macleginn/stanford_congress_record_longer_speeches huggingface dataset:
Date: 2016-06-21
Speaker: JACKSON LEE (democrat)
Chamber: H

Mr. Speaker. I rise in support of H.R. 5388. the "Support for Rapid Innovation Act of 2016." which amends the Homeland Security Act of 2002 to provide for improved innovative research and development. I support this bill because it would extend the Department of Homeland Security secretarys pilot program for research and development projects and prototype projects through 2020. This bill would require the secretary to report annually to the House Homeland Security and Science committees and the Senate Homeland Security Committee on the dynamics of the projects undertaken. Specifically. H.R. 5388 would amend the Homeland Security Act of 2002 to include fundamental improvements to facilitate information. analytics. and methodologies related to cybersecurity risks and incidents. consistent with the current law. In particular. it adds a new section to the Homeland Security Act. directing the Department of Homeland Security to supportwhether within itself. other agencies. or in academia and private industrythe research and development of cybersecurityrelated technologies. As a senior member of the Homeland Security Committee and Ranking Member of the Judiciary Committee and Subcommittee on Crime Terrorism. Homeland Security. and Investigations. I support this bill as it directs the Under Secretary for Science and Technology to bolster research and development. along with the testing and evaluation of cybersecurity technology to improve the sharing of information. analysis. and methodologies related to cybersecurity risks and incidents. The Rapid Innovation Act is a smart bill that will enable the Department of Homeland Security to establish and improve technologies for detecting attacks or intrusions. The "Support for Rapid Innovation Act of 2016" will equip the Department of Homeland Security with vital tools and resources to prevent and remove attacks and threats implemented by those who target our nation. Mr. Speaker. we face growing cybersecurity threats. which demands that we increase research and development. along with the testing and evaluation of cybersecurity technology to expand the sharing of information. analysis. and methodologies related to cybersecurity risks and incidents. This is a comprehensive bill that will help protect all Americans in every corner of this nation. I urge all Members to join me in voting to pass H.R. 5388.
Date: 2016-06-21
Speaker: JACKSON LEE (democrat)
Chamber: H

Mr. Speaker. as a senior member of the Homeland Security Committee. I rise in support of H.R. 5389. the "Leveraging Emerging Technologies Act of 2016." which requires the Secretary of Homeland Security to engage with innovative and emerging technology developers. including technologybased small businesses and startup ventures that can help tackle the rapidly expanding list of homeland security technology needs. H.R. 5389 helps to protect Americas computer and communications networks. which security experts believe represent the nations most critical national security challenge. including internet functions and connected critical infrastructure such as air traffic control. the U.S. electrical grid. and nuclear power plants. H.R. 5389 authorizes DHS to establish personnel and office space in diverse geographic areas around the United States that have high concentrations of technology developers and firms. The bill also directs DHS. within 6 months. to develop and submit to Congress a Departmentwide strategy to engage with innovative and emerging technology companies. Importantly. the bill specifically requires the Secretary to include in that strategy ways to effectively integrate technologybased small businesses and startup ventures. Importantly. the bill also requires the DHS Secretary to coordinate with those in the venture capital industry to assist in the development of technologies that are ready for commercialization and use in the Homeland Security Enterprise. Since its founding. the Department of Homeland Security has overcome many challenges as an organization but much more progress must be made regarding effective interoperable communication between the federal. state. and local agencies. Although not a panacea. H.R. 5389 is a step in the right direction because it will help improve DHS overall functions so that it can more effectively protect our people. I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting this important legislation.
Date: 2016-06-21
Speaker: JACKSON LEE (democrat)
Chamber: H

Mr. Speaker. I rise in support of H.R. 4010. a bill "To designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 522 North Central Avenue in Phoenix. Arizona. as the Ed Pastor Post Office". I support this bill because it honors the service of Ed Pastor. the first Latino congressman from Arizona. During Congressman Pastors 12 terms in Congress. he committed himself to serving thousands of constituents from the 2nd. 4th. and 7th districts in Arizona and all across the country. As a dedicated and active member of the U.S. House of Representatives. Congressman Pastor served as a member of the Committee on Appropriations. the Congressional Progressive Caucus. the Congressional Hispanic Caucus. the International Conservation Caucus. and the Sportsmens Caucus. Congressman Pastor is also known for his influence in promoting American arts. for protecting nature. and for protecting the civil rights of Americans. As members of Congress. it is vital that we continue to fight for the rights of our constituents and for all Americans as we actively conserve our precious land and indigenous cultu res. As I am a strong advocate of protecting human and civil rights. I fully support the designation of the United States Postal Service facility as the "Ed Pastor Post Office" in honor of his services to both his country and to his constituents. I urge all members to join me in passing H.R. 4010 as it rightfully commemorates Ed Pastors outstanding service.
Date: 2016-06-21
Speaker: JACKSON LEE (democrat)
Chamber: H

