mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
HONORING OSSINING PADRES HISPANOS
Michael Lawler (Republican, NY) \u2014 2023-5-25

. Madam , today, I rise to honor Ossining Padres Hispanos, a lifeline for the local Latino community, and its executive director, Ana Guzman, who immigrated to the United States from Ecuador 33 years ago. prgtoken Born from a simple Facebook group that translated school updates, Padres Hispanos has evolved into a vital community resource, serving thousands with food, clothes, language classes, workplace training, and critical classes on legal, financial, and immigration matters. prgtoken Just this past weekend, I joined Ana and community residents at Ossining Padres Hispanos to celebrate the graduation of their home health aide program, with over 30 people now joining the ranks of this critical workforce that helps our seniors age in place gracefully. prgtoken Clad in orange, symbolizing hope and energy, Ana and her team stand as a beacon of resilience, inclusivity, and solidarity in Ossining and across Westchester County. prgtoken I extend my heartfelt gratitude to Ossining Padres Hispanos and Ana for prgtoken their relentless commitment to our community's welfare. I thank them for making Ossining a better place for all.
CONGRATULATING PRESIDENT-ELECT SANTIAGO PENA PALACIOS
Joe Wilson (Republican, SC) \u2014 2023-5-25

the American people extend congratulations to the Honorable Santiago Pena Palacios on being elected to the Presidency of Paraguay on May 2nd. His success as a former member of the Board of Directors of the Central Bank of Paraguay and former Minister of Finance of Paraguay demonstrates his ability to be a great leader. I am grateful for his dedicated work on anti- corruption, equal application of law, and advancing security, and economic growth for the benefit of both our countries creating jobs. prgtoken The United States established diplomatic relations with Paraguay in 1861, 50 years after Paraguay declared independence from Spain. The longstanding relationship of our nations is characterized by cooperation, shared interests, and a strong bilateral trade relationship. The history of Paraguay as an independent nation has been marked by political upheavals, but in 1989, it underwent a transition to civilian leadership and democratic elections, which the United States supported. prgtoken Paraguay has been a valued ally in addressing regional challenges, such as the crisis in Venezuela, counternarcotics efforts, intellectual property rights protection, and combating illicit activities such as money laundering and human trafficking. Paraguayan commitment to combating illegal activity in the tri-border area and participating in anti-terrorism training demonstrates its dedication to regional security. I am confident President-elect Palacios, upon assuming office on August 15th, will effectively lead Paraguay and carry forward the positive momentum achieved thus far. prgtoken I am grateful for the commitment of the President-elect to continue to strengthen the historic ties between Paraguay and Taiwan, as diplomatic relations date back more than six decades. prgtoken Amidst pressure from the Chinese Communist Party, Taiwan continues to face adversities to keep their allies who acknowledge them as a sovereign nation. It is important that the United States and Paraguay remain devoted to our unwavering support of Taiwan. Paraguay stands with democracies promoting rule of law being opposed by authoritarians imposing rule of gun. prgtoken Paraguay is well represented in the United States by dynamic Ambassador Jose Antonio Dos Santos.
CONGRATULATING CARMEN ANA AND FELIX VEGA ON THEIR 60TH WEDDING ANNIVERSARY
Jenniffer González-Colón (Republican, PR) \u2014 2023-5-25

