macleginn/stanford_congress_record_longer_speeches huggingface dataset:
Date: 2015-09-10
Speaker: MIMI WALTERS (republican)
Chamber: H
State: California

Mr. Speaker. I rise in recognition of Dr. Vicki Ruiz. a distinguished professor of history and Chicano/Latino studies at the University of California. Irvine. Dr. Ruiz is also the president of the American Historical Association. and was most recently named a recipient of the 2014 National Humanities Medal. The National Humanities Medal is awarded to those who have deepened the countrys understanding of humanities and broadened citizens engagement with history. literature. languages. and philosophy. This afternoon. Dr. Ruiz will be one of only 10 honorees from top universities to receive this prestigious award from President Obama. In fact. Dr. Ruiz is the first faculty member of UCI to receive the National Humanities Medal. As the first in her family to earn an advanced degree. Dr. Ruiz began her work at UCI in 2001. In 2008. she was named Dean of Humanities. and currently chairs the Department of Chicano/Latino Studies in the School of Social Sciences. Please join me in recognizing Dr. Ruiz as she receives this prestigious award today at the White House.
Date: 2015-09-10
Speaker: JODY B. HICE (republican)
Chamber: H
State: Georgia

Mr. Speaker. I rise in support of the rule and against the Iran nuclear deal. Mr. Speaker. we cannot in good conscience accept a deal that is laden with secretive side agreements brokered by this administration. nor can we possibly grant $150 billion to the worlds foremost sponsor of terror and. in the process. turn our back on Israel. Mr. Speaker. it is because of this bad deal that the Supreme Leader of Iran now is publicly emboldened to say that Israel will not exist in 25 years and that terror will continue to plague the Middle East. Israel. and the entire world. Mr. Speaker. as we approach September 11. I would ask my colleagues to please join me in rejecting this bad deal. and lets defeat terrorism rather than advance it.
Date: 2015-09-10
Speaker: MIMI WALTERS (republican)
Chamber: H
State: California

Mr. Speaker. I rise today in firm opposition to the Iran nuclear deal. This deal represents a direct threat to the United States. Israel. and the world. Recently. I visited Israel and met with Prime Minister Netanyahu. Prime Minister Netanyahu was firm in his warningthis is a very bad deal. and it could result in grave consequences for the world. First. this deal allows Iran to continue to enrich uranium that can be used to develop a nuclear weapon. Second. this deal abandons the Presidents promise of anytime. anywhere inspections to a process that allows Iran to delay up to 24 days. Third. this agreement would result in the comprehensive lifting of the economic sanctions that have stifled Irans quest for a nuclear weapon. Bottom line. this deal presents far too many risks for the U.S. and far too many rewards for Iran. When the Ayatollah chants "death to America." he means it. and that should cause serious concern in every American citizen. It is time for America to wake up and understand the danger and threat this deal presents to our national security.
Date: 2015-09-10
Speaker: SAM JOHNSON (republican)
Chamber: H
State: Texas

I thank the chairman for yielding. Mr. Speaker. at this grave hour. I come to express my opposition to President Obamas deal with Iran. To this day. Iran chants "death to America." In fact. Iran is the worlds leading state sponsor of terrorism. Its regime has the blood of Americas servicemembers on its hands. Iran is our enemy. The President asks us to trust Iran. but what has Iran done to earn our trust? Nothing. This is a deal of surrender. and. with it. Iran will go nuclear. The alternative isnt war. The alternative is to strike a better deal. I say this as one of the few Members of Congress who has seen combat. who has fought two wars. and who has spent nearly 7 years as a POW. So I say to my colleagues on the other side of the aisle: Do the right thing. Put country above party. Listen to the American people. Uphold your most sacred dutysafeguard our Republic from those who seek to destroy it. Vote this deal down.
Date: 2015-09-11
Speaker: TOM PRICE (republican)
Chamber: H
State: Georgia

