macleginn/stanford_congress_record_longer_speeches huggingface dataset:
Date: 2016-03-22
Speaker: DANNY K. DAVIS (democrat)
Chamber: H
State: Illinois

Mr. Speaker. I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker. I am pleased to join Congressman TODD YOUNG in leading H.R. 4472. the Modernizing the Interstate Placement of Children in Foster Care Act. I joined my friend from Indiana in introducing H.R. 4472 because it would help us make progress on an important issue: reducing the barriers and delays that continue to exist when the best new home for a child is in a different State than the unsafe home the child had to leave. Given that my Congressional District has one of the highest percentages of grandparents raising grandchildren in the Nation. followed closely by two other Congressional Districts in Illinois. child welfare issues are very personal to my constituents. to Chicago. and to my home State. Removing barriers that delay or prevent interstate child placements is a longtime. bipartisan goal within Congress. This bill addresses an important factor in those delays: the ability of State computer systems to link up to process the paperwork. The current paperbased system is antiquated and slow. As part of an HHS pilot project. seven States and the District of Columbia currently participate in the National Electronic Interstate Compact Enterprise. or NEICE. an online tool that allows State office systems to talk to each other and process interstate placements more quickly. I am very proud of the fact that Illinois is one of these States. An early evaluation found that this system reduced waiting times for affected children by about onethird. Ten other States have already announced plans to join the exchange over the next 2 years. H.R. 4472 would accelerate the number of participating States in the short run and ensure that all States participate in the long run. The Director of the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services. George Sheldon. often emphasizes that we need to operate in kid time. not adult time. meaning that we need to recognize the urgency of restoring permanency for children in child welfare. rather than allowing adult bureaucracy to impede permanency. Modernizing the technology to increase efficiencies and quicken placements is common sense and respects the urgency of finding permanent. loving homes for children. I am grateful to Mr. YOUNG of Indiana for ensuring that the bill expands upon existing progress on modernization within States and includes tribal foster care systems. This is a good bill. I thank Mr. YOUNG and his staff for their excellent work. I am indeed pleased to join them. I urge support to move forward on H.R. 4472. Mr. Speaker. I reserve the balance of my time.
Date: 2016-03-22
Speaker: DANNY K. DAVIS (democrat)
Chamber: H
State: Illinois

Mr. Speaker. I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker. while we are discussing H.R. 4472. reducing the time that it takes to process a child who might come from a different State for adoption or foster care placement. there are other issues of child welfare. one that I will mention. The issues of child welfare have a long history of bipartisanship. In addition to the Modernizing the Interstate Placement of Children in Foster Care Act. I hope to engage my colleagues in addressing the substance abuse needs of families involved in child welfare. Aside from neglect. alcohol and other drug use is the number one reason for removal from the home. More specifically. approximately onethird of cases list alcohol or other drug use as the reason for the childs removal. What is exciting is that we have good. clear empirical evidence that certain strategies have demonstrated effectiveness. Specifically. these quality interventions help children and families affected by substance abuse experience fewer days in care. higher reunification rates. less recurrence of child maltreatment. and better permanency over time. I am preparing to introduce a bill that scales up these successes from smaller targeted interventions into fullscale interventions while building the research to better inform Federal policy overall. My bill does two key things. First. it dedicated staff under Title IVE for the coordination of substance abuse prevention and treatment services with child welfare services. Secondly. it creates grants to expand the lessons learned from the research on smaller scale efforts to the State level. funding additional research to improve related Federal policy. My home State of Illinois has led the Nation in addressing substance abuse issues in child welfare. We know that we need to do more to address this problem. We know that it works. And. of course. I look forward to being engaged in the development of programs and activities that would further enhance that kind of success. Again. I want to thank Mr. YOUNG for his tremendous work on H.R. 4472. Mr. Speaker. I yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from Texas . He is one of the outstanding members of the Ways and Means Committee.
Date: 2016-03-22
Speaker: DANNY K. DAVIS (democrat)
Chamber: H
State: Illinois

