macleginn/stanford_congress_record_longer_speeches huggingface dataset:
Date: 2014-11-18
Speaker: RODNEY DAVIS (republican)
Chamber: H
State: Illinois

Mr. Speaker. I thank my colleague from Utah for introducing H.R. 1442. the EPA Science Advisory Board Reform Act. I rise in strong support of this piece of legislation. As Mr. STEWART said. this bill will increase transparency and give Americans more opportunities for public input and participation on Science Advisory Board activities. I believe this legislation builds on the progress that we have made on improving the Science Advisory Board. I represent a district where agriculture is the economic driver and a way of life. So it concerns me when I learned that farmers did not even have a seat at the table on the EPA Science Advisory Board. And the EPA Science Advisory Board. Mr. Speaker. considers rules that impact agriculture. By working together on the farm bill. my colleague Representative PETERSON and I were able to ensure that farmers have a stronger voice when it comes to EPA regulations. For the first time. agriculture interests will be represented within the SAB. I can report that EPA has made progress in standing up this agrelated committee. and I believe the voices and input provided by farmers and producers to the EPA will make for more commonsense policy. H.R. 1422 will provide the public with more access to scientific information and more opportunities to comment on board actions. This legislation also ensures that State and local government officials would be part of the Science Advisory Board. And as my colleague alluded to earlier. we cannot have a Science Advisory Board made up primarily of individuals who receive grant funding from the Federal Government to make decisions that affect them. Again. I rise in support of this bill. I thank my colleague from Utah.
Date: 2014-11-19
Speaker: SAM JOHNSON (republican)
Chamber: H
State: Texas

Mr. Speaker. as chairman of the Ways and Means Subcommittee on Social Security. the committee of jurisdiction over who receives Social Security benefits. I am introducing. along with Ranking Member BECERRA and now 35 original cosponsors. the No Social Security for Nazis Act. The world must never forget the 6 million Jews and other innocents murdered by the Holocaust. America has worked to prevent Nazis from entering the country and reaping the benefits of U.S. citizenship. including Social Security. However. due to a loophole. some Nazis who came to America continue to receive Social Security benefits. That is just plain wrong. Our bipartisan bill would stop benefits from going to denaturalized Nazis. It also stops benefits from going to Nazis who renounce their citizenship as part of a settlement. I thank Ranking Member BECERRA for working with me on this important bill. Mr. Speaker. I urge the House to act quickly and pass the No Social Security for Nazis Act.
Date: 2014-11-20
Speaker: SAM JOHNSON (republican)
Chamber: H
State: Texas

Mr. Speaker. this summers crisis on the border was the result of President Obamas 2012 decision to grant amnesty to some illegal immigrants. Now. the President is planning to grant amnesty to every illegal in the countryalmostmillions more. To make matters worse. these illegal immigrants may also become eligible for government benefits. That is just wrong. What the President is doing is illegal. Hardworking American taxpayers didnt sign up to foot the bill for unlawful. illegal immigrants. Mr. Speaker. the President is ignoring the American people. our Constitution. and our way of government. America is a country of laws. not men. My constituents are outraged at the Presidents imperial actions. American people want. need. and deserve a President who respects and follows the Constitution. On behalf of my outraged constituents. I am fully committed to stopping this illegal action.
Date: 2014-12-01
Speaker: RODNEY DAVIS (republican)
Chamber: H
State: Illinois

Mr. Speaker. I rise today to congratulate Dr. May Berenbaum for being named a recipient of the National Medal of Science. Dr. Berenbaum is a worldclass entomologist at the University of Illinois. whose exceptional contributions to insect research have earned her this top award which she received at the White House last month. A leading voice on the issue of pollinator health. Dr. Berenbaum has been critical to policymakers and to peers alike. After all. we have pollinators to thank for one out of every three bites of food that we have. and we have Dr. May Berenbaum to thank for being a leading researcher and enthusiastic voice in helping us sustain the pollinator population. As a supporter of the National Science Foundation research and agricultural research. I come to the floor today. Mr. Speaker. to again congratulate Dr. May Berenbaum. Our area is very proud of you for receiving this honor.
Date: 2014-12-02
Speaker: SAM JOHNSON (republican)
Chamber: H
State: Texas

