macleginn/stanford_congress_record_longer_speeches huggingface dataset:
Date: 2000-10-12
Speaker: GEORGE MILLER (democrat)
Chamber: H
State: California

That is the exact point. When you say to these companies. there is going to be voluntary compliance. if you can do it. do it. we would all appreciate it. You are also sending the same signal that says. "And if by the way you continue to pollute. thats okay. too. If you choose to clean up. that would be nice. but if you choose not to clean up. its the same." Before we had the Clean Air Act and I know the gentleman is very interested in the Clean Water Act. before we had the Clean Air and the Clean Water Act. I do not remember companies walking in and saying. "Im going to voluntarily clean up the arsenic in the water." or "Im going to voluntarily clean up the benzene in the air. the lead in the air or the pollution in the Hudson River." I do not remember that happening. It was only because of the Clean Air Act. the Clean Water Act that these companies stepped forward. They did it because it was the law of the land. What we have seen for 6 years in this Congress under a Republican majority and what we have seen in the State of Texas is. continued efforts by corporate entities to lean on the political system so it is not the law of the land. And if it is not the law of the land. you will not clean up the Hudson River. you will not clean up the Sacramento River. you will not clean up the Mississippi River. you will not clean up these areas that America holds as treasures. And so as the gentleman points out. when Governor Bush got all done with his volunteer stepping forward. this is like a bad film of the Army: I need these volunteers. now everybody take one step forward and everybody steps back and one guy is left there as the volunteer. This is like a bad movie. If we work at this rate on cleaning up pollution in America that they are in Texas. we will all be choking to death. It is not happening. The figures point it out. The Governor could sit there last night and say. "We have a plan and its working." Well. if this is his definition of "working." there is a horror story in store for the American public. because that does not address the needs of the cities and others who have air pollution problems and toxic problems. That is just unacceptable. We have struggled in this Congress to try to get entities to step forward and be responsible for Superfund sites. for water pollution and air pollution. I think the gentleman makes a very important point about the socalled voluntary program in Texas. You voluntarily get not to obey the law is what you do. That is what you get to volunteer to do.
Date: 2000-10-12
Speaker: NORMAN BAY (democrat)
Chamber: H

U.S. Attorney. Albuquerque. NM. DEAR MR. BAY: Thank you very much for meeting with us last week. The Asian Pacific American community nationwide has been monitoring the Wen Ho Lee case for over a year. The community has been concerned with the public discourse and media stereotypes arising from the case that insinuate all Asian Pacific Americans as disloyal foreigners. With regard to Dr. Lee. the community is wondering whether he has been accorded his due process rights as an American citizen during the investigation and decision making to prosecute him. Since Dr. Lees incarceration in December of 1999. the community has been very concerned about the fact that he has not been granted bail until his trial. One of the questions we have is what are the conditions. if any. must Dr. Lee meet inorder for him to be released on bail? As a follow up to our conversation. we wanted to ask specific questions about Dr. Lees incarceration. We understand that Dr. Lee has been charged with mishandling classified data. A concern of the community is that since Dr. Lee has not been charged with espionage then why is he being treated as if he has been charged with espionage? As someone charged with a nonviolent act. the community believes Dr. Lee should be treated like those charged with other nonviolent "white collar" offenses. We have heard the following: Dr. Lee is in "solitary confinement." Dr. Lee is "shackled" all day. Dr. Lees ankles and wrists are shackled when he is moved within the jail facility. even during his one hour of exercise. and unremoved during weekly meetings with his family. No collect calls to any outside party are allowed except to his counsel. Kept separate from other prisoners during one hour long exercise. Dr. Lee is only allowed one hour outside of his jail cell for exercise per day. but not always outside under the sunlight. Dr. Lee is not allowed to read newspapers. magazines. books. Dr. Lee is not allowed to watch TV. We would greatly appreciate your response to these points as soon as possible so that we may accurately respond to the inquiries from our community about Dr. Lees confinement. Thank you very much. Sincerely. DAPHNE KwoK. Executive Director. Organization of Chinese Americans.
Date: 2000-10-18
Speaker: EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON (democrat)
Chamber: H
State: Texas

