macleginn/stanford_congress_record_longer_speeches huggingface dataset:
Date: 1996-09-17
Speaker: DE LA GARZA (democrat)
Chamber: H

Thank you very much. my colleague. Let me preface my words about our dear friend. JIM QUILLEN. by saying that when I came to this Congress. the gentlemans father came with me. and Mr. QUILLEN was already here and was very kind and generous with his time. advice. and counsel to a very lonely freshman Member. We enjoyed sometimes traveling both with the gentlemans father and his mother. And my service has been enhanced by those two gentlemen. among a few others. Mr. QUILLEN I consider to be a friend. He has been a dedicated servant to the Nation. to his State. to his district. working always. as has been mentioned. in a quiet. gentlemanly manner. The Myers and Quillen seats all of us respect. no matter what. the same as the Montgomery and the Gonzalez seats. I have been here 32 years and I do not have a seat yet. but I will be leaving this Congress. so there goes my seat. but I leave with very pleasant memories of individuals with whom I have served. Even though when they are your peers you really do not appreciate the greatness of the individuals. it is only when you see that they are leaving. or you leave and look back. then you see how many great Members we have had in this Congress. And certainly Congressman DUNCAN and Congressman QUILLEN were some of the great Members. Wise. dedicated. always generous with their time. One of my most pleasant associations with Congressman QUILLEN is that he likes Texas onions. I have to bring some Texan onions whenever they come. to him. And I have always enjoyed doing that. We do hope that all of us will one day be remembered as kindly as he will be for all he has done. And there was no. I will say it in a manner as best as I can. there was no partisanship to his service here. even though all of us knew that he belonged to the Republican Party. But he did not live in a partisan way. He did not act in a partisan way. He did not treat individuals in a partisan way. And that is how I came up in this House. with both right and left. Democrat and Republican. those Congressmen that legislated without the partisan intervention. We are missing some of that now. but hopefully it will come back to that era when these great Members participated in debate. very eloquent debate and very in depth debate on the issues. And certainly both the gentlemans father and Mr. QUILLEN were that type of individuals. I thank the gentleman for allowing me the time to pay tribute. This is Mr. QUILLENs hour. but you cannot separate DUNCAN and QUILLEN because they worked together for all those years. And we revere their memory. DUNCANs memory. and we hope that Mr. QUILLEN will continue serving in whatever capacity he chooses to serve.
Date: 1996-09-17
Speaker: DE LA GARZA (democrat)
Chamber: H

I thank the gentleman. and I just wanted to take a brief moment here. that Sunday I heard a speaker. and he mentioned an item that I think would be very appropriate here. although it is very enlightening to hear the gentlemen discuss this issue. But he mentioned about a speaker who had a speech prepared. and everyone started leaving. and more people left. and more people left. and more people left. Finally there was only one left. So he went and finished his speech. then went to thank the gentleman for staying. and the gentleman says: "The only reason I stayed is because Im the next speaker." And I thought I would mention this at this time.
Date: 1996-09-18
Speaker: GENE GREEN (democrat)
Chamber: H
State: Texas

Mr. Speaker. let me say those are good ten fifteen onions developed In South Texas in Mr. DE LA GARZAs district by Texas A&M. Mr. Speaker. I rise to address the House concerning Senator Dole going from issue to issue now in the Presidential campaign. Nothing seems to take hold. He is not talking about the tax cut as of yesterday. because the American people saw through the rhetoric and realized he could not balance the budget and cut $548 billion in taxes at the same time. Now he is trying to convince the public that the Presidents crime bill had nothing to do with the recent drop In the national crime rate. Instead he says It belongs to the Governors. who I am sure are also participants in It. Senator Dole voted against the addition of 600 new police officers in my home town of Houston. TX. and he also voted against increased prison construction. increased border patrol. and the expansion of the death penalty in the crime bill of 1994. It is obvious that Senator Dole wants to. have It both ways. When something good happens. it Is the Republican Governors. but when something bad happens. like drug use. It is the President. when Bob Dole also voted to cut the funding for safe and drug free schools. I am confident the American people will see through. this. just like they did through his tax plan.
Date: 1996-09-24
Speaker: KEVIN STARR (democrat)
Chamber: H

