macleginn/stanford_congress_record_longer_speeches huggingface dataset:
Date: 2010-04-14
Speaker: GEORGE MILLER (democrat)
Chamber: H
State: California

Mr. Speaker. I yield myself 30 seconds. I appreciate the remarks of the gentleman from West Virginia . But. tragically. we have been through this before. Its clearly the intent of the chair to work with the entire delegation. I tried to state it. maybe not as articulately as I had hoped to. but we fully understand that these tragedies in the mining community are felt across the State. They are felt across the region. The deaths may be isolated. but because of the history and the culture and the economy of these regions. we know that they are felt across the region. and we expect to work with the entire delegation and with the Senate delegation as we try to uncover what has taken place here with the tragedy that existed. With that. Mr. Speaker. I yield 1 minute to the Speaker of the House. the gentlewoman from California .
Date: 2010-04-14
Speaker: GEORGE MILLER (democrat)
Chamber: H
State: California

Mr. Speaker. I encourage all of my colleagues to support this resolution. I thank the gentlewoman for her presentation of this resolution. and for all of those who participated in the debate.
Date: 2010-04-14
Speaker: JACKSON LEE (democrat)
Chamber: H
State: Texas

Mr. Speaker. it is not often that you come to the floor of the House with joy and with sadness. And it is with both that I stand to honor a fallen friend. Lenora "Doll" Carter. a champion of a woman. and of course someone who led in our community. Doll Carter was the publisher of the Forward Times newspaper in Houston. Texas. She and her husband Julius founded that newspaper in 1960. reporting on all of the civil rights matters. the assassination of Dr. King. the 1964 Civil Rights Act. and 1965 Voting Rights Act. And then his untimely death in 1971 caused this young woman and young mother. the mother of Karen and Constance. to take up the helm of this great paper. This paper became the third most read newspaper in the southwest after two of our major papers in Houston. and this lady became the doll of all of us. Her name clearly was a name that we favored. Lenora "Doll" Carter was born in Arizona. But as her good friend John Smith said. Doll was not only a friend toward the advancement of African American achievement. overall she personified distinctive grace. character. and style as a champion for the common good. She was also my friend. She passed away this past Saturday. We honor her. we salute her. She is a great hero of America. Doll. we will miss you. May you rest in peace.
Date: 2010-04-14
Speaker: LORETTA SANCHEZ (democrat)
Chamber: H
State: Cali

fornia. Mr. Speaker. I am here to recognize the new START treaty that was recently signed by President Obama and the Russian President and the recently released 2010 Nuclear Posture Review. I believe it is important to realize that the Cold War is over. and it is time to align our nuclear policy with the new generation of security threats. The biggest threat facing our country today is having nuclear materials fall into the hands of an organization called al Qaeda. History has shown that building our nuclear stockpile has not deterred al Qaeda and other actors from trying to gain nuclear capabilities. What we do need to do is to take smart steps to prevent the spread of nuclear weapons to those enemies and secure vulnerable nuclear materials from those who want to get their hands on that to do us harm. I believe the new START treaty and the 2010 Nuclear Posture Review are important steps in the right direction. It is also important to note that America still has a very robust nuclear arsenal. and that as we work towards a nuclearfree world we will not take any action that would put our security at risk. Our country will be more. not less secure from these new initiatives.
Date: 2010-04-15
Speaker: EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON (democrat)
Chamber: H
State: Texas

I thank my committee chairmal. I rise in very strong support of H.R. 4715. the Clean Estuaries Act of 2010. Estuaries are the bodies of water that receive both freshwater from rivers and saltwater from the sea. The mix of water makes a unique environment that is extremely productive in terms of its ecosystem values. Estuaries are rich in plant life. coastal habitat. and living species. The ecological productivity of these regions translates directly into important economic productivity. Government studies have found that estuaries provide habitat for 75 percent of the U.S. commercial and 80 to 90 percent of the recreational fishing catches. Perhaps the central problem in the protection and restoration of estuaries is that they ultimately lie downstream from all. Everything that enters the smallest stream. tributary. or headwater in a watershed eventually runs into its respective estuary. impacting. in some way. all the biological elements of that system and all of the commerce that revolves around that estuary. To address estuary impairments properly. we cannot look to the Federal Government alone. Indeed. we cannot necessarily look to the Federal Government as the lead. Instead. proper watershed management and estuary protection must be a process that involves all levels of government and all manner of stakeholders. Todays legislation. the Clean Estuaries Act of 2010. provides the resources and means to do just that. As the chair of the Subcommittee on Water Resources and Environment. the subcommittee charged with primary jurisdiction for protective water quality. I am pleased to support this bill. This legislation increases the authorization for appropriations. allows for increased and improved Federal coordination. increases accountability. and includes some necessary programmatic changes. The increase in authorized appropriation levels will not only provide more resources to localities and organizations on the ground. it will also enable more communities and estuaries to be involved in this important national program. I am well aware of the effectiveness and popularity of these nonregulatory. communitybased programs. We should be seeking to encourage the use of these types of programs in order to address problems in a grassroots fashion. In this sense. by making cleaner estuaries. we hope to achieve healthier communities and stronger economies through collaborative processes. I ask all Members of this Chamber to join me in supporting communities and estuaries through the passage of this bill.
Date: 2010-04-15
Speaker: EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON (democrat)
Chamber: H
State: Texas

