hazylavender/hi huggingface dataset:
[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 61 (Monday, April 10, 2023)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Pages E300-E301] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
Date: 2023-04-10
Chamber: EXTENSIONS
Ms. MOORE : I rise today to recognize the life and service of Lois A. O'Keefe, a public servant, a trailblazer for working mothers, and one of my dearest friends. It saddens me to say that Lois passed peacefully in the early morning of Wednesday, December 21, 2022. I had the pleasure of knowing Lois for close to 30 years before starting my legislative career in the Wisconsin State Assembly. Lois was involved in the Wisconsin political scene,as a volunteer, activist, and fighter committed to giving a voice to the voiceless. Lois worked tirelessly for decades with dedication and passion, which still inspires me to this day. As a Congressional Staffer, she served under two U.S. Senators, Senators William Proxmire, and Herb Kohl, and eventually served the American people in my office. She served nearly 10 years on my staff as a caseworker and then as District Director. Lois' contribution to the Milwaukee community as well as her legacy will continue to inspire future generations of public servants. Lois' true passion was serving working-class Americans and underinvested youths. She served the labor movement as the Regional Representative of the Secretary of Labor for the Midwest Region in Chicago. During the Clinton Administration, she served under Secretaries Robert Reich and Alexis Herman to help provide better living conditions for Americans. Most importantly she served as a union organizer for the Service Employees Union representing workers who cared for the elderly. She ran a non-profit called REACH, a youth organization for underprivileged kids. She also worked with the Milwaukee Job Corps to start an internship program in my district office. Lois cared about the Americans that are often too forgotten about. Lois lived the reality that so many women with careers juggling work and childcare issues face. She then returned to school with four children under the age of 14 and earned both a BA in Political Science and an MA in Industrial and Labor Relations. Lois understood the struggle of being a working-class mother and committed her life to helping others who faced similar struggles. Mr. Speaker, for these reasons, I am honored to pay tribute to Lois O'Keefe. She has helped transform the lives of so many people, including my constituents. The people of the 4th Congressional District, the State of Wisconsin, and the United States thank her for her commitment to service.
[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 61 (Monday, April 10, 2023)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Pages E299-E300] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
Date: 2023-04-10
Chamber: EXTENSIONS
Mr. GARAMENDI: today I reintroduce legislation that would designate vital roads around Travis and Beale Air Force Bases and Sierra Army Depot in northern California, under the Defense Access Road Program. I thank my colleague Congressman Doug LaMalfa (R-CA01), who represents the neighboring Congressional district, for being the bill's original cosponsor. Military installations play important roles in communities around the country, but also pose unique challenges by increasing traffic and subjecting civilian roadways to harsh use from heavy military equipment. In California, Travis and Beale Air Force Bases and Sierra Army Depot were built with infrastructure tosupport the size of the communities and the bases at the time. Over the decades, both the civilian and military populations have outgrown the current roads providing base access to the gates. The Defense Access Road Program exists to support communities in precisely this situation, enabling the U.S. Department of Defense (DOD) and service branches to pay for maintenance, upkeep, or upgrades of roads surrounding military installations. This ensures communities hosting bases have the infrastructure needed to support national security and civilian use. Certain roads surrounding Travis and Beale Air Force Bases are currently designated under the Defense Access Road Program. My legislation would designate the remaining access roads for each base under the program. It is necessary for the DOD to provide for maintenance and repairs as DOD use of the access roads continues and increases, to reduce the financial burden on the State. As the Ranking Member of the House Armed Services Subcommittee on Readiness, I continue to work on proactive investments to support national security while also ensuring that communities around our military bases have the support they need. I plan to make these Defense Access Road designations a major priority for the National Defense Authorization Act for fiscal year 2024. Travis and Beale Air Force Bases and Sierra Army Depot and the surrounding areas must have the world-class infrastructure needed to carry out their mission. The legislation I reintroduce today would ensure just that.
[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 61 (Monday, April 10, 2023)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page E299] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
Date: 2023-04-10
Chamber: EXTENSIONS
Mr. KEATING: I rise today in recognition of Mr. Charles Bauer, Jr., a resident of Halifax, Massachusetts, who turns 100 on April 21, 2023. Mr. Bauer was born in Hanover, Massachusetts, in 1923 to parents Charles and Alice Bauer. In 1942, Mr. Bauer joined the war effort in the Asiatic-Pacific Theater and diligently served our country as a staff sergeant in the U.S. Army Air Corps where he operated the ball turret gunner on B-24 planes. Mr. Bauer's commitment to protecting our country throughout his years of service did not go unnoticed; Mr. Bauer was awarded the Air Medal, Distinguished Unit Badge, Good Conduct Medal, and the Asiatic-Pacific Theater Campaign Ribbon with three battle stars. Mr. Bauer completed his military service in 1945, and married his wife, Mary, that same year. Together they had three children: Nancy, Linda, and Charles. Following the war, Mr. Bauer returned to Massachusetts and worked as a plant electrician supervisor at Goddard Memorial Hospital for 30 years until he retired in 1988. Mr. Bauer now enjoys working with ham radios and spending time with his friends and family, including his 10 grandchildren, 14 great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchild. Mr. Speaker, I am proud to honor Mr. Charles Bauer, Jr., on this joyous occasion of his 100th birthday. I ask that my colleagues join me in wishing him many more years of health and happiness.