Mr. Speaker. this week Irans Supreme Leader. Ayatollah Khamenei. the person with whom President Obama and his administration say they have reached an agreement that we should support. doubled down. once again calling the United States the Great Satan. And he further declared. after negotiations. there will be nothing left of Israel in 25 years and. until then. jihadi morale will leave not a moment of serenity. This is the very man that the President of the United States is blindly trusting if we endorse this deal. Sadly. this administration has folded on every single red line and point of leverage that the United States had. There are no "anytime. anyplace" inspections. There is no accountability for past Iranian nuclear activities. Conventional armament bans will be lifted. Ballistic missile bans will be lifted. To put it plainly. Mr. Speaker. this deal paves a shiny yellow brick road for Iran to spread Islamic extremism. death. and destruction around the world. not to mention an unprecedented nuclear arms race across the entire Middle East. We should have made sure that not a single resource or benefit received by Iran funds Islamic terrorism. We should have made sure that Iran publicly accepts Israels right to exist. that genocide is unacceptable. that stated goals of wiping entire groups of people and nations off the Earth is unacceptable. At the very least. we should have made certain that four American hostages. including a Christian pastor being held in Iran. were released. Of course. not a single one of these objectives were achieved. The administration thought that compelling Iran to renounce nuclear holocaust or Islamic terrorism or genocide were simply far too unreasonable to request. If this deal goes through. time will surely demonstrate that it will be a shameful stain in the history of the world. Now. we pray that terrible ramifications do not come to fruition. However. if the past is prologue. this agreement may very well make any further action or concerns voiced by anyone too little. too late. A nuclear Iran spells nothing but disaster. For safety at home and abroad. this agreement must be rejected.
Date: 2015-09-17
Speaker: LAMAR SMITH (republican)
Chamber: H

The legal system in the United States needs to driven by justice. not by dollars. Right now. there are too many lawyers out there throwing their money at frivolous lawsuits to manipulate and abuse the system. No one should be able to abuse our system. It is simple to file a lawsuit. and you can cost the defendant hundreds of thousands of dollars on a frivolous claim going through discovery and going through all of the legal processes. That simply isnt right. LARA ensures that judges impose monetary sanctions against lawyers who file these frivolous lawsuits. including the costs of attorneys fees incurred by their victims. It prevents bad lawyers from using the judicial system as a weapon and provides justice for those who have been abused by these attorneys. By passing LARA. these attorneys will no longer be able to exert power over their victims with these suits that are not based on facts or in law. but are merely intended to scare or extort money out of the victims. I remember when I was in law school in Congressman SMITHs hometown of San Antonio. Texas. and one of the professors in one of my classes said something that has stuck with me for all these years about a lawsuit: You may be able to beat the wrap. but you cant beat the ride. LARA helps with that. You are not going to be able to stop the emotional roller coaster ride the defendant and his family. his partners. his employees. his friends all go through as a result of the lawsuit that is frivolous. but you will be able to beat some of the cost of that ride by holding the attorneys who file frivolous lawsuits responsible for that. That is what we need to do. Frivolous lawsuits drain victims of their money and damage their reputations. Lets stop them before they start by putting the lawyers at risk for filing frivolous lawsuits. In many countries. there is a loser pay system. We are not proposing we go that far here in the United States. but we do want justice for those who are victims of clearly frivolous lawsuits. and this legislation will make sure that that happens. I urge my colleagues to support it.
Date: 2015-09-18
Speaker: RODNEY DAVIS (republican)
Chamber: H
State: Illinois

I thank the many colleagues who stood here and stand with me now to rise in support of ensuring that hardearned taxpayer dollars do not go to private entities that are trafficking in fetal baby parts. We have to put a stop to this heinous practice. We have to ensure that this problem is investigated. We have to ensure that the Federal Government is not condoning these actions. I believe that we need to ensure that Planned Parenthood understands that the money that they have access to from the Federal Treasury is not mandatory money that is given to that agency. We need to ensure that womens health is a priority. but lets put the tax dollars into the agencies and the community health centers that are providing access to womens health care every day throughout this great Nation. We can do that. Lets stand together. Lets ban this heinous practice. Lets make sure we move forward.
Date: 2015-09-18
Speaker: JODY B. HICE (republican)
Chamber: H
State: Georgia

