macleginn/stanford_congress_record_longer_speeches huggingface dataset:
Date: 2007-03-08
Speaker: EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON (democrat)
Chamber: H
State: Texas

Mr. Chairman. I yield myself such time as I may consume. I rise today in strong support of H.R. 700. the Healthy Communities Water Supply Act of 2007. This important legislation would reauthorize appropriations of $125 million for the EPAs alternative water sources grant program. Mr. . Chairman. rapid population growth and development along with an increased awareness of the impact of massive water withdrawals and the threat of global climate change have forced many local communities to explore alternative sources of water. H.R. 700 provides one alternative for meeting these future water needs by encouraging the testing and implementation of technology that reclaim and reuse water from municipal. industrial and agricultural needs. I applaud the efforts of my colleagues on the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. Congressman McNERNEY and Congresswoman TAUSCHER. for their efforts in moving this legislation forward and ensuring that communities are able to meet current and future water needs. This committee approved similar legislation in the 109th Congress. and it is my hope this year Congress will finally approve legislation and forward it to the President for his signature. I urge my colleagues to vote in favor of this legislation. Mr. Chairman. I reserve the balance -of my time.
Date: 2007-03-08
Speaker: EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON (democrat)
Chamber: H
State: Texas

Mr. Chairman. I yield such time as he may consume to the distinguished chairman of the full .committee. the gentleman from Minnesota
Date: 2007-03-08
Speaker: EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON (democrat)
Chamber: H
State: Texas

Mr. Chairman. I have no further requests for speakers. I want to express my appreciation to all of the staff of the committee. I ask for support of H.R. 700.
Date: 2007-03-08
Speaker: LORETTA SANCHEZ (democrat)
Chamber: H
State: California

Mr. Chairman. I rise to support H.R. 700. Healthy Communities Water Supply Act of 2007. a reauthorization of a Pilot Program for Increasing Usable Water Supply. As you well know. this Pilot Program for increasing usable water supply was authorized for 2002 through 2004. but the previous majority never appropriated any funds and let the authorization expire. I want to take this opportunity to remind my colleagues just how important it is to supplement existing water supplies by providing reliable highquality sources of water. particularly in areas of the country that are under the threat of the desert. In California. especially in Orange County. the population is increasing. so is the need for water. For over 15 years. the Orange County Water District has maintained a Groundwater Replenishment System designed to reuse advanced treated wastewater to recharge the Countys groundwater aquifers and basin. This will help them meet the annual water needs of over 144.000 families that keep growing. Also. the county is barely 3 miles from the coast and has an added need to protect the Basin from further degradation due to seawater intrusion. To this end. the OCWD under its Phase I project provides over 72 million gallons of water per day to replenish its aquifers as well as protect them from seawater intrusion by pumping water through injection wells. This phase will end in September. 2007. In Phase II of the project. they will be able to process over 250 million gallons of wastewater per day and have enough to support the recharge effort and combat seawater intrusion. There are currently 30 such injection wells that can pump water up to 60100 feet depth. The beauty of this project is the collaboration the Water District has with the Countys Sanitation District (OCSD) who provides the wastewater that would have been pumped out to the ocean thereby which would have deprived the Water District of the water that is now being reclaimed for the replenishment of groundwater aquifers. And the State Health Department provides .the oversight. to make sure water quality is maintained. With projects like this. communities such as Orange County will benefit tremendously. This OCGW project has attracted experts in public water management systems from other States and countries (Japan. Korea. and Taiwan) whocome to Orange County to look at this tertiary system and learn from it. So. this is of national and even international significance. Also. projects like the OCGWR provides for the necessary investments to ensure water security for the future. This bill will help improve water availability and quality by authorizing a total of $125 million to fund projects that increase usable water supply by encouraging innovation in water reclamation. reuse and conservation. The Orange County Water Reclamation Project is a perfect example of such a project and I urge my colleagues to support H.R. 700.
Date: 2007-03-08
Speaker: EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON (democrat)
Chamber: H
State: Texas

