macleginn/stanford_congress_record_longer_speeches huggingface dataset:
Date: 1997-11-06
Speaker: BOB BARR (republican)
Chamber: H

now says we should spend taxpayers dollars for an expensive fishing expedition. Why? To see if there might possibly. conceivably. maybe be a reason to consider impeaching President Clinton. Ridiculous. First Republicans spent millions of taxpayers hardearned money to try to bring down President Clinton with Whitewater hearings. Strike 1. Then Republicans wasted taxpayers money attacking Senator LANDRIEUS election in Louisiana. Strike 2. Now Republicans are trying to overturn the election of the gentlewoman from California Ms. LORETTA SANCHEZ. and after an entire year. there is no proof her election should be overturned. Strike 3. Having struck out with taxpayers money. the gentleman from Georgia
Date: 1997-11-06
Speaker: SAM JOHNSON (republican)
Chamber: H
State: Texas

Madam Speaker. I thank the gentleman for yielding me time. and thank the gentleman from Indiana as well. Madam Speaker. now that Chinese President Jiangs visit to the United States is over. I am glad we can focus on the real issue at hand. and that is the future of United States policy toward China. I hope the President. after rolling up the red carpet and putting away the champagne glasses. remembers that China has sold deadly military hardware to a terrorist nation. This includes a direct transfer of both chemical technology and cruise missiles to Iran. And what was this administrations response? Silence. Even though this was in direct violation of U.S. law. which was written by none other than Vice President AL GORE. Correct me if I am wrong. Madam Speaker. but wasnt it this President who in 1993 said. "The United States would not cater to nations that violated peace and weapons agreements .E H10125 and restricted the freedoms of their people?" The last time I checked. China was still a Communist nation with a leadership that restricted the most basic of human rights. and Iran was still a dangerous rogue nation. which even today has proven ill will toward the United States. But most hypocritical of all. the original author of the Senate bill to stop arms sales to terrorist nations and impose sanctions if violations occur was none other than AL GORE. our own Vice President. Yet last week. during the discussions with Jiang. our President was touting a new agreement he had reached with President Jiang. Well. that is nice. but what about upholding current law? If I was the Vice President. I would be outraged. I guess the law just does not matter to some. I hope the President remembers. as Mr. GILMAN has noted. that 15.000 United States troops are stationed right there in direct line of the cruise missiles which China transferred to Iran. The transfer of these weapons and technology from China is in direct violation of United States law. and our iefusal to call China to the mat for their actions is an embarrassment to this country. This bill will rectify this situation and force the administration to take the very action which the Vice President called for in 1993. This Congress must live up to our responsibility to protect the safety and security of America. I urge my colleagues vote.
Date: 1997-11-06
Speaker: CHEN YUN (republican)
Chamber: H

FE. I am a woman from the countryside. so I do not know how to say those very polite languages. I would like you to forgive me for that. I come to the United States because of the Chinese family planning program. The reason I came to the United States is because the Chinese Government does not allow us to have more than one child. Because I have more than one child. that is why they try to suppress me. oppress me. and that is why I escaped to the United States. Shall I say something more specifically? Mr. SMrrIH. If you could give the details about your situation.[.he treatment by the family planning cadres. for example. why did you feel so threatened. whether or not you were mistreated.
Date: 1997-11-06
Speaker: LINDA SMITH (republican)
Chamber: H
State: Washington

Mr. Speaker. I rise today in support of H.R. 2386. the United StatesTaiwan AntiBallistic Missile Defense Cooperation Act. The Taiwanese people only wish to see that the safety and security of Taiwan is enhanced. The United States must play an important role in this process. This legislation. H.R. 2386. requires the Secretary of Defense to conduct a study on a plan for Taiwan to acquire a missile defense system to protect the territory of Taiwan. The missile firings conducted by the Chinese Government off the coast of Taiwan less than 2 years ago is proof that Taiwans long term security and the United States interests in the Pacific Rim demand that we stand firm in ensuring Taiwans safety. This study will ensure that all facets of Taiwans security are examined and the feasibility of a missile defense system is fully considered. The Taiwanese people should be reassured that their safety is of great concern to the American people. I ask my colleagues to please join me in supporting H.R. 2386. the United StatesTawan AntiBallistic Missile Defense Cooperation Act.
Date: 1997-11-09
Speaker: LINDA SMITH (republican)
Chamber: H
State: Washington

