macleginn/stanford_congress_record_longer_speeches huggingface dataset:
Date: 2013-09-11
Speaker: JACKSON LEE (democrat)
Chamber: H

Mr. Speaker. I was in this very building on 9111. I was here when Members of Congress engaged in a meeting. and obviously not paying attention to the crisis around us until the instruction was given to flee. As we came out of offices and meeting rooms. we saw those who were fleeing and those who were trying to protect leadership. and others of us who were told to flee and hit the ground. But in actuality. what we began to think of is our loved ones in our district. We thought of America. And then after the fact. we thought of the brave souls that actually were saving lives in the Pentagon as we saw the billowing smoke. We heard the rumors of the White House. the State Department. We thought of those whom we had originally seen in New York. And. as well. we thought of those very. very heroic souls in Pennsylvania. Having gone to Ground Zero in the early stages when they were still in the recovery stage. I saw first responders still going. still pushing to be able to recognize and to find souls for their loved ones. So today. I hope that we will honor those who lost their lives from terrorist acts. And. Mr. Speaker. if I might say that we adhere to Isaiah 40:31. no matter what our faith: But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength. they shall mount up with wings as eagles. they shall run and not be weary. and they shall walk and not faint. I hope Americas future is in peace for those lost souls that we lost.
Date: 2013-09-11
Speaker: CAROLYN B. MALONEY (democrat)
Chamber: H
State: New York

Mr. Speaker. today we mark the 12th anniversary of 9111. a day that changed America forever. We remember those who died. We lost close to 3.000 people on 9111. but many thousands more lost their health and many are suffering from cancer. This body passed the 9111 health and compensation bill to help them. and I thank my colleagues. Since that day. much has changed and much has been restored. Ten million people have visited Memorial Plaza that opened in 2011. The 9/11 museum opens next spring. The 104story Freedom Tower opens next year. But there are still men and women who sufferor will sufferfrom the effects of that massive toxic stew that enveloped Lower Manhattan for months. So. on this special day. I would like to remind everyone that the final deadline to register for the benefits under the 9111 Victims Compensation Fund is October 3. Please let everyone who is eligible knowregistering will cost you nothing and may help you and your family tremendously.
Date: 2013-09-11
Speaker: NEGRETE MCLEOD (democrat)
Chamber: H

Mr. Speaker. today I rise asking my colleagues to join together to end the sequester. Many constituents and many business owners have expressed this question over the last 6 months: "What is Congress going to do about ending the sequester cuts?" My district has military and Federal contractors that are impacted by these cuts. Head Start programs are serving fewer children. while nutrition programs that serve seniors such as Meals on Wheels are also being cut. Sequester affects our economy and the most vulnerable of our Nation. That is why we need a balanced approach to repeal sequestration. We need to reach a compromise on a real plan and work out the differences between the House and Senate budgets to end sequester cuts.
Date: 2013-09-12
Speaker: GENE GREEN (democrat)
Chamber: H
State: Texas

Mr. Speaker. I oppose this unnecessary piece of legislation. Thank you for the time to speak. The bill before us is unnecessary. It is burdensome and serves as a barrier for those who are qualified to receive the core they need. Health and Human Services (HHS). the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). and the marketplaces are equipped to handle income verification. If people lie on their tax forms. that is a federal crime. This is nothing more than one more attempt to block implementation of this law. The Republicans know that as implementation moves ahead their exaggerations and their fear mongering will be exposed. This is a desperate. last ditch effort to stop millions of qualified individuals and families from being able to access care by holding back any subsidies until unreasonable requirements are met by HHS. We have controls in place. The marketplaces and the IRS are tasked with reconciling the data they receive. Americans who are eligible for subsidies should receive them and this bill prevents it from happening. The Affordable Care Act is a critical law but its not a perfect law. However. we are spending time with 11th hour attempts at thwarting the law of the land. upheld by the Supreme Court. rather than spending time helping our constituents navigate the new health landscape. I oppose this bill and urge my colleagues to oppose the bill.
Date: 2013-09-12
Speaker: DANNY K. DAVIS (democrat)
Chamber: H
State: Illinois