Mr. Chairman. I move to strike the last word. Mr. Chairman. I rise in opposition to this amendment offered by the gentleman from Georgia . almost to say the same thing we said yesterday: He has gotten the appropriations mixed up with the authorization. This is an authorization committee. and actual funding of these programs through the appropriations process. which is where this will be more appropriate. A similar manner it was dffered yesterday. as we said. to H.R. 569. the Water Quality Investment Act. and was defeated by 166260. This amendment would require that any authorization of appropriations be considered with corresponding offsets regardless of whether the program ever receives any funding. It is possible that it wont. In the example of the Alternative Water Source pilot program under consideration today. a program that again has never been funded through the appropriations process. this amendment would require the identification of $125 million in offsets. regardless of whether appropriations are ever enacted for this program. During the first few days of the legislative session. the new Democratic majority renewed the PAYGO rules to require the identification of offsets to any changes in direct spending by legislative initiatives. This bill has no effect on direct spending. According to the Congressional Budget Office in its analysis of the bill. enacting the bill would not affect direct spending or revenues. Therefore. the offset requirements of PAYGO are never triggered. I also remind my colleagues that the PAYGO provision was allowed to expire under Republican control of the House. with no attempt by the former Republican leadership to restore its protections to the Federal budgetary process. To now claim to be the champions of fiscal responsibility and attempt to hold Congress to- stricter budgetary principles than instituted Under their own leadership is a fairly hollow argu�ment. The gentlemans amendment would require offsets for any authorization of appropriations. regardless of its impact on Federal receipts. Were the gentlemans amendment adopted. my expectation is that every authorization of appropriations. whether it be for clean water. safer schools. Jetter health care. or national defense. would require equal offsets. This is an inappropriate limitation on the ability of Congress to address the needs of the Nation. Fiscal responsibility is a noble cause. but not at the cost of hindering Congresss ability to meet the needs of our constituents. Mr. Chairman. I oppose this amendment.
Date: 2007-03-08
Speaker: EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON (democrat)
Chamber: H
State: Texas

I think what I did say is. it is not the authorization. it is the appropriations that I spoke about that would cause this to happen. It would trigger it. It is not the authorization. We are an authorizing committee.
Date: 2007-03-09
Speaker: EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON (democrat)
Chamber: H
State: Texas

Madam Chairman. I strongly oppose thq BakerKing amendment. I am from a working family. and I stand with the American workers. The amendment would strip the prevailing wages protection from the bill. Since 1931. the DavisBacon Act has provided a living wage for American workers. and as the authors *of the DavisBacon Act knew then and as we continue to know today. the greatest way to improve the quality of life. for our Nations workers is for the Nation as a whole to provide workers with an honest living for an honest days work. We save nothing when we give people little pay or we pay it through other sources. by more taxes. more welfare rolls. I would much. rather have people working. It has been well documented by this committee that every $1 billion invested in transportation and water infrastructure creates 40.000 jobs. As of today. 31 States have enacted their own prevailing wage laws of publicly funded construction projects. And you check this with me: Those States that are against it have more poor people than the ones that have it. In some of these States. prevailing wage laws result in even higher wages to workers than if the Federal DavisBacon were alone. in effect. Studies have shown that the prevailing wage protections offered by DavisBacon in fact attracts better. workers with more experience and training who are more productive than the less experienced. less trained workers. So it really saves money in the long run. We need not to interfere with the DavisBacon provision. I support this bill.
Date: 2007-03-12
Speaker: PATRICK J. MURPHY (democrat)
Chamber: H
State: Pennsylvania

