mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
GULF ISLANDS NATIONAL SEASHORE LAND EXCHANGE ACT OF 2017
Steven M. Palazzo (Republican, MS) \u2014 2017-11-28

I thank my good friend from Colorado for the time and for his positive comments, as well as Mrs. Torres, in support of H.R. 2615. prgtoken I rise today in support of H.R. 2615, the Gulf Islands National Seashore Land Exchange Act. prgtoken The Gulf Islands National Seashore is a national park that draws millions of visitors to the islands in the northern Gulf of Mexico. The Gulf Islands National Seashore includes the Mississippi barrier islands of Petit Bois, Horn, East and West Ship, and Cat, as well as the Davis Bayou Area. prgtoken I am proud to have this important park and its natural beaches, historic sites, and wildlife sanctuaries within my district. prgtoken The Gulf Islands National Seashore has been a part of the Mississippi Gulf Coast community since Congress established the park in 1971. Since that establishment, the Gulf Islands National Seashore has worked closely with the Mark Seymour Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 5699. In fact, the post has shared a road with the seashore for the better part of the last 30 years. prgtoken The Gulf Islands National Seashore Land Exchange Act would make permanent a 30-year easement that has provided an access road and driveway for the VFW. In exchange, the VFW will give the Gulf Islands National Seashore some of its acreage, which also includes valuable wetlands. prgtoken The Gulf Islands National Seashore and the Mark Seymour VFW Post strongly support this land exchange, but the Department of the Interior needs congressional approval before it can make the land exchange official. That is why, , I encourage the House to pass this bill as a suspension vote. prgtoken I would also like to thank the subcommittee chairman, Mr. McClintock, as well as Chairman Bishop and the Committee on Natural Resources for their support and help in bringing this bill to the floor. prgtoken , this is also a noncontroversial bill, and I urge the Senate to pass it without delay.
Tax Reform (Executive Calendar)
John Cornyn (Republican, TX) \u2014 2017-11-28

this week we are engaged in what is perhaps the most momentous subject that we haven't dealt with in recent times, and that is, after 30 years, updating and reforming our Nation's convoluted, complex, and self-destructive Tax Code. prgtoken Those who are interested in getting to yes and who will cast a ``yes'' vote, I believe, will be casting a vote for growing the economy, voting for more jobs, voting for higher wages, and voting for more take-home pay. Those who vote against this endeavor are really saying yes to stagnant wages, less jobs, and a lower standard of living. They are willing to accept the reality that American jobs are going overseas because our country has the highest Tax Code in the civilized world, and bringing the money earned overseas back home basically means having to pay double taxes. So what people do is they do what you would logically do, and they spend the money overseas and hire foreign workers in foreign countries rather than Americans and make things stamped ``Made in America.'' prgtoken Simply stated, this bill is about the dreamers and the doers, the small businesses and the hard-working American families who need tax cuts and tax reform. This is about helping the middle class. prgtoken Actually, what this bill does--the Senate version of the bill--is it reduces the tax burden on every tax-paying cohort. In other words, all of the tax rates come down. In order to do that, both on the personal side and the business side, we had to eliminate a lot of what I call the underbrush, which are the tax deductions, the tax credits, and the other subsidies that have made our Tax Code so incomprehensible to everybody other than accountants and lawyers. That is one reason people are so frustrated with our Tax Code--it costs them so much money just to comply with their legal obligations. prgtoken It has been a long time since we took up this important topic, and I know the reaction is, well, this is just another going-through-the- motions effort, but I assure you that is not the case. These reforms are not only possible, they are very important because they will positively impact real people's lives. prgtoken Arthur Brooks of the American Enterprise Institute has said that ``some believe that taxation is a dry topic prgtoken with no moral significance, but nothing could be further from the truth.'' For example, by doubling the standard deduction, we will limit the number of people who have to itemize their tax deductions in order to claim the full legal deduction. That means that now only 1 out of every 10 taxpayers will have to itemize and 9 out of 10 will just claim the standard deduction, which will now be doubled. prgtoken We are also going to double the child tax credit, which will help working families provide the things they need in order to take care of their growing families. It will mean that more people will have more money left over after paying Uncle Sam to spend on
CELEBRATING THE CAREER OF MONSIGNOR FRANKLYN CASALE
Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (Republican, FL) \u2014 2017-11-28