[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 61 (Monday, April 10, 2023)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page E299] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
Date: 2023-04-10
Chamber: EXTENSIONS
Ms. NORTON: on April 7th, I introduced a bill that would direct the Secretary of Transportation to submit a report to Congress containing recommendations on how to reduce helicopter noise in the District of Columbia. Recommendations would include altitude, number of flights, flight paths, time of day of flights, types of aircraft, operating procedures and pilot training. The Secretary would be required to consult with any federal agencies or departments that fly helicopters in D.C., the Metropolitan Police Department, any medical helicopter operators that routinely fly in D.C. and any other operator that routinely flies a helicopter in D.C. The report would be due to Congress no later than 180 days after the enactment of the bill. Even though D.C. has the most restricted airspace in the country, I hear from D.C. residents almost daily about the negative impact of helicopter noise on their lives. The noise can harm health and quality of life, and helicopters can even harm the structural integrity of homes. While I recognize the need for helicopters in D.C., the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and Congress must do more to mitigate the harm to D.C. residents. In 2019, I led members of the National Capital Region (NCR) in requesting that the Government Accountability Office (GAO) study helicopter noise in the NCR. In 2021, GAO issued its report. GAO found that there had been nearly 90,000 helicopter flights in the NCR from 2017 to 2019. GAO recommended that the FAA develop a mechanism to exchange helicopter noise information with operators in the NCR. The FAA has indicated it is establishing such a mechanism. In February, I introduced the Reducing Helicopter Noise in the District of Columbia Act, which would require all helicopters in D.C. to fly at the maximum altitude permitted by the FAA in D.C., with limited exceptions. I urge my colleagues to support both bills.
[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 61 (Monday, April 10, 2023)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page E299] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
Date: 2023-04-10
Chamber: EXTENSIONS
Ms. TLAIB: today, I want to offer a heartfelt congratulations to the members of Detroit Renaissance High School's Chess Team on their first-place victory in the Under 800 category at the U.S. Chess Federation's K-12 National Championship. For four grueling days, the team competed in high-stakes chess matches against teams from all across the country. Their victory is testament to long hours of practice and championship focus and determination. The team employed critical thinking and mastery of strategy, besting more than sixty other teams. This victory is Renaissance High School's first chess national championship. Please join me in recognizing the Renaissance High School Chess Team for this outstanding accomplishment. Congratulations.
[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 61 (Monday, April 10, 2023)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page E299] 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 recognize Maria Elena Grijalva as she receives the Celeste Castillo Lee Patient Engagement Award from the National Kidney Foundation. Maria's advocacy began 36 years ago, when her own kidneys began to fail, and she found herself in need of a donor. Her brother, John Arriola, volunteered to become a donor without hesitation. While the average life expectancy for someone living with a kidney transplant is between 12 and 20 years, Maria has been going strong with her transplant for 36 years--a testament to Maria's resiliency that she has displayed throughout all aspects of her life. The National Kidney Foundation (NKF) is the largest organization dedicated to the awareness, prevention, and treatment of kidney disease in the United States. Each year, the NKF considers the efforts of advocates like Maria, and patients who work on behalf of others, recognizing the one advocate who best exemplifies the work of longtime advocate Celeste Castillo Lee. This year, Maria was selected as the recipient of the Celeste Castillo Lee Patient Engagement Award for her decades of dedication and commitment to advocating for patient-centered care and empowerment. Today, Maria and John work together to help others facing the same situation they faced over 30 years ago. Maria also devotes many of her efforts to educating Native Americans and farmworkers in the agricultural communities in California to raise awareness among high-risk populations about kidney health, disease, and prevention measures. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues in the United States House of Representatives to join me in honoring Maria Elena Grijalva as she receives the Celeste Castillo Lee Patient Engagement Award from the National Kidney Foundation.
