mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
RECOGNIZING THE 20TH ANNIVERSARY OF SAWYER INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT
Jack Bergman (Republican, MI) \u2014 2019-8-27

. Madam , it is my honor to recognize Sawyer International Airport upon the occasion of its 20th Anniversary. Through its outstanding service and commitment to excellence, Sawyer has become an indispensable part of Michigan's First District. prgtoken With the expansion of the U.S. Air Force following World War II, a small airstrip near Marquette, Michigan, was chosen as the site for a new base. After signing a 99-year lease on the land, the K.I. Sawyer Air Force Base officially opened on May 8, 1959. For nearly 40 years, the base hosted thousands of airmen until its eventual closure in September 1995. In its place opened Sawyer International Airport, a public-use airport owned and operated by the County of Marquette. Its first incoming commercial flight landed on September 22, 1999. prgtoken Since that first flight, more than two million commercial airline passengers have been served by Sawyer, with more than a hundred thousand flyers going through the airport each year. Sawyer has also constantly worked to improve and expand over the last two decades-- shaping the airport into the first-rate option for businesses and travelers that it is today. In addition to its passenger air service, Sawyer's campus is home to over five dozen businesses with more than 1,200 employees. It should be no surprise that Sawyer was named the 2019 Airport of the Year by the Michigan Department of Transportation, while Airport Manager Duane DuRay was named Airport Manager of the Year. Day after day, Sawyer International Airport demonstrates its commitment to connecting those in the U.P. with the rest of the world, while allowing those from around the globe to visit and experience the best that Michigan has to offer. prgtoken Madam , it's my honor to congratulate Sawyer International Airport for 20 years of success and service. Michiganders can take immense pride in knowing that the First District is home to such an outstanding institution. On behalf of my constituents, I wish Sawyer all the best in its future endeavors.
COMMEMORATING THE CITY OF SPRINGFIELD, TENNESSEE, ON ITS BICENTENNIAL ANNIVERSARY
John W. Rose (Republican, TN) \u2014 2019-8-27

. Madam , I rise today to recognize the City of Springfield, Tennessee, in honor of its 200th anniversary. Springfield is the county seat of Robertson County, located just north of Nashville and just south of the Tennessee- Kentucky border. prgtoken With a little over 16,000 citizens, Springfield has regularly demonstrated exactly what it means to be a tight-knit community. This town is built on a solid foundation of hard work, agricultural acumen, and family values, and it has continued to show these unwavering attributes over the course of its long history. prgtoken Although Springfield was not incorporated until 1819, the first General Assembly of Tennessee gave a county seat identified as Springfield to Robertson County in 1796. Two years later, in 1798, the town was established under this name. prgtoken Since the early eighteenth century, agriculture has played a large role in Springfield's development, and it continues to provide many employment opportunities for its citizens. Thanks to its rich soil, Springfield thrives in the production of hay, corn, and wheat, but is best known for its production of tobacco. In fact, in 1928, Springfield was labeled as the ``Home of the World's Finest Dark Fired Tobacco.'' prgtoken I hope that my House colleagues will join me in celebrating this bicentennial achievement of Springfield, Tennessee. The town and its residents have continued to show the strong faith and values of Tennessee since the days when its first courthouse was built of hand- hewn logs. I wish Springfield and its citizens much prosperity and happiness over its next 200 years and beyond.
RECOGNIZING DETECTIVE GREG HORTON
Trent Kelly (Republican, MS) \u2014 2019-8-27

. Madam , I rise today to recognize Detective Greg Horton with the DeSoto County Sheriff's Department for being named one of the Top 10 Computer Forensic Examiners in the country by the United States Secret Service. prgtoken Detective Horton is one of 3,000 examiners on the United States Secret Service Electronic Crimes Task Force. Detective Horton has been working with the Electronic Crimes Task Force since 2011 and has performed over 2,200 forensic examinations. Out of all his peers, the United States Secret Service has ranked him number four in the country. prgtoken I thank Detective Horton for his dedicated service to our law enforcement community and the nation.
HONORING THE LIFE AND LEGACY OF ROBERT PAUL ROBERTS
Mark E. Green (Republican, TN) \u2014 2019-8-27