I wish to congratulate my constituents, Mrs. prgtoken Carmen Ana Fournier Figueroa and Dr. Felix Rafael Vega Sala on their 60th wedding anniversary. prgtoken Carmen Ana and Felix Vega met in 1959 when they were 15 and 17 years old. She was born in Bayamon and he was born in Hatillo, Puerto Rico. Within a few years of meeting one another, they married in 1963 and moved to Seville, Spain, where Felix continued his medical education with the help and support of his devoted wife Carmen Ana. After four years in Spain, they returned to Puerto Rico where Felix completed his medical degree and obtained his license as a psychiatrist. prgtoken In 1982, the family traveled again to Fort Smith, Arkansas, where Dr. Vega served as a lead psychiatrist for the Cuban refugees who had fled oppression in the Mariel boatlift. In 1984, the family moved back to Puerto Rico, and Dr. Vega continued his long-standing professional career with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) in the San Juan Regional Office. After 28 years, Dr. Vega retired as a distinguished medical professional for the VA in San Juan, Puerto Rico. prgtoken Their devotion and love for one another has been witnessed by many and, has embodied one of the most important vows in marriage; ``in sickness and in health.'' When Carmen Ana was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2010, it was not only her faith, bravery, and courageous attitude that got her through this life-threatening disease, but it was the loving care of her husband, and support of her doctors, friends, and family, that helped her defeat this devasting disease. prgtoken Dr. Felix Vega and Carmen Ana have two children, Felix, and Carmen, as well as four young grandchildren, Fabiana, Carlos Enrique, Felix Sebastian and Carmen Sofia. The entire family lives happily in Puerto Rico. prgtoken Please join me in giving Carmen Ana and Felix warmhearted congratulations on their 60th wedding anniversary. I commend them and wish them many more happy years together.
WELCOMING DR. MICHAEL T. WHITSON
Dan Bishop (Republican, NC) \u2014 2023-5-25

it is my honor to introduce America to First Baptist Church Indian Trail in the person of Pastor Mike Whitson, who opened us in prayer. prgtoken Pastor Whitson celebrated this past month his 40th anniversary in the pulpit at First Baptist. prgtoken Indian Trail? You may ask, what is Indian Trail? It is a small town, I would say, immediately east of Charlotte, North Carolina, except that is not quite right. The mayor of Stallings, North Carolina, is in the gallery. Stallings is immediately east of Charlotte, and Indian Trail is immediately east of Stallings. prgtoken It is a small town, and in its midst, the institution of First Baptist Church has over 7,000 members. In the course of the pastorate of Mike Whitson, more than 7,000 people have been baptized, and they have two satellite campuses. prgtoken In 1992, they began the Metrolina Christian Academy, which now matriculates 1,477 students in one of the largest K-12 private schools in our State. There is ministry after ministry--to the county jail, a Russian language ministry. Where God undertakes to do His will, it can be in the most unexpected of places. prgtoken It was related in the church's celebration of Mike's pastorate and his 40th anniversary that, in the early days, Mike would surprise everyone, certainly the men of the church, when he would bid them a farewell by saying: I love you. prgtoken At first, they were taken aback, but after a time, they began saying to Pastor Whitson: I love you. prgtoken That is what Pastor Whitson has meant, and the work of the Lord through him and in him is a masterful thing for the Nation to behold. prgtoken It is my honor to have had him here in the House Chamber today.
HONORING OUR COMMITMENTS TO OUR VETERANS
Jay Obernolte (Republican, CA) \u2014 2023-5-25

. Madam , I rise to thank this body for passing my bill, the Streamlining Aviation for Eligible Veterans Act, or SAFE Veterans Act, as part of the VET-TEC reauthorization bill that the House passed this week. prgtoken This bill will make a meaningful contribution to allowing more of our veterans to receive vocational flight training and enter our Nation's workforce as pilots following their service in our military. prgtoken Madam , in 1980, over two-thirds of our Nation's pilots were veterans. Today, that number is less than 30 percent. This bill will not only ameliorate that situation but also help us honor the commitment that we have made to those who served in our Armed Forces. prgtoken Madam , I urge its passage in the Senate and its transmittal to the President, and I thank this body for supporting it.
DEBT CEILING CRISIS
Chip Roy (Republican, TX) \u2014 2023-5-25

