macleginn/stanford_congress_record_longer_speeches huggingface dataset:
Date: 2011-10-14
Speaker: GENE GREEN (democrat)
Chamber: H
State: Texas

Madam Chair. I yield 3 minutes to my colleague and a member of the committee. the gentleman from Pennsylvania .
Date: 2011-10-14
Speaker: GENE GREEN (democrat)
Chamber: H
State: Texas

I thank my colleague. I think what Congressman DOYLE was saying was. were doing something here we dont do very often in this House: We actually have a bill that came out of committee that has bipartisan support. It moved the bill to where EPA does not have the authority under current law unless they label it toxic coal ash so the EPA has oversight. Were giving them oversight over what our States have been doingin most cases. very good. Thats why this bill is something we havent done on this floor very often in the last 10 months. We actually compromise and come up with good legislation. And we hope the Senate will pass it.
Date: 2011-10-14
Speaker: VAN HOLLEN (democrat)
Chamber: H

Madam Chair. coalbased power plants account for roughly one half of all electricity generation in the United States and produce about 135 million tons of coal combustion waste annually. This enormous waste stream contains toxins like arsenic. lead and mercury that can contaminate drinking water and threaten public healthwhich is why the EPA is in the process of developing regulations to ensure that it is either responsibly recycled or disposed of properly. Rather than letting EPA complete its work. H.R. 2273 directs each state to create its own coal waste management permitting program. without any legal standard to ensure a minimum level of public safety. Moreover. if a state decides not to enforce the standards it puts in its own permitting program. there is little EPA can do about it. Madam Chair. as the 2008 Kingston disaster demonstrated. coal ash is dangerous. inadequately regulated. and dispersed throughout the country. In order to protect the public health and avoid a regulatory race to the bottom. we as a nation must establish and enforce a minimum federal level of safety and protection for all of our citizens. This regulation takes us in precisely the opposite direction. Accordingly. I urge a "no" vote.
Date: 2011-10-14
Speaker: GENE GREEN (democrat)
Chamber: H
State: Texas

I thank the ranking member on our subcommittee for accepting the amendment. This amendment does make the bill better. but if were looking for the perfect. youre in the wrong place. A legislative process is not where you get perfection. We come together. We compromise. This floor amendment by the ranking member actually makes the bill better than it was when it came out of committee. and I voted for it out of committee. So Im glad he made it better with this amendment. But well never get perfection. whether it be the House. and I can guarantee. almost. not in the Senate. But this bill is better by this amendment. and thats why I encourage its adoption.
Date: 2011-10-14
Speaker: JACKSON LEE (democrat)
Chamber: H
State: Texas

I have an amendment at the desk. The Acting CHAIR. The Clerk will designate the amendment. The text of the amendment is as follows: At the end of the bill. add the following new section:
Date: 2011-10-14
Speaker: JACKSON LEE (democrat)
Chamber: H
State: Texas

Madam Chair. I demand a recorded vote. The Acting CHAIR. Pursuant to clause 6 of rule XVIII. further proceedings on the amendment offered by the gentlewoman from Texas will be postponed.
Date: 2011-10-24
Speaker: JACKSON LEE (democrat)
Chamber: H
State: Texas

Mr. Speaker. I rise today in support of H.R. 441. "The Kantishna Hills Renewable Energy Act of 2011." which authorizes the Secretary of the Interior to issue permits for microhydro projects in the Kantishna Hills area within the Denali National Park and Preserve in Alaska. These projects will harness the power of water to create up to 100 kilowatts of electricity that will be used to serve much of the area. As the Representative from the 18th Congressional District in Houston. TX. our nations energy capital. I firmly believe in supporting viable renewable energy projects. In my home state the energy industry and its supporting businesses has created thousands of jobs and has fostered economic growth. It is imperative that we find ways to meet our nations grown appetite for energy. According to the National Hydropower Association. in the United States hydropower projects are responsible for providing 81 percent of the nations renewable electricity generation and about 10 percent of the nations total electricity. In terms of everyday use. this is enough to power 37.8 million homes. The average Americans consumes 10.896 kilowatts of electricity each year. In Texas. alone. over 9 million residences are using electricity. at a rate of about 1.000 kilowatts a month. This costs Texans an estimated $141.23 a month in electric bills. At a time when we are all tightening our belts. If one of our solutions can be found by simply harnessing water. then it deserves more than a second glance. Water has been used as a power source for centuries. from Africa to Asia to Europe. As of today. there are 85.000 smallscale hydro power plants in China alone. We are not talking about largescale projects that have an impact on wildlife habitats. A largescale hydro project often requires a sizeable dam. These largescale dams have raised numerous environmental concerns. Micro projects have significantly less impact on the environment because they use the natural flow of a river and make only minute modifications to the stream channel and flow of water in order to generate power. Before us. today. are renewable energy projects that will have a marginal impact on the environment (when compared to largescale plants). a project that will create jobs. and a project that will create much needed energy. On balance this project appears to find symmetry between protecting the environment. creating jobs and meeting our nations energy needs. I believe that finding ways to address and meet our growing energy needs is vital to the economic success of our nation. We should allow the expansion of renewable energy projects that have a limited impact on the environment. will create jobs. and will meet our energy needs. I believe working with the energy community to bolster creative industry approaches and protecting our environment will result in job creation. I believe that sound energy policies not only will protect our environment but are important to the long term health and wellbeing of our citizens.
Date: 2011-10-24
Speaker: JACKSON LEE (democrat)
Chamber: H
State: Texas