Madam Speaker. the recent allegations and videos that have come forth have literally shocked the world by showcasing the morally bankrupt practices of Planned Parenthood. I am honored to stand with my colleagues to try to prevent tax dollars from going to this organization that has now stooped to the practice of trafficking innocent baby parts. they say. for the purpose of advancing medical research. but we all know that there is no excuse that can possibly be given to provide for the moral bankruptcy of Planned Parenthood. It is time to defund this while the investigation occurs. The blood and body parts of children should be looked at as a sacred entity rather than an industry.
Date: 2015-09-25
Speaker: AUSTIN SCOTT (republican)
Chamber: H
State: Georgia

Mr. Speaker. we all saw this past week as the press reported on a drug that was raised from $13.50 a tablet to $750 a tablet. If you spend about 60 seconds with a physician or a pharmacist. you will find this has been going on for a couple of years now. Very common drugs. Narcan. that our first responders use. and digoxin and nitroglycerin that our heart patients use. nitroglycerin has gone from 8 cents a tablet to $8 a tablet over the last couple of years. The same thing has happened with doxycycline. a generic antibiotic that has been on the market for years. Mr. Speaker. I just want to ask the FDA and the Federal Trade Commission to work together to help stop this fleecing of America and what is happening in the generic drug market.
Date: 2015-09-28
Speaker: RODNEY DAVIS (republican)
Chamber: H
State: Illinois

Mr. Speaker. I thank Chairman RYAN for his leadership on this issue. I really appreciate the Committee on Ways and Means allowing me. a noncommittee member. to be able to take this important piece of legislation to the floor today. Today this Congress has an opportunity to work in a bipartisan way to promote religious liberty and. frankly. Mr. Speaker. fairness. H.R. 2061. the EACH Act. does this by modestly expanding the religious conscience exemption under the Affordable Care Act to include individuals like Christian Scientists. who rely solely on religious methods of healing. The existing religious conscience exemption under the Affordable Care Act exclusively applies. as Chairman RYAN said. to a few certain sects of faith. As a result. many Americansas I mentioned before. the Christian Scientists--are required to purchase medical health insurance that does not cover the health care of their religious practice or choice. Alternatively. they are forced to pay tax penalties for not purchasing such insurance. A similar version of the EACH Act passed this House unanimously under the suspension of the rules during the last Congress. In order to improve the bill. as Mr. LEVIN. my colleague stated. modest changes to this bills language were made. with input from the Department of Treasury. the Department of Health and Human Services. and other key stakeholders. Under this bills new language. applicants must annually attest to the exchange that they are a member of a religious group. that they rely solely on a religious method of healing. and that they have not received medical health services during the preceding taxable year. Additionally. with the help of input from the American Academy of Pediatrics. the bill now makes it clear that the legislation does not preempt any State laws requiring the provision of medical treatment for children. Further. if a parent needs to provide necessary medical services to a child. doing so would not invalidate the individuals exemption.
Date: 2015-09-30
Speaker: JODY B. HICE (republican)
Chamber: H
State: Georgia

Mr. Speaker. I rise today to commemorate the life and legacy of U.S. Army Specialist Kyle Gilbert. Specialist Gilbert was recently killed in Afghanistan while serving our Nation just days before his 25th birthday. Mr. Speaker. I would like to offer my most sincere and heartfelt condolences to Kyles family and to let them know that I and we have them in our thoughts and our prayers. Kyle is survived by many loving family members and friends. including his mother and stepfather. Ceann and Clyde Tate. father and stepmother. Ralph and Sandra Gilbert. sisters. Sasha Ashley and Becky Bailey. brother. Myles Gilbert. as well as his grandmother. Jean Ann Carrington. his stepbrother. Chris Manning. as well as a host of aunts. uncles. nieces. nephews. cousins. and friends. Mr. Speaker. Kyle was born in Lawrenceville. Georgia. and graduated from Mill Creek High School in 2009 and in 2013 joined the United States Army. He was a 10th Mountain Division soldier with the 2nd Battalion. the 14th Infantry Regiment. 2nd Brigade Combat Team. Mr. Speaker. it is my honor to share with you that Specialist Gilbert received the Army Commendation Medal. the Army Achievement Medal. the National Defense Service Medal. the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal. the Afghanistan Campaign Medal. and the Army Service Ribbon. Additionally. Mr. Speaker. Kyle received the Bronze Star. the Army Good Conduct Medal. and the NATO Medal. Though I did not have the privilege of meeting Kyle personally. I would like to use this opportunity to sincerely thank him for his incredible service to the State of Georgia and to our Nation. Mr. Speaker. it has been relayed to me that Specialist Gilberts deepest dream was to serve our Nation in the military. and I thank him for his incredible service and sacrifice so that so many others can share the American Dream. Kyle leaves a legacy of service. dedication. and kindness that will be sorely missed. Mr. Speaker. I humbly ask that you join me in praying for Specialist Gilberts family during this time of their bereavement.
Date: 2015-09-30
Speaker: SAM JOHNSON (republican)
Chamber: H
State: Texas

