macleginn/stanford_congress_record_longer_speeches huggingface dataset:
Date: 2006-06-22
Speaker: VAN HOLLEN (democrat)
Chamber: H

Mr. Speaker. I rise today in opposition to this this socalled "Compromise" Estate Tax proposal. This bill does make compromisesit compromises our childrens futures. it compromises the future of our Social Security system. and it compromises our working families. Were facing real issues in this country. We have rising deficits and a Social Security system that needs to be further secured. And today we are debating a bill to effectively repeal a tax that affiets only the largest one half of one percent of estates. In the first 10 years after it takes effect. it will cost more than $750 billion. including interest on the added debt. That bill will have to be paid by the rest of America. including our grandchildren. My colleague. Congressman POMEROY. offered a substitute to reform the estate tax and help shore up Social Security. We could increase the current estate tax exclusion to $3 million per individual and $6 million per couple after 2006 and $3.5 million per individual and .$7 million per couple in 2009. This would exempt 99.7 percent of estates from tax liability. And we could funnel estate tax revenues into Social Security. solving a full quarter of the trust funds shortfall. Let me remind my colleagues that Social Security not only provides essential retirement security for our Nations seniors. it also provides disability and life insurance for our troops . We had an opportunity to turn estate tax funds into a dedicated source of revenue for this vital program. We had an opportunity for real reform. Unfortunately. the majority on the Rules Committee rejected this opportunity by rejecting the Democratic amendment. Now we are debating some very different priorities. Instead of guaranteeing a source of funding for Social Security for our Nations seniors and military families. were talking about guaranteeing a huge tax break to multimillionaires and billionaires. Instead of seriously facing our massive deficits. were talking about adding to them. Instead of instituting real. clear tax reform. we are talking about a tax rate that is not even defined outright in this bill. I have been willing to consider certain creative proposals that would allow individuals to voluntarily prepay their tax. but this proposal is a nonstarter. If we pass this legislation. who will pay for the deficits? This bill will add $750 billion to the national debt over 10 years. Who will pay that price? Certainly not those who can best afford ittheyre the ones who are reaping the benefits. This bill gives a small portion of the richest people in this country a gift and asks the middle class and their children to pay for it. Mr. Speaker. I urge my colleague to reject this false compromise. Its time to stop passing special interest legislation like this and start focusing on real reforms that benefit all Americans.
Date: 2006-06-22
Speaker: CORRINE BROWN (democrat)
Chamber: H
State: Florida

This Republican Congress has now gone beyond being a rubber stamp for President Bush and is now handing him the responsibilities of Congress itself. They are putty. look at this putty in my hand. and the President squeezed them into doing anything that he wants even if their constituents dont agree. That is why 77 percent of the public thinks this Congress is out of touch with their priorities and why 70 percent of the American public thinks President Bush is doing a terrible job. Let me be clear. I did not vote to give President Clinton a line item veto. I certainly would not vote to give it to this President who. like no other President in the history of this country. tramples over the rights of Congress and the rights ofAmerican people. and still to this day shows nothing but contempt for the House of Representatives.. This President has spent over $450 billion on a war of choice that was based on lies. The President turned a $5.6 trillion dollar surplus into a $3.2 trillion dollar deficit. And this is who is supposed to stop the rampant spending of this Republicanled Congress. This is a joke. and everyone here knows it. Vote no on this bill. and let the peoples House get back io doing the work that the people actually want us to do.
Date: 2006-06-22
Speaker: CORRINE BROWN (democrat)
Chamber: H
State: Florida

