hazylavender/hi huggingface dataset:
[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 59 (Monday, April 3, 2023)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page E287] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
Date: 2023-04-03
Chamber: EXTENSIONS
Mr. VEASEY: I rise today to commemorate the life of Mrs. Gazelle Jackson of Grand Prairie, Texas. Mrs. Jackson was born on May 5, 1925, in Timpson, Texas. She was educated in New Prospect before attending Franklin Beauty College in Houston. There, she met her husband, the late Mr. Bernice Tolliver, Sr. In the 1950s, the couple settled in Grand Prairie, where they raised their six children and became pillars of the Dalworth Community. Friends and family know Mrs. Jackson was the chief owner and operator of Crown's Barbeque for over 40 years, and she was known to friends and neighbors as ``Mrs. Crown.'' She never missed an opportunity to help those in her community who needed it. A walking act of kindness, Mrs. Jackson always had food to spare for those who couldn't afford it and prepared meals for local families in grief. She spread love throughout her life. Mrs. Jackson's life was not without challenges. She will be joining her husband Bernice, as well as her 3 late children, Danny Lee Jackson, Berdell Tolliver Morales, and Jay Vance Jackson. She resiliently stood by their sides through the years. In the time leading up to Mrs. Jackson's death, she was surrounded by the people that love her the most. Her granddaughters, Amber and Lowneka Calton, stayed by her side for weeks as she fell ill. Mrs. Gazelle Jackson leaves behind a big, beautiful family that will have their roots in Texas for generations to come. My condolences are with her 3 children, 10 grandchildren, 21 great grandchildren, 5 great- great grandchildren, as well as her devoted aunt, cousin, and all of her nieces, nephews, friends and extended family.
[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 59 (Monday, April 3, 2023)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page E287] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
Date: 2023-04-03
Chamber: EXTENSIONS
Mr. ROGERS : I rise today to pay tribute to my good friend, James ``Jim'' Lacy, upon his retirement from The Center for Rural Development's Board of Directors in Somerset, Kentucky. When I embarked on a mission to establish The Center for Rural Development (The Center) in southeastern Kentucky, Jim was one of the first local leaders that we recruited to help advise us on agricultural issues in our rural region. Jim was one of the original board members when The Center opened in 1996 and has remained a dedicated advisor for more than 25 years. The Center was designed to launch innovative programs in leadership, economic development, education, advanced telecommunications, technology improvements and public safety training, while also serving as a venue for performing arts and cultural events in the community. The Center is now an iconic centerpiece of southeastern Kentucky, thanks to innovative leaders like, Jim Lacy. In addition to his service at The Center, Jim's expertise has been coveted by a number of Kentucky organizations, including Kentucky Farm Bureau Board of Directors, Kentucky River Resource Conservation and Development Council, Southern Kentucky Agriculture Development Association, among others. When I consider the individuals who made the biggest impact in southern and eastern Kentucky over the last four decades, I count Jim Lacy among those who invested a great wealth of wisdom and worked tirelessly to make our region a better place to live. I'll close with this blessing on Jim's behalf from Numbers 6:24-26: ``May the Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face shine on you and be gracious to you; the Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace.''
[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 59 (Monday, April 3, 2023)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page E287] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
Date: 2023-04-03
Chamber: EXTENSIONS
Mr. NEAL: I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate the Springfield International Charter School Girls Basketball Team on winning the Division V Massachusetts State Championship. This milestone achievement deserves the highest praise for the hard work and dedication of these exemplary athletes and coaches. Despite the countless challenges posed by this unprecedented season, the perseverance and commitment to success demonstrated throughout the year led their team to victory on this major stage in high school basketball. The 2022-23 MIAA High School Girls Basketball Division V Tournament brought 47 of the most elite high school basketball teams from across the state to compete for this year's State Championship. Members of the Springfield International Charter School Girls Basketball Team not only performed with exceptional mental and physical fortitude, but also displayed remarkable sportsmanship and character on their path to victory. They represented the First District of Massachusetts with great honor and distinction, and I am confident that the lessons learned during this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity will serve these young women well in their future endeavors. The Springfield International Charter School Girls Basketball Team was led by their Head Coach, Tyrone Reid, who has provided crucial guidance and instrumental mentorship to his young athletes both on and off the hardwood. Coach Reid was assisted by Assistant Coaches Tom Campagna, Brandie Seymour, and Shyanne Wellington, and the victorious student athletes are Allanah Chambers, Dezmariah Collazo, Alexa Davis, Iyanna Hodge, Alicia Mitchell, Hailey Morin, Sara Pierce, Jaida Polk, Meiah Wise, Noelani Santiago, Jala Witherspoon, Olivia Dailey, Giavanna Mars, and Angel Stewart. Mr. Speaker, I would like to once again acknowledge the Springfield International Charter School Girls Basketball Team for their superb achievement. I am proud of this group, and I wish them much continued success.