. Madam , I rise today to recognize Robert Paul Roberts, born August 22, 1922 in Lexington, Tennessee. prgtoken Mr. Roberts graduated from Lexington High School in 1941 and attended the University of Tennessee-Martin in 1941 through 1942 when the nation was swept into World War II. prgtoken About one year after Pearl Harbor, Mr. Roberts entered active duty in the U.S. Army on December 5, 1942. Roberts served in the 84th Infantry Division/9th Army Company. He served in Holland, Belgium, and Germany, including battles and campaigns in the Rhineland. He landed in Omaha Beach in the fall of 1944. prgtoken Mr. Roberts returned home on the Queen Elizabeth II and was honorably discharged on February 21, 1946 in Ft. McPherson, Georgia. Upon his return, he worked as a farmer and a brick and stone mason, helping to build many homes, schools, and churches in West Tennessee. prgtoken Mr. Roberts is a decorated veteran, having earned the World War II Victory Medal, the European African Middle Eastern Service Medal, and a Bronze Star American Service Medal. prgtoken Mr. Roberts is married to Betty Wood. They have six children, eleven grandchildren, eighteen great grandchildren, and a loving church family. prgtoken Madam , I commend this great American on another year lived. I ask that my colleagues in the United States House of Representatives join me in congratulating him and thanking him for his service to our nation.
REMEMBERING THE ACHIEVEMENTS OF DOCTOR R.C. SHAH
Carol D. Miller (Republican, WV) \u2014 2019-8-30

. Madam , I rise today to posthumously recognize, Doctor Rajnikant Chandulal Shah--affectionately known to many as ``R.C.'' Doctor Shah, born on April 11, 1944, was raised in Jinja, Uganda before he moved to Mumbai, India to attend Grant Medical College; after receiving his medical degree, he moved again to America to pursue better educational opportunities. It was within the mountains of Appalachia, where he decided to continue his surgical training with Appalachian Regional Hospitals and West Virginia University School of Medicine. prgtoken Often referred to as and recognized as one of the best General Surgeons in all of West Virginia, Doctor Shah, throughout forty years of private practice, devoted his life to caring for southern West Virginians in the communities of Beckley, Hinton, Sophia, Rainelle, Oak Hill, and Meadow Bridge. prgtoken While also maintaining an active and influential career, Doctor Shah remained an asset to the healthcare industry all throughout the Mountain State. He was a fervent advocate for bettering the health of all his fellow West Virginians--making great efforts to recruit and retain top-notch medical talent to the Mountain State. Even after long hours and days spent entrenched in complicated surgical cases, he made time to serve in a wide variety of medical leadership roles and spent year after year teaching future generations of medical leaders from West Virginia University, Marshall University, and Lewisburg College of Osteopathic Medicine. prgtoken Doctor Shah's list of accomplishments are many--they include: decades of serving as a Board of Trustees Member as well as a Medical Director of two hospitals associated with the Appalachian Regional Healthcare system, President of the West Virginia Chapter of the American College of Surgeons, titles at multiple area hospitals including Chairman of Surgery, Chief of Medical Staff, and President of the Raleigh County Medical Society. He also served for over twenty years as a Clinical Associate Professor for West Virginia University School of Medicine. prgtoken May God bless Doctor R.C. Shah. I wish I could thank him for all he has done for the people of the great State of West Virginia. He will always be fondly remembered by his family, friends, colleagues, and the countless people whose lives he impacted during his lifetime.
COMMEMORATION OF THE 50TH WEDDING ANNIVERSARY OF DOLORES AND WILL GRESHAM
Mark E. Green (Republican, TN) \u2014 2019-8-30