Mr. Speaker. I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill to amend the Social Security Act to provide for the termination of social security benefits for individuals who participated in Nazi persecution. and for other purposes.
Date: 2014-12-02
Speaker: SAM JOHNSON (republican)
Chamber: H
State: Texas

Mr. Speaker. I ask unanimous consent that all Members have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks and insert extraneous materials in the RECORD.
Date: 2014-12-02
Speaker: SAM JOHNSON (republican)
Chamber: H
State: Texas

Mr. Speaker. I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker. today I rise as chairman of the Ways and Means Subcommittee on Social Securitythe committee of jurisdiction over Social Security benefitsin support of the No Social Security for Nazis Act. legislation I introduced along with Ranking Member XAVIER BECERRA. The world must never forget the 6 million Jews and other innocents murdered in the Holocaust. America has worked hard to prevent Nazis from entering the country and reaping the benefits of U.S. citizenship. including Social Security. Social Security is an earned benefit. Hardworking Americans pay a portion of their wages for promises of future benefits. However. it is a benefit that was never intended for those who participated in the horrific acts of the Holocaust. Under the Social Security Act. Social Security benefits are terminated when individuals are deported due to participating in Nazi persecutions. Some individuals whom the Department of Justice identified as Nazi persecutors were denaturalized or voluntarily renounced their citizenship and left the country to avoid formal deportation proceedings. However. due to a loophole. certain Nazi persecutors have continued to receive Social Security benefits. Today we will put an end to this loophole. The bill amends the law to stop benefit payments to those denaturalized due to participation in Nazi persecutions or who voluntarily renounced their citizenship as part of a settlement with the Attorney General related to participating in Nazi persecution. The bill also makes sure that these individuals do not receive spousal benefits due to a marriage to a Social Security beneficiary. Lastly. the bill requires the Attorney General to certify to the Ways and Means Committee and Finance Committee that Social Security has been notified of all those whose benefits should be terminated due to participation in Nazi persecutions. It also requires the Commissioner of Social Security to certify that benefits were terminated. This legislation is currently cosponsored by over 47 Members of the Congress. Also. letters of support have been received from some of the following organizations: The Association of Mature American Citizens. Bnai Brith International. Jewish Federations of North America. J Street. National Committee to Preserve Social Security and Medicare. Republican Jewish Coalition. Strengthen Social Security Coalition. and the Zionist Organization of America. Mr. Speaker. I insert these letters in the RECORD as well.
Date: 2014-12-02
Speaker: SAM JOHNSON (republican)
Chamber: H
State: Texas

For many years a loophole has allowed those who perpetrated horrific crimes against humanity to receive benefits paid by the United States Government. While the number of Nazi recipients of Social Security benefits may be few now. allowing payments to continue is an inexcusable insult to those who suffered at the hands of the Nazis. Mr. Speaker. I urge all Members of the House to vote "yes" and pass the No Social Security to Nazis Act today so the Senate can take action soon and that the President can sign it into law without delay. Mr. Speaker. I reserve the balance of my time.
Date: 2014-12-02
Speaker: SAM JOHNSON (republican)
Chamber: H

to urge my colleagues to join us in closing this loophole now before Social Security has to pay another dime to a Nazi war criminal. With that. Mr. Speaker. I reserve the balance of my time.
Date: 2014-12-02
Speaker: SAM JOHNSON (republican)
Chamber: H
State: Texas

Thank you. Mr. BECERRA. I appreciate your remarks. Mr. Speaker. I yield 2 minutes to the gentlewoman from Tennessee . a member of the Committee on Ways and Means.
Date: 2014-12-02
Speaker: SAM JOHNSON (republican)
Chamber: H
State: Texas

