macleginn/stanford_congress_record_longer_speeches huggingface dataset:
Date: 1988-09-26
Speaker: THOMAS A. LUKEN (democrat)
Chamber: H

Mr. Speaker. I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker. the purpose of the bill which is now before the House is to reauthorize the Local Rail Service Assistance Act [LRSA]. This little noticed statute has played a vital role in ensuring the continuation of rail service to small communities and other areas where the large railroads are not able to provide rail service on an economical basis. The Local Rail Service Assistance Program is administered by the Department of Transportations Federal Railroad Administration. Under the act. FRA makes grants to the States for rail planning. and for the acquisition. rehabilitation. and construction of rail lines for the purpose of maintaining and improving rail service. The act limits the Federal participation in such projects to no more than 50 percent of the total cost of the project. with the small railroad involved putting up the rest of the money. The need for this program to be continued is clear. Over the last 15 years the large railroads have abandoned or downgraded thousands of miles of rail lines in the face of sharply declining traffic. Since 1980. more than 200 new short line railroads have emerged to purchase and rehabilitate branch lines that are no longer profitable to the larger corporations. In most cases these small railroads can make an operating profit on these lines by using their size to advantage. Small carriers can concentrate their marketing efforts on only a few shippers. and because they often have lower labor costs and more flexible work rules. they tend to have excellent productivity. The problem for new short lines. however. is scraping together the startup costs necessary to begin operation. Although these small railroads can generally earn operating profits. they cannot always afford the high acquisition and rehabilitation costs of beginning operations on a light densiIy line. The Local Rail Service Assistance funds have been used to make many of these startup rail projects possible. while preserving jobs and continuing rail service.
Date: 1988-09-26
Speaker: THOMAS A. LUKEN (democrat)
Chamber: H

Mr. Speaker. I am about to yield back the balance of my time. but I yield myself such time as I may consume to again extend my appreciation to the gentleman from Kansas [Mr. WniTTAKER] for his tremendous work in bringing this about. He has been a great partner in these operations which are having significance to so many communities. so many States as the gentleman from Oregon has indicated. and I join with him. and I am sure the gentleman from Kansas Joins in the hope and the promise that we will be working together to get a more extensive authorization so that this tremendous program will continue in future years. Mr. Speaker. I yield back the balance of my time.
Date: 1988-09-26
Speaker: THOMAS A. LUKEN (democrat)
Chamber: H

Mr. Speaker. I ask unanimous consent that in the engrossment of the bill. H.R. 4547. the Clerk be authorized to correct section numbers. punctuation. and cross references. and to make such other technical and conforming changes as may be necessary to reflect the actions of the House in passing the bill.
Date: 1988-09-26
Speaker: THOMAS A. LUKEN (democrat)
Chamber: H

Mr. Speaker. I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days in which to revise their remarks. and to include extraneous matter therein. on H.R. 4547. the bill just passed.
Date: 1988-09-26
Speaker: DE LA GARZA (democrat)
Chamber: H

Mr. Speaker. I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill to authorize agricultural research programs. improve the operations of the National Agricultural Library. and for other purposes. as amended.
Date: 1988-09-26
Speaker: DE LA GARZA (democrat)
Chamber: H

