mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
RECOGNIZING KESLEY WHITE
Brittany Pettersen (Democrat, CO) \u2014 2023-10-13

. Pro Tempore, I rise today to recognize Kesley White of Leadville, Colorado for receiving the United States Department of State Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship. As part of this prestigious honor, Kesley traveled to Nepal to study abroad. prgtoken U.S. Study Abroad programs are an important component of the federal government's efforts to ensure Americans of all backgrounds have the opportunity to gain global experiences and work across our borders to help address our world's greatest challenges. The Benjamin A. Gilman Scholarship provides exceptional undergraduate students with the opportunity to expand their cultural proficiencies, study critical need languages, and conduct STEM research. The scholarship has empowered over 41,000 individuals with financial need to engage in people-to- people diplomacy and prepare for distinguished careers in public service. prgtoken I commend Kesley for pursuing an exemplary international education and representing America abroad as a citizen ambassador. This scholarship rightly recognizes a commitment to academic excellence. Mr. Pro Tempore, it is a privilege to recognize Kesley's many accomplishments.
HONORING REVEREND MARVIN CHANDLER: PASTOR, PEACEMAKER, AND MUSICIAN
André Carson (Democrat, IN) \u2014 2023-10-13

. Pro Tempore, today I rise to honor Reverend Marvin Chandler, my constituent, and a renowned Hoosier who made profound accomplishments in the Civil Rights Movement, as a jazz musician, and through his work as a pastor promoting peace. Rev. Chandler was born in Bloomington, Indiana on October 3, 1929, and he was 93 years old when he died at his home in Indianapolis on September 23, 2023. prgtoken After graduating from Colgate Rochester Divinity School in 1963, Rev. Chandler was appointed as Associate Executive Director of the Rochester Area Council of Churches--as the Council's Christian Education Director. The following year, during the tragic Rochester Race Riots, Reverend Chandler served as a liaison between the Black community of Rochester and the Council of Churches. Working with a small group of community and church leaders he helped to facilitate recovery efforts from the 1964 riots. prgtoken Rev. Chandler helped establish the Rochester Area Ministers Conference and was integral in the launch of the Freedom, Independence, God, Honor, Today (FIGHT) organization, a community organization formed in the aftermath of Rochester's 1964 riots. FIGHT advocated for change, taking on issues such as hiring practices, living conditions, and other critical areas. FIGHT leaders were also credited with stopping additional civil unrest when rioting hit other northern cities in the mid-1960s. prgtoken As a part of FIGHT, Chandler not only served on the steering committee, but also played a key role in FIGHT's negotiations with Kodak. He worked with Kodak representatives to develop a job training program for the large number of unemployed black Rochesterians. Similarly, in 1971 Chandler put his peacemaking abilities toward efforts to resolve the prison riot in Attica County. prgtoken After leaving Rochester, the Reverend Chandler served as an executive with the San Francisco Council of Churches. He was a leading expert on the life of Howard Thurman, the noted theologian, philosopher, and civil rights leader. Later, Rev. Chandler was a visiting professor at Linfield College, McMinnville, Oregon, and he served as a visitor for a semester at Oxford University, England. prgtoken Rev. Chandler received numerous awards over his lifetime, including an Honorary Doctor of Divinity from Franklin College, Franklin, Indiana, and the Luke Mowbray Award for ecumenical work from the American Baptist Churches/USA in 2008. prgtoken The Reverend was also an accomplished jazz pianist, inducted into the Indianapolis Jazz Foundation Hall of Fame in 2003, and a recipient of the Ralph Adams Lifetime Achievement Award in 2010. prgtoken I urge my colleagues to join me in recognizing the life of a generous and inspiring leader, Rev. Marvin Chandler.
RECOGNIZING RETIRED U.S. ARMY COLONEL AND PRESIDENT EMERITUS OF LACKAWANNA COLLEGE MARK VOLK'S LIFELONG DEVOTION TO SELFLESS SERVICE
Matt Cartwright (Democrat, PA) \u2014 2023-10-13

