macleginn/stanford_congress_record_longer_speeches huggingface dataset:
Date: 2008-03-05
Speaker: EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON (democrat)
Chamber: H
State: Texas

Mr. Speaker. as a psychiatric nurse with 15 years of handson patient care experience. I strongly support mental health parity. All health insurers should provide coverage for mental and behavioral care. An overwhelming body of evidence links mental- and emotional wellbeing to physical wellbeing. Simply put. the two go handinhand. For too long. too many health insurance companies have cut comers. when it comes to providing mental health benefits. Left to the "free market system." many insurers have opted not to cover mental health care. claiming that it is not medically necessary. or simply ignoring the issue and forcing patients to absorb the costs. For too long. patients have suffered unfair expenses or delayed getting care. and the economic impact to our society has been large. Suicides. missed work due to depression. and other mental health issues have been the result of private industrys refusal to offer mental health benefits. It is time that we put this harmful practice to a stop. I want to commend Representatives PATRICK KENNEDY. JIM RAMSTAD. and Senators TED KENNEDY and PETE DOMENICI for their tireless work to develop this legislation. While I strongly support mental health parity. I believe that the Senate bill has been better tested by the stakeholder and business communities. The House version contains a provision. intended to help pay for the mental health benefit. that would result in reduced spending for physicianowned hospitals. Baylor cardiovascular hospital. in my district in Dallas. would be affected by the provision. In order to collect future Medicaid reimbursements. the hospital would need to reduce its percentage of physician ownership. and growth of the hospital could be severely restricted. It is my belief that Dallas residents are best served with as many options of affordable health care as possibleincluding mental health care. I hope that the House and Senate can resolve differences in the final legislation that will not harm local hospitals. yet pay for the benefits without increasing the Federal deficit. For me. the bottom line is this: mental health parity should have existed from the onset of our modern health insurance system. Mental wellness is just as important as physical wellness. The two are the foundation for a life of wholeness and satisfaction. Again. I thank my colleagues. stakeholder groups. and members of the Other Body for their hard work on such a critical issue.
Date: 2008-03-06
Speaker: GEORGE MILLER (democrat)
Chamber: H
State: California

Madam Speaker. I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days within which to revise and extend their remarks and insert extraneous material on the bill. H.R. 2857. into the RECORD.
Date: 2008-03-06
Speaker: GEORGE MILLER (democrat)
Chamber: H
State: California

Madam Chairman. I rise in strong support of H.R. 2857. the Generations Invigorating Volunteerism and Education Act. the first reauthorization of national and. community service laws and programs since 1993. I am pleased that today this House is taking up this important measure that will take volunteerism and service into the 21st century. It was in March of 1961 that President John F. Kennedy first challenged a generations of Americans to ask "not what your country can do for you. ask what you can do for your country." By establishing the Peace Corps and the Volunteers in Service to America programs. he inspired millions of Americans to make a difference here at home and around the globe. He created a powerful legacy of hope and service that connects us as Americans. Almost 50 years later. we should be very proud that volunteering in Amer- ica is at a 30year high. Through AmeriCorps and other service programs. new generations of Americans have become inspired to build stronger. more vibrant communities. help children succeed in schools. and rebuild cities in times of disaster. In fact. in 2006. more than 61 million Americans gave back to their communities through service. That same year. volunteers in my home State of California contributed more than 858 million hours of service to our State economy. a value of more than $17 billion. In the 15 years since AmeriCorps was enacted into law. more than 500.000 Americans of all ages and backgrounds have participated in this program. Our current and future generations of volunteers deserve our renewed support for their programs. just as President Kennedy first provided decades ago.
Date: 2008-03-06
Speaker: VAN HOLLEN (democrat)
Chamber: H

