mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
FIRE OPERATIONS CHIEF MARK BURNS OF MEDFORD FIRE & RESCUE
Greg Walden (Republican, OR) \u2014 2019-10-11

. Madam , I rise today to pay tribute to the life of Fire Operations Chief Mark Burns of Medford Fire & Rescue. prgtoken Mark James Burns was born on June 18, 1953 in Medford, Oregon, located in the Rogue Valley where he resided and worked the rest of his life. Mark's desire to help others surfaced at an age when he became a volunteer firefighter as a 16-year-old. prgtoken In 1971, just months after graduation from Crater High School in Central Point, Mark accepted a full-time firefighter position with Jackson County Fire District 3 and worked there for the next 10 years. His hard work, determination, wisdom, sense of humor, and his ability to inspire others garnered him the respect of his peers and supervisors--who quickly promoted him to Fire Engineer and then to Fire Captain. prgtoken Throughout his fire & rescue career, Mark consistently focused on his professional development so he could be the best leader for his fellow firefighters and his community. He worked vigorously to advance his working skills and knowledge: completing the four-year Executive Fire Officer Program at the National Fire Academy in Maryland, earning his Fire Science Technology degree at Rogue Community College, his Certificate in Fire Services Administration at Western Oregon University, and several certifications from the Department of Public Standards and Training. prgtoken In his leadership roles, Mark always led by example and played a significant role in grooming Rogue Valley's next generation of fire & rescue leaders. In fact, he became a mentor to many outside his own department while off-duty, teaching Fire Science in the classroom at Rogue Community College and serving as the campus Fire Science Program Coordinator. prgtoken In 1982, Mark left Jackson County Fire District 3 to serve as a Shift Battalion Chief for Medford Fire-Rescue, and in 1990 he became their Training Chief. By 1991, Mark was promoted to Operations Chief and, for the next 20 years, was responsible for all fire and rescue emergency response within Medford city limits. During this time, Mark led the Oregon State Fire Marshal Region 8 Hazardous Materials Response Team and the City of Medford Emergency Management Team, and he served on the Oregon Department of Forestry's statewide Incident Management Team. prgtoken Mark lived a life of selfless service as a firefighter and first responder protecting and saving the lives and property of southern Oregonians. Unfortunately, while battling the Oak Knoll Fire in Ashland on August 24, 2010, Mark experienced intense smoke inhalation and was medically retired in 2011 after 40 years of service. This incident caused Mark to develop an aggravating lung condition that he struggled with for the next five years, ultimately leading to his death. Chief Burns succumbed to his fire-related illness on March 6, 2016 at the age of 62. prgtoken Over the weekend, on October 6, 2019, Mark was one of the 119 fallen firefighters honored
IN RECOGNITON OF DR. RODNEY ALLEN MORTENSON ON THE EVE OF HIS RETIREMENT
Ted Budd (Republican, NC) \u2014 2019-10-11

. Madam , I rise today to recognize the career of Dr. Rodney Allen Mortenson of Greensboro, North Carolina on the eve of his retirement. prgtoken Dr. Mortenson has practiced sports medicine and orthopedic surgery for nearly five decades in the Greensboro and Eden areas. He has been a stalwart of the medical community, expertly servicing the needs of his patients while expanding the knowledge within the orthopedic field more broadly. Through his service as a faculty clinical professor of orthopedic surgery at the Bowman Gray School of Medicine and authorship of numerous published studies, Dr. Mortenson's intellectual contributions to his field and positive impact on future surgeons have been measurable. prgtoken In 1976, Dr. Mortenson founded the Sports Medicine and Orthopedic Center in Greensboro specializing in trauma care, joint function, and hand and foot surgery. Countless patients have come to see Dr. Mortenson with serious, debilitating afflictions and left his office with a new lease on life. prgtoken Dr. Mortenson now steps into a new phase of life, retirement, with the love and support of his wife Linda and daughters Ashley, Julie, and Lindsay. I am beyond grateful for the work Dr. Mortenson performed in a community that we both care deeply about, and I wish him only happiness in the years to come. prgtoken Madam , please join me today in celebrating the career of Dr. Rodney Allen Mortenson and honoring his service to the city of Greensboro.
IN RECOGNITION OF TAIWAN'S NATIONAL DAY
Mark Meadows (Republican, NC) \u2014 2019-10-11