Mr. Speaker. I yield myself such time as I may conslime. Mr. Speaker. I am pleased to rise In support of H.R. 5056. the Agricultural Research Act of 1988. This legislation. as is generally the case with agricultural research legislation considered by the Committee on Agriculture. has full bipartisan support of the committee and was reported by a unanimous vote of approval. In large part. our Nations tremendous success in agriculture have been brought about because of breakthroughs in agricultural research. and if we are to continue making further strides in agriculture we must contintie research to. among other things. increase nroduction efficiencies. develop new products. and find new markets for our agricultural products. This is basically the thrust of this legislation. Mr. Speaker. Let me say to my colleagues that we are the bestfed Natliir in the history of the world for the least amount of disposable income per family for food. This. my colleagues. begins with research. It begins in the laboratory with a researcher either in the private sector and in academics the landgrant institutions and other great agricultural institutions of our country. This researcher basically is underpaid. overworked. probably writing his own notes without the benefit of a secretary. That is where productivity comes. and research is the first step in seeing that we continue being the bestfed people in the world. that we continue having the food items that are needed. practical. salable. and affordable. This legislation promotes basic research and competitive grants. It provides statutory authority for the instrument of knowledge. the National Agricultural Library. We in agriculture work with all people of good will who have an interest beyond economics. who have an interest that comes from the heart and an inherent need to involve themselves in the process of providing food and fiber for all of our citizens. Agriculture is the only sector basically in the great economic system of our country that is bringing money back from abroad. We are the only sector that provides abundantly for our citizens and yet has an abundance to export. All of the renewable resources bring new wealth but they are gone once taken out of the soil. The land is the only resource that can produce repeatedly and make new wealth for this vast economic empire we call the United States even with the problems we have. It all begins with research. and this legislation is a very minimal attempt to continue bringing research into the needs of our time and hopefully the needs of the future. I very much appreciate the cooperation of all the members of our committee. the ranking minority member. the gentleman from Illinois
Date: 1988-09-26
Speaker: DE LA GARZA (democrat)
Chamber: H

In no way do we try to be uncooperative. We deal with the process in the system and we contact the other committees. We speak to what we assume is its leadership and counsel. and if it does not come down. we have no way of knowing. All we have is the assurances from the leadership in that committee that it is clear. Perhaps we should caution. or I will caution our staff and our members that we should endeavor to see if all or both sides of the committee are notified. I assure the gentleman that will be the case from now on.
Date: 1988-09-26
Speaker: DE A GARZA (democrat)
Chamber: H

Mr. Speaker. if the gentleman will yield briefly. almost everything we do we have to clear with the gentleman from Pennsylvania. I do not know how this one escaped. It fell through the cracks.
Date: 1988-09-26
Speaker: DE LA GARZA (democrat)
Chamber: H

Mr. Speaker. even though it sounds like a simple bill. This legislation is one of the more fiportant pieces of legislation that we would consider this session. It has been worked out carefully. systemati1cally. Everyone has been most cooperative. The chairman of the subcommittee. the distinguished gentleman from California . the gentleman from Kansas . and everyone who has worked on this bill has put forth a very con.%cientious effort within the constraints we have with budget. I hope that my colleagues in the House would support I hi.s legislation. Mr. Speaker. I yield such time as lie may consume to the gentleman from WVmihigton [Mr. Lowny].
Date: 1988-09-26
Speaker: DE LA GARZA (democrat)
Chamber: H

Mr. Speaker. I yield such time as he may consume to the distinguished chairman of the subcommittee who has Jurisdiction over crop insurance. our distinguished colleague. the gentleman from Tennessee
Date: 1988-09-26
Speaker: DE LA GARZA (democrat)
Chamber: H

Mr. Speaker. I ask unanimous consent that the Clerk of the House be authorized to make corrections of punctuation and other typographical errors in the engrossment of H.R. 5325.
Date: 1988-09-26
Speaker: DE LA GARZA (democrat)
Chamber: H

Mr. Speaker. I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks on H.R. 5325 and H.R. 5056.
Date: 1988-09-26
Speaker: DE LA GARZA (democrat)
Chamber: H

I thank the distinguished gentleman from North Carolina . chairman of the committee and the chairman of the subcommittee. the gentleman from Massachusetts . I would like to add my support and endorsement in support of this legislation. As we attempt to clean up the oceans. as we attempt to clean up the beaches. we also must work toward a balance of compatibility between the economic factor of those who make their lives from the sea and our marine mammals. our marine friends. I think this legislation has been meticulously studied. I think it has been crafted such that it achieves the end result which all of us are aiming for. that we have a balanced but yet not in any way diminishing the possibility of the survival of. in this case. the marine mammals and the fishermen that work on the other side. and that we continue all of the forward measures that we are working with. I would like to commend the chairman and the members of the Committee on Merchant Marine and Fisheries In the areas in which they have directed their efforts toward providing for a clean environment in the oceans. for helping us clean up the beaches and for helping us provide a balance between man and mammal that eventually both might profit. I would hope that all of my colleagues support this excellent piece of legislation.
Date: 1988-09-26
Speaker: DE LA GARZA (democrat)
Chamber: H