State Librarian of California. P.S.-You have become the champion of public libraries! All of us are grateful to you for you vision and leadership! KS.
Date: 1996-09-25
Speaker: GENE GREEN (democrat)
Chamber: H
State: Texas

Mr. Speaker. I thank my colleague from California for yielding me time. TONY. we will miss you next year and all your work you have done for not only our district. but the people of California. and the people of our country. Mr. Speaker. there is a consensus that illegal immigration is a national problem that needs to be addressed. I believe our immigration laws need to be strengthened. But this conference agreement ignores the real reasons for illegal immigration and does little to protect American jobs. The reason people are in our country illegally is not to go to school. it is to get a job. A successful control of illegal immigration requires comprehensive efforts not only to police our borders. but also to effectively reduce the incentives to employ illegal immigrants. The bill has serious deficiencies in regard to employment and work site enforcement. The conference report does not contain the Senate provision that would authorize 350 additional enforcement staff for the Department of Labor. Wage and Hour Division. to enhance worksite enforcement of our laws. This conference report does not contain the Senate provision authorizing enhanced civil penalties for employers who violate the employment sanctions and specified labor laws. Higher penalties would also serve to reduce the incentives to employ and thereby deter illegal immigration. This conference report does not contain the Senate provision that would have provided subpoena authority to the Secretary of Labor to carry out enforcement responsibilities under this act. Even though I served on the conference committee. and I was honored to do so. I nor other Democrats were given the opportunity to offer amendments to correct these deficiencies: We will have real immigration reform when we as Democrats are not locked out of the process. Is this bill better than no bill? Maybe. But the people of America want something that will stop illegal immigration. This will not stop it. It may be better than the status quo because. of the additional border patrol. but it does not go as far as the American people want it to go to deter illegal immigration. That is why this is not the panacea that you may hear from the other side of the aisle. It is an election year gimmick to say we passed immigration reform. but we have not.
Date: 1996-09-25
Speaker: GENE GREEN (democrat)
Chamber: H
State: Texas

Mr. Speaker. I thank my Texas friend for allowing me 1 minute to speak agaiist this bill. One of the reasons I voted for the immigration bill ultimately was because this amendment was removed from it. This is an amendment. Mr. Speaker. that sets the pattern that we have seen in the Congress for the last 2 years: If we are going to cut the budget. let us cut education. if we are going to punish somebody. let us punish children. and that is what this amendment will do. People do not come to this country to put their kids in public school. The children do not come here because of their own volition. They come here because somebody brings them. And to punish a 10yearold in Texas or a 10yearold in California who is not here of their own volition and say they cannot go to public school. it is wrong and this is bad public policy. It is bad public policy on the State level as well as the Federal level. I am always proud to be a Texan. but I am particularly proud to be a Texan because our Governor of Texas. who is a Republican. by the way. Governor Bush. has said he would not allow the children to be removed from Texas schools. And I admire him for that and thank him for his commitment to education. That is why this bill is so bad. Mr. Speaker.
Date: 1996-09-25
Speaker: EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON (democrat)
Chamber: H
State: Texas

Mr. Speaker. I rise today in recognition of our seven retiring women Members of Congress. women who have diligently served their constituents and paved the road for many women ahead.
Date: 1996-09-26
Speaker: GLENN RIR (democrat)
Chamber: S