Mr. Chairman. throughout our history. American citizens have never hesitated to heed the call to service. They have answered in times of peace and prosperity. in times of war and recession. They have donated time and money and sweatas much as they could. whenever it was needed. When our Nation faced the Great Depression. President Roosevelt formed the Civilian Conservation Corps and put citizens to work for the national interest. When we faced political uncertainty in the world. President Kennedy challenged our young people to serve and dispatched the Peace Corps on missions of international aid and public diplomacy. And when neighbors have challenges. when communities struggle. or when the Nation sees tragedy. our citizens rally and lend a hand. In recent years. we have seen some of the largest increases in volunteerism in history. This new trend is led by our young people. who are serving in record numbers. The humber of college students who volunteer increased by 20 percent -between 2002 and 2005. And the programs we consider today are a key part of that service. Todays legislation will increase enrollment in AmeriCorps and establish ways to deploy AmeriCorps alumni in times of national need. It will establish an Office of Outreach and Recruitment to match new volunteers with service opportunities. It will create a new program. a Summer of Service. to encourage. more young people to help their communities. It will strengthen our emergency preparedness and disaster response with improvements to the National Civilian Community Corps. And it will challenge our scientists. mathematicians. and engineers to meet our Nations technical needs with creativity and innovation. Mr. Chairman. Americans have made tremendous investments through national service. Let us. in turn. pass this legislation today to assist their efforts and continue their commitment to our Nations future.
Date: 2008-03-06
Speaker: EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON (democrat)
Chamber: H
State: Texas

Mr. Chairman. I rise today in strong support of the Generations Invigorating Volunteerism and Education Act. The GIVE Act will expand the Corporation for National and Community Service which has been instrumertal in helping .connect Americans to high quality. meaningful service and servicelearning opportunities. The GIVE Act will increase the benefits of service available to more participants and more communities. improve program quality. ensure participant diversity. increase the value of the AmeriCorps education award. and reduce the age eligibility for Senior Corps to 55. In the last 14 years more than 500.000 individuals have served through AmeriCorps and have earned education awards worth more than $1.5 billion. Senior Corps members have generated more than 1 billion volunteer service hours. and more than 15 million young people have participated in servicelearning initiatives funded by Learn and Serve America. In addition. the national service programs have provided opportunities for growing numbers of Americans to serve our Nation. Since AmeriCorps was created in 1994. Texas has benefited from over 22.000 young people serving for at least 1 year in our communities. Through programs such as the "National Civilian Community Corps" and "City Year." AmeriCorps volunteers address critical Texas needs in the areas of education. public safety. disaster response and recovery. and environment preservation. These programs serve the important role of providing an outlet for service to the country in a manner previously not afforded. Mr. Chairman. the AmedCorps program has done great things for Texas and this Nation as a whole. as is reflected in the AmeriCorps members pledge to "get things done." I am indeed honored to support this wonderful program which represents the very best of the United States of America.
Date: 2008-03-06
Speaker: GEORGE MILLER (democrat)
Chamber: H
State: California

Mr. Speaker. I raise a point of order that the motion to recommit contains nongermane instructions in violation of clause 7. rule XVI. The instructions in the motion to recommit address an unrelated matter within the jurisdiction of a committee not represented in the underlying bill.
Date: 2008-03-06
Speaker: GEORGE MILLER (democrat)
Chamber: H
State: California

Mr. Speaker. the scheduling of the House is not the subject of this point of order. I raised a point of order that the motion addresses the jurisdiction of committees not represented in the underlying -bill. Neither the Judiciary Committee or the Intelligence Committee is represented in the underlying bill. not the schedule of the House.
Date: 2008-03-06
Speaker: GEORGE MILLER (democrat)
Chamber: H
State: California

Mr. Speaker. I insist upon my point of order. The gentleman again is speaking to the scheduling of the floor of the House. The. bill. in its entirety. speaks to national voluntary service. The gentleman. I guess. is talking about the intelligence service. And the fact of the matter is. under the point of order there is nothing in this legislation within the jurisdiction of the committees. for the motion to recommit. of the Intelligence Committee or the Judiciary Committee. and I insist upon my point of order.
Date: 2008-03-06
Speaker: GEORGE MILLER (democrat)
Chamber: H
State: California