Mr. Speaker. H.R. 5337. which would provide for the Imposition of sanctions on Iraq for certain violations of international law. has a number of provisions giving the Committee on Agriculture a substantial jurisdictional Interest in the bill. In particular. sections 3(c)(2) and 3(c)(3) of the bill. as amended. provide for the restriction of exports of agricultural commodities to Iraq or the prohibition on the extension of United States Government export credits or credit guarantees to Iraq for the purchase of agricultural commodities. Iraq Is a large and growing market for United States agricultural exports. Sales of United States agricultural goods to Iraq have more than quadrupled over the last 6 years. Iraq is the major user of the U.S. Department of Agricultures GSM102shorttermand GSM108ntermediatetermcredit guarantee programs. Agricultural export credit sales of approximately $1 billion to Iraq have been registered so far this fiscal year. We In agriculture are painfully aware of the effects that the restriction or embargo of agricultural commodity sales have on farm families. rural businesses. and the many thousands of American workers who depend on agricultural exports for their livelihoods. I am especially concerned at the loss of a major market for U.S. agricultural commodities in light of the difficulties that our Nations farmers have faced over the last few years. At the same time. I in no way want to condone the use of chemical weapons by Iraq or any other country. With this In mind. I am pleased that the bill before us today provides for the Imposition of sanctions against Iraq without penalizing the American farmer in the process. I would like to thank Chairman FASCELL for cooperating with the Committee on Agriculture in this regard. I would also like to thank Mr. FASCELL for his graciousness In working both with the Committee on Agriculture and Committee on Ways and Means to clarify that the contract sanctity provisions in section 3(d) of the amended bill will protect contracts for the export of agricultural commodities until the actual announcement and Imposition of sanctions by the President. Pursuant to current law. export sales contracts for agricultural commodities which require the delivery of the commodity within 270 days after the trade suspension Is imposed would also be protected. The amendment approved by the Committee on Ways and Means to clarify that the contract sanctity provisions of current law will continue to apply to agricultural exports to Iraq Is a definite Improvement to the bill. The bill before the House today represents a compromise that provides for the imposition of sanctions while maintaining the protections afforded In current law to Americas farmers. I thank the distinguished Chairmen of the Committees on Foreign Affairs and Ways and Means. Mr. FASCELL and Mr. ROSTENKOWSKI for their attention to this matter of great Importance to the Committee on Agriculture during their consideration of the bill.
Date: 1988-09-26
Speaker: DE LA GARZA (democrat)
Chamber: H

Mr. Speaker. earlier today the House passed H.R. 5325. the Federal Crop Insurance Commission Act. It wasnt lost on many of us that this bill may be perhaps the last major agricultural legislation to be Introduced by our colleague. ED JONES of Tennessee. Even though he wont be here next year. ED has a deep and abiding interest in agriculture. and that Includes improving our Nations Federal crop insurance program throughout his career. This bill. coming on the heels of the worst drought In 50 years. Is yet another example of ED JONES concern about the successful operation of our farm programs for both the farmer and for the taxpayer. I have known ED JONES throughout his time here In Washington as the Congressman for the people of the Eighth District of Tennessee. He is one of my cllteagues on the House Committee on Agriculture and he is my friend. ED JONES has countless friends here in Washington and back in Tennessee. There Is no man or woman in this body who is more respected for his ability and dedication. nor is there anyone more wellliked than ED JONES. As chairman of the House Agriculture Subcommittee on Conservation. Credit. and Rural Development. he has carded one of the heaviest workloads of any subcommittee chairman In the House. ED JONES has always been willing to take on the most difficult and thankless of tasks with a common sense and good humor characteristic of the man. Since he became subcommittee chairman. ED has had a hand in crafting all the major legislation thats gone through this Congress. When you talk about soil conservationthere was ED JONES. When you talk about the farm credit legislationthere was ED JONES. He has made a positive difference. In August of this year I had the pleasure and honor of participating In "ED JONES Day" at the third annual Agricenter International Exposition in Memphis. TN. His friends and neighbors and acquaintances were there. We participated in a ceremony renaming the centers amphitheater in honor of him. Watching all this. I was struck by the mutual admiration and trust between the people of western Tennessee and their Congressman.
Date: 1988-09-29
Speaker: DE LUGO (democrat)
Chamber: H