Mr. Speaker. I yield myself such time as I may consume. I want to associate my remarks with those just made by Mr. DOGGETT relative to continuing the Social Services Block Grant funding. which has provided a tremendous amount of resources. and continues to do so. for social welfare programs. including those affecting children. I also want to associate myself with the comments made relative to the Commission to Eliminate Child Abuse and Neglect Fatalities. It just happens that one of the judges from my district. the presiding judge of the Child Protection Division of the Circuit Court of Cook County. serves on that commission and. of course. had some findings that were different than the commission report. I think we need to consider all of those things as we move forward. But I am pleased to note that we are indeed making progress dealing with the issues of child welfare. Again. I want to commend Mr. YOUNG and his staff for their work on H.R. 4472. I am pleased to join. and urge strong support for it. I yield back the balance of my time.
Date: 2016-03-22
Speaker: WATSON COLEMAN (democrat)
Chamber: H

I thank the gentlewoman from Florida for giving me this opportunity to stand up here during Womens History Month and to say this is a bipartisan piece of legislation that is well done and overdue. Mr. Speaker. I am proud that there were women who went before me who were brave and who were courageous and who did all of the jobs that were asked of them in a manner that was of high standard. They gave and sacrificed on my behalf. and now we have the opportunity to eliminate some of the last vestiges of disparate treatment or secondary treatment. or treating them as secondclass citizens. I rise in support of this legislation. and I congratulate my colleagues on both sides of the aisle for having brought this to our attention and for giving us the opportunity to express our support.
Date: 2016-03-22
Speaker: JACKSON LEE (democrat)
Chamber: H

Mr. Speaker. I rise today in strong support of H.R. 4336. "Women Airforce Service Pilot Arlington Inurnment Restoration Act of 2016" which directs the Department of the Army to ensure that the cremated remains of persons who served as Womens Air Forces Service Pilots are eligible for interment in Arlington National Cemetery with full military honors. I support this legislation sponsored by Congresswoman MARTHA McSALLY of Arizona. because the women who have devoted their lives to the armed services deserve appropriate recognition and praise for their sacrifice. This important bill provides the remains of a person who dies on or after the date of the enactment of this Act. and whose service has been determined to be active duty. eligibility for inurnment in Arlington National Cemetery. The Secretary of the Army shall submit to the Committees on Veterans Affairs and the Committees on Armed Services of the House of Representatives and the Senate a report on the interment and inurnment capacity of Arlington National Cemetery. With respect to the unique and iconic meaning of the cemetery to the United States. the Secretary of the Army determines necessary considerations for additional expansion opportunities beyond the current boundaries of the cemetery. The Secretary of the Army must submit the estimated date the cemetery will reach maximum interment and inurnment capacity. The Secretary of the Army has the ability to redefine eligibility criteria for interment and inurnment in the cemetery. Implementation of the arrangements necessary to facilitate the burial of the cremated remains should be a priority. It is our responsibility to ensure that the suitable recognition is provided to Americans who have devoted their time and physical assistance towards our freedom. This bill actively displays our gratitude towards all who participated in the armed services. Even after death. we reflect on their contributions with our hearts and minds for those who put themselves in harms way to protect our nation. I urge all Members to join me in voting to pass H.R. 4336.
Date: 2016-03-22
Speaker: AL GREEN (democrat)
Chamber: H
State: Texas

Mr. Speaker. today I missed the following votes: 1. Motion on Ordering the Previous Question on the Rule for H.R. 2345. Had I been present. I would have voted "no. 2. H. Res. 653Rule providing for consideration of H.R. 2745Standard Merger and Acquisitions Reviews Through Equal Rules Act of 2015. Had I been present. I would have voted "no." 3 H.R. 4742Promoting Women in Entrepreneurship Act. Had I been present. I would have voted "yes" on this bill. 4. H.R. 4755Inspiring the Next Space Innovators. Researchers. and Explorers (INSPIRE) Women Act. Had I been present. I would have voted "yes" on this bill. 5. H.R. 4336Women Airforce Service Pilot Arlington Inurnment Restoration Act. as amended. Had I been present. I would have voted "yes" on this bill.
Date: 2016-03-23
Speaker: JACKSON LEE (democrat)
Chamber: H

