mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
HONORING MIKE MURASE
Maxine Waters (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2022-4-14

. Madam , I rise today to honor Mr. Mike Murase for his outstanding service on behalf of people of color, women, young people, seniors, and other disadvantaged members of society. Later today, the Little Tokyo Service Center in downtown Los Angeles will honor Mike Murase upon his retirement. prgtoken Mike Murase has been an activist leader in the Japanese American national civil rights movement for more than 50 years. prgtoken Mr. Murase moved from Japan to Los Angeles when he was just 9 years old after multiple visits to Hiroshima with his parents to witness the destruction of the world's first atomic bomb; visits which had a profound effect upon his social activism for the rest of his life. Mr. Murase was an early opponent of U.S. involvement in the Vietnam conflict and was a leader in Asian American opposition to the war. prgtoken He co-founded Gidra, a landmark Japanese American Movement publication, when he was an undergraduate at the University of California at Los Angeles (UCLA), where he also helped create the Asian American Studies Center. prgtoken Mr. Murase graduated from the Gould School of Law at the University of Southern California (USC) and taught some of the early ethnic studies classes at UCLA, USC, and California State University Long Beach. prgtoken Mr. Murase was a member and leader of such seminal organizations as Asian Americans for Nuclear Disarmament, the Little Tokyo Peoples Rights Organization, the National Coalition for Redress/Reparations, Unity Los Angeles, and the California Rainbow Coalition. He was Rev. Jesse Jackson's deputy field coordinator and the California Asian American Coordinator in Rev. Jackson's 1984 presidential run; and the California Campaign director for Rev. Jackson's 1988 effort. prgtoken Mike Murase was the District Director of my Congressional office for 13 years where he worked tirelessly with countless community service organizations, improving their interaction with the Federal government. He was a highly skilled manager who was also an extremely talented graphics designer, writer, public speaker, and organizer, who, utilizing all of his skill set, led and trained my staff magnificently. He knew my district well and was able to meet challenges of every type, creating positive outcomes on many levels. prgtoken Mr. Murase was instrumental in organizing the California Rainbow Coalition after serving on the Rainbow Coalition's national board. He was chair of the Los Angeles Free South Africa Movement from 1986 to 1988, helped Quincy Jones and myself produce the city-wide welcoming reception for Nelson Mandela attended by 79,000 people at the Los Angeles Coliseum in 1990, and was an observer to the African National Congress conference in South Africa in 1991. prgtoken Mike Murase is retiring after 16 years on the Executive Staff of the Little Tokyo Service Center, a vital social service and community economic development agency serving the Japanese American commu
HONORING THE SERVICE OF MS. OLGA JACKSON
Troy A. Carter (Democrat, LA) \u2014 2022-4-14