Mr. Speaker. I am extreniely proud to rise today and praise the U.S. Virgin Islands first Olympics medalwinner. Peter Holmberg Is coming home from Seoul with a silver medal in the Finn Class of the sailing competition. Peter comes from one of our leading sailing families. His father. Dick. first learned to sail in our w .4ers and has been an enthusiastic competitor and frequent winner in local competitions. lie obviously has passed on his knowledge of seas and sails to his sons. Peter and his brother John. 1 extend my warmest congratulations to Dick and Peters mother. Louise. as well as Peter himself. And. of course. there Is no better place to hone your sailing skills than the spectacular and scenic waters of the U.S. Virgin Islands. I also want to congratulate the Virgin Islands Olympic Committee so ably headed by Senator Edgar Alles. I know the people of the Virgin Islands are proud to Join the ranks of medalwinners in the Olympic games. We already have achieved medalwinning status In tile panAmerican games. and I am sure the world has not heard the last from our fine athletes. (From the Daily News of the Virgin Islands. Sept. 29. 19881]
Date: 1988-10-03
Speaker: DE LUGO (democrat)
Chamber: H

Mr. Speaker. I commend my friends. the gentlemen from North Carolina and New Jersey for bringing this important bill to the floor of the House. I would also like to thank them for their kind consideration in resolving my concerns with the original language on ocean discharge and for making clear that section 5 of the bill calls for a report and implementation schedule with respect only to those discharges which are required to comply with the ocean discharge criteria promulgated by the EPA under section 403(c) of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act. The bills sectionbysection analysis for section 5which the committee staff developed. in part. at the request of and with input from my officemakes clear the committees Intent that the required report and compliance schedule should not even make reference to discharges which are exempt under current law from compliance with the requirements of section 403. 119312 Again. I appreciate the consideration of my colleagues and commend them for their efforts on this important legislation.
Date: 1988-10-03
Speaker: ST GERMAIN (democrat)
Chamber: H

Mr. Speaker. I ask unanimous consent to take from the Speakers table the bill to provide for more detailed and uniform disclosure by credit and charge card issuers with respect to information relating to interest rates and other fees which may be incurred by consumers through the use of any credit or charge card. with a Senate amendment thereto. disagree with the Senate amendment and request a conference with the Senate thereon.
Date: 1988-10-03
Speaker: DE LA GARZA (democrat)
Chamber: H

Mr. Speaker. I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill to amend the Egg Research and Consumer Information Act to limit the total costs that may be incurred by the Egg Board in collectIng producer assessments and having an administrative staff. to eliminate egg producer refunds. and to delay the conducting of any referendum by egg producers on the elimination of such refunds. as amended.
Date: 1988-10-03
Speaker: DE LA GARZA (democrat)
Chamber: H

