macleginn/stanford_congress_record_longer_speeches huggingface dataset:
Date: 2010-06-16
Speaker: JACKSON LEE (democrat)
Chamber: H
State: Texas

Madam Speaker. because I was chairing the But this was not humanitarian aid workers that assaulted the Israeli commandos. where 10 of them were hurt. It turns out that their goal was. of course. to have an international incident. The reason being. after these ships were stopped and then allowed to proceed into Gaza. the humanitarian aid was denied and refused by Hamas. Obviously. an international incident that had gone bad for Hamas. Recently. myself and the gentleman from Michigan . along with 128 Members of Congress have tried to make it clear to the White House that the United States should stand with our ally Israel. that we should make it clear to Israel. to America. and the rest of the world that Israel has the absolute right to defend itself in this situation and support the blockade and support their actions of the flotilla. This should be clear to all concerned throughout the world. especially Hamas and Hezbollah. And thats just the way it is.
Date: 2010-06-17
Speaker: JACKSON LEE (democrat)
Chamber: H
State: Texas

Madam Speaker. everyone knows that we are in the grips of trying to overcome the devastation of the gulf and to help the people of that region. That is why I want to applaud the serious work that was done at the White House to establish the independent framework that I called for 2 weeks ago. which was to ensure that the impacted communitiesrestaurants. fishermen. shrimpers. oyster persons. and people with small restaurants and large restaurantsin the gulf region. from Florida to Texas. have the ability to secure the kind of compensation needed now to make their bills. This is not compensation for the injury as much as it is compensation to survive. For anyone to suggest that this was a shakedown is a misinterpretation and a distortion to the American people. What do they want the government to do? They want the government to be responsive. to make sure that we work on their behalf and to make sure that people whose lights are being turned off can pay their bills. Good news. We can now get claims and can help the people in the gulf region.
Date: 2010-06-22
Speaker: EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON (democrat)
Chamber: H
State: Texas

Mr. Speaker. it is well known that one of the most important factors in access to medical care is health insurance. Recent Center of Disease Control and Prevention data show that young men are 36 percent more likely to be uninsured than young women. Additionally. young adults without insurance are four times as likely as those with private insurance to have unmet medical needs. However. even when young men have insurance. they are less likely to seek medical care. Less than 60 percent of young men with Medicaid coverage had an annual doctor visit. compared to over 90 percent of young women. These behavior patterns can lead to missed opportunities for early intervention in a number of medical conditions and chronic illnesses. especially those that are exclusive to or disproportionally effect men. Beyond expanding health insurance coverage. therefore. it is necessary to improve mens uptake of healthcare services. The first step towards this goal is to increase awareness about mens health issues. I applaud the current resolution in support of National Mens Health Week. as well as the request that interested groups observe with appropriate ceremonies and activities. By educating men about the available predictive screening and preventive care. we can help our nations fathers. husbands. brothers and sons to live longer. healthier lives.
Date: 2010-06-22
Speaker: JACKSON LEE (democrat)
Chamber: H
State: Texas

Mr. Speaker. last Saturday. June 19. was the celebration of Juneteenth. Thirtysix States now recognize that as a State holiday. a holiday that is not just for one narrow community. but in actuality. is about perseverance. determination. commitment. and freedom. Major Gordon Granger landed on the shores of Galveston. Texas. to announce that those who had been enslaved are free. 2 years later. past the Emancipation Proclamation of Abraham Lincoln. Today we have the same challenges of restoring. of being persevering and determined to improve education. to restore summer jobs that have not been voted on yet. to pass a remedies bill that I am introducing that is going to take a new look at the gulf oil spill and restore some new processes to not have this happen again. And yes. restore some dignity to the brass as it relates to the Commander in Chief. who should always be respected. Let us restore dignity and freedom to this Nation and include the United States military brass that have to be more respectful of the President than I have seen in the last 48 hours.
Date: 2010-06-23
Speaker: EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON (democrat)
Chamber: H
State: Texas