. Madam , I rise today to recognize Taiwan's National Day. On October 10th, Taiwan celebrated the 108th anniversary of the Republic of China. On the occasion of Taiwan's National Day, I congratulate the people of Taiwan on this important anniversary and express the sincere commitment of our nation and Congress to the bilateral relationship. As security, diplomatic, and economic challenges in the Pacific region grow, it is vital for our mutual security that the bond between the United States and Taiwan remains strong. prgtoken I am proud to support our continued defense partnership, trading relationship, and a shared belief in democracy and human dignity that stands in stark contrast to the behavior of the government on the mainland. The United States and Taiwan have built an alliance that can withstand future threats, and to which I know President and his administration is committed to preserving. I also want to commend the Americans serving in the American Institute in Taiwan for their patriotism and commitment to preserving this critical partnership. prgtoken We cannot be complacent when the Chinese Communist Party in Beijing attempts to export authoritarianism and corruption and tries to weaken our democratic allies. I encourage my colleagues to support measures to stop Beijing's ongoing attempts to undermine Taiwan's participation in international fora and its increased disruption of Taiwan's diplomatic ties. prgtoken From its beginning over a century ago to its embrace of a vibrant democracy today, the Republic of China (Taiwan) shares a bond with the United States founded on common principles. As Taiwan celebrates Double Ten Day, I extend my best wishes and congratulate the Taiwanese people for all they have achieved.
HONORING MS. KATHY TEAL
Ken Buck (Republican, CO) \u2014 2019-10-11

. Madam , I rise today to honor and celebrate the life and legacy of Ms. Kathy Teal of Greeley, Colorado. prgtoken Kathy Teal was an accomplished woman who always kept the needs of women and children at heart and fought hard for life. Ms. Teal dedicated her career to serving teenage and unwed pregnant mothers, working as a certified midwife. In the 1980s, Kathy was part of a group that founded Birthright of Greeley where she served as a counselor and later as the organization's director. She also played an instrumental role in drafting and advocating for the law legalizing lay midwifery in the state of Colorado. prgtoken From 2002 until her passing on March 21, 2019, she helped found and was actively involved in the Genesis Project of Northern Colorado, a faith-based, nonprofit organization serving single mothers and their children. She later served on the Executive Board and the Advisory Board, continually guiding this organization with her passion to protect life. prgtoken Madam , I would like to honor Ms. Kathy Teal for all her contributions to Eastern Colorado and recognize the profound legacy that she leaves behind. It is an honor to celebrate her impact on our community and state.
IN REMEMBRANCE OF REPRESENTATIVE CHARLES E. INGRAM
Robert J. Wittman (Republican, VA) \u2014 2019-10-11

. Madam , I rise today in recognition of Charles E. Ingram, who is retiring after 28 years of public service as a Member of the Mathews County Board of Supervisors. Charles said his philosophy of public service is to always be fair, reasonable and impartial in dealings with everyone, focus on the community and the wonderful people of Mathews County. prgtoken Charles and his wife, Jean Flippin Ingram, have been married for 61 years and have raised their family in Mathews, Virginia. They have two daughters, Jeannie Elliott and Robin Jenkins, as well as two grandsons and one great-granddaughter. prgtoken Charles spent four years in the U.S. Army, serving 15 months in Korea. He is a member of Macedonia Baptist Church, Mathews American Legion Post 83, and Oriental Lodge No. 20. He also serves on the board of directors of the Mathews Farm Bureau. Charles has been a businessman in Mathews County for over six decades, concurrently operating a barber shop for 63 years and a daffodil farm for 55 years. He has previously served on the Mathews Memorial Library Board of Trustees and the Middle Peninsula Community Criminal Justice Board. prgtoken Charles' tremendous contributions to his community include: building one new school and renovating two others, building a new auditorium at Mathews High School, closing the landfill and constructing a new transfer station, renovating and adding onto Mathews Memorial Library, building a new court house, supporting a new senior center and installing a new 911 system. prgtoken Madam , I ask you to join me in recognizing the accomplishments, tenacity, and dedication of Charles Ingram. Words alone cannot express our gratitude. May God bless Charles Ingram and his family.
CONGRATULATING LOVE THY BABY ON TWENTY YEARS OF SERVICE
Kenny Marchant (Republican, TX) \u2014 2019-10-11

