mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
RECOGNIZING THE SUCCESS OF KATOM RESTAURANT SUPPLY
Tim Burchett (Republican, TN) \u2014 2022-9-30

. Madam , I want to recognize the success story of a fantastic company in East Tennessee and the family that runs it. prgtoken Back in 2003, a company called KaTom Restaurant Supply was operating out of a garage. It had fewer than 20 employees and brought in about 3.5 million dollars per year. prgtoken This year, that company will bring in almost half a billion dollars. In less than twenty years, it boomed into one of the nation's largest restaurant equipment suppliers that ships thousands of products to food service industries all across the country. prgtoken This company's amazing success is due to the hard work and dedication of the family that runs it. prgtoken Patricia Bible is the founder, president, and CEO of KaTom, and she runs the company with her two kids, Paula and Charley. The company is actually named after the kids, whose middle names are Katherine and Tom. prgtoken Patricia is also a breast cancer survivor, and she funded a mobile mammogram that travels to rural counties across East Tennessee. This mammogram catches cancer and saves lives of women who otherwise wouldn't have access to these services. prgtoken I want to congratulate this family and everyone at KaTom for all their success. Our economy is built on companies like this, and these kinds of accomplishments only happen with a LOT of hard work and dedication. It's especially wonderful to see a family building something like this together.
CELEBRATING THE CITY OF BARSTOW'S 75TH ANNIVERSARY
Jay Obernolte (Republican, CA) \u2014 2022-9-30

. Madam , I rise today in recognition of the 75th Anniversary of the City of Barstow, California. This city, home to 25,415 residents in California's 8th District, serves as a unique pillar of the High Desert culture and a crossroads of opportunity within our desert community. prgtoken Barstow had its beginnings in 1947 as the Mojave Desert hub of Route 66 and the U.S. railroad system. Today, the city still serves a critical role in our nation's transportation and logistics systems as home to the BNSF Railyard with the potential for great expansion and growth in our future that could forever change the landscape of this High Desert community. prgtoken Barstow also plays a critical role in supporting our military and military families. The city is home to the only veterans home in the Inland Empire and High Desert region. It also serves as a transportation hub for the U.S. Marine Corps with Marine Corps Logistics Base Barstow located just up the street and supports the U.S. Army as the closest town serving the National Training Center at Fort Irwin, where almost every soldier deployed to Afghanistan has trained. prgtoken Furthermore, the city remains a critical waypoint as the last major town travelers pass on their way from Los Angeles to Las Vegas. The city's work to preserve this unique cultural input as we approach the 100 anniversary of historic Route 66 has helped to keep California culture and American history alive and strong. prgtoken As we celebrate Barstow's 75th Anniversary, I am proud to partner with local officials, including Mayor Paul Courtney, to help shepherd in economic growth, and the potential for a new golden age. Congratulations to the City of Barstow on its rich history and long future ahead.
REMEMBERING THE LIFE OF STEVE CHAZEN
Kevin McCarthy (Republican, CA) \u2014 2022-9-30