Mr. Speaker. I rise today to discuss a very important matter. job creation. 2010 has shown that America is slowly getting back to its feet in terms of recovery. The newest job numbers indicate that over 419.000 jobs were created last month. According to a recent Associated Press release. Texas has the greatest amount of job creation in 2010. Texas employers expanded payrolls by 43.600 during the month of May. making it the States largest monthly gain in more than 3 years. Companies like American Airlines. AT&T. and Texas Instruments are creating jobs in my district because north Texas is a good place to do business. As a country. we are getting stronger and stronger. but we still have a long ways to go. We must continue to invest in American businesses and in the American people. I urge my colleagues both in the House and Senate to come together to enact policies that create and encourage job creation.
Date: 2010-06-23
Speaker: K OSMAS (democrat)
Chamber: H

for yielding. Last week. we passed the Small Business Lending Fund Act. I offered an amendment at that time that would create the Office of Small Business Lending Fund Oversight under the authority of the Treasury Inspector General. This office would strengthen accountability by helping ensure that loans are being put to use where theyre most needed and put to use in a way responsible to taxpayers. The bill were now considering would further improve oversight by requiring the Treasury Secretary to certify to the Treasury Inspector General. under oath. that loan disbursements are based on economic need and not political considerations. Credit where credit is due. Mr. Speaker. This idea was brought to the floor last week in a Republican motion to recommit. However. that measure would have required a special certification to the Special Inspector General for TARP. which is not the appropriate oversight body for this bill. The Small Business Lending Fund is not part of TARP. and it isnt reliant upon TARP funds. But it is critically important that these loans are helping small businesses to invest and create jobs. This legislation will provide greater assurance that the Small Business Lending Fund is most effective in aiding our recovery. and I urge speedy passage. However. I think I would be remiss if I werent to comment on the gentleman from Texass comments. and that is this comparison between the oath being taken by the Treasury Secretary and a 16yearold driver. I do in fact believe an oath taken by the Secretary of the Treasury. just like an oath taken before a committee of Congress. means something. and it means something very serious. Now. as much as the gentleman from Texas and his colleagues would have us want to talk about the TARP. this is not the TARP. This was never the TARP. And I want to remind the Members about the Inspector General at Treasury because we treat the Inspector General at Treasury as if he hasnt done this before. Several references were made last week to his inability. So I want to talk just a minute about this. The Small Business Lending Fund will not be a TARP program. It will not be funded with TARP money. and the oversight body should not be TARP either. In fact. were giving it to the Inspector General at Treasury. Mr. Thorson. who served as the Inspector General for the Small Business Administration from 2006 to 2008. In that short time. Mr. Speaker. his office uncovered what is believed to be the largest governmentbacked loan fraud scheme in history. Hes not an amateur. Roughly $75 million was uncovered in that loan investigation. As a result of their investigation. they arrested 15 people in one day and convicted the executive vice president of one bank and the vice president of another. Again. this is not TARP money. I realize that doesnt fit with the overall political objective of the opposition to suggest that we are extending yet another TARP. This is not TARP. This is about getting money to small businesses and creating jobs in the United States.
Date: 2010-06-23
Speaker: EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON (democrat)
Chamber: H
State: Texas

Mr. Speaker. I rise in strong support of National Homeownership Month. This month marks the 42nd anniversary of the landmark 1968 Fair Housing Act which opened the dialogue of equal homeowner opportunities and growth. National Homeownership Month continues its same principles by promoting the very core of American values of fairness. opportunity. and growth. National Homeownership Month reflects the importance of homeownership and the American dream. For most Americans. owning their own home will be their largest and most significant financial investment. It represents security. builds neighborhood pride. and is essential in creating positive productive communities. National Homeownership Month reaffirms the importance of homeownership in the Nations economy and its central role in our national economic recovery. Home affordability and financial education is the key to overcoming the housing crisis and promote good housing practices and policies. Financial education not only directly benefits American families. but. in turn. helps to ensure a robust and strong economy. Mr. Speaker. it is vital that we continue to empower people of all races. economic status. and backgrounds who desire to own their own home. It is a valuable stabilizer for both families and communities.
Date: 2010-06-23
Speaker: JACKSON LEE (democrat)
Chamber: H

