macleginn/stanford_congress_record_longer_speeches huggingface dataset:
Date: 2016-05-23
Speaker: TOM PRICE (republican)
Chamber: H
State: Georgia

Mr. Speaker. I am so pleased to join my colleagues today to honor Major Greg Barney. who was tragically shot and killed. as has been defined. in the line of duty on February 11. this year. while serving in the city of Riverdale. Georgia. Major Barney was a United States Navy veteran and had served with the Riverdale Police Department for over 25 years. including as a school resource officer at Riverdale High School. We all know what a selfless role that is. a true labor of love. Major Barney embodied the kind of courageous and valiant men and women we all want on our police forces. Mr. Speaker. on behalf of Georgias Sixth District. I offer our deepest condolences to his wife. Lisa. and their 15yearold twin boys. Robert and Greg. and their family and friends. I offer our heartfelt gratitude for his service and sacrifice. It is because of his type of heroism that we all feel protected in our communities. So this is a fitting tribute. Mr. Speaker. and I ask my colleagues to join us in support of H.R. 4747. to designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located on Church Street in Riverdale. Georgia. as the Major Gregory E. Barney Post Office Building. My colleague DAVID SCOTT has worked tirelessly on this bill. and I am proud to be a cosponsor. I thank Congressman SCOTT for his efforts and this House for your support.
Date: 2016-05-23
Speaker: JODY B. HICE (republican)
Chamber: H
State: Georgia

Mr. Speaker. I thank the gentleman from North Carolina for yielding. I also rise in support of H.R. 4747. to designate the U.S. post office in honor of Riverdale Police Major Gregory E. Barney. I also sincerely want to thank Congressman DAVID SCOTT from Georgias 13th District for his great leadership on this bill. As has been spoken already. Major Barney led a life of service both to his community and of devotion to his family. Starting his career as a firefighter and then later serving in an ambulance squad. Major Barney joined the Riverdale Police Department in 1990. There he served for the next 25 years. as has already been mentioned. serving. ultimately. as the first African American chief of police in Riverdale. Tragically. as we have heard tonight. his life ended in a shooting while trying to execute a noknock warrant. On that tragic night of February 11. he gave his life trying to bring drug dealers to justice. Although I did not know him personally. from all accounts. Major Greg Barney died just as he lived: going above and beyond the call of duty to make his community a better place. It is fitting that the Riverdale Post Office that we are discussing is directly across the street from the Riverdale Police Department. It will serve as a daily reminder to all who enter those buildings of Major Barneys dedication to the community and of his valor in the line of duty. Also. as has been mentioned. I would like for us to remember his loving wife. Lisa. and twin teenage boys. Robert and Greg. in our thoughts and prayers while they continue to mourn his passing. I urge our colleagues to support H.R.
Date: 2016-05-24
Speaker: SAM JOHNSON (republican)
Chamber: H
State: Texas

Mr. Speaker. Social Security has made no bones about how important it is for Americans to safeguard their Social Security numbers. Beneficiaries are warned time and again to protect their cards in order to avoid identity theft. But commonsense safety measures should also be taken by Social Security. Unfortunately. the inspector generals recent report found that this agency is failing Americans in a very dangerous way. How so? The Social Security Administration is including your Social Security number on the documents it mails. That means any lost or stolen letter from Social Security endangers the security of a beneficiarys identity. This bad practice needs to stop now. and as the chairman of the Subcommittee on Social Security. I am working to fix it. In fact. this week I will introduce the Social Security MAIL Act. It is a commonsense solution to a problem that shouldnt exist. Lets get it done.
Date: 2016-05-24
Speaker: RODNEY DAVIS (republican)
Chamber: H
State: Illinois