Mr. Speaker. I insist on my point of order. Again. had we been involved with the committees of jurisdiction that the gentleman is referring to. the bill would have been referred by the Parliamentarian to those committees. and it was not. And let me just inform the gentleman. I know hes been out for a couple of days and he comes back with great vigor. and I admire his arguments. But there is nothing within the programs of Teach for America or the Boys and Girls Club of America or the Big Brothers Big Sisters program or the YouthBuild or the National Council on Aging or the Senior Citizen Nutrition Program or the American Red Cross. there is nothing in those programs that require that they eavesdrop or wiretap anybodys phones before they can deliver their services. And thereis nothing within the jurisdiction of this legislation or of this committee that deals with those matters. and there is nothing in this bill that deals with the matters within the jurisdiction of those committees. And I insist upon my point of order.
Date: 2008-03-06
Speaker: GEORGE MILLER (democrat)
Chamber: H
State: California

Parliamentary inquiry. Mr. Speaker. The gentleman must speak to the point of order which has been made with respect to the fact that there is nothing in this committee speaking to those jurisdictions.
Date: 2008-03-06
Speaker: GEORGE MILLER (democrat)
Chamber: H
State: California

Mr. Speaker. I insist upon my point of order. And I appreciate that perhaps theres some confusion on the other side of the aisle between the Big Brothers of this program and Big Brother- that youre thinking about. I insist upon my point of order.
Date: 2008-03-06
Speaker: GEORGE MILLER (democrat)
Chamber: H
State: California

As I understand the motion. Mr. Speaker. it is to codify the regulations that were finalized in November of last year that the Department has proposed for background checks and protection of the programs. is that correct?
Date: 2008-03-06
Speaker: GEORGE MILLER (democrat)
Chamber: H
State: California

Mr. Speaker. reclaiming my time. I think we agree with you. and I would ask if the gentleman would accept a unanimous consent request to change "promptly" to "forthwith" so we could vote on it now and report the bill out.
Date: 2008-03-06
Speaker: GEORGE MILLER (democrat)
Chamber: H
State: California

Mr. Speaker. I reclaim my time. I just want to say that this is unfortunate. because this is an amendment that we would agree to. It embodies the regulations supported by the Bush administration. It affects a program that has huge bipartisan support in all of our communities. that the President is in support of and is looking for the opportunity to sign this bill. But the gentleman insists upon making his motion in the form of "promptly." so that the bill has to go back to committee. which makes everything much more complicated in terms of the passage of this bill.
Date: 2008-03-06
Speaker: GEORGE MILLER (democrat)
Chamber: H
State: California

I reclaim my time and would just say that this amendment was never offered in committee. it was never taken to the Rules Committee. This is sort of a "gotcha." But. unfortunately. it dramatically impacts the timetable for this bill. Mr. Speaker. I yield back the balance of my time.
Date: 2008-03-10
Speaker: LINDA T. SANCHEZ (democrat)
Chamber: H
State: California

Madam Speaker. I proudly rise today to congratulate the University of California. Los AngelesMy alma mater--on its 100th NCAA team championship. In a Nation with so many colleges and universities known for their strong sports programs. heck. in a city the size of Los Angeles with sports powerhouse USC right across town. this is a truly amazing accomplishment. At UCLA. which has so many firsts in other areas. the 2007 UCLA womens water polo Team helped UCLA reach another first: the first to 100 NCAA team championships. On May 13. 2007. the womens water polo team. led by Head Coach Adam Krikorian. defeated Stanford 94 in the last round of the Womens Water Polo National Championship tournament. thereby making history. This was the teams third consecutive NCAA championship and its fifth overall national title. Team member Kelly Rulon was selected as the tournaments Most Valuable Player. and Ms. Rulon and four of her teammatesEmily Feher. Courtney Mathewson. Jillian Kraus. and Kacy Kunkewere named to the NCAA alltournament team. UCLA won its first national title in mens tennis in 1950. Since then. 16 different athletics programsnine mens programs and seven womenshave won national championships in the sports of basketball. golf. gymnastics. soccer. softball. swimming. tennis. track and field. volleyball. and. of course. water polo. In the last 5 years alone. under the leadership of Athletic Director Dan Guerrero. UCLA athletics teams have won 14 NCAA national championships in nine different sports. This extraordinary achievement is a tribute to the skill and dedication of the many players. coaches. students. alumni. families. professors. staff. and fans who have helped to make UCLA an athletic powerhouse as well as one of the top academic universities in the Nation. UCLAs accomplishment also demonstrates the success of Title IX. Of the 100 NCAA championships that UCLA teams have earned. womens teams have been responsible for 30. And the NCAA didnt even begin awarding championships in womens sports until the 198182 season. To all the athletes of UCLA. past and present. male and female. you rock.
Date: 2008-03-10
Speaker: ZOE LOFGREN (democrat)
Chamber: H
State: California