OF Texas. Mr. Speaker. I rise in support of S. 2865. an act that seeks the reauthorization of the Congressional Award Program. I also want to thank my colleague. Senator LIEBERMAN. for introducing this important legislation. Today we acknowledge the continued success of the Congressional Award Program and seek its reauthorization contingent with a few amendments. This program enriches Americas youth by instilling four principle areas in the contestants life. The four program areas include voluntary community service. personal development. physical fitness. and expedition and exploration. Performance of these activities strengthens the mind. body. and soul of the youth. By providing service to others and the greater community at large. developing personal interests. social or employment skills. improving quality of life through physical fitness activities. and by undertaking an outdoor. wilderness or venture experience (historical. cultural or environmental). the participating youth are well rounded. I have relentlessly sought better education and jobs for our youth in this great nation. because they fuel the future of the country. As a member of the board of the Congressional Award Program I also believe that in order to truly produce a well rounded society. we should be supporting all aspects of life. Education is a very important factor in a youths life. and the four program areas of the Congressional Award Program also work to shape the knowledge acquired through that education to mold successful youths. This reauthorization act will strengthen the programs leadership amending the appointments provisions such as to revise requirements for appointment and reappointment of members of the Congressional Award Board. especially the limitation of service on the Board to two consecutive terms. This act exempts a member from the twoterm limit during a period of service as Board Chairman. permits reappointment of such individual to an additional full term after termination of such Chairmanship. requires a Board members term to begin on October 1 of the even numbered year. with onehalf of the Board positions having terms which begin in each even numbered year. and changes from calendar to fiscal year the annual period for which the Director is required to ensure that the Boards liabilities do not exceed its assets. For the foregoing reasons. I stand with Senator LIEBERMAN in support of this act to reauthorize the Congressional Award Program. I urge my colleagues to support this bill.
Date: 2010-06-23
Speaker: JACKSON LEE (democrat)
Chamber: H
State: Texas

Madam Speaker. I rise in strong support of H. Res. 1350. recognizing June 20. 2010. as World Refugee Day. I thank my colleague. Ms. WATSON. for introducing this resolution that reminds us of the importance of protecting those who are vulnerable and finding a home for those who are displaced. The theme of this years World Refugee Day on June 20. 2010 is "Home." in recognition of the plight of more than 40 million uprooted and displaced people around the world. approximately 10 million of whom are refugees of special concern to UNHCR. As a Member of the Bipartisan Congressional Refugee Caucus. I have continuously stood up for the rights of the worlds refugees. Today. there are more than 42 million refugees. including 16 million refugees outside their countries and 26 million others displaced internally. This year. I am especially concerned for the people of Haitimany of whom are facing the rainy season without a suitable home. According to Refugees International. approximately 700.000 people in PortauPrince are without homes or proper shelter and another 600.000 people have left the capital. I also welcome the announcement from the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees. Ant6nio Guterres. that 100.000 people having been referred for resettlement from the Middle East to third countries since 2007. From Iraq and Afghanistan. to Sudan and the Congo. to Burma and Colombia. the United Nations Refugee Agency. with ample support from the United States. manages to support over 25 million. Indeed. these vulnerable individuals depend on the United States. other governments. the United Nations and other agencies for the protection of their basic human rights. The United States is in fact a global leader in the protection of refugees and internally displaced persons. In the year 2010 the United States celebrates the 30th anniversary of the Refugee Act of 1980. a cornerstone of refugee protection and assistance which has brought the United States to be the single largest refugee resettlement country in the world. admitting a total of 65.722 in 2007. Moreover. the United States is the single largest donor to the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees. Madam Speaker. I urge every one of my fellow members of Congress to join Congresswoman WATSON and me in reaffirming the commitment of the United States to promote the safety. health. and wellbeing of millions of refugees. calling on the Department of State to continue to support the efforts of the U.N. High Commissioner for refugees. call on the U.S. Government to continue to strengthen its leadership role in protecting displaced persons. commending those who have risked their lives working to provide assistance to refugees. and reaffirming the goals of World Refugee Day. These are vulnerable people. people in need. Let us not forget them or our promise to find an end to their plight.
Date: 2010-06-23
Speaker: EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON (democrat)
Chamber: H
State: Texas

Madam Speaker. I rise today in support of the resolution recognizing the 50th anniversary of the conclusion of the United SatesJapan Treaty of Mutual Cooperation and Security and expressing appreciation to the Government of Japan and the Japanese people for enhancing peace. prosperity. and security in the AsiaPacific region. The U.S.-Japan alliance has been tremendously beneficial to our two nations. It has affirmed our shared values and bolstered peace and stability in the AsiaPacific region. This year. on the 50th anniversary of the establishment of the United SatesJapan Treaty of Mutual Cooperation and Security. we have the chance to celebrate all our two nations have achieved and all we will achieve in the future. Since its inception. the U.S.-Japan alliance has had to deal with an increasingly unpredictable global security landscape. Throughout decades of Cold War to more recent terrorist threats. our alliance has remained strong. This lends a context of security that has allowed the AsiaPacific region to thrive. Thanks to this important alliance. we can anticipate greater international cooperation in the future. both within Asia and between Asia and the U.S. Another reason our alliance with Japan has been and continues to be so effective is that it is supported by our two countries common democratic and humanitarian values. In 2009. both Japan and the U.S. ranked among the top five nations providing foreign aid. In honoring what this alliance has done for both our great nations. we are also reiterating our commitment to provide needed humanitarian relief in the AsianPacific region and all over the world. Madam Speaker. I am proud to support this resolution honoring our alliance with Japan and expressing our heartfelt thanks to the government of Japan and the Japanese people.
Date: 2010-06-24
Speaker: JACKSON LEE (democrat)
Chamber: H
State: Texas