Mr. Speaker. I yield myself such time as I may consume. and I thank Mr. BECERRA. It takes two to tango. and fortunately. we have a compatible interest on this committee. I thank Ranking Member XAVIER BECERRA and his staff for working with us on this important legislation. Mr. Speaker. I urge all Members of the House to vote "yes" and pass the No Social Security for Nazis Act today. so the Senate can take action soon and that the President can sign it into law without delay. I yield back the balance of my time.
Date: 2014-12-03
Speaker: SAM JOHNSON (republican)
Chamber: H
State: Texas

Mr. Speaker. Money magazine recently ranked Americas best small cities. 781 cities were evaluated. The 35 topscoring cities were visited by reporters. And wouldnt you know it. McKinney. Texas. was ranked number one as the best place in the United States to live. It is worth noting that McKinney joined the list in 2008 and has steadily climbed each year. As Money magazine stated: "Underlying McKinneys homey southern charm is a thoroughly modern city. The area is a hotbed for growthindustry jobs." McKinney certainly embodies its motto. "Unique by Nature." It is both a businessfriendly and familyfriendly place. And perhaps most significant. it places emphasis on both preserving history and ensuring a vibrant future. I am proud to represent McKinney and the Third District of Texas. McKinney deserves this honor. It is my privilege to recognize their outstanding service to the community.
Date: 2014-12-03
Speaker: RODNEY DAVIS (republican)
Chamber: H
State: Illinois

Mr. Speaker. I rise today to recognize Tom Bertrand as the 2015 Illinois Superintendent of the Year. For the last 13 years. Mr. Bertrand has served as superintendent of the Rochester Community Unit District in Rochester. Illinois. In his time with Rochester. he has served the school district as a teacher. coach. principal. and assistant superintendent before taking on his current role. His dedication to the students and his many accomplishments in his time with the Rochester district make him a deserving recipient of this award. He has developed a nationally recognized antibullying program and has worked to improve the use of technology in the school district by both students and faculty. I am proud to represent Mr. Bertrand and the Rochester school district. His commitment to his students is something to be recognized. I thank him for his service to the district and his dedication to public education. Mr. Bertrand. congratulations on being named the 2015 Illinois Superintendent of the Year.
Date: 2014-12-04
Speaker: RODNEY DAVIS (republican)
Chamber: H
State: Illinois

Mr. Speaker. today I want to recognize a good friend and a very important member of my hometown community of Taylorville. Illinois. Dan Raab. the president and CEO of Taylorville Memorial Hospital. is retiring after 34 years in the healthcare industry. Dan started with Taylorville Memorial Hospital in 1995. when it was known as St. Vincent Memorialit was also where my wife workedand has served the community as CEO for 19 years. With Dans leadership and dedication. TMH has remained a staple in the Taylorville community. It is Taylorvilles largest employer. and TMH has given so much back to the community. As a matter of fact. it spent $4.9 million in community benefits just in the year 2013 alone. TMH is one of nine critical access hospitals located in the 13th District of Illinois. and they play a vital role in ensuring that rural communities are served so that our citizens get the health care they deserve. As Taylorville and central Illinois continue to thrive. I know that TMH will be part of that success. and that is a direct result of Dan Raabs leadership. I want to thank Dan for his 34 years of service and congratulate him on his retirement. My wife. Shannon. and I wish him and his wife. Mary. and their two children. Joe and Emily. the best of luck in the future and with his retirement.
Date: 2014-12-08
Speaker: RODNEY DAVIS (republican)
Chamber: H
State: Illinois