Mr. Speaker. I rise today in support of H.R. 320. "Distinguished Flying Cross National Memorial Act." which designates a Distinguish Flying Cross National Memorial at the March Field Air Museum in Riverside. California. Recipients of the Distinguished Flying Cross are awarded to any officer of enlisted member of the United States armed forces who distinguishes himself or herself in support of operations by "heroism or extraordinary achievement while participating in an aerial flight." The March Field Air Museum serves as the appropriate location for such a prestigious honor. Its home sits on the March Air Force Base. March Air Force Base dates back to a time when the United States was rushing to build up its military forces in anticipation of entering World War I. It continued to be used as a pilot training center and as well as an operational base throughout World War II. March Air Force Base was a part of outstanding achievements in test flights and other contributions to the science of aviation. For over seventy years. March has been a key component in the advance of aviation and in the growth of the modern Air Force. The March Field Air Museum is representative of American ingenuity in aviation. The museum hosts a collection of military and vintage aircraft that presents an extraordinary look at the history of aviation and the use of aviation in modern warfare. The museum tells the story of how aircraft were first used in warfare and how they have become a vital part of our nations military power. As all of our military. we hold a special place in our hearts for those pilots who operated those aircraft. These aviators supported our ground troops from the air during times of war. This honor will bestow the nations gratitude upon those who are so deserving of recognition. I am happy to share in this opportunity with my colleagues to place in our nations history the recognition of these heroes of the skies. Our nation is better for the heroism of these brave men and women.
Date: 2011-10-24
Speaker: JACKSON LEE (democrat)
Chamber: H
State: Texas

Mr. Speaker. I rise today to talk about something happy. and that is the Happy/Sad Pillow that is made by the parents of AVANCE in my district. With this toy. parents can teach numbers. cause and effect. colors. emotions. motor skills. social skills. and textures. I was fortunate enough to be with them today. They have a very healthy Head Start program. but we were able to give them $8 million in stimulus to help their infrastructure to build new buildings. and then a $3.2 million grant for a healthy marriage that helps grandparents and single parents to be able to raise up our children that are preschool. It is noted that the children that go through this program test with higher scores than those who have not and do much better in the public school system. It also evidences that the government can be a partnership. a privatepublic partnership. to make America great. We can create jobs. We can improve the education. We can lay out a pathway for our children. There is nothing wrong with the government being productive and forceful and working on behalf of the American people. So to the Congress here. my colleagues on the other side of the aisle. lets work together.
Date: 2011-10-25
Speaker: EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON (democrat)
Chamber: H
State: Texas

Mr. Speaker. I rise today because it has been nearly 11 months that this Republicanled House of Representatives has pursued a nojobs agenda and simply complains about the protections that the American citizens receive. The American Jobs Act will put teachers. firefighters. police officers. and construction workers back on the job. it will create job opportunities for returning American veterans. it will cut taxes and create financial growth incentives for American businesses as well as provide muchneeded job training and hiring programs for Americans that are currently looking for work. Many provisions of the American Jobs Act have been strongly supported by Republicans in the past. but now. suddenly. they are against these ideas because they are being proposed by a Democratic President. This is the opposite of negotiation and compromise. and the American people do not have the patience for these antics instead of action. I urge both parties of this House to work together and pass the American Jobs Act for the American people.
Date: 2011-10-25
Speaker: VAN HOLLEN (democrat)
Chamber: H