Mr. Speaker. I rise to honor the sacrifice and the memory of the crew of Americas guided missile destroyer U.S.S. Cole who were killed or wounded on October 12 as a suspected terrorist bomb ripped through the ships hull. The State of Texas mourns the loss of three of its sons: Fireman Gary Graham Swenchonis. Jr. of Rockport. TX. Information Systems Technician Timothy Guana of Rice. TX. and Petty Officer 3rd Class Ronchester Santiago of Kingsville. TX. We Texans add our sadness and pride in our Nation to the family of Americans in saluting the honor and valor of all seventeen patriots and the remaining crew of the U.S.S. Cole. The Nation especially grieves the loss of our first female sailors killed in hostile action aboard a U.S. combat ship. It is important to acknowledge that this historic sacrifice was made by two African American women. Lakeina Monique Francis of Woodleaf. North Carolina. a 19 yearold Mess Management Specialist Seaman. followed in her fathers footsteps to serve her country in the Navy. Lakiba Nicole Palmer of San Diego. California was a 22 yearold Seaman Recruit. History will record their sacrifice as a milestone of great proportions. For today. there can be no doubt that Americas sons and Americas daughters will lay down their lives for freedom and peace around the globe. I urge this Congress to resolve that as this story is written and retold. the names of these women must not be forgotten as has too often been the case for the legacy and sacrifice of African American women throughout our Nations history. I stand with my colleagues to offer sincere condolences to every loved one who survives each of the seventeen patriots we honor. through this resolution. Their supreme sacrifice compels us to live for peace and redouble our efforts to broker a lasting Middle East peace with the strongest determination. Mr. Speaker. on this occasion. I pray Gods blessing on the memories of these sailors. Gods comfort for their families. and may God bless an America that is more resolute that ever to preserve the peace!
Date: 2000-10-23
Speaker: GEORGE MILLER (democrat)
Chamber: H
State: California

Mr. Speaker. I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker. I do not have any substantive concerns with the package of fishery bills included in the amendment to H.R. 5086. In particular. I support the title that would reauthorize the National Marine Sanctuaries program. I am also pleased that this package includes legislation that would outlaw the fishing practice of shark finning. I am concerned about the disproportionate number of Republican bills that have be included in this package. There is only one Democratic bill and seven Republican bills. I believe that is unfair. I am also concerned with what this legislation does not include. It does not include a clean bill to reauthorize the Coastal Zone Management Act. especially a reauthorization for State coastal polluted runoff programs. Nor does this package include a clean bill to authorize a comprehensive coral reef conservation program. Passage of these bills has been a priority concern for Democrat Members of this Congress. I am disappointed that the majority has chosen to schedule this package when they could have just as easily scheduled the fish package that was passed by the other body. H.R. 3417. This package contained virtually all of the bills contained here. but also includes a clean coastal zone management reauthorization and coral reef bills. Members of the other body have indicated they will not move any package which does not include CZMA in the coral reef bills. Instead of passing legislation. today that could be sent to the President for his signature. we are passing a bill that may very well become a dead letter in the other body. I think that is unfortunate in the closing days of this session. Mr. Speaker. I yield back the balance of my time.
Date: 2000-10-23
Speaker: GEORGE MILLER (democrat)
Chamber: H
State: California

Mr. Speaker. I yield myself such time as I may consume. The gentleman from Alaska has quite properly explained this legislation to direct the National Park Service to conduct a feasibility study to explore various options of the preservation of the Vicksburg Campaign Trail. and I urge the support of this legislation. Mr. Speaker. I yield back the balance of my time.
Date: 2000-10-23
Speaker: GEORGE MILLER (democrat)
Chamber: H
State: California

Mr. Speaker. I yield myself such time as I may consume. The gentleman from Alaska has quite properly explained the legislation. The administration supports this bill. and we have no objections to it. S. 1218would direct the Secretary of the Interior to convey. without consideration. the surface and subsurface mineral estates of about two acres of federal land to the Landusky School District. located in Montana. According to the Bureau of Land Management (BLM). the school district currently operates and maintains an elementary school and auxiliary school buildings on the land and bears full financial responsibility for the property. The land currently generates no federal receipts. and BLM does not expect the land to generate any significant receipts over the next 10 years. The administration supports S. 1218. We have no objection to the bill. Mr. Speaker. I yield back the balance of my time.
Date: 2000-10-23
Speaker: GEORGE MILLER (democrat)
Chamber: H
State: California

