mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
TRIBUTE TO CAROL S. LARSON
Anna G. Eshoo (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2019-8-20

. Madam , I rise to honor and celebrate the career of Carol S. Larson, President and CEO of the David and Lucile Packard Foundation, who is retiring at the end of 2019 after 30 years with the Packard Foundation and 15 years serving as its President and CEO. Carol's dedication to helping children and families in California, the United States, and around the world has improved countless lives and made immeasurable contributions to the field of philanthropy. prgtoken A graduate of Stanford University and Yale Law School, Carol joined the Packard Foundation in 1989 and assumed the role of Director of Research and Grants, Law and Public Policy at the then-titled Center for the Future of Children where she focused her grantmaking on child health and welfare issues. She edited and contributed to the journal publication The Future of Children on topics ranging from drug-exposed infants, to school-linked services, to home visiting, to juvenile courts, and taught two courses at Stanford Law School on child abuse and neglect. prgtoken Carol became President and CEO of the Packard Foundation in 2004. Under her leadership, the Foundation averaged $300 million in annual grantmaking and deployed $500 million in total mission investments to hundreds of partners, ranging from community-based organizations around the world to renowned institutions in the Bay Area. During Carol's tenure, the Foundation also provided $349 million in funding to organizations and efforts working to improve the health and well-being of children through the Packard Foundation's Children, Families, and Communities program. This funding has helped increase health care coverage for uninsured children; enrolled more children in preschool and introduced a new Transitional Kindergarten for four-year-olds; improved pediatric and obstetric care through the world-renowned Lucile Packard Children's Hospital at Stanford University; strengthened the quality of early childhood programs; and ushered in a new understanding that the well-being of children must be viewed through the lens of the whole family. The Packard Foundation's integration of two-generation strategies that seek better outcomes for parents and children together into its work promoting the well-being of children has shaped how philanthropy, policymakers, and advocates act on behalf of families. prgtoken Under Carol's tenure, the Packard Foundation has also reinforced the Packard family's strong commitment to Northern California. Since 2008, the Foundation has devoted over $156 million through its Local Grantmaking program to organizations committed to increasing opportunities for families and communities in the Bay Area, raising the bar for other Silicon Valley philanthropists to support local organizations. prgtoken In recognition of her work and her contributions to the field of philanthropy, Carol received the Council on Foundation's Distinguished Service Award in 2016; the American Leadersh
TRIBUTE TO THE WASATCH FRONT REGIONAL COUNCIL
Ben McAdams (Democrat, UT) \u2014 2019-8-20

. Madam , I would like to congratulate the Wasatch Front Regional Council on the occasion of its 50th anniversary, celebrated this year on March 28, 2019. prgtoken WFRC is the Metropolitan Planning Organization for the majority of the Wasatch Front Region in Utah. It is a collaborative body comprised of city and county officials, transportation agencies, and other stakeholders, who work together to plan for the future of the Region. As a convener, WFRC works with its partners to build consensus and enhance quality of life by developing and implementing visions and plans for a well-functioning multi-modal transportation system, livable communities, a strong economy, and a healthy environment. prgtoken The Region's geography is unique. Bounded east and west by mountains and lakes, the linear metropolitan area extends 100 miles north to south, along the Wasatch Mountains. The majority of Utah's population lives in the Region. Since 1969, Utah's population has grown from just over 1 million to over 3 million today, and it is projected to top 5 million by 2050. This growth presents challenges, but also tremendous opportunities, on which WFRC seeks to capitalize through proactive, collaborative planning and implementation. prgtoken Utah is widely referred to as the Crossroads of the West. The multi- modal transportation system that distinctively serves the broader Wasatch Front Region--and the nation--found its birth in the WFRC plans. These plans were also fundamental in development of Utah's Unified Transportation Plan, the first comprehensive, coordinated, multimodal statewide transportation plan in the nation, which has received recognition as a national best practice from the U.S. Department of Transportation and others. prgtoken On transportation and other quality of life issues such as land use, housing, and economic development, WFRC and its partners have kept an eye to the future and a cooperative spirit. This has been instrumental to developing and maintaining one of the top-rated economies and most enviable places to live, work and play in the nation. prgtoken The Wasatch Front Regional Council is a fine example of how collaborative efforts will continue to shape plans looking ahead to 2050 and beyond, helping to ensure high quality of life for Utah's current residents and generations to come.
IN RECOGNITION OF SHERIFF STEVE F. DEMPSEY
Robert J. Wittman (Republican, VA) \u2014 2019-8-20

