macleginn/stanford_congress_record_longer_speeches huggingface dataset:
Date: 2007-05-15
Speaker: EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON (democrat)
Chamber: H
State: Texas

Mr. Speaker. let me thank the chairman of the committee. Mr. Speaker. I rise today in strong support of the COPS Improvements Act of 2007. As violent crime continues to rise. we must address the needs of our Nations law enforcement professionals. Law enforcement presence remains one of the greatest assets against crime. I have witnessed firsthand the importance of this program where our community cops simply work with our young people. help to break up gangs. helping them with tutoring in the evening when they are on duty in those communities. So in addition to this bill just allowing the 50.000 cops to be hired. it also allows for the increase in funding to improve technology for our police agencies. And it may be used to update police stations and cars for providing the latest technology in crime fighting. I am delighted to see that it is being considered. and I strongly support and recommend the approval.
Date: 2007-05-15
Speaker: CORRINE BROWN (democrat)
Chamber: H
State: Florida

Mr. Speaker. I rise today to support H.R. 1700. the COPS Improvements Act. This program. begun under President Clinton. has invested over $12 billion to add officers to the Nations streets and schools. enhance crimefighting technology. supportcrime prevention initiatives. provide training and technical assistance.. administer grant programs. and advance community policing. Since President Bush has taken office. he has done everything he could to cut or eliminate funding for this worthwhile program. In the Third District of Florida alone. over $89.420.196 in COPS grants were awarded to law enforcement agencies: COPS grants have funded 1.192 additional police officers and sheriffs deputies to engage in community policing activities. including crime prevention. in the 3rd District. 24 local and State law enforcement agencies in the 3rd District have directly benefited from funding made.available through the COPS Office. $6.187.466 has been awarded to add 52 school resources officers to improve safety for students. teachers. and administrators in primary and secondary schools throughout the 3rd District. and $10.780.628. has been awarded for crimefighting technologies. This funding has allowed officers to spend more time on the streets of the 3rd District of Florida fighting and preventing crime through timesaving technology. informationsharing systems. and improved communications equipment. My district is not alone. The COPS program has helped districts across the Nation by reducing crime and making communities safer for residents to live their lives. Earlier this session. I introduced a resolution urging increased funding for both the COPS program and the Weed and Seed program. which is an innovative. comprehensive. multiagency approach to law enforcement. crime .prevention. and community revitalization. Both these programs go togethercommunity policing and community revitalization. I am submitting for the record a letter from the city of Orlando in support of this bill. I urge support for the COPS program. safer communities and this bill. CrrY OF ORLANDO. Orlando. FL. May 15. 2007.
Date: 2007-05-15
Speaker: LINDA T. SANCHEZ (democrat)
Chamber: H
State: California

Mr. Speaker. I rise to show my support for H.R. 1700. the COPS Reauthorization Act of 2007. The original COPS bill. passed in 1994. en-. abled local law enforcement agencies to hire 117.000 additional police officers across the Nation. H.R. 1700 will establish the Office of Community Oriented Policing Services as a distinct entity within the U.S. Department of Justice and will reauthorize hiring programs for -three specific purposes: community policing officers. local counterterrorism officers.. and school resource officers. School resource officers are especially important to keep schools safe and to keep children in school. About 13.7 million or 22 percent of children and youth were physically bullied in the last year and 15.7 million were teased or emotionally bullied. Bullying behavior has been linked to other forms of antisocial behavior. such as vandalism. shoplifting. skipping and dropping out of school. fighting. and the use of drugs and alcohol. Having school resource officers on campuses will help combat this growing problem. School. resource officers are also needed to combat the national gang epidemic. In Los Angeles alone during the last 5 years. there were over 23.000 verified gang related violent crimes. These include 784 homicides. nearly 12.000 felony assaults. approximately 10.000 robberies and just under 500 rapes. It is imperative to reauthorize the COPS program and get more officers on the street to stop this trend. I am proud to support this bill and encourage all of my colleagues to vote "yes" on H.R. 1700. COPS Reauthorization Act of 2007.
Date: 2007-05-15
Speaker: GENE GREEN (democrat)
Chamber: H
State: Texas

Madam Speaker. I rise today in strong support of H.R. 1700 the COPS Improvements Act of 2007. Unfortunately. over the past several years funding for the hiring of additional police officers has been drastically reduced and the COPS program was basically eliminated. The Community Oriented Policing Services Improvements Act revives the grant hiring program. These grants will allow local police departments to hire 50.000 additional police officers over the next 6 years. I know in Houston after Hurricane Katrina we saw a significant rise in violent crime. This program will allow our local communities to hire additional police officers to protect their citizens. This bilr will also provide critical funding for technology grants and hiring community prosecutors. These are tools that our communities need to reduce our crime rates. When the COPS program was eliminated our nation experienced a drastic increase in crime rates. By providing our law enforcement community with adequate funding and. technology we will give them the ability to reduce crime rates. I have strongly supported this program since it was first introduced during the 1990s. Today I urge my colleagues to support this critical piece of legislation today.
Date: 2007-05-15
Speaker: LORETTA SANCHEZ (democrat)
Chamber: H
State: California

