mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
HONORING TECHNICAL SERGEANT VIRGIL POE, ONE OF THE GREATEST GENERATION
Dan Crenshaw (Republican, TX) \u2014 2022-11-10

. Madam , on Friday, July 1st this year, Sergeant Virgil Poe, age 96, passed away surrounded by family in Houston, Texas. prgtoken Virgil was born on June 28, 1926, near Mansfield, Arkansas. He lived the first ten years of his life in Hoberg, Missouri. At ten years old, Virgil's parents, Loyd and Elsie Poe, moved to Portsmouth, Iowa where his father worked as a banker. He graduated from high school in Harlan, Iowa in 1944. prgtoken Virgil was drafted in June 1944 and reported to the famed Fort Leavenworth in Kansas to serve his country in the United States Army. He would go on to take basic Infantry Training at Camp Wolters, Texas. prgtoken Virgil fought for the Allies with selflessness and nobility. He served in the 7th U.S. Army in France. Belgium, and Germany as a rifleman, truck driver and heavy artilleryman until Germany's surrender in 1945. prgtoken Following Germany's surrender, Virgil did not rest. Upon his return to America, he boarded a troop train to Seattle with other soldiers shipping to fight the Japanese in the Pacific Theater. While en route to the Pacific, Virgil and the other servicemen learned Japan had surrendered. prgtoken After the war, Virgil was sent back to Ft. Hood, where he would meet his wife, Dorrace, at an evening service at the Church of Christ in her nearby hometown of Temple, Texas. His battalion eventually moved to Camp Polk in Louisiana, where Virgil served as the Administrative NCO in the newly organized Rocket FA Battalion Headquarters. He also served as Supply Sergeant in the same battalion. prgtoken Virgil was honorably discharged from the service in August 1946. He and Dorrace married shortly thereafter in October of 1946. prgtoken Virgil went on to Abilene Christian College, where he graduated in 1952. Upon graduation, he worked faithfully for 42 years at Southwestern Bell Telephone Co./AT&T as an engineer across the Midwest, including in Dallas, Houston, and St. Louis. prgtoken In 2020, the President of the Republic of France authorized the National French Legion of Honour Medal, the highest military medal in France, to Virgil Poe. 75 years after the landing at Normandy the French consulate in Houston awarded the medal to Mr. Poe to honor him for his service in France during World War II. Indeed, Mr. Poe was an exemplary member of the Greatest Generation. prgtoken Virgil and Dorrace remained happily married for 72 years before her passing in April 2019. He is survived by his daughter, Jayne Poe Massey, of Jersey Village, Texas; son, former Congressman Ted Poe and wife, Carol; eight grandchildren and eighteen great-grandchildren. Please join us in honoring a true American hero and patriot.
RECOGNIZING THE 100TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE UNITED WAY OF TARRANT COUNTY
Michael C. Burgess (Republican, TX) \u2014 2022-11-10

. Madam , I rise today to honor the United Way of Tarrant County as it celebrates its 100th anniversary. In 1922, the Fort Worth Community Chest was created when a group of local leaders came together to merge the fundraising efforts from a variety of different charity organizations. These community leaders recognized that working together, united-as-one, was a superior strategy as opposed to competing against each other for charitable resources. This early non-profit organization was the forerunner of today's United Way of Tarrant County. prgtoken From its inception, the new organization focused on key initiatives to not only identify problems faced by Tarrant County residents, but to also address the reasons the problems exist in the first place. They have forged crucial partnerships with key community stakeholders. Engaging local governments, fellow non-profits, corporations, and small businesses to collectively combat county-wide challenges pertaining to education, financial stability, and community health. Continuing its growth and assistance to communities, the organization hit a major milestone in 1973, when it became officially known as the ``United Way of Metropolitan Tarrant County''. prgtoken The United Way of Tarrant County continues to empower residents, donors, volunteers, businesses, and other groups who provide crucial support to enable the organization to fulfill its mission to improve the overall quality of life for those in need. Through building trust and relationships with the community, the United Way has always encouraged residents to unite together in order to further worthwhile change and build stronger communities. prgtoken I would like to express my admiration and well wishes as this worthwhile humanitarian organization celebrates its centennial. The United Way of Tarrant County is holding its celebratory ``Get United Day'' event on Thursday, November 17, 2022, at Globe Life Field in Arlington, Texas in honor of the 100th anniversary of its founding. The United Way has had a tremendously positive impact on the well-being of Tarrant County's citizens and will undoubtedly do so for decades to come.
RECOGNIZING THE LIFE AND SERVICE OF THE HONORABLE DAN FLYNN
Pat Fallon (Republican, TX) \u2014 2022-11-10