. Madam , I rise today to recognize the life and career of Olga Armour Jackson. Since 1956, Ms. Jackson has performed one of our most important jobs as a professional educator. She has served at every level, as a Kindergarten Teacher, a Head Start Teacher, a Head Start Pre-Kindergarten Teacher, a Teacher of Gifted Children via Project First, an Adult/GED Instructor, an Adjunct Instructor in Early Childhood Education at the Vocational and Community College level, a Program Manager/Trainer and an Early Childhood Education Consultant. prgtoken Olga Armour Jackson was born on November 20, 1933, and is the eldest of ten children of the late Reverend Lloyd J. Armour, Sr and the late Frances Ernestine Henry Armour. Married to the late Lawrence Jackson, Sr she is mother to Lawrence Jackson, Jr and Grandmother to Janae' and Jarrell Jackson. Ms. Jackson was educated in the public prgtoken schools of New Orleans where she attended Johnson C. Lockett Elementary and McDonogh 35 Senior High School. She went on to receive her Bachelor of Arts degree in Kindergarten-Primary Education from Dillard University in 1956 and later earned her Master of Education degree in Early Childhood Education from Tulane University. In the seventies, she furthered her education even more at Tulane University. prgtoken Ms. Jackson has retired three times in her illustrious career. First, from the New Orleans Public School System in 1977. In 2001, she retired from St. Mark's Community Center where she directed the Child Care Training Program. Finally, in 2015, she retired from Delgado Community College, where she instructed CDA Prep Training for Head Start and childcare teachers in the Greater New Orleans area. prgtoken She is a passionate Head Start supporter. Ms. Jackson most recently served as a member of the Jefferson Parish Head Start Policy Council as a Community Representative from 2015 to 2021. Her past service has included CDA Advisor and Trainer to Head Start teaching staff, member of the Head Start Policy Council Education committee giving input to policies impacting parental programs in Head Start Centers, and as a presenter at Jefferson Parish Head Start Annual Teacher Workshops. Ms. Jackson has certainly left a lasting impact in the Head Start community across several communities and in various capacities since its inception in 1965. prgtoken Her dedication to the advocacy and protection of the rights of children is unmatched. She has been active in numerous causes for children and families. Ms. Jackson is Past President of the Louisiana Association for the Education of Young Children; Founder and Advisor of the New Orleans Association of Family Child Care Providers, Inc.; former Advisory Board member of the Louisiana Children's Trust Fund; former Trainer of the WYES Ready to Learn Program; Life Member of the Dillard University Alumni Association and Louisiana Retired Teachers Association prgtoken Ms. Jackson has had a lasting
MARVIN RANDLE RETIREMENT
Beth Van Duyne (Republican, TX) \u2014 2022-4-14

. Madam , I rise today to recognize Marvin Randle, the former mayor of Irving. Marvin lives every day, from his time as Mayor to serving Oak View Baptist Church for over 65 years, wanting to make this city better. He is always looking for ways to get more involved and lend a hand. Marvin's Irving legacy, beyond dedicated service, is one filled with smiles, kindness, and generosity. He is beloved for his fish fries for Irving Heritage Society and hamburger cookouts to support Irving Police Department. prgtoken As one of Irving's proudest champions, he has spent his life in the city he loves, growing his family business here, and raising his children to live their lives with the same sense of community and dedication to public service. prgtoken Under his leadership, the Irving Arts Board was established, giving young artists in our city the support they need. He also saw the beauty in our city and during his tenure started the Tourist and Convention Bureau, making Irving a destination city to millions. prgtoken Marvin is a proud small business owner, founding Irving Counter Top in 1962 and creating over 1,200 jobs for North Texans. Irving Counter Top's success has enabled Marvin to support and sponsor numerous sports teams and charity organizations. While serving as President of Irving Homebuilders Association, Chairman of Irving Centennial Committee, President of Dallas Area Homebuilders, and a Member of the Texas Municipal League, many groups benefit from Marvin's leadership across our community. prgtoken Marvin and his wife, Bobbie are longtime friends and mentors. It is an honor to help celebrate such a full and impactful career and legacy, as Marvin retires this month. I thank Marvin for his great contributions to our local government and the impact he has made, as he helps shape our community.
HONORING BECKY ZASECK FOR HER SERVICE TO HOOSIERS
Jackie Walorski (Republican, IN) \u2014 2022-4-14