Mr. Speaker. I rise in strong support of HR 1700. the COPS Reauthorization Act. I am proud to be a cosponsor of this important legislation that will reauthorize the Community Orienled Policing Services grant programs. Over the first 10 years of its existence. from 1994 to 2005. the COPS hiring grant programs have helped local law enforcement agencies hire 117.000. additional police officers. As a result there have been significant drops in the crime rates across our Nation. Unfortunately the previous Congress drastically reduced and then eliminated funding for the COPS hiring grants in the 2005 and 2006 funding cycles. H.R. 1700 will reinvigorate the COPS program by authorizing $600 million a year for hiring grants. This level of funding will help put an additional 50.000 police officers in our communities over the next 6 years. I am proud that this Congress is acting to restore funding for these hiring grants that are so critical to local law enforcement agencies across the country. In addition. this legislation will authorize $350 million for COPS technology grants. These grants will help local law enforcement agencies buy critical technology like computers for patrol cars and crime mapping software. I have seen this type of crime mapping software at work in the city of Santa Ana. California. in my district. This technology acts as a force multiplier. allowing each officer to be more effective in fighting crime and keeping our communities safe. H.R. 1700 also authorizes $200 million for programs that focus on hiringthe community prosecutors that play a critical role in following up on police work and convicting criminals. All of these COPS grant programs will- provide critical resources to local law enforcement agencies across the country that are facing a variety of challenges including emerging and ongoing gang activity. In previous years. a COPS grant provided funding to the Santa Ana Police Department for Firearms Identification technology that can read the unique fingerprints that connect bullets and guns. The Santa Ana Police Department has been able to solve many gangrelated shootings and other violent crimes by using this ballistics technology. I hope that the passage of this legislation will help ensure that law enforcement agencies across the nation benefit from the valuable COPS grant programs. I urge my colleagues to join me in voting for H.R. 1700.
Date: 2007-05-15
Speaker: EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON (democrat)
Chamber: H
State: Texas

Mr. Speaker. I want to thank Chairman OBERSTAR and the subcommittee Chair. Mr. DEFAZIO. and the ranking member. Mr. DUNCAN. I am very pleased to join them in support of this bill. As you know. Texas shares a longer border with Mexico than any other border State. In 2004. at Texas border ports of entry. there were 3 million commercial crossings. The safety and congestion impacts of this pilot program will be felt the most by Texas drivers. roads and businesses. The impact will be felt particularly by my constituents as Interstates 20. 30. 35 and 45 all converge in the heart of my congressional district. I agree with the chairman of the committee when he says we must not bolster trade with Mexico at the expense of the safety of American drivers. This bill requires that Federal motor carriers complete all safety inspections on the Mexican side of the border. The bill also mandates that safety can be assured before Mexican trucks enter our country uider this program. We in Congress cannot afford to be soft in our oversight of this matter. Passing a safety inspection in Mexico. even one administered by Federal motor carriers. is not a guarantee to Mexican trucks and drivers that they will have free rein over our roads. In the event that this program proves successful. it is important for this body to give adequate guidance and assistance to border States like Texas to address the burden of increased freight traffic. including congestion. air quality. and wear and tear on our roads. The Department of Transportation cannot use Texas and other border States as guinea pigs and not give them the support they need. In closing. I fully support this bill. It removes much of the uncertainty regarding safety that this committee found- in the Department Of Transportations proposed pilot program.
Date: 2007-05-15
Speaker: EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON (democrat)
Chamber: H
State: Texas

Mr. Speaker. I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill to designate the Federal building located at 131 East 4th Street in Davenport. Iowa. as the "James A. Leach Federal Building." as amended.
Date: 2007-05-15
Speaker: EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON (democrat)
Chamber: H
State: Texas

Mr. Speaker. I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days within which to revise and extend their remarks and to include extraneous materials on H.R.
Date: 2007-05-15
Speaker: EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON (democrat)
Chamber: H
State: Texas