Mr. Speaker. I yield myself such time as I may constile. Mr. Speaker. I rise in support of H.R. 5318. the Egg Research and Consumer Information Act Amendments of 1988. II.R. 5318 would provide the domestic egg industry with the ability to expand upon a selfhelp promotion program that was authorized more than a decade ago. The American Egg Board. created in 1975. has coordinated research. consumer information. and education to enhance the egg industrys position in the marketplace since that time. The boards activities are supported by an assessment that is paid by all egg producers and is tied to the quantity of eggs they produce. The Egg Research and Consumer Information Act Amendments of 1988 would reaffirm the Secretary of Agricultures authority to limit the total costs that may be incurred by the Egg Board in administering the promotion program. In addition. the bill as amended by the Committee on Agriculture would direct the Secretary to eliminate individual producer refunds of assessments subject to approval by a referendum of individual producers. The Secretary of Agriculture would be required to place into an escrow account 10 percent of the assessments received from egg producers. Then. 18 months from the date of the issuance of the amended order. the Secretary is to conduct a referendum of egg producers to determine the level of support for eliminating producer refunds. If two thirds of the producers voting in the referendum oppose the elimination of producer refunds. then the Secretary is to use the escrow account to pay refunds to eligible egg producers who request a refund. If the referendum is approved. the amount In the escrow account will revert to the Egg Board to be used in accordance with the purposes set forth in the Egg Research and Consumer Information Act. Mr. Speaker. this bill borrows from the success of similar orders that exist for the beef. dairy. cnd pork industries. The committee believes that it is essential to authorize and provide for the establishment of an orderly procedure for developing and financing such research and consumer information programs. and to do so through such a selfhelp mechanism. Mr. Speaker. more than twothirds of all egg producers support elininating refunds of producer assessments. They recognize the importance of providing sufficient funding for the Egg Research and Consumer Information Act as II.R. 5318 would do. I urge my colleagues to support this important legislation. Mr. Speaker. I yield such time as he may consume to my distinguished colleague the gentleman from Texas . chairman of the subcommittee.
Date: 1988-10-03
Speaker: DE LA GARZA (democrat)
Chamber: H

Mr. Speaker. I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill to direct the Secretary of Agriculture to release a reversionary interest of the United States in certain lands located in Oktibbeha County. MS. as amended.
Date: 1988-10-03
Speaker: DE LA GARZA (democrat)
Chamber: H

Mr. Speaker. I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker. I rise in support of H.R. 4724. which would direct the Secretary of Agriculture to release a reversionary interest of the United States in two parcels of land in the State of Mississippi. with certain conditions. H.R. 4724 was introduced by our colleague from Mississippi. on June 1. 1988. and considered by the Subcommittee on Forests. Family Farms. and Energy of the Committee on Agriculture on September 22. The subcommittee and full committee subsequently approved the bill with two amendments suggested by the Department of Agriculture. The lands affected by this bill consist of approximately 120 acres located along the exterior boundary of a Mississippi State University experimental forest. The land was deeded along with other lands by the United States to Mississippi State Collegenow Mississippi State Universityin 1955 under the BankheadJones Farm Tenant Act. In transferring the land. the United -States retained a reversion. ary nterest that provides that ownership will revert back to the United States if the land ceases to be used for public purposes. Mississippi State University now seeks to exchange these tracts of land for a privately owned 120acre parcel within the same forest. but is prevented from doing so by the publicuse restriction. H.R. 4724 would allow tie exchange to proceed by requiring the release of the reversionary interest. to protect the interests of the United States. this release is conditioned upon the placing of identical publicuse restrictions on property of equal value acquired by the university In exchange for the subject lands. The 1955 deed also reserved to the United States an undivided threequarters interest in all minerals and mining rights associated with the property transferred to the university. I.R. 4724. as amended. provides for the sale of those mineral rights to the university for fair market value. or $1 if the mineral interests have no value. The university is required to pay any administrative costs incurred by the United States in determining the value of. and conveying. the mineral interests. Mr. Speaker. I recommend that the House pass H.R. 4724. as amended.
Date: 1988-10-03
Speaker: DE LA GARZA (democrat)
Chamber: H

Mr. Speaker. I move to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution (H. Res. 564) providing for concurring in the Senate amendment to H.R. 4345. to amend the United States Grain Standards Act to extend through September 30. 1993. the authority contained in section 155 of the Omnibus Reconciliation Act of 1981 and Public Law 98469 to charge and collect Inspection and weighing fees. and for other purposes. with an amendment..