I rise today to recognize the career of Monsignor Franklyn Casale, who will retire this coming spring after serving as president of St. Thomas University for the past 24 years. prgtoken Monsignor Casale has led an exemplary life of service, including many leadership positions. In south Florida, we are most thankful for the monsignor's distinguished presidency of St. Thomas, which included the expansion of campus facilities, positioning the university as a leader in the fight against human trafficking, and the establishment of the university's first doctoral program. prgtoken During his tenure, Monsignor Casale created a legacy of committed service, which transformed St. Thomas into one of the Nation's leading universities, and prepared thousands of his graduates to become leaders in their fields. prgtoken Once again, congratulations, Monsignor Casale, on a well-deserved retirement and on a remarkable career advancing St. Thomas' legacy of academic achievement and spiritual development. Your lifelong emphasis on Catholic values, diversity, and student success has helped empower many students to take on the world with compassion and strong conviction. ``Congratulations, my friend,'' ``Felicidades, mi amigo.''
INDIAN EMPLOYMENT, TRAINING AND RELATED SERVICES CONSOLIDATION BILL
Lisa Murkowski (Republican, AK) \u2014 2017-11-28

today I wish to discuss a bill that has been worked on for years. H.R. 228 will help tribes streamline what are called 477 programs. Recently, a question was raised about the Head Start program and its possible inclusion in 477 plans. I do not think that Head Start services are eligible for incorporation into 477 plans. I ask unanimous consent that the letter from Congressman Don Young and me to the Secretary of the Interior Ryan Zinke be printed in the Record.
NATIONAL DEFENSE AUTHORIZATION ACT FOR FISCAL YEAR 2018--MOTION TO PROCEED
John Hoeven (Republican, ND) \u2014 2017-11-28

I rise to discuss the tax relief bill, which the Senate is working very hard to try to pass. I brought some charts with me to show the impact this bill will have in terms of reducing the tax burden for hard-working American taxpayers and also helping to grow our economy. prgtoken It is important to understand this is not just about making sure American taxpayers can keep more of their hard-earned wages and income but also this is about making sure we have a growing economy, that we have more jobs, and that we have rising wages and rising income for American workers. Here are just some of the statistics that show that. These statistics are according to the nonpartisan Tax Foundation and also the Council of Economic Advisers. What you see from this first chart is, this tax relief package is about real economic growth, not just making sure our taxpayers get a tax cut but about growing our economy. This top number, which comes from the Council of Economic Advisers, is $4,000 that workers, on average, would receive from the economic growth created by the combination of reducing the regulatory burden, which is something we have been working on all year with the administration--reducing that regulatory burden--and combining that then with tax relief to generate more prgtoken economic growth. As I said, according to the Council of Economic Advisers and the nonpartisan Tax Foundation, it also generates almost 4 percent in terms of a larger economy. prgtoken So this is about reducing the tax rates but growing the base and making sure, as I said, there are not only more jobs but also rising wages and income from that demand for labor that comes with a growing economy, that comes with investment, and that comes with job creation. For an average family of four, the tax cut is about $2,200 under the Senate bill. It generates about 925,000 new jobs over the scoring period and, as I said, almost a 4-percent larger economy. prgtoken This next chart shows that across all income groups, across every income group, you see tax relief, and that is because we start by reducing the tax rates. So across the board, we work to make sure you are applying a lower tax rate to whatever income cohort you are talking about. So new rates are 10 percent, 12 percent, 22 percent, 24 percent, 23, 35, and a 38.5-percent top rate, but when you combine the lower rates along with an increased standard deduction--we increase the standard deduction. We about double it, from around $6,000 to about $12,000 and $24,000 for married filers, $18,000 for a single filer with a dependent. The result is, across every income group, we reduce the amount of tax they have to pay. prgtoken At the same time, we preserve and expand many of the current tax provisions that are important to our American families. For example, the child tax credit, which is something the Presiding Officer has worked on very diligently, would be doubled. We double the child
CONGRATULATING THE EDEN PRAIRIE EAGLES
Erik Paulsen (Republican, MN) \u2014 2017-11-28