Mr. Speaker. today we gather to honor the sacrifice and patriotism of the Montford Point Marines with Congresss highest civilian award. the Congressional Gold Medal. The Montford Point Marines were this Nations first class of AfricanAmerican Marine recruits. As was often the case during the Jim Crow Era. being the first AfricanAmericans to break the color barriers resulted in a whole new set of hardships. Montford Point Marines suffered from the start. Not only were they not allowed to train at Camp Lejeune with their white colleagues. the Commandant. the Marines highest ranking officer said publicly that if he had to choose between 250.000 AfricanAmerican Marines and 5.000 whites. he would rather have the whites. Training along the North Carolina coast. they endured inferior conditions and trained with inferior equipment dodging snakes and malariainfected mosquitoes in summer and risking exposure from the bitter cold in winter as they passed the nights in huts made of cardboard. Fueled by a fierce determination to answer the call to arms in their Nations hour of need. the Montford Point Marines endured these hardships and joined the fight in Okinawa. where their courage and bravery were celebrated. When the war ended. they returned home to silence. abuse and indifference and were soon forgotten. That is. until today. As a cosponsor of this bill. I am proud to stand with my colleagues to recognize the Montford Point Marines for their courage and sacrifice with the Congressional Gold Medal.
Date: 2011-10-25
Speaker: LORETTA SANCHEZ (democrat)
Chamber: H
State: Cali

fornia. I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker. I rise in strong support of H.R. 2042. As a member of the Committee on Homeland Security and as a Representative from the great State of California. which has very strong economic ties to the Pacific region. I am proud to be a cosponsor of what I believe is one of the most important things that we can do with respect to trade and getting American jobs going. The primary goal of the AsiaPacific Economic Cooperation organization is to support sustainable economic growth and prosperity in the AsiaPacific region. The United States is among the groups 21member economies. which account for 55 percent of global GDP. They purchase 58 percent of United States goods exports and comprise a market of 2.7 billion consumers. Seven of Americas top 15 trade partners are in APEC. This bill would require the Secretary of Homeland Security. in consultation with the Secretary of State. to establish a program to issue APEC Business Travel Cards to eligible U.S. citizen business leaders and senior United States Government officials who are actively engaged in APEC business.
Date: 2011-10-25
Speaker: LORETTA SANCHEZ (democrat)
Chamber: H
State: Cali

fornia. I yield myself the balance of my time. Mr. Speaker. H.R. 2042 represents a small but important step towards facilitating travel and enhancing business ties with our AsiaPacific region. and I urge my colleagues to support this legislation. With that. Mr. Speaker. I yield back the balance of my time.
Date: 2011-10-25
Speaker: JACKSON LEE (democrat)
Chamber: H
State: Texas

I spoke about this early this morning. and I want to reiterate my appreciation to CORRINE BROWN and to this resolution that was passed to honor the Montford Point Marines. 20.000 of them. African Americans. that served their country in such esteem. and the fact that we have this gold medal. which causes me again to raise the coming home of our troops from Iraq and again thank President Barack Obama for that decisive decision. recognizing that we are safe and secure as we protect the homeland and build up our military preparedness. bring our troops home and provide jobs for them. and have them restored to their families. I just had an opportunity to meet with the Texas Air National Guard Reservists who have served well in Iraq and Afghanistan. I met with their general and want to offer my deep commitment to them. That is why it makes no sense for the State of Texas to issue a Confederate flag for the license plate. Let us get an understanding of what is accolades and appreciation for our military. Let us go forward. I denounce the issuance of a Confederate flag. Lets issue the United States flag for the United States of America.
Date: 2011-10-25
Speaker: AL GREEN (democrat)
Chamber: H
State: Texas

I am honored to say that I was one of the cosponsors of the request for the Congressional Gold Medal for the marines. And I did so for them. I did so because of the history that it represents. but I also did so because when you support any of our military people. youre supporting all of them. It was important to send a message that we support those persons who made it possible for others to have opportunities. but at the same time were supporting those who are serving today in faraway places who desire to be at home with their families. We support their families who are supporting them. And regardless as to how people feel about various wars. every person ought to want all of our troops to come home safely. I support them. I support what were doing to let the world know that what they have done should be recognized with a Congressional Gold Medal.
Date: 2011-10-25
Speaker: AL GREEN (democrat)
Chamber: H
State: Texas

I thank the gentleman for his comments. At this time. I am honored to bring to the floor a very dear friend from the State of California who has been an outspoken supporter of all of these bills to help victims of domestic violence. the Honorable LYNN WOOLSEY.
Date: 2011-10-25
Speaker: AL GREEN (democrat)
Chamber: H
State: Texas

I thank you for your words. and I trust that you will continue the fight. You have been an outstanding champion for womens rights. At this time. I am honored to yield to the Honorable BARBARA LEE. the former chairperson of the CBC and a great Member from the State of California.
Date: 2011-10-25
Speaker: AL GREEN (democrat)
Chamber: H
State: Texas

I thank the gentleman for his words. I now yield to the gentlelady from Texas. who is a colleague. and we share a common boundary in the State of Texasour districts are adjacent to each otherthe Honorable SHEILA
Date: 2011-10-25
Speaker: AL GREEN (democrat)
Chamber: H
State: Texas