Mr. Speaker. I rise in strong opposition to H.R. 2775. the No Subsidies without Verification Act sponsored by my good friend from Tennessee. Representative BLACK. I oppose because the goal of this bill is already being accomplished under provisions of the Affordable Care Act. Passage of this bill would simply bog down what is already being done and could cost hardworking middle class Americans millions. The security of knowing that they have the affordable health insurance coverage they deserve and need. For all practical purpose. one could say that this is the fortyfirst time that the House has sought to repeal (to no avail) the Affordable Care Act. It is not going to happen! Lets move on so that millions of low and middle income Americans will be eligible to receive tax credits to help them purchase insurance to the tens of millions of Americans who have previously been denied coverage due to preexisting medical conditions will knowing that they can have coverage. peace of mind and the healthcare they need.
Date: 2013-09-12
Speaker: JACKSON LEE (democrat)
Chamber: H

Madam Speaker. this is a great opportunity to rise today to salute and praise Dr. Thomas F. Freeman: educator. scholar. and legendary coach and teacher of the art of debate at the historic Texas Southern University. supporting the historic Texas Southern University debate team. For those of you who have not heard of that team. I ask you to look closely at the number of awards it has received because of this great educator. He comes from a great family with a great wife. who is also an educator. Today I rise to salute him as a firstrank scholar. but also as a person of great eloquence. talent. and oration. someone who was inspirational to the Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King. Jr.. and the honorable late Congresswoman Barbara Jordan. my predecessor. A prodigy himself. Dr. Freeman graduated from Virginia Union University at 18 and went on to become a professor at Virginia Union before his 30th birthday. He would later receive degrees from Andover Newton Theological School. Harvard University. Chicago Divinity School. the University of Vienna in Austria. and the University of Liberia in Africa. Dr. Freeman was among a group of accomplished academics of color hired by Texas Southern University. What I want to say most about Dr. Freeman is that he is a renaissance man. Hes a man of courage. Hes a man who broke color lines. teaching at Rice University for 23 years. He is a man that has a number of sayings that are so vital. One is: There is an ethical dimension to leadership. If you do not consider ethics. then your leadership is hollow. I thank Dr. Freeman for being the kind of icon that America can honor. His leadership will be rewarded by the many students who have gone on to greatness because of his tutoring. In fact. even Denzel Washington was tutored by Dr. Thomas Freeman. He is 95 years old and will be honored in his retirement at Texas Southern University tomorrow. Friday. September 13. 2013. However. his light will continue to shine. for he will continue to work with students and to provide light to those who are willing to learn. Thank you. Dr. Freeman. for being a great American and a great leader and a man of ethics. passion. Christianity. and courage.
Date: 2013-09-17
Speaker: VAN HOLLEN (democrat)
Chamber: H

Mr. Speaker. I rise as a cosponsor of H.R. 301. a bill to establish a Special Envoy to promote religious freedom for minorities in the Near East and South Central Asia and to applaud Representative FRANK WOLF for his leadership on this timely and important issue. No one should be made to feel that the practice of their religion is a crime or a source of shame. When people are persecuted in the name of one religion against another. such persecution violates their inalienable right to worship as they choose and promotes political instability. Around the world. many conflicts are rooted in sectarian differences and rivalries. Today in Syria. Christians and other religious minorities are in direct peril and are the target of abuse and persecution as a result of the civil war. On April 22. 2013. Greek Orthodox Archbishop of Aleppo Boulose Yazigi and the Syriac Archbishop of Aleppo. Yohanna Ibrahim were kidnapped by a faction of rebel extremists while carrying out humanitarian work in the area around the city. To this day they remain missing. To the extent the United States can promote religious tolerance. we advance the cause of human rights. justice and peace around the globe. This bill creates a special envoy in order to monitor and combat acts of religious intolerance and incitement targeted against religious minorities and to work with foreign governments to address laws that are inherently discriminatory toward religious minority communities. I encourage my colleagues to support of H.R. 301. By helping protect minorities in the Near East and South Central Asia. we contribute to the safety of minorities all over the world who live in fear for their lives merely because they practice a different religion than those around them.
Date: 2013-09-17
Speaker: JACKSON LEE (democrat)
Chamber: H