Madam Speaker. I ask unanimous consent to discharge the Committee on House Administration from further consideration of House Concurrent Resolution 306. and ask for its immediate consideration in the House.
Date: 2008-03-10
Speaker: ZOE LOFGREN (democrat)
Chamber: H
State: California

Madam Speaker. I send a concurrent resolution. H. Con. Res. 313. to the desk and ask unanimous consent for its immediate consideration in the House.
Date: 2008-03-10
Speaker: ZOE LOFGREN (democrat)
Chamber: H
State: California

I would just note that. as the gentleman has mentioned. it is important that we honor the 5 years of service and sacrifice of our troops and their families in the war in Iraq and remember our troops serving in Afghanistan and throughout the world. I would note that Ranking Member EHLERS is a cosponsor of this resolution. and both conflicts are still ongoing. Our troops efforts have gone above and beyond the call of duty. Their sacrifice and dedication to their country must be honored. as well as the sacrifice and dedication of American troops stationed at home and around the world. And I am pleased that we will have this important recognition in the peoples House. in the rotunda. I thank the gentleman for yielding.
Date: 2008-03-10
Speaker: ZOE LOFGREN (democrat)
Chamber: H
State: California

Madam Speaker. I ask unanimous consent that all Members have 5 legislative days to revise and extend their remarks in the RECORD on the two concurrent resolutions just considered.
Date: 2008-03-11
Speaker: VAN HOLLEN (democrat)
Chamber: H

Madam Speaker. I rise today in support of H. Res. 1024. which celebrates the 187th anniversary of the independence of Greece. one of our countrys closest and oldest allies. A longstanding member of NATO. Greece has played a pivotal role in the stability and development of the Balkans and the eastern Mediterranean region. It has invested over $20 billion in the countries of the region. contributing to the increasing economic vitality of the area. Greece has also contributed to peacekeeping operations that have been sponsored by the United Nations. the European Union. and the Organization on Security and Cooperation in Europe. In addition. it has closely collaborated with the United States in opposing and fighting terrorists and terrorist networks. Ancient Greece was the birthplace of democracy. and our countrys Founding Fathers took much of their inspiration from reading the philosophers of that time and place as they created a fledgling new democracy heie in the late 18th century. A century later. many Greek immigrants began to arrive at our shores. bringing with them a steadfast determination to succeed in realizing the American Dream. The GreekAmerican community. strengthened by new waves of immigration. has contributed to our society in numerous ways. many within the community have become leaders in the field of commerce. academia. the arts. and politics. They have also been instrumental in fostering close ties between the United States and Greece. As we celebrate the independence of Greece today. we also celebrate the accomplishments of the vibrant GreekAmerican community.
Date: 2008-03-11
Speaker: GENE GREEN (democrat)
Chamber: H
State: Texas