on Sunday, friends and family will gather to celebrate the extraordinary life of Steve Chazen. As they do, I extend my deepest condolences to his wife, Pat, and his entire family. prgtoken The Steve I knew was a transformational leader, proud of his country and devoted to his loving family and community. His impact on Kern County and across America was enormous. prgtoken As a champion of American energy, he saw the value of investing in the Kern County oil patch. In 1998, he organized a masterful deal to purchase the Elk Hills Strategic Petroleum Reserve in my congressional district in California. It was a huge gamble, but it paid off. Today, Kern County is renowned for its energy production, largely because of the hard work of our oil workers and our embrace of innovative technologies. prgtoken The Elk Hills deal captures the essence of Steve's long and storied career. He was a trendsetter, not a trend follower. Others took cues, Steve took smart risks. prgtoken With his intellect and vision, his guts and wit, and his candor, Steve transformed an industry and helped deliver American global energy leadership. prgtoken I also appreciate that he didn't mince words. His quips were legendary. He famously said, ``Houston had bad weather and good people. L.A. has great weather.'' prgtoken By the time we met, Steve was already a titan in industry, but I also saw another important side of Steve. I saw his boundless generosity. Here is the truth: Steve was a relentless philanthropist. When he wasn't working, he was giving back to his community. prgtoken Education, medicine, and environment, these are just a few of the many areas that benefited from Steve's unselfish support. His impact was profound. The most notable part is, Steve didn't care about getting the credit. He was a great leader, but an even greater person. prgtoken Finally, let me say a word about Steve's selfless patriotism. For several years, Steve served his country as a canine handler in the Vietnam war. He didn't talk about it much, but he was a decorated veteran. In Vietnam, Steve and his scout dog would find and disable land mines in front of the rest of his unit. prgtoken Dog handlers like Steve were so effective that they were special targets for the enemy. Only 13 of the 113 brave soldiers who trained with Steve returned home. Yet because of their courage, more than 10,000 American lives were saved. Imagine for a moment if the Vietnam Memorial had another 10,000 names on it. prgtoken Whether it was his visionary leadership, his philosophy, his pride in America, or his deep love for Pat, Steve was a great man. His life is an enduring example of leadership and service, a reminder of our duty to help one another. prgtoken As we celebrate his life and lasting impact, let's lift up Pat and the entire Chazen family in our prayers, and let's dedicate ourselves to continuing the lessons Steve instilled in us to improve our country.
HONORING THE LIFE AND SERVICE OF RICK SEDGWICK
Jack Bergman (Republican, MI) \u2014 2022-9-30

. Madam , it is my privilege to honor the life and service of Rick Sedgwick, who passed away at the age of 67 after a lifetime of service to the people of Michigan's First District and beyond. prgtoken Born in San Diego, California on November 23, 1954, Rick moved to Michigan when he was a child. After graduating from Saginaw Arthur Hill High School in 1973, he enrolled at Central Michigan University in Mount Pleasant, where he studied the Ojibwe language and culture and earned a degree in education. Rick would go on to work in community mental health, school transportation, the U.S. Postal Service, and various trades in the construction field before serving twenty-five years as a special education teacher for Alcona Community Schools. In addition to his long and distinguished career, Rick and his family spent two years working as missionaries counseling Native Americans at Okontoe Christian Fellowship Retreat Center in Northern Minnesota. This was just one of the many opportunities Rick pursued to spread the gospel and serve others. His church family could certainly confirm the same. Rick and his wife Robin were members of New Life Christian Fellowship in Alpena, Michigan for close to twenty years. prgtoken Rick passed away on the morning of September 5, 2022, surrounded by his loving family. His kindness, selflessness, and devotion to others will surely leave a lasting mark on those who had the opportunity to know him. prgtoken Madam , on behalf of Michigan's First Congressional District, I ask you to join me in honoring the life of Rick Sedgwick. His legacy will forever live on in his family, friends, communities, and in the many lives he bettered through his service.
RECOGNITION OF REVEREND DR. JOHN DUCKWORTH
Rashida Tlaib (Democrat, MI) \u2014 2022-9-30

. Madam , today, I want to recognize Reverend Dr. John Duckworth of Gethsemane Missionary Baptist Church in Michigan's 13th District Strong, as he celebrates his twentieth pastoral anniversary. prgtoken Reverend Dr. Duckworth began his career in ministry at Samaritan Missionary Baptist of Detroit, where he faithfully served until 2002 when he accepted the Call from Gethsemane Missionary Baptist Church of Westland. Dr. Duckworth has incorporated his holistic view of the ministry into his spiritual leadership of the flock at Gethsemane. He has executed that vision through the implementation of numerous ministries that integrate church and community, including the Body & Soul Health and Well Being and the senior-focused Sage Ministry. Dr. Duckworth's commitment to the community involves annual events. He also serves the community through his leadership to the various boards: Wholistic Living Community Corporation, Henry Ford Health Systems, Interfaith Health & Hope Coalition, and Authority Health. prgtoken Reverend Dr. Duckworth holds dual Bachelor Degrees in Business Administration and Marketing & Management from Northwood University in Midland, Michigan. He also earned an Associates of Arts Degree in Advertising while attending Northwood University. He has also earned a Master of Divinity Degree at the United Theological Seminary in Dayton, Ohio. His education includes international study of Biblical Geography and Archeology in Israel and Trans-Cultural Ministry in Ghana, West Africa. He has earned a Doctor of Ministry Degree from Ecumenical Theological Seminar in Detroit. In addition to his duties at Gethsemane, Reverend Dr. Duckworth serves as an instructor at the Heritage Center for Religious Studies and as an adjunct Professor at the Ecumenical Theological Seminary. He currently serves on the Council of Baptist Pastors of Detroit & Vicinity, Inc, as well as the Inkster Ministerial Alliance. prgtoken Please join me in celebrating Reverend Dr. John Duckworth's 20 years of service to Gethsemane Missionary Baptist Church and the community of Westland.
VISIT AMERICA ACT
Dina Titus (Democrat, NV) \u2014 2022-9-30