[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 62 (Thursday, April 13, 2023)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page E310] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
Date: 2023-04-13
Chamber: EXTENSIONS
Mr. CONNOLLY: I rise to recognize the Arts of Great Falls on its 15th anniversary. The Arts of Great Falls (AGF) Foundation is a non-profit organization, founded in 2008 to encourage, support, and promote the fine arts in Great Falls and the surrounding communities. Located in the heart of Great Falls in the Village Centre, their popular art school attracts students from across the greater Washington metropolitan area. From June through August, AGF holds a summer camp for young, aspiring artists between the ages eight and eighteen. This camp allows students to explore a variety of mediums such as oil paints, papier-mache, and charcoal. During the school year, they offer adult fine art classes from beginners to professional artists. These classes give people the chance to adventure into jewelry making, try their hand at plein air painting, or express themselves through collage abstracts. The Arts of Great Falls also provides gallery space for local artists to exhibit their work and offers affordable studio space to 12 artists at The Artists' Atelier and The Artists' Loft. The shared studio rentals allow local artists to create and exhibit their artwork for the community. Throughout the year, AFG hosts multiple events, including the 1st Friday ArtWalk and the annual Paint Great Falls Plein Air Competition. These events offer unique ways to enjoy and appreciate art. Another cornerstone event, the Studio Art Tour, offers attendees the opportunity to meet local artists in their home-based studios and share creative processes. The tour features many of the region's top creative talents and showcases a variety of workspaces. People can see demonstrations, exhibits, and hands-on activities in some studios located in historic, rustic, or other extraordinary properties and outbuildings. Demonstrations include wood carving, a lithographic press, pottery, mixed media, and photography. Mr. Speaker, organizations like the Arts of Great Falls serve a fundamental role in our community. The arts have played, and must continue to play, a fundamental role in our daily lives. The value of support for the arts in communities across America cannot be understated, and I commend the Arts of Great Falls for what they do to preserve and promote artistic expression in Northern Virginia. I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating the Arts of Great Falls for fifteen years of extraordinary work.
[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 62 (Thursday, April 13, 2023)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Pages E309-E310] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
Date: 2023-04-13
Chamber: EXTENSIONS
Mr. CONNOLLY: I rise to recognize the Burke Volunteer Fire and Rescue Department on the occasion of its 75th Annual Installation of Officers Banquet, and to thank its volunteers for filling an essential role in keeping our community safe. The Burke Volunteer Fire and Rescue Department was founded in January 1948, and for more than seven decades it has provided lifesaving fire suppression, fire prevention, and emergency medical and rescue services to the residents of Burke and the surrounding communities. It also provides, houses, and maintains firefighting and emergency medical equipment, provides opportunities for professional growth and development for the membership, and maintains and fosters a strong viable organization. As one of the county's most active volunteer fire and rescue departments, the Burke Volunteer Fire and Rescue Department works in cooperation with the Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department to serve the community. I am honored to recognize the dedicated men and women of the Burke Volunteer Fire Department who have volunteered for extra duty as Officers or as members of the Board of Directors and to include their names in the Record: Board of Directors: President--Ian Dickinson Vice President--John Powers Secretary--Maria Suarez Ortiz Treasurer--Larry Bocknek Director--Kathleen Beer Director--James Stahlman Director--Kenneth Senn Officers: Chief--Keith O'Connor Deputy Chief--Tina Godfrey Deputy Chief--John Hudak Captain--Melissa Ashby Captain--Kevin Grottle Lieutenant--Caitlin Edwards Sergeant--Gavin Kuzemchak Sergeant--Noah Bilger In addition to the men and women who have generously assumed the responsibilities of serving as an Officer or a member of the Board of Directors, the Burke Volunteer Fire Department is also presenting awards to the following individuals in recognition of their exemplary service during the last year: Rookie of the Year--James Stahlman Officer of the Year--Gavin Kuzemchak EMS Officer of the Year--Noah Bilger Career Member of the Year--Charles Arntson Founders Award--Charlene Murphy Administrative Member of the Year--Matt Bryant Administrative Member of the Year--Tonya McCreary Chief's Award--Thomas Warnock President's Award--Larry Bocknek Mr. Speaker, I ask that my colleagues join me in congratulating the department for 75 years of service and in thanking all of thebrave volunteers who do not hesitate to drop everything when the community calls in need of help. To all of these men and women who put themselves in harm's way to protect our residents I say: ``Stay safe.''
[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 62 (Thursday, April 13, 2023)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page E309] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
Date: 2023-04-13
Chamber: EXTENSIONS
Mr. WENSTRUP: I rise today to honor the late Zach Benjamin Merrill of Aberdeen, Ohio, who recently passed away after a long battle with cancer at the age of 37. Zach was a proud Marine who served his country bravely in Iraq with his brothers in Lima Company. On May 11, 2005, 15 members of Lima Company were killed by an IED. Zach lost friends and brothers during his service and again survived an IED attack in August 2005. In September of 2016, Zach was diagnosed with Chronic Myeloid Leukemia. Throughout rounds of chemotherapy and treatment, Zach never wavered. He continued to fight for his life until the very end. Zach is an example of the patriotism, sacrifice, and commitment we associate with the finest examples of our nation's military. We are all safer because of his dedication to this country and we will miss him.
