macleginn/stanford_congress_record_longer_speeches huggingface dataset:
Date: 2008-09-17
Speaker: EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON (democrat)
Chamber: H

of Texas. Madam Speaker. I yield myself such time as I may consume. Madam Speaker. I rise in strong support of the Senate amendment to H.R. 3986. The bill will authorize the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts for 5 years. from fiscal year 2008 through fiscal year 2012. The House passed this bill on December 7. 2007. and the Senate amended the bill to extend the authorization period from 3 years to 5 years. I support the amendment. The buildings 1.5 million square feet on 17 acres have been upgraded. refigured and transformed to more easily and graciously accommodate the centers 2 million annual visitors and patrons. The center is to be commended for giving a commitment not only to the centers programmatic side. but also the more mundane bricks and mortar side that makes up the presidential memorial. The fact is that. first and foremost. this building is a memorial to President John F. Kennedy. I am pleased to support the amended bill. and urge the passage of H.R. 3986 with the Senate amendment. Madam Speaker. I reserve the balance of my time.
Date: 2008-09-17
Speaker: EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON (democrat)
Chamber: H
State: Texas

Madam Speaker. I yield myself such time as I may consume. I just want to comment a bit on his closing statement. The Comprehensive American Energy Security and Consumer Protection Act underscores real differences between really the Democrats and Republicans when it comes to energy. The comprehensive Democratic plan is Americas own 21st century energy policy that the country has been waiting for. It lowers prices for consumers and protects taxpayers. it expands domestic drilling offshore and on land. it expands renewable sources of energy. increases our security by freeing America from the grip of foreign oil. requires big oil to pay what it owes to the taxpayers. ends the subsidies for the big oil companies and creates goodpaying jobs here in America. The Republican bill presented was nothing more than the same BushCheney energy policy. written by and for the energy companies. Big oil gets more land. more oil. more taxpayer dollars and all the record profits. while American families suffer because of the big prices. Members of Congress made a clear choice last night. Some Republicans joined with the Democrats in siding with the American taxpayers and consumers struggling with these energy costs. I am puzzled how any Republican can oppose a policy that will create goodpaying American jobs and increase the Nations security. while it lowers the price for gas for our consumers. Madam Speaker. I would urge the passage of the John F. Kennedy Center reauthorization bill.
Date: 2008-09-17
Speaker: EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON (democrat)
Chamber: H
State: Texas

Madam Speaker. I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill to amend the Federal Water Pollution Control Act to provide for the remediation of sediment contamination in areas of concern. and for other purposes. as amended.
Date: 2008-09-17
Speaker: EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON (democrat)
Chamber: H
State: Texas

Madam Speaker. I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days within which to revise and extend their remarks and add any extraneous materials on H.R.
Date: 2008-09-17
Speaker: EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON (democrat)
Chamber: H
State: Texas

Madam Speaker. I rise in full support of the Great Lakes Legacy Act and express my appreciation to Mr. OBERSTAR. Dr. EHLERS. and to Mr. BOOzMAN. who provided leadership on this bill.
Date: 2008-09-17
Speaker: EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON (democrat)
Chamber: H
State: Texas

Madam Speaker. I move to suspend the rules and pass the Senate joint resolution (S.J. Res. 35) to amend Public Law 108331 to provide for the construction and related activities in support of the Very Energetic Radiation Imaging Telescope Array System (VERITAS) project in Arizona.
Date: 2008-09-17
Speaker: EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON (democrat)
Chamber: H
State: Texas

Madam Speaker. I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks and add any extraneous materials to S.J. Res.
Date: 2008-09-17
Speaker: EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON (democrat)
Chamber: H
State: Texas

Madam Speaker. I yield myself such time as I may consume. I rise in support of S.J. Res. 35. which amends Public Law 108331. This public law provided for the construction and location and related activities in support of the VERITAS project in Arizona. Madam Speaker. this Senate resolution amends this law by identifying another location for the VERITAS project. S.J. Res. 35 authorizes the Smithsonian to relocate the telescope to Fred Lawrence Whipple Observatork Base Camp on Mount Hopkins. Arizona. from the original site at Kitt Peak. Arizona. This is a simple but necessary change. and I urge my colleagues to support this resolution. I reserve the balance of my time.
Date: 2008-09-17
Speaker: EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON (democrat)
Chamber: H
State: Texas

Madam Speaker. I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill to authorize the Board of Regents of the Smithsonian Institution to carry out certain construction projects. and for other purposes.
Date: 2008-09-17
Speaker: EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON (democrat)
Chamber: H
State: Texas

Madam Speaker. I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days within which to revise and extend their remarks and add any extraneous material on H.R.
Date: 2008-09-17
Speaker: EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON (democrat)
Chamber: H
State: Texas