Mr. Speaker. I am pleased to support H.R. 4777. which designates the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 1301 Alabama Avenue in Selma. Alabama as the "Amelia Boynton Robinson Post Office Building." I support this legislation. because it commemorates Amelia Boynton Robinsons historic role during the Civil Rights Movement. Not only was Amelia a courageous activist in Selma. Alabama during the height of the Civil Rights Movement. she also taught in Georgia before starting with the U.S. Department of Agriculture in Selma as the home demonstration agent for Dallas County. She educated the countys largely rural population about food production and processing. nutrition. healthcare. and other subjects related to agriculture and homemaking. We celebrate Amelia for her invaluable contributions to her community and her country. Amelia worked for the promotion of civil rights for all and protested the continued segregation and disenfranchisement of African Americans. Amelia registered to vote. which was extremely difficult for African Americans to accomplish in Alabama due to discriminatory practices under the states reactionary constitution passed at the turn of the century. Amelia Boynton Robinson made her home and office in Selma a center for strategy sessions for Selmas civil rights battles. including its voting rights campaign. In 1964. Amelia ran for the Congress from Alabama. with the intent to encourage African Americans to register and vote. This made Amelia the first female African American to run for office in Alabama and the first woman of any race to run for office as a candidate of the Democratic party in the state of Alabama. Amelia is also known for her role in Selma to Montgomery marches. where she worked alongside Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King. Coretta Scott King. our beloved colleague Congressman JOHN LEWIS. and other monumental figures in the epochal struggle to secure the right to vote for all Americans. Amelia helped organize a march to the state capital of Montgomery. which became known as "Bloody Sunday" when county and state police stopped the march and beat demonstrators. Amelia was beaten unconscious and a newspaper of her lying bloody and beaten drew national attention to the cause. Men and women like Amelia marched because they believed that all persons have dignity and the right to equal treatment under the law. and in the making of the laws. which is the fundamental essence of the right to vote. Bloody Sunday led to the passage of the landmark Voting Rights Act of 1965. which was signed by President Lyndon Johnson on August 6. 1965. in the presence of Amelia Boynton Robinson. with Boynton attending as the landmark events guest of honor. Amelia was awarded the Martin Luther King Jr. Medal of Freedom and toured the United States on behalf of the Schiller Institute until Mr. Speaker. naming the post office in honor of Amelia Boynton Robinson is a special and deserved commemoration of her life of service.
Date: 2016-06-21
Speaker: AL GREEN (democrat)
Chamber: H
State: Texas

Mr. Speaker. today I missed the following votes: H.R. 5525. End Taxpayer Funded Cell Phones Act of 2016. Had I been present. I would have voted "no" on this bill. H.R. 5388. Support for Rapid Innovation Act of 2016. Had I been present. I would have voted "yes" on this bill. H.R. 5389. Leveraging Emerging Technologies Act of 2016. Had I been present. I would have voted "yes" on this bill.
Date: 2016-07-05
Speaker: JACKSON LEE (democrat)
Chamber: H

Mr. Speaker. while massive terrorist acts are raging all around the world. in my district yesterday 3 people were shot and killed. one a 28yearold father of 3. And just last week a mother shot dead her two daughters and was killed because she refused to put down a gun. We have a moment in historyin the backdrop of the largest mass murder by guns by a bad person in Orlando. Florida. as we mournto be able to do something significant. Mr. Speaker. and that is to pass the ThompsonKing bipartisan. commonsense. responsible gun legislation. Let me tell you what is being offered on the floor. That bill that is being offered on the floor would not have prevented the Emanuel 9 because it allows individuals to go past. if you will. the checking because in the part of it that deals with terrorism in particular. you can ask or the prosecutors must prove that you belong on that terrorist list. and. therefore. you put a barrier to protecting the American people. We need a no fly. no buy. on the terrorist list. you cant do it. and we need a longer period for law enforcement to check the background checks. We need to save lives.
Date: 2016-07-05
Speaker: WATSON COLEMAN (democrat)
Chamber: H