Mr. Speaker. I yield myself such time as I may consume. As the gentleman points out. this allows for land exchange around the Cascade Reservoir north of Boise. Idaho. We have no objections to the bill. Mr. Speaker. I yield back the balance of my time.
Date: 2000-10-23
Speaker: GEORGE MILLER (democrat)
Chamber: H
State: California

Mr. Speaker. I yield myself such time as I may consume. As the gentleman has explained. this is an exchange of land or the direct sale of land in Wyoming. and while the administration is concerned that not all of the lands have been identified. we have no objections to the bill at this time. and we urge its passage. S. 610 (Enzi) is a Senate passed measure that directs the sale of 16.500 acres of public land in Wyoming to the Westside Irrigation District. Mineral estate would remain with the United States. District required to pay fair market value for the lands. Prior to any sale there has to be completed an environmental analysis under NEPA. Bill allows the Secretary and the District to add or subtract lands if necessary to satisfy the mitigation requirements of the NEPA analysis. Administration had raised a number of- concems with the bill as introduced. While the bill was amended in the Senate to address some of these concerns. the Administration still does not support passage. Administration concerned that they are required to sell lands that had not been identified for disposal. The lands contain significant paleontological resources and provide important wildlife habitat. Mr. Speaker. I yield back the balance of my tire.
Date: 2000-10-23
Speaker: GEORGE MILLER (democrat)
Chamber: H
State: California

Mr. Speaker. I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker. S. 1030. introduced by Senator MIKE ENZI of Wyoming. would require certain lands acquired through exchange in Gillette. Wyoming. to be segregated from entry under the mining laws until appropriate landuse planning is completed . for the land. This provision is necessary to override existing laws that would otherwise require the land to be opened up to mining 90 days after the completion of this exchange. The administration is in support of this legislation. We have no problems. Mr. Speaker. I yield back the balance of my time.
Date: 2000-10-23
Speaker: GEORGE MILLER (democrat)
Chamber: H
State: California

Mr. Speaker. I yield myself such time as I may consume. We do not know what bill this is. The gentleman has explained it. It is not on the calendar that I can see. Mr. Speaker. I yield back the balance of my time.
Date: 2000-10-23
Speaker: GEORGE MILLER (democrat)
Chamber: H
State: California

Mr. Speaker. I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker. S. 1894 provides the conveyance of 190 acres from Park County. Wyoming. Park County will pay the assessed fair market value for the parcel. It is my understanding that the administration has expressed some concerns regarding the fair market value of this parcel. but we do not oppose the bill at this time. Mr. Speaker. I yield back the balance of my time..
Date: 2000-10-23
Speaker: GEORGE MILLER (democrat)
Chamber: H
State: California

Mr. Speaker. I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker. S. 2300 would amend the Mineral Leasing Act to increase the maximum acreage of Federal leases for coal that may be held by an entity in any one State. The administration supports this legislation. CBO estimates. however. that enacting this legislation will not have any significant impact on Federal receipts from coal leaseholders or subsequent payments to the States for their share of those receipts. Mr. Speaker. I yield back the balance of my time.
Date: 2000-10-23
Speaker: GEORGE MILLER (democrat)
Chamber: H
State: California

Mr. Speaker. I yield myself such time as Imay Consume. Mr. Speaker. the gentleman from Alaska properly explained the legislation. S. 1088. and we have no objections to the bill. Mr. Speaker. I yield back the balance of my time.
Date: 2000-10-23
Speaker: GEORGE MILLER (democrat)
Chamber: H
State: California

Mr. Speaker. I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker. we have no objection to this legislation. Mr. Speaker. I yield back the balance of my time.
Date: 2000-10-23
Speaker: GEORGE MILLER (democrat)
Chamber: H
State: California