Mr. Speaker. I rise n strong support of H. Res. 658 and in remembrance of the innocent victims who lost their lives. and those who were seriously injured. this morning in the barbaric attacks perpetrated by terrorists in Brussels. Belgium. Our hearts and prayers are with the families and loved ones of the victims and our thanks and appreciation go to the first responders who selflessly came to the aid of their fellow members of the human family. Brussels will emerge from todays attacks stronger than ever and more firmly committed to the values and principles that have made it so great. And as Brussels recovers and responds. I hope its people take comfort in the certain knowledge that the people of the United States stand in solidarity with them. Todays attacks are a reminder of the common danger the free. democratic. and peace loving nations of the world face from those who reject the norms of civilized society and abuse the liberties and freedoms afforded them by free societies. Those responsible for todays crime against humanity should make no mistake. they will be held to account in this life and the next. But today our thoughts and prayers are with the people of Brussels. which represents everything terrorists despise: a symbol of the modern world where persons of differing faiths. creeds. races. and cultures live together in peace. harmony. and freedom. That symbol is recognizable to Americans because it also represents the American heart and spirit. The terrorist attacks in Brussels were horrific acts on innocent civilians perpetrated by depraved individuals who misuse the peaceful religion of Islam for their own misguided purposes. Their horrible and heinous acts are their responsibility. and theirs alone. and for which they can be assured that they alone will be held accountable. But that will come another day. today I ask a moment of silence for the victims killed and injured in the terrorist attacks in Brussels.
Date: 2016-03-23
Speaker: LORETTA SANCHEZ (democrat)
Chamber: H
State: Cali

fornia. Mr. Speaker. I rise today in order to bring attention to an issue afflicting communities in southeast Los Angeles. Today communities in Vernon and the surrounding areas are dealing with the aftermath of years of toxic contamination by a nowclosed leadacid battery recycling plant. The recycling plant. which was owned by the company Exide Technologies. operated for years in the city of Vernon. Even though it had multiple violations documented by inspectors in the late 1990s of bad things going on. there were few punitive measures used against them. Ultimately. who paid the price? The contaminated areas can be cleaned up. but those communities that live there. mostly composed of working class Mexican Americans. now have to deal with longterm health effects of being exposed. like cancer. Time and time again. when our infrastructure fails us. when corporations violate the rules. it is the most vulnerable communities that pay for it. I want to remind my colleagues we have to be vigilant.
Date: 2016-03-23
Speaker: JACKSON LEE (democrat)
Chamber: H

Mr. Speaker. I come with a heavy heart to acknowledge the deep tragedy that happened in Brussels. Belgium. yesterday. Having participated in the InterParliamentary Exchange. I traveled to Brussels on a number of occasions to join with the European Union. But more importantly. I had the sad duty of coming onto the thenSelect Committee on Homeland Security and. ultimately. the Committee on Homeland Security in the very shadows of 9/11. I was in this Congress as it occurred. and I went to Ground Zero as they were still recovering individuals. as those firefighters and first responders would not stop. Our hearts are heavy and we are desirous of being helpful. As Brussels recovers and responds. we need to stand with them. But as well. let me be very clear: let us not allow the terrorists to terrorize us. let us recognize the broadness of this Nation. the Muslims who put on the uniform of the United States military to fight on our behalf. Let us act with consciousness. providing more security and more human resources to make a difference. As I close. let me acknowledge the historic trip of President Obama to Cuba and say that engagement is very important.
Date: 2016-03-23
Speaker: WASSERMAN SCHULTZ (democrat)
Chamber: H

