macleginn/stanford_congress_record_longer_speeches huggingface dataset:
Date: 2006-09-25
Speaker: TOM DAVIS (republican)
Chamber: H
State: Virginia

Mr. Mr. VAN HOLLEN. Mr. Speaker. I Speaker. I yield myself such time as I yield myself such time -as I may conmay consume. sume. Mr. Speaker. I rise today in support The chairman of the committee. the of H.R. 2066. the General Services Ad- Government Reform committee. Mr. ministration Modernization Act. which DAVIS. has covered the bill well. I comwas introduced by Armed Services mend him for his work on this piece of Committee Chairman HUNTER and my- legislation. self last year. This legislation passed I would only add to his description of the House last May and was recently the bill that it also contains provisions passed by the Senate with a handful of that would give civilian agencies addimodifications which we are here today tional tools to maintain their acquisito accept in order to send the legisla- tion workforces by .allowing agencies to reemploy retirees under certain circunistances. I think it is important that we look for ways in the Federal Government to continue to use the expertise of those who have been in the Federal Government. The Senate amendments to the bill provide additional protections to make sure that authority is used wisely with respect to rehiring of retirees. but I commend the chairman of the committee for his work on this bill and urge its adoption. Mr. Speaker. I yield back the balance of my time.
Date: 2006-09-25
Speaker: TOM DAVIS (republican)
Chamber: H
State: Virginia

Let me thank my colleague from Maryland for his assistance on this and so many other things that the committee works on. I would urge all members to support the passage of H.R. 2066. Mr. Speaker. I yield back the balance of my time.
Date: 2006-09-25
Speaker: TOM DAVIS (republican)
Chamber: H
State: Virginia

Mr. Speaker. I move to suspend the rules and concur in the Senate amendment to the bill to authorize improvements in the operation of the government of the District of Columbia. and for other purposes.
Date: 2006-09-25
Speaker: TOM DAVIS (republican)
Chamber: H
State: Virginia

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 material on the bill under consideration.
Date: 2006-09-25
Speaker: TOM DAVIS (republican)
Chamber: H
State: Virginia

Mr. Speaker. I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker. I rise today in support of H.R. 3508. the District of Columbia Omnibus Authorization Act. H.R. 3508 was introduced in July by Delegate NORTON and myself and was passed by the House on suspension last December. This is the second Congress in a row that we have moved an omnibus authorization bill for the District. The purpose of this legislation is to provide a process by which Congress works with the District to consider annually or biannually any changes that need to be made to Federal laws governing the District of Columbia. H.R. 3508 contains many provisions that will help the District manage its operations more effectively. The most significant of these provisions is the permanent authorization of the District of Columbias Chief Financial Officer. The Districts CFO was created by Congress in 1987. but has been provided 1year extensions through appropriations bills since 2001 when the District of Columbias Control Board expired. H.R. 3508 would amendthe D.C. Home Rule to provide for a permanent Chief Financial Officer for the District. one that is fully accountable both to the District and to the Congress regarding all financial matters in the Nations Capital. H.R. 3508 would also. among other things. allow the Districts courts to operate outside of the District in the event of emergencies and provide the Mayor limited budgetary flexibilities under certain circumstances. I urge my colleagues to support H.R. Mr. Speaker. I reserve the balance of my time.
Date: 2006-09-25
Speaker: TOM DAVIS (republican)
Chamber: H
State: Virginia

Again. let me thank my colleague from Maryland. who has continued to work with us on these regional issues. I join with him in joining our colleagues to support H.R. 3508. Mr. Speaker. I yield back the balance of my time.
Date: 2006-09-25
Speaker: TOM DAVIS (republican)
Chamber: H
State: Virginia

Mr. Speaker. I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill to des�ignate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 200 Lawyers Road. NW in Vienna. Virginia. as the "Captain Christopher Petty Post Office Building." as amended.
Date: 2006-09-25
Speaker: TOM DAVIS (republican)
Chamber: H
State: Virginia

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 material on the bill under consideration.
Date: 2006-09-25
Speaker: TOM DAVIS (republican)
Chamber: H
State: Virginia