. Madam , I rise today to recognize and honor Dolores and Will Gresham of Somerville, Tennessee on the very special occasion of their 50th wedding anniversary. prgtoken Dolores and Will were married on August 2, 1969. Together, their lives have been marked by service to their community, and both retired from the United States Marine Corps with the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. Dolores has also served in the Tennessee State Senate since 2008. prgtoken In addition to their service, their marriage of fifty faithful years embodies the values of Tennessee which have and will keep our state and our nation strong. There's no doubt that they have lived an All- American life with their family; raising Hereford cattle on their farm, investing in their neighbors, and holding fast to their strong values and shared faith, giving us all an ideal to which we can aspire. May their commitment grow even stronger as they love, cherish, and honor one another for many years to come. prgtoken Madam , I commend this great couple on their 50th year of marriage. I ask that my colleagues in the United States House of Representatives join me in congratulating them on this momentous occasion.
HONORING DAVE ADKISSON ON THE OCCASION OF HIS RETIREMENT
Harold Rogers (Republican, KY) \u2014 2019-8-30

. Madam , I rise today in recognition of Dave Adkisson, for his years of dedicated service in expanding business and enhancing opportunity throughout the Commonwealth of Kentucky. A true champion for business-community outreach and development, Dave's retirement in October 2019 marks an impactful 15-year career dedicated to advancing businesses and promoting workers' priorities with the Kentucky Chamber of Commerce. prgtoken Dave was raised in Owensboro, Kentucky, where he first sowed the seeds of his passion for business and community development. After starting his career at the local chamber of commerce, his success and community leadership were further evidenced when he was twice elected mayor of Owensboro. prgtoken After serving as president of the Birmingham, Alabama Chamber, Dave returned home to the Commonwealth to serve as head of the state chamber in 2005. Due to his leadership and selfless discipline, the Kentucky Chamber became the state's largest business association. Dave expanded the Chamber's Frankfort headquarters to focus on Kentucky-first policy and local community development. Due to the economic growth and business advancements under Dave's efforts, the state chamber doubled in size and became a prominent voice, advocating for Kentucky on the national scale. With Dave as president and CEO, the Kentucky Chamber of Commerce was named the State Chamber of the Year by the Council of State Chambers. prgtoken Dave has used his state chamber position by serving the Commonwealth community in multiple positions, including serving as the chairman of the American Chamber of Commerce Executives, and the chairman of the national Council of State Chambers. In each role, Dave worked to ensure that not only local business-community relationships existed, but also that Kentucky businesses were featured, utilized and grown on the national landscape. He has been an incredible force in the field of commerce and economic development for the Commonwealth. prgtoken I am particularly proud of Dave's tireless advocacy for enhancing our business community through education and workforce development. Kentucky's workforce is the best in the country, and his efforts to create the Kentucky Chamber Workforce Center and the Leadership Institute for School Principals have certainly yielded tremendous results. It is clear that his personal passion has shown through in these successful initiatives. prgtoken Dave has been a true leader for Kentucky and we will do our best to continue his dedicated work for the region we all love. As he enters retirement, my wife Cynthia and I wish Dave, Bonnie and their entire family immense joy and blessings in the years to come.
RECOGNIZING EVIDENT LIFE CHURCH'S TEN-YEAR ANNIVERSARY
Andy Biggs (Republican, AZ) \u2014 2019-8-30

. Madam , this summer, Evident Life Church in Gilbert, Arizona celebrates its ten-year anniversary. I join with Pastor Eric Jones, his wife Velvet, and members of their congregation in celebrating this achievement. prgtoken Starting a new venture--especially building a church community and foundation--is never easy. It takes courage, perseverance, and faith to step forward to begin this process. Over the past ten years, Pastor Jones, his family, and his leadership team have endured both trials and triumphs and have always risen to the occasion with the help of our Creator. They have cultivated a thriving church that is a beacon of hope in our community. prgtoken Evident Life Church is extremely active throughout the East Valley. Pastor Jones serves as the co-chairman for my faith council, and his prayers and encouragement sustain me and many of our public servants each and every day. prgtoken I'm thankful for Pastor Jones, his wife Velvet, and the entire team at Evident Life Church. To all the pastors, ministers, coordinators, and members: have a wonderful celebration, and may their church enjoy many decades of fruitful ministry.
ADRIAN MEYERS 100TH BIRTHDAY
Billy Long (Republican, MO) \u2014 2019-8-30

