macleginn/stanford_congress_record_longer_speeches huggingface dataset:
Date: 2012-09-21
Speaker: JACKSON LEE (democrat)
Chamber: H
State: Texas

Mr. Chairman. let me just clarify what is happening with this legislation. It eliminates the EPAs authority to apply minimum Federal water quality standards sufficient to protect human and aquatic life. and it is weaker than State standards in many places. It strips the EPAs authority to object to the State discharge permits that fail to meet Clean Air Act requirements. Now. this is not about creating jobs. Mr. Chairman. I ask. on the names of our children yet unborn. to be able to have a quality of life. quality of water and quality of air that the requirements that they are trying to eliminate in this bill. the proponent of this bill. to the extent that they will narrow the comment period to 30 days rather than 90 days. Why is that not a simple request if my good friend could not say. Congresswoman. we support the amendment. I hope thats what he will say. The difficulty that I have is I would rather. Mr. Chairman. be doing Medicare. tax breaks. jobs. urgent priorities that are needed. I just ask for a little bit of consideration on recognizing that the Nation is better when we have provided a quality of life for all Americans. Who are we to speak of the needs of the people who have coal in their region? What we have asked is that we put in the four parameters of common sense and reasonableness. My amendment is that. It expands back to its regular order the existing comment period. Mr. Chairman. to 90 days. It strikes the provision. and this bill that limits it to 30 days. The Acting CHAIR. The time of the gentlewoman has expired.
Date: 2012-09-21
Speaker: JACKSON LEE (democrat)
Chamber: H
State: Texas

I ask my colleagues to support the Jackson Lee amendment that speaks to the health and good quality of life for all Americans and Americas children. I yield back the balance of my time.
Date: 2012-09-21
Speaker: JACKSON LEE (democrat)
Chamber: H
State: Texas

Mr. Chairman. I demand a recorded vote. The Acting CHAIR. Pursuant to clause 6 of rule XVIII. further proceedings on the amendment offered by the gentlewoman from Texas will be postponed.
Date: 2012-09-21
Speaker: GENE GREEN (democrat)
Chamber: H
State: Texas

Mr. Speaker. I rise today to congratulate the Republican leadership in the House on their two greatest accomplishments this Congress: 1) thanks to their leadership. we have had the least productive Congress in modern history and 2) thanks to their leadership Congress has the lowest approval rating ever. Time and time again. the House Republicans showed Americans that they would rather play politics by putting messaging bills on the Floor that never stood a chance of passing in the Senate than work with us and the Senate on legislation our country desperately needs. House Republicans found time to vote to repeal the Affordable Care Act 33 times but we cant find the time to extend the Farm Bill. In fact. halfway through 2012. the House Majority Leader ERIC CANTOR declared that "serious legislating is all but done until after the election." This is not what Americans want and the majority should be ashamed of themselves for creating an environment where compromise is avoided at all costs. Mr. Speaker. I have served many years in the House of Representatives and am proud of the fact that I often work with my colleagues across the aisle to find solutions that make sense for my constituents. industry and the environment. But this Congress. its been different. Their mentality is that youre either with us or against us. But Mr. Speaker. that is no way to lead a chamber that represents various constituencies around the country.
Date: 2012-09-28
Speaker: VAN HOLLEN (democrat)
Chamber: H

Mr. Speaker. reserving the right to objectand I will not objectI think the bills good. We just passed by unanimous consent important measures. and I strongly support the whistleblower protection bill which will protect Federal employees against retaliation if theyre shining a little sunlight on violations. abuses in the Federal Government. and I do believe that we should adopt this measure. I also believe that the House should reconvene to conduct the other business before the House. and with that. I yield to the gentleman from California
Date: 2012-09-28
Speaker: VAN HOLLEN (democrat)
Chamber: H

Reserving the right to object. I just want to understand. Is this an amendment to the whistleblower bill or this is the whistleblower bill?
Date: 2012-11-13
Speaker: JACKSON LEE (democrat)
Chamber: H
State: Texas