I rise to congratulate the Eden Prairie boys football team for winning their 11th prgtoken Minnesota State championship this last week. prgtoken The Eagles prevailed 38-17 in the championship matchup. They finished their 2017 season with an undefeated 13-0 record. prgtoken Eden Prairie was led by senior running back Solo Falaniko, who rushed for 90 yards on 22 carries and scored a touchdown, as well as senior all-purpose Antonio Montero, who had 58 yards rushing with three touchdowns. prgtoken , it takes commitment, perseverance, and hard work to become State champions. It is even more impressive, considering that these team members and student athletes consistently and successfully balance schoolwork and other extracurricular activities with their athletics. That is why I commend these athletes. prgtoken Congratulations to the players, the coaches, the parents, and all the fans of the Eden Prairie football team on your State title. Our entire community is very proud of your accomplishment. prgtoken Go Eagles.
LAW ENFORCEMENT MENTAL HEALTH AND WELLNESS ACT OF 2017
Bob Goodlatte (Republican, VA) \u2014 2017-11-28

such time as I may consume. prgtoken I want to again thank the gentlewoman from Indiana (Mrs. Brooks) and the gentlewoman from Florida (Mrs. Demings) for their leadership on this issue. prgtoken I will say again how much I appreciate the work of the gentlewoman from Texas on a whole host of law enforcement and criminal justice reform issues; and it is my hope that we will move a great many of these reforms through this House in the very near future. The gentlewoman certainly has my support for working together in a bipartisan way to accomplish that. This piece of legislation is a great step in that direction. prgtoken You can't expect law enforcement to keep all of us safe if we are not looking out for their mental health, which I prgtoken can only imagine how stressful the job is. I have had the opportunity to do several ride-alongs over the years with police officers in my district, and they have my utmost respect. prgtoken I hope that every Member of this House will vote for this important legislation. prgtoken , .
AUTHORITY FOR COMMITTEES TO MEET
James Lankford (Republican, OK) \u2014 2017-11-28

I have 6 requests for committees to meet during today's session of the Senate. They have the approval of the Majority and Minority leaders. prgtoken Pursuant to rule XXVI, paragraph 5(a), of the Standing Rules of the Senate, the following committees are authorized to meet during today's session of the Senate: Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs prgtoken The Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban affairs is authorized to meet during the session of the Senate on Tuesday, November 28, 2017, at 9:45 a.m. to conduct a hearing on the following nominations: Brian D. Montgomery, of Texas, Robert Hunter Kurtz, of Virginia, and Suzanne Israel Tufts, of New York, each to be an Assistant Secretary of Housing and Urban Development; to be immediately followed by a hearing to examine the nomination of Jerome H. Powell, of Maryland, to be Chairman of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System. Committee on Foreign Relations prgtoken The Committee on Foreign Relations is authorized to meet during the session of the Senate on Tuesday, November 28, 2017, at 10 a.m. to conduct a hearing on the following nominations: Christopher Ashley Ford, of Maryland, to be an Assistant Secretary (International Security and Non-Proliferation), and Yleem D. S. Poblete, of Virginia, to be an Assistant Secretary (Verification and Compliance), both of the Department of State. Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions prgtoken The Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions is authorized to meet during the session of the Senate on Tuesday, November 28, 2017, at 10 a.m. in room SD-430 to conduct a hearing entitled ``Reauthorizing the Higher Education Act: Examining Proposals to Simplify the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)''. Committee on the Judiciary prgtoken The Committee on the Judiciary is authorized to meet during the session of the Senate on Tuesday, November 28, 2017, at 10 a.m in room SD-226, to conduct a hearing entitled ``S. 1241: Modernizing AML Laws to Combat Money Laundering and Terrorism Financing''. Select Committee on Intelligence prgtoken The Select Committee on Intelligence is authorized to meet during the session of the Senate on Tuesday, November 28, 2017, at 2:30 p.m in room SH-219 to hold a closed hearing. Subcommittee on Clean Air and Nuclear Safety prgtoken The Subcommittee on Clean Air and Nuclear Safety of the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources is authorized to meet during the session of the Senate on Tuesday, November 28, 2017, at 10 a.m in room SD-406 to conduct a hearing on the following nominations: Kenneth E. Allen, of Kentucky, A. D. Frazier, of Georgia, Jeffrey Smith, of Tennessee, and James R. Thompson III, of Alabama, each to be a Member of the Board of Directors of the Tennessee Valley Authority.
PANCREATIC CANCER
Christopher H. Smith (Republican, NJ) \u2014 2017-11-28