. Madam , I rise today to honor the remarkable service of Becky Zaseck as she retires after dedicating 36 years to REAL Services. In nearly four decades, Becky touched the lives of countless Hoosiers across our region. prgtoken Based in South Bend, REAL Services provides programs that promote nutrition, self-sufficiency, education, and protection for 30,000 people in northern Indiana each year. As President and CEO of REAL Services since 2007, Becky has been instrumental in leading this robust organization as it administers more than 25 programs and serves 12 counties across northern Indiana. prgtoken Before taking the helm of REAL Services, Becky directed the agency's work to serve older Hoosiers for 17 years. In 1986, she first began her career at REAL Services as a program consultant with the state of Indiana helping to establish the organization's family development program, which helps families become financially self-sufficient. prgtoken Becky is truly a leader in her field and has served as a role model for so many in Indiana and beyond. Her legacy of compassionate service and expertise is widespread. In past years, Becky was a delegate to the White House Conference on Aging, and she served as a member of the Indiana Commission on Autism. prgtoken In recognition of her amazing accomplishments, Becky has received the Sagamore of the Wabash Award from Governor O'Bannon, the Trailblazer Award by the Indiana Commission on Women, the YWCA's Woman of the Year, the Hoosier of Distinction Award from Governor Daniels, the Athena Award from the Chamber of Commerce, and Distinguished Alumnus from Leadership South Bend/Mishawaka, among many other recognitions. prgtoken Becky is a cherished community leader who has dedicated her life to serving the vulnerable. As she looks ahead to the next chapter, I thank Becky for her servant leadership and for her steadfast commitment to our neighbors. On behalf of Indiana's Second Congressional District, it is my privilege to honor Becky Zaseck for her vast contributions to our region and wish her all the best in the years ahead.
RECOGNIZING MAYOR KAREN ALEXANDER
Ted Budd (Republican, NC) \u2014 2022-4-14

. Madam , I rise today to recognize Mayor Karen Alexander of Salisbury, North Carolina, for her leadership to both the City of Salisbury and the North Carolina League of Municipalities. prgtoken For over a century, the North Carolina League of Municipalities has worked tirelessly to advance the interests of member cities and towns across the state. This past year, the League tasked Mayor Alexander with leading its 35-member Board of Directors as their President. prgtoken Public service and leadership are nothing new to Mayor Alexander. Ever since she was elected a Salisbury City Councilwoman in 2013, she has been a pervasive force in her hometown's municipal government. In her roles on the city council, Mayor Alexander has responsibly pursued revitalization efforts to prepare the historic town for future challenges while simultaneously leaning into its rich heritage. Her efforts to attract new businesses, restore downtown building facades, and incentivize urban revitalization have fostered a renaissance of local pride and community cohesion throughout the city. I personally have had the immense pleasure of working alongside Mayor Alexander. In witnessing her work, I have been impressed by her sharp mind, perceptive instincts, and enormous heart. prgtoken During her tenure as League President, Mayor Alexander has been instrumental in developing new and creative ways for the League to advocate for North Carolina's cities and towns. Under her direction during the height of the global COVID-19 pandemic, the League has witnessed record-high event attendance thanks to Mayor Alexander's leadership in rolling out expanded online tools and webinars. Other contributions Mayor Alexander has made to the League are more tangible. As an architect by trade, Mayor Alexander was uniquely positioned to play a pivotal role in rebuilding the League's office space. Following a devastating fire in 2017 that consumed their longtime office buildings in Raleigh, the League tapped Mayor Alexander to serve on their building committee. Under her guidance as President, plans are being set in motion to develop a new facility to ensure North Carolina's cities and towns have a permanent home for extraordinary advocacy. prgtoken Madam , please join me in thanking Mayor Karen Alexander for her generous spirit and invaluable management. Both the City of Salisbury and the North Carolina League of Municipalities have benefited immensely from her years of impactful service. I am sure they both will be blessed by the fruits of her leadership for years to come.
TRIBUTE IN CELEBRATION OF LORETTA LYNN'S 90TH BIRTHDAY
Harold Rogers (Republican, KY) \u2014 2022-4-14