. Madam , I rise today in recognition of Sheriff Steve Dempsey from King George. Steve's service to his community goes without question, and I believe he is worthy of recognition. prgtoken Sheriff Dempsey's extensive training included both the Metropolitan Police Academy in Washington, D.C. where he was K-9 certified and the FBI Academy where he was able to learn countless hours of information on how to handle increasingly difficult situations ranging from terrorism to financial crime. prgtoken Sheriff Dempsey, along with his wife Charlene and their family, comes from a long line of public servants--as is evident in Sheriff Dempsey's commitment to his community. Steve was in the Virginia National Guard and served until 1978. He has been with the King George County Police Department for 39 years, serving as both an officer and a mentor. He was the first K-9 officer in the county and served as a patrol deputy for 7 years. And, on top of all this, he has taught for almost 20 years at the regional academy; passing on vital experience and lessons to members of law enforcement who benefit from his teachings. prgtoken Not stopping there, he served as the Special Olympics Chair for the Commonwealth from 2017 to 2018 and is currently serving as President of the Virginia Sheriff's Association. I am filled with pride to know all the good that this man has done for his community and our district. prgtoken Madam , I ask you to join me in recognizing the accomplishments, hard work, and dedication of Sheriff Dempsey. Words alone cannot express our pride, and I am proud to represent him. May God bless him and his family.
HONORING SERGEANT FIRST CLASS THOMAS F. VAUGHNS AND THE TUSKEGEE AIRMEN
Bruce Westerman (Republican, AR) \u2014 2019-8-20

. Madam , I rise today to recognize Sergeant First Class Thomas F. Vaughns, a Tuskegee Airman and World War II and Korean War Veteran. On August 21, 2019, Sergeant First Class (SFC) Vaughns will be recognized for his service and commitment to the United States. prgtoken SFC Vaughns, of White Hall and resident of the Fourth District of Arkansas, began his service during World War II at Camp Robinson, North Little Rock, Arkansas. After Basic Combat Training in California, he reported to several locations around the country where he worked as a mechanic on B-25 bombers. He eventually ended up at the air base in Tuskegee, Alabama, where he helped ensure B-25s were operational and safe for training. prgtoken At the end of the war, he completed high school in St. Louis and then returned to Arkansas where he attended the Arkansas Agricultural, Mechanical and Normal College (AM&N), now the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff (UAPB). He graduated in 1950, just in time to be called up again for service during the Korean War. In 1951, now SFC Vaughns, served as a supply sergeant at Fort Hood, Texas. The Army discharged him at his request one year later in 1952. prgtoken After his military service, he worked several different jobs but ended his career as a horticulture specialist at UAPB. prgtoken The Tuskegee Airmen were a highly trained and specialized group of America's first African American pilots and ground crews for the U.S. Army Air Corp and eventually the Army Air Forces. Their impressive performance during war-time earned them more than 150 Distinguished Flying Crosses. The unit obtained a distinguished reputation for their ability to safely escort American bombers into enemy territory, resulting in the fewest loses in the 15th Air Force during the war. prgtoken I am honored to recognize Sergeant First Class Thomas F. Vaughns and the Tuskegee Airmen for their rich history of service and bravery. I thank each and every one of them for protecting the freedoms of this country and hope their legacy continues for generations to come.
RECOGNIZING THE 100TH ANNIVERSARY OF KRUTA'S BAKERY
John Shimkus (Republican, IL) \u2014 2019-8-20