. Madam , I rise today to commemorate the life and service of Daniel Archie Flynn of Van, Texas. Mr. Flynn is survived by his wife Susan, his son Josh, his daughters Tammy and Missy, along with many more grandchildren and great grandchildren prgtoken Mr. Flynn's lengthy public service career began as a soldier in the 36th Infantry Division of the Texas Army National Guard during the Vietnam War. In 2005, he joined the Texas State Guard and eventually obtained the rank of Brigadier General, where he later retired, prgtoken As a State Representative, first elected in 2002, Mr. Flynn served for nine consecutive terms until 2020. During his tenure, he built an impressive portfolio of legislative achievements, including expanding transparency in State government, strengthening border security, and modernizing the Texas Military Forces. Moreover, Representative Flynn helped secure funding for a new music hall and planetarium at the Texas A&M University at Commerce and procured the property for the Van Zandt County Veterans Memorial site in Canton, Texas. Representative Flynn's work as the Deputy Banking Commissioner of Texas reformed banking code statewide and established him as a leader in the banking industry. prgtoken A lifelong worshipper of the Church of the Nazarene, Representative Flynn was instrumental in the construction of several new churches. He served on the Dallas District Advisory Board for over 20 years and was also an active member of the Van Kiwanis and Canton Lion's Club. Likewise, Representative Flynn founded the Van Zandt County Council of Communities. prgtoken I have requested the United States flag be flown over our Nation's Capitol to recognize Representative Dan Flynn's extensive contributions to District 2 and the great people of Texas. Representative Flynn will be dearly missed by his friends, family, and colleagues.
RECOGNIZING ANNIE ``ANN'' H. FLOWERS
Sanford D. Bishop, Jr. (Democrat, GA) \u2014 2022-11-14

. Madam , I rise today to recognize a devoted wife, dedicated mother, outstanding educator, and friend to humankind, Mrs. Annie ``Ann'' H. Flowers. An event celebrating her 80th birthday was held on Saturday, October 22, 2022, at 2 p.m. at the New Grady Baptist Association meeting in Cairo, Georgia. prgtoken Mrs. Flowers is a native of Decatur County, Georgia. She has used her life's work to uplift humanity through selfless service. She dedicated thirty-two years of her life to molding and shaping our most precious resources, our young people. Her career in education is indeed a storied one. During her career in education with the Grady County School system, she served in numerous capacities to include Classroom Teacher, Math Coordinator, Title V. Director, Assistant Principal, and Principal. Never one to rest on her laurels after retirement, she came back to serve as an Interim Principal for one year. prgtoken It has been said that ``Service is the rent that we pay for the space that we occupy here on this earth.'' Mrs. Flowers has paid her rent and she has paid it well. Her commitment to service is evident in all of the different professional causes that she has given her time and treasures. Those include: The Grady County Retired Educators, Georgia Association of Education Leaders, Georgia and National Associations of Education, National Middle School Association, National Executive Female Organization, Southwest Regional Director of Middle School Principals, Governor's School Leadership Institute, Georgia Council of School performance and Georgia Department of School Improvement Specialists. prgtoken The great Agricultural Chemist George Washington Carver once said that ``How far one goes in life depends on your being tender with the young, compassionate with the aged, sympathetic with the strong and tolerant of the weak and strong. Because someday in your life you will have been all of these.'' Mrs. Flowers has used her life's work both professionally and socially to minister to people from all walks of life. She is the Founder of the Boys to Men Mentoring Programs, a member of the Board of Directors for Grady County United Way, Friends of Roddenberry Memorial Library, The Thomas Grady Service Center Board, Southwest Georgia Board of Easter Seals of Grady County, and Georgia Pines Community Service Board. She has also served on the Advisory Board for the Head Start of Grady County. Mrs. Flowers is also a life member of the Order of Eastern Star Chapter No. 36. prgtoken Mrs. Flowers has also received numerous awards and honors during her life, most notably the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Drum Major for Peace Award and has the distinction of being the First African American Principal in Grady County, Georgia after integration. prgtoken Mrs. Flowers is a woman after God's own heart. She is a member of the Mount Calvary Missionary Baptist Church in Cairo, Georgia, where she is a Deaconess, a member of the Mi
RESPECT FOR MARRIAGE ACT--Motion to Proceed
Sherrod Brown (Democrat, OH) \u2014 2022-11-14