Mr. Chairman. I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Chairman. Americas navigation infrastructure is crumbling. Most of the locks and dams on the Upper Mississippi River and Illinois Waterway System were built in the 1920s and 1930s. and have far outlived their life expectancy. Unfortunately. we have not kept up with the maintenance and upgrades necessary to ensure that they can transport 21st century cargo that fuels and feeds the world. Sixty percent of the grain exported from the United States goes through these locks and dams before hitting the global marketplace. But delays at navigation locks continue to get worse. lasting as long as 12 hours at a given time. And while a 2003 study by the Illinois Farm Bureau estimated these delays to cost midwestern farmers $500 an hour. one can only assume how much more these delays cost today. In the Water Resources Development Act of 2007. Congress authorized the construction of seven new 1.200foot locks along the Upper Mississippi River and the Illinois Waterway System. This bill also authorized the Navigation and Ecosystem Sustainability Program. or NESP. an important dualpurposed program that allows the Corps of Engineers to address both navigation and ecosystem restoration in an integrated approach. It is supported widely by industry as well as conservation groups. In addition. the Governors of five States. from both political partiesMinnesota. Wisconsin. Illinois. Iowa. and Missouriand more than 50 bipartisan Members of the House and Senate have expressed support advancing NESP. Unfortunately. the administration has taken few steps to implement NESP. and. once again. did not request any funding to continue preconstruction engineering and design activities for authorized lock projects on the Upper Mississippi River and Illinois Waterway System. If these preconstruction efforts are delayed further. we risk further delays of these projects actually getting off the ground and moving forward at such time as the moneys for them are available. With this amendment. we tell the Corps that enough is enough. It is time to stop delaying the necessary work. We must ensure these construction projects are ready to go on day one. I also want to thank my colleague. DARIN LAHOOD. who was going to come speak on this amendment. but I dont see him here. It started a little sooner. Mr. Chairman. than what we envisioned. But Mr. LAHOOD. I know. would like to reiterate some of the comments I made. And he represents two of these locks that are included in this study. Mr. Chairman. how much time do I have remaining?
Date: 2016-05-24
Speaker: RODNEY DAVIS (republican)
Chamber: H
State: Illinois

Mr. Chairman. I am going to try and stall until my colleague gets here. I do want to say this amendment. this project. has wide bipartisan support. This is an opportunity for us to look at the global marketplace and the products that go up and down the Mississippi River and the Illinois Waterway System. This is how we feed the world. We have some of the most fertile and expensive farmland in Illinois. Missouri. Iowa. Wisconsin. and Minnesota. and so many of these products that use these systems are the ones that are exporting into the global marketplace and also to Third World countries to feed those who need food the most. As a matter of fact. just a few weeks ago. my colleague. Mr. LAHOOD. and I toured some outdated facilities.
Date: 2016-05-24
Speaker: RODNEY DAVIS (republican)
Chamber: H
State: Illinois

Reclaiming my time. I would like to thank the gentlewoman. too. This is an opportunity to address both of those issues. Obviously. representing part of the Mississippi River. like I do. we have seen the Asian carp problem firsthand. As a matter of fact. a plant opened in my district not too long ago to process Asian carp to be able to get fish oil and fishmeal that is used for pet food and other commodities. Unfortunately. they didnt anticipate the smell. So you cant really build a fish processing plant around homes. And I think they figured that out. But we need ingenuous ideas and opportunities like that to be able to address that Asian carp problem. because it is an invasive species and we need to do everything we can in a bipartisan way to work together to put a stop to it entering the Great Lakes or any other waterway.
Date: 2016-05-24
Speaker: RODNEY DAVIS (republican)
Chamber: H
State: Illinois

Reclaiming my time. I wouldnt say all the natural fish. but I know that the Asian carp infestation has grown substantially more than what was envisioned when they were brought in. Mr. Chairman. may I inquire how much time I have remaining? The Acting CHAIR. The gentlemans time has expired.
Date: 2016-05-24
Speaker: RODNEY DAVIS (republican)
Chamber: H
State: Illinois

Mr. Chairman. I yield back the balance of my time. The Acting CHAIR. The question is on the amendment offered by the gentleman from Illinois .
Date: 2016-05-24
Speaker: JODY B. HICE (republican)
Chamber: H
State: Georgia