. Madam , I rise to pay tribute to Loretta Lynn, in celebration of her 90th birthday. The incredible voice of America's famed coal miner's daughter has resounded across the Appalachian Mountains and around the world, highlighting the resiliency and courage of the people of Eastern Kentucky, where she was born and raised. prgtoken Loretta Lynn's superstardom is a remarkable story, rising from her humble beginnings in Butcher Holler to the top of the country music charts. Her Eastern Kentucky roots shine through the lyrics of her most famous songs and paint a prominent picture of hope and perseverance that are iconic in our coal mining region. She has inspired generations of gifted singers from the mountains. Although Nashville gets much of the glory for birthing the superstars of country music, it is in the hills of Eastern Kentucky where many of them were born, raised, and played their first guitars. Loretta Lynn is just one of the many names lining our Country Music Highway in Eastern Kentucky. We have a rich heritage of talented musicians and vocalists, thanks to country music pioneers, like Loretta Lynn, who proved that hard work, mountain grit and sheer talent makes for an unstoppable combination. prgtoken At the age of 28, she signed with her first record label and stepped onto the Grand Ole Opry stage for the first of many times, becoming a member just two years later. In 1972, she was the first woman to be nominated and to win Entertainer of the Year at the Country Music Association (CMA) Awards. She went on to win CMA's Female Vocalist of the Year award in 1967, 1972 and 1973. When we teamed up with Conway Twitty, the duo recorded five consecutive number one hits, winning the CMA's Vocal Duo of the Year award for four consecutive years, 1972 through 1975. Her best-selling autobiography, Coal Miner's Daughter, was turned into an Academy Award-winning film in 1980. As her success continued, Loretta Lynn was inducted into the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame and the Country Music Hall of Fame in 1988 at the age of 56. Her portfolio includes 60 studio albums, including five certified gold and one certified platinum record. Earning 18 Grammy nominations and 3 Grammy awards, Loretta Lynn stands now as the most awarded female country recording artist and the only female to be named the Academy of Country Music's Artist of the Decade. Adding to her monumental list of accolades, she was also awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom for her lifetime contributions to the arts. prgtoken The people of Kentucky are proud of our own ``Coal Miner's Daughter'' and the legacy of hope that Loretta Lynn built to move mountains for aspiring young artists from the Appalachian Mountains. On her 90th birthday, we celebrate and applaud the life of Loretta Lynn.
RECOGNIZING THE CHRISTOPHER COLUMBUS HIGH SCHOOL DRAMA CLUB ON THEIR SUPERLATIVE PERFORMANCE AT THE FLORIDA STATE THESPIAN FESTIVAL
Carlos A. Gimenez (Republican, FL) \u2014 2022-4-14

. Madam , I rise today to congratulate the Drama Club at Christopher Columbus High School, my alma mater. On March 16-19 of 2022, the Columbus Drama Club participated in the Florida State Thespian Festival in Tampa. Their performance was exceptional--the CCHS Drama Club scored six Superiors. prgtoken In the first Festival since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Explorers achieved a Superior grade in each of the six presentations they submitted. This remarkable feat is only the second time in Columbus High School's history that the Drama Club won a Superior in all its presentations, and the first time in eight years. prgtoken I would like specifically to congratulate Christian Wilson, David Figueredo, Tobias Reyes, Joaquim Carvalho, Michael Remy, Miguel Ramirez, Christopher Ramos, Nicholas Sutton, Gabriel Vergara, Matthew Gory, Austin Garcia-Hall, Alexander Valcarcel, Victor Barreda and Sebastian Arana. The Drama Club was led by Ms. Erin McGrath, who deserves a hearty commendation for their success. prgtoken Acting brings so much joy to our lives. No doubt these talented and hard-working Explorers-Thespians will go far in their artistic endeavors. I also congratulate the CCHS student body, staff, and especially the parents of the Drama Club students, for their part in this distinguished achievement. I look forward to continuing to witness our school make history. Forward (adelante).
RECOGNIZING MR. GEORGE STEVE BOSAN UPON HIS 100TH BIRTHDAY
Scott Perry (Republican, PA) \u2014 2022-4-14