Mr. Speaker. theres so much that we can acknowledge and respect as we come back to work on behalf of the American people. Id like my colleagues to allow me. for a moment. to raise the issue of the recognition of introducing a legislative initiative to award the Congressional Gold Medal to Malala Yousufzai. the little girl in Pakistan who had the courage to stand up against the heinousness of the Taliban. On October 9. 2012. Malala was shot and nearly killed by Taliban operatives because she advocated simply for educating girls in Pakistan. Her shooting has sent shock waves through the region and around the world. Leaders across the globe have condemned her shooting. while Taliban leaders remain unrepentant. In fact. as she heals in a British hospital. they have continued to threaten that she will be shot again if she comes to the soil. Sixtyone million children worldwide are not enrolled in school. of which 32 million are girls. Pakistan has the second highest number of girls who are not attending school in the world. As a cochair and founder of the Pakistan Caucus. the Congressional Pakistan Caucus. I urge my colleagues to rush toward this legislation and sign on. The United Nations declared Saturday. November 10. 2010. Malala Day and many are advocating for a Nobel Peace Laureate. I ask my colleagues to join me in advocating to recognize this brave little girl who stands for the children of the world.
Date: 2012-11-14
Speaker: JACKSON LEE (democrat)
Chamber: H
State: Texas

First. I think it is appropriate to welcome back my colleagues and to congratulate all of those who have chosen again. if reelected. to serve this great. great Nation. and for those for the first time who have the honor and privilege of being in this storied institution. Now words are that we can come together and make a difference in the lives of Americans and we can. in fact. find a way to help the most vulnerable. the impoverished. and those who work every day. I know that we can solve this problem of sequestration. I lead now into something that is quite contrary to the idea of Americas issues and problems and ask my colleagues to join me in supporting a Congressional Gold Medal for Malala Yousufzai. This is the little girl who was shot in the head by the Taliban in Pakistan standing up for education for our children and for her fellow boys and girls. What an amazing young lady now healing in a British hospital. Sixtyone million children worldwide are not enrolled in school. Were advocating. or many around the world are advocating. for a Nobel Peace Prize for her. I believe that the Congressional Gold Medal symbolizes those who are willing to suffer for others and to make a difference. I ask my colleagues to join me. The United Nations declared Saturday. November 10. 2012. as Malala Day. to highlight the lack of access to education for 32 million girls. I think that we can join together and say we stand with girls and boys around the world and we stand with our children. Support a Congressional Gold Medal for the little girl who was willing to stand up to the Taliban.
Date: 2012-11-15
Speaker: AL GREEN (democrat)
Chamber: H
State: Texas

Mr. Speaker. we hear a lot of talk about the consequences of the fiscal cliff on the wealthy. the welloff. the wellheeled. and the welltodo. We dont hear a lot of talk about how it will impact the least. the last. and the lost. Permit me today to share just a bit of information. Rental assistance for the poor would fall by $2.3 billion. Nutrition programs for women. infants. and children would lose $543 million. Those who provide services to persons who get Medicaredoctorswould lose about $4 billion. Mr. Speaker. if we are to have an act of Congress. we have to have a Congress willing to act. It is time for us to act. to protect the least. the last. and the lost. as well as others.
Date: 2012-11-16
Speaker: VAN HOLLEN (democrat)
Chamber: H