Mr. Chair. I rise in opposition to the gentlemans amendment. The MOX facility at the Savannah River Site is absolutely crucial to our environmental cleanup missions. which produces green fuel. and national security. The MOX facility is already over 70% completed. and is the best way to uphold the Plutonium Management and Disposition Agreement. our nuclear nonproliferation agreement with Russia. The Waste Isolation Pilot Plant facility has been absolutely riddled with problems and shutdowns in recent years. Not only would we be unable to fulfill our international obligations. but eliminating the MOX facility would make the Savannah River Site a de facto permanent repository for nuclear waste. This is absurdwe need to deposit our nuclear waste at a geographically stable site in a largely uninhabited area. We have already identified the best location for permanent storageYucca Mountain in Nevada. Until we restart the process for storing our nuclear waste at the Yucca Mountain site. it would be incredibly irresponsible to allow the nuclear waste to build up at a less safe and less stable site when we could be processing this material at the MOX facility and convert our plutonium into fuel that can be used at our commercial nuclear reactors. Unfortunately. this amendment to eliminate funding to the MOX facility is counterproductive and shortsighted. I urge my colleagues to vote against this amendment. The Acting CHAIR. The question is on the amendment offered by the gentleman from California
Date: 2016-06-09
Speaker: SAM JOHNSON (republican)
Chamber: H
State: Texas

Mr. Speaker. it is my pleasure to rise in support of the Third Districts Allen Americans hockey team. Tonight. our stellar team defends its championship title in game six of the Kelly Cup Playoffs. I want to congratulate the whole team on an outstanding season. You all have accomplished so much to get where you are today. and you are just one victory away from your fourth straight championship. To all of our fine Allen American athletes. I want you to know that your hometown is proud of you and that we believe in you. I will probably be "rocking the red" to cheer you on. Go beat the Wheeling Nailers.
Date: 2016-06-09
Speaker: RODNEY DAVIS (republican)
Chamber: H
State: Illinois

Mr. Chairman. I really would like to thank Chairman GRAVES for his leadership on this issue. I think the debate this evening shows us what part of the problem is when we try and follow our Forefathers constitutional appropriations process to spend money wisely that the taxpayers send to Washington. D.C.. to spend it wisely on their behalf. It is tertiary issues that bog down the debate. instead of talking about doing what is right for the upwards of 5 million families that tour our Capitol Grounds each and every year. It becomes a political debate. rather than a debate on how to effectively use taxpayer dollars to ensure that one of the most popular destinations for families. hardworking families. to spend their money to vacation right here in the Capitol. to make sure we spend that wisely so that they have better facilities. That is exactly what this bill does. Mr. Chairman. I want to. again. thank all of those who served on this subcommittee from both sides of the aisle. because we have to get back to the vision that our Forefathers have put forth on how we should spend money in this House. and how we regain the power of the purse. As I said. upwards of 5 million families from across the Nation come see their government at work each year. I am pleased this bill contains report language that will make it easier for families with infants and small children to visit the Capitol. House and Senate office buildings by implementing additional changing stations and other familyfriendly improvements throughout this Capitol Hill complex. Mr. Chairman. I say this as the father of twin boys. Trust me. changing stations when they were younger were very. very important. We should make it as easy as possible for families with young children to visit and explore Capitol Hill and our complexes. Minor improvements and changes along these lines can make a huge difference in improving the experience for visitors. I look forward to working with the Architect of the Capitol in my capacity as a member of the Committee on House Administration to complete these important changes. I will continue to look for ways to work in a bipartisan manner to make our Capitol familyfriendly. Mr. Chairman. I urge passage of this bill.
Date: 2016-06-10
Speaker: RODNEY DAVIS (republican)
Chamber: H
State: Illinois