Mr. Speaker. I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker. I rise today in support of H.R. 6102. as amended. a bill to re-
Date: 2006-09-25
Speaker: TOM DAVIS (republican)
Chamber: H
State: Virginia

Mr. Speaker. I submit for printing in the Mrs. Hecker. Major Heckers mother. talking about her thoughts and her sons activities in Iraq. Hon. JOHN MURTHA. Johnstown. PA. DEAR REPRESENTATIVE MURTHA: I am the wife of a retired Army officer who served this great country of ours for twentyeight years. including two tours of duty in Vietnam. I am also the mother of two sons. both of whom chose to serve in our Armed Forces. Our olderson is a Major in the 4th Infantry Division and will be departing for a years tour of duty in Iraq in just a little over a week. Our younger son is a lLT in the Marine Corps currently stationed in Okinawa as a C130 pilot. He could be detailed to Iraq as well. .I respect your service to country. as well as your right to speak your mind about the situation in Iraq. But I. too. have a right to an opinion and to make my voice known. Although I rarely if ever write a political letter. your recent statements have moved me to do so! I believe your comments about Iraq have harmed our chances for success. and will only serve to embolden the terrorists and encourage them to continue with their violence. hoping that it will hasten our retreat. Not only that. I believe it would be immoral to abandon the fledgling Iraqi government before they are ready to provide for their. own security. I have faith in our military leaders and believe that they are taking the necessary steps to train the Iraqi forces. and provide for our eventual withdrawal. I also have faith in our executive branch that they are taking the necessary steps to help the now Iraqi government get a democratic style government in place *** and to give them at least a chance of success. Although mistakes were made in the execution of the war and its aftermath. the goal itself is worthy. And in spite of all the negativity that we are constantly bombarded with. I believe that there have been some remarkable successes! Although my son would surely prefer to stay home with his wife and four young children. he is both a soldier and a scholar. He understands that we are in a vital longterm struggle against a dangerous ideology. and he is willing to make the necessary sacrifices to defeat it. It is a difficult struggle that will require patience and fortitude. both on and off the battlefield. If we lose our will here at home. it makes the task for our soldiers all the more difficult. I- believe your comments were irresponsible and are contributing to the loss of national will. If they were made to obtain political advantages. I would find that abhorrent and unworthy of a former Marinq. Please know that our soldiers are heroes. not victims. They are making great sac-. rifices on our behalf. They need to be supported and appreciated until their mission is over. I suggest you reconsider your comments and the effect they have on our soldiers and their families. Sincerely.
Date: 2006-09-25
Speaker: TOM DAVIS (republican)
Chamber: H
State: Virginia

Mr. Speaker. I move to suspend the rulesand pass the bill (H.R. -5224) to designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 350 Uinta Drive in Green River. Wyoming. as the "Curt Gowdy Post Office Building".
Date: 2006-09-25
Speaker: TOM DAVIS (republican)
Chamber: H
State: Virginia

Mr. Speaker. I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker. H.R. 5224 would designate the Post Office building in Green River. Wyoming. as the Curt Gowdy Post Office Building. Nicknamed "The Cowboy." sports fans across the country in the 1960s and 1970s turned to hear Gowdys commentary on baseball. football. and college basketball games. He was the number one announcer at NBC Sports during the precable television era. and he was known for his objective. laidback style. In fact. one of his most careerdefining moments came almost 46 years ago today. when he called the. Ted Williams final atbat in the major leagues. I urge all Members to join me. in honoring the life and contributions of Curt Gowdy by supporting the passage of H.R. 5224. Mr. Speaker. I reserve the balance of my time.
Date: 2006-09-25
Speaker: TOM DAVIS (republican)
Chamber: H
State: Virginia

Mr. Speaker. I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker. I thank the gentleman from Florida for his eloquent remarks. Curt Gowdy will always be a part of my sports memories as a youth. I think this is a fitting tribute. and I urge my colleagues to adopt it. Mr. Speaker. I yield back the balance of my time.
Date: 2006-09-25
Speaker: TOM DAVIS (republican)
Chamber: H
State: Virginia