Mr. Speaker. good luckmazel tovto my colleagues. Mr. Speaker. I rise today to celebrate the sixth anniversary of the Affordable Care Act. This was President Obamas and congressional Democrats landmark law. which has helped 20 million Americans1.7 million Floridians in my home Stateget quality. affordable health care. It is a law that outlawed discrimination against people like mea woman and a cancer survivorwho could have been prevented from obtaining care before the ACA ended that injustice. It is also the anniversary of the EARLY Act. a law that I was proud to author. which passed as part of the ACA. The EARLY Act empowers young women with the information and resources they need to understand their breast health and the risks that they face. As a cancer survivor and a mother. these two anniversaries are near and dear to my heart. I will continue working with my sister survivors. with the healthcare and cancer communities. along with Vice President BIDENS inspirational National Cancer Moonshot. to expand care. protect more of our daughters. sisters. and mothers. and. finally. beat cancer once and for all.
Date: 2016-03-23
Speaker: CAROLYN B. MALONEY (democrat)
Chamber: H
State: New York

Mr. Speaker. the Affordable Care Act is one of the most important pieces of legislation in a generation. Thanks to the Affordable Care Act. 20 million people have gained health insurance coverage. As this chart shows. the percentage of the population without health insurance is now under 10 percent. That is the first time this has happened in our Nations history. Just look at it. The uninsurance rate was steady for many. many years. Then. after the Affordable Care Act was passed. it dropped like a stone. Thanks to the ACA. young people are now able to stay on their parents plans. Thanks to the ACA. families who could not get health insurance through their employers can now get it. Thanks to the ACA. people who couldnt afford health insurance can get subsidies to help them afford it. Thanks to the ACA. people who have what the insurance industry calls preexisting conditions are no longer left high and dry. The ACA has been a lifesaver for people who were previously uninsured. It is a good thing for our economy and a promise kept to our constituents. I would like to wish the ACA. the Affordable Care Act. a very happy anniversary. Look at the chart.
Date: 2016-04-12
Speaker: GENE GREEN (democrat)
Chamber: H
State: Texas

Mr. Speaker. I yield such time as he may consume to the gentleman from North Carolina . the cosponsor of the legislation. but also a member of our Energy and Commerce Committee.
Date: 2016-04-12
Speaker: JACKSON LEE (democrat)
Chamber: H

Mr. Speaker. as the Ranking Member of the Judiciary Committee and Subcommittee on Crime Terrorism. Homeland Security. and Investigations. which reported this legislation. I rise in strong support of H.R. 4676 "Preventing Crimes Against Veterans Act of 2016". a bill that provides an important additional tool for federal prosecutors to combat veterans benefits fraud. I support this legislation. because of the honorable sacrifices our veterans have made for us. it is particularly important that we protect them from fraud and ensure the integrity of the system of benefits we provide for them. H.R. 4676 amends the federal criminal code to declare that any person who knowingly engages in any scheme or artifice to defraud a veteran of veterans benefits. or in connection with obtaining veterans benefits for that veteran. shall be fined. imprisoned not more than five years. or both. Currently. there are approximately 21 million veterans of the United States military living all across our country. It is estimated that about 30 percent of all Vietnam veterans have had posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and up to 20 percent of veterans serving in more recent conflicts in the Middle East are estimated to suffer from PTSD in a given year. Given the extreme sacrifice by our veterans and the hardships many of them continue to face after their military service. it is our duty to provide. to the best of our ability. an appropriate measure of compensation for themparticularly for those in need. For instance. we provide disability payments to those with serviceconnected disabilities. pensions for veterans with limited incomes. education and training under the GI Bill. and also various life insurance benefits. Over 24.000 veterans reside in my 18th Congressional District and one of my top priorities is to fight for their benefits and to fight for the rights of our most patriotic Americans. Amending title 18. United States Code of H.R. 4676. provides an additional tool to prevent certain frauds against veterans. H.R. 4676 will ensure that prosecutors may bring criminal charges against those who knowingly defraud a veteran of their benefits or engage in fraud in connection with obtaining veterans benefits. 476.515 veterans are living with PTSD. and need their benefits to provide the top care for their disorder. it is criminal that some are left untreated. H.R. 4676 will bring justice to our veterans and shine a light on those who are abusing the benefits given to veterans for defending our country. Those who defraud veterans and the system of veterans benefits harm the victims and diminish resources required to pay the claims and fund the programs that are needed to help those who have served their country. I urge all Members to join me in voting to pass H.R. 4676.
Date: 2016-04-12
Speaker: JACKSON LEE (democrat)
Chamber: H