Madam Speaker. I yield myself such time as I may consume. I rise in strong support of H.R. 6627. the Smithsonian Facilities Authorizatiori Act of 2008. This bill has bipartisan support. including support from Congresswoman MATSUI. Congressman BECERRA. and Congressman JOHNSON. who are Smithsonian regents. Majority Leader HOYER and Ranking Member MICA are also in support of authorizing construction funding of these two renowned and vital Smithsonian facilities. The Mathias Research Center located in Edgewater. Maryland. is a global leader in the study of ecosystems in coastal zones. It was established in the 1930s on a dairy farm in Edgewater. Maryland. Nearly onehalf of SERCs 146 employees and fellows conduct the majority of their work in trailers. A major part of SERCs mission is research and professional training of the next generation of environmental scientists. The Board of Regents of the Smithsonian Institution requested authority to design and construct laboratory space to accommodate the Mathias Laboratory at SERC. The Board requested authority to upgrade and replace the facility to eliminate unsafe trailers and address substandard. inefficient labs. The facility and its support spaces need to be replaced. The Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute. located in Mathias Research Center. Panama. is the principal United States organization devoted to research in tropical biology which will advance scientific study and improve human welfare. Ecological catastrophes such as drought. starvation. and flooding caused by deforestation and overpopulation of tropical regions are studied for causes and remedies. This facility is a worldrenowndd research and education center dedicated to research and analysis of tropical ecosystems. The Board of Regents requested authority to replace current science building structure that is heavily infested with termites. I support these projects and the Board of Regents request for construction authorization. I urge passage. I reserve the balance of my time.
Date: 2008-09-17
Speaker: EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON (democrat)
Chamber: H
State: Texas

Madam Speaker. I rise in support of the act to replace these two facilities. and I yield back the balance of my time.
Date: 2008-09-17
Speaker: ZOE LOFGREN (democrat)
Chamber: H

Mr. Speaker. I rise in support of H.R. 6625 and commend Chairman BRADY for introducing this important piece of legislation. the Veterans Voting Support Act of which I am an original cosponsor. This legislation is significant to me because the issue of registering veterans to vote was born out of concern by one of my constituents. Steve Preminger. Steve went to the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) nursing home in Menlo Park. CA to register veterans. Almost immediately. VA officials threw him out. The VA has since explained that its decision to .evict Preminger was part of a policy that bars outside groups from registering voters who live in VA nursing homes. hospitals. and transitional housing for homeless veterans. For the past four years Mr. Preminger has litigated to ensure that all veterans living on VA property have access to voter registration I applaud the VA for its recent change in policy allowing state and localelection officials and nonpartisan groups to access VA facilities to assist officials in registering veteran voters who are receiving care. But issuing a new policy is not enough and I question the agencies commitment to It. Last Friday. September 12. 2008. the San Francisco VA prohibited Veterans for Peace ("VFP"). a 501(c)(3). from registering voters. even though the "directive" instructs local officials to "facilitate" nonpartisan groups who wish to register voters. As Paul Sullivan of Veterans for Common Sense stated in his testimony yesterday before the Senate Committee on Rules.- "The VA has changed their policy on veteran voting rights three times in the past five months. VA can easily reverse course again and issue yet another policy banning voting assistance for veterans living in VA facilities." I support this legislation. but am concerned that the protection for "nonpartisan" activities may create the inference that a government agency can regulate private "partisan" conversations just because they are on federal property. even though there is no apparent government sponsorship. Over 5.3 million veterans (23.2 percent of all veterans) were not registered to vote in 2006. Veterans have dedicated their lives to protecting our country and deserve every commitment from the government to offer them the opportunity to participate in the political process. With November rapidly approaching it is imperative that we act both swiftly and vigilantly in passing H.R. 6625.
Date: 2008-09-17
Speaker: LINCOLN DAVIS (democrat)
Chamber: H
State: Tennessee

I thank the gentlelady from California. All of us. Im sure. have had an opportunityat least mostto visit the war zones in Iraq and Afghanistan. And being there. we have observed the greatness of the volunteers who volunteer their service for this great country and to help preserve. defend. and to bring about liberty and freedom to others in different parts of the world today. mainly in those two war zones
Date: 2008-09-18
Speaker: LORETTA SANCHEZ (democrat)
Chamber: H
State: Cali

fornia. Madam Speaker. I come to the floor today to urge my colleagues to support H.R. 6869. the Border Security Search Accountability Act of 2008. which I introduced into the House last week. This bill establishes strict guidelines for Customs and Border Patrol and Immigration and Customs Enforcements electronic device seizure policy. It is important to ensure that Customs andBorder agents have the tools necessary to go after potential terrorists. This bill allows for the appropriate search. review. retention and sharing of information on an individuals electronic device. as necessary for security purposes. H.R. 6869 also ensures that when an individuals property is seized at a point of entry. there is a welldefined procedure in place that will protect their privacy and electronic data. especially the doctorpatient and attorneyclient privileges. This legislation also requires the Department of Homeland Security to post information about individual rights related to border searches in visible areas near the search points so that individuals will understand their rights.
Date: 2008-09-18
Speaker: VAN HOLLEN (democrat)
Chamber: H