Mr. Speaker. when my colleagues and I sat down on the floor. we stood up for millions of Americans who agree it is time for commonsense legislative action to help prevent gun violence. When the Republican leadership ignored that call and then canceled the rest of the workweek. we took that message back to our districts. At a roundtable in my district. I met with families broken by random acts of gun violence. mothers who were moved by mass shootings. advocates calling for change. and just regular people who just wanted to see less violence. Their stories and their motivations were entirely different. but they all told me one thing: We are with you. I refuse to let them down. and I refuse to let up until this body considers basic bipartisan. broadly supported reforms. and not shoddily crafted NRAendorsed bills that do even less than moments of silence.
Date: 2016-07-05
Speaker: MICHAEL F. DOYLE (democrat)
Chamber: H
State: Pennsyl

vania. Mr. Speaker. the American public want us to act. They spoke loud and clear. They want an end to the gun violence that is taking place in this country. We sat down on this House floor to stand up for those Americans who want to see Congress put on RECORD as to where they stand on this issue. Democrats. Republicans. and Independents80 percentplus support background checks. They support no fly. no buy. Mr. Speaker. all we are asking for this week and what the American people are asking you for is a vote on these two simple principles. The Rules Committee is going to meet tonight. We ask that you include two amendments that Democrats will bring forward: no fly. no buyif you cant fly on an airplane. you cant buy a gunand comprehensive. expanded backgrounds checks. Mr. Speaker. I dont think that is too much for us to ask. The American people will be watching to see where their Members of Congress stand on these two important issues.
Date: 2016-07-05
Speaker: EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON (democrat)
Chamber: H
State: Texas

Mr. Speaker. in the wake of the endless gun violence happening across the country. the American people are calling desperately on Congress to act. Under pressure from House and Senate Democrats during the historic sitin. Republican leadership has finally agreed to allow a vote on legislation to prevent gun sales to suspected terrorists placed on the nofly list. While it is my view that this legislation does not go far enough to prevent violence in our neighborhoods. it serves as an important step in order to continue an open dialogue on this issue. My grandson. who is a responsible district manager in a very large corporation in this Nation. is an NRA member. He hunts and he plays golf. He asked me: "Granny. why must anybody have an AK47? Why must these kind of weapons be sold to people? They must have background checks." Now. this is a member of the NRA. Mr. Speaker. as Congress works to reduce gun violence and gunrelated deaths throughout our country. I encourage my colleagues to immediately bring forward meaningful and comprehensive reforms.
Date: 2016-07-05
Speaker: BRENDAN F. BOYLE (democrat)
Chamber: H
State: Pennsyl

vania. Mr. Speaker. yesterday we celebrated Fourth of July. the 240th birthday of our Nations independence. and the celebrations were quite vivid in my district. which includes parts of Philadelphia. the birthplace of our Nation. One refrain I got often when walking in parades in my district yesterday. and I was really struck by it. was people calling out: "Thank you. thank you for the sitin. I watched the sitin. Thats great." I was really struck because. frankly. I have not had that experience of people so finely tuned to what is being broadcast on CSPAN. It speaks to the desire for people that we address this issue and the frustration that is out there that we just have moments of silence. and then total silence. This is the time to act. No more Orlandos. no more Sandy Hooks. no more Auroras. Lets call up today the two bills that are supported by 90 percent of the American people.
Date: 2016-07-05
Speaker: CAROLYN B. MALONEY (democrat)
Chamber: H
State: New York

Mr. Speaker. I am privileged to represent a diverse district in New York. a State whose ban on assault weapons was just upheld by the Supreme Court. and a State which just closed. on the State level. the senseless loopholes in our Federal gun purchasing regulations that allow known criminals and domestic abusers to obtain guns. But one group of people New Yorks gun safety laws cannot reach are terrorist suspects. That is because the Federal Government controls the terrorism watch list. So it is up to Congress to make sure we keep guns out of the hands of known terrorists. And the vast majority of Americans agree. so we must act. Mr. Speaker. this body has no more important mandate than to ensure the safety of our citizens. We must pass no fly. no buy. and we must pass comprehensive background checks to close the loopholes for those that are trying to purchase guns. and we need to act now. Enough is enough.
Date: 2016-07-05
Speaker: JUDY CHU (democrat)
Chamber: H
State: California