Mr. Speaker. this Republican Congress has now gone beyond being a rubber stamp for President Bush and is now handing him the responsibilities of Congress itself. They are putty in the Presidents hands. and he squeezes them into doing anything he wants. even if their constituents dont agree. This is why 77 percent of the American Public thinks this Congress is out of touch with their priorities. and why 70 percent of the American public thinks President Bush is doing a terrible job. Now I didnt vote to give President Clinton a lineitem veto. so Im certainly not going to give it to the President who. more than any Jne 22. 2006 other president in history. has trampled over the rights of Congress and the rights of the American people. and still today shows nothing but contempt for the will of the House and Senate. This President has spent $450 Billion dollars on a war in Iraq based on lies. and turned a $5.6 Trillion dollar surplus into a $3.2 Trillion dollar deficit. and this is who is supposed to stop the rampant spending of this Republican led Congress. This is a joke. and everyone here knows it. Vote "no" on this bill. and let the peoples House get back to doing the work that the people actually want us to do.
Date: 2006-06-22
Speaker: TUBBS JONES (democrat)
Chamber: H

in Ways and Means talking about. if we are going to do it. what are the means? How are we going to do it? And it is continuing to be placed on a credit card. We usually use old charts. but today I think it is important for us to say that just today. on this floor. Republicans continue to move in the direction. I would say the leadership. continues to move in the direction of allowing these countries to have their hands in the pockets of the American taxpayers. And itgoes simultaneously with the two pieces of legislation that you have shared with the Members and the American people today. House Resolution 841. that you have offered and also
Date: 2006-06-23
Speaker: BILL NELSON (democrat)
Chamber: S

Today I am happy to report that a total of 31 of our colleagues have joined me as cosponsors of this important bill. This bill would ensure that the power of eminent domain is exercised only for public uses. consistent with and guaranteed by the fifth amendment of the Constitution. Most important. though. it would make sure the power of eminent domain would not simply be used to further private economic development interests. The act would apply the standard to two areas of government action which are clearly within Congresss authority to regulate: No. 1. all exercises of the power of eminent domain by the Federal Government itself. and No. 2. all exercises of the power of eminent domain by State and local governments using Federal funds. While we work to protect private property rights. we are mindful that the language we craft could have farreaching implications. There is no question that where appropriate. eminent domain can play an important role in ensuring that true public uses are preserved. But now. just 1 year after the Supreme Court shut the door on Suzette Kelo and her fellow homeowners in New London. CT. it is imperative that Congress act soon to ensure that private property remains free from the long arm of government so that no American will have to worry about the Federal Government being involved in taking their private property for private development. Chairman SPECTER of the Senate Judiciary Committee. on which I am proud to serve. is working with me on legislation that I hope he will choose to move soon through the committee. I look forward to working with him and my other colleagues to develop a solution that reaffirms our commitment to the protection of private property rights. one that will help stem the tide of egregious abuses of private property rights that we have seen throughout the Nation by the illegitimate use of the power of eminent domain. I yield the floor.
Date: 2006-06-26
Speaker: CORRINE BROWN (democrat)
Chamber: H
State: Florida

I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker. this resolution will make changes to the Coast Guard conference report that reflects the compromise agreement that was worked out concerning the Cape Wind project. It will allow the Commandant of the Coast Guard to set the terms and conditions on any leasing of Federal waters in Nantucket Sound that may be necessaryto protect navigational safety. For example. over 3 million passengers ride ferries that transit through Nantucket Sound. and it is vitally important to protect the navigational safety of those vessels. Recent emergencies have reminded us once again why a wellfunded and fully operational Coast Guard is paramount for protecting the citizens of this Nation. The 2006 Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation Act conference report has been delayed for far too long. We are all glad to see that a fair agreement based on navigational safety has been worked out and that this bill will now move to the Presidents desk for signature. I encourage all my colleagues to support this fair resolution and support full funding for the Coast Guard. Mr. Speaker. I reserve the balance of my time.
Date: 2006-06-26
Speaker: CORRINE BROWN (democrat)
Chamber: H
State: Florida