I rise to speak in favor of my legislation to strengthen the U.S. travel and tourism industry at a time when it is needed most. prgtoken Las Vegas welcomes nearly 43 million visitors annually from around the world. My Visit America Act will ensure tourism is at the table when we consider national economic policy. prgtoken Currently, the United States is the only member of the G20 that does not have a Cabinet-level or equivalent position focused on tourism. prgtoken My bill creates an Assistant Secretary position at the Department of Commerce specifically charged with strengthening the United States travel and tourism industry. This department will work with other agencies to coordinate a comprehensive tourism strategy and help position cities like Las Vegas to serve as hosts for large meetings, conferences, and exhibitions. prgtoken Having a position at the Department of Commerce to oversee travel and tourism will not only help insulate Southern Nevada's regional economy from future economic shocks but also better position the U.S. travel economy in the age of global competitiveness. prgtoken I look forward to working with the new Assistant Secretary to bolster our hospitality industry and let the world know the U.S. is a great place to visit, to work, and to play.
RECOGNIZING THE CONGRESSIONAL WORKERS UNION
Andy Levin (Democrat, MI) \u2014 2022-9-30

I rise to recognize the bravery and initiative of the Congressional Workers Union. prgtoken On Monday, my staff became the first in the 233-year history of this Congress to form a union, with a unanimous vote. I look forward to bargaining a just contract to set strong standards for the years ahead. prgtoken The CWU has also announced that staff in the offices of Congresswoman Omar and Congressman Khanna are voting to form unions, as well. prgtoken As it happens, the Jewish New Year began on Monday. It is a fitting time to mark a powerful new beginning for workers here on Capitol Hill. prgtoken If we want Congress to have a workforce that reflects America's diversity; if we want poor and working-class people to work here, not just the children of the wealthy; if we want to reduce turnover and increase the effectiveness and efficiency of our work, then it is high time we afford our staff a say in their working conditions. prgtoken That is the journey we are embarking on, and I am delighted to be a part of it. Friends, there is power in a union.
AFFORDABLE INSULIN NOW ACT
David N. Cicilline (Democrat, RI) \u2014 2022-9-30

I rise today in support of this continuing resolution. prgtoken In addition to averting a disastrous government shutdown, this legislation provides critical funding to continue our support for Ukraine, resettle Afghan refugees, support communities impacted by natural disasters, and help low-income families heat their homes this winter. prgtoken However, we still have work to do as this package lacks funding to support our public health response to COVID-19 and monkeypox, also known as MPV. prgtoken Our public health workforce is depleted and exhausted from battling the COVID-19 pandemic over the last 2 years. They cannot stop the spread of these outbreaks without additional Federal support. prgtoken Both viruses disproportionately impact low-income communities and communities of color. Congressional inaction will deepen these disparities. prgtoken , I urge my colleagues to vote today to avert a government shutdown and then join us in working on long-term funding bills that address these public health crises and the other priorities of the American people. prgtoken I want to end by thanking the extraordinary chairwoman of the Committee on Appropriations, Rosa DeLauro, for her leadership in negotiating today's legislation and thanking her for all she has done.
MENTAL HEALTH MATTERS ACT
Robert C. "Bobby" Scott (Democrat, VA) \u2014 2022-9-30

