macleginn/stanford_congress_record_longer_speeches huggingface dataset:
Date: 2011-02-18
Speaker: VAN HOLLEN (democrat)
Chamber: H

I thank my colleague. Another day on a bill that will not create one single job in the United States of America. in fact. a bill that will cost thousands of Americans their jobs. The response just the other day from our Republican colleagues: So be it. Now we have an amendment before us to strip away critical patient protections for consumers. for our constituents. This is an insurance industry dream amendment. We heard from our colleagues they wanted to listen to the American people. They have not had one hearing. not one. to listen to the people around this country who were already benefiting from this bill. The provisions to ensure that kids with diabetes. leukemia. asthma. are not discriminated against by the insurance industry any more. not one mom was heard from. Provisions to make sure that our constituents arent denied their coverage when they need it the most. There are thousands of Americans out there already benefiting from that. Didnt listen to one of them. And now under the guise of trying to save the taxpayer money. they are offering an amendment that. according to the independent. nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office. will increase the deficit over the next 10 years by $230 billion. And when its fully implemented. the bill. and you strip it away. it will add $1.4 trillion to the deficit. I just urge my colleagues to read the letter from January of this year from the head of the CBO to the Speaker of the House. Its right in there. plain and simple. We had a hearing in the Budget Committee just the other day. I hope your colleagues on the Budget Committee may have talked to you about it because the head of CBO was before the committee and Members on the Republican side. Surely you must have arrived at this deficit number through double counting. The head of CBO said very plainly there is no double counting. Read the lips of CBO. This adds $230 billion to the deficit over 10 years. $1.4 trillion over the next 20 years. So dont come to the floor here and pretend that by enacting this amendment its part of an effort to save taxpayer dollars. This will add more red ink to this Nations credit card. the same kind of red ink that we saw being added over the years and years and years of the prior administration. We are trying to turn the corner on that. But all this does is add more. The cost is not just in terms of higher deficits. the costs are to the people throughout this country who are going to lose the important protections that this bill has provided them. Shame on this House for spending time doing this rather than focusing on jobs and getting this economy moving.
Date: 2011-02-18
Speaker: WASSERMAN SCHULTZ (democrat)
Chamber: H

Thank you. Mr. Chairman. I rise today to oppose the Republicans latest cynical and callous attempts to derail health care reform. and I think its quite interesting that the gentleman from Montana would be dismissive of the issue of deficit reduction and that somehow thats now labeled a distraction. I think that adding $5.5 billion to the deficit when we should be going in the opposite direction is far more than a distraction. Its a moral imperative that we not do that. In the past 6 weeks. we have seen the true face of the Republicans legislative agenda. Rather than work to create jobs and improve our economy. they have focused on baseless attacks on American families. With their repeal and replace bills. they have demonstrated that they dont mind if insurance companies drop patients as soon as they get sick. or that families wouldnt be able to save thousands of dollars by keeping young adult children on their family plan. And with this pernicious amendment. we now see their outrageous attempts to strip funding from the implementation of the health care law. Lets be clear: Our colleagues across the aisle want to yank funding from a law that is already helping millions of Americans. This amendment would seize funding from the agencies and workers who have already been tasked with implementing the most essential tenets of the Affordable Care Act. provisions which are already making a world of difference in millions of lives. If this amendment passes. seniors will be thrown back into the Medicare part D doughnut hole coverage gap and be forced to pay exorbitant costs for their prescription drugs. Women in desperate need of an annual mammogram or a colonoscopy will once again face prohibitive copays or perhaps face denial of coverage for the preexisting condition of simply having ovaries. and our Nation will once again return to the egregious practice of denying so many young children coverage for their health history that they cannot control. Rather than roll back the hardfought consumer protections and freedoms that unshackled Americans from the whims of private insurance companies. Republicans should be working with us to build on and improve the health care system. Instead. they wish to use this amendment process to reverse the progress that we have made with these vital health care reforms. I am glad the American people can see their hypocrisy right out in the open.
Date: 2011-02-18
Speaker: JACKSON LEE (democrat)
Chamber: H
State: Texas

I thank the gentlelady. Eight hundred seniors gathered just a year or two ago. expressing their horrific opposition to the idea of being overwhelmed by this doughnut hole. My colleagues today are telling seniors all over America we now will close the door on you again. We will ensure that you will not have the money to pay for your rent or food because you will be paying these ridiculously high costs for your prescription drugs. Thats what this amendment will do. It will close down potentially the Affordable Care Act that is providing a lifeline for our seniors. And then if you are laying on the sick bed in your hospital room and you need more care and more care to restore yourself. you have a doctor or an administrator come in and say. your insurance company called and theyre pulling the plug. Not the plug that the doctors are pulling. but they are pulling the plug. You have no more money. get out and try to do the best you can. Two hundred and thirty billion dollars this amendment will cost us. But more importantly. this bill is not. the Affordable Care Act. unconstitutional. Only two courts have rendered that. And frankly. the Supreme Court will speak. Dont do this to the American people.
Date: 2011-02-18
Speaker: GENE GREEN (democrat)
Chamber: H
State: Texas