Mr. Speaker. I yieldmyself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker. I urge my colleagues to support S. 1211. The Colorado River Basin Salinity Control program is one of -the most successful water control programs in the West. Mr. Speaker. I yield back the balance of my time.
Date: 2000-10-23
Speaker: GEORGE MILLER (democrat)
Chamber: H
State: California

Mr. Speaker. I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker. we support S. 2950 by Senator CAMPBELL. and we urge its passage. Mr. Speaker. I yield back the balance of my time.
Date: 2000-10-23
Speaker: GEORGE MILLER (democrat)
Chamber: H
State: California

Mr. Speaker. I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker. we support S. 1367. the boundary changes to SaintGaudens National Historic Site. Mr. Speaker. I yield back the balance of my time.
Date: 2000-10-23
Speaker: GEORGE MILLER (democrat)
Chamber: H
State: California

Mr. Speaker. I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker. I rise in support of S. 1586 and urge my colleagues to support this legislation along the lines that the gentleman from Alaska has explained it. Mr. Speaker. I yield back the balance of my time.
Date: 2000-10-23
Speaker: GEORGE MILLER (democrat)
Chamber: H
State: California

Mr. Speaker. I yield myself such time as I may consume. and I rise in support of this legislation. Mr. Speaker. I have no further requests for time. and I yield back the balance of my time.
Date: 2000-10-23
Speaker: GEORGE MILLER (democrat)
Chamber: H
State: California

Mr. Speaker. I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker. as the bill is presented before us today. my understanding is it is no longer controversial. as it once was. There have been changes in the Senate to provide for a corporate management plan for commercial fisheries in the national park waters outside of Glacier Bay proper. The bill is. no -longer inconsistent with the previous compromise and is now supported by the Park Service. and we urge passage. Mr. Speaker. I have no further reqiiests for time. and I yield back the balance* of my time.
Date: 2000-10-23
Speaker: GEORGE MILLER (democrat)
Chamber: H
State: California

Mr. Speaker. I yield myself such time as I may consume. In essence. Mr. Speaker. this legislation would provide training technical assistance for the development. enrichment. and enhancement of tribal justice systems. We support the legislation. and I urge my colleagues to support it. Mr. Speaker. I have no further requests for time. and I yield back the balance of my time.
Date: 2000-10-23
Speaker: GEORGE MILLER (democrat)
Chamber: H
State: California

Mr. Speaker. I yield myself such time as I may consume. The gentleman from Alaska has quite accurately explained the legislation. We are in support of it. Mr. Speaker. I have- no further requests for. time. and I: yield back the balance of my time.
Date: 2000-10-23
Speaker: GEORGE MILLER (democrat)
Chamber: H
State: California

Mr. Speaker. I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker. S. 2719 is good policy. and I urge my colleagues to support it. Mr. Speaker. I have no further requests for time. and I yield back the balance of my time.
Date: 2000-10-23
Speaker: GEORGE MILLER (democrat)
Chamber: H
State: California

Mr. Speaker. I yield myself such time as I may consume. and I rise in support of the legislation. Mr. Speaker. I have no further requests for time. and I yield back the balance of my time.
Date: 2000-10-23
Speaker: GEORGE MILLER (democrat)
Chamber: H
State: California

Mr. Speaker. I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker. S. 2872 is a needed. tool for the enforcement of the- Indian Arts and Crafts Act of 1990 and will permit Native American arts and crafts organizations and Indian artisans access to Federal courts to protect their wares and their intellectual properties. Mr. Speaker. I have no further requests for- time. and I yield. back the balance of my time
Date: 2000-10-23
Speaker: GEORGE MILLER (democrat)
Chamber: H
State: California

Mr. Speaker. I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker. this legislation conveys titles of land and facilities to the Nampa Meridian Irrigation District near Boise. Idaho. It is not controversial and is supported by the administration. Mr. Speaker. I have no further requests for time. and I yield. back the balance of my time.
Date: 2000-10-23
Speaker: GEORGE MILLER (democrat)
Chamber: H
State: California