. Madam , I rise today to congratulate Love Thy Baby on twenty years of exemplary service to newborns and their families in North Texas. prgtoken Love Thy Baby is a Dallas-area, non-profit organization that provides support to families of newborns experiencing an economic or health crisis. By supplying blankets, quilts and clothing to families in need, Love Thy Baby helps to ensure a standard of comfort and warmth for infants in our communities. The organization also coordinates monthly deliveries to healthcare facilities such as Parkland Hospital in Dallas, John Peter Smith Hospital in Fort Worth, and PediPlace Pediatric Clinics, among others. prgtoken On October 11, 1999, Patricia Clay-Jolly created the Dallas Chapter of Newborns in Need upon identifying a demand for warm blankets, clothing, and other essentials for newborn babies at Parkland Hospital. The organization would go on to provide tens of thousands of items to newborns and their families. In January 2015, Newborns in Need integrated into the organization, Love Thy Neighbor, ultimately changing its name to `Love Thy Baby'. prgtoken Today, Love Thy Baby has 120 active volunteers and provides over 40,000 new items every year. Furthermore, Love Thy Baby donates over 10,000 gently used items to other area nonprofits including Hope 4 Refugees, Sharing Life, Nexus, Family Place, and White Rock Center of Hope. prgtoken Madam , Love Thy Baby's incredible contributions to the newborn children of North Texas has had an immeasurable impact on the lives of so many North Texas families. Such an accomplishment should not go without recognition and I ask all my distinguished colleagues to join me in thanking Love Thy Baby for their twenty years of service.
CELEBRATING THE 300TH ANNIVERSARY OF AMITY TOWNSHIP
Daniel Meuser (Republican, PA) \u2014 2019-10-11

. Madam , it is with great respect and appreciation that I rise today to celebrate the 300th anniversary of the Township of Amity, Pennsylvania. prgtoken The oldest incorporated township in Berks County, Amity predates the county itself. Settled by Swedish settlers on land granted by William Penn in 1701, Amity is home to the county's oldest structure, the Mouns Jones House, which was built in 1716, as well as St. Gabriel's Church, Berks County's first organized religious congregation. Among Amity's other contributions to history is the White Horse Inn, which served as a gathering place for officers of the Continental Army during the American Revolution and was visited by President George Washington in 1793. The Historic Preservation Trust of Berks County has been instrumental in preserving Amity's rich history as part of Morlatton Village. prgtoken Amity's 300th anniversary has been heralded with great celebration. Events commemorating the township's tricentennial have brought the people of Amity together to recall and celebrate their longstanding sense of community that was the foundation of its establishment 300 years ago. Amity has remained a strong community because it holds the same values as at its founding. prgtoken On behalf of the U.S. House of Representatives and the citizens of Pennsylvania's Ninth Congressional District, I ask my colleagues to join me and the great people who call Amity home in celebrating 300 years and wishing them many more years of community and prosperity.
COMMEMORATING SULIN HUANG FOR HER EXCEPTIONAL WORK INSPIRING STUDENT ARTISTS
Pete Olson (Republican, TX) \u2014 2019-10-11

. Madam , I rise today to commemorate the inspirational educational work of Sulin Huang of Sugar Land, Texas. prgtoken Known by her students as ``Ms. Sue,'' Sulin was born in Taiwan and demonstrated artistic prgtoken talents from an early age. She pursued those talents and studied commercial design in her country of birth while continuing to make art. prgtoken Sulin eventually moved to Hawaii for two decades, where she learned how to make three-dimensional floral designs out of clay. Her ceramic flowers were a hit and soon she was setting up shop at shows to sell her works of art. prgtoken Ms. Sue moved to Sugar Land in 2015 where she began teaching art at schools before opening up her own studio where she has had immense success privately instructing students. Three of Sulin's students were among the 40 winners selected from over 3,900 submissions in the 2019 Treasures of the Texas Coast Children's Art Contest. prgtoken Sulin embodies what it truly means to be an educator. She fosters creativity and love for the work that she and her students do and is a stellar example of the inspirational power that teachers have. prgtoken On behalf of the Twenty-Second District of Texas, I thank Sulin Huang for inspiring so many with her art.
INTRODUCTION OF WATER SUPPLY INFRASTRUCTURE AND REHABILITATION ACT
Dan Newhouse (Republican, WA) \u2014 2019-10-11