[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 61 (Monday, April 10, 2023)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page E304] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
Date: 2023-04-10
Chamber: EXTENSIONS
Mr. PAPPAS: I rise in recognition of Southern New Hampshire University President and CEO Dr. Paul J. LeBlanc for being named the Greater Manchester Chamber's Citizen of the Year. As a valued resident of Manchester, Paul has embodied the spirit of service through his time as President and CEO of Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU). This past year, he remained committed to ensuring the success of students and guiding the campus community through the Chamber's core values of leadership and personal integrity. The level of trust placed in Paul by the greater Manchester community is a testament to his efficacy and compassion as a leader, and I thank the wonderful staff at Southern New Hampshire University for their continued support of Paul in the past few years. Throughout his career, Paul has been instrumental in launching crucial programs in the Greater Manchester area, including at SNHU. His work in higher education, from initiating the College for America program to creating the Center for New Americans, has shown Paul's dedication to uplifting the voices of students, workers, and immigrants alike. Similarly, his efforts have assisted in creating a rich and diverse local economy right here in Manchester. This tireless commitment has grown the total enrollment of SNHU from 2,800 to over 175,000 students, shaping the university into one of the leading non- profit education providers in the country. I commend Dr. Paul J. LeBlanc for his efforts to lead the people of the Greater Manchester area through community outreach and educational engagement. Paul's distinguished service leaves behind an impressive legacy that will inspire future generations to carry on this critical work, and I look forward to seeing what his next chapter has in store.
[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 61 (Monday, April 10, 2023)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page E304] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
Date: 2023-04-10
Chamber: EXTENSIONS
Ms. MATSUI: it is with delight that I rise to honor the 50th anniversary of Sacramento Regional Transit District, also known as SacRT. SacRT is a mass public transportation agency and is the largest regional transit provider in the Sacramento region and the capital of California. In the past 50 years, SacRT has grown to operate 37 fixed routes, 23 commuter routes, 16 seasonal routes, nine SmaRT Ride on-demand micro- transit service zones, the SacRT GO ADA paratransit service, Airport Express bus service, and the Causeway Connection between Davis and Sacramento. SacRT operates 44 miles of light rail that covers a 440 square-mile service area throughout Sacramento County, which services the cities of Sacramento, Citrus Heights, Elk Grove, Folsom and Rancho Cordova. SacRT's more than 1,300 employees consistently perform to exceedingly high standards of safety, service, efficiency, and operational excellence. SacRT is a recognized leader in reducing air pollution and the emissions that contribute to global climate change, operating 97 electric light rail vehicles, 186 buses powered by compressed natural gas (CNG), 12 zero emission electric buses, 26 shuttle buses powered by CNG, and nine zero emission electric shuttle buses. SacRT has embarked on a program to upgrade its light rail vehicles, convert to a modern zero-emission bus fleet, and expand service and ridership as part of a regional effort to comply with statewide climate mandates. Most notably, SacRT has earned numerous prestigious awards, including the 2022 Federal Transportation Security Administration's Gold Standard Award for System Security, the 2021 American Public Transportation Association's Outstanding Public Transportation System of the Year, and the 2020 Caltrans Excellence in Transportation Award-winning project. Mr. Speaker, today we celebrate the 50th anniversary of SacRT for always dedicated to providing reliable and inexpensive mobility options in my district and is an integral part of the Sacramento region's community fabric.
[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 61 (Monday, April 10, 2023)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page E303] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
Date: 2023-04-10
Chamber: EXTENSIONS
Ms. CASTOR : I am not recorded for Roll Call No. 174, Roll Call No. 175, Roll Call No. 176, Roll Call No. 177, Roll Call No. 178, Roll Call No. 179, Roll Call No. 180, Roll Call No. 181, Roll Call No. 182, on Thursday, March 30, 2023. I have been a proponent of protecting our climate since I have been in Congress. As the former chair of the Select Committee on the Climate Crisis, I have championed investing in a clean energy economy of the future, protecting the climate, and the future of all American people. I unequivocally oppose the corporate giveaway of H.R. 1 the Polluters over People Act. Last Congress, Democrats took decisive action to fight the climate crisis, protect the pocketbooks of the American people, and a healthy environment for all. H.R. 1 is an irresponsible giveaway to polluters at the expense of our neighbors back home and deserves a no vote. However, due to a death in my family, I was unable to be present for votes. Had I been present, I would have voted YEA on Roll Call No. 174; YEA on Roll Call No. 175; YEA on Roll Call No. 176; YEA on Roll Call No. 177; NAY on Roll Call No. 178; NAY on Roll Call No. 179; NAY on Roll Call No. 180; YEA on Roll Call No. 181; and NAY on Roll Call No. 182.