[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 62 (Thursday, April 13, 2023)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page E309] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
Date: 2023-04-13
Chamber: EXTENSIONS
Ms. CHU: I rise today to commemorate Lao New Year, which will be celebrated between April 14, 2023, and April 16, 2023. Lao New Year is considered the national holiday of the country of Laos. Nationwide, Lao Americans organize festivals to bring their communities together in celebration of Lao New Year through the month of April and even early May. Lao New Year has been celebrated for thousands of years and is historically rooted in, and unique to, Lao legends and traditions. During each of the three days that Lao New Year is observed, Lao people participate in various practices and ceremonies. The first two days of Lao New Year are dedicated to home and family. Day one tasks involve cleaning and organizing one's home. On day two, families will gather for a traditional ``baci'' ceremony, during which people wish one another peace, prosperity, and happiness while tying white threads around each other's wrists. Food and other goods are prepared on day three to take to the local temple as offerings to the monks. The final day of Lao New Year is typically celebrated at the temple, where activities include classical dance performances, beauty pageants reflecting the legend of an ancient king and his seven daughters, food vending, as well as Lao goods and merchandise. The atmosphere at the temple celebrations is that of an overall uplifting of Lao Americans connecting to their culture and heritage. Lao New Year unites Lao people through a rich history of traditions and celebrations that evoke shared feelings of release, renewal, and resolutions for the coming year. I ask my colleagues to join me in commemorating this global celebration.
[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 62 (Thursday, April 13, 2023)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Pages E308-E309] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
Date: 2023-04-13
Chamber: EXTENSIONS
Mr. BLUMENAUER: today I introduced the Restaurant Revitalization Tax Credit Act. This legislation creates a tax credit to offset restaurants' payroll tax liabilities and help the industry stay afloat as it rebounds from the COVID-19 pandemic. The restaurant industry was uniquely devastated by the pandemic, at one point accounting for a quarter of all job losses. The pandemic cost restaurants and bars more than $280 billion in sales and left devastating impacts on the entire food supply chain. 90,000 restaurants have permanently closed and hundreds of thousands more have significantly scaled down their operations. Created in the American Rescue Plan Act, the Restaurant Revitalization Fund provided $28.6 billion for restaurants, bars, food trucks, caterers, tasting rooms, and taprooms to recover from the COVID-19 pandemic. Within days of opening the Fund, the Small Business Administration received requests for more funding than was available and was forced to close the application portal on May 24, 2021, leaving 177,000 applicants without any aid. My Restaurant Revitalization Tax Credit Act provides restaurants who applied for, but didnot receive, aid with long overdue support. Despite months of steady job growth and families dining out again, restaurants and bars are still under a mountain of debt from years of anemic business in wave after wave of the pandemic. I appreciate the support of my colleague Dean Phillips (MN) on this legislation and I look forward to working with him to provide the support our independent restaurants so desperately need.
[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 62 (Thursday, April 13, 2023)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page E308] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
Date: 2023-04-13
Chamber: EXTENSIONS
Mr. VALADAO: I rise today to recognize the contributions and service of Darrel Fettig with United Airlines. After forty-four years of service and nearly three decades of helping travelers visit our nation's capital, Darrel is retiring this week. Darrel was born in Bismarck, North Dakota, to Matt and Agnes Fettig, one of nine children. He left Bismarck at 18 and went to ``airline'' school. His first job was with a regional airline as a ramp agent in Peoria. In 1978, he went to work for the pre-paid desk for Continental Airlines in Denver, and then he moved to Salt Lake City. Darrel skied as much as he could in-between shifts and still has lasting friendships from the seven years he spent in Salt Lake City. Darrel then came to DCA on a temporary position as a trainer for Continental Airlines. He liked D.C. so much he applied for and got a job as a customer service agent at DCA. Following his time at DCA, Darrel went to the city ticket office in Washington, D.C. for about 10 years, and he was recruited to join the Continental Airlines' Government Affairs team in 1995. Darrel's service spanned major events such as the September 11 attacks, a merger with United Airlines, and global repatriation flight efforts at the start of the 2020 COVID Pandemic. Throughout his tenure, Darrel has assisted thousands of travelers in Washington, D.C. ensuring the best travel experience between Washington and home each week or assisting with travel changes and challenges--all with a smile and wonderful customer service. Darrel met his husband Joe working for the airline and they have been together for nearly 30 years. Mr. Speaker, please join me in thanking Darrel Fettig for his dedication to the greater travel community and wishing him a happy retirement.