. Amen. Madam , I appreciate the words from my brother, my friend from Texas. He is exactly right. prgtoken Just last night, I was on an interview on Fox with my friend Byron Donalds, and we have staked out two different positions in the primary fight for the nomination for President, and we were talking about how we will be, you know, coming together in a prgtoken year one way or the other carrying forward in the general election, but at some point we have got to remember that we can agree to disagree, that we can actually have a vigorous debate, vigorous disagreements, and engage in--I just wish we would have more of us down here on the floor engaging in actual debate. prgtoken I would ask any of my colleagues on the other side of the aisle, we want to start turning some of our Special Orders into special debates. I think that would be a better use of our time, and actually go back and forth in 2 minute intervals and actually engage in debate on the body of the people's House. prgtoken Madam , I do have to take some issue with some of the 1-minute speeches that my colleagues on the other side of the aisle were engaging in about an hour ago. I saw that the majority leader was on the floor with a chart and that chart said, ``House s are running out of town to cause an economic meltdown.'' prgtoken Sounds ominous. Sounds terrible and threatening and all sorts of calamities are going ensue. Where are Senate ? Where is Chuck Schumer? They have been MIA this entire week, not even in town, but, hell, they have been MIA all year not doing a thing in the Senate except for being the personnel office for the administration. That is all they do, run through nominations, and, heck, they are not even that good at that. prgtoken What do they do? They run out of town. Where was the President last week? Japan. prgtoken You see this ominous threat of a looming debt ceiling date, an X-date as it is being referred to of June 1, is all manufactured crisis and theater. We know that. Americans know that. prgtoken Secretary Yellen wants to figure out how we need to deal with whatever interest payments need to be paid in June, she can prioritize those payments. She can make decisions to figure out how to carry this country forward. She can walk on down here, brief us, meet with us long before the June 7 date she is currently planning to come down to talk to us and have a conversation about taking those COVID dollars back that are sitting in there unobligated to the tune of $50 billion. prgtoken How about taking the IRS dollars back that are there to expand the Internal Revenue Service, an IRS which, by the way, targets the poor and minorities three to five times more than the nonpoor and nonminorities. That is the truth. prgtoken Why don't they take that $80 billion, combine it with the COVID money, turn it into dollars right now that you can go pay loans with? No problem. prgtoken See, my ic
RECOGNIZING THE SERVICE OF THOSE WHO GAVE THE ULTIMATE SACRIFICE MEMORIAL DAY 2023: WEST SENECA WALKWAY OF FREEDOM
Nicholas A. Langworthy (Republican, NY) \u2014 2023-5-25

I rise today to honor and recognize those who paid the ultimate sacrifice in defense of the United States of America. On behalf of the United States Congress, and the constituents of the 23rd Congressional District, I am proud to recognize our brave soldiers' courage, sacrifice, and valor as we come together this Memorial Day. prgtoken On Memorial Day, May 29, 2023, the West Seneca Joint Veterans Committee will dedicate three new monuments in honor of those who served and sacrificed during Operation Desert Shield and Desert Storm, the Second Persian Gulf War, and Operation Enduring Freedom. It is my honor to include in the Record the names of two fallen soldiers to be remembered forever. prgtoken Sergeant David Roustum--Army. prgtoken Sergeant Daniel Schaw--Army. prgtoken All gave some, and some gave all. Memorial Day is not a three-day weekend. It is the duty of a grateful Nation to pause and remember those who laid down their lives so that we may live free. The Flag of the United States of America shows red, white, and blue. Blue symbolizes vigilance, perseverance, and justice--a reminder that we must remain watchful and strong. White reminds us to stay true to our values and ideals. Red represents valor in honor of the blood shed by those who have fought to protect our freedoms. prgtoken On Memorial Day, we remember those we lost and honor the veterans who are with us today. America is the land of the free because it is the home of the brave. I am so humbled by the bravery and honor displayed by our men and women in uniform. Whether it be Memorial Day or any other day, please know that we as a Nation are grateful.
HONORING DR. TELENA WRIGHT UPON HER RETIREMENT
Michael C. Burgess (Republican, TX) \u2014 2023-5-25