Madam Speaker. I rise today in support of H.R. 2232. the Radio Free Asia Act authored by Congressman ED ROYCE. I believe this legislation is one of the most important pieces of the China package that the House of Representatives has been considering this week because it gives people hope. It is the most tangible way for the Chinese people to learn about the democratic rule of law. human rights. and current events around the world. It will also audibly demonstrate the aspirations of the American people to have a positive relationship with China as we enter the 21st century. The Radio Free Asia Act is a direct counterpoint to the oppressive policies of the Chinese Government. The lack of a free flow of information within China makes it all the more important that the broadcasts of Voice of America and Radio Free Asia are heard loud and clear. While the government of China can stifle their own press and attempt to jam our broadcasts. by increasing the number of hours on the air as well as the variety of dialects. a message of hope and freedom will be heard by countless millions. My colleague. Congressman FRANK WOLF. recently came back from a trip to Tibet and he reported that the broadcasts of Radio Free Asia were a great source of encouragement to the Tibetan population. The least that we can do is to ensure that these broadcasts continue by providing the necessary funds to sustain and increase these broadcasts. I urge my colleagues to join me in passing the Radio Free Asia Act.
Date: 1997-11-09
Speaker: DICK ARMEY (republican)
Chamber: H

for letting us bring this thing to the floor. I would also like to mention several other individuals: The gentleman from Colorado Mr. DAN SCHAEFER. the gentleman from California. Mr. ESTEBAN TORRES. the gentleman from New York. Mr. JIM WALSH. the gentleman from Hawaii. Mr. NEIL ABERCROMBIE. the gentleman from North Carolina.
Date: 1997-11-09
Speaker: AMO HOUGHTON (republican)
Chamber: H

and also the gentleman from Ohio. Mr. TONY HALL. for seeing that the issue of microfinance and microcredit receives congressional attention. I am a cosponsor of this bill. and very supportive of microcredit and the aim of thoughtfully assisting the poor who wish to help themselves. Microcredit is a responsible and effective tool in fighting poverty. I have heard -a number of stories that tell of the successes of microcredit. One of many examples is that of a woman in Bangladesh whose husband had died. Without any income. she was forced to sell all of her possessions to feed her little girl. She was forced to go from shack to shack. begging to sleep on the dirt floors of those who were barely better off than she. A microcredit representative came to her village and told her that she could get a loan to help her improve her position. imagine that. a woman who had lost her husband. lost all of her possessions. so poor that she was forced to beg to live on floors of her neighbors. This woman is told that she can have a loan. not a big loan. a loan that was under $40. How powerful and empowering is someone saying. I have faith in you and we are going to give you a chance. The microcredit representative in her community helped her develop a business plan. She purchased a hen. She would keep some of the eggs for her daugJiter and herself. and sell the rest. Soon she was able to pay off the loan and buy some goats. Now she has. a small farm and home. all of this from a $40 loan. She was begging to live on dirt floors. and because someone was willing to give her a small loan. she was able to become a strong contributing member of her society. There are many stories like this that have been shared by others already today. How can we not feel good and want to encourage programs such as this? In hearings on this issue. my colleagues on the Committee on International Relations were very accepting and positive in their discussions of the HoughtonHall bill. Ironically. USAID assistance to microcredit for fiscal year 1998 is $20 million less than* it was in fiscal year 1994. despite the effectiveness of microcredit programs. with loan repayments of over 90 percent. It seems that the logical step would be an increase. rather than a decrease. of our earmarks for microcredit. We must work to guarantee that these recommendations be understood as a legislative distinction intended to reach those at the very bottom of the economic ladder. thereby ensuring we sufficiently reach those with the greatest need. Having said that. I will support the Gilman compromise bill. noting that it is a. beginning. More needs to be done to expand and protect effective microcredit funding. I look forward to working with my colleagues in microcredit initiatives as we work to creatively find ways to assist those -with the greatest need.
Date: 1997-11-09
Speaker: DAN SCHAEFER (republican)
Chamber: H
State: Colorado

Mr. Speaker. I move to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution (H. Res. 317) providing for the agreement of the House to the Senate amendment to the bill. H.R. 2472. with an amendment.
Date: 1997-11-09
Speaker: DAN SCHAEFER (republican)
Chamber: H
State: Colorado

Mr. Speaker. I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days within which to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous matter on the resolution under consideration.
Date: 1997-11-09
Speaker: DAN SCHAEFER (republican)
Chamber: H
State: Colorado

Mr. Speaker. I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker. the bill we will be sending back to the other body reauthorizes a provision of the Energy and Conservation Act related to the Strategic Petroleum Reserve and the U.S. participation in the international agreement for 1 fiscal year. These provisions. which expired September 30. assure that if there is an energy emergency. the Presidents authority to draw down the Strategic Petroleum Reserve and the ability of U.S. oil companies to participate in the international energy agreement without violating antitrust laws is preserved for another year. As I stated when the House passed this bill earlier this year. because of their importance to the U.S. national energy security. I believe these programs should not go unauthorized. At the same time. I believe requiring them to be reauthorized annually is appropriate as long as oil from the Reserve continues to be sold for budgetary purposes. It is my hope that when DOE completes its review of the SPR policies. we can work with the administration and the appropriators to develop a coherent and consistent policy regarding the future of the reserve. Mr. Speaker. I reserve the balance of my time.
Date: 1997-11-09
Speaker: DAN SCHAEFER (republican)
Chamber: H
State: Colorado