I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker. I want to thank Chairmen YOUNG and LoBIONDO and Ranking Members OBERSTAR and FILNER for their hard work in bringing this conference report to the floor. It has been a long time coming. and I am glad to see the finish line ahead.. Every time this country faces an emergency. the Coast Guard is the first agency.on the scene. The Coast Guard was the first agency to react to the terrorist attacks on September 11 and within minutes was guarding our ports and bridges and directing maritime traffic out of New York. They were also the only agency in the Bush administration to actually do their job during the devastation of Hurricane Katrina. That is worth repeating: they were the only agency in the Bush administration to actually do their job during the devastation of Hurricane Katrina. And they are still in the gulf region supporting the recovery effort. They respond to these emergencies all while completing their core missions of search and rescue. drug interdiction. and enforcing maritime and fisheries laws. Fortunately. the Transportation Committee realizes how important the Coast Guard is and has once again stepped up to the plate and provided the Coast Guard the true amount of funding they need to do their job. I encourage all my colleagues to support this bill and support full funding for the U.S. Coast Guard. It is simply the .right thing to do for America. Mr. Speaker. I reserve the balance of my time.
Date: 2006-06-26
Speaker: CORRINE BROWN (democrat)
Chamber: H

ot Florida. Mr. Speaker. I just want to once again thank Chairman YOUNG and Mr. LoBIONDO and Ranking Members OBERSTAR and FaNER for their hard work on this bill. The Coast Guard. once again. is the first agency on the scene that is doing their job. and I am very pleased that we finally have a tWll that we are going to send to the Presidents desk. Mr. Speaker. I yield back the balance of my time.
Date: 2006-06-27
Speaker: LORETTA SANCHEZ (democrat)
Chamber: H
State: Cali

fornia. Malam Speaker. the disparity between the wealthiest Americans and the poorest continues to grow fostered by the failed economic policies of this Republican administration and Congress. Despite huge costofliving increases and gas prices. health care. and higher education. Americans who work full time at a minimum wage job have not received a pay raise in over 9 years. While these hardworking Americans struggle to support their families on just $10.700 per year. Republicans in this body are fighting to give millionaires and huge corporations tax breaks. They have even taken their misguided priorities to a new level. After voting in committee to allow a modest increase in the minimum wage. now they dont want to bring it to the House for a vote. Democrats plan to hold a vote on the minimum wage later today because we believe that expanding economic opportunity to 7 million Americans who have been ignored should be a priority. Republicans. please make this a priority.
Date: 2006-06-27
Speaker: GENE GREEN (democrat)
Chamber: H
State: Texas

Madam Speaker. I lost a constituent this last week in Iraq. Staff Sergeant Alberto V. Sanchez. Jr.. had planned to celebrate his fifth wedding anniversary next month while on leave from Iraq. "It takes a piece of my heart." his motlier. Olga Sanchez. said in Houston. through tears. "Nothing we can say or do will ever bring him back." Sanchez. 33. a Milby High School graduate. died Saturday from wounds he suffered when an improvised explosive device detonated near his vehicle in Balad. about 50 miles north of Baghdad. Sanchez was assigned to the Armys 1st Battalion. 68th Armor Regiment. 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team. 4th Infantry out of Fort Carson. Alberto Sanchez chose the Army so he could earn money for college tuition. but the military became his career. He chose to. be in the Army. and his mother. Olga Sanchez. said he always said. "This is just a job. Ive got to do what Ive got to do." His parents. Alberto. Sr.. and Olga Sanchez. moved to. Houston from Reynosa. Mexico. when their son was an infant. The family is in disbelief. Mrs. Sanchez and the other adult children said. "We never felt worried." his mother said. "If he felt worried. he never showed it. Like I said. all the pictures we have of him. he always had a big smile." Madam Speaker. I ask for a moment of silence to celebrate this American hero. Alberto Sanchez. Jr.
Date: 2006-06-27
Speaker: GENE GREEN (democrat)
Chamber: H
State: Texas