. Madam , I rise today to celebrate the fabulous life of Adrian Meyers, who turned 100 on April 4 this year. prgtoken Adrian was born and raised in Kenton, Tennessee, graduating from high school there in 1937. She went on to attend the University of Tennessee-Martin for two years before transferring to Murray State University where she graduated with a bachelor's of science in chemistry. prgtoken Not long after graduating, Adrian accepted a fellowship at the University of Kentucky where she received her master's degree in mathematics while serving as a graduate assistant. After earning her degree, she returned to Kenton to take care of her father. However, she continued her teaching career, eventually becoming an associate professor of mathematics at Illinois State University, where she taught for 18 years. prgtoken One of the many highlights of Adrian's long career was attending the National Science Foundation Institute in San Jose, California. It also happened to be the place she met her future husband, Dr. W.H. Meyers. prgtoken After a long career in education, Adrian and her husband decided to use retirement to travel. They went to various locations all across the U.S. and Europe. This is a woman who has always stayed very informed in current events, listening to several commentators daily. Her husband passed away a few years ago, sadly, and she has since relocated to Springfield, Missouri, to be near family. prgtoken Madam , it is evident that Adrian Meyers has lived a beautiful life. She spent her entire professional career graciously serving as a public-school teacher, which is beyond laudable. America owes her a debt of gratitude for her many years of service, and I am honored to rise today, recognizing this extraordinary life.
REMEMBRANCE OF HOPE ``JACKIE'' MURPHY WHITTAKER
Robert J. Wittman (Republican, VA) \u2014 2019-8-30

. Madam , I rise today in recognition of Hope ``Jackie'' Murphy Whittaker, who passed away on 20 August 2019. prgtoken She was born 20 January 1935, the only child of Frank Marvin Murphy of Ayrfield and Hope Alice Dadmun of Petersburg and Norfolk. Jackie lived a long and varied life, raising her children, managing the farm, Ayrfield, where her family has lived since 1769, working on the Virginia Tech Extension Farm at Liberty Hall in Mount Holly, and spending 18 years as a customer service representative at Dominion Power before retiring in 1997. prgtoken Jackie was a Red Cross water safety instructor in her youth, and was an avid hunter and fisherman, inviting others into the outdoors with her enthusiasm. She inherited her mother's love of music and singing; she particularly enjoyed classical music and opera. She directed the choir at Yeocomico Church for several years. Jackie participated in various other nearby choral groups over the years as well, such as the Essex Community Chorus, and concerts at Andrew Chapel and St. James in Montross. When her children approached school age, she added her forceful support to the other local parents who sought to establish a small private school to provide their children the best possible education. Their efforts resulted in the creation of Woodland Academy in Neenah, VA, a place of quality primary education for nearly 50 years. She was as active in the Boy Scouts as her son, serving on the District Committee and participating in many district Camporees and training events. She was a patriot who held an undying belief in the greatness and wonder of this country. Jackie graduated from St. Margaret's School in Tappahannock and then went to Westhampton College in Richmond for a year before attending and graduating from Women's College of Greensboro in 1957. prgtoken She was predeceased in 1997 by her husband of 35 years, Arthur Davis Whittaker. She is survived by a son, Cmdr. A. Davis Whittaker, Jr, (Lynn); a daughter, Sarah Leigh Whittaker Montuori (David); a grandson, Anthony Francis Arthur Montuori; a step-daughter, Anne Marie Whittaker, and a lot of extended family and dear friends in the Northern Neck she loved so much.
RECOGNIZING ST. JOSEPH CATHOLIC PARISH
Tim Walberg (Republican, MI) \u2014 2019-8-30