November has been dedicated as Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month. As such, I would like to help acknowledge all those affected by this type of cancer and to bring more awareness to the medical research needed to help fight this disease. prgtoken In June 2017, the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network reported that pancreatic cancer is ranked the ninth most commonly diagnosed cancer among women and the 11th among men, and is the third leading cause of cancer-related death in the United States. prgtoken In fact, I have been contacted by several constituents who have lost loved ones to pancreatic cancer. prgtoken According to the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network, pancreatic cancer is often found in its advanced stages and is both difficult to detect and to treat. Unfortunately, major symptoms of pancreatic cancer, which include nausea, diabetes, abdominal or back pain, and loss of appetite, among others, are often overlooked as symptomatic of more common health conditions. The organization stated that about 71 percent of individuals will not live past the first year of diagnosis and the disease is projected to move from the third leading cause of cancer- related death to the second by 2020. prgtoken Tragically, the five-year survival rate for those with pancreatic cancer is nine percent--the lowest survival rate among major forms of cancer. We must utilize all federal resources available to meet this devastating disease head on and ensure better outcomes for patients and their families. That is why I have consistently advocated for an increase in funding for the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to ensure that projects--including those which seek to find cures, improve treatments and gain a better understanding of the complex causes of cancers that affect millions of Americans--are well funded. This fall, I supported an increase in funding for NIH in the FY 2018 Omnibus Appropriations Act, which includes $5.5 billion for the National Cancer Institute. prgtoken I also urged the House Appropriations Committee to include pancreatic cancer as an eligible research category in the Peer Reviewed Cancer Research Program (PRCRP)--and the House bill, which passed on June 16th, maintained this eligibility. The Department of Defense conducts high-impact innovative research through the PRCRP that has been used to improve early detection of pancreatic cancer, to better understand the prognosis of pancreatic cancer patients, and to improve the well-being of individuals with a pancreatic cancer diagnosis. prgtoken While these resources for pancreatic cancer are an important investment, we know that so often laudable initiatives and innovative research projects sit idle because of funding limitations. Therefore, we must continue to work to ensure that these research projects receive sufficient resources. prgtoken Those suffering from pancreatic cancer, as well as their loved ones and caregivers, need vocal advocates on Capitol Hill
The Deficit (Executive Calendar)
Chuck Grassley (Republican, IA) \u2014 2017-11-28