. Mr. Chair, I include in the Record the cost estimate prepared by the Congressional Budget Office for H.R. 7780, the Mental Health Matters Act. The cost estimate was not available at the time of the filing of the Committee report. U.S. Congress, Congressional Budget Office, Washington, DC, September 26, 2022. Hon. Robert C. (Bobby) Scott, Chairman, Committee on Education and Labor, House of Representatives, Washington, DC. Dear : The Congressional Budget Office has prepared the enclosed cost estimate for H.R. 7780, the Mental Health Matters Act. If you wish further details on this estimate, we will be pleased to provide them. The CBO staff contact is Jessica Hale. Sincerely, Phillip L. Swagel, Director. Enclosure. H.R. 7780 would expand resources to address the mental health of K-12 students and staff members. The bill would authorize several grant programs to support school-based mental health services and providers. It would require postsecondary institutions that receive federal financial assistance to develop policies to identify and provide special accommodations to individuals with disabilities. Finally, it would prohibit mandatory arbitration clauses, class action waivers, and representation waivers in employer- sponsored benefit plans under the Employment Retirement Income Security Act of 1974. CBO estimates that the bill would have no effect on direct spending and would increase revenues over the 2022-2032 period. The bill contains provisions that would increase spending subject to appropriation, but CBO has not completed an estimate of those costs.
RECOGNITION OF THE 154TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE LUNDY CHAPEL MISSIONARY BAPTIST CHURCH
Sanford D. Bishop, Jr. (Democrat, GA) \u2014 2022-9-30

. Madam , I rise today to recognize the Lundy Chapel Missionary Baptist Church of Macon, Georgia for its 154 blessed years of faithful service and ministry to the greater community. Lundy Chapel will celebrate their anniversary on Sunday, October 2, 2022 at 10:00 a.m. during their Sunday service in Macon. prgtoken Throughout its long history, Lundy Chapel has proven that patience, faith, and the hard work of dedicated leaders can lead to great accomplishments for the service of others. The story of Lundy Chapel Missionary Baptist Church, which began as a small group of people worshipping 154 years ago and has grown into an expansive and successful church, is truly an inspiring one of the perseverance of a faithful congregation who put all their love and trust in the Lord. Having humble beginnings, the first service of the Lundy Chapel Missionary Baptist Church was held under a bush arbor in 1868 on Old Lundy Road by Rev. Dan Parsons. Shortly thereafter, the congregation constructed a log cabin church which would eventually burn down. Judge R.S. Lundy was moved by the Lord to deed the church a plot of land on Forest Hill Road from the Lundy Estate on which the Lundy Chapel could construct a new house of worship, and in 1963 the congregation constructed its new home under the leadership of Rev. L.H. Hendrix. Over the years, it is here that the church continued to thrive through the dedicated service of several pastors, including Rev. O.R. Redding, Sr Rev. H.C. Cain, Rev. Lewis E. Lockett, Rev. Wallace B. Herring, Sr and Rev. James H. Hall. prgtoken On April 5, 1998, Rev. Anthony Q. Corbett, Sr. was called to pastor Lundy Chapel Missionary Baptist Church. Under Pastor Corbett's shepherding and the grace of God, the church bounded to new heights. In addition to its fast-growing membership, the Lord instilled within Pastor Corbett a vision to construct a new sanctuary for the faithful congregation. On October 28, 2001, a Ribbon Cutting Ceremony was held as the church marched into its new sanctuary for Sunday School, followed by the first worship service. After the construction was completed, the Lord turned Pastor Corbett's eye to the spiritual enrichment and upbringing of Lundy Chapel's young people. In March 2005, Pastor Corbett and church leadership implemented the Lundy Higher Heights Community Enrichment Corporation to provide special programs that would provide the church's youth with a sense of direction and motivation, a source of inspiration, and financial support through college scholarships. Additionally, the Enrichment Corporation seeks not only to uplift the church's youth, but also to extend support to that of the greater Middle Georgia community; the organization provides incredibly useful information and resources meant to assist community organizers to develop their own service programs. This mission of aiding and inspiring community youth to pursue an education and meaningful careers wa
CELBRATING JUSTIN GERMAN AND CARSON HALE
Haley M. Stevens (Democrat, MI) \u2014 2022-9-30