Mr. Speaker. I rise today in favor of H.R. 42. the Freedom to Display the American Flag Act. This bill would allow homeowners to fly the American flag on their own property in accordance with the U.S. Flag Code. I signed on to this -bill because I have a constituent who was told by his homeowners association that his flagpole and his display of the American flag were in violation of their association rules. Homeowners should have the freedom to display the American flag on their property. Our flag represents our country as a symbol of our patriotism. unity. and most of all bravery. Right now our service men and women are courageously fighting the war on terrorism and putting their lives on the line every day to protect our great Nation and the freedoms that we hold so dearly. This bill guarantees the homeowner the ability display the flag and show their support for this great Nation. We must always remember the sacrifices others have made so that we enjoy the freedoms we have. The flag should never be considered an eyesore on property.
Date: 2006-06-27
Speaker: EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON (democrat)
Chamber: H
State: Texas

Mr. Chairman. last year. our Nation was devastated with a series of natural disasters that negatively impacted our economic and social structures. The South especially incurred severe flood damage to their infrastructure and local communities. The floods varied from severe. slow and fast rising but were consistent in destroying peoples homes and businesses. This past hurricane season brought forth a series of catastrophes that devastated southern communities. injuring peoples livelihoods and souls. The wave of destruction was insurmountable to none ever experienced. The amendment that I have. Mr. Chairman. is to amend the Act simply to indicate the responsibility we feel that FEMA has to reach out and educate our communities. FEMA uses the information produced by the flood insurance studies to prepare a flood insurance rate map that depicts the spatial extent of special flood hazard areas- and our thematic features related to flood risk assessment. The rate map is the basis for floodplain management. mitigation and insurance activities of the insurance program. As a result. flood risks have been assessed at approximately 20.400 communities nationwide. As it stands. FEMA currently has a regulatory function that calls for communities to implement local outreach. However. no such function exists to mitigate any outreach responsibility on FEMA. Neither the code nor the regulations require FEMA to proactively implement outreach programs to educate local landowners. In response to this oversight. I offer this amendment that requires FEMA to conduct educational programs to better inform local communities of changes made in the flood insurance map. Currently. H.R. 4973. the Flood Insurance Reform and Modernization Act of 2006. -lacks a mandate that calls for FEMA to implement the initiatives necessary to reach out to local communities and educate property owners who are affected by the map update. Many homeowners do not know about changes in the map. The only thing they know is that. after they have suffered a severe flood. they are not covered. I think this amendment is a necessary step to ensure that FEMA is made responsible to make the vital information available to everyone who might be a flood Victim. I believe that this is a necessary step to protect the lives of innocent. people who have no choice but to rely on this congressional body to implement necessary safeguards that protects their wellbeing. I urge adoption of this amendment.
Date: 2006-06-27
Speaker: GENE GREEN (democrat)
Chamber: H
State: Texas