. Madam , I'm honored to recognize Mr. George Steve Bosan upon the auspicious occasion of his 100th Birthday. A resident of Mechanicsburg, via Newark, New Jersey, where he was born on April 21, 1922, Mr. Bosan's incredible life spans decades of service to the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and the United States of America. He and his late wife, Louise, had one child together, Steven Bosan. prgtoken Mr. Bosan's military career began as a Lieutenant in the U.S. Army, European theatre. He served in a combat engineer battalion in the Third Army, commanded by General George S. Patton. Mr. Bosan was stationed in France after D-Day, where he and his unit made it across the Rhine River before he was injured in combat. prgtoken Following his injuries, Mr. Bosan worked as a draftsman before returning to active service in the Korean War. He graduated from flight school and arrived in Korea as commander of a light aviation unit, flying both helicopters and fixed wing aircraft. He regularly flew General Paik of the Republic of Korean Army in his Bell H-13 helicopter. Following the Korean War, he served in various posts across the United States and France before next serving in the Vietnam War, in which he served as the commander of a combat aviation maintenance battalion during the Tet Offensive. prgtoken After returning from the Vietnam War, Mr. Bosan served in multiple postings stateside before his retirement from the New Cumberland Army Depot, at which he served as the Director of Maintenance and led 1,200 civilian technicians responsible for overhauling Chinook helicopters. Mr. Bosan's civilian career ultimately ended after 17 years as the facilities manager for the Hospital Association of Pennsylvania. prgtoken After his decades of service to our Nation, I'm privileged by the opportunity to recognize this amazing member of the ``Greatest Generation'' as he celebrates his 100th Birthday. Thank you will never be enough, and I wish him continued Godspeed.
CELEBRATING THE 200TH BIRTHDAY OF PRESIDENT GRANT
Brad R. Wenstrup (Republican, OH) \u2014 2022-4-14

. Madam , I rise today to recognize the 200th Birthday of the 18th President of the United States, Ulysses S. Grant. President Grant was born in Point Pleasant, located in Clermont County in Ohio's 2nd Congressional District. prgtoken When he was a child, his family moved to Brown County, also in Ohio's 2nd District, and there he was educated before accepting a nomination to the United States Military Academy at West Point. prgtoken Following his commissioning, Grant served in the Mexican-American War and most notably, the Civil War, where he became Commanding General of the United States Army in 1864. prgtoken General Grant oversaw the surrender of General Lee at Appomattox Court House and served as Commanding General of the Army until he was elected President in 1868. He served two terms as President from 1869 to 1877 and oversaw the beginning of the Reconstruction Era in the United States. prgtoken President Grant was widely considered the General who ``saved the Union.'' He was a great leader who left his mark on American history, and we can all follow his example of courage. I am honored to have President Grant's home located in Ohio's 2nd Congressional district and a landmark of our nation's history.
HONORING GRAY STONE DAY SCHOOL GRADUATE ANNIE HABEEB FOR OUTSTANDING ATHLETIC LEADERSHIP AND SUCCESS
Richard Hudson (Republican, NC) \u2014 2022-4-14

. Madam , I rise today to honor and congratulate Ms. Annie Habeeb for her exceptional accomplishments and leadership as a soccer player. prgtoken Ms. Habeeb attended Gray Stone Day School in Stanly County where she was a four-year member of the varsity women's soccer team. Over the course of her four-year high school career, she helped lead the Knights to a 71-9-5 record in which they won 86.5 percent of their games and made it deep into the state playoffs each year. She also strengthened her game by playing in Iceland, Denmark, and Sweden as a member of the Lake Norman Soccer club team. Following high school, Ms. Habeeb competed for and recently graduated from Flagler University where she earned her bachelor's degree in hospitality and tourism management with a minor in business administration. After experiencing great success over her four years of soccer at Flagler, Ms. Habeeb has decided to pursue a career in professional women's soccer. She recently signed a contract with IFK Kalmar in Sweden's OBOS Damallsvenskan league. prgtoken As a member of one of the most prestigious soccer leagues in the world, Ms. Habeeb is the first student from Gray Stone Day School to become a professional athlete. This remarkable achievement is tangible evidence of her hard work and determination which represents the very best of our community. Praised by others for her devout work ethic and superb leadership skills, Ms. Habeeb sets an excellent example for all to follow. prgtoken I would like to extend my most heartfelt appreciation to Ms. Habeeb for her austere commitment to soccer and dedicated leadership within our community. I speak for our entire community in wishing her continued success and happiness as she pursues her dream of playing professional soccer. prgtoken Madam , please join me today in honoring Ms. Annie Habeeb for her excellent leadership and unprecedented success as a graduate from Gray Stone Day School.