. Pro Tempore, today I recognize the distinguished career of Retired U.S. Army Colonel and President Emeritus of Lackawanna College Mark Volk, a true hero of Northeast Pennsylvania, who has dedicated over four decades of his life to selfless service. While Colonel Volk's military career is marked with honor and valor, it is his profound contributions to Lackawanna College that I wish to recognize upon his well-deserved retirement. prgtoken Colonel Volk's military journey spans 26 years, a testament to his unwavering commitment to duty and service. His military career included 13 years in Field Artillery and an additional 13 years in Military Intelligence. During this time, Colonel Volk held various staff and command positions, both in the United States and Germany, gaining expertise and honing his leadership skills. prgtoken While serving as the Chief of the Strategic Leadership Division in the Army Strategy, Plans and Policy Directorate (G3) at the Pentagon, his office was in the wing impacted by the plane during the tragic events of September 11, 2001. For his heroic efforts and life-saving actions immediately following the attack on the Pentagon, he was awarded the Soldier's Medal, the Army's highest non-combat award for heroism. Additional military awards earned by Colonel Volk include the Legion of Merit, the Meritorious Service Medal with 5 Oak Leaf Clusters, the Army Commendation Medal with 4 Oak Leaf Clusters, the Army Achievement Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, the Armed Forces Service Medal and the NATO Medal. prgtoken Upon his retirement from the military on January 1, 2004, Colonel Volk returned to NEPA and embarked on another chapter of service, this time in the field of education at Lackawanna College. Over the course of 16 remarkable years his tenure was distinguished by remarkable achievements, serving as the executive vice president from 2006 to 2012 and vice president for operations and plans from 2005 to 2006 prior to taking over as president in July 2012 until his retirement in 2020. Under his leadership, the college introduced online courses and degrees, offered baccalaureate degrees, established a nursing program and expanded with new extension centers. It is a testament to his dedication and leadership that the college was ranked as the fastest- growing private college or university, with enrollments of 500 or more students during his presidency. prgtoken Perhaps his most enduring legacy is his belief in the potential of individuals from all walks of life. In his eyes, greatness is not reserved for the few: He firmly believes that everyone has the capacity to be a force for positive change in a world that yearns for it. His optimism is contagious, and his unwavering faith in the region, families, and students of NEPA hag left an indelible mark. prgtoken Colonel Mark Volk, and his wife Lynn, continue to be active and generous members of
RECOGNIZING BOBETTE FRANKLIN
Brett Guthrie (Republican, KY) \u2014 2023-10-13

. Pro Tempore, I rise today to honor Bobette Franklin upon her retirement from a 29-year career in the United States Congress assisting Kentuckians with the federal government processes. prgtoken I first had the pleasure of meeting Bobette, a Bowling Green native, over 30 years ago. As a staff member for my predecessor, she developed a passion for advocating for Kentuckians who had challenges with federal agencies and quickly gained the respect of many in Kentucky's Second District, especially among veterans and their families. When I was sworn in, I knew it was critical to keep her enthusiasm, knowledge, and earned constituent trust on my team. Two years later, Bobette departed my office to become Director of Constituent Services for Senator Rand Paul, which allowed her to share her passion for public service across the Commonwealth. prgtoken In November, Bobette will be retiring after nearly three decades of service to Kentuckians. I offer my deepest gratitude to Bobette for her service and wish her happiness as she spends her retirement with her husband, Steven, and her son Noah.
RECOGNIZING MR. MICHAEL BOWERS
David G. Valadao (Republican, CA) \u2014 2023-10-13