Mr. Speaker. I rise today to recognize someone who has a lot of heart. who carries herself with class and humility. and who pushes her players to be better on and off the court. Coach Lori Blades incredible success has produced 624 wins. dozens of conference titles. and two State championships. On April 30. Coach Blade was enshrined into the Illinois Basketball Coaches Association Hall of Fame. Her 22 seasons of accomplishments have vaulted both Edwardsville and Carrollton High Schools programs to statewide dominance. Beyond the victories. Coach Blade has made a profound impact on countless lives. teaching players to take pride not just in the game. but in everything they do. Pushing her players never to be satisfied or content. Coach Blade has had a phenomenal career on the court and on the softball diamond. being the only coach in IHSA history to have over 600 wins in two sports. Congratulations. Coach Blade. on all of your accomplishments. Thank you for your commitment to our students. and I wish you all the best in your future seasons. unless you play my hometown Taylorville Tornadoes.
Date: 2016-06-13
Speaker: RODNEY DAVIS (republican)
Chamber: H
State: Illinois

Mr. Speaker. I thank my friend and colleague. Mr. LAHOOD. Chairman SMITH. and Ranking Member EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON. This is a piece of legislation that may not get a lot of publicity. but it is essential to our research capabilities and supercomputing capabilities for our future right here in this country. The United States of America needs to continue to lead in this arena. Who would have thought that while they were writing the High Performance Computing Act of 1991. it would have to be amended because of innovation that we have seen at many of our universities throughout this great country. I am obviously in support of H.R. 5312 because it is going to streamline Federal investment in highend computing. benefiting local entities in Illinois that use advanced technologies. such as the University of Illinois in my district. Caterpillar. and Western Illinois University that is served so well by Congressman LAHOOD. This legislation ensures that the University of Illinois. the home to nationally recognized scientists and the Blue Waters Supercomputer. can continue to be the leader that they are in the fields of networking and computing. The National Center for Supercomputing Applications at the University of Illinois at UrbanaChampaign is funded by many Federal agencies and has an impressive history of providing integrated cyber infrastructure to scientists. engineers. and scholars across the country. Addressing complex problems in todays science and society requires expertise and engagement from multiple disciplines. NCSA is committed to continuing to serve as a central hub for transdisciplinary teams to unite in making technological advancements. These important research programs are critical for coordinating Federal research and fostering revolutionary breakthroughs in computing. networking. software. and cybersecurity. By streamlining the NITRD Program. we can ensure U.S. competitiveness in advanced technologies while improving collaboration between Federal agencies. national laboratories. private industry. and academia. Mr. Speaker. this bill is an effective use of taxpayer dollars.
Date: 2016-06-13
Speaker: MIMI WALTERS (republican)
Chamber: H
State: California

Mr. Speaker. I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill to amend the Immigration and Nationality Act to allow labor organizations and management organizations to receive the results of visa petitions about which such organizations have submitted advisory opinions. and for other purposes. as amended.
Date: 2016-06-13
Speaker: MIMI WALTERS (republican)
Chamber: H
State: California

Mr. Speaker. I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days within which to revise and extend their remarks and to include extraneous material on H.R. 3636. currently under consideration.
Date: 2016-06-13
Speaker: MIMI WALTERS (republican)
Chamber: H
State: California

Mr. Speaker. I yield myself such time as I may consume. I thank Mr. NADLER and all of the other cosponsors in their helping to advance H.R. 3636. the Oversee Visa Integrity with Stakeholder Advisories Act. otherwise referred to as the 0VISA Act. for a floor vote. Congress established the 0 visa program to allow nonimmigrants with extraordinary abilities to be employed in the sciences. arts. education. business. or athletics. In recognition of the unique nature of the motion picture and television industry. Congress established special evidentiary criteria for 01 and 02 visas for artists who are working in the industry. One requirement mandates that the USCIS consult with the appropriate labor and management organizations for each visa petition. The reason for this is very simple in that those organizations are best suited to evaluate whether a visa applicant has demonstrated extraordinary achievementthe standard for 01 and 02 visa petitioners in this industry. These consulting organizations dedicate substantial resources to advise the USCIS on the merits of visa petitions. They are essential to identifying fraud as well as to protecting U.S. workers who are capable of filling those jobs. Unfortunately. these organizations are never notified as to the USCIS final petition decisions. The consulting organizations should be notified of these decisions so that they may better assist the USCIS in determining fraud and in properly implementing the 0 visa standards. There have been serious indications of fraud in 01 and 02 visa petitions. including the outright forgery of advisory opinions. shell production companies. and sponsoring employers who are without any connection to the motion picture and television industry. These concerns led Chairman GOODLATTE and Ranking Member CONYERS to send a letter to the USCIS in 2014. which stated: It seems that. at the very least. USCIS should be notifying these organizations when it approves petitions over their objections. However. we are told that such organizations are rarely. if ever. notified regarding the outcome of petitions to which they object. Ensuring transparency in the adjudication process for any visa program is essential to a secure and effective immigration policy. and. therefore. we are concerned about the reported potential fraud in 0 1 and 0 2 visa petitions. It is important to note that there are no indications of abuse by the major studios. such as members of the MPAA. In fact. it is my understanding that the labor and management consulting organizations concur with the vast majority of 0 visa petitions that are submitted by the major studios.
Date: 2016-06-13
Speaker: MIMI WALTERS (republican)
Chamber: H
State: California