Editor. The Record. Hackensack. NJ. DEAR MR. R=TT. We. the physicians and administration of Metropolitan Medical Associates. are deeply concerned about the many. inaccuracies in the article printed in September 15. 1996 titled "The Facts on PartialBirth Abortions". The article incorrectly asserts that MMA "performs 3.000 abortions a year on fetuses between 20 and 24 weeks. of which at least half are by intact dilation and evacuation." This claim is false as is shown in reports to the New Jersey Department of Health and documents submitted semiannually to the New Jersey State Board of Medical Examiners. These statistics show that the total annual number of abortions for the period between 12 and 23.3 weeks is about 4.000. with the majority of these procedures being between 12 and 16 weeks. The intact D&E procedure (erroneously labeled by abortion opponents as "partial birth abortion") is used only in a small percentage of cases between 20 and 23.3 weeks. when a physician determines that it is the safest method available for the woman involved. Certainly. the number of intact D&E procedures performed is nowhere near the 1.500 estimated in your article. MMA perform no third trimester abortions. where the State is permitted to ban abortions except in cases of life and health endangerment. Second. the article erroneously states that most women undergoing intact D&E procedures have no medical reason for termination. The article then misquotes a physician from our clinic stating that "most are Medicaid patients * * * and most are foi elective. not medical. reasons * * * Most are teenagers." This is a misrepresentation of the information provided to the reporter Consistent with Roe v. Wade and New Jersey State law. we do not record a womans specific reason for having an abortion. However. all procedures for our Medicaid patients arc certified as medically necessary as requfre(by the New Jersey Department of Humar Services. Because of the sensitive and controversial nature of the abortion issue. we feel that it is critically important to set the record straight. The Management of Metropolitan Medica Associates.
Date: 1996-09-26
Speaker: CHARLIE ROSE (democrat)
Chamber: H

for the seat in the Seventh Congressional District in North Carolina. As chairman of the Committee on House Oversight. I appointed a task force from the committee. comprised of the gentleman from Ohio. JOHN BOEHNER. as chairman. the gentleman from Louisiana. WILLIAM JEFFERSON. and the gentleman from Michigan. VERN EHLERS. to hear the matter. The task force heard allegations of election irregularities and fraud but concluded that there were not sufficient credible allegations that. if proven. would change the outcome of the election. The task force met on August 3. 1995. and voted unanimously to dismiss the contest. I believe the House clearly should so indicate to the gentleman from North Carolina . since October 25. 1995. the full committee agreed unanimously to recommend dismissal. I do want to thank the minority for lifting the hold on unanimous consents so we could present this resolution this evening.
Date: 1996-09-26
Speaker: EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON (democrat)
Chamber: H
State: Texas

Mr. Speaker. it brings me great pleasure to honor and applaud an extraordinary colleague who will be retiring at the end of the 104th Congress. the Honorable CLEO FIELDS of Louisiana. Congressman FIELDS came to Washington as a member of this body in 1992 along with me which makes this tribute extra special. Congressman FIELDS pursued his seat relentlessly. starting with the redistricting struggle he fought as a member of the State senate in the early 1990s. He was the youngest State senator in Louisiana history at the age of 24. In the legislature. he was a leader against illicit drug use and was regarded favorably by environmentalists. but not so much so that he was perceived as an enemy of the States powerful natural gas industry. Mostly Congressman FIELDS showed a knack for positioning himself to win elections. He also demonstrated the drive and energy to make good on his opportunities. Congressman FIELDS actions and his words have focused on improving the future for our Nations youth. and recognizing the importance of opportunity for all his constituents. As chairman of the Congressional Black Caucus Task Forces on Church Burnings and Redistricting. he has helped every member of this body to recognize the importance of these issues and how they effect every one of us. As a member of the Banking and Financial Services Committee. he led efforts to insure that no consumers are taken advantage of by ATM userfees. and that all Americans will continue to be protected by the Community Reinvestment Act. the Truth in Savings Act. the Truth in Lending Act. and other consumer banking laws. Mr. Speaker. it has been both a pleasure and an honor to serve next to and with Congressman CLEO FIELDS of Louisiana. I. like the rest of my colleagues. wish him well in his future endeavors.
Date: 1996-09-27
Speaker: JIM OBERSTAR (democrat)
Chamber: S