I rise today to honor Dr. Telena Wright upon her retirement as Superintendent of the Argyle Independent School District in Argyle, Texas. Raised by two educators in Ballinger, Texas, Dr. Wright initially chose a pre-pharmacy major before switching to an education major and her ultimate attainment of a teacher's certification. prgtoken She earned her bachelor's degree from the University of Texas at Austin, followed by a master's degree in education from Hardin-Simmons University and a doctorate in education from the University of North Texas. prgtoken Prior to coming to Argyle ISD, Dr. Wright worked at San Angelo and Lewisville ISD's. She previously served as a math teacher, elementary and high school counselor, and as an assistant principal, before joining Argyle High School in 2000 as principal. After three years at the helm of AHS, she moved into district administration as an assistant superintendent, then interim superintendent before being named Argyle ISD Superintendent in 2009. prgtoken Under Dr. Wright's capable leadership, Argyle ISD added a pre- kindergarten program and implemented special education programming on all campuses. In addition, the Argyle ISD Police Department was created in 2013 to heighten security and now includes the addition of armed staff and the positioning of an officer on each campus. prgtoken Argyle ISD has seen tremendous growth, and Dr. Wright oversaw the transition from K-8 grades to Pre-K-12 and three successful bond packages to provide updates and renovations to the district's existing facilities, addition of new campuses, new school buses, and new technology and security systems. The district covers over 35 square miles and enrollment has increased from 1700 to 5000 students and 200 to more than 700 employees. prgtoken Dr. Wright has been a hands-on leader and has forged a strong partnership between students, parents, teachers and administrators to ensure the best possible educational experience and outcomes for AISD students. A consummate professional, she is known as a tremendous recruiter and developer-of educators, serving as a mentor to many whom have benefited from her wisdom and inspirational guidance. She has also served as an adjunct instructor at her alma mater UNT, preparing the next generation of teachers. prgtoken During her tenure, Argyle ISD has won twelve UIL Lone Star Cup awards, including a record setting 10 consecutive times. The Lone Star cup is awarded annually to only six high schools in the state based upon the accumulation of the largest number of UIL points with students competing in academics, fine arts and athletics. She has traveled across the region and state to support AISD students and teams as they've competed and won multiple state championships including UIL Academics, Girl's Basketball and Volleyball, Boy's Baseball, Football, and Golf, as well as Marching Band. prgtoken After 15 years as superintendent, Dr. Wright is retiring. It is m
RECOGNIZING THE 60TH ANNIVERSARY OF WAWONA FROZEN FOODS
Kevin McCarthy (Republican, CA) \u2014 2023-5-25

I rise today to recognize the 60th anniversary of Wawona Frozen Foods in the Central Valley. Since its founding in 1963, Wawona Frozen Foods and the Smittcamp family have produced some of America's favorite fruits, including plums, strawberries, pears, and more. However, Wawona is best known for its delicious peaches. prgtoken In 1945, Earl Smittcamp returned home after fighting in the South Pacific as a United States Marine during World War II. Like many Americans seeking out the American Dream after the war, Earl and his wife, Muriel, embarked on their own journey and purchased a 200-acre farm at Minnewawa and Nees Avenues in Clovis, California from Muriel's father in 1946. Wawona Ranch was born, and it would soon become a fully-integrated agricultural operation led by Earl and his sons, Bill and the late Bob Smittcamp. Today, Wawona is a third generation, family-owned business located in the congressional district I proudly represent. prgtoken Headquartered in Clovis and with additional processing plants in Fresno and Watsonville, Wawona Frozen Foods is a major employer and economic contributor to our community. Wawona ships more than 100 million pounds of food annually to schools, retail stores, and the food service industry. Its delicious products can be found in the nation's largest supermarkets, restaurants, and resorts and are used by pastry manufacturers and in baby food. Most notably, Wawona processes over 65 million pounds of peaches annually. prgtoken Aside from the nutritious foods found in stores all throughout North America, the Smittcamp family has made lasting contributions in the community. They are dedicated to improving the quality of life through civic and philanthropic involvement with numerous community organizations, including Fresno State (and its Smittcamp Family Honors College), the Smittcamp Family Foundation, and Valley Children's Hospital. Bill and his wife, Linda, have lived in Clovis for nearly 50 years and have three children: Blake and his wife Cherie, Brad and his wife Courtney, and Blair and her husband Nathan, all of whom work in the family business. Bill and Linda also have six grandchildren: Aubrey Rose, Austin, Beckett, Harvey, Savanna, and Teddy. The Smittcamp family can always be counted on to wish you a ``peachy day!'' prgtoken On behalf of the 20th Congressional District of California, I would like to congratulate Wawona Frozen Foods and the Smittcamp family on 60 successful years in business and for their contributions to our community, California, and the Nation.
RECOGNIZING MEMORIAL DAY
Glenn Thompson (Republican, PA) \u2014 2023-5-25