Mr. Speaker. I yield such time as I may consume to join with the chairman in urging all Members to support this legislation. The lands contained in this legislation contain headwaters in two spectacular 13.000foot peaks that have been studied and considered for wilderness designation for nearly two decades. We support this legislation and would note that the House passed the legislation of the gentleman from Colorado and the gentleman from Colorado . H.R. 898. last year. and the Senate has now passed this amended version this last week. I want to commend our House colleagues for all the effort they put into working out some of the problems that. were found in this legislation. We support this bill. Mr. Speaker.
Date: 2000-10-23
Speaker: GEORGE MILLER (democrat)
Chamber: H
State: California

Mr. Speaker. I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker. I rise in support of S. 748. legislation intended to encourage the Department of the Interior to improve Native hiring and contracting within the State of Alaska. As I understand it. this legislation is supported by the Department of the Interior. I urge its passage. Mr. Speaker. I yield back the balance of my time.
Date: 2000-10-23
Speaker: GEORGE MILLER (democrat)
Chamber: H
State: California

Mr. Speaker. I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker. we have no objection to this legislation. and I urge its passage.
Date: 2000-10-23
Speaker: GEORGE MILLER (democrat)
Chamber: H
State: California

Mr. Speaker. I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker. I rise in support of this legislation.
Date: 2000-10-23
Speaker: GEORGE MILLER (democrat)
Chamber: H
State: California

Mr. Speaker. I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker. I rise in support of this legislation. The bill amends the Reclamation Safety of Dams Act of 1978 to increase the authorized cost ceiling for the Reclamation Safety of Dams Act by $380 million. -The bill also makes important changes pertaining to reimbursable costs. The amendment affords local projects beneficiaries an opportunity to negotiate an agreement with the Bureau of Reclamation. allowing for local participation in the oversight of dam safety project planning. design. cost containment. and other matters. It should be clearly understood. however. that the public safety responsibilities of the Secretary pursuant to this Act are not diminished or affected in any way by these procedures allowing for full participation by the project beneficiaries. I urge adoption of this legislation. Mr. Speaker. I yield back the balance of my time.
Date: 2000-10-23
Speaker: GEORGE MILLER (democrat)
Chamber: H
State: California

Mr. Speaker. I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker. I rise in support of H.R. Mr. Speaker. I yield back the balance of my time.
Date: 2000-10-23
Speaker: GEORGE MILLER (democrat)
Chamber: H
State: California

Mr. Speaker. I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker. I rise in strong support of H.R. 4794. the WashingtonRochambeau Revolutionary Route National Heritage Act of 2000. I want to commend our colleague. the gentleman from Connecticut . for all of the work he has done on this legislation. There is bipartisan support by every Member who represents the areas crossed by this road.
Date: 2000-10-23
Speaker: GEORGE MILLER (democrat)
Chamber: H
State: California

Mr. Speaker. I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker. we support this legislation. Mr. Speaker. I yield back the balance of my time.
Date: 2000-10-23
Speaker: GEORGE MILLER (democrat)
Chamber: H
State: California

Mr. Speaker. I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker. I do not know if this is a very good bill or not. to tell you the truth. There is no Federal connection to this project at all. None of the facilities. the land. are federally owned or operated. and I do not quite know why the Federal Government is spending money here when we have a multibillion dollar backlog in maintenance and construction on our Federal lands and our national parks. and why we would now be spending money on a completely. nonFederal project here to construct recreational facilities and design of a visitors center. I know that the gentleman from California and Senator FEINSTEIN support this legislation. I do not know if it is the best idea. but we will let it go at that. Mr. Speaker. I yield back the balance of -my time.
Date: 2000-10-24
Speaker: EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON (democrat)
Chamber: H
State: Texas

I thank the gentleman from Michigan very much for his response. I guess the commitment that I want is that if it is determined to be unconstitutional. could the language be made so that if it is determined to be unconstitutional then we can remove this provision? Because we need the rest of this bill. and we need it rapidly. I have been pleading for this for over 2 years to move forward. but what I do not want to do is dilute public dollars further in supporting private schools when we so desperately need special areas. especially students in areas where it is difficult to attract master teachers. it is difficult to have smaller classes. it is even difficult to have the classes wired as they should be for todays education. I need that assurance: