rather than the middle class doing well under this bill? Why is that? Why are there billions of dollars going to the richest Americans by eliminating the alternative minimum tax? Why are there hundreds of billions of dollars going in other provisions, including changing the upper limit tax brackets, including the passthroughs for affluent, highly successful LLCs? How about that? prgtoken What is this list, and why haven't the American people seen all of the details about it? This type of chicanery is inappropriate. Take and give the list to the Members of the Senate, not to K Street. This close partnership between the majority and K Street, filling them in, doing those special favors, and not even filling in the body here so we can have a conversation about each of these items, this is absolutely a horrific way to do business. This is the way the powerful and the privilege want business to be done. My colleagues are working with them hand in hand instead of working for and by the American people.
TAX CUTS AND JOBS ACT
Tammy Baldwin (Democrat, WI) \u2014 2017-12-1

I rise to offer motion to do something that this tax plan fails to do: make good on President 's promise to close the carried interest tax loophole. This motion has the support of Senators Whitehouse, Donnelly, and Van Hollen. prgtoken I think we need to make our tax system simpler and fairer for hard- working families, businesses--particularly prgtoken small businesses--and manufacturers, and that is what I have been working for. Unfortunately, this is not the plan being presented today by Senate s. prgtoken Let's be honest with the American people. This bill is largely a tax giveaway to the wealthiest few and big corporations, while millions of middle-class families will get a tax hike. With this partisan bill from across the aisle, big corporations get permanent tax breaks-- permanent--while middle-class families will see tax increases. In fact, most Americans earning less than $75,000 a year will see tax increases. That is simply not fair. prgtoken It is also not fair that the top 1 percent will end up with over 60 percent of the benefits, and in exchange, 13 million more will lose health insurance. Healthcare premiums will increase by 10 percent, and Medicare and Medicaid have been put on the chopping block to pay for it. prgtoken In addition, with the Senate plan, powerful corporations can still deduct their State and local taxes, but they completely eliminate the State and local tax deduction for individual taxpayers. This deduction ensures households aren't taxed twice by the Federal Government on money they have already paid in State and local taxes, including property taxes. But with the current Senate plan, nearly one in three Wisconsinites will lose their personal income, sales, and property tax deductions. A recent study shows that it could decrease the value of home ownership. The average deduction in Wisconsin is $11,653, and nearly $10 billion of Wisconsinites' paychecks would be subject to a double tax--all to pay for a plan that favors those at the top. What is more, by the latest estimation from our own congressional scorekeeper, this plan will add $1 trillion--$1 trillion--to our deficit, breaking our promise to the next generation and sticking them with the bill. prgtoken Our Tax Code ought to reward hard work more than it rewards wealth. It doesn't do that today, and it will not do that tomorrow if this bill passes. In fact, this plan's primary purpose is to reward Fortune 500 corporations who will simply reward the wealth of shareholders, not the hard work that drives productivity and growth across our economy. prgtoken The primary promise of this legislation makes the same promise that has not been kept to workers for decades. Trickle-down economics has not worked in the past, and it is not going to work now. American workers know that. But my colleagues, rushing to pass this legislation, don't seem to care, because the only thing tha
PRESERVING ACCESS TO MANUFACTURED HOUSING ACT OF 2017
Joyce Beatty (Democrat, OH) \u2014 2017-12-1

I thank the ranking member, Congresswoman Waters, for standing up for consumers. prgtoken As I stand here today, first, let me just say I echo all of the comments of my colleagues on this side of the aisle, and I, too, rise in opposition of H.R. 1699, a bill that would put the lowest income and most vulnerable consumers at risk of becoming victims of predatory lending. This bill would increase the chances of consumers being steered into higher cost loans when they could otherwise qualify for lower cost alternatives. prgtoken As an aside, it is quite interesting to sit here and listen to my colleagues on the other side have such great interest in affordable housing and low-income residents, and yet, as I have sat on the Financial Services Committee, I have watched them repeatedly cut funds to the budget for low-income residents and not stand up for some of the statements when former Director Richard Cordray came in to talk about the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau and what they have done to stamp out this type of predatory lending. prgtoken It is also quite interesting, and I would be remiss not to mention, that last week President appointed the Director of the Office of Management and Budget, Mick Mulvaney, to lead the Bureau, yet he is the same man who spent years trying to eliminate this organization, a man who did not stand up for low-income, affordable housing. prgtoken , I will end by saying I think we need someone who can stand up for consumers, and I am pleased to hear my colleagues say that they believe in consumer protection and that they are going to advocate for those with low income and they are going to stand up against predatory lending. So it should be interesting, as we move forward. prgtoken , I am in opposition to H.R. 1699.
JIM AND PAULETTE STUART TRIBUTE
Scott R. Tipton (Republican, CO) \u2014 2017-12-4