Mr. Speaker. I thank the gentleman from Texas for his work and agree that we must have EPCA in place. particularly in light of the ongoing events in the Middle East.
Date: 1997-11-09
Speaker: DAN SCHAEFER (republican)
Chamber: H
State: Colorado

If the gentleman would continue to yield. I thank the gentleman again for his remarks. and I agree that the Committee on Commerce and other affected committees should take a closer look at this issue to ensure that our national interests are fully protected and we can meet our treaty oblijations.
Date: 1997-11-09
Speaker: DAN SCHAEFER (republican)
Chamber: H

I think we ought to get on top of this sooner rather than later next year. when we have time to consider the matter thoroughly. We ought not to wait until EPCA expires next September. Maybe by then we will be comfortable providing for a longerterm reauthorization.
Date: 1997-11-09
Speaker: DAN SCHAEFER (republican)
Chamber: H
State: Colorado

Mr. Speaker. I certainly agree with the comments of my colleague. We have worked very closely together in the past. and I want to continue todo that. particularly on this issue and any other issue that deals with our committee. But we have to ensure that we have energy policy in this country that is going to be best for the American citizens.
Date: 1997-11-13
Speaker: SAM JOHNSON (republican)
Chamber: H
State: Texas

Mr. Speaker. I would say to the gentleman from Missouri . I appreciate his position. I really do. I just cannot believe that we as a country have sunk to this level. where we have a highlevel Clinton administration official referring to a branch of our military. in this case the Marine Corps. as being "extremist" and "dangerous to society." The testimony you just heard is she does not say that. According to
Date: 1998-02-04
Speaker: SAM JOHNSON (republican)
Chamber: H
State: Texas

Mr. Chairman. I would like to say to the gentleman from California that I like his comment: Ira Magaziner is a bum. I will just call him that. But there was a difference in this case because there was a judge involved. and I think we have to protect the American taxpayer from paying that $286.000 for a crime they did not commit. In 1993. the President did form a secret task force to try and socialize the best health care system in the world. to put the lives of all Americans in the control of our government. A U.S. district judge recently ruled the Presidents task force engaged in "dishonest and reprehensible conduct" and levied that fine of $286.000. and the President believes the American people ought to pay that fine. That is unbelievable. Here we have a secret task force that did not consult with the American people. trying to destroy the best health care system in the world. and that same administration has the audacity to turn around and tell the American people. they break the law and pay a fine. I am outraged. Pay this fine? No. no. I do not think so. The American people ought not to have to give up their hardearned dollars to a government that already takes over 38 percent of the taxpayers income anyway. Mr. Chairman. where is the accountability? It is time for people who break the law to stand up and take responsibility. I think Mr. HAYWORTH is right. The President made these same remarks in his State of the Union speech. The task force should take responsibility for their conduct. The task force should pay the fine themselves.
Date: 1998-02-05
Speaker: LINDA SMITH (republican)
Chamber: H
State: Washington

Mr. Chairman. I especially want to thank the Chairman of this committee. Because many would shirk at the issue of national testing because we often think that testing is the way to assure education. But this last week. my school board members came to me and they said. "Oh. please. do not test us any more. We already in our State have a 4th and 8th grade test. We are already having the teachers complain that they are working to test instead of working to teach. " So today what we are saying is Congress should take a look at this. And it really says. Mr. President. you cannot spend that $342 million developing a* new bureaucracy. a new test. until you talk to us and we talk to the people. That is what this debate is about. It is about talking to the people.. When my school board members. one by one. from all over the State that has little to big districts. come and say. all of our administration is Federal regulation. testing and bureaucracy and it is even affecting the classroom. we should take a look. The people elect Congress. they elect us to represent them. and I think we should stop and take a look. / This is a great bill. and I strongly support it.
Date: 1998-02-05
Speaker: BILL FRIST (republican)
Chamber: S
State: Tennessee

one of the Senators who knows the most about questions of science. He would never want us to sacrifice appropriate advancements in science and medical achievement in any way. The difference is he really knows what hes talking about. So. while there are some disagreements about how far to go. what would be appropriate. what would not be appropriate. a lot of good work has been done. It seems to me that the thing to do is to go forward. Lets have a continued debate in addition to what we have already heard from a half dozen or seven Senators or so. Lets have other Senators become informed. read the debate we have already had. think about this issue. study the bills. and make recommendations. If there are amendments by the Senator from California. I think they should be offered. Lets debate them and lets think about them. This is an issue whose time has comemaybe sooner than we would have ever dreamed. and maybe in a lot of ways we had not anticipated this. But if we dont act. what could be the result? Do we want to allow the possibility of human cloning to go forward? I dont think so. Leaders in the scientific and medical communities. and others. have already indicated their concerns about that. The President of the United States has made it very clear in an early statement that he wanted to make sure that this human cloning did not occur. So I urge the Senatewe can go forward with deliberate speed. which is always the case. but we should go forward and not have this pigeonholed somewhere in the bowels of the building for weeks or months while time and events pass us by.
Date: 1998-02-12
Speaker: SAM JOHNSON (republican)
Chamber: H
State: Texas