Madam Speaker. I rise in support of H.R. 6156. which would extend to the Russian Federation and the Republic of Moldova permanent normal trade relations (PNTR). While Russia completed its ascension to the World Trade Organization (WTO) earlier this year. U.S. businesses are currently at a competitive disadvantage to world competitors and we cannot utilize WTO dispute mechanisms because of a Cold Warera law that has outlived its purpose. The JacksonVanik amendment rightly restricted trade relations with the former Soviet Union until it allowed Jews to emigrate freelyand it accomplished that objective. Now. it is important that we extend PNTR to Russia to allow our businesses to compete in the Russian market and to make use of WTO mechanisms that will force Russia to play by the rules. There are enormous opportunities for American exporters in the Russian market. especially for manufacturers of machinery. aircraft. and computer and electronic parts. While this bill is not perfect. it sets strong enforcement procedures by requiring the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) to report annually to Congress on Russias implementation of its WTO obligations (including food safety issues. intellectual property protections. and implementation of the WTO Information Technology Agreement and Agreement on Government Procurement). This legislation also requires the USTR and State Department to report on Russias promotion of the rule of law. which must improve to provide certainty to investors. curb bribery and corruption. and most importantly improve human rights. That is why I am pleased that this legislation also includes provisions from the Sergei Magnitsky Rule of Law Accountability Act. which hold accountable those responsible for the detention and death of Russian activist Sergei Magnitsky. This sends a message to Russia that ascension to the WTO comes with responsibilities. including compliance with international trade agreements. enforcement of the rule of law. and protection of human rightsespecially those of political dissenters. Again. this bill is not perfect and could have included stronger enforcement provisions to ensure the protection of labor groups in Russia. Unfortunately. it was considered under a closed rule and no amendments were permitted. It is essential. however. that we extend PNTR to allow our businesses to compete and WTO enforcement mechanisms to function. I urge my colleagues to support this legislation.
Date: 2012-11-16
Speaker: GEORGE MILLER (democrat)
Chamber: H
State: California

Madam Speaker. on November 15. 2012. I was unavoidably detained and missed roll Nos. 605. 606. and 607. Had I been present. I would have voted "nay" on roll Nos. 605 and 606 and "yea" on Roll No. 607. On November 16. 2012. I was unavoidably detained and missed Roll No. 608. Had I been present. I would have voted "yea" to approve H.R. 6156.
Date: 2012-11-16
Speaker: WASSERMAN SCHULTZ (democrat)
Chamber: H

Mr. Speaker. I rise today in defense of our ally. Israel. and her sovereign right to selfdefense. As we all know. Israel lives in a difficult neighborhood of instability. violence. and uncertainty. In the towns of Israels southern border. families have become unacceptably accustomed to running for shelter to avoid rocket attacks from the Gaza Strip. But nothing could provide preparation or justification for the onslaught of missile fire raining down on Israeli towns and cities over the past few months. nor the escalated barrage of the last few days. Since the beginning of 2012. Hamas has launched more than 900 rockets at the State of Israel. 340 of these were in the past few days alone. In the face of this brutality. Israel. like any nation. has the right and the duty to protect her citizens from unwarranted violence and destruction. Two days ago. Israel launched Operation Pillar of Defense. a legal. proportionate. and surgical strike aimed exclusively at Hamas missile stockpile and terrorist leadership. We watch with deep concern for the people of Israel as these events continue to unfold. and we remain united in our support of Israels sovereign right to selfdefense. I am proud that the Iron Dome missile defense system has provided a bulwark of support in this tragic and frightening time. We mourn the loss of life and send our deepest condolences to the families of victims. We reject Hamas call to violence. pray for the most minimal of casualties. and remain ever hopeful for a return to common peace.
Date: 2012-11-27
Speaker: JACKSON LEE (democrat)
Chamber: H
State: Texas

Mr. Speaker. today is a good day. We get to honor a great and magnificent Americanmy friend. our friend. RALPH HALL. In the moments and minutes and hour to come. there will be many who will rise to recognize the extraordinary public service. but I want to add. in addition to the extraordinary public service. a man who has seen numbers of Presidents. As an American who has worked. spoken and achieved under all of them. RALPH HALL today reigns as both the oldest Member of Congress and the oldest House Member known to cast a vote on the House floor. But that is not his only definition. for he is one who has a heart and who recognizes the value of service to the American people. Oh. he loves his great State of Texas. He is truly a tall Texan. He is a faithful public servant who has dedicated 32 years of service to representing the constituents of the Fourth Congressional District. but he started his life by the service to the United States in the United States militaryin the United States Navy. Yes. 1942. So he has seen this Nation in her ups and her downs. but RALPH HALL has never been down. What a great leader of the Science. Space. and Technology Committee. What an opportunity to serve with him. What a servant as he worked with Presidents like Lyndon Baines Johnson. making difficult and tough decisionsnot a partisan but a lover of America. Yes. I can stand here today and say not only is this great hero and American and Member of the United States Congressyoung in age but old in numberswise. dedicated. but I can also say that he is a lover of his family: his late wife. his grandchildren. his children. I was able to join him at a time when he had to visit a grandchild. I was glad to be able to have RALPH in our city. not for the cause that he was. but to be able to say. RALPH. youre a friend. and we stand with you during this time. Mr. Speaker. I rise today to pay tribute to an American hero and also to a friend and a great leader on this floor. someone from whom I wish years and years and years of service. As a fellow Texan. I join my Texans and others to say. Thank you. RALPH HALL. for the friendship. the leadership. the courageand. yes. you are an American hero.
Date: 2012-11-28
Speaker: JACKSON LEE (democrat)
Chamber: H
State: Texas