. Madam , I rise to recognize the 100th anniversary of Kruta's Bakery, a family-run business that has become an iconic institution in my hometown of Collinsville, IL. prgtoken In 1919, Russian immigrant Frank Kruta, Sr saw an opportunity around the expanding meat-packing industry in East St. Louis, IL, and started a bakery on 8th Street in the city. Numerous fellow natives of eastern Europe flocked to the business, and it grew, as did Frank's family, many of whom would work at the bakery. Frank Kruta, Jr eventually took over from his father, then was succeeded by his son, Jim. prgtoken Kruta's Bakery relocated a few miles east to Collinsville in 1974. It has come to be known for its signature Stollen pastries, breads, Danish rolls, and cakes for special occasions, such as marriages, baptisms, confirmations, and birthdays. I just enjoyed one of its cakes in honor of my father's 91st birthday and my nephew's return from overseas military service. prgtoken A number of recipes brought from eastern Europe by Frank Kruta, Sr are still used to this day by the bakery, now under a fourth generation of the family, led by Paul Kruta, son of Jim and his wife, Mary. Although technically retired, Jim still joins Mary in helping out Paul and the many other family members and employees who are involved in the still-thriving business. prgtoken In honor of Kruta's 100-year milestone, the city of Collinsville closed St. Louis Road in front of the bakery on August 18 for a celebration, which included music, artists, magicians, and--of course-- free bakery items. Money was raised for the American Warrior Initiative. prgtoken Madam , it is an honor to congratulate Kruta's Bakery for a century of excellence, and I send my best wishes for another 100 years or more.
RECOGNIZING HAMILTON CHAPEL BAPTIST CHURCH ON THEIR 105TH ANNIVERSARY
Van Taylor (Republican, TX) \u2014 2019-8-20

. Madam , in 1914, Hamilton Chapel Baptist Church was established as Frisco, Texas' first African American church. Pastored by Reverend Jack Hamilton, the congregation spent its first several years gathering out of Reverend Hamilton's home. prgtoken In 1920, services would be moved to its current location on Ash Street in Frisco. The original building and lot were donated by Rev. Hamilton, and in 1924 a new building was erected in the same space. During the week, the building would serve as Hamilton Elementary, a school for African American students in the community. While the school would close its doors in 1964, the church would remain as a consistent source of spiritual unity within the growing and closely knit community. prgtoken In the late 1960s and 1970s, the building would be renovated under the leadership of Reverend Arthur Maxwell, who led the church for thirty-three years. Today, the church proudly stands under the leadership of Rev. Henry Thomas. While Hamilton Chapel Baptist Church has undergone many changes in its 105-year history, its overall mission has stayed the same. prgtoken Madam , today I urge my colleagues to join me in recognizing Hamilton Chapel Baptist Church for serving as a place of praise and worship in the Frisco community for the past 105 years.
COMMEMORATING THE ONE HUNDREDTH ANNIVERSARY OF CUMMINS INC.
Tom Reed (Republican, NY) \u2014 2019-8-20

. Madam , today I rise to commemorate the one hundredth anniversary of Cummins Inc. prgtoken In 1919, Clessie Cummins and his business partner, William G. Irwin, joined together to form the Cummins Engine Company, developing diesel engines. From these humble beginnings, the Cummins Engine Company has grown to become Cummins Inc a leader among independent engine manufacturers producing a wide variety of engines and engine system components. Today Cummins is listed as a Fortune 150 company, employing more than 62,000 people worldwide. prgtoken While their headquarters may be located in Columbus, Indiana, Cummins Inc. has a long history with Jamestown, New York. In 1974, Cummins acquired a more than one million square foot facility in Jamestown to manufacture engine components. Since the Jamestown Engine Plant produced its first engine in 1981 it has built more than two million engines. The engines made in Jamestown serve customers around the world and the plant serves an important role in the company by serving a wide variety of markets. The Jamestown Engine Plant is also dedicated to improving the community around them, annually contributing one million dollars through charitable donations. It is a pleasure to recognize the success of Cummins and celebrate the contributions that the Jamestown Engine Plant has made to our communities over the last forty-five years. prgtoken One hundred years of successful business and forty-five years of serving the community is certainly a cause for celebration. I congratulate Cummins Inc. on this impressive milestone and look forward to their continued success in the years to come. prgtoken Given the above, I ask that this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations and join me to commemorate the one hundredth anniversary of Cummins Inc.
HONORING THE RECIPIENTS OF THE CONGRESSIONAL VETERAN COMMENDATION
Adam Kinzinger (Republican, IL) \u2014 2019-8-20