. Madam , I rise today to introduce the Water Supply Infrastructure and Rehabilitation Act. This legislation will help address the need for the new storage, conveyance, and recycling projects necessary to increase our drought resilience and provide the water security required to meet the needs of our agricultural economy and our local communities. prgtoken As a farmer, former state Director of Agriculture, and now a Congressman representing one of the most flourishing agricultural regions in America, I fully understand how important it is that we reinvest in the water infrastructure our farms and communities were built upon--much of which is over a century old at this point. I have made it a priority to address these important issues for Central Washington, and for rural communities across the West, that have Bureau of Reclamation projects in their regions. prgtoken That is why I am introducing this legislation--to help local water managers access the funds they need to repair and rebuild aging facilities and ensure our existing surface storage facilities are operating as efficiently as possible. prgtoken The Water Supply Infrastructure Rehabilitation and Utilization Act addresses the Bureau of Reclamation's (BOR) maintenance backlog at water supply infrastructure projects. Since 1902, BOR has constructed dams, hydropower plants, canals, and irrigation conveyances to provide for our water needs. Far too much of this infrastructure is in serious need of maintenance and repair. My legislation creates a streamlined process, so local water operators can initiate maintenance projects with extended repayment through a much more clearly-defined application and review process. Local users need this flexibility to access these resources--this bill will help them do just that. prgtoken Earlier this year, Central Washington crossed one of the most significant hurdles for water needs in our region when President signed my legislation into law authorizing the next phase of the Yakima Project. It was a momentous occasion and a testament to the many collaborative efforts and stakeholders in the Yakima Valley. But as many of us know, authorization is only the key first step. prgtoken Next comes--what some would say is--the even more difficult part: securing the resources and the funding to actually implement those projects authorized. I have been working on the Yakima Project for much of my career, and this bill will create an easier, more-streamlined process to access the funds for this desperately needed infrastructure in Central Washington. prgtoken This legislation also strengthens the ``Safety of Dams'' program to improve structural integrity of dams across the U.S. In Central Washington, we are no stranger to the benefits dams provide for irrigation districts and the agricultural industry. Like much of our nation's infrastructure, dams are aging and require regular maintenance and upkeep. The ``Safety of Dams'' pr
HONORING THE CAREER OF LAURA HAND
John Katko (Republican, NY) \u2014 2019-10-11

. Madam , I rise today to honor the career of Laura Hand as she retires after 47 years as a celebrated journalist in Central New York. prgtoken For nearly five decades, Laura Hand has been a trusted source for news in our community, a household name in broadcasting, and beloved by many in Central New York. Throughout her career, she has told countless community stories, inspired rising journalists, and used her platform to raise awareness for childhood literacy. prgtoken Born in a military family in Virginia, Laura Hand spent much of her childhood travelling around the world to countries including England, Germany, Thailand, and Italy. Developing an interest in news and politics at a young age, Laura Hand followed this passion and enrolled in Syracuse University's Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs, where she studied journalism and political science. While a student at Syracuse University, Laura Hand became the first woman to direct the campus radio station, WAER. After graduating in 1971, she took her first full-time position as a radio news reporter with WFBL in Syracuse, NY. prgtoken In 1972, Laura Hand transitioned from radio to television, joining the NBC 3 broadcast team. Throughout her reputable career with NBC 3, she held a number of positions, but has become best known for anchoring ``Weekend Today'' and ``Monday Night Answer Desk,'' where she encouraged viewers to get involved and have fun in the Central New York community. Passionate about her community, for years Laura Hand maintained the ``In Your Community'' webpage, a site dedicated to informing residents of the many community events in Central New York. prgtoken Throughout her career, Laura Hand has interviewed some of the most prominent figures in American politics, including former New York State Governor Nelson Rockefeller and former First Lady Nancy Reagan. prgtoken Laura Hand has coupled her prominent career in journalism in Central New York with her passion for reading, and, for more than 30 years, has organized the ``Books Breaks'' summer reading campaign, an annual program that promotes childhood literacy in our community. She plans to continue this work into retirement. In addition, she has served as a long-time member of the Salvation Army/Syracuse Board. prgtoken Madam , I ask that my colleagues in the House join me in honoring Laura Hand for an incredible 47-year career in journalism. I wish her all the best in her retirement.
RECOGNIZING THE CENTENNIAL OF VERO BEACH
Bill Posey (Republican, FL) \u2014 2019-10-11