Mr. Chairman and Members. I thank my colleague from Connecticut for yielding to me. Let me first say that I have read the bill. I was on the subcommittee and the full committee and served on the Health Subcommittee for many years. And I had many people ask me that. And believe me. when you spend hours and hours literally in testimony and amending the bill. you have the chance to read it. And I would hope my Republican colleagues. and all of us. would do the same thing. our appropriators. I would hope they would read the appropriations bill if they are accusing us on the Energy and Commerce Committee who drafted that bill. What this amendment would do would take away the funding that the Department of Labor and Health and Human Services would be able to enforce that insurance cant drop someone from coverage when they become sick. They would take away that funding. Seniors would be saving money. They should enforce it. saving money for seniors for prescription drugs. Young adults up to age 26 are getting back on insurance with their parents. That would stop the Department of Labor and Health and Human Services from enforcing that law. Small businesses are receiving billions of dollars in tax credits to provide health care coverage. This would stop it. Defunding health care would end these benefits and put insurance companies back in charge. The whole goal of the health care bill. whether you call it ObamaCareI wanted it to be called the Gene Green bill. But I admit. Im only one of 435 is to cut these benefits. Thats what this bill is about in this amendment. It will defund the great things in the health care law. Lets go back and talk about the things that we all agree that need to be changed. But if you take away the money. well lose this for all the folks in our districts.
Date: 2011-02-18
Speaker: JACKSON LEE (democrat)
Chamber: H
State: Texas

Thank you very much to my dear friend. This is a siege on the lives of innocent Americans. It is a siege by undocumented claims of unconstitutionality. When Justice Scalia said the relevant inquiry is simply whether the means are chosen or reasonably adapted to the attainment of a legitimate end under the commerce clause. It is. This bill is constitutional. What this gentleman wants to do is to literally shut down community health clinics that are now under the Affordable Care Act. He wants to make sure that children are not getting immunized. He wants to make sure that HIV patients are not getting their medicine. He wants to make sure that seniors who can come to these clinics are not able to access them. He wants to make sure that families are getting no coverage. This is the end result of this very. very dangerous amendment. In addition. we have to respond to someone who got up and actually said this is the worst bill that has ever been passed. What about the slave laws? What about the fugitive slave laws? How dare anyone suggest this is the worst bill when we give opportunity to all Americans. This amendment should be denied. They should listen to Senator Frist. who said this bill is a good bill. There are Republicans who believe we should provide health care for America. The Acting CHAIR. The time of the gentlewoman has expired.
Date: 2011-02-18
Speaker: GEORGE MILLER (democrat)
Chamber: H
State: California

I thank the gentleman for yielding and thank him for this amendment. I would hope he would withdraw this amendment so we would have an opportunity to go through exactly what the thresholds would be for the Department to award this right to the grantors to make these subgrants. Obviously. you have been a leader in the effort of improving the quality and number of charter schools. but this is a $50 million pool of money that could rightfully be used for this purpose. but I think we want to make sure that we have some assurances as to accountability and the kinds of subgrants that would be made to expand the universe of highquality. highperforming charter schools. I know that Congressman KLINE is also supportive of this amendment. but I think it would be best if we had an opportunity to walk through it and then either approach the Department to rewrite the regulation or to have legislation from the committee.
Date: 2011-02-18
Speaker: JACKSON LEE (democrat)
Chamber: H
State: Texas

Madam Chair. I have an amendment at the desk. The Acting CHAIR. The Chair notes that the amendment proposes to amend portions of the bill already passed in the reading. Does the gentlewoman from Texas seek unanimous consent to offer the amendment at this point in the reading?
Date: 2011-02-18
Speaker: GEORGE MILLER (democrat)
Chamber: H
State: California

I thank the gentlewoman for yielding. and I rise in opposition to this amendment. Contrary to what the author of the amendment has said. there is no requirement in a PLA that you have only union contractors at that. This is a time when you come together preproject to decide how this project shall be developed. whether there will be a training project involved in this. whether there will be local hires. whether there will be participation by minority and women subcontractors and others on this. In my area. some of the largest energy projects in the Nation are being built by worldwide companies and being built with Project Labor Agreements. In our cities Project Labor Agreements are used. and the record continues over and over again. on time. done right the first time. and its a mix of contractors that get accepted. There is nothing in the Executive order that requires union contractors. There is nothing in the Executive order that requires a PLA. I know. because I tried to get a few. and the administration didnt go there. So lets not overstate the case here. It encourages them. But the fact is PLAs have worked both on public projects and on private projects very. very well.
Date: 2011-02-18
Speaker: GENE GREEN (democrat)
Chamber: H
State: Texas