. Pro Tempore, I rise today to recognize Mr. Michael Bowers as he is awarded the inaugural Lifetime Achievement Award from the African American Network of Kern County. Mr. Bowers is a Central Valley native, having spent the majority of his childhood and professional career in Bakersfield. He attended Texas Southern University and graduated with a degree in political science in 2005. After graduation, Mr. Bowers returned to Bakersfield where he began his career at Making a Difference, a local non-profit organization. Mr. Bowers joined my team when I was elected to the California State Assembly in 2010, first serving as Deputy Field Director and later as Community Liaison. When I was elected to Congress in 2012, Mr. Bowers joined my district office as a Senior Field Representative. His knowledge of the issues facing the Central Valley and strong relationships with members of the community were invaluable during my first term in Congress. After departing my team, Mr. Bowers became the Deputy District Director for State Senator Andy Vidak. prgtoken For over a decade, Mr. Bowers has partnered with local stakeholders on community engagement and economic development prgtoken projects that prioritized the well-being of residents in the Central Valley. In 2018, Mr. Bowers joined Centric Healthcare, where he currently serves as the Vice President of Public Relations and Government Affairs. Over his career, Mr. Bowers has been incredibly involved in our community, including sitting on the boards of the Alzheimer's Association, Kern Health Systems, and the Kern Law Enforcement Foundation. He was also the Chairman of the Board of the Housing Authority of the County of Kern and helped the agency raise over $500,000 for the supportive living program, which provides low- income families in Kern County with the opportunity to become first- time home buyers. This year, Mr. Bowers was appointed Commissioner of the Kern County Civil Service Commission. Mr. Bowers has received numerous accolades recognizing his decades of service to the community. He has been recognized by the Kern County Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, Bakersfield Life Magazine, California Teachers Association, and other organizations for his decades of leadership, dedication, and advocacy for residents of Kern County. prgtoken Pro Tempore, I ask my colleagues in the House of Representatives to join me in celebrating Mr. Michael Bowers as he is awarded the Lifetime Achievement Award and thanking him for his service to the people of the Central Valley.
HONORING TEXAS-24 HOMETOWN HERO ARTHUR WATSON
Beth Van Duyne (Republican, TX) \u2014 2023-10-13

. Pro Tempore, I rise today to recognize our Texas-24 Hometown Hero, Arthur Watson. Arthur never shied way from protecting his country and fellow man. Before joining the Merchant Marines in 1943, Arthur spent two years helping with reconstruction in Pearl Harbor where he built warehouses and storage facilities to support the Pacific War effort as a member of the Civilian Construction Corps. prgtoken As a Mariner during the height of WWII, he was stationed on the SS Oklahoma when his ship was torpedoed by a German Nazi sub. Despite the explosion throwing him to the ground, the heat blistering his face, and flames engulfing the ship, Arthur fought to make his way below deck. He rushed to his station to help an Officer crank the lifeboat out to the ocean where he and 21 others survived for 18 days at sea. After this harrowing experience, his work was not done. He would sail out again, bringing supplies to the forces across Europe before eventually leaving the Merchant Marines. prgtoken An honorable Veteran and hero to 21 shipmates, he passed away on Thursday, October 5 at the age 103 in Grapevine, TX. Through his courage and bravery, Arthur encapsulated what it means to have selfless service and patriotism. prgtoken I would like to thank Arthur for his irreplaceable sacrifices to protect our freedom, and I hope you'll join me in praying for his family and friends.
HONORING THE LIFE OF KAREN McGINNIS
Dan Newhouse (Republican, WA) \u2014 2023-10-13

. Pro Tempore, today I rise to recognize Karen McGinnis, a dedicated leader hailing from Central Washington, who tragically lost her fight to cancer this past month. In 2018, I stood where I am now to praise Karen for her passion for worker safety, and it saddens me that rather than announcing her next great achievement, I'm instead mourning her life. prgtoken Karen McGinnis graduated from Washington State University with a degree in agriculture economics and was the founding leader of the Volpentest HAMMER Federal Training Center near Richland, Washington. Her legacy includes growing the HAMMER Center into a world-class training facility for Hanford workers and other federal employees, where she instructed them on emergency response and promoted a culture of safety on the job. prgtoken Her ability to build the Center into a training facility--not only for domestic workers, but also for international partners--was legendary. In fact, she received the Special Achievement Award for outstanding leadership in furthering the DOE's Voluntary Protection Program. After 40 years of hard work alongside Hanford, she retired in 2018, but her legacy continued. prgtoken Karen was a fearless advocate for her workers, a natural leader, and a friend. While she will be missed, her legacy will continue in the great (and safe) work performed at the Hanford Site each and every day.
COMMEMORATING TEXAS STATE REPRESENTATIVE BELL ON THE 40TH ANNIVERSARY OF INTEX
Lance Gooden (Republican, TX) \u2014 2023-10-13