"I heard pow. pow. pow. Then for a few seconds. it stopped and then pow. pow. pow. I just started running." Mr. Speaker. the sentiments of this newspaper fell upon me and many other Americans. the words again"another mass shooting in the United States of America." Now. at the Naval Sea Systems Commandthe naval command here in Washington. D.C.-and in coming from Texas. it reminded me of the horrific tragedy and terrorist act of Fort Hood. If you cannot call this terrorism. you could call it a domestic rampage. but what you could call it is a failing for what we in the United States Congress have not done. and that is to pass universal background checks and to focus on the mental health needs of those who are disturbed and might cause the havoc and the loss of life of so many that families today mourn. As we stand here today. the question becomes: How much longer will it take us to pass sensible gun legislation to stop this violence? I pray for those who have lost their lives. Mr. Speaker. and I ask this Congress to act and to pass universal background checks and the stopping of these ridiculous top secret clearances by outsourcing.
Date: 2013-09-18
Speaker: LORETTA SANCHEZ (democrat)
Chamber: H
State: Cali

fornia. Mr. Speaker. I rise today to celebrate not only Hispanic Heritage Month. but to celebrate the next generation of Hispanic leaders. I applaud the national PTA for naming September the Month of the Hispanic Child. With the Hispanic population totaling 53 million people in the U.S.. Hispanic children and youth are the fastest growing population in America. By 2060. it is projected that Hispanics will be about 128 million people in the United States. In order to produce the next generation of leaders that are capable and equipped to work and to tackle our future challenges. we must invest in every Hispanic child. Education and equal opportunity are what will ensure that these students fulfill the American promise. I will continue to advocate for programs like Head Start and fight to make college more affordable for all children. As we celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month. let us keep in mind that the younger generation will be our leaders of the future.
Date: 2013-09-18
Speaker: NEGRETE MCLEOD (democrat)
Chamber: H

Mr. Speaker. I want to call attention to the seriousness of the proposed $40 billion cut to the nutrition bill. As a member of the House Agriculture Committee. I am gravely concerned with this bill. as it circumvented proper deliberation before the Agriculture Committee. This bill lacks the transparency required by the American people and is outside the custom and practice of all past farm bills this House has passed. I am ready to vote for a farm bill. but we are no closer to finding a compromise than we were 6 months ago. This issue is about Americans ability to eat. as our country struggles to come out of the greatest financial crisis since the Great Depression. SNAP is a vital tool in empowering Americans in a challenging economy and should not be the sole factor in solving the Nations longterm fiscal problems. Costs for the program will shrink as the economy improves and people are able to do exactly what Americans want to do: put food on the table.
Date: 2013-09-18
Speaker: DANNY K. DAVIS (democrat)
Chamber: H
State: Illinois

Mr. Speaker. I rise to express strong opposition to H.R. 3102. what I call the Attack on Poor. Disadvantaged. and Hungry People Act. This bill will cut food stamps by $40 billion. and. as a result of that. at least 4 million lowincome individuals will no longer be eligible to receive nutrition assistance. I say shame on whoever concocted this draconian idea. whoever put this proposal together. and certainly shame on us if we vote for it.
Date: 2013-09-18
Speaker: MICHELLE LUJAN GRISHAM (democrat)
Chamber: H
State: New Mexico