Mr. Speaker. I rise to oppose this rule and to speak about a critical issue. We must stop the senseless gun violence in this country. Last Wednesday. at my SpeakOut to stop gun violence. a courageous young man stood up to tell his story. Josh Stepakoff here was the victim of a mass shooting when he was 6 years old and miraculously survived it. He was finishing a game at his home away from home. the North Valley Jewish Community Center in Los Angeles. He assumed that the strange man in front of him was a construction worker and that what he held at his hip was a power drill. How could he know that this man was a neoNazi carrying a semiautomatic weapon and hundreds of rounds of ammunition intent on killing as many people as he could? Two of those bullets hit Josh. barely missing his spine and vital organs. The physical and mental damage changed Joshs life forever. and now he and his mother have devoted their lives to stopping gun violence. The NRA is saying that the way to keep people safe is by making more guns available to everybody. If this is the solution. the U.S. would be the safest place in the world. Instead. we face danger from guns everywhere. even movie theaters. elementary schools. and churches. Enough is enough. We must pass commonsense gun violence prevention laws now. Now is the time to pass no fly. no buy and the comprehensive background check bills.
Date: 2016-07-05
Speaker: MAXINE WATERS (democrat)
Chamber: H
State: California

Mr. Speaker. I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker and Members. this bill. H.R. 4854. is an example of how the two sides can work together. I worked with
Date: 2016-07-05
Speaker: MAXINE WATERS (democrat)
Chamber: H
State: California

Mr. Speaker and Members. again. I am very pleased to join with Mr. MCHENRY on this legislation. I really have no further requests for time. and I am going to yield back the balance of my time because I am so looking forward to getting back to the discussion that we are going to have later on this evening on guns and gun violence. I want my constituents to know I have not abandoned that issue. Others have not abandoned that issue. We look forward to really debating whether or not we are going to make sure that people who are on the nofly list certainly cant buy guns. and we want universal background checks. I know this has nothing to do with this bill. but I will just take this opportunity to say that. Mr. Speaker. I yield back the balance of my time.
Date: 2016-07-05
Speaker: MAXINE WATERS (democrat)
Chamber: H
State: California

Mr. Speaker. I yield myself such time as I may consume. I am sure there are those who wonder why we on the opposite side of the aisle work so hard to pay attention to our constituents as it relates to investment and why we work so hard to pay attention to our consumers. I will tell you why. Everyone recognizes what happened in 2008 in this country. We literally had a meltdown. We went into a recessionalmost a depression. Why did we do that? We went into a recession and almost a depression because our regulatory agencies were not paying attention and people were being taken advantage of. We had a very difficult time trying to explain to the people of this country why we had so many foreclosures. why people were losing their homes. and why communities were so displaced. But we recognized that our regulatory agencies who had the responsibility for oversight and who had the responsibility for making sure people werent taken advantage of just had not been doing their jobs. I want you to know that with DoddFrank reforms. we have gone a long way to correct that. In addition to looking at our markets and looking at Wall Street. we created the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau that is doing a magnificent job in looking out for our consumers and making sure that what happened that led up to the 2008 meltdown does not happen again in America. So I am very pleased that the Obama administration in the last 75 months has had consecutive job growth. It looks as if it is about 14.5 million privatesector jobs. Of course. when Mr. Obama took over. we know that about 800 jobs per month were being lost. So we dont take our job lightly. and we dont play with this. We want to make sure that there is capital available for startups because we support business and we absolutely support small business. We want to make sure they have access to capital. But what we dont want is we dont want. then. to be tricked or fooled or to be led into socalled opportunities that are really not opportunities at all. Mr. Speaker. I reserve the balance of my time.
Date: 2016-07-05
Speaker: MAXINE WATERS (democrat)
Chamber: H
State: California

Mr. Speaker. I yield myself the balance of my time. I am so pleased that the gentleman from New Jersey recognized that the regulatory agencies were not doing their job. We dont agree on much. but he did indicate just a moment ago that he agreed that the regulatory agencies had not protected consumers or our small business peopleor anybodyand that is why we ended up with the DoddFrank reform. We may disagree about DoddFrank reform. but I think with that recognition I am sure he would logically conclude that something had to be done. and so I am very pleased about that. Let me just say to Mr. MCHENRY again. I want to thank him for the work that he has done and the leadership that he has provided. He is absolutely correct. whether it is in the cities or in urban areas. we need to have access to capital for our small businesses and our startups. In addition. he has led the way for us to make investing and venture capital. et cetera. more accessible. I think we still have more work to do. One of the things we are going to have to take a very close look at is why our bigger banks and financial institutions are not investing in these communities and why they are not welcoming small businesses in to the banks and to these financial institutions and listen to their dreams and their ideas about businesses and provide the capital for that. Again. I am very pleased about what he has done. his leadership. and the work that we are doing. Mr. Speaker. I yield back the balance of my time.