I rise today to honor Ms. Paulette Stuart and Mr. Jim Stuart for their work in planning and hosting the National Medal of Honor Society Convention in Pueblo, Colorado. prgtoken In 1993, the 103rd Congress of the United States designated Pueblo, Colorado as the Home of Heroes, as it is the home of four recipients of the Congressional Medal of Honor. Since then Jim and Paulette have dedicated much of their time to the Congressional Medal of Honor Society. Both worked tirelessly hosting the National Medal of Honor Society Convention this year in Pueblo, Colorado from September 12 to 16, 2017. This was the second time the National Medal of Honor Society Convention was held in Pueblo, Colorado (September 2000) thanks to Jim and Paulette's efforts. prgtoken Jim was born, raised and educated in Pueblo, Colorado. He became an entrepreneur starting Sangray Corporation, which marketed and sold finished ceramic gift products. He retired after running the business for 30 years, and now serves on numerous commissions and non-profit boards. Paulette started her career in Pueblo with the Pueblo Chamber of Commerce where she served as Vice President of the Conventions and Visitors Council. Later, she retired from the Pueblo Chieftain newspaper as Promotions Manager, and now is an advertising and marketing consultant and community volunteer, donating her time with non-profits and civic organizations. For their dedication and commitment to the Pueblo community, they have been inducted into the Pueblo Hall of Fame. prgtoken , Paulette and Jim Stuart continue to be advocates for the Medal Of Honor Society, the Pueblo Home of Heroes Association, and veterans across the nation. I'm proud to recognize these engaged civic leaders and valued members of the community for their work on behalf of our heroes and for promoting the City of Pueblo and its wonderful attributes.
Nomination of Joseph Balash (Executive Session)
Ron Johnson (Republican, WI) \u2014 2017-12-4

I am pleased to speak today in support of Kirstjen Nielsen in her nomination to be the sixth Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security. prgtoken The challenges facing the next Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security are daunting. Our national debt exceeds $20 trillion, and there is, unfortunately, no serious effort to reduce the 30-year projected deficits, which exceed more than $100 trillion. prgtoken In the last few months, we have experienced unprecedented destruction from natural disasters, stressing the budgets of both HHS and FEMA. Our borders are not secure, allowing illegal immigration to persist, illicit drugs to flow unabated, and making us vulnerable to external forces. Meanwhile, our enemies are emboldened. prgtoken The threat of Islamist terrorism has evolved, metastasized, and spread throughout the world, even reaching our homeland. We see increased stress from cyber attacks, hacking, and social media-inspired acts of terrorism. We face perhaps the greatest danger from enemies within. In the past 5 years, 262 Americans have been killed and over 1,000 injured from acts of evil committed here at home. These are some of the challenges awaiting the next Secretary of Homeland Security. prgtoken The Secretary oversees a department that is composed of 22 separate agencies, each with a diverse mission. It employs 240,000 people, with a budget of $66 billion. It faces challenges with unity of effort and habitually low morale. prgtoken President nominated Ms. Nielsen to lead DHS, and she is ready to answer this call of duty. She has been working in and around the Department since its creation. Ms. Nielsen brings valuable, practical experience to DHS. She is an expert in risk management, with a focus on cyber security, emergency management, and critical infrastructure. prgtoken In the aftermath of 9/11, Ms. Nielsen served as the Director of the Office of Legislative Policy at TSA. She then moved to the White House Homeland Security Council as Special Assistant to the President for Homeland Security and Senior Director for Prevention, Preparedness, and Response. prgtoken Before rejoining DHS earlier this year, Ms. Nielsen founded a risk and security management consulting firm. prgtoken Ms. Nielsen served as DHS Chief of Staff under then-Secretary Kelly, witnessing firsthand how the right leadership and support can quickly and dramatically improve agency morale. prgtoken General Kelly calls Ms. Nielsen a superstar. In a letter supporting her swift confirmation, he wrote: ``What truly sets Kirstjen apart is her integrity, sense of service to our nation, and dedication to the men and women who risk their lives serving our great country every day.'' prgtoken Former Secretaries Tom Ridge and Michael Chertoff have also voiced their support, as have more than 40 former senior homeland security and intelligence officials from both parties. Secretaries Ridge and Chertoff wrote of Ms. Ni
ENCOURAGING JAMIE DUPREE AS HE BATTLES TONGUE PROTRUSION DYSTONIA
Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (Republican, FL) \u2014 2017-12-4

I would like to talk about Jamie Dupree, who serves as the radio news director of the Washington Bureau of the Cox Media Group. prgtoken I have had the privilege of knowing Jamie for more than two decades. With his professional coverage of both congressional and national politics, Jamie has become a trusted voice for radio listeners in Atlanta, as well as in my home State of Florida. prgtoken However, in the summer of 2016, Jamie, a radio reporter, lost his voice to tongue protrusion dystonia, a neurological condition which can create severe speech, swallowing, and breathing difficulties. This is a rare condition, which has no known treatment, and it prevents Jamie's brain from connecting to his mouth and causes his throat to push his tongue out of his mouth when he attempts to speak, squeezing the sound out of his voice--a radio reporter. prgtoken However, in spite of his severe health problems, Jamie has remained active through Twitter and his news blog Jamie Dupree is a perfect example of the positive role that devoted and professional journalists play in our free society, and I wish him and his family all of the best during this most difficult time. prgtoken Thank you, Jamie. Godspeed.
RECOGNIZING MICHAEL FISS
John Katko (Republican, NY) \u2014 2017-12-4

today I rise to recognize Michael Fiss, a longtime Syracuse radio host who recently retired after 40 years on the airwaves. Mike Fiss, known by our community as ``Big Mike,'' started his radio career in 1979 at a local Syracuse radio station, WSYR-FM. Since that time, he has had the number one-rated morning show on Y94FM for many years, and most recently hosted the morning show on Sunny 102 for the past 16 years. Throughout his career, Fiss has been a supporter of local musicians and has worked to help the less fortunate in Central New York. Every November, Sunny 102 famously switches from its regular programming to all-Christmas music and ``Big Mike's Christmastime in Syracuse'' CDs have been sold locally to benefit charities in our area. Fiss' listeners have joyfully anticipated his annual live Christmas broadcast which highlights performances of our favorite holiday songs from local Syracuse artists. For his tremendous efforts to make us laugh every morning, while continuously working to make our community a better place, I am proud to congratulate Michael Fiss on his illustrious career and much deserved retirement.