Mr. Speaker. I will close by thanking everyone for their support of this bill. I encourage my colleagues to support H.R. 3636. the OVISA Act. I yield back the balance of my time.
Date: 2016-06-14
Speaker: SAM JOHNSON (republican)
Chamber: H
State: Texas

Mr. Speaker. today. I rise in honor of Flag Day. a special day when we reflect on what our American flag stands for and how blessed we are to live in this great Nation that celebrates freedom. I believe this reflection is particularly important given this weekends ISISinspired terrorist attack. There are those who seek to destroy our way of life. and we must actively defend our freedom. So. as our American flag waives proudly today and we reflect on its symbol of hope. I invite Collin County folks to join me this Saturday for a special event that I will be hostingthe inaugural "Honor our Stars and Stripes" flag retirement ceremony. I hope you will join me for this unique program that honors our flag and our countrys unique founding. God bless America. I salute you.
Date: 2016-06-14
Speaker: MIMI WALTERS (republican)
Chamber: H
State: California

Mr. Speaker. I rise today in support of the Preventing IRS Abuse and Protecting Free Speech Act. The IRS requires tax exempt organizations to report sensitive information about their donors. but. frankly. the information is unnecessary. There are numerous examples of the IRS targeting political groups. which demonstrates that the IRS is incapable of using this information for legitimate purposes. Even the IRS itself has indicated it is considering eliminating this requirement. By eliminating the IRS power to inquire into the membership of private citizen groups. taxpayers identities will be protected and the IRS will be prevented from improperly targeting certain organizations. I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting H.R. 5053 to hold the IRS accountable and act in the best interest of the American taxpayer.
Date: 2016-06-14
Speaker: AUSTIN SCOTT (republican)
Chamber: H
State: Georgia

Mr. Speaker. I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous materials on the subject of this Special Order.
Date: 2016-06-14
Speaker: AUSTIN SCOTT (republican)
Chamber: H
State: Georgia

Mr. Speaker. again. I want to thank my colleague. Mr. SCOTT. for being here. It has been a wonderful partnership to work with him on our subcommittee. Mr. Speaker. I yield to the gentleman from Louisiana .
Date: 2016-06-14
Speaker: AUSTIN SCOTT (republican)
Chamber: H
State: Georgia

I thank Mr. LAMALFA. Mr. Speaker. I yield to the gentleman from Texas . the chairman of the House Agriculture Committee.
Date: 2016-06-14
Speaker: AUSTIN SCOTT (republican)
Chamber: H
State: Georgia

I thank Mr. CONAWAY. Mr. Speaker. again. I thank all of my colleagues for taking the time to come down here and recognize all of the great things that Farm Credit has done in the past 100 years. I thank all of the people who have been a part of the Farm Credit System over the past 100 years. I thank the men and women who are out there. working every day on the farm. to make sure that Americans have the food and fiber that they need. May God continue to bless them. Mr. Speaker. I yield back the balance of my time.