. Madam , October 2019 marks the 100th anniversary of the founding of Vero Beach, an iconic and vibrant seaside town full of rich history and culture in my district that I am proud to celebrate. Known locally as the ``Hidden Jewel of the Treasure Coast'', Vero Beach continues to showcase the unique wildlife, scenic coasts, thriving local businesses and the hardworking people of Florida. prgtoken First settled in the 1800's, Vero Beach's original pioneers paved the way for the prosperity the city enjoys today. One of the most notable early settlers, Henry T. Gifford, owned and operated a citrus grove business in addition to establishing the area's first mercantile store that doubled as a post office, express office and railroad ticket office. The story of how the town got its name ``Vero'' is often attributed to his wife Sarah who suggested the settlement be named the Latin word for ``to speak the truth.'' prgtoken The Giffords' entrepreneurial spirit lived on, then leading Vero to experience significant growth and expansion in the following decades. In 1893, Henry Flaglers Florida East Coast Railroad (FEC) began service through Indian River County, serving as a turning point for the growing settlement that led to the Indian River Farms Company's launch of an extensive land reclamation project. This included a vision for a town that would become ``one of the finest in Florida.'' The final plans for the ``Town of Vero'' were adopted in 1913. In 1925, following Vero's incorporation into the City Beautiful Campaign, the town's most prominent members lobbied the Florida Legislature for the creation of a new county known as ``Indian River.'' Vero was designated the county seat and was re-named Vero Beach. prgtoken Just recently, the city officials of Vero Beach gathered in recognition of the Centennial with an official proclamation. The Mayor of Vero Beach, Val Zudans says of the milestone, ``There is no better small town in America to live, retire, visit, raise children, or start a business. At 100 we are proud of our heritage, culture, and freedom. We eagerly await the next 100 years of making Vero more Vero.'' prgtoken In 2018, Vero was named one of the ``Top Ten Happiest Seaside Towns in America'' by Coastal Living Magazine, and it continues to stand as a beautiful and lively back drop for families looking for a place to settle and for veterans seeking retirement. Its residents led by the Vero Beach Centennial Committee, intend to celebrate the 100 years with a month-long celebration of the community that includes a historic slide show and video presentation, live music, and a parade by Vero Beach High School. prgtoken I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing the Centennial of Vero Beach. Here's to 100 more years of memories and community.
RECOGNIZING MAYOR ARTHUR HOLK ON HIS 94TH BIRTHDAY
Bradley Byrne (Republican, AL) \u2014 2019-10-11

. Madam , I rise today to recognize Mayor Arthur Holk upon his 94th birthday. prgtoken Arthur has a decorated career as a public servant that began in 1952. prgtoken Arthur served as the mayor of Foley from 1976 to 1996 after serving on the Foley City Council for 24 years. prgtoken While Mayor, Arthur was elected President of the Alabama League of Municipalities, President of the Alabama League of Municipal Insurance Corporation, and Chairman of the State of Alabama Aeronautics Commission. Outside of office, he remained an engaged leader in his community. prgtoken During Arthur's long tenure in public office, Alabama incredibly had nine different governors. prgtoken Outside of public office, Arthur served his hometown as an insurance agent for over 60 years with State Farm Insurance and Baldwin Mutual Insurance. prgtoken Arthur is a 1949 graduate of Auburn University. He and his late wife, Fannie Jo, had two children, Frances and Andy. Their children and grandchildren have continued Arthur's legacy of community service and civic involvement. prgtoken I congratulate Mayor Holk, on his 94th birthday, and thank Kim for all he has done for Southwest Alabama.