J.C.. you are terrible. You are great. You are perfect. I thank you for bringing this to the floor. And IKE. you. and all the other Democrats I know. respect and admire our veterans and those who are in the service today. This Nation would not be the great Nation it is were it not for the veterans from the Revolutionary days right on up until today. I hope we will remember those who are in the service in places of harms way today and who might be put in harms way and hope that we will not have to put them there. Those are the guys that down through the years have made this country great. have made it free. I can assure you. until you have had freedom taken away from you. you never can understand exactly what the beauty of it is. This Nation represents that. America is and will be the greatest nation in the world. All you have to do is step across the border in any direction and you know you want to come back. I salute the veterans of this Nation who have made it great. I think. with you. we should honor those who are in the service of our Nation today. respct and honor them. Let me just tell you. there was a quote left on the wall in Vietnam. in one of those prisons when we left. which I think says it all: Freedom has a taste to those who fight and almost die that the protected will never know. God bless you all. It is pleasure to be in this body with each and every one of you.
Date: 1998-02-26
Speaker: SAM JOHNSON (republican)
Chamber: H
State: Texas

Mr. Chairman. I move to strike the last word. Mr. Chairman. in closing I just want to say that this bill will make cellular telephones across America more secure. It is high time in our society that the victim rather than the criminal is protected. No longer will the hardcore criminal be able to steal cellular phone numbers and rack up huge phone bills Which cost all of us. Mr. Chairman. this bill is about freedom and security. the right of each American to freely and safely use their phones without the fear of their number being stolen. This bill is going to help our law enforcement agencies and ensure a safer America for all.
Date: 1998-03-03
Speaker: LINDA SMITH (republican)
Chamber: H
State: Washington

Madam Chairman. I think first we need to go. back to what the bill does. The most important thing is it stops the process of soft money. In all of this it is hard to remember what soft money is. but it is a process of giving nearly unlimited amounts of money to the party organizations that often fund unlimited amounts of really nasty ads towards the end of the campaign. But at the bottom of them they do not say paid for by a tobacco company or whoever really paid for them. so that we really do not know who bought that ad. who is affecting the election. I think it is important for everyone to remember that is the base of this: cleaning up the system so we can know who is paying for influencing the elections. not money washed through that we cannot track. The other thing that this does is it deals with sham ads. It says if someone is using the face and the name of someone. it is an advertisement. It is not just informing the electorate. but it is advertising. and it does not say we cannot do it. it just says we have to come under the law and report it: who they are. what they are spending. The other thing this bill does is something we all want. It increases the disclosure. It simply says we need to tell timely who is paying for what. and we need to inform the folks so they know again who is paying for elections and make sure that everyone knows that on a timely basis. Then another thing it does that I think is real important is it establishes a commission to go on. to come back and tell us and give us recommendations. but it does not just fall to a commission as an excuse for doing nothing. This place is pretty great at coming up with commissions because we do not have the backbone to do what we need to do. We all know the American people are sick of the campaign system that is washing money through. and they see it nightly on their TV sets. And finally. but not exclusively. this bill takes care of a lot of the problems that a lot of the groups had about the freedom of speech on their voter guides. and it cleans that section up and lets them have their voter guides without super management. Madam Chairman. with that I encourage this as a positive vote.
Date: 1998-03-04
Speaker: BOB SCHAFFER (republican)
Chamber: H
State: Colorado

Mr. Speaker. I think people around the country recognize that. when it gets right down to it. People are beginning" *to get wise to the budget manipulations that they see from the WhiteHouse:I know in Missouri. and I apologize. earlier I mentionedthat the gentleman from Missouri was from Minnesota. That is not the case. Let me apologize. I yield to the gentlemanfrom Missouri .
Date: 1998-03-04
Speaker: BOB SCHAFFER (republican)
Chamber: H
State: Colorado

Mr. Speaker. it is interesting we find Republican governors or Republican legislators leading the way at the State level. It is a clear distinction that is exhibited here between what our party represents and what our liberal colleagues on the other side of the aisle represent. They define compassion by how much money- government can give away to the charity of politicians choices. We believe we define compassion by how much money we leave in the hands of those who earn it and encourage more to earn higher wages. The experiences in Michigan and Colorado are great examples.