Mr. Speaker. I am pleased to join the Girl Scouts of the USA in celebrating their 95th anniversary. Since its founding in 1912. the Girl Scouts has become the worlds preeminent organization for girls. Back then they had just 18 members. but today. there are 3.7 million Girl Scouts2.7 million girl members and 928.000 adult members working primarily as volunteers. Girl Scouting builds confidence. character. and leadership skills which allow girls to grow into young women who make positive contributions to the world around them. Each unique experience. be it reading to younger students or participating in a math competition. empowers girls and helps them reach their full potential. On the national level. the Girl Scouts of the USA has been an advocate for girls involvement in math. science and engineering. for violence prevention and for the health and safety of all girls. Through their many government and corporate partnerships. the Girl Scouts bring innovative programming to girls throughout the country and expand their reach to underserved communities where girls need it most. Mr. Speaker. I am proud that the Girl Scouts of Freedom Valley. which serves my district. has over 21.000 members and 7.000 adult volunteers. I am proud to have such a wonderful team of volunteers dedicated to the leadership and character development of girls in Southeastern Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker. I know that all of us take prlde knowing that each and every Girl Scout of today will be one of tomorrows leaders. I know the Girl Scouts of the USA will celebrate many more anniversaries and continue to be a positive influence on our Nations girls and on our society for generations to come.
Date: 2007-03-12
Speaker: VAN HOLLEN (democrat)
Chamber: H

Mr. Speaker. I am happy to rise today in support of House Resolution 89. expressing the sense of the House of Representatives that a day should be established as DutchAmerican Friendship Day. The Dutch/American relationship is the longest unbroken diplomatic relationship in the history of the United States of America. The relationship actually began years before the Pilgrims landed in America as they first resided for almost 11 years in the Netherlands before sailing for the New World. On November 16. 1776. only 4 months after declaring our independence from Great Britain. an American ship sailed into the West Indies Dutch harbor of St. Eustatius and was greeted by a cannon salute in recognition of the American flag. It was the first official recognition by any sovereign nation of the United States. On April 19. 1789. Ambassador John Adams officially presented his credentials to Prince William of Orange. thus establishing the diplomatic ties between the United States and the Republic of the Netherlands that we enjoy today. The U.SJDutch relationship has stood the test of time and has strengthened in the crucible of conflict as the Dutch have stood beside us in times of peace and war. The Dutch supported us in our war for independence. Sixty years ago Dutch and American servicemen stood side by side during World War II and today the Dutch stand by us still in the Global War on Terror. The debt we owe to our Dutch friends is seen not only in our people. and in the persons of such famous Dutch Americans as Presidents Martin VanBuren. and Theodore and Franklin Roosevelt. but also in our experience as a Nation. Our traditions of religious freedom and tolerance as well as our system of government. all have spiritual and legal roots in our relationship with the Dutch Republic. That is why I stand today to thank the Dutch people for their support over these centuries and to encourage the founding of a DutchAmerican Friendship Day.
Date: 2007-03-12
Speaker: EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON (democrat)
Chamber: H
State: Texas

Mr. Speaker. I rise today in strong support of Congressman AL GREENS Resolution to honor Black History Month. Founded in 1926 by Carter G. Woodson. Black History Month serves as a time to recognize and celebrate the contributions of AfricanAmericans in shaping our Nation. It brings to life a rich and vibrant history that was all too often untold. The fact is that until there was a Black History Month. prominent AfricanAmericans were virtually left out of our Nations school books. Often. the only mention of AfricanAmericans would reference the institution of slavery. This is simply unacceptable. Black history is not an anonymous footnote. and expands well beyond the institution of slavery. We have great leaders who fought to overcome the oppression of slavery and that of Jim Crow. We have great scientific minds and inventors. We have extraordinary novelists. poets. and musicians. These are not nameless. faceless individuals. but people who have helped shape our. Nation. Because of Black History Month we have expanded our schoolchildrens curriculum. Our children now learn about Frederick Douglas. Thurgood Marshall. Malcolm X and Toni Morrison. These are names and stories that our children otherwise may not have known. With Black History Month we are preserving our abundant history for future generations. I commend Congressman GREEN for bringing this important Resolution to the floor and I strongly urge my colleagues support.
Date: 2007-03-12
Speaker: AL GREEN (democrat)
Chamber: H
State: Texas