[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 61 (Monday, April 10, 2023)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Pages E302-E303] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
Date: 2023-04-10
Chamber: EXTENSIONS
Mr. VALADAO: I rise today to honor the life of Mr. George Gibbs who passed away on March 4, 2023, at his home in Yucca Valley with his children and grandchildren surrounding him. He was 88 years old. The son of William and Mabel Gibbs, he was born Jan. 7, 1935, in Queens, New York. He lived in California for 55 years. Mr. Gibbs graduated from college at Emporia State in Kansas. He was in the Marine Corps for 22 years, serving two tours in Vietnam and retired as a major. A real estate broker for 45 years, Mr. Gibbs was the owner of Glen Realty anda past president of the Board of Realtors in Yucca Valley. He enjoyed running, spending time with family and friends, football, and horse racing. He was admired by family and friends and was always willing to help anyone in need. Mr. Gibbs is survived by son George Russell Gibbs, daughter Gigi Gibbs, grandson Brandon Will, granddaughter Stephanie Will, granddaughter Julianna McClay, grandson Jack Melvin, and granddaughter Rachel Gibbs. Mr. Speaker, I ask all my colleagues in the House of Representatives to join me in honoring the life of Mr. George Gibbs. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends during this difficult time.
[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 61 (Monday, April 10, 2023)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page E302] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
Date: 2023-04-10
Chamber: EXTENSIONS
Ms. TLAIB: I want to celebrate the achievement of Detroit's Foreign Language Immersion and Cultural Studies School's (FLICS) Middle School Robotics Team's outstanding performance in competition this year. The team is Detroit Public Schools' first team in more than thirty years to travel to the For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology (FIRST) International Championship. Later this month, the FLICS Robotics Team will be taking on the best teams from all over the world in this high stakes, four-day competition. Team Techno Phoenix has worked hard and persevered in competition throughout the season, including an outstanding performance at the state championship. I am proud of this group of young people who have invested time and energy into this challenging pursuit. Please join me in recognition of FLICS' Team Techno Phoenix as we cheer them on to victory at the FIRST International competition.
[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 61 (Monday, April 10, 2023)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page E302] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
Date: 2023-04-10
Chamber: EXTENSIONS
Ms. WILSON : from the 24th District of the great state of Florida, I rise today to recognize and honor the life and legacy of Hector Javier Rocco and commending him for his devotion to the Nation and its ideals. Whereas, Hector Javier Rocco was born on December 3, 1959, where he was raised, the oldest of 4 children to Hector Rocco and Doris Avalos. He was the son of a school teacher and businesswoman; and husband to Ines Veronica Perea: Whereas, trained as a systems analyst and having worked in the Chilean fishing and mining industries for many years as a human resource manager; in 2001, Mr. Rocco and his family moved to Hollywood, Florida in the pursuit of the American Dream. There, as is common for many new immigrants to America, he worked a variety of jobs in the construction and furniture industry. He quickly gained skills and found a passion as a handyman. Realizing a life dream of becoming a business owner, Mr. Rocco and his wife opened a cleaning, remodeling, and repair company. For over twenty years, Mr. Rocco worked in Broward and Miami- Dade counties where he renovated homes, businesses, and schools. Whereas, Mr. Rocco was grateful for America and the opportunities it provided for him and his family, and was known for his talent and dedication to his craft. Mr. Rocco raised children who grew up to be entrepreneurs, public servants, and community leaders: reveled in the successes and accomplishments of his children, and never missed an opportunity to express his love for them. Whereas, his humor, bright spirit, graciousness, kindness, and joie de vivre were an inspiration to those fortunate enough to know and work with him; Whereas, a committed brother, husband, father, grandfather and friend, Mr. Rocco was loved and respected both in the United States and around the world; Whereas, Mr. Rocco leaves to carry on his legacy his four children: Hector Javier Rocco Jr., Karina Stefania Rocco, Giovanni Paolo Rocco, Antonella Francesca Rocco, and five grandchildren; Walter Aaron Pescador, Sofia Victoria Rocco, Isabella Agatha Agudelo, Amelie Eleanor Agudelo, and Madolyn Olivia Rocco McNellis. Whereas, left to mourn him are a host of family members, dear cherished friends, and a beloved community who lost a strong, forward- thinking leader and generous and knowledgeable individual; Now, therefore, be it resolved that I, Frederica S. Wilson, a member of the United States House of Representatives representing the 24th Congressional District of Florida, am honored to recognize the late Hector Javier Rocco for his exemplary career, contributions to his community, and devotion to his family and friends.