Mr. Speaker. I move to suspend the rules and agree to the concurrent resolution congratulating the Professional Golfers Association of America on its 90th anniversary and commending the members of the Professional Golfers Association of America and -the PGA Foundation for the charitable contributions they provide to the United States.
Date: 2006-09-25
Speaker: TOM DAVIS (republican)
Chamber: H
State: Virginia

Mr. Speaker. I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 days within which to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous material on the resolution under consideration.
Date: 2006-09-25
Speaker: TOM DAVIS (republican)
Chamber: H
State: Virginia

Mr. Speaker. I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker. founded in 1916. the PGA is a notforprofit organization -comprised of more than 28.000 men and women. These members commit themselves daily to promoting the game of golf. They stand by their mission to make the game accessible to everyone. and they contribute generously to charitable organizations across the Nation. I would hope all Members will come together to support H. Con. Res. 471 as introduced by my distinguished colleague from the State of Florida. Mr. Speaker. I reserve the balance of my time.
Date: 2006-09-25
Speaker: TOM DAVIS (republican)
Chamber: H
State: Virginia

Mr. Speaker. I yield such time as he may consume to the author of this resolution. the gentleman from Florida .
Date: 2006-09-25
Speaker: TOM DAVIS (republican)
Chamber: H
State: Virginia

Mr. Speaker. I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker. I thank my colleague for introducing this resolution. I think I also ought to note that PGA President Tim Finchem has done wonders for this organization in terms of bringing this back into the inner city. bringing golf to those with disabilities and communicating with us here on Capitol Hill about the. kinds of things they are doing. I would urge my colleagues to support this resolution.
Date: 2006-09-25
Speaker: TOM DAVIS (republican)
Chamber: H
State: Virginia

Mr. Speaker. I move to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution (H. Res. 745) supporting the goals and ideals of Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month.
Date: 2006-09-25
Speaker: TOM DAVIS (republican)
Chamber: H
State: Virginia

Mr. Speaker. I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker. H. Res. 745. introduced by the gentleman from Pennsylvania
Date: 2006-09-25
Speaker: TOM DAVIS (republican)
Chamber: H
State: Virginia

Mr. Speaker. I move to suspend the rules and pass the Senate bill to designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 8801 Sudley Road in. Manassas. Virginia. as the "Harry J. Parish Post Office".
Date: 2006-09-25
Speaker: TOM DAVIS (republican)
Chamber: H
State: Virginia

Mr. Speaker. I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker. Harry Parrish was a dedicated servant to both his State. his. city. and his country. In 1942. he joined the Army Air Force where he began his pilot training. and he went on to become a decorated World War II pilot. He was the mayor of Manassas for 18 years and later became an active member of the Virginia General Assembly where he rose to be chairman of the finance committee in the House of Delegates. In 2002. as one of the few World War II veterans in the general assembly. he was integral in securing Virginias $334.000 contribution to the National World War II Memorial. It is with gratitude for his public service and for all that he has done for his community and the Commonwealth that I ask Members to join me in naming the Manassas. Virginia Post Office after Harry J. Parrish. And I would just add that this was a man who knew no partisan bounds. He literally was an individual from the community with broad bipartisan support in all of his elections. but ilwvays put his State. his Commonwealth. his city. and his county first in his legislative actions. It was a privilege to know Harry Parrish. and I hope my colleagues will join me in supporting this legislation. Mr. Speaker. I reserve the balance of my time.
Date: 2006-09-25
Speaker: TOM DAVIS (republican)
Chamber: H
State: Virginia

Mr. Speaker. I understand Mr. WOLF is on his way over. Mr. Harry Parrish was a constituent of my friend FRANK WOLFS as well. and served very ably with Frank working on A number of State and local and national issues together. bringing transportation out to that section of Prince William County. working on financial arrangements. and for the overall good of the community. So I would at this point. I think. reserve the balance of my time. Could I ask the Chair how much time is remaining on our side.
Date: 2006-09-25
Speaker: TOM DAVIS (republican)
Chamber: H
State: Virginia

Without objection. I would withdraw at this point and will resubmit this in just a minute. and we could move on with our next piece of legislation.
Date: 2006-09-25
Speaker: TOM DAVIS (republican)
Chamber: H
State: Virginia

