macleginn/stanford_congress_record_longer_speeches huggingface dataset:
Date: 1983-05-03
Speaker: DE LA GARZA (democrat)
Chamber: H

I thank the gentleman for yielding. Mr. Speaker. I would like to tell the gentleman that managing the bill under quite difficult circumstances as we were working very diligently to strike a compromise in what can be technically complicated legislation. one of the votes that was taken was asked by a Member to really allow some time for the conclusion of the agreement. Then I was informed as there were about 20 or 25 Members in the well of the House that the clock in the committee room was not working properly. and that that was the reason for their coming a few seconds beyond the time that the vote was finalized.
Date: 1983-05-03
Speaker: DE LA GARZA (democrat)
Chamber: H

I appreciate the gentlemans yielding. Mr. Speaker. just to conclude the reasoning behind the request. as I stated to the gentleman. there were 20 or 25 Members. one of whom expressed concern that the clock in the committee room did not work and that they were timing themselves accordingly. Were it just a matter of one Member being here late. I would not have done so. Therefore. in the spirit of compromise that permeated what we were doing with the substance of the legislation. I felt that I would do to others as I would have them do unto me. It was for that reason that I made the motion to vacate the vote at the time. I feel some responsibility for the concern of the gentleman. but I want to assure him and the gentleman from California that I certainly would not make the same motion again. but under the circumstances at the time. the way that the legislation was progressing and in the spirit that we were working. I felt it appropriate. even though it was an extraordinary motion. and that was the main reason behind making the motion. No objection was heard at the time.
Date: 1983-05-03
Speaker: DE LA GARZA (democrat)
Chamber: H

Mr. Speaker. I thank the gentleman for yielding. I want to commend our distinguished leader of the Texas delegation for securing the time today to extend our best wishes to our colleague. the gentleman from Texas (Mr. HENRY
Date: 1983-05-03
Speaker: SAM B. HALL (democrat)
Chamber: H

Mr. Speaker. I thank the dean of the Texas delegation for taking this special order to honor our dear friend and colleague. HENRY GONZALEZ. This is a special week for HENRY. because it marks the 30th anniversary of his first election to public office and we also celebrate his birthday today. As we all know. HENRYs many friends here in Washington get together every year on this day and give him a party to end all parties. In the finest tradition of the city of San Antonio. his party is a celebration of life and friendship. It is truly one of the social events of the year here on Capitol Hill. HENRY GONZALEZ is a gentleman of the first order. He enjoys tremendous respect and popularity in San Antonio. and for those of my colleagues who have not had an opportunity to visit this beautiful. historic city. let me point out that upon your visit. there will be no doubt in your mind that it is HENRY GONZALEZ country. Most notable people must pass from the scene before streets and public buildings are named for them. but HENRY is the exception. It is difficult to go anywhere in San Antonio and not see his name prominently mentioned. Even in areas where his name may not be inscribed. everyone can tell you who he is and how he has done so much for the 20th District of Texas. HENRY GONZALEZ and his family constitute a great link in the proud.history of the State of Texas. His ancestors were the original colonists in the State of Durango in Northern Mexico. and his parents came to Texas during the upheavals in Mexico prior to World War I. Since that time the Gonzalez family has been prominent and instrumental in the growth and development of San Antonio and Bexar County. HENRY is a champion of liberty and justice. We know him as a man of wonderful character and personal strength who is forthright and honest in his dealings with others. He stands up fbr the little guy. and he does not mind grabbing a tiger by the tall if it involves principle. A great example is his unflinching work to achieve justice in the tragic killing of a courageous Federal judgeJudge Wooddown in Texas. He is a wonderful family man. and as so many of us know. HENRY is justi-. flably prooud of his grandchildren who spend time with him here in Washington. This is indeed a great moment for him. and the accoladesthat come his way this week are well deserved. I wish my dear friend. HENRY GONZALEZ. continued success and happiness.
Date: 1983-05-03
Speaker: ST GERMAIN (democrat)
Chamber: H