Mr. Speaker. I thank Chairman HASTINGS. and a special thanks to my friend and colleague Mr. VALADAO for introducing this legislation. Why is somebody from Illinois standing on the floor of the House to talk about a bill that affects California? Well. this chart says it all: California crops. 99 percent of the almonds. 99 percent of the figs. Go down this chart and you can see how it impacts every single family that I represent in central Illinois. 800.000 people in my congressional district go buy these products in our stores. The cost of not doing something to affect this historic drought is costing them and their families more to eat these products. healthy products. that come from the Central Valley of California. When you have over 800.000 acrefeet of water being released. fresh water being released into the ocean. that is enough water for 800.000 families to use for a year. We are simply asking for flexibility that has a direct impact on every single family in this country. It has an impact on my families that I represent. and that is why I am so proud to stand here and support this legislation.
Date: 2014-12-08
Speaker: RALPH E. RODGERS (republican)
Chamber: S

Executive Vice President and General Counsel. Designated Agency Ethics Official. Tennessee Valley Authority. Knoxville. Tennessee. DEAR MR. RODGERS: This supplements my July 30. 2014. letter to you describing steps that I will take to avoid any actual or apparent conflict of interest. consistent with 5 C.F.R. �2635.502. in the event I am confirmed to serve on the Board of Directors of the Tennessee Valley Authority. While I have neither made nor been asked to make any commitments on any projects involving TVA. during the pendency of my nomination I have had contact and discussions with Franklin Haney. with whom I am acquainted. and persons associated with him. I am aware that Mr. Haney has had business dealings with TVA in the past and has made significant business proposals to TVA that may extend into the future. In order to avoid even the appearance of a lack of impartiality. I will not participate personally and substantially in any particular matter in which Mr. Haney or any person on his behalf is a party or represents a party. or in which Mr. Haney. or his family. would have a direct or indirect financial interest. Sincerely.
Date: 2014-12-08
Speaker: RALPH E. RODGERS (republican)
Chamber: S

Executive Vice President & General Counsel. Designated Agency Ethics Official. Tennessee Valley Authority. Knoxville. Tennessee. DEAR MR. RODGERS: This supplements my July 3. 2014. letter to you describing steps that I will take to avoid any actual or apparent conflict of interest. consistent with 5 C.F.R. �2635.502. in the event I am confirmed to serve on the Board of Directors of the Tennessee Valley Authority. While I have neither made nor been asked to make any commitments on any projects involving TVA. during the pendency of my nomination I have had contact and discussions with Franklin Haney. with whom I am acquainted. and persons associated with him. I have become aware that Mr. Haney has had business dealings with TVA in the past and has made significant business proposals to TVA that may extend into the future. In order to avoid any appearance of a lack of impartiality. I will not participate personally and substantially in any particular matter in which Mr. Haney or any person on his behalf is a party or represents a party. or in which Mr. Haney. or his family. would have a direct or indirect financial interest. Sincerely.
Date: 2014-12-09
Speaker: SAM JOHNSON (republican)
Chamber: H
State: Texas

Mr. Speaker. it is my privilege to honor my fellow Texan and dear friend RALPH HALL. It has been said. "A hero is someone who has given his or her life to something bigger than oneself." RALPH embodies these very words. He is a man of honor and integrity. a fierce protector of freedom. and a great conservative. He is a shining example of all that is great about America and the great State of Texas. RALPH and I have known each other a very long time. I wont say how long. We are blessed to represent neighboring districts. There is no greater friend and ally in Congress than RALPH. We have worked together on a number of issues. Recently. I was pleased to help RALPH with a zebra mussel water bill. That is an important law that helped provide clean water to north Texas. Now. RALPH is known both around the Hill and back at home for his sense of humor. You might say that is why he has never met a stranger. Every person he meets is not just a friend. but a close friend. On a more serious note. RALPH is also known for his faithful love of his late wife. Mary Ellen. If you ever visit with RALPH. he will tell you she was the person who encouraged him to enter public service. and since then. she was with him every step of the way. When RALPH had his chairman portrait painted 2 years ago. he made sure Mary Ellen was a part of that portrait. That love and commitment speaks so highly of RALPHS character. RALPH. as your colleague. I thank you for your service to your constituents. our great State of Texas. and our great Nation. As your friend. I thank you for your sense of humor. but. more importantly. I thank you for your loyal friendship. D.C. wont be the same without you. God bless you. I salute you. RALPH.
Date: 2014-12-10
Speaker: RODNEY DAVIS (republican)
Chamber: H
State: Illinois