Mr. Speaker. at the beginning of March. I held a briefing in Houston with leaders of the health community and our research community on the Zika virus. At that time. we had at least one case diagnosed in the city of Houston. Since that time. we have watched the Centers for Disease Control travel to Puerto Rico. and we have seen the potential for a Zika epidemic in the United States. first starting in Florida and Texas. There are conditions in our particular area that are susceptible to the transmission of the Zika virus. Today. the Centers for Disease Control has indicated it may be more dangerous than we ever would have expected. Over 2 months ago. I believe. the President submitted to Congress a request for $1.9 billion in an emergency supplemental. All of my constituents in the health profession are begging for this supplemental to be passed. Yesterday I sent out a statement asking for the Speaker and the majority leader to bring the supplemental to the floor. It is an emergency. Having gone through a number of epidemics in our community and in this Nation. it is time that we put the American peoples interests first. It is now the time. Mr. Speaker. to pass the emergency supplemental and save lives.
Date: 2016-04-12
Speaker: LORETTA SANCHEZ (democrat)
Chamber: H
State: Cali

fornia. Mr. Speaker. I rise today on Equal Pay Day to call for action to close that persistent wage gap that occurs in the workplace to the detriment of women. My grandmother worked all of her life. I would see her leave in the morning and go to the bus stop. She worked at a convalescent home where she made 3 meals a day for 170 people. She worked 6 days a week. On Saturday. she would make an extra meal so they could serve it on Sunday. On Sunday. she would take off work and go to church. When my grandmother could no longer stand on her feet. she retired. She retired on Social Security. which was $484 a monthjust enough to live at my moms home in her retirement. She had no savings and no pension. One of the reasons is because. even though women work very hard in this country. they dont get paid what their counterpartsthe malesdo. And so women are twice as likely to retire in poverty. When women succeed. America succeeds. And that is why I am a proud sponsor of the Paycheck Fairness Act.
Date: 2016-04-12
Speaker: EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON (democrat)
Chamber: H
State: Texas

Mr. Speaker. I rise in support of H.R. 2646. the Helping Families in Mental Health Crisis Act. Thank you to Congressman TIM MURPHY for hosting this important special order to discuss our countrys current mental health system. For more than two years now. I have worked with Congressman MURPHY on H.R. 2646. a bipartisan piece of legislation that has garnered support from patients. caregivers. psychiatrists. psychologists. law enforcement. and even editorial boards. As two of the few mental health providers serving in Congress. our bill reflects not only what we have learned in our own careers. but feedback from stakeholders. families. organizations. other members of Congress. and addresses many of the policies that we can change now to help patients struggling with severe mental illness and substance use disorders. An amended version of H.R. 2646 passed the Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Health in November of 2015. Since then. there has been no action. I have continued to talk with members of my community about mental health issues and they demand action. It is now April of 2016 and we must move forward on the issue of mental health. The American people expect. deserve. and demand it. H.R. 2646 takes a strong step forward in mental health reform. As days pass with no action. people are denied beds. denied care. and are floating through the pervasive cycle of mental illness without attention. Everyone deserves care. I truly hope that my colleagues will work with me to pass this bill for the sake of those who truly matter.