[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 61 (Monday, April 10, 2023)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page E302] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
Date: 2023-04-10
Chamber: EXTENSIONS
Mr. CARBAJAL: Dr. Mario T. Garcia has recently retired from University of California at Santa Barbara where he was a professor of Chicano and Chicana Studies for the last 47 years. He was among the first generation of scholars who conducted extensive research on the Chicano Movement and Mexican American civil rights struggles. He has helped pave the path for scholars entering the field. Dr. Garcia describes himself as a self-described liberationist historian aiming to inspire progressive social change. His work encompasses more than a dozen books and several edited collections all of which advance the inclusion of the poor and oppressed and spotlight the leaders of social justice movements. His publications include ``Desert Immigrants: the Mexicans of El Paso, 1880-1920;'' ``Mexican Americans: Leadership, Ideology, and Identity, 1930-1960;'' ``BLOWOUT: Sal Castro and the Chicano Struggle for Educational Justice (co- authored with Sal Castro);'' and ``Catolicos: Resistance and Affirmation in Chicano Catholic History.'' Dr. Garcia has led a distinguished career having been a professor around the country at universities including Yale University, San Diego State University, San Jose State University, University of Texas at El Paso, and University of California at Santa Barbara. His books have demonstrated the numerous contributions that Chicanas and Chicanos have made to U.S. history, including military veterans, teachers, labor organizers, priests, and students who have organized and pushed for democracy and justice for all people. I am honored to recognize Dr. Garcia for his continued commitment to the expansion and research of the Chicano movement and history on the Central Coast and throughout the nation. I ask all Members to join me today in honoring the exceptional life and legacy of the scholar of the 24th Congressional District, Dr. Mario T. Garcia, for his incredible service and contributions to his community.
[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 61 (Monday, April 10, 2023)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page E302] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
Date: 2023-04-10
Chamber: EXTENSIONS
Ms. SCANLON: I rise today to recognize the 324th anniversary of Khalsa Sirjana Divas (Vaisakhi) which falls on April 14, 2023. On this historic day in Spring of 1699 the sapling of Sikhism planted by Guru Nanak and nurtured by nine successor Gurus came to full blossom with the creation of the Khalsa (Saint-Soldier Sikhs) at a historic Vaisakhi Congregation in Anandpur Sahib, Punjab Sikhism was founded by Guru Nanak in the late 15th century in Punjab on the principles of equality, justice, and respect of all human beings. Sikhs started immigrating to the United States about 125 years ago. It is the world's fifth largest religion with around 30 million followers, including many in my district in Pennsylvania. Sikhs share a strong sense of community, family, and selfless service. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Sikh communities across the country, including many of my constituents in Upper Darby, mobilized to deliver meals, groceries, masks, and other supplies to first responders a hundreds of thousands of families in need. Tragically, Sikhs are frequent victims of hate crimes. In fact, Sikhs are among the most targeted for hate crimes, according to the 2022 FBI Hate crimes report. We must do everything in our power to prevent senseless violence and protect our Sikh brothers and sisters. To that end, I am hopeful that the recognition of Vaisakhi, April 14th as ``National Sikh Day'' will allow people to learn more about the vibrant Sikh religion and encourage more unity in our community. I am proud to lead my colleagues in again introducing a resolution supporting the designation of April 14, Vaisakhi as ``National Sikh Day'' to recognize this exceptional community and the contributions to our country.
[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 61 (Monday, April 10, 2023)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page E301] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
Date: 2023-04-10
Chamber: EXTENSIONS
Mr. CASE: can anyone with any halfway working knowledge of government finances seriously dispute that our federal fiscal house is dangerously out of order? Our national debt is approaching $32 trillion, doubling in just the last decade alone, and up some $3 trillion in just the two years since I last introduced my Sustainable Budget Act in February 2021. More directly, our debt-to-gross domestic product (GDP), or the measure of our economy's ability to sustain national debt, now stands at 120 percent, doubling since 2000. The fastest-growing part of our federal budget continues to be interest payments on our debt, increasingly outpacing and crowding out critical defense and non-defense spending alike. In a Congress where we often repeat the platitude that our budget reflects our values, it is disturbing that the main common value reflected is fiscal unsustainability ranging to irresponsibility. We need look no further than a mirror for the root cause: our collective inability to face the music of fiscal responsibility and sustainability. We clearly need help with our collective inability to confront this reality. My Sustainable Budget Act, again co-introduced yesterday with Congressman Steve Womack, is at least a start toward a solution. It would follow the models of Simpson-Bowles and other such independent, bipartisan commissions charged with focusing on our deficits and debt and recommending a sustainable path for an up-or-down vote by Congress. Our bill is similar to other proposals, including the TRUST Act that I have reintroduced with Congressmen Scott Peters and Mike Gallagher to save our foundational entitlement programs from similar unsustainability. Together, they offer a far better way to tackle our debt crisis than denial, anger, avoidance, diversion and rhetoric. I urge their prompt consideration and passage.