Mr. Speaker. today. my home State of Illinois mourns the loss of a great friend and a great leader. our State comptroller. Judy Baar Topinka. I awoke this morning to my phone buzzing incessantly. and I was sad to pick up that phone and hear the news that my friend passed away unexpectedly early this morning. Illinois has lost a great leader. Judy was somebody who was an institution in Republican politics in my home State. She was the most gregarious politician I have ever met in my life. Judy was somebody who made everyone feel at ease walking through the State capitol in Illinois. I am proud to represent that State capitol now in Springfield. and it is going to be a sad day to walk into that capitol and not see Judy. Mr. Speaker. Judy was somebody who knew no strangers. If she met you. whether you were standing out in front of the capitol building guarding the door or if you were the Governor of the State of Illinois. she treated you the exact same way. She is somebody who inspired me to get into this arena of public service. As a young candidate for State representative in 1996. I had the opportunity to have many people tell me that I shouldnt run. but I had Judy Baar Topinka to thank for encouraging me to go for it. I lost that race. but I made so many friends like Judy. Judy came to my hometown of Taylorville to do some campaign events with me one day. It was summer. It was a long day of events. and Judy went to my house to lay down and rest for a bit. I had a 1yearold Boston terrier bulldog who decided that he really liked Judy. He jumped up on that couch and started kissing her in the only way that my dog knew how. He went right to her face. Instead of helping Judy. we took pictures. Since that day. every single time I have seen Judy Baar Topinka. she asks me about that dog. In 2012. when my dog Bruiser passed away. Judy was actually sad when I broke the news. Illinois is going to lose not just my friend. but we lose our comptroller who was just reelected. Illinois mourns the loss of Judy. and I stand here todaywith no intention of coming to the House floorto talk about my friend. I mourn the loss of my friend. Illinois will never be the same without Judy Baar Topinka. and America will never be the same without leaders like her.
Date: 2014-12-10
Speaker: AUSTIN SCOTT (republican)
Chamber: H
State: Georgia

Mr. Speaker. I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill to amend the United States Cotton Futures Act to exclude certain cotton futures contracts from coverage under such Act.
Date: 2014-12-10
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 on the bill. H.R. 5810.
Date: 2014-12-10
Speaker: AUSTIN SCOTT (republican)
Chamber: H
State: Georgia

Mr. Speaker. I yield myself such time as I may consume. As my colleague said. Mr. Speaker. every year. cotton farmers prepare their fields. Off the field they must prepare as well. hedging risk and protecting themselves from possible disaster with cotton futures contracts on U.S. commodity exchanges. The Cotton Number 2 contract. which is a U.S.-regulated contract. is the benchmark contract for the entire United States cotton industry. However. recently. a wide range of cotton industry participants have recommended the development of a world cotton contract with delivery points inside and outside of the United States. This is in recognition of the global nature of todays cotton industry. The 1916 Cotton Futures Act requires that all cotton futures contracts that are listed on the U.S. exchange must be classed by the USDA. regardless of where the cotton is being stored. This structure is outdated and does not recognize the global cotton trade that exists today. H.R. 5810 would simply allow for cotton futures contracts to be offered on a U.S. exchange that is based off of the world market price. This bill would neither change the regulation of the current futures contracts nor the current USDA classing. which requires U.S. cotton be classed again by USDA personnel. With these technical changes in H.R. 5810. a new cotton futures contract will be available in U.S. commodity markets. I urge my colleagues to support H.R. 5810. I yield back the balance of my time.