Let me say good morning and wish America a wonderful season. but more importantly I hope everyone had a blessed Thanksgiving. That is what Id like to speak about. this whole idea of giving thanks and recognizing where we are today. Before I start that. very briefly let me encourage my colleagues to join me in supporting the Congressional Gold Medal for Malala. We often speak of children. but we often as well fail to recognize children. Malala is a little girl in Pakistan who was willing to stand up to the Taliban to say that we too deserve an education. She is being promoted as the person of the year. I hope Congress will celebrate her. as well. I mentioned Thanksgiving. and I believe it is important to focus on that because I call upon my colleagues to gather their wits about them as we reflect on what will approach us in January of 2013. It will not be the decline that everyone is being frightened about. because in essence they do not start those cuts right at the beginning. Why dont we be deliberative? Why dont we lay down on the table that we will protect Medicare. Social Security. and Medicaid. what people have earned? Why dont we explain to people that everyone at $250.00 and below will get a tax cut. everyone will. no matter what your wealth level? Why dont we stop throwing at each other various stones and other things and be deliberative on behalf of the American people. We should be thankful to live in the great country that we live in.
Date: 2012-11-29
Speaker: JACKSON LEE (democrat)
Chamber: H
State: Texas

Mr. Speaker. I rise today to oppose H. Res. 821. the Rule providing for the consideration of H.R. 6429 "STEM Jobs Act." a bill which eliminates the Diversity Visa Program. Nearly 15 million people. representing about 20 million with family members included. registered late last year for the 2012 Diversity Visa Program under which only 50.000 visa winners were to be selected via random selection process. Each year. diversity visa winners make up about 4% of all Legal Permanent Resident (LPR) admissions.
Date: 2012-11-29
Speaker: JACKSON LEE (democrat)
Chamber: H
State: Texas

Mr. Speaker. just about 40 minutes or so ago. we were in the midst of a debate concerning STEM. which is something that most Americans have come to now understand as the acronym for science. technology. engineering. and math. As a longstanding member on the Subcommittee on Immigration and on Homeland Security. STEM is now a basis for expanding visas to ensure or to give opportunities to young people who are graduating from our research institutions of higher learning who have been born in other countries and to give them the ability to be able to stay here in order to help create jobs and to build this economy. Thats a good thing. Yet on November 6. 2012. I think America spoke and said. Were ready to do more and go further. I voted "no" on the rule because I believe we are ready for comprehensive immigration reform. not something that will hurt us. but something that will help us. For those who appreciated the Statue of Liberty that welcomed the poor and the downtrodden. that welcomed the Irish and the Germans and the Italians. we know that comprehensive immigration reform is the right way. This rule. H. Res. 821. is not the right way. So I ask my colleagues to look to comprehensive immigration reform. and I will speak about this bill tomorrow.
Date: 2012-11-29
Speaker: GEORGE MILLER (democrat)
Chamber: H
State: California