Mr. Speaker. I strongly support H. Res. 198. a resolution I authored recognizing the significance of Black History Month. This piece of legislation is supported by conservatives. moderates and liberals. It is a piece of legislation that I received not one negative comment on. Every person that I requested agreed to support the legislation. So I thank those who supported it. I am delighted that 80 Members of Congress joined me in cosponsoring this bipartisan resolution which serves as a testament to our united desire to inform all Americans about the contributions made by persons of diverse backgrounds to thedevelopment of our great country. Black History Month is a time of the year when all Americans of every race and ethnicity are given the opportunity to study the untold history of AfricanAmericans and their contributions to American and world civilization. Additionally. Black history is American history and it is essential that we recognize the great contributions of all Americans by commemorating this month long celebration. My resolution: Recognizes the significance of Black History Month as an important time to recognize the contributions of Black Americans in the nations history. Encourages the continued celebration of this month to provide an opportunity for all people of the United States to learn more about the past and to better understand the experiences that have shaped the nation. March .42. 2007 Affirms that the contributions of Black Americans are a significant part of the history. progress. and heritage of the United States. and the ethnic and racial diversity of the United States enriches and strengthens the nation. Black History Month is also a special time to honor pioneers such as Martin Luther King Jr.. Rosa Parks. Harriet Tubman. Malcolm X. W.E.B. DuBois. and many others who fought for the complete freedom and full emancipation of AfricanAmericans. That is why we use Black History Month and every month to honor their wonderful contributions. Mr. Speaker. I urge my colleagues support H. Res. 198. a resolution recognizing the significance of Black Hi~tory Month.
Date: 2007-03-12
Speaker: LINDA T. SANCHEZ (democrat)
Chamber: H

Mr. Speaker. I rise to show my support for the principles of Black History Month. I was privileged to be a part of the recent Congressional trip to Selma. Alabama. While in that historic city. we joined together and walked in the footsteps of the brave individuals who fought to ensure that the rights and opportunities of our Nation would be available to all of its people. The Civil Rights Movement was not the first call for freedom and equality in our Nations history. and it will not be the last. But its success provided a blueprint for future generations to follow. an example of hope to all those who seek to secure the basic freedoms guaranteed by our Constitution. The history of African Americans extends far beyond the Civil Rights Movement. The works of Dr. Martin Luther King. Jr.. Rosa Parks and Thurgood Marshall will resonate in American society for generations to come. There are so many African Americans who have made notable contributions to our Nation. For example. Benjamin Banneker blazed new trails in astronomy. accurately predicting solar and lunar eclipses and Dr. Charles Richard Drew developed techniques in blood storage and helped to develop the blood banks which have saved countless military and civilian lives over the years. And there are many others. in fields too numerous to name. What is important is that we take time to honor. to remember. and to revere all of these individuals. Black History month gives all Americans an opportunity to recognize and continue to learn about AfricanAmerican history. which is the history of our Nation. I am proud to do my part to help promote the contributions that African Americans have made to our country.
Date: 2007-03-12
Speaker: LINCOLN DAVIS (democrat)
Chamber: H
State: Tennessee

Madam Speaker. I ask for a moment of silence on behalf of Captain William Anderson. a former Congressman from Tennessee who recently passed away.
Date: 2007-03-13
Speaker: EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON (democrat)
Chamber: H
State: Texas