I asked my colleagues to join me in honoring and thanking the heroic individuals who have served our country. prgtoken Every year on Veterans Day--just a couple of days ago--we come together as Ohioans or Oregonians and New Mexicans and Americans generally to remember with deep respect and gratitude all that our veterans have done for our country. prgtoken Veterans and their families have sacrificed so much to keep us safe. They put their lives on the line to protect us. prgtoken So often veterans don't speak about their service. My dad was a World War II veteran. He rarely talked about it. It was pretty typical of that generation; not so different from Vietnam vets, many of whom suffered from Agent Orange, or from Iraqi or Afghan war vets. They don't brag, they don't ask for recognition, but they have earned it. prgtoken As we pay tribute to all who serve and all who have served, we must remember that we owe veterans and their families more than just a thank you on Labor Day--or on Veterans Day. We owe them what they have earned: healthcare benefits, education opportunities. Taking care of our veterans is a cost of going to war. prgtoken Now, I have heard--I am going to talk about the PACT Act in a moment. Senator Merkley and I were just talking about it, the long overdue step we took to pass the PACT Act. A number prgtoken of our more conservative colleagues said it cost too much. They never say it costs too much to send people to war. It only costs too much to take care of the men and women who have served us in providing healthcare at the CBOC in Mansfield or the VA in Dayton or the VA in Cleveland. prgtoken We took this year a long overdue step to pass the PACT Act. We secured the most comprehensive--the single-most comprehensive benefit expansion for veterans in our Nation's history. prgtoken Some of you in this body remember, with Agent Orange, at the beginning, to get Agent Orange benefits you had to prove that you got sick because of the exposure to Agent Orange, and some veterans had to hire lawyers, and it just didn't make sense. prgtoken Well, we learned the lessons from Agent Orange in the PACT Act. When President signed this bill he delineated--we delineated--23 illnesses, mostly bronchial and cancers--bronchial illnesses and cancers. And if you as a veteran who served in Iraq or Afghanistan or, you know, in some other theaters, if you had one of those illnesses, you could get treatment at the Zanesville CBOC or the Chillicothe VA or the Cincinnati VA. prgtoken It means now that post-9/11 combat veterans are now eligible for this VA care. It means we also expanded coverage for veterans exposed to Agent Orange and for those exposed to burn pits and other toxins. prgtoken It means if you are exposed to toxins while serving your country, you get the benefits you have earned--period, no exceptions. prgtoken We couldn't have done it without the lessons of Agent Orange and the activism of o
HONORING THE MISSISSIPPI RAPID RESPONSE COALITION
Bennie G. Thompson (Democrat, MS) \u2014 2022-11-14

. Madam , I rise today to honor the Mississippi Rapid Response Coalition. The coalition has gone beyond the call of duty to ensure that communities in Mississippi are taken care of during critical times. prgtoken The Mississippi Rapid Response Coalition was formed in 2020 in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. MRRC has since responded to crises caused by climate change and failing infrastructure across the state of Mississippi. The Mississippi Rapid Response Coalition, also called ``The Coalition,'' is comprised of over 30 organizations around the state of Mississippi. The organizations that make up the Coalition were 1st responders during COVID and after the Winter Storm of 2021, providing needed resources to Mississippians in need. prgtoken The Coalition has continued to be a rapid response provider during this latest crisis affecting Jackson, MS, providing drinking water across Jackson's 7 wards and assisting those in need. MRRC has distributed thousands of cases of water to Jackson residents and provided other necessary services, and I am forever grateful for their work. prgtoken Madam , I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing the Mississippi Rapid Response Coalition for their service to the citizens of Mississippi during their time of distress.
CELEBRATING SIGMA GAMMA RHO SORORITY'S CENTENNIAL
Robin L. Kelly (Democrat, IL) \u2014 2022-11-14

I want to take a moment to salute my sorority, Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Incorporated, for its centennial celebration on November 12, 2022. We were founded in Indianapolis, Indiana, at Butler University November 12, 1922, by seven illustrious schoolteachers. Now we are led by the wonderful Grand Basileus Rasheeda Liberty, and we will embark on our next 100 with greater service, greater progress.
CIVIL RIGHTS COLD CASE INVESTIGATIONS SUPPORT ACT OF 2022
Carolyn B. Maloney (Democrat, NY) \u2014 2022-11-14