Representative SHERWOOD BOEHLERT. and their excellent staff. We have worked closely with the administration. Mr. President. and I want to recognize the valuable input of Assistant Secretary Martin Lancaster. Secretary Lancaster and his team. including Deputy Assistant Secretary Mike Davis. Jim Rausch. Gary Campbell. Milton Reider. Bill Schmidtz. John Anderson. Susan Bond. and others have aided us immeasurably. Finally. I want to thank the Senate staff who have worked so hard on this bill. On Senator BAUCUSS staff. I extend my appreciation to JoEllen Darcy and Tom Sliter. On the Republican .side. I want to thank staff members Ann Loomis. Chris Russell. Steve Shimberg. Linda Jordan. Stephanie Brewster. Dan Delich and Senate legislative counsel. Janine Johnson. I again urge the adoption of the conference report and yield the floor.
Date: 1996-09-27
Speaker: GENE GREEN (democrat)
Chamber: H
State: Texas

Mr. Speaker. as the 104th Congress comes to a close. we look back on successes and failures. and I am proud to say. Mr. Speaker. that the Democratic Members can claim responsibility for some of the most impressive successes. The minimum wage increase. it is a flagship of the Democratic agenda. and it focused on what American people really want. Next week American workers get the raise they deserve. a bipartisan success. The KennedyKassebaum health care bill came only after Democrats defended it against the House Republicans. who stonewalled for months. Putting more money in peoples pockets and providing employees with the option of portable health care are Democratic answers to Republicans measures that have shaken Americans confidence. The 104th Congress began with an allout onslaught on Medicare and education funding that the President and Democrats stopped cold. The American people rightfully lost confidence in the Republicans ability to run Congress after two Government shutdowns and one looming next week. We can do much better. Americans cannot afford another Gingrich Congress. We need to remember whom we represent. the hardworking Americans who want to better tomorrow. not a better yesterday.
Date: 1996-09-27
Speaker: DE LA GARZA (democrat)
Chamber: H

Mr. Speaker. this bill will give some kids a chance to learn how to farm the oldfashioned way: through hard work and sweat. They wili work hard. planting their ciops. watering them. guarding them against tne many threats faced by all farmersthe weather. disease. insects. And they will feel the satisfaction of binging in the harvest. This bill will help these students learn to appreciate the hard work that goes into producing our Nations food. -ana il may even get a few of them off to a good start as larmers.
Date: 1996-09-30
Speaker: PETE GEREN (democrat)
Chamber: H
State: Texas

Mr. Speaker. the Texas Rangers are the champions of the American League West. I know I speak for all of Texas when I say congratulations to the Ranger players. coaches and management. I particularly want to make mention of my friend Tom Schieffer. the managing partner of the Rangers. Under his leadership. the team has given us the magnificent ballpark at Arlington and now has filled the park with a champion. We wish you the best as the- playoffs begin. Texas Rangers. you are champions. Thank you for a great year.
Date: 1996-09-30
Speaker: DE LA GARZA (democrat)
Chamber: H

Mr. Speaker. I thank my distinguished colleague for his kindness and generosity. Mr. Speaker. this is 32 years for me. I close speaking about the youngsters. If I have improved one youngsters life. my 32 years here would have been very worthwhile. Mr. Speaker.
Date: 2013-01-04
Speaker: CAROLYN B. MALONEY (democrat)
Chamber: H
State: New York