Mr. Speaker. the State of Texas has two monuments by which the great city of San Antonio is known nationwidethe Alamo and HENRY B. GONZALEZ. Both are symbols of courage and the willingness to stand up against seemingly impossible odds. We may not always agree with our good friend and colleague from San Antonio. but there is no one in this House who for a moment questions the sincerity of HENRY B. GONZALEZ convictions. And when we are considering shelter for the homeless. housing for low- and moderateincome families in America. HENRY GONZALEZ speaks not of consensus. but of compassion. We do not need to go back in history to illustrate this point. Last week. the Housing Subcommittee. under the chairmanship of Mr. GoNZALmz. reported out a bill which pushes for a revival of housing for low- and moderateincome families in the United Statesfor keeping the commitment the Congress has made to the American people that each should have decent. safe. and sanitary shelter. Later this week. the House will consider for Emergency Housing Assistance Act which seeks to provide temporary assistance to homeowners facing foreclosure because of involuntary unemployment. The legislation also includes assistance for States and local governments to provide emergency shelter and essential services for the homeless. Few will forget the testimony given to Mr. GONZALEZ subcommittee last December from the Salvation Army. from other church groups. and mental health associations. from community groups trying to help the homeless aging. and from some of the people living in these community shelters. These efforts are more benchmarks in a career marked by concern for the poor. the disadvantagedthe little man in our economic system. We honor HENRY B. GONZALEZ. a man of independence and compassion. Happy birthday. HENRY.o
Date: 1983-05-09
Speaker: SAM B. HALL (democrat)
Chamber: H

I thank the gentleman for -yielding. I wouldlike also to congratulate the gentleman from New Jersey and the gentleman from Michigan for the tremendous work they have done on this bill. I think it is a good bill. I think it certainly should be passed. I would like to ask the gentleman from New Jersey a question. Existing passthrough language provides no specific guidelines to the States on how the block grant funds should be distributed at the substate level. What considerations does the gentleman envision a State taking into account in distributing a local passthrough of funds at the local level?
Date: 1983-05-10
Speaker: DE LA GARZA (democrat)
Chamber: H

Madam Speaker. during Small Business Week. it is a privilege to honor the owners of small businesses. They are the people who take full responsibility for all their actions. bear the lumps and get the rewards when there are any. We owe a great debt to their Initiative. courage. and commitment. This year in particular I commend the many members of the small business community for their endurance and steadfastness during a troubled economic period. Small businesses play a vital role in the economic health of our country. Small businesses provide about half the countrys total employment (about 50 million people) according to the Small Business Administration. and small firms with under 500 employees accounted for 60 percent of the new jobs created between 197981. It is also interesting to note that SBA studies show that during the 10year period from 1970 to 1980 there has been a shift in our economy toward more selfemployment. Through the years. small businesses have generated the ideas and borne the risk for many important inventions that have had a major impact on changing life styles in the United States and throughout the world. They have been responsible for the development of the aerosol can. the airplane and helicopter. the cotton picker. the heart valve and pacemaker. the personal computer. Polaroid camera. safety razor. vacuum tube. and zipper. to mention only a few innovations. While we are on the topic of Small Business Week. I want to compliment the people who make the Small Business Administration function. The staff in the Harlingen District SBA office. probably the best SBA office in the country. has provided outstanding service to small businesses through the years. In particular. this past year. their dedication. commitment. and responsiveness to the needs of border businesses so adversely affected by the peso problems have resulted in an extremely effective peso pack program in the Rio Grande Valley. This year. I take special pleasure in celebrating Small Business Week because the Texas 1983 Small Business Person of the Year. Phyllis Griggs. comes from McAllen. Tex.. in my district. The owner of Mister Donut franchises in McAllen. Mission. and Edinburg. Mrs. Griggs has developed and expanded her business from a very small base in 1973 to several units with sales totaling $1.4 million in 1982. She has given her popular shops local flavor by introducing Mexican pastries and by sponsoring numerous fiestas and other special events. I am very pleased her business acumen. dedica. tion. and hard work are being recognized and honored. Phyllis Griggs represents the best in the American entrepreneur. I salute her and the many other small business owners. With their initiative. enterprise. and independence. small business persons in the United States have shown the rest of the world how successful a society can be when the individual has the right and ability to pursue his or her own dream.e
Date: 1983-05-11
Speaker: ST GERMAIN (democrat)
Chamber: H

Mr. Chairman. I rise In support of the substitute offered by the distinguished chairman of he Housing Subcommittee. the gen- h leman from Texas . h The gentlemans substitute addresss the majority of the concerns that t ave been expressed to me by many of ur colleagues. In includes an assets a est. a requirement that a workout be- t ween lender and homeowner be atempted. It deletes the rebuttable pre- t umption provision as well as a proviIon that housing expenses cannot in- t lude such costs as maintenance or a heating of recreational facilities. The substitute includes provisions rom the original bill as well as the e anguage that requires the Federal flnancial supervisory agencies to take t pecific action to support continued t orbearance. l This language requires the Federal 2 financial supervisory agencies to co- s nunicate with mortgage lenders en- t couraging them to exercise forbearance on residential mortgage foreclosures. These agencies are also directed to waive or relax limitations relating to mortgage delinquencies so as not to unfairly penalize those lenders who are exercising forbearance out of compassion as well as logic. Safety and soundness considerations naturally would still apply. Finally. Federal agencies that provide assistance in the form of advances. discounts. and extensions of credit are directed to give special consideration to applying institutions that have exercised forbearance. The Gonzalez substitute provides two ways of dealing with the serious problem of delinquency and foreclosure facing many of the Nations homeowners. One is the loah program in instances where the homeowner cannot meet his or her obligation due to circumstances beyond his or her control and cannot work out an alternative plan with the lender. and special actions required of the Federal financial supervisory agencies for those lenders in a position to forbear. I strongly urge the Members to give serious consideration to this substitute and to support it.
Date: 1983-05-11
Speaker: ST GERMAIN (democrat)
Chamber: H