Mr. Chair. I rise in support of the managers amendment offered by the Chairman of the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. Mr. OBERSTAR. This amendment makes a few technical changes to the underlying legislation and to the existing National Estuaries Program. First. the amendment clarifies that the increased accountability called for in the bill includes a review of the implementation of existing comprehensive conservation and management plans. and not just of the plans. themselves. Second. the amendment ensures that the public is provided with additional information on the relationship between air quality. water quality. and land use. and their potential impacts on the overall health of local estuaries. Oftentimes. locally developed solutions are the most costeffective and longlasting way to improve the environment. This has been the basis of success for many of the existing national estuary programs. Following this model. the managers amendment includes language to encourage public education on the interconnectivity of local air. water. and land resources. With more information. the average citizen can be more aware of how his or her actions affect the environment around them. and how small changes in an individuals everyday life can have substantial positive impacts on the local environment. Third. the managers amendment addresses one of the legacies of the initial authorization for the National Estuaries Program by deleting the outdated. statutory priority list of estuaries. All but one of the estuaries on the existing list already have recognized estuary program offices. The intent of this change is not to eliminate any of the existing 28 estuary programs. but to clarify that estuaries are not simply entitled to remain in the program. If an estuary program continues to meet its obligations under the Clean Water Act. and the enhanced accountability called for in this legislation. they will continue to remain in the program. However. the intent of this legislation is also to ensure that individual program offices are reaching their goals of improving water quality and the overall ecological health of the estuary. The final change proposed by this amendment is to eliminate the eligibility of individuals for grant assistance under this program. According to EPA. no individual has ever received a grant under this program. so this is unused authority. Mr. Chair. I support the amendment and urge my colleagues to support the amendment.
Date: 2010-04-15
Speaker: EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON (democrat)
Chamber: H
State: Texas

Mr. Chairman. I rise in support of the amendment offered by the gentlewoman from Maine and the gentleman from Texas
Date: 2010-04-15
Speaker: EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON (democrat)
Chamber: H
State: Texas

Mr. Chair. I rise in support of the amendment from the gentleman from Wisconsin . This amendment requires a monitoring effort on the part of National Estuary Program partners. A coordinated monitoring program is very important to ensure the success of these programs. Monitoring is a key piece of any restoration plan. This amendment will help to increase efficiencies. save money and reduce duplicative activities by requiring the partners to coordinate their monitoring activities. Also. requiring monitoring by the partners will mean that the management conference. and the appropriate Federal. State and local agencies will be able to measure the accomplishments of the management conference. Without monitoring. the management conference will not be able to determine if the plan has succeeded or failed at improving water quality and the habitat of the estuary. I commend our Committee colleague for offering this amendment. and urge its approval.
Date: 2010-04-15
Speaker: EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON (democrat)
Chamber: H
State: Texas

Mr. Chair. I rise in support of the amendment from the gentlewoman from Wisconsin . This amendment would add a new focus area to the existing list of research programs the Environmental Protection Agency administrator can implement under the National Estuary Program. In the existing statutory language for the National Estuary Program. there is a list of research programs the administrator is authorized to coordinate and implement with other Federal agencies. This amendment would allow for a research program related to nonnative species. Nonnative or invasive species continue to be a threat to many of our waterbodies. including estuaries. Adding a new research focus that looks at the potential impacts of nonnative species and the pathways for introduction in estuaries would be very helpful in better understanding the potential impacts of these species to the water quality. natural resource benefits. and sustainable uses of the estuary. The programs that experience threats from nonnative species in their estuaries could incorporate any information obtained from this research into their plans in the future. I support the amendment.
Date: 2010-04-20
Speaker: EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON (democrat)
Chamber: H
State: Texas