I want to thank my colleague from Virginia. For 15 seconds. I want to associate myself with the remarks of my colleague and member of the Energy and Commerce Committee. Mr. SULLIVAN. I think we need to think how we are doing this with ethanol. It costs more. I dont want to import oil either. Thats why we need to produce it in our own country. The Acting CHAIR. The question is on the amendment offered by the gentleman from Oklahoma .
Date: 2011-02-18
Speaker: GENE GREEN (democrat)
Chamber: H
State: Texas

I want to thank my colleague and ranking member from Washington State. I rise in opposition to this amendment. Representative BURGESS amendment would endanger the $830 million already set aside for classrooms and school districts in Texas through the Education Jobs Fund that was passed last August. At a time when our State is facing an almost $27 billion deficit. these are crucial moneys that can be used immediately to help school districts throughout Texas. Let me give you a little history. During the Recovery Act of 2009. Texas received $12 billion. Of that. $3.2 billion was supposed to be for public education. Our Governor and the Texas legislature used $12 billion. Instead of supplementing the current education funding. they used the $3.2 billion in place of the current education funding. The Governor went all over the country. getting books signed. saying how bad the Federal Government is. but they didnt give back that $12 billion. They used it to plusup the rainy day fund thats over $9 billion right now. and they dont even want to use it. So. at that time. what the Democratic Members from Texas said was that we want to make sure this $830 million goes to the schoolchildren of Texas. Thats what this would do. and thats what this law does. It would make sure that that money would go to the schoolchildren. It wouldnt get stuck in Austin. It would go down to my Houston school district. the Galena Park School District. which is having to cut its budget right now because it didnt get that $3.2 billion 2 years ago. Thats why the Burgess amendment should be defeated. Mr. Chairman. and thats why we put this amendment into law. Its in the law now. and Im proud of it. Let the money go to the school districts instead of to the folks who decided to keep it in the State capital.
Date: 2011-02-28
Speaker: JACKSON LEE (democrat)
Chamber: H
State: Texas

Mr. Speaker. just last week in Houston. Texas. in a private home called Jackies Day Care. seven babies under 3 years old were subjected to an horrific inferno. a fire. As the caretaker or the owner of this child care facility and as the facts unfold that we believe Federal funding was involved. first there was a representation that she was in the home and had fainted. But over the last 72 hours it was determined that she had gone to the grocery store. Four babies are dead. Two are in a burn unit. And one is fighting for his life in another facility. I am standing here todaymy voice can be heardto first of all say how many people need day care and have to subject themselves to these kinds of homes. She was 22. Maybe she cared for the children. But right now she has fled the country. I am asking Ms. Tata to return. I am asking her family members to return so that she can receive justice and so these families can heal. This is not the way to address your responsibility. Four families are burying babies who would have had wonderful futures. who simply attempted to work and have a place safe and secure for them to be. Now they are dead. Ms. Tata. youre 22 years old. Come back to this country and get in line for the justice you deserve. We are coming after you.
Date: 2011-02-28
Speaker: WASSERMAN SCHULTZ (democrat)
Chamber: H

Mr. Speaker. I rise today to recognize the retirement of Mayor Rae Carole Armstrong of the city of Plantation. Florida. Mayor Armstrong has nearly 30 years of distinguished public service working on behalf of the residents of Plantation and the south Florida community. and we will miss her strong leadership. Since 1999. Ms. Armstrong has served as mayor of Plantation. promoting and fostering small businesses. revitalizing parks and neighborhoods. and generally enriching the local community. As the first female council member in Plantationa position she held for 16 yearsRae Carole Armstrong was known for supporting athletic groups and engaging in educational partnerships. Her special ability to work with a broad array of local interests allowed Mayor Armstrong to shepherd the city into the new millennium while maintaining Plantations closeknit community appeal. Her coalitionbuilding leadership benefited not only the residents of Plantation. but the entire south Florida community. In that spirit. all of south Florida thanks her for her many years of service. and we wish her great success in her future endeavors. Thank you. Rae Carol.
Date: 2011-02-28
Speaker: EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON (democrat)
Chamber: H
State: Texas