Mr. Speaker. I want to express my deepest concern for the situation that is worsening in Iraq. March 19 of this year will mark the fifth year of war. and still Vice President CHENEY states that the Democratic strategy toward Iraq validates al Qaedas agenda. .This comment really means that anyone that disagrees with him gets accused of this issue. Terrorists instill fear in their enemies. and it is this fear that generates selfdefeating behavior. It is this fear that led the American people to believe that war was a validated solution. and still try to link it to September 11. It is this fear that has cost the United States billions of dollars on Iraq reconstruction plans. while neglecting our own system.
Date: 2007-03-13
Speaker: PATRICK J. MURPHY (democrat)
Chamber: H
State: Pennsylvania

Mr. Speaker. I rise today in strong support of the immediate and unconditional release of Israeli soldiers held captive by Hamas and Hezbollah. As a former soldier myself. my thoughts and prayers are with Gilad Shalit. Ehud Goldwasser and Eldad Regev and their families. Let them know that the strength and good wishes of this Congress and of our Nation are with them all. I am proud -to be a cosponsor of this resolution. which states in a clear. unequivocal voice that the United States stands with these brave soldiers and demands their immediate and unconditional release. The statement we make today is important not just for these three soldiers. but for the greater goal of achieving peace in the Middle East. Mr. Speaker. this resolution makes it abundantly clear that neither the U.S.. nor Israel. nor any of our allies will bow to the will of terrorist organizations. We will fight them at every turn. we will never retreat. and we will prevail because the cause of freedom is just and righteous. As one of my heroes. President John F. Kennedy. once said. "Let every nation know. whether it wishes us well or ill. that we shall pay any price. bear any burden. meet any hardship. support any friend. oppose any foe. in order to assure the survival and the success of liberty." Today we renew this pledge. This resolution also makes it clear that while we do not shrink from the fight against terrorism. we also recognize that this battle is one that cannot be won without diplomacy. While we declare that we will always support efforts to riaintain Israels identity as a Jewish state with secure borders. we also renew our commitment to achieving a resolution of the IsraeliPalestinian conflict through the creation of a viable and independent Palestinian state living in peace alongside of the State of Israel. In conclusion. Mr. Speaker. we are here to speak in a united voice to support Gilad Shalit. Ehud Goldwasser and Eldad Regev. We pray for their safety and we hope that they will return home soon. As we do this. we realize that the stories of these three brave soldiers are a part of a larger conflict that has taken thousands of lives and has ravaged an entire region of the world for far too long. With this resolution. we take another small step toward a future that is free of this conflict. where both Israelis and Palestinians have a place to call home and where no more lives are lost to a needless cycle of violence.
Date: 2007-03-15
Speaker: WASSERMAN SCHULTZ (democrat)
Chamber: H

experienced in the last Congress. we had. Madam Speaker. very few bipartisan votes because it was the bills that came to the floor that encouraged a lack of bipartisanship. As a matter of fact. it encouraged partisanship. to keep us divided. And that is not what Americans asked for. They didnt say. hey. Congressman. I am sending you to Washington. D.C. to be a partisan. I am sending you to Washington. D.C. to make sure that we have accountability. to make sure that we are fiscally responsible. to make sure that we hopefully move in a new direction when we need to move in a new direction. And I am so happy today. with this whole Accountability in Contracting Act. that there were 347 votes in the affirmative. Madam Speaker. I am more concerned about the 73. How do they go back home and say. well. I -dont believe in accountability in contracting. Im against that. You know. I would think that the folks that did vote against this very good piece of legislation are probably going down the line of saying that I am committed to being a partisan. because it wasnt my idea or it wasnt their idea. Well. the good thing that I am. excited about. because I am not going to focus on the individuals who decided not to vote for it. I am going to focus on the 119 Republicans that did vote for it and the 228 Democrats that did vote for it. Every last Democrat that was voting on that bill voted in the affirmative because it was the right thing to do. And I commend the bipartisanship. and we will continue to talk about that. Whistleblower protection. we talked about that yesterday. such a good vote. I am going to say it again. Madam Speaker: 331 voting in the affirmative. Bipartisan. the House. The majority of the House voted to protect whistleblowers.