Mr. Speaker. this weekend was Gold Star Mothers Day. a day we set aside each year to honor the women who have lost a child or a grandchild who was actively serving in our great Nations military. It is a time to honor their strength. will. and perseverance. It is also a time to honor the memories of their loved ones. Freedom is not free. There is a cost. and that cost is paid first by our veterans and their families. That is why I am glad this week the House also did something to honor Americas Gold Star Fathers with the Gold Star Fathers Act. This bill grants these men the same status as Gold Star Mothers. regardless of their eligibility for civil service. To all Gold Star parents. please know your Nation supports you and that we are grateful for the service and sacrifice of your loved ones.
Date: 2015-09-30
Speaker: TOM PRICE (republican)
Chamber: H
State: Georgia

Mr. Speaker. I would like to express my concerns regarding two provisions in S. 2082. the Department of Veterans Affairs Expiring Authorities Act of 2015: Sec. 501 the increased authorization for the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) medical facility project in Denver. Colorado and Sec. 412 the modification of authorization for the VA medical facility project in Tampa. Florida which is designated as an emergency.
Date: 2015-09-30
Speaker: RODNEY DAVIS (republican)
Chamber: H
State: Illinois

Madam Speaker. I ask unanimous consent that when the House adjourns today. it adjourn to meet at 9:00 a.m. tomorrow.
Date: 2015-10-06
Speaker: HERRERA BEUTLER (republican)
Chamber: H

Mr. Speaker. I rise today to ask my colleagues to support H.R. 2168. the West Coast Dungeness Crab Management Act. This bipartisan bill is an important solution for residents of coastal communities in southwest Washington. The successful. twodecadesold tristate Dungeness crab management agreement will expire September 30 of 2016. This bill simply makes permanent the management authority between Washington. Oregon. and California. This management authority has worked. For the last 20 years. these States have overseen one of the most valuable fisheries in the Pacific Northwest. In 2014. fishermen delivered 53 million pounds of crab. totaling $170 million. This economic activity helped support the 61.000 jobs relating to the seafood industry in Washington State alone. How has it maintained this success? The fishery has been managed in a sustainable way. And. importantly. it doesnt cost taxpayers a dime. However. should this authority expire. the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. or NOAA. says its management of the fishery will cost taxpayers over $1.15 million each year. So. simply put. this bill maintains local control on the West Coast and ensures sustainability of the Dungeness crab fishery. and it saves taxpayer dollars. I want to thank Chairman BISHOP and the House Natural Resource staff for bringing this bill to the floor. It is common sense. I urge the House to vote "yes" on this bill to ensure a bright. sustainable economic future for coastal crabdependent communities like Ilwaco. Washington. and many others on the West Coast.
Date: 2015-10-07
Speaker: SAM JOHNSON (republican)
Chamber: H
State: Texas