Mr. Chairman. I thank my colleague from California and my colleague from Texas for working with us on this amendment. I rise in support of the MatsuiHinojosaGreen amendment to the Flood Insurance Reform Act. The amendment addresses an issue that I have been concerned with for a very long time. Our district has a per capita income of $12.000 per year. with over 20 percent of the residents in poverty. Over onethird of our households are worth less than $100.000. Many of these households are senior citizens on fixed incomes. These families and households know the dangers of flooding in the Houston area. They want to protect themselves. and we recently had severe flooding with hundreds of homes with several inches of water. Some Members in Congress act like it is the victims fault when their houses flood. but these critics do not realize that many people did not move to the floodplains. the floodplains are moving to them. When we redraw the flood maps. thousands of people are suddenly required to pay hundreds of thousands of dollars in flood insurance. If they not afford to pay. they sometimes lose their mortgage and their house. or when it floods. they can lose all of their. property. It is not fair to evict lowincome people from homes that they have been making payments on for years. It would also not be fair to deny Federal disaster assistance to seniors who could not afford the flood insurance when they suddenly were required to have it. The 100year floodplains in Houston and Harris County and across the country. at least our area. have been expanding rapidly. Many of my constituents have been living outside the floodplain for decades. This year they are going to be suddenly redrawn into the 100year floodplain and required to buy flood insurance. I believe they should buy flood insurance. and we should encourage lowincome people to voluntarily buy flood insurance. also. However. when we are going to impose a new Federal financial burden on lowincome folks who have managed against the odds to own their own home. I think we should keep those premiums affordable. Mr. Chairman. I would hope that we would support this amendment so we could actually have the study. This legislation is going to increase the rate of premium increases from 10 percent to 15 percent. due to the recent losses to the program. In return. I think it should also show compassion to lowincome homeowners who may be threatened with the loss of their home due to a new flood insurance rate map. Unfortunately my bill that was redrafted as an amendment to this legislation to provide a discount to lowvalue homes was not accepted. As a result. I ask Members to support the MatsuiHinojosaGreen amendment to require the GAO to determine the best ways to increase flood insurance participation for lowincome homeowners. both in voluntary and mandatory programs. When we reauthorize the NFIP again in 2008. we will need to address this issue. because we do not want the Flood Insurance Reform Act to become the LowIncome Homeowner Eviction Act.
Date: 2006-06-27
Speaker: LORETTA SANCHEZ (democrat)
Chamber: H
State: Cali

fornia. Messrs. RAHALL. MARKEY. MEEHAN and NEAL of Massachusetts changed their vote from "no" to "aye." So the amendment was agreed to. The result of the vote was announced as above recorded. Fl 2230
Date: 2006-06-28
Speaker: GENE GREEN (democrat)
Chamber: H
State: Texas

Mr. Speaker. I rise today to express support for an increase in the minimum wage. We should show the Nation that we understand it has been too long since we increased the minimum wage. We should be ashamed it takes a full days pay at minimum wage to fill up your car at the pump. Congress has not raised the $5.15 minimum wage since 1997. We are approaching a decade since we have addressed perhaps the most important issue for hardworking. lowincome Americans. This Congress has given billions of dollars in tax cuts to the wealthiest Americans. and we should help people who are working to make ends meet.
Date: 2006-06-28
Speaker: GENE GREEN (democrat)
Chamber: H
State: Texas

Mr. Speaker. I know it has gotten to be a habit. I would like to raise a .point of order that a lot of Members from the Republican side seem to come up and stand at the podium when we are speaking. and I would hope we would not do that.
Date: 2006-06-28
Speaker: GENE GREEN (democrat)
Chamber: H
State: Texas

Mr. Speaker. this Congress has given billions of dollars in tax cuts to the wealthiest Americans. We should help people who are working to make ends meet. Under this administration. costs for everything are up. Housing. health care and college tuition have all become more expensive and continue to rise. Yet a minimum wage earner can at best earn $10.700 a year. I look forward to voting on a minimum wage increase in the near future. and I hope our leadership has the courage tobring thisimportant issue to the floor. Lets increase the minimum wage now. l 1015
Date: 2006-06-28
Speaker: EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON (democrat)
Chamber: H
State: Texas

Mr. Speaker. this morning I would like to highlight two new reports out over the last week that once again demonstrates how the pharmaceutical industry is benefiting from the new prescription drug plan. while American seniors and the American taxpayers are paying even larger bills. The first study. done by AARP. concluded that wholesale prices on" the most popular drugs used by American seniors increased by 3.9 percent over the first 3 months of the year. Pharmaceutical companies promised drug prices would go down when the Republican plan" took effect. but now it is clear they have actually increased at four times the rate of inflation. The second study was conducted by Families USA. which found that American veterans are paying 43 percent less for their drugs than their counterparts under the Republican prescription drug plan. Our veterans get cheaper rates because the VA negotiates to get better deals from the pharmaceutical companies. .Contrast that with the Republican drug plan that restricts Medicare from negotiating on behalf of the American seniors.