Mr. Speaker. I move to suspend the rules and *pass the Senate bill to designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 7172 North Tongass Highway. Ward Cove. Alaska. as the "Alice R-. Brusich Post Office Building".
Date: 2006-09-25
Speaker: TOM DAVIS (republican)
Chamber: H
State: Virginia

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 material on the bill under consideration.
Date: 2006-09-25
Speaker: TOM DAVIS (republican)
Chamber: H
State: Virginia

Mr. Speaker. I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker. Alice Brusich began her 31year career with the postal service in 1954 as an assistant postmaster. Just 2 years later. she became postmaster where she was a strong advocate of improving and maintaining the postal service in Alaska. Mrs. Brusich was also a founding member of the Alaska Chapter 51 of the National Association of Postmasters in the United States. Even after her retirement in 1985. Alice remained an active supporter of the postal service. and for this reason. I support naming the post office in Ward Cove. Alaska in her honor. Mr. Speaker. I reserve the balance of our time.
Date: 2006-09-25
Speaker: TOM DAVIS (republican)
Chamber: H
State: Virginia

Mr. Speaker. I move to suspend the rules and pass the Senate bill .to designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located on Lindbald Avenue. Girdwood. Alaska. as the "Dorothy and Connie Hibbs Post Office Building".
Date: 2006-09-25
Speaker: TOM DAVIS (republican)
Chamber: H
State: Virginia

Mr. Speaker. I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker. Dorothy and Connie Hibbs were a mother and daughter pair who each served as postmaster for over 20 years of their lives. Between the two. there was only a 3year span between 1954 and 2005 when one of them was not working in this capacity. The town of Girdwood. Alaska. would like to thank Dorothy and Connie for such a unique contribution to their community by naming the Lindbald -Avenue Post Office after them. The Senate has addressed this bill. We support this bill. And I hope all Members will join us today in doing so. Mr. Speaker. I reserve the balance of my time.
Date: 2006-09-25
Speaker: TOM DAVIS (republican)
Chamber: H
State: Virginia

Mr. Speaker. I move to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution (H. Res. 974) supporting the goals and ideals of National Myositis Awareness Day.
Date: 2006-09-25
Speaker: TOM DAVIS (republican)
Chamber: H
State: Virginia

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 material on the resolution under consideration.
Date: 2006-09-25
Speaker: TOM DAVIS (republican)
Chamber: H
State: Virginia

Mr. Speaker. I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker. H. Res. 974. introduced by the gentleman from New York . would support. the goals and ideals of National Myositis Awareness Day. Myositis is a general term used to describe swelling of the muscles. It is listed as a rare disease by the National Institutes of Healths Office of Rare Diseases. Many people. however. are affected by the condition each year. It is estimated there are between 30.000 and 50.000 cases in the United States alone. This resolution will help to raise awareness to medical professionals. elected officials. policymakers. and communities about myositis. Mr. Speaker. I urge our colleagues to adopt this. Mr. Speaker. I reserve the balance of my time.
Date: 2006-09-25
Speaker: TOM DAVIS (republican)
Chamber: H
State: Virginia

Mr. Speaker. I have no further speakers. But I want to commend the gentleman from New York for bringing this resolution to our attention. When we saw it. we moved it very. very quickly. This is important. and we appreciate his leadership. and also my friend from Maryland: Mr. Speaker. I yield back the balance of my time and urge my colleagues to support the resolution.
Date: 2006-09-25
Speaker: TOM DAVIS (republican)
Chamber: H
State: Virginia

Mr. Speaker. I move to suspend the rules and pass the Senate bill to designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 8801 Sudley Road in Manassas. Virginia. as the "Harry J. Parrish Post Office". (For text of S. 2690. see prior proceedings of the House of today.)
Date: 2006-09-25
Speaker: TOM DAVIS (republican)
Chamber: H
State: Virginia

Mr. Speakser. I think I have been heard on this. but I did want to give Representative WOLF an opportunity to speak on this. As I stated earlier. Delegate Parrish. and it was Mayor before that. fighter pilot in World War HI. was a friend of ours. but he was a friend of the greater community of Northern Virginia and the Commonwealth of Virginia.
Date: 2006-09-25
Speaker: TOM DAVIS (republican)
Chamber: H
State: Virginia