Mr. Speaker. I have recently met with some constituents from New Mexico whose lives have been impacted by pancreatic cancer. the deadliest of all major forms of cancer. Its not easy to hear a woman talk about losing her husband. a sister talk about losing her brother. or even a father talk about losing his daughter. Its not easy to listen to their stories. but its important. and heres why: pancreatic cancer is the fourth leading cause of cancer deaths in this country. the 5year survival rate is just 6 percent. and there are still no early detection tools or lifesaving treatments. Last year. Democrats and Republicans came together to pass the Recalcitrant Cancer Research Act. which requires the National Cancer Institute to develop a scientific framework for combating both pancreatic cancer and lung cancer. Unfortunately. the muchneeded progress we stand to make is in serious jeopardy. Largely because of sequestration. the National Cancer Institutes budget has been drastically cut. This is simply unacceptable. and its yet another reason why I continue to call for a permanent fix to sequestration. The country deserves it. those constituents I met with deserve it. and everyone who has lost a loved one to pancreatic cancer deserves it.
Date: 2013-09-18
Speaker: BEN RAY LUJAN (democrat)
Chamber: H
State: New Mexico

Mr. Speaker. I rise today to honor the heroic efforts of Staff Sergeant Hiroshi H. Miyamura of the United States Army. who called Gallup. New Mexico. home. Sergeant Miyamura was with the 3rd Infantry Division and was awarded the Medal of Honor for extreme bravery in action from April 2425. 1951. near Taejonni. Korea. Staff Sergeant Miyamuras company was holding a defensive position when a strong enemy force launched a surprise attack to overrun them. Understanding the severity of the situation. Staff Sergeant Miyamura hustled to the line and plunged into the oncoming enemy forces with his bayonet. killing 10 of the attackers. During the second assault. he used his machinegun. taking out the enemy. He insisted that his men pull back while he covered their withdrawal. While unloading on the enemys advances. Staff Sergeant Miyamura killed at least 50 and provided a safe withdrawal of his unit. It is for his heroism and distinguished service that I am proud to honor and remember the actions of Staff Sergeant Hiroshi H. Miyamura.
Date: 2013-09-18
Speaker: JACKSON LEE (democrat)
Chamber: H

Mr. Speaker. let me thank my colleagues for allowing me to join you this evening in what I think is an enormously important tribute. As I present this distinguished gentleman. this hero. I just want to make mention of my friend Clarence Eugene Sasser. a Medal of Honor winner born September 12. 1947. who received his Medal of Honor for his actions in the Vietnam War. Hes now passed. and I know that those who live recognize their fellow recipients for their heroism. But we are honoring tonight those who live. And so it is my privilege to be able to salute Sergeant Major Kenneth E. Stumpf of Tomah. Wisconsin.
Date: 2013-09-18
Speaker: JACKSON LEE (democrat)
Chamber: H

Mr. Speaker. I rise to honor the heroic efforts of Sergeant Major Kenneth Edward Stumpf of the United States Army. Sergeant Major Stumpf was with Company C of the 25th Infantry Division and received the Medal of Honor for gallantry in action on April 25. 1967. Might I just say. Mr. Speaker. we know that as our Vietnam vets came home. the response was not an American response. Im grateful to be able to stand on the floor today to say that their valiant service evidenced by so many. and certainly through the honoring of this great Medal of Honor winner. now comes to the full attention of America where we will never. never welcome our soldiers home in any other manner than to say "thank you." Sergeant Major Stumpfs company approached a village and encountered a wellfortified bunker complex. Three men were wounded in front of a hostile machine gun emplacement. Sergeant Major Stumpf and his squad successfully eliminated two bunker positions. but one still remained a serious threat. Armed with hand grenades. Sergeant Major Stumpf ran through enemy fire. and as he reached the bunker. he pulled the pins on two grenades and directed them directly into it. With the bunkers eliminated. Sergeant Major Stumpf was able to rescue the three wounded servicemen. It is for his fighting spirit and ultimate concern for the lives of his fellow soldiers that I am proud to honor and remember the actions of Sergeant Major Kenneth Edward Stumpf. We will always remember the valiant efforts of our soldiers. Wars have agreement and disagreement. but no one. no one in America ever disagrees with the service. the sacrifice. the love. the valiant efforts of our men and women in the United States military. Sergeant Major Kenneth Edward Stumpf. Medal of Honor winner. we salute you.
Date: 2013-09-18
Speaker: VAN HOLLEN (democrat)
Chamber: H