I thank the lady. I now yield to the gentlelady from California . I would also add that this is a colleague who served with me on Financial Services. and I found that she has been a strong advocate for the rights of women.
Date: 2011-10-25
Speaker: AL GREEN (democrat)
Chamber: H
State: Texas

I thank the lady. especially for citing the statistical information. It is important for our Nation and our country to understand that these are real people who are being harmed and that this is not something that occurs in some segments of society. This crosses all lineseconomic lines. gender lines. political linesand its up to us to have bipartisan efforts to end this. Im honored that my friend. Mr. POE. has joined us today. as this has been a bipartisan effort. But weve got to get this message back to the communities because indifference is what allows this to continue to a certain extent. No one should be indifferent. Everybody has a duty to report it. everybody has a duty to condemn it. And if we do this. then we can make every person who performs an act of violence persona non grata in our communities. I want to thank the Speaker for the time. One hour is never enough to cover all that we should cover. but Im grateful to the leadership for giving us the 1 hour that weve had.
Date: 2011-10-25
Speaker: AL GREEN (democrat)
Chamber: H
State: Texas

I thank the gentleman for yielding. I especially thank you for placing things in a proper historical context. Its greatly appreciated. Having taught a class myself in trial simulation. one of the things that we discussed was the origin of the concept of the State. And it evolved to the extent that youve called to our attention. but it also became a "we the people" country. Our country is a "we the people" country. And sometimes if we substitute for the State "we the people." because it becomes the people in many places against the defendant. and I think its appropriate that it be the people against the defendant. I think we as a society have some things that we will not tolerate. and. as a result. we have codified these things into laws that carry penalties with them. And these penalties. in my opinion. have to be imposed so as to maintain an orderly society. I would mention. to my friend. this. You have said $82.000 for rape. I just have to make sure that I go on record saying I agree with you. $82.000. I cannot imagine how someone managed to conclude that $82.000 was the worth of a person having been raped or that crime itself. I support the notion that we must compensate victims. Victims ought to be compensated appropriately. which is one of the reasons why I have supported the Violence Against Women Act. and Im hoping that well get it reauthorized. because it does establish a fund so that victims of crimes of this nature can have their perpetrators pay money into this fund so as to make sure that victims are properly compensated. I think you and I together. today. want to make sure that the peoplewe the peopleare heard. and we the people in the courts of this country can take the necessary steps to not only prevent but also to compensate the victims of these dastardly deeds.
Date: 2011-10-25
Speaker: AL GREEN (democrat)
Chamber: H
State: Texas

I thank the gentleman for his comments. I greatly appreciate the time that you took from your time to continue to elaborate on this. It means a lot to the people that we both represent. and I thank you again.
Date: 2011-10-26
Speaker: WASSERMAN SCHULTZ (democrat)
Chamber: H

Mr. Speaker. I rise today in recognition of National Work and Family Month. As a mother of young kids in a household with two working parents. I know all too well the daily struggle facing todays American families. How can we be great parents and also be great at our jobs? This summer. when I was home in my congressional district. a constituent raised a question that particularly struck me: Can you imagine what a typical workweek would look like if suddenly. without warning. every single child care provider failed to show up to work and left parents with no alternative child care options? From Wall Street to Main Street. Americas businesses would come to a grinding halt. and the carefully spun web of endless schedules. systems. and todo lists that weve created to make it all work would unravel. With the number of parents working fulltime on the rise. more and more families are fully engaged in the daily juggling act that comes with trying to do it all. Particularly in todays economy when secure employment has become more tenuous. parents have become increasingly hesitant to ask their employers for greater flexibility in their work schedule. to encourage their company to open a day care center. or to ask for the option to work remotely. If anything. the current economic climate has led to an even greater need for increased flexibility. Thousands of parents are at home not by choice but because they lost their jobs and have not yet had the opportunity to reenter the workplace. These parents may be at home. but looking for employment is a fulltime job. With thousands of American families experiencing the situation as we speak. we are hearing too many stories about parents who couldnt get to an interview. a networking opportunity. or a job training session because their partners didnt have the flexibility in their work arrangements to make it work. Studies show that employees and their families are not the only ones to benefit from greater workplace flexibility. From improved productivity and efficiency to higher employee morale. flexible work arrangements can help employees and help businesses reach their fullest potential. In the last decade. we have seen significant strides made toward improving the great juggling act that is worklife balance. We cannot let this progress slip away during these challenging economic times. In the spirit of National Work and Family Month. I urge my fellow policymakers. employers. and employees to pause this month to think about how we can better work together to make it just a little bit easier for todays families. Attending the school play. tending to a sick child. or just being able to meet your familys needs makes a huge difference in the morale and work ethic of an employee. Achieving worklife balance makes a more productive employee and a more loyal one. I encourage all employers to assist their employees in achieving this balance. It will reap immeasurable benefits for both the workplace and for our families.