I want to thank the gentlewoman for yielding. I want to thank the gentlewoman from Illinois. JUDY. and TODD from Pennsylvania. Thank you so much for your service in the Congress. Ive known you as members of the Education and Labor Committee. and I cant thank you enough. Ive known you when I was in the minority. I knew you when I was chairman. Ive known you when I was ranking minority member. But youve always been willing to discuss the issues with us. Youve always been willing to make suggestions. We havent always agreed. Weve agreed a lot on these issues of child nutrition and school reform and outofhome children and where do they go to find the schooling and the support systems they need to be successful in our education systems. And I just cant tell you how much I appreciate your service. Thank you. I thank you for that. And TODD reminds usIm listening to you talk about your family. Somebody once said. theres no great way to do this job with a family because the family sort of is the shock absorber for our schedules and everything else. But you obviously have done it pretty darn well. I just want to thank you for your service to the Congress. to the country. and to obviously the people that youve represented so terribly well. Thank you.
Date: 2012-11-29
Speaker: JACKSON LEE (democrat)
Chamber: H
State: Texas

The Congressional Budget Office even indicated that there is no such thing as a "cliff." There will be expiring deadlines that will allow deliberative thought. Thats what youre talking about. Lets have deliberative thought. When you act and your hair is on fire or youre running out of a burning building. you will take any water hose you can find. and that may not be the good water hose that will keep us going. I just wanted to mention my late colleague. Mickey Leland. This is his birthday this week. It was November 27. I just wanted to mention it on the floor of the House. Congressman Mickey Leland served in this Congress in the late 1970s until 1989. when he died in Ethiopia trying to feed the starving Ethiopians who had been impacted by the drought. At the same time. he helped cochair the Hunger Select Committee because at that timeframe there was an effort to try to extinguish hunger in America and hunger in the world. Lo and behold. here we are in 2012. and I bet we can have a vigorous debate on hunger that still exists in this country. When we put our hair on fire. then we start looking and digging deep and we start ignoring the peace dividend and resources that we could get from that. from an expedited withdrawal for our hardworking military that are in faraway places such as Afghanistan. The point is that then we begin to do things like look at the minimal subsistence that people get in order to survive. Social Security is a different line of funding. but as you well know. I mentioned that sometimes you get it on disability and sometimes you get Social Security as a death benefit for a deceased parent that keeps those children going. Then you have people who get payments because they are ill or have no way of working or have children. need assistance. and people start looking at that. We need to be deliberative in our attempt to do the things that we want to do in a bipartisan way. which is reduce the deficit. to make sure we tighten our belt and act accordingly to churn this economy. and were fair in our tax policies. My friends. we can do all that. but let us not do that with hysteria that starts looking at the basic safety net of Medicare. Medicaid. and Social Security. As my friend said. Social Security is 2037 and Medicare is 2024. That means your house doesnt have to be on fire. You dont have to get a skinny hose that is just drip. drip. dripping. and then you just burn up. You can be deliberative. We can deal with this immediate fiscal issue of deadlines with tax issues and begin to build on what the revenues will be.
Date: 2012-11-30
Speaker: ZOE LOFGREN (democrat)
Chamber: H
State: California

In fact. the State Department was the first to use facial recognition technology to reduce fraud. Finally. I would say that this does not do enough to protect workers. Ill give you an example. Computer and information science research scientists in level one for labor certification may be paid $86.736. Thats whats in the labor cert. But their median income in Silicon Valley is $133.000. So we have an idea that we shouldnt underpay the foreign scientists. We should pay them the same as Americans. This bill fails in that way. Finally. I would note that the Competitive Enterprise Institute has come out against this bill because it has these extraneous and divisive provisions. We need to move beyond the politics of zerosum immigration. Those policies are holding America back. They are holding our prosperity hostage. I will place into the RECORD the Competitive Enterprise Institute letter in opposition to this bill. [From the Competitive Enterprise Institute]
Date: 2012-11-30
Speaker: ZOE LOFGREN (democrat)
Chamber: H
State: California

I just want to address the fraud warning issue. This is a warning to applicants not to be scammed. it wasnt a warning that there was fraud. The idea that you would try. as a terrorist. to come in to be in a pool of 20 million peopleits been that highand be in a lottery that only awards 55.000 is almost as absurd as the "terror baby" suggestion of a few years ago. I would just note that the rollover of visas actually is so restrictive that you only roll over if you apply that year. This will not even cure the backlog. It is a fraud.