. Madam , it is my great pleasure to rise in celebration of the marriage of my Chief of Staff, Justin German, to his new wife, Carson Hale. Justin has led my office since my first day in Congress in 2019 and has proven to be an invaluable counselor and operator to the success of delivering for the nation and Michigan's 11th District. I am delighted to recognize Justin and his new bride as they begin their marriage. prgtoken On August 20, 2022, the couple was joined by friends and family for a beautiful ceremony in Justin's hometown of burg, Virginia. After vows were exchanged at Melrose Caverns, the two celebrated their new commitment with a honeymoon to Hawaii. prgtoken Justin has spent countless hours managing complex policy implementation plans and doing the work of a true public servant. With that service comes the support and dedication of his new wife, Carson, who, in her own right, has an incredible career working in gardens and landscapes across the region. They truly complement one another and have built a beautiful life in Washington, D.C. prgtoken Madam , it is a joy to recognize Justin and Carson and to extend enthusiastic well-wishes as they embark on this new chapter of life as newlyweds. Please join me in celebrating the marriage of Justin German and Carson Hale.
HONORING WILLIAM ``BILL'' LUNA
Jesús G. "Chuy" García (Democrat, IL) \u2014 2022-9-30

. Madam , today, I rise to honor Lieutenant Colonel William Luna. He passed away on August 8 of this year and played a significant role in Chicago's Mexican Independence Day Parade for several years. prgtoken Born Guillermo Luna, he was raised in East Chicago, Indiana, by his aunt after his parents passed away. prgtoken William was a patriot, an educator, and an active member of the community. He was a Green Beret and jumpmaster who served our country in the U.S. Army's 2nd Airborne 505 Infantry and later joined the Army Reserves. prgtoken His passion for boxing earned him the U.S. Golden Gloves boxing championship in 1958. prgtoken Bill was a fierce advocate for the recognition of the contributions of Latinos, particularly Mexican Americans, in the military. prgtoken A lover of history and education, Bill earned a master's degree in English and later became an adjunct professor of Mexican history and minority studies at the Indiana University Northwest. prgtoken His knowledge of Mexican-American history led Chicago's Channel 7 to invite Bill to be a cohost of the Mexican Independence Day Parade broadcast for 7 years. prgtoken We will always remember him. Rest in peace, Lieutenant Colonel William ``Bill'' Luna.
AFFORDABLE INSULIN NOW ACT
Debbie Wasserman Schultz (Democrat, FL) \u2014 2022-9-30

I thank the chairwoman for yielding. prgtoken I rise to support this continuing resolution that will keep our Federal Government open and deliver the vital services that impact us all. prgtoken Look no further than Southwest Florida, in my home State, where Hurricane Ian inflicted tragic human loss prgtoken and massive property damage. While we pray for those who endured Ian's wrath and those who still face it, let's pass this continuing resolution and offer more than well wishes. prgtoken Thankfully, President declared a major disaster, unleashing extensive Federal aid and assistance for the counties hit by Ian. But this CR will allow FEMA and other Federal partners to keep assistance flowing to Florida in our time of need, while also aiding those hurting in Puerto Rico, Alaska, New Mexico, and Mississippi. prgtoken We cannot leave communities behind that are still picking up the pieces from disastrous floods, wildfires, and hurricanes, and even basic water system failures. This Federal funding bill comes to their rescue by helping to meet long-term housing, infrastructure, and recovery needs. prgtoken This CR also extends funding for vital Federal education, health, housing, and public safety programs. It keeps up school, job training, and child nutritional investments, and it keeps funds flowing to address badly needed affordable housing problems which plague so many families in Florida. prgtoken Anyone who understands the housing struggles that millions of Americans face cannot possibly ignore the relief that this CR offers. This legislation also keeps America's security intact, while also supporting those brave veterans who defended us. prgtoken This CR also confronts Russia's fake elections to annex parts of Ukraine, whose families urgently need our support to defend global democracy and turn back a murderous communist tyrant. prgtoken I am pleased that this continuing resolution before us reflects that vanishing breed of bipartisan, bicameral, negotiated compromise. prgtoken I hope our colleagues on the other side of the aisle respect that and honor the trust that Americans hand us to maintain an orderly economy and state of affairs. This CR provides that basic test of governance. prgtoken Americans want our government funding bills to help reduce their cost of living, support their families, create good jobs, and combat climate change. This continuing funding legislation gives us the time we need to ensure our 2023 bills will do exactly that. prgtoken Let's keep America running so Congress can complete America's critical fiscal work.