Mr. Speaker. I yield myself such time as I might consume. Mr. Speaker. H.R. 1505. as amended. is a bill to designate the Federal building in Davenport. IA. as the James A. Leach United States Courthouse. Our former colleague. Jim Leach. was elected to Congress in 1977 from Iowa and served for 14 consecutive Congresses. His contributions to and interests in the House of Representatives are numerous. including his longstanding support for the use of HOPE VI HUD funds to help smaller cities develop affordable housing. A career public servant. Congressman Leach served 30 years as a Representative in Congress. where he chaired the Banking and Financial Services Committee. the Subcommittee on Asian and Pacific Affairs. and the Congressional Executive Commission on China. He holds eight honorary degrees. has received decorations from two foreign governments. and is the recipient of the Wayne Morris Integrity in Politics Award. the Woodrow Wilson Award from Johns Hopkins. and the Adlai Stevenson Award from the United Nations Association. and the Edgar Wayburn Award from the Sierra Club. Jim Leach was hard working. highly respected on both sides of the aisle. and dedicated to the welfare of his constituents. It is fitting and proper to honor his public service with this designation. I support 1505 and urge its adoption. Mr. Speaker. I reserve the balance of my time.
Date: 2007-05-15
Speaker: EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON (democrat)
Chamber: H
State: Texas

Mr. Speaker. I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill to authorize the Administrator of General Services to convey a parcel of real property to the Alaska Railroad Corporation. as amended.
Date: 2007-05-15
Speaker: EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON (democrat)
Chamber: H
State: Texas

Mr. Speaker. I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker. H.R. 1036 authorizes the Administrator of General Services to convey a parcel of real property to the Alaska Railroad Corporation. Subject to certain requirements. but not later than 2 years after the date of enactment of the bill. the Administrator shall convey to the Alaska Railroad Corporation a parcel of real property known as GSA FleetManagement Center. The GSA Fleet Management Center is a parcel located at the intersection of.2nd Avenue and Christensen Avenue in Anchorage. Alaska. consisting of approximately 78.000 square feet of land: The Alaska Railroad Corporation. in exchange for the land. will either provide a replacement facility for the GSA Fleet Management Center to be conveyed or the Alaska Railroad Corporation will pay the Administrator for the fair market value of the GSA Fleet Management Center based on its highest and best use as determined by an independent appraisal commissioned by the Administrator and paid by the Al*aska Railroad Corporation. All proceeds derived from the possible sale of the GSA Fleet Management Center would be deposited in the Federal Buildings Fund. I support this bill to transfer this property. Mr. Speaker. from the GSA inventory to the Alaska*Railroad Corporation and particularly want to note. consistent with Transportation and Infrastructure Committee policy and guidance on these transfer matters. that the bill protects the Federal intereat. H.R. 1036 requires either the GSA is provided with a replacement facility or the railroad corporation will pay the fair market value for the building based on an appraisal of the highest and best use. Further. if the building is bought by the railroad. the proceeds will be deposited into the Federal Buildings Fund. Mr. Speaker. I reserve the balance of my time.
Date: 2007-05-15
Speaker: EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON (democrat)
Chamber: H
State: Texas

Mr. Speaker. I move to suspend the rules and agree to the concurrent resolution authorizing the use of the Capitol Grounds for the District of Columbia Special Olympics Law Enforcement Torch Run.
Date: 2007-05-15
Speaker: EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON (democrat)
Chamber: H
State: Texas

Mr. Speaker. I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days within which to revise and extend their remarks and to include extraneous material on House .Concurrent Resolution 123.
Date: 2007-05-15
Speaker: EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON (democrat)
Chamber: H
State: Texas

Mr. Speaker. I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker. House Concurrent Resolution 123 authorizes the use of the Capitol Grounds for the District of Columbia Special Olympics Law Enforcement Torch Run. The Capitol Police. along with the D.C. Special Olympics. will participate in the torch run to be held on June 8. 2007.. The D.C. Special Olympics will work closely with the Capitol Police and the Architect of the Capitol to make sure that the event is in full compliance with rules and regulations governing the -use of the Capitol Grounds. The Law Enforcement Torch Run for the Special Olympics is run nationwide by law enforcement officials leading up to each States or national Special Olympics summer games. Each year. nearly 50 local and Federal law enforcement agencies in Washington. D.C. participate to show their support of the D.C. Special Olympics. This torch relay event is a traditional part of the opening ceremonies for the Special Olympics. For the fifth year these opening ceremonies will take place at Catholic University in the District of Columbia. This is a worthwhile event attended by thousands of Special Olympians. their families and friends. and I support the resolution. Mr. Speaker. I reserve the balance of my time.
Date: 2007-05-15
Speaker: EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON (democrat)
Chamber: H
State: Texas

Mr. Speaker. I move to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution (H. Res. 352) supporting the goals and ideals of National Public Works Week.
Date: 2007-05-15
Speaker: EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON (democrat)
Chamber: H
State: Texas