I thank the gentleman for his leadership and for yielding. Madam Speaker. the victims of Superstorm Sandy can wait no longer. Its been 11 weeks. Havent they suffered and waited long enough? The people whom we represent. who sent us to Washington to serve and who are now not merely crying out for help but screaming for assistance. demand that we act without further delay and pass this bill to immediately increase the borrowing authority of FEMA and carry out the intended purpose of the National Flood Insurance Program. That help is. embarrassingly. overdue. Right now. if we fail to act and do not pass this bill. theres a total of 120.000 flood insurance claim payments that will be delayed and not paid. This bill before us now will temporarily increase the borrowing authority for the National Flood Insurance Program by $9.7 billionmuch more is neededand a vote has been promised of $51 billion on January 15. That absolutely needs to happen. Funds for Katrina passed this House in less than 2 weeks. We have been waiting for 11 weeks. Funds for Ike and Gustav passed very quickly. Again. the northeast corridor has been waiting for 11 weeks. It should not take much imagination to appreciate what its like at this very moment for those who have been waiting who have been affected by the flooding caused by the superstorm. For 11 weeks. they have been waiting while this body sat on a bill that should have long ago been signed. sealed. and its help delivered to those in desperate need. They wait for the billions that they need to rebuild. They need it for the transportation system. They need it to make sure that this doesnt happen again and to prevent floods in the future. They wait. many shivering tonight in the cold of New York. where temperatures are. again. below freezing. They are in homeless shelters and hotels. staying with friends. They are waiting. This body needs to act. and needs to act today. It is long overdue. They wait on us to act. their lives on hold. They dream of rebuilding their homes. their businesses. their lives. And all the while we sit here comfortably and have failed to act. They wait for our colleagues across the aisle to at long at last listen hear their cries and to the demands of decency. They wait for us to treat the storm tossed victims of an unprecedented natural disaster at least as well as we have always treated others when tragedy struck. They are becoming the forgotten while we bicker. They wait for the help only this bill can bring. How long must those suffering wait for help? I say no longer!! It is with strong conviction and urgent concern that I support the bill currently before us. and urge my colleagues to act NOW and pass this bill.
Date: 2013-01-04
Speaker: SEAN PATRICK MALONEY (democrat)
Chamber: H
State: New York

Madam Speaker. my name is SEAN PATRICK MALONEY. Im new here. I dont know all the rules of Washington. but it sure seems like the rule here is to put off until tomorrow what should be done todayeven when our fellow Americans are suffering. A long time ago. I learned from my mom and dad. Jim and Joan Maloney. and our parish priest. Father Bill Nolan. a much better rule. Its called "the golden rule." Americans by all parties live by it. The people of New York. New Jersey. and the Hudson Valley live by it. Bart and Diana Tyler of Kelloggs & Lawrence Hardware Store in Katonah. sure live by it. They led storm victims by flashlight through the darkened aisles of their hardware store for critical supplies at the hour of maximum danger and greatest need. and they consoled them as if they were their own family. Bart and Diana didnt make their neighbors wait 68 days for help. and they didnt say they could do more later. They acted with speed and with caring. This new Congress can start anew today. We can act with speed and caring. We dont need to wait. I urge my colleagues to bring this additional relief to the floor as soon as possible and to support the bill today.
Date: 2013-01-04
Speaker: VAN HOLLEN (democrat)
Chamber: H

Madam Speaker. I rise in strong support of HR 41. a measure to increase by $9.7 billion the borrowing authority of the National Flood Insurance Program. enabling the program to continue paying the tens of thousands of claims related to the destruction caused by Hurricane Sandy. Across this country from the Appalachians to the Great Lakes to northern coast of Maine. dozens of people have lost their lives. the homes of thousands of families were destroyed and millions of people have suffered from the cold and exposure of winter because they lost power. The suffering touched the people of my state of Maryland as wellhitting hardest the county of Somerset. where the poverty rate is among the highest in the State and where more than 500 homes were affected by the storm. After more than two months of waiting. it is only now that the House has chosen to act. And by only considering a bill to increase the Flood Insurance Programs borrowing authority by $9.7 billion. we are only making a down payment on the problem. There are estimates that the full cost of recovery will be more than $60 billion. I had hoped that we would have voted for a relief package during the last Congress. But it is only now that the House Leadership is bringing Sandy legislation to the floor. In the meantime. the people affected by the hurricane have had to wait and will continue waiting as the Senate passes what we pass here today. Delaying for months the aid for the victims of Hurricane Sandy is unjust and I am disappointed that we are not meeting today to consider a bill to address the full cost of the Hurricanes destruction. I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting the swift passage of this bill so that those suffering around the country can get the relief they so desperately need. I also hope the Republican leadership follows through on its promise to consider additional legislation on this subject when the Congress reconvenes later this month.