today the Senate is voting to confirm Gregory Katsas to serve as U.S. circuit judge for the District of Columbia Circuit. Mr. Katsas's 28-year legal career has prepared him well to serve as a Federal judge. His nomination has garnered widespread support in the legal community. prgtoken Mr. Katsas graduated with his A.B. from Princeton University in 1986 and from Harvard Law School in 1989. After graduating from Harvard Law School, Mr. Katsas clerked for Judge Edward Becker on the Third Circuit Court of Appeals and for Justice Clarence Thomas on the DC Circuit and on the U.S. Supreme Court. Following his clerkships, Mr. Katsas joined the DC office of Jones Day, where he worked in the issues and appeals section of their litigation group. prgtoken From to 2001 to 2006, Mr. Katsas served as a Deputy Assistant Attorney General for the Civil Division at the Department of Justice, where he argued, briefed, and supervised a number of significant appeals handled by the Federal Government. He then served as the Principal Deputy Associate Attorney General from 2006 to 2008 and the Acting Associate Attorney General from 2007 to 2008. In 2007, President nominated Mr. Katsas to serve as the Assistant Attorney General for the Civil Division at the Department of Justice. The Senate confirmed him by voice vote in 2008, and he served in that role until the end of the administration. prgtoken Mr. Katsas rejoined Jones Day as a partner in 2009, where he handled many important litigation matters. In January of this year, Mr. Katsas again left the private sector to serve the President as deputy counsel in the White House Counsel's office. prgtoken One only has to look at his professional record to understand how eminently qualified Mr. Katsas is to serve as a Federal appellate judge. Over the course of 28 years, Mr. Katsas has briefed hundreds of cases and argued more than 75 appeals, including three cases in the Supreme Court and 13 cases in the DC Circuit, the court to which he is nominated. prgtoken I am pleased to support Mr. Katsas's nomination, and I urge my colleagues to vote for his confirmation.
MORNING BUSINESS ARMS SALES NOTIFICATION
Bob Corker (Republican, TN) \u2014 2017-11-28

section 36(b) of the Arms Export Control Act requires that Congress receive prior notification of certain proposed arms sales as defined by that statute. Upon such notification, the Congress has 30 calendar days during which the sale may be reviewed. The provision stipulates that, in the Senate, the notification of proposed sales shall be sent to the chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. prgtoken In keeping with the committee's intention to see that relevant information is available to the full Senate, I ask unanimous consent to have printed in the Record the notifications which have been received. If the cover letter references a classified annex, then such annex is available to all Senators in the office of the Foreign Relations Committee, room SD-423.
TAX CUTS AND JOBS ACT
Mike Bishop (Republican, MI) \u2014 2017-11-28

you see, tax reform is about giving hardworking Americans--of all walks of life--the confidence they need to make their dreams a reality. prgtoken So the question that needs to be asked is whether or not the current tax code--and all of its targeted credits--really increases people's paychecks. . . . Does it treat people fairly? Does it put American workers first? What about fostering economic growth, does it help to create more good-paying jobs? prgtoken Michigan is a great case study. prgtoken You see, I'm from the Motor City, where we're known for our blue collar work ethic. Our families come from humble beginnings. They get up every morning and go to work to make ends meet, and to build a better future for their kids. And we've persevered through some of the most serious economic death spirals. Take 2008, for example. prgtoken At that time, I was Senate Majority Leader in Michigan under the last administration, overseeing the only branch of government. I saw firsthand how that administration pursued one targeted tax credits after another that favored one industry over the other. It was the classic example of the government picking winners and losers--and, as expected, it failed miserably. prgtoken As we see at the federal level today, in Michigan many of these targeted tax benefits were paid for by everyone else: in the form of tax increases. And not only did it fail to attract growth in emerging sectors as they hoped, but it caused our economy to tailspin. prgtoken Michigan quickly became the only state in the country experiencing zero economic growth. Per capita income went from one of the highest, to one of the lowest in a matter of just a few years. prgtoken By 2009, unemployment hit nearly 15 percent. (Neighboring states with more hospitable environments for job growth attracted our family and neighbors). prgtoken More than 800,000 people left our state. Just think about that. . . . We were the only state to lose population--and we would have lost even more had people been able to sell their homes. prgtoken But as the Senate Majority Leader of the only branch of government, we didn't just say ``no'' to the government's failed policies, we offered solutions and loaded up the pipeline with legislation to help the newly-elected legislature and Governor Rick Snyder get to work on day one. prgtoken What did we do? Exactly what we're doing here today: tax reform. prgtoken While balancing budgets, we found ways to lower rates on individuals. Reduced baseline rates for job creators, and eliminated the credits that favored certain industries over others. We created an environment that would grow the economy, and help families get ahead. prgtoken And sure enough, just two months after these reforms, job growth turned positive again in Michigan. prgtoken In 2017, Michigan is now a top 10 pro-business state, ranked 12th among all states for overall business tax climate. Unemployment in Li