Mr. Speaker. I rise today to honor the heroic efforts of First Lieutenant Brian Thacker of the United States Army. First Lieutenant Thacker was with the 92nd Field Artillery Regiment and received his Medal of Honor for actions of great gallantry on March 31. 1971 in Vietnam. When First Lieutenant Thackers base was attacked he assisted in its defense and remained in position when it became apparent that evacuation of the base was necessary. He organized and directed the withdrawal of the remaining friendly forces with complete disregard for his personal safety. First Lieutenant Thacker remained inside the perimeter alone to provide covering fire until all friendly forces had escaped. Due to his selfless acts. First Lieutenant Thacker remained trapped behind enemy lines for eight days before he was finally rescued. It is for his valiant efforts and selfless spirit in service to our nation that I am proud to honor and remember the actions of First Lieutenant Brian Thacker.
Date: 2013-09-19
Speaker: EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON (democrat)
Chamber: H
State: Texas

Mr. Speaker. I rise in opposition to the Nutrition Reform and Work Opportunity Act. The GOPs efforts to cut $40 billion in SNAP benefits over 10 years show how disconnected they are with our most vulnerable citizens. 4 million to 6 million lowincome people will be affected by these cuts. including 450.000 residents in Dallas County that are food insecure. Almost 300.000 of them are children. Many of our citizens are already living on the edge of poverty. and these cuts would virtually eliminate the assistance they desperately need. I am deeply troubled by this aggressive agenda to dismantle the SNAP program. It is not just the African American or Hispanic populations who receive these benefits. It is the working class. the elderly. the children. and the disabled. Cutting this program would be devastating to millions of Americans who are working hard to provide for their families. I urge my colleagues to oppose this bill and support our neediest citizens. [- 1215
Date: 2013-09-19
Speaker: CAROLYN B. MALONEY (democrat)
Chamber: H
State: New York

Mr. Speaker. I rise today in strong opposition to the majoritys unconscionable cuts to programs that help feed our Nations hungry. We are the wealthiest country in the world. yet nearly 15 percent of our population lives in poverty. In my home city of New York. over 50.000 people live in homeless sheltersand the number is growing. Our economy is making progress but there are still millions of people who are struggling. Yet this proposal would kick off at least 4 million Americans from the SNAP program and increase poverty in our country. Women and children in particular bear the brunt of these cuts. Fortyseven percent of SNAP recipients are children and nearly twothirds of the benefits go to women. Earlier this week. I saw firsthand how many families in our communities struggle to put food on the table when I visited Hour Children Food Pantry in Long Island City. Queens. The staff and volunteers of this private food bank are heroes and heroines. But we cannot rely on these organizations to pick up the slack. They say participation is up 40 percent. Defeat this major cut to nutrition that Americans need.
Date: 2013-09-19
Speaker: GEORGE MILLER (democrat)
Chamber: H
State: California

Mr. Speaker. House Republicans are doubling down on a bad idea. These food stamp cuts will not only increase the incidence of hunger but result in a loss of thousands of jobs throughout the food industry alone. Because when poor families. children. the disabled. and the elderly cant afford food. they simply must go without. Thats not economic stimulusits a national outrage. Its outrageous that 26 anonymous individuals received over $1 million each in farm subsidies. but $1.40 per meal for a hungry child is considered government waste. Its outrageous that some Members of Congress are voting to enrich themselves and wealthy special interests with farm subsidies while refusing benefits to millions of the neediest and most vulnerable Americans. I issued a report earlier this year that detailed 14 Members of Congress who are collectively worth up to $124 million. received at least $7.2 million in farm subsidies. and yet voted to cut the nutrition allowance for 47 million working poor families and children. Imagine that. In honor of the Chair. let me just say. "And thats just the way it is."
Date: 2013-09-19
Speaker: JACKSON LEE (democrat)
Chamber: H

Mr. Speaker. I ask unanimous consent to insert into the RECORD the story of Melinda. a cancer survivor and single mother from Texas. a face of hunger.