Mr. Speaker I rise today to honor Black History Month. In February of each year. we recognize the many contributions of African Americans throughout this Nation. It brings to life a rich and vibrant history that was all too often left untold. Although African Americans were an integral part of the founding of this Nation. it was not until the 20th century that they gained any respectable recognition in our history books. Prior to Carter G. Woodsons passionate efforts to write African Americans into the history of the United States. books largely ignored the African American population except in the context of slavery. That is why it is so important that the full history of African Americans continues to be taught and preserved in order that future generations from all reaches of America will understand our rich heritage. African Americans have made significant contributions throughout history. and it is clear that we continue to build that rich legacy today. As our nation moves forward. we must never forget the great pioneers of scientific innovation. writing. music. philosophy. and politics. Honoring these contributions through Black History Month has allowed us to expand educational opportunities. enhance economic stability. workforce advancement and training. and community involvement. Today. we find ourselves facing economic uncertainty. However. we must not lose sight of our current accomplishments and continued progress. The current budget proposal led by Republicans seeks to cut spending without any regard to our economy or the needs of the American people. The proposed budget diminishes our investments in education. job creation. and future innovation. I believe that we can and must do better to serve all Americans. We must fight against immoral and unwise cuts to our budget in order to preserve the heritage of African Americans as well as the United States as a whole. Black History Month has not only set a precedent by honoring the achievements of African Americans. but it has also paved the way for other nationwide celebrations honoring the contributions of other important races and cultures. Now. we must look to our youth to carry on our history and to create their own legacy. Long before the election of more than a hundred African Americans to the U.S. Congress. African Americans made a large contribution to our Nations Capitol by building the Capitol itself as slaves.
Date: 2011-03-01
Speaker: LORETTA SANCHEZ (democrat)
Chamber: H
State: Cali

fornia. Jobs. jobs. jobs. Thats what people back home wantjobs. Everybody I know wants a job. People stand in line. they want a job. And so now we are at this crucial deadline. and the Republicans want to shut down the government because their strategy for this year is just to gut everything. everything. anything. 700.000 jobs. 800.000 jobs. depends who you are talking to. If you are talking to the Moodys person. its 700.000. If youre talking to the Economic Institute. its 800.000. So while they concentrate on eliminating jobs. I believe most of us here. Democrats. are working hard to understand whats an investment. how do we help people to get their next job? Where do they get their education? Where do they get their training? How about building the highspeed rail. for example. in California. to create jobs? I think Republicans need to get back to work.
Date: 2011-03-01
Speaker: JACKSON LEE (democrat)
Chamber: H
State: Texas

Let me thank the ranking member of the Appropriations Committee and let me thank the chairperson. I sometimes have a slip of tongue. Mr. DICKS. and call you "chairman." but I thank you very much for this opportunity. I want to just try to give a procedural class here today. The procedural class is that this document is a placeholder. I would hesitate to call it a fake document. but that is what it is. As I left my constituency. the last words I heard were. "Dont you all shut down the government." And I am glad that Mr. DICKS worked hard to submit his amendment in the Rules Committee. Its unfortunate that the wise men and women didnt have a majority. The Republicans would not yield to a thoughtful amendment by Mr. DICKS. But this is a 2week document. We know how old. and whatmany of us have seen a 2weekold baby. Thats what this is: a 2week document so we can do the right thing. It needs to be very clear that before we left in the 110th Congress. Democrats had already cut $41 billion. Now. many say we didnt have a budget. We had a budget. but we had no compromise. no reconciliation. no fairness. no concern about the American people. Now we have spent 3 months. March 1. doing nothing. and not one bill creates a job. Goldman Sachs. I know that there is a critique on Goldman Sachs. but you cant discount the independent. objective assessment of them saying that in the CR that was passed a week ago 700.000 to 800.000 jobs would be lost. Mark Zandi was the economist and adviser to JOHN MCCAIN. I am not sure what politics he has. but he is not in a political office today. And he provides us with an independent assessment that the CR that we voted on. which the Senate would not agree to. would cost us 800.000 jobs. This document will go nowhere. Unfortunately. the $4 billion that is cut out of here. and a litany of other unfortunate cuts. is only temporary. I want to live to fight another day. We all want to be able to respond to the needs of this country in deficit reduction and a fair budget. But we could have had a clean CR. and we would have reasonably sat down and made right decisions. Most economists have said that cutting the government in the middle of a budget year is ineffective. The bipartisan fiscal commission said: Project to 2012 and 2013. dont cut 2011. Its important for the American people to know this is in the midst of your budget year. So Pell Grants for students who are in college right now. who have already gotten an amount rendered to them. operating on maybe a $1.000 grant to finish out in May. what were doing is cutting them in the midst.
Date: 2011-03-01
Speaker: JACKSON LEE (democrat)
Chamber: H
State: Texas

Thats what was voted on a week ago. What were doing now is to recognize that people who govern are responsible for making sure the doors of this government stay open. I care about homeland security as a member of the Homeland Security Committee. I care about the DEA task force fighting drug cartels. I care about children getting education. health care. the environment. So let me just say this. Were doing this because we believe in the American people. but dont you for a moment think that this document is worth anything. Weve got to get to business and fight for the American people and preserve education. Thats what Democrats stand for. and thats what well fight for.