Mr. Speaker. our veterans are our protectors and defenders of our democracy. For their faithful service and sacrifice. I believe that. when our veterans return home. as a grateful Nation. we must provide these men and women with good health care. Now. the Third District of Texas. which I represent. is a deeply patriotic community. and it is home to many veterans. To help these folks have better access to care. for several years I have been pushing for a local VA clinic to be established in our neck of the woods. Well. exactly one week ago we got our good news that a location was finally chosen. Our new communitybased outpatient clinic will be at 3804 West 15th Street in Plano. Texas. The new Collin County VA Clinic will make a huge difference for veterans because they will finally be able to receive highquality care closer to home. It is a huge win for north Texas. and I couldnt be happier for our community and our hometown heroes. It was the right thing to do. and our hard work is paying off. We are looking forward to the clinic finally opening its doors in the spring. I want to thank all the folks who have helped make the local VA clinic a reality. I especially want to thank our veterans because they are the reason this is happening. They deserve this clinic. They deserve our support. Rest assured. I will continue to be a champion for our veterans to see that we take good care of them. God bless our veterans. I salute them all.
Date: 2015-10-07
Speaker: MIMI WALTERS (republican)
Chamber: H
State: California

Mr. Speaker. I rise today in support of H. Res. 461. This resolution would create a select panel to investigate a number of claims related to Planned Parenthoods activities involving abortion and fetal tissue procurement. Like many Americans. I was horrified by the recent videos which depicted Planned Parenthood employees callously discussing the trafficking and sale of aborted babies tissues and organs. As a mother of four. I know that nothing is more sacred than the gift of human life. and any organization that puts a price on unborn children must be held accountable. As a member of the House Judiciary Committee. I am actively involved in the House investigation examining the atrocities committed by Planned Parenthood. While we are continuing to gather information and determine the exact nature of the organizations actions. one thing is certain. These practices represent a blatant disregard for innocent life. and they must be stopped. By establishing a select panel. we can ensure that we have the proper tools and time needed to uncover the truth. bring accountability to the organization. and justice to the most innocent among us.
Date: 2015-10-07
Speaker: MIMI WALTERS (republican)
Chamber: H
State: California

I urge my colleagues to support this measure and to stand with me in the fight to defend innocent human life.
Date: 2015-10-09
Speaker: JODY B. HICE (republican)
Chamber: H
State: Georgia

Mr. Speaker. I rise today to congratulate Georgia Military College on 136 years as an outstanding educational institution in Milledgeville. Georgia. On October 14. GMC will celebrate its anniversary. and I am honored to represent this outstanding institution. I commend the hard work and dedication of the faculty members and friends who continue to make GMC exceptional. Lastly. Mr. Speaker. I wish to pay tribute to Georgia Military College President Lieutenant General William B. Caldwell. IV. the educators. administrators. and alumni for their unyielding commitment to give students a superb education. GMC is a scholastic institution that offers a worldclass experience for students. I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating Georgia Military College for its outstanding achievements and to wish them continued success.
Date: 2015-10-09
Speaker: MIMI WALTERS (republican)
Chamber: H
State: California

Mr. Chairman. I rise today in support of H.R. 702. legislation that would lift the 40yearold ban on U.S. oil exports. In 1975. President Gerald Ford signed the ban into law in response to gasoline shortages and the Arab oil embargo. While the ban served a purpose nearly 40 years ago. much has changed since that time. Today we need an energy policy that aligns with our current economic and political climate. The United States is the largest petroleum and natural gas producer in the world. Our selfimposed export ban doesnt make sense and does nothing but hinder economic growth. If the ban is lifted this year. over 57.000 new supply chain jobs would be created in my home State of California by 2018. and nationwide nearly 450.000 new jobs would be created. Having the option to put U.S. crude oil on the world market would benefit Americans. Lifting the ban would create jobs. strengthen the U.S. economy. and help reduce our trade deficit. It would also provide the international marketplace with more options. in turn. limiting the ability of energy commodities to be used as political weapons. It is important to note that this bill doesnt require the U.S. to export crude oil. It simply provides the option needed for barrels to be used in the areas where they are needed most. I urge my colleagues to support this commonsense legislation.
Date: 2015-10-20
Speaker: AUSTIN SCOTT (republican)
Chamber: H
State: Georgia

They get to audit their competitors. Now. in what other scenario in the world could you say it is a free market when your competitor. who is the big box multibilliondollar operation. gets to audit their small business competitor?