. Pro Tempore, I rise to commemorate the extraordinary service of Texas State Representative Gregory Keith Bell from Forney, Texas, and his company, Intex Electrical Contractors, founded in 1983 when Mr. Bell was the young age of twenty-one. Rep. Bell continues to serve as President and CEO of Intex, working with an outstanding leadership team. prgtoken Due to the extraordinary effort of Rep. Bell, Intex is celebrating its 40th anniversary serving the Metroplex. The company has received numerous awards for its excellent work and has been recognized as one of the top one hundred fastest-growing private companies in North Texas. The leadership team brings over two hundred years of industry experience. Intex is a Certified Minority Business Enterprise and was ranked Top Specialty Contractor in 2005. I am proud to represent Rep. Bell, his family, and the team at Intex in Washington, and I am proud he represents my family and me in Austin.
IDEAL INSTITUTE GRADUATION
Jefferson Van Drew (Republican, NJ) \u2014 2023-10-13

. Pro Tempore, today I celebrate the achievements of the Ideal Institute of Technology Class of 2023. Through hard work and dedication, these graduates have achieved an incredible milestone, and they should be incredibly proud of their accomplishments. By choosing the Ideal Institute of Technology, these students allowed themselves to gain real-world experience through the hands-on approach that the Institute is known for. The Institute has ensured their graduates have every tool they need to be successful in this next phase of life. As they take the next step, I know without a doubt these graduates will continue to make our South Jersey community proud. prgtoken I extend my sincere congratulations to these graduates and wish them all the best in their future endeavors. God Bless the graduates of Ideal Institute of Technology, and God Bless our United States of America.
HONORING WHITE CANE AWARENESS DAY
Nathaniel Moran (Republican, TX) \u2014 2023-10-13

. Pro Tempore, I rise today to recognize White Cane Awareness Day. prgtoken White Cane Awareness Day, celebrated annually on October 15th, serves as a powerful reminder of the significance and empowerment that the white cane symbolizes for individuals with visual impairments. This day raises needed awareness of the challenges faced by the blind and visually impaired community, while also highlighting their remarkable achievements and contributions to our society. prgtoken I urge all of my colleagues to join me in recognizing White Cane Awareness Day and honor the achievements of individuals who inspire us with their resilience, their strength, and their spirit.
RECOGNIZING THE PUBLIC SERVICE OF GARY CARPENTER
Michael C. Burgess (Republican, TX) \u2014 2023-10-16

. Pro Tempore, I rise today to express my sincere appreciation to Mr. Gary Carpenter for the excellent professional and dedicated service he has rendered as the Congressional Liaison for the United States Air Force Academy for the past 18 years. prgtoken He previously served his country in the U.S. Air Force from 1982 to 2004, as an active-duty enlisted Public Affairs Specialist for the U.S. Northern Command/NORAD and the Uniformed Services University. The productive and collaborative relationships he has fostered between the USAFA Directorate of Admissions and congressional offices across the nation will be greatly missed. I have no doubt Mr. Carpenter will leave USAFA in good hands. His accomplishments attest to his integrity, quality of character and his dedication to the institution and country which he has served with such honor. prgtoken It has been the privilege of my staff to work with him and his office throughout the years on behalf of potential Air Force Academy candidates from Texas. As he moves on to new challenges, Mr. Carpenter has had a tremendous and positive impact on the futures of thousands of students and military leaders. prgtoken On behalf of myself and my colleagues in the U.S. House of Representatives, I extend my warmest regards to Gary Carpenter on a job well done and wish him all the very best in the future. He has our thanks and gratitude.
RECOGNIZING CHIEF JEFF GREGORY'S SERVICE TO THE PATTERSON FIRE DEPARTMENT UPON HIS RETIREMENT
John S. Duarte (Republican, CA) \u2014 2023-10-16