Mr. Speaker. I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill to designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 1501 South Cherrybell Avenue in Tucson. Arizona. as the "Morris K. Mo Udall Post Office Building".
Date: 2006-09-25
Speaker: TOM DAVIS (republican)
Chamber: H
State: Virginia

Mr. Speaker. I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous material on the bill under consideration.
Date: 2006-09-25
Speaker: TOM DAVIS (republican)
Chamber: H
State: Virginia

Mr. Speaker. I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker. H.R. 5857. introduced by the gentleman from Arizona . would designate the facility of the U.S. Postal Service located at 1501 South Cherrybell Avenue in Tucson. Arizona. as the "Morris K. Mo Udall Post Office Building." Mo Udall represented Arizonas Second District from 1961 to 1991 and died of Parkinsons disease in 1998. He is one of the first environmentalists to serve in this body. He was a leader. and when we look back at the history of Congress in the latter part of the 20th century. he was one of the giants. This is a fitting remembrance for him. I remember reading his book. "Too Funny to Be President." and still being able to use some of the stories in the book which he said in his foreword we could do. He has been an inspiration to a lot of us. maintaining his sense of humor even during hardcharging debate. and he was beloved by Members on both sides of the aisle. I thank the gentleman for introducing this renaming. and I am proud to support it. Mr. Speaker. I reserve the balance of "my time.
Date: 2006-09-25
Speaker: TOM DAVIS (republican)
Chamber: H
State: Virginia

Mr. Speaker. I yield myself the balance of my time. Mr. Speaker. I thank the gentleman from Arizona for introducing this. As quickly as we saw it. we wanted to move this to the floor. This is a fitting tribute to one of the premier legislators in the .-ouse over the last 50 years. I urge my colleagues to support this legislation. Mr. Speaker. I yield back the balance of my time.
Date: 2006-09-25
Speaker: TOM DAVIS (republican)
Chamber: H
State: Virginia

Mr. Speaker. I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill to designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 2950 Union Street in Flushing. New York. as the "Dr. Leonard Price Stavisky Post Office".
Date: 2006-09-25
Speaker: TOM DAVIS (republican)
Chamber: H
State: Virginia

Mr. Speaker. I ask unanimous consent that all Members may. have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous material on the bill under consideration.
Date: 2006-09-25
Speaker: TOM DAVIS (republican)
Chamber: H
State: Virginia

Mr. Speaker. I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker. H.R. 5923. introduced by the gentleman from New York . designates the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 2950 Union Street in Flushing. New York. as the Dr. Leonard Price Stavisky Post Office. Dr. Stavisky. a member of the New York State Senate. represented Flushing. Queens. from 1965 until his death in 1999. He served with distinction during those years. and I hope my colleagues will join us in supporting this legislation. Mr. Speaker. I reserve the balance of my time.
Date: 2006-09-26
Speaker: GINNY BROWN-WAITE (republican)
Chamber: H
State: Flor

ida. Mr. Speaker. I thank the gentleman for yielding. Mr. Speaker. I rise today in very strong support of H.R. 2679. the Public Expression of Religion Protection Act. With this bill. we will close a loophole that has allowed liberal groups like the ACLU to prey on taxpayers for far too long. Originally. Congress sought to protect underprivileged civil rights applicants by allowing them to collect attorneys fees if they won their suit. Today. groups like ACLU scour the country looking to sue cities and States with any kind of religious display. regardless of how popular those religious displays are in those communities. If they sue and win. States and localities not only have to remove or remodel the historic items. but they also must pay the groups attorneys fees. In this backdoor way. the ACLU can collect -taxpayer money to fuel even more lawsuits. Tragically. citizens precious symbols and monuments are being eroded with their own tax dollars. State seals in existence for hundreds of years have had to be redrawn. Many cities will not even fight in court for fear of paying costly attorneys fees. and some of them just capitulate at the first sign of a lawsuit. We should not allow these liberal groups to fuel their agendas by exploiting hardworking Americans. The bill before us today removes that attorney fee provision from cases involving establishment of religion. This bill will stop the current taxpayer extortion -once and for all. I urge my colleagues to support this bill.