I rise today to recognize Memorial Day. prgtoken Our Nation's greatness was earned by the sacrifices of a few so that freedom and liberty would come to all. prgtoken This weekend, we remember their sacrifices and their service. Every year on the last Monday of May, people across this Nation gather in town squares, at memorials, and in cemeteries of our fallen heroes to pay tribute to those who gave it all. This Nation is united by our liberties and freedoms that our men and women in uniform take an oath to protect and defend. prgtoken We will always honor our brothers and sisters who fought in battle to uphold our way of life, and we will never stop searching for those who are missing. prgtoken May God always carry them and all our servicemembers in the palm of His hand. prgtoken This Memorial Day, as we raise the Stars and Stripes, as we lay wreaths at monuments, memorials, and cemeteries, let us remember that our freedom is thanks to those who served and those who died in sacrifice.
HONORING THE SERVICE OF MAJOR GENERAL TREVOR J. BREDENKAMP
John R. Carter (Republican, TX) \u2014 2023-5-25

as the proud Co-Chair of the Army Caucus, I extend my deepest gratitude for the service of Major General Trevor J. Bredenkamp to the United States Congress as the Army's Chief Legislative Liaison. prgtoken Under his stewardship, the Army maintained strong relationships with members of Congress, committees, and staff. His many accomplishments within the Office of the Chief Legislative Liaison are a testament to his leadership, particularly in how his team persevered during the COVID-19 pandemic. prgtoken Congratulations to Major General Bredenkamp on his selection as the Commanding General of the Military District of Washington and Commander of the Joint Forces Headquarters-National Capital Region. His dedication and experience will undoubtedly result in a disciplined and prepared force, entrusted with securing our Nation's Capital. prgtoken I extend my best wishes as he transitions to a new assignment and express profound thankfulness to him and his family's service to our Nation.
COMMEMORATING 77TH ANNIVERSARY OF HASHEMITE KINGDOM OF JORDAN INDEPENDENCE DAY
Michael Waltz (Republican, FL) \u2014 2023-5-25

. Madam , I rise today to commemorate the 77th anniversary of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan's Independence Day. prgtoken America and Jordan have a long history of friendship and cooperation after establishing diplomatic relations in 1949. Jordan plays a vital role in advancing peace, stability, and moderation in the Middle East. prgtoken I recently visited Jordan. In fact, I had the honor of being flown by Jordan's first-ever female helicopter pilot. On that same visit, King Abdullah graciously hosted our delegation and took us to the holy site where Jesus was baptized on the east bank of the Jordan River. prgtoken Jordan is a shining example of tolerance, with traditions of hospitality between all religions. This visit was especially moving, and it was an experience I will remember for the rest of my life. prgtoken It is especially meaningful to me personally as I married into a Jordanian-American family, the Nesheiwats, who immigrated to America from their ancestral home of Salt through Ellis Island. prgtoken We look forward to returning to Jordan soon to baptize our newborn son, Arman. prgtoken I wish King Abdullah and the Jordanian people a happy Independence Day, and I remain committed to supporting the friendship and partnership between our two countries.