If I. could say to he gentleman and reclaim my time. hose who are concerned about franky the minimal amount of funds that are authorized in this legislation. I uggest they stop and consider what he alternative is. The alternative. I eel convinced. would be much more costly to the taxpayers of this Nation. Much more costly. I think that this is being pennywise.
Date: 1983-05-11
Speaker: ST GERMAIN (democrat)
Chamber: H

If I may state to the gentleman. the financial institutions who are exercising forbearance can just go so far. but. by the same token. they have to look at the integrity of their institution. And in some Instances. they will not be able to forbear enough to get us over this period and for that reason we have to go that one step further.
Date: 1983-05-11
Speaker: ST GERMAIN (democrat)
Chamber: H

If the gentleman will allow me to reclaim my time for a moment. the recession might be over in the minds and in the eyes of certain economists. analysts. and forecasters. and the optimists in the administration would like to say it is over. But for those people who are still unemployed and who have exhausted all of their benefits. that recession is not a. recession. it is a very real depression. And that is why this legislation is still very necessary.
Date: 1983-05-11
Speaker: ST GERMAIN (democrat)
Chamber: H

Let me again say to the gentleman. if indeed the pronunciations and pronouncements of the administration about the recession being over are accurate. then they should not be concerned because that means that there will not be a call for these funds. but God forbid. If it is not over. and if. as I stated earlier. there is still a depression for many people in this country. Lord. let us be ready.
Date: 1983-05-11
Speaker: ST GERMAIN (democrat)
Chamber: H

I am very happy to state that. as a result of the efforts of the gentleman. that is indeed the case. He made a good case and the committee was happy. both the chairmen of the full committee and subcommittee. to take his suggestions in this area.
Date: 1983-05-11
Speaker: ST GERMAIN (democrat)
Chamber: H

I can assure the gentleman that as far as my limited knowledge of the law is concerned. he is absolutely correct. We are not creating an entitlement.
Date: 1983-05-11
Speaker: ST GERMAIN (democrat)
Chamber: H

No. But. by the same token. for those people who are out of work through no fault of their own. the recession is there. And I repeat: It is not a recession. it is a depression.
Date: 1983-05-11
Speaker: ST GERMAIN (democrat)
Chamber: H

And there are. I would say to the gentleman. other criteria contained in the legislation that make it. I feel. crystal clear that it is not only the unemployment rate within the area that governs. but also the fact that the individual who applies for his assistance must be one who is unemployed through no fault of his own or her own.
Date: 1983-05-11
Speaker: ST GERMAIN (democrat)
Chamber: H

There are always going to be people who are unable to meet their mortgage payments. But maybe the gentleman has a district that is very unique.
Date: 1983-05-11
Speaker: ST GERMAIN (democrat)
Chamber: H

We had a President who got up there with the classifled ad section. and said. "Look. there are all kinds of jobs available. Why are these people not working?" That chart is about as meaningless as that statement was.
Date: 1983-05-11
Speaker: ST GERMAIN (democrat)
Chamber: H

Frankly. I say to the gentleman that if people are unemployed as a result of the actions or inactions of the Federal Government. then certainly whether it be the last 2 years or 3 years. or the next 1 or 2 years. maybe we should give consideration to assisting them in those cases.
Date: 1983-05-11
Speaker: ST GERMAIN (democrat)
Chamber: H