. Pro Tempore, I rise today to recognize Fire Chief Jeff Gregory for his dedicated service to the Patterson Fire Department and, at this moment, celebrate his thoroughly earned retirement. prgtoken Chief Gregory was raised in the Modesto area and has lived in Patterson since 1979. He is married and has two daughters. His involvement in the fire service began as a firefighter with the Patterson Volunteer Fire Department in June of 1986. Chief Gregory worked his way up through the Volunteer Fire Service ranks and became a Volunteer Captain on September 1, 2001. In December, he was promoted again to Volunteer Battalion Chief. On May 1, 2003, his full-time fire service career began when he was hired by the City of Patterson Fire Department, in a partnership with the West Stanislaus Fire Protection District, as the Division Chief. In this new role, Chief Gregory's duties included training coordination, facilities maintenance, and overseeing the purchasing, maintenance, and repair of the fire apparatus and emergency equipment. prgtoken Chief Gregory was ultimately appointed as the permanent Fire Chief on September 21, 2016. Throughout his tenure as Fire Chief, he has had numerous accomplishments and achievements that have improved the delivery of fire, rescue, and emergency medical services to Western Stanislaus County. One of his successes includes improving and expanding the Patterson Fire Department's Advanced Life Support Program to ensure that both city fire stations and assigned apparatus have advanced life support equipment available to on-duty Fire Paramedics. Chief Gregory has also been instrumental in modernizing the fire fleet and emergency equipment for the City of Patterson and West Stanislaus Fire Agencies. Chief Gregory's vision for the fire service has significantly improved the force and has also had a positive impact on his community. prgtoken During the Covid-19 Pandemic, Chief Gregory would often work or remain on-call for over 100 hours per week to ensure that everyone in the City of Patterson or the West Stanislaus Fire District would receive help when they called 911 for assistance. prgtoken Chief Gregory's commitment to public service, spanning 37 years, is truly commendable. Every day, he tirelessly strived to serve the people of his community--sometimes at the expense of his own personal time and comfort. His service will be greatly missed by his community and everyone who worked alongside him.
Recognition of the Minority Leader (Executive Session)
Mitch McConnell (Republican, KY) \u2014 2023-10-16

since the Senate last convened, terrorists have sent shock waves through the civilized world with savage, cold-blooded violence. prgtoken On October 7, Hamas and Palestinian Islamic jihad desecrated Israel's soil and tore apart Israeli families with utterly medieval brutality. Like ISIS, terrorists from Gaza turned peaceful homes and neighborhoods in Israel into blood-soaked war zones. It was the deadliest attack on the Israelis and on American citizens overseas in decades. prgtoken But now, reports and images of these horrific scenes have spread widely. Accounts of Israeli women tortured and raped, of elders kidnapped, of charred corpses, beheadings, of children shot dead in their homes have shaken peaceful people to their cores. In one kibbutz, a paramedic named Amit was working to save the lives of victims pouring into a local clinic when she documented what would be the last moments of her own life in messages to her sister. Here is what she said: ``They are here. I don't think I will get out of here alive. Be strong if something happens to me.'' prgtoken A few minutes later, in a call from Amit's phone, all her sister could hear were gunshots and screams. One in 10 residents of the community were slaughtered by the terrorists. prgtoken Here is how one retired senior IDF commander put it after he ran to rejoin Israel's defense efforts: ``I've heard during my childhood about pogroms in Europe, the Holocaust, of course. All my family came from Europe. They are survivors, but I never thought I would see things like this.'' prgtoken , the people of Israel are grieving unimaginable horrors, and we have a responsibility not to look away--not least because the same news that has shaken the civilized world to its core has emboldened anti-Semites and terrorist sympathizers across the globe. We have seen thousands of demonstrators cheer on terrorist violence from the streets of Western cities. prgtoken In London, many Jewish children were kept home from school on Friday out of fears for their safety. In Chicago, a bomb threat forced a local synagogue to evacuate. In Sydney, Australia, a supposedly pro- Palestinian gathering devolved into a sickening flashback to the worst stain on the last century of human history as demonstrators chanted: ``Gas the Jews.'' And on college campuses across America, leftist student groups cloaked vile anti-Semitism in a thin veneer of performative, woke jargon. prgtoken So, , friends of Israel simply cannot afford to be silent. And as Israel's closest ally, the United States must lead by our example in supporting its efforts to defend itself for as long as it takes. As I outlined over the State work period, this means loudly and clearly distinguishing between the aggressor and the victim in this war. No matter how many voices in the media attempt to ``both-sides'' a terrorist attack, there is simply no moral equivalence here. prgtoken Respon