. Madam , I rise today to recognize the 2019 recipients of the Congressional Veteran Commendation in the 16th District of Illinois. prgtoken The five veterans receiving this commendation have served this country honorably and fought for the freedoms we hold dearly. These veterans answered their country's call by joining the U.S. Air Force, U.S. Army, and U.S. Marines. As a fellow veteran, I thank them for their patriotism and sacrifices on behalf of our nation. prgtoken After these veterans served their country, they came home to serve their communities. They are civic leaders, active citizens, and many continue to serve their military brothers and sisters through veteran service organizations. Although their mission has changed since returning to civilian life, their leadership and tenacity have not. prgtoken The recipients of the 2019 Congressional Veteran Commendation are: SGT Thomas Cleland of Roscoe, IL; CPL Neil Dreier of Durand, IL; 1LT Stephen Koppenhoefer (USA) of Seneca, IL; A1C Leo McCauley of McNabb, IL; and SMSGT Edward Stash of Ottawa, IL. prgtoken I am proud and honored to be able to recognize these notable veterans. The recipients of this commendation serve as the embodiment of both military and civil service, and it is my hope they will inspire the next generation of our Nation's leaders.
GUNNERY SGT. SCOTT A. KOPPENHAFER
Scott R. Tipton (Republican, CO) \u2014 2019-8-20

. Madam , I rise today to honor the life and service of Marine Gunnery Sgt. Scott A. Koppenhafer of Mancos, Colorado. Gunnery Sgt. Koppenhafer was killed in combat on Saturday, August 10, 2019 while serving alongside the Iraqi Security Forces in a planned operation in northern Iraq. prgtoken Instead of pursuing a job in business following his degree completion at Adams State University, Gunnery Sgt. Koppenhafer decided to enlist in the U.S. Marine Corps. His decision to serve was made during an intense period of war against radical terrorists who continue to threaten our nation's liberties and freedom. Knowing the dangers that accompany serving in war, Gunnery Sgt. Koppenhafer heroically put aside his civilian life ambitions and instead chose to serve his country. prgtoken As one of the world's most lethal fighting forces, Marines are also well-known for their motto, Semper Fidelis, or always faithful. Gunnery Sgt. Koppenhafer adhered to this motto and perhaps best exemplified it during his time in service which spanned nearly 14 years and three deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan. He built an impressive resume over that period which includes two Bronze Stars, a 2018 Marine Corps Forces Special Operations Command's Critical Skills Operator of the Year award, honor graduate for the special operations training school, and dozens of other prestigious military medals and decorations. Gunnery Sgt. Koppenhafer set himself apart from his peers by setting the example with his remarkable record and dedication to putting country over self. prgtoken Madam , Gunnery Sgt. Koppenhafer's life was taken all too soon. His death not only impacts his brothers and sisters in the Corps, but he also leaves behind two children, his wife, and his parents Gerald and Carla. Among his fellow Marines and family members, his hometown of Mancos bears the immense weight of his loss. With a population the size of many high schools across the country, the loss of one from our small community is felt by all who live there. It is with a heavy heart that I, along with so many from the area, say goodbye to such an upstanding citizen and a true American hero. I send my deepest condolences to Gunnery Sgt. Koppenhafer's family and pray that God's grace provides them with the comfort they need to heal.
HONORING BRIGADIER GENERAL DUSTIN A. SHULTZ
Jenniffer González-Colón (Republican, PR) \u2014 2019-8-20