Mr. Speaker. I rise in strong support of this legislation that will bring greater transparency and greater accountability to the commodity futures markets. and I want to commend committee Chairman PETERSON. Ranking Member GOODLATTE. and subcommittee Chairman BOB ETHERIDGE for coming together with the committee and others to pass and develop this bipartisan legislation which I hope we will all pass. I also want to thank and commend ROSA DELAURo. JOHN LARSON. and BART STUPAK for their leadership on this issue. If there is one thing we should have all learned over the last couple weeks given the turmoil in our financial markets. it is that we need greater transparency and greater accountability. These are not just abstract good government ideals. these are tools that people need for responsible regulation of our financial markets. including our futures markets. They are absolutely necessary if we want to make sure that the CFTC and our regulators have the information that they need. especially when you are talking about the great impact that these things can have on our economy. as we are seeing every day on Wall Street. The old adage that "what you dont know wont hurt you" is no longer a tenable position for this Congress. We need the information. With this legislation. for the first time. we will shine a light on the socalled dark markets and empower the CFTC to take corrective action where they find problems. It provides for stronger position limits for energy commodities traded on regulated exchanges while ensuring that our futures markets continue to have the liquidity they need to function properly. No one has said there is not an important role for our futures markets. it is -making sure that they are regulated properly to protect consumers and investors. This bill will also rein in excessive speculation by ensuring that hedging exemptions are granted only to commercial market participants seeking to hedge their actual physical risk. rather than to speculators facing only financial risk.
Date: 2008-09-18
Speaker: VAN HOLLEN (democrat)
Chamber: H

Mr. Chairman. I rise today to support the No Child Left Inside Act. I thank my colleague from Maryland. JOHN SARBANES. for his efforts on this important initiative. Mr. Chairman. our Nation faces great environmental challenges. We need to combat global warming. curb pollution. and expand conservation and energy efficiency. And to confront these challenges. we need to ensure that students graduate from our schools with an understanding of the environment. We need handson outdoor learning opportunities to inspire students to enter science fields and develop innovative solutions. Todays bill extends the authorization for the National Environmental Education Act and enhances the Environmental Education and Training Program with teacher training and the opportunity for partnerships between teachers and working professionals in environmental fields. It also establishes the National Capacity Environmental Education Grant Program to assist States and local education agencies as they work to develop environmental literacy plans and student academic achievement standards. It encourages partnerships between states. schools. and institutes of higher education and creates and disseminates best practices for environmental education programs. No Child Left Inside will give our students the opportunity to interact with and understand their environment. It will encourage their interest in science and prepare them to solve 21st century environmental challenges. I urge my colleagues to join me in voting for this bill.
Date: 2008-09-18
Speaker: GEORGE MILLER (democrat)
Chamber: H
State: California

I thank the gentleman for yielding. and I just want my colleagues to fully understand. This is a bill that is designed for environmental education. I understand the gentleman doesnt like the bill. He voted against it in committee. one of the few Republicans that did. He doesnt like it. They are disappointed because we passed comprehensive energy reform and they have lost their energy debate. But most importantly this: under this amendment. a school could not get money for environmental education. The Governors Association could not get money for environmental education. universities could not get money for environmental education. so who the hell would get the money for environmental education because under this amendment the very organizations that are supposed to be developing the program are prohibited because they hire lobbyists. Yes. the Governors have a lobbyist. universities have a lobbyist. school districts have lobbyists for the State or what have you. They are immediately excluded. So here we are again. The gentleman from Maryland has presented a comprehensive bill. a wellthoughtout bill that has incredible support" across the board by educational organizations and nonprofits and others who want to engage and step up the environmental education in this country. This amendment would absolutely prohibit these organizations from participating. I thank the gentleman for yielding. Q 1700
Date: 2008-09-22
Speaker: GEORGE MILLER (democrat)
Chamber: H
State: California