Mr. Speaker. I rise today in support of H. Res. 1257. supporting the goals and ideals of National Financial Literacy Month. 2010. The resolution recognizes the importance of managing personal finances. increasing personal savings. and reducing personal debt in the United States. Creating a national culture of financial responsibility is incredibly important in these difficult economic times. I believe that a financially literate public is a key component to having a strong and robust economy. Resolutions like the National Financial Literacy Month help to promote broadbased financial literacy initiatives that are absolutely essential for the wellbeing of our country. A recent survey done by the National Foundation for Credit Counseling has shown that more than 60 million adults admit to not paying all of their bills on time. approximately 150 million people report that they have not ordered their credit report in the last year. and more than 75 million people are not putting any part of their income toward retirement. I am always surprised to hear statistics like this. and it is alarming because there are very simple things people can do to save money and lead more financially stable lives. We must do whatever is necessary to educate the public on financial matters and develop unbiased financial literacy training programs within our communities. I want to acknowledge the vigorous efforts of Congressman RUBEN HINOJOSA and Congresswoman JUDY BIGGERT. cochairs of the Financial and Economic Literacy Caucus. to improve the overall economic situation of all those residing in the United States. I would also like to acknowledge Greg Davis and Zachary Cikanek for their endless work and dedication to financial education. Mr. Speaker. I believe that together we can continue to make a difference and help empower people to take control of their financial lives. I encourage my colleagues to support this resolution.
Date: 2010-04-20
Speaker: EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON (democrat)
Chamber: H
State: Texas

Mr. Speaker. I rise today in strong support of H.R. 1271 to honor the life and achievements of Dr. Benjamin Lawson Hooks who passed away on April 15. 2010. Dr. Hooks served as the Executive Director of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People. and wads a great civil rights leader. Born in Memphis. Tennessee as the fifth of seven children. Dr. Hooks faced numerous racial barriers growing up in the segregated South. He graduated from Howard University in 1944. and after serving in the army during World War II. he completed a law degree from DePaul University in 1948. Upon graduation. he returned to Memphis where he opened his own law practice. Although faced with relentless discrimination in the legal field. Dr. Hooks managed to make a reputation for himself. In 1965 he was appointed to fill a vacancy in the Shelby County criminal court making him the first black criminal court judge in Tennessee history. Later. in 1972. he became the first AfricanAmerican member of the Federal Communications Commission where he developed a reputation as a champion for minority owned television and radio stations. In 1976. Dr. Hooks became the Executive Director of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored Peoples. His tenure saw an increase in membership and revenue. and additionally. he was influential in the national recognition of Martin Luther King. Jr. Day. Mr. Speaker. Dr. Benjamin Hooks was an unyielding advocate for AfricanAmerican civil rights. and he will be greatly missed. I ask my fellow colleagues to join me today in recognizing this remarkable leader who worked diligently for the black community and was a stalwart champion of fairness and equality for all.
Date: 2010-04-20
Speaker: JACKSON LEE (democrat)
Chamber: H
State: Texas

Mr. Speaker. I rise in support of H. Res. 1104. supporting the mission and goals of 2010 National Crime Victims Rights Week to increase public awareness of the rights. needs. and concerns of victims and survivors of crime in the United States." introduced by my distinguished colleague from California. Representative COSTA. The 2010 National Crime Victims Rights Week. April 18 through April 24. 2010. will provide an opportunity for justice systems in the United States to strive to reach the goal of justice for all by ensuring that all victims are afforded legal rights and provided with assistance as they face the financial. physical. spiritual. psychological. and social impact of crime. The theme for 2010 is. "Crime Victims" Rights: Fairness. Dignity. Respect." Although our Nation has steadily expanded rights. protections. and services for victims of crime. too many victims are still not able to recognize the hope and promise of these expanded rights. protections. and services. Over 25.000 individuals in the United States are victims of crime each year. including over 6.000.000 individuals who are victims of violent crime. Despite impressive accomplishments over the past 40 years in crime victims rights and services. there remain many challenges to ensuring all victims-(1) treated with fairness. dignity. and respect. (2) are offered support and services regardless of whether the crimes committed against them to law enforcement. and (3) are recognized as key participants in our system of justice when such crimes are reported. Observing victims rights and treating victims with fairness. dignity. and respect serve the public interest by engaging victims in the justice system. inspiring respect for public authorities. and promoting confidence in safety. Justice systems in the United States should ensure that services are available for all victims of crime. including victims from underserved communities of our Nation. A just society acknowledges the impact of crime on individuals. families. neighborhoods. and communities by ensuring that rights. resources. and services available to help rebuild the lives of victims. Individuals in the United States recognize that our homes. neighborhoods. and communities are made safer and stronger by identifying and meeting the needs of crime victims and ensuring justice for all. Treating victims of crime with fairness. dignity. and respect costs nothing more than taking time to identify victims needs and concerns. and effective collaboration among justice systems to meet such needs and concerns. I urge my colleagues to support H. Res. 1104 in increasing the public awareness of the impact on victims and survivors of crime and the constitutional and statutory rights and needs of victims and survivors. We all have an obligation in protecting the rights of all people and ensuring that they receive the respect and dignity they deserve.
Date: 2010-04-20
Speaker: EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON (democrat)
Chamber: H
State: Texas