Madam Speaker. I rise today to show my support for H. Res. 1024. This resolution recognizes the 187th anniversary of the independence of Greece and celebrates Greek and American democracy. On March 25. 1821. Greece declared its independence from the Ottoman Empire. and the United States and Greece have had a longstanding relationship ever since. The Greek community is particularly active in our own country. Greece shares our democratic values and principles and has been an important ally to the United States. particularly since Worid War I. As the most senior EU and NATO country in their region. they serve as a great role model for democracy. stability. and security for other countries in their region. I look forward to continued bilateral relations and friendship with Greece as we work together to address the issues in Southeast Europe.
Date: 2008-03-11
Speaker: GEORGE MILLER (democrat)
Chamber: H
State: California

Mr. Speaker. I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill to reauthorize and reform the national service laws.
Date: 2008-03-11
Speaker: GEORGE MILLER (democrat)
Chamber: H
State: California

Mr. Speaker. I rise in strong support of H.R. 5563. the Generations Invigorating Volunteerism and Education Act. the first reauthorization of the national and community service laws and program since 1993. The legislation we are considering today includes all of the amendments approved last week by voice vote. It also includes the provision on background checks from the Republican motion to recommit. This bill is a bipartisan product. Through volunteer and community service programs. tens of millions of Americans of different generations have become inspired to build stronger. more vibrant communities to help children succeed in school and rebuild cities in times of disaster. In 2006. more than 61 million Americans gave back to their communities through service. The GIVE Act recognizes this growing service movement that is taking place across the Nation. It builds upon the successful work being done by members of AmeriCorps. of Vista. of Senior Corps. and Learn and Serve America.
Date: 2008-03-11
Speaker: GEORGE MILLER (democrat)
Chamber: H
State: California

I yield myself 30 seconds. Mr. Speaker. I would just say in the two programs the gentleman from Arizona raised. its exactly why we have the reauthorization so we can go back through those programs and. in fact. as a result of those reviews. the administration has insisted upon substantial changes in those programs which have been carried out and that is why the administration now supports this legislation. Mr. Speaker. I yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from Maryland . a member of the committee.
Date: 2008-03-11
Speaker: GEORGE MILLER (democrat)
Chamber: H
State: California

Mr. Speaker. I yield myself 2 minutes. Mr. Speaker. it is a little hard to sit here and be lectured to by somebody from the other party that ran up an $8 trillion deficit in a matter of 8 years. about $1 trillion a year they succeeded in running up the deficit. But more importantly. I dont know if the gentleman from Illinois was absent last week or he doesnt remember. I dont know which. but we were here last Thursday considering this bill under the rules of the House. under essentially an open rule where every Republican amendment and every Democratic amendment that was requested. I believe. was offered. The new programs were subjected to a vote of the House because we thought that was fair. They prevailed. We finished the business of this bill last week. and then people decided they wanted to play some games on the motions to recommit. and so that forced us to bring the bill up again this week. We cannot go back to committee. that would be even more expensive. more timeconsuming. and bring back the bill. so We have chosen to do it under suspension. But thats after all of the amendments have been given full consideration. Thats why the administration supported the legislation. Thats why it has bipartisan support. because it was bipartisan in the committee. I think it was 440 that it came out of the committee. It was bipartisan in" the Rules Committee. It was bipartisan on the floor until the gentlemans party decided at the last minute that they wanted to try to somehow incorporate the FISA discussion into national service. That was out of order. That was not allowed. And then Mr. KUHL decided to offer an amendment. which we asked unanimous consent to accept at that time and we were not allowed to accept it. So. were back here today. And were trying to do it in the most expeditious fashion because it costs something to run the House. We shouldnt be back here today. But thats the history. in case the gentleman was absent last week. Mr. Speaker. I reserve the balance of my time.
Date: 2008-03-11
Speaker: GEORGE MILLER (democrat)
Chamber: H
State: California

Mr. Speaker. I ask unanimous consent that all Members have 5 legislative days to revise and extend and to insert extraneous materials in the RECORD on H.R. 5563 and on S. 2733.
Date: 2008-03-11
Speaker: GEORGE MILLER (democrat)
Chamber: H
State: California

Mr. Speaker. I move to suspend the rules and pass the Senate bill to temporarily extend the programs under the Higher Education Act of 1965.