Madam Speaker. I rise in strong support of H.R. 6159. the Deafy Glade Land Exchange Act. The Fouts Springs Youth facility has been managed by Solano County. Colusa County. and their partners for nearly fifty years. The bill before the House today guarantees that they can continue their good work. Fouts Springs has helped rehabilitate Californias young offenders. and provided youths from across the state with muchneeded structure and significant vocational education opportunities. Presently. Solano County operates Fouts Springs on behalf of several other California counties under a special use authorization. H.R. 6159. the Deafy Glade Land ExchangeAct. will give Solano County the 82 acres that they use at Fouts Springs. and in exchange would give to the Mendocino National Forest 160 acres of nearby land known as Deafy Glade. The Deafy Glade property has access to the Snow Mountain Wilderness Area. and has been a high priority for acquisition by the Forest Service since at least the early 1990s. As we learned in testimony before the Natural Resources Committee by Solano County Supervisor John Vasquez. the Deafy Glade parcels would be a key addition to the Mendocino National Forests trail system. The bill before the House today contains several small changes from the legislation as introduced. which should ensure that Solano County can continue to operate Fouts Springs as they do today. I want to thank Chairman NICK RAHALL. Subcommittee Chairman RAUL GRIJALVA. and the Natural Resources Committee staff. for all of the time andenergy they have spent with me and with my staff to improve this legislation and help move it forward. I also want to thank Ranking Members DON YOUNG and ROB BISHOP for their efforts. In particular. I want to recognize the efforts of Meghan Conklin and David Watkins from Chairman Grijalvas staff. as well as the work of my legislative director. Ben Miller. I urge my colleagues to support the Deafy Glade Land Exchange Act. and I look forward to passage of this legislation.
Date: 2008-09-22
Speaker: GEORGE MILLER (democrat)
Chamber: H
State: California

Mr. Speaker. it is with great honor and privilege that I rise in support of H. Res. 1464. in commemoration and recognition of the AARPs 50th anniversary of providing outstanding service and advocacy on the behalf of Americas aging citizens. In what started as a campaign to attain affordable healthcare for retired teachers. AARP founder Ethel Percy Andrus began a movement that has become a committed organization championing the needs of nearly 40 million members and all Americans over the age of 50. The AARP has enjoyed 50 years of nonpartisan advocacy for consumer rights. has provided trusted research and information that continues to shape public policy. and has addressed consumer needs of the elderly. contributing immensely to the greater necessities of some of our most vulnerable citizens. This national organization exemplifies the ideals of service and outreach. and has been a tremendous force in enhancing opportunities for older Americans in their search for quality healthcare. pension and retirement security. financial and overall wellbeing. I would like to extend my congratulations and appreciation to the AARP for their exceptional dedication and service. and I wish this organization continued success in the great work that they do for years to come. I would also like to thank and congratulate AARPs CEO. Bill Novelli. and the countless volunteers and staff. for their leadership and commitment to furthering the organizations mission of a healthy and secure elderly population in the United States.
Date: 2008-09-22
Speaker: MIKE MCNULTY (democrat)
Chamber: H

and Ihave shared some Italian food also at various Italian restaurants in Washington. D.C.. and I think that they deserve as much time as Chinese food. Mr. Speaker. it is a rule. a practice. a custom. and a tradition of this Chamber that we refer to each other as the "gentleman" or as the "gentlewoman." No Member of this body more deserves the title of "gentleman" than the gentleman from New York. MIKE MCNULTY. He is a gentleman in every true sense of the word. MIKE and GARY ACKERMAN and I often sit together on the floor of this Chamber during votes. Sitting with MIKE is. like sitting on an island of civility and of decency in turbulent and sharkinfested waters. Thats not to say that MIKE doesnt fight for his principles. He fights for his principles but not by shoving people out of the way and not with sharp elbows but with a quiet and respected determination. He has been doing that for 20 years. Now. some Members of this body. having been here for 20 years. might grow jaded. They may begin to take it for granted. They may start to forget just what a glorious place this is but not MIKE. He was recently quoted in the Congressional Quarterly as saying. "Especially at night when the Capitol is lit up. I still pinch myself. It is an honor to serve here." Nothing makes MIKE MCNULTY prouder than serving here in this Capitol except for maybe one thing. and that is his family. Ive had the privilege of meeting members of his family here in Washington and when I visited Albany. When he introduces them to any of his colleagues. I cant think of anybody prouder than MIKE MCNULTY. With always a gentle smile. with always a glint in his eye. his constituents have had a remarkable treasure representing them in Washington. I know they will miss him in Washington. but they gain him and his leadership at home. Mr. Speaker. one of my favorite poets in the world is Rudyard Kipling. and one of my favorite pdems of Kiplings is "If." In that poem. he writes: "If you can keep your head when all about you are losing theirs and blaming it on you. if you can trust yourself when all men doubt you... " and then he goes on. "If you can talk with crowds and keep your virtue or walk with kingsnor lose the common touch. if neither foes nor loving friends can hurt you. if all men count with you but none too much. if you can fill the unforgiving minute with 60seconds worth of distance run. yours is the Earth and everything thats in it. andwhich is moreyoull be a Man. my son!" We all know that MIKE MCNULTY is a great man. but more than that. Mr. Speaker. he is a gentleman who still pinches himself even late at night. under a gloriously lit dome. that has been made better and brighter for his presence here and for the work he will continue to do for our country. I yield back my time.