Mr. Speaker. on Tuesday. April 20. 2010. 1 requested and received a leave of absence. For the information of our colleagues and my constituents. had I been present. on the following votes I missed during this time period. On rollcall 212. Supporting the goals and ideals of National Financial Literacy Month. 2010 . I would have voted "yes." On rollcall 213. Honoring the life and achievements of Dr. Benjamin Lawson Hooks . I would have voted "yes."
Date: 2010-04-20
Speaker: EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON (democrat)
Chamber: H
State: Texas

Madam Speaker. I rise today to recognize the life and achievements of a trailblazing civil rights leader and dedicated American citizen. Dr. Dorothy I. Height. Dr. Height was born on March 24. 1912 in Virginia and spent her formative years in Pennsylvania. She completed a degree at New York University in 1932 and a year later received a masters degree in educational psychology. She would spend the rest of her life active in the civil rights movement working diligently to ensure that every American was treated equally and fairly. As a natural leader. Dr. Height led the National Council of Negro Women for forty years from 1957 to 1997. Her service and dedication to both this organization and all AfricanAmericans were tireless. and she will forever be remembered as one of the most influential and important women in the civil rights movement. In 1963. when Dr. Martin Luther King. Jr. gave his famous "I Have a Dream" speech. Dr. Height stood mere feet from him as he addressed the crowded mall that day. Four and a half decades later. she would hear the echoes of the civil rights movement resound in the inauguration of Barack Obama. Americas first AfricanAmerican President. Truly. she saw some of the most famous and unique events of the last century. many of which were due in large part to her work and efforts. Dr. Height was the recipient of countless awards throughout her lifetime including the Presidential Medal of Freedom and the Congressional Gold Medal. She received 36 honorary doctorate degrees from various universities across the country. and additionally. met. spoke with. and offered counsel to Presidents from Eisenhower to Obama. Madam Speaker. America and the world has lost a giant with the passing of Dr. Dorothy Height. I will remember her as a woman of conviction who fought and worked until her final days at 98 years old. Truly. we have benefitted immensely because of her. and we owe her a deep debt of gratitude for giving everything she could so that our country might be better and fairer. I ask my fellow colleagues to join me today in honoring her and remembering her dedication to the American people.
Date: 2010-04-21
Speaker: GENE GREEN (democrat)
Chamber: H
State: Texas

Mr. Speaker. on April 21. 1836. 174 years ago today. Texas forces led by General Sam Houston dealt a decisive blow to General Antonio Lopez de Santa Anna and his oppressive government. Several weeks after signing the Texas Declaration of Independence in March of 1836. roughly 900 members of the Texan army overpowered a much larger Mexican Army in a surprise attack. Some 700 Mexican soldiers were killed and 730 captured. while nine Texans died. The Texas army quickly and silently moved toward Santa Annas camp. They were able to get very close because General Santa Anna was still pleased with his victory at the Alamo and failed to post men to watch the Texans actions. At close range. the "Twin Sisters" drawn by rawhide thongs. were wheeled into position to begin unloading shells at the napping Mexican Army. The cannons were gifts from the people of Cincinnati. Ohio. Texas soldiers followed the bombardment and yelled and shouted "Remember the Alamo" and "Remember Goliad" stopping only a few yards from the Mexican solders to open fire in a surprise attack. The Mexican soldiers were better trained than their Texas opponents. They were caught off guard. It was a bold attack in broad daylight. Texas General Sam Houston. former Member of this Congress from Tennessee. future President of the Republic of Texas. future U.S. Senator and Governor of Texas. had two horses shot out from under him and was shot and his ankle was shattered. Santa Anna was captured that day and held prisoner and signed peace treaties to give Texas independence. The battle is memorialized along the San Jacinto River with a monument in our district in La Porte. Texas. A panel on the side of the monument states: "Measured by its results. San Jacinto was one of the decisive battles of the world. The freedom of Texas from Mexico won here led to annexation and to the Mexican War. resulting in the acquisition by the United States of the States of Texas. New Mexico. Arizona. Nevada. California. Utah and parts of Colorado. Wyoming. Kansas and Oklahoma. Almost onethird of the present area of the American Nation. nearly one million square miles. changed sovereignty." Thats what were commemorating today.