such time as I may consume. prgtoken , I rise today in support of S. 3655, a bill to amend the Civil Rights Cold Case Records Collection Act of 2018 to extend the termination date of the Civil Rights Cold Case Records Review Board. prgtoken I would like to begin by celebrating that this bill is bipartisan. It is co-led by Senators Jon Ossoff and Ted Cruz, and a companion bill was introduced in the House by my colleague, Bobby Rush of Illinois. prgtoken The Civil Rights Cold Case Records Collection Act of 2018 requires public disclosure of cold case files from the civil rights era that are still in the possession of Federal agencies. The 2018 law also created a review board tasked to review any agency decisions to delay public disclosure of civil rights cold case files within their possession. prgtoken As part of their examination, the review board will submit recommendations to the President, who has final decisionmaking authority over the public records disclosure. Under current law, the review board will be terminated by January of 2024. prgtoken This bill, S. 3655, revises the initial term of the board from 4 to 7 years with an optional extension year, if needed. The extension is critical because the work of the review board has been delayed. prgtoken The prior administration did not nominate members to the board when the bill was enacted in 2018. The current administration nominated board members in 2021, and all members were confirmed by February of 2022. prgtoken As a result of delays in nomination and confirmation of the review board members, S. 3655 provides the board additional time to complete its mission. prgtoken This bill has bipartisan support. In addition, the National Archives supports this bill because the extensions will ensure that review board members have enough time to complete their assignments. prgtoken , I encourage my colleagues to join me in support of the Civil Rights Cold Case Investigations Support Act, and .
LYMPHEDEMA TREATMENT ACT
Janice D. Schakowsky (Democrat, IL) \u2014 2022-11-14

I thank the chairman of the committee for yielding. prgtoken I am just so happy that we see the Lymphedema Treatment Act on the floor today. prgtoken on the side, Buddy Carter, for being a cosponsor of the legislation and helping to put it forward with so many bipartisan sponsors of the legislation, over 350--what is it, 366?--cosponsors of the bill. prgtoken I look forward to passing it in the House today. There are enough Senators on the other side of the rotunda here that also have sponsored, so I look forward to it becoming the law of the land. prgtoken I thank all the advocates who worked so hard, including Heather Ferguson, who is the executive director of the Lymphedema Advocacy Group, and all the people whom she worked with to help make this pass. Heather is the mother of a son that has lymphedema. I thank all the constituents who worked so hard to make this happen. prgtoken Here is what it is about lymphedema. It is not only painful and debilitating; it is also incurable. But we are lucky that there actually is a remedy, a treatment for lymphedema. prgtoken Many of you may be familiar with it. You may not have known the name. Two-thirds of all lymphedema cases develop after cancer treatment. You see that swelling. But what we don't have is the kind of treatment that is actually needed. prgtoken Currently, Medicare does not cover these important compression garments, which is what can really help people so very much. My bill will actually finally expand access to these garments for lymphedema patients on Medicare. prgtoken This will absolutely help the 3 million Americans who have lymphedema to be able to have some of the relief that they need at a cost that they can afford. It will also reduce Medicare costs because instead of these people developing all kinds of other health prgtoken issues, they will be able to be treated with these compression garments. prgtoken Again, I thank Chairman Pallone, Ranking Member Cathy McMorris Rodgers, Representative Buddy Carter, and all the Members on both sides of the aisle I urge everyone to endorse this wonderful bill and vote ``yes.''
INTRODUCTION OF THE JUSTICE FOR SHIREEN ACT
André Carson (Democrat, IN) \u2014 2022-11-14

. Madam , I am proud to introduce the Justice for Shireen Act today. I thank my House and Senate colleagues that joined me to call on the FBI and State Department, in consultation with the Secretary of Defense and Director of National Intelligence, to submit a report to Congress on the death of American-Palestinian Journalist, Shireen Abu Akleh. I send my deep condolences to the Abu Akleh family for this terrible killing and stand with them to demand justice and accountability. prgtoken Shireen Abu Akleh, an American-Palestinian journalist, was killed on May 11, 2022. She was killed wearing a clearly marked press vest prgtoken on assignment, reporting on a military raid which took place in the occupied city of Jenin. In May, I led a letter, signed by 58 Members of Congress, to the FBI and State Department calling for an independent and open investigation led by her home country, the United States and 24 Senators have echoed this request. It has been six months since we have sent this letter. Today, I continue to call for answers into the death of Shireen Abu Akleh. prgtoken As an American, Ms. Abu Akleh was entitled to the full protections afforded to U.S. citizens living abroad. As Members of Congress, we need to uphold the values that our Nation was founded on, including human rights, equality for all, and freedom of speech. As Members of Congress, we have a duty to protect Americans reporting abroad. An Israeli investigation has concluded, finding that it was indeed an Israel Solider that shot Ms. Abu Akleh in her line of duty. It is the responsibility of the U.S. to learn all the unanswered questions leading up to, during and after the fatal shot that killed Ms. Abu Akleh. Additionally, this bill requires an identification of any United States defense materials or services that were implicated in the death of Ms. Abu Akleh. No U.S. weapons and military services by the U.S. should be used to kill Americans on foreign soil. American taxpayers should not be paying for any violation of human rights abroad. prgtoken Madam , I hope my colleagues will join me in calling for justice and accountability for Shireen Abu Akleh.