Mr. Chairman. really. It is with fear and trepidation that I stand here to oppose this amendment. because I note that the gentleman who offered the amendment has a pin on that says. "House Guerrilla". and here I have a pin that is just a Saint. a little tiny Saint. Yes. I saw the other House guerrilla. too. You know. when I was a young child in Rhode Island. there was a very popular radio program before the days of television. All of you probably heard of Amos and Andy. but up in New England we had Joe and Baptiste. They were two Frenchmen from Canada. Well. we saw the Joe and Baptiste show a few minutes ago. It was really something to behold. The two guerrillas put it on for us. But in answer to the query from the * gentleman from Indiana. he stated. how about the President and the deftcit? He is the chap who is responsible for the largest deficits in the history of this country. Yes. we are all for the deficit being reduced and eliminated and we are all for putting people back to work. but the fact of the matter Is that there are millions of people out there who are out of work through no fault of their own. through no fault of their own. The legislationas presented by the distinguished chairman of the Housing Subcommittee requires that eligibility be only granted to those individuals who are out of work and unable to meet their mortgage payments. through no fault of their own. We just had a vote. a substantial vote. by the Members of the House. who have proven by that vote tiat they have compassion and feeling for the poor unfortunates of this Nation. Now. you know. I do not know about Joe and Baptiste who were here a few seconds ago. but I am going to bring legislation in the near future to the floor of this House for $8.4 billion for increased participation in the International Monetary Fundand at- whose request. at whose behest? At the request of the President of the United States and the Secretary of the Treasury of the United States. I am wondering how Joe and Baptisteare gofig to reac to their Presidents query and entreaty on that one. The President sent me a threepage letter telling me how important this legislation is to the future economy of the world and he told me that he is going to be talking to all the guerrillas and asking those House guerrillas to support that legislation. I am going to do my best on my side. because I feel it is the responsible thing to do. I am working hard for that legislation. I want to help our President. our President on this side and your President on that side. He is our President. I am going to help him. on that. but in this instance. I say the least we can do for the poor unemployed people. unemployed through no fault of their own. is yes. if we can help with that. I am for increased participation and certainly we can do a little something for the poor unfortunate people of this country. Let us reaffirm the vote we just had. Mr. Chairman. I yield back the balance of my time and I hope we can get to the important business of this Nation forthwith. Vote down this amendment and proceed to adopt the Ganzalez substitute.
Date: 1983-05-11
Speaker: ST GERMAIN (democrat)
Chamber: H

Mr. Chairman. I move to strike the requisite number of words. (Mr. St GERMAIN asked and was given permission to revise and extend his remarks.)
Date: 1983-05-11
Speaker: ST GERMAIN (democrat)
Chamber: H

Mr. Chairman. the amendment before us has been offered in the subcommittee as well as in the full committee and it was roundly defeated. Listening to the debate earlier from that side of the aisle. one of the arguments used was that there was not enough funding in this resolution. Well. we will not use Joe and Baptiste but we will use Tonto from the Lone Ranger. "You are speaking with forked tongues." You cannot have it both ways. Either there is not enough. or there is too much. I agree with those who say there is not enouih money in this bill. However. we tried to be as circumspect as possible and that is why we limited the amount. Now I am proud of the fact that many financial institutions in this country are exercising forbearance on foreclosure. By the same token. unfortunately that is not universal. And this idea of going to your friendly banker. yes. a lot of them are friendly. but then I received a letter 2 days ago in my office from a senior citizen whose checking account was 26 cents below the amount of the check he wrote. which I think was for $18. due to a service charge that he had not noted. "Perils of Pauline". within 2 weeks that 26 cents delinquency cost that man $23. charged by his friendly bank. Then of course we have the banks now who say unless you have $5.000 you do not speak to people. you speak to machines. Are those the ones we want to rely upon? As I say. fortunately. a lot of financial institutions are working with people to. try to assist them. They do not want to be property owners and real estate owners. But by the same token. the other side of the coin also applies. For that reason. I must oppose this amendment and ask that we defeat it not only as roundly as the previous one. but even with more fortitude. again. thinking of the people who. through no fault of their own. are unemployed. Even though the unemployment rate may have come down in a particular metropolitan area it does not mean that those people who are still unemployed are having it any better.
Date: 1983-05-11
Speaker: ST GERMAIN (democrat)
Chamber: H

I thank the gentleman for his remarks. * Mr. Chairman. I would just like to state at this time again that we do not want to keep the House here late this evening. We do not want to do that. We wint to move expeditiously. For that reason. we are not going to debate this any further. It is not deserving of any . further debate. The issue is clearcut. We call for defeat of the amendment.
Date: 1983-05-11
Speaker: ST GERMAIN (democrat)
Chamber: H

Mr. Chairman. I shall not travel to the well because I do not think we want to waste that much time. Again. this amendment is familiar to us. We have addressed it both in subcommittee and full committee. and I appreciate the sincerity of the sponsor of the amendment in offering the amendment. but I do not believe he is an attorney. I am an attorney. and about the only people who will be happy about this and dance up and down with glee would be the legal profession because of the additional fees available to them under this. I would also submit another thing. Call it anything you will. the fact still remains that out there across the land. this means people would be looked upon as having filed for bankruptcy. Why do we force them to do that. or to take a paupers oath. so to speak. before they can get assistance? It reminds me. in this instance. of perhaps asking people to take on the scarlet letter. Nathaniel Hawthorne wrote the book. "The Scarlet Letter." Well. we do not want our poor unfortunates who are unemployed through no fault of their own to be branded with a scarlet letter. and for that reason we oppose the amendment and we ask that it be roundly defeated. I yield back the balance of my time.