. Madam , I am proud to recognize Brigadier General Dustin A. Shultz of the 1st Mission Support Command in the Caribbean Army Reserve. Brig. General Shultz arrived in my Congressional district of Puerto Rico days before Hurricane Irma hit the Island on September of 2017. Since then, she has served tirelessly over the last two years, where she consolidated 5,000 Army reserves soldiers from around the Caribbean to become a united front. She quickly adapted and integrated herself seamlessly with the locals and led recovery efforts that were vital in our greatest moment of need. prgtoken Since the beginning of her career in 1989, she has served as the Headquarters Company Commander of the 647th Area Support Group, as an Intelligence Analyst for JTF-N, and in 2007 became the Executive Officer of the 373rd MI Battalion under the 201st MI Brigade and just three years later, assumed command of the Battalion. She then served as a Joint Planner in the J9, supporting Haiti relief efforts. Finally, in 2017, she was promoted to Brigadier General and was appointed to Puerto Rico. Under her exemplary leadership, the 1st Mission Support Command was activated full time in Puerto Rico for the first time and has been carrying out relief efforts since. prgtoken Throughout her career, Brig. General Shultz has been highly decorated with the Legion of Merit, the Bronze Star, the Joint Service Commendation Medal, the Meritorious Service Medal, and the General Douglas MacArthur leadership award among many others. prgtoken Her command in Puerto Rico ends this August after 2 years of hard work and dedication. She will move on to become the Operations and Training Officer for the Army Reserve Command. As the sole representative from Puerto Rico, I thank her tremendously for all she has done and wish her much success in her next command.
TRIBUTE TO ABBEY EUSEBIO
Janice D. Schakowsky (Democrat, IL) \u2014 2019-8-23

. Madam , I rise today to pay tribute to Abbey Eusebio, an incredible woman and dedicated public servant who has served on my staff as a Constituent Advocate for over 14 years. While I will soon lose Abbey as a staff member, she will always be part of my Team. I wish her continued success in her future endeavors but look forward to seeing her in the community as we continue to fight for inclusion and representation for all. prgtoken Abbey has devoted her professional life to helping the most vulnerable members of our community. In her role as a Constituent Advocate, she assisted anyone who came in the door or called my office, helping them find resources and navigate government agencies that are all too often complex and unresponsive. prgtoken Abbey has a well-earned reputation as an effective, compassionate and diligent member of my staff. She is thoughtful and tenacious as she pursues matters on behalf of constituents of the 9th Congressional District of Illinois. Over 14 years of service, Abbey provided extensive casework support to individual reaching out for help with immigration, housing, taxes, veterans' benefits, and a wide range of other issues. Her depth of knowledge and dogged persistence in tracking down necessary information from federal agencies has helped hundreds of residents who may have otherwise fallen through the cracks. Over her many years of service, Abbey collected ``regulars'' who would keep in touch and stop in to see her, and she would often receive word-of-mouth referrals from the community because of her amazing work and reputation. prgtoken Abbey worked with other members of my staff to organize and run numerous events throughout the 9th Congressional District, and my staff and I could always trust that her work would be done in a complete and capable manner. She was often seen at several local libraries where she and other staff held weekly office hours, and she was always happy to converse with constituents. prgtoken Abbey frequently spoke on my behalf when I was unable to attend community events, and she never failed to represent the office with gravitas and eloquence. She is a familiar and trusted face at many events in our vibrant Filipino community, where she is one of their strongest advocates. prgtoken My staff and I will feel a distinct void when Abbey moves on to conduct outreach for the Illinois Attorney General's Office, but I know that she will continue to use her skills and many talents to assist residents throughout Illinois in the months and years ahead. prgtoken I will miss Abbey, but I know that she will continue to do tremendous work in our community. I love her very much.