I thank the distinguished manager of the Rules Committee for his leadership. I thought I would just hold up this book that has many items in it. but the most precious document is the Constitution. And I do want to say that it is clear that the First Amendment. the number one amendment in the Bill of Rights. is not violated. but enhanced by this legislation. Thats why the commonsense judgment of Americans are wholeheartedly supporting this. I had my doubts because there are exemptions here that may help organizations that I would disagree with and do not support. but frankly. this legislation reflects the First Amendment because what it says is we want transparency that in essence tells us who you are. That is no greater affirmation of the First Amendment than one could imagine. So it is important to acknowledge concerns expressed. but it is equally important to say that we stand on the side of a fair and impartial election. an unugly election. And when you get unfettered money in elections. it becomes ugly. So that if you were in the hurricane plains. if you will. of the gulf region and you had a referendum to ask your utility company to stop putting utility poles above ground. spend some money to put them underground so were not in the dark for 8 and 9 weeks during a campaign season and they take their money in the referendum and work hard to defeat it. that is to undermine the needs of the people of that region. Or you have insurance companies who are not seeing what the American people are now seeing. that. wow. this health care bill really can help me. and they begin to massively campaign against the implementation of the health care bill against Americas interests. This is what this is about because when you see whos putting these political ads upmaybe helping another candidate. a proinsurance. big business candidate who cares nothing about the people of this Nationyou will say. you know what? I want to side with letting this health bill work itself out. I want to side with young people being covered. I want to side with seniors getting money back from health reform. Thats what legislation is about. So I would offer to say to my colleague on the other side of the aisle you are wrong. This Constitution and the First Amendment provides that no law should impede your right to access. to association. and to freedom of speech. but impeding it does not mean dont tell us who you are. it does not mean contributions can hide in the dark. And every single candidacy. be it city council. or mayor. or be it a Federal election. will have the opportunity to have funds dumped on them with a means of replying.
Date: 2010-06-24
Speaker: ZOE LOFGREN (democrat)
Chamber: H
State: California

Mr. Chair. the Supreme Courts decision in the Citizens United case fundamentally altered the political landscape. As a result of the Courts ruling. all organizations. corporations and unions are free to take unlimited corporate money and make unlimited political expenditures. This could allow corporations to simply take over the political system. According to a report released late last year by Common Cause. the average amount spent for winning a House seat in the 2008 cycle was $1.4 million. During the same cycle. ExxonMobil recorded $80 billion in profits. If ExxonMobil chose to use just 1 percent of their profits on political activity. it would be more than what all 435 winning congressional candidates spent in that election cycle. and thats just 1 percent of the profits of one corporation. Now according to the Supreme Court. we cannot limit what corporations can say or what they can spend. but we can require them to disclose what they are doing to the American public. And I will read you what the Court said in its decision: "The First Amendment protects political speech. and disclosure permits citizens and shareholders to react to the speech of corporate entities in a proper way. This transparency enables the electorate to make informed decisions and give proper weight to different speakers and messages." And thats what this bill does. It does exactly what the Supreme Court said that we could do and should do. and that is to require disclosure. to require transparency. In the past. transparency has been a bipartisan issue. Senator MITCH MCCONNELL was quoted in April saying. "We need to have real disclosure." Why would a little disclosure be better than a lot of disclosure? Republican leader JOHN BOEHNER in 2007 said. "I think what we ought to do is we ought to have full disclosure." And went on to say. "I think that sunlight is the best disinfectant." This measure. the DISCLOSE Act. has been supported by government reform groups. including Common Cause. the League of Women Voters. Public Citizens. Senate Majority Leader HARRY REID. and the chairman of the Senate Rules Committee have released a letter indicating their strong commitment to Senate action on the DISCLOSE Act. The White House strongly supports the DISCLOSE Act. The President says he will sign this bill when it comes to his desk. Now. I ask my colleagues. will you stand with the American people in calling for disclosure and transparency in the political process. or will you allow corporations to overtake our democracy with the expenditure of undisclosed. limitless amounts of money? I think that we should stand with the American people. We should vote for the DISCLOSE Act. Disclosure is good. Voters need to know who is saying what.