Mr. Speaker. I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous material on the bill under consideration.
Date: 2007-05-15
Speaker: JIM CLYBURN (democrat)
Chamber: H

from South Carolina who said that on July 6 of 2006. Gas prices in South Carolina are now $2.81. There is another one -that says: "With gasoline and other prices rising. Americas middleclass families deserve better . . . Nobody thinks $2.50 a gallon is cheap. its still expensive." Now that came from the Democratic Caucus Chairman RAHM EMANUEL on June 2 of 2006. So. evidently. gas prices were around $2.50 then. Now. in Illinois. they are $3.23. So. do you. think. being the Truth Squad. that this could just be smoke and mirrors to get people to believe that they had some kind of answer to reduce these gas prices to make Americans make it easier for us to meet our energy needs here within this country. without going to foreign imports? So that seems to be the indication that this is just more smoke and mirrors that the 110th Congress. then the minority. was telling the American public to become the majority. Its kind of like a barking dog behind thefence. As long as that dog is behind the fence. he is going to bark and say and do things to make you think he is going to get out and get something done. But when you open that gate he becomes a little whimpering Chihuahua. does nothing. I think thats what we see in here. a bunch of little Chihuahuas whimpering around. I do thank you. I thank you for your time. I think the gentlelady from Tennessee may want to add something to that. I appreciate the opportunity.
Date: 2007-05-16
Speaker: LORETTA SANCHEZ (democrat)
Chamber: H
State: Cali

fornia. Madam Chairman. I rise today in support of .H.R. 1585. the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2008. I would like to thank my chairman.
Date: 2007-05-17
Speaker: GEORGE MILLER (democrat)
Chamber: H
State: California

Mr. Speaker and Members of the House. last night thd House adopted the AltmireUdall amendment to provide military families with very simple but much needed support while loved ones are away on combat duty. Under the amendment that was agreed to. a worker can take family and medical leave to deal with the issues that arise as a result of a spouse. parent. or childs deployment to a combat zone like Iraq or Afghanistan. Under this amendment family members can use the leave to take care of issues like making legal and financial arrangements and making child care arrangements or other family obligations that arise and double when family members are on active duty deployments. Supporting the troops is more than a bumper sticker. We must support the troops with all of the support that they need so their families can continue to function during the difficult times of deployment. These deployments and extended tours are not easy on families. and twoparent households can suddenly become a singleparent household and one parent is left alone to deal with paying the bills. going to the bank. picking up the kids from school. watching the kids. providing emotional support to the rest of the family. You have got to deal with these predeployment preparations. This amendment is a good amendment. I hope that the House will support it with the passage of the legislation. Last year. tragically. it was thrown out in the conference committeeand was given no consideration by the majority party of the last Congress.
Date: 2007-05-17
Speaker: GENE GREEN (democrat)
Chamber: H
State: Texas

Mr. Speaker. I support the conference committee report and thank both the chairman and the Budget Committee for their good work. Mr. Speaker. I rise today in support of the conference report accompanying the fiscal year 2008 budget resolution. This budget resolution represents a return to fiscal soundness for our country. which has operated without a budget resolution in 3 of the last 5 years. This budget will help our country emerge from a sea of red ink and put us on a path toward a budget surplus in the next 5 years. with a $41 billion surplus projected for 2012. Key to the fiscal responsibility in this budget is the inclusion of critical budget enforcement provisions known as PAYGO. This budget extends to the Senate the PAYGO rules adopted earlier this year in the House. which ensure that any future tax cuts or increases in mandatory spending are offset elsewhere in the budget. This budget hews to that principle and does not include any new mandatory spending that is not offset. Mr. Speaker. I -also applaud our House and Senate Budget Committee Chairmen for their attention to the domestic needs of this country and the resources this budget dedicates for health care programs and research that have suffered in previous budgets. The conference report provides a reserve fund of up to $50 billion for the reauthorization of the State Childrens Health Insurance Program. As a member of the Energy and Commerce Committee. which is working to reauthorize the SCHIP program. I want to make sure the program is available to the 6 million American children who are currently eligible but not enrolled in the program. The reserve fund in this budget will allow us to expand the program for these children while also maintaining fiscal discipline "under PAYGO. On the discretionary side. the budget resolution includes an additional $20 billion over last years level for health programs. In years past. worthy health care programs like trauma systems funding. Emergency Medical Services for Children. Health Centers and NIH research funding have been forced to compete for funding that was not sufficient to meet our health care needs. This budget recognizes the importance of adequately funding domestic priorities like health care and education programs that are true investments in our countrys future. I thank our House conferees for their work on this budget resolution and congratulate them on this truly balanced budget. in terms of both the deficit and the needs of the American people.