. Madam , I rise today to recognize St. Joseph Catholic Parish of Erie, Michigan as it celebrates its 200th anniversary. prgtoken St. Joseph Catholic Parish, the second oldest Catholic church in Monroe County, and the third oldest Catholic church in the Archdiocese of Detroit, has a rich history of service to the community. prgtoken The parish began in 1819 as a log building in a community called Bay Creek, where worshippers were primarily hunters and trappers. In its early days, the church depended upon traveling Jesuit priests who ministered to the congregants, followed by occasional visits by Father Gabriel Richard. In 1826, a new wood-frame building was constructed to replace the earlier log structure, and in 1833, Father John Debruyn became its first resident pastor. prgtoken Around 1850, the Bay Creek settlement area was renamed Vienna, and today is known as Erie. As the parish continued to grow in number, it became necessary to build a new facility. The present building was completed under the leadership of Father Peter Warlop and consecrated in 1852 by Bishop Peter Paul LeFever. The magnificent structure, still used today as St. Joseph's place of worship, is a testimony to many years of faithful ministry. prgtoken Over the years, the church provided an elementary school for parishioners and added a new activities center to better serve the church body. Today, St. Joseph Parish continues to enrich hundreds of individuals and families in Erie as a place of connection, worship, and service. prgtoken Madam , I ask my colleagues to join with me in congratulating St. Joseph Catholic Parish on its bicentennial anniversary. May God continue to bless the congregation as it shines a bright light in Monroe County and beyond.
IN MEMORY OF CYNTHIA MEADOW
Jerrold Nadler (Democrat, NY) \u2014 2019-8-30

. Madam , I rise to offer my most sincere condolences to the family and friends of Cynthia K. Watkins Meadow, who passed away on April 25, 2019. Cynthia was a long-time congressional staffer and dedicated public servant. prgtoken Cynthia was born in Fort Smith, Arkansas, on July 27, 1941. She graduated from Fort Smith High School, attended Fort Smith Junior College, and graduated from Baylor University in 1964. Cynthia went on to obtain her law degree from Catholic University, attending night school while working as a congressional staffer. prgtoken Cynthia's 30-year career on Capitol Hill began on the staff of U.S. Senator Ralph Yarborough and culminated on the House Judiciary Committee under Chairman Jack Brooks, where she rose to become Chief Counsel of the Subcommittee on Economic and Commercial Law. She also served on the professional staff of the House Government Operations Committee's Subcommittee on Legislation and National Security. prgtoken One of the more important bills Cynthia worked on for the Judiciary Committee was the Americans with Disabilities Act. Cynthia helped then- Chairman Brooks use sign language during hearings and markups on the legislation, for the benefit of members of the public who were hearing impaired. To show his appreciation, Chairman Brooks sent Cynthia a floral arrangement afterwards. As she told her co-workers, she was quite surprised and delighted by his gesture. prgtoken Following her retirement from Capitol Hill in January 1995, Cynthia attended and graduated from the Baptist Seminary in Richmond, Virginia. Continuing her lifelong dedication to helping others, she served as an ordained Deacon at University Baptist Church in College Park, Maryland. prgtoken Cynthia is survived by her husband Joseph F. Meadow and her son Michael Joseph, who works for the Architect of the Capitol, as well as her sisters, Sandy and Gloria, and many in-laws, nephews, and nieces. prgtoken Cynthia's good work and deeds will long be remembered by her many friends on Capitol Hill, in the Washington area, and around the Nation.
HONORING THE SERVICE OF MARIO RODRIGUEZ
André Carson (Democrat, IN) \u2014 2019-8-30

. Madam , today I rise to honor and recognize Mario Rodriguez, Executive Director for the award-winning Indianapolis Airport Authority. The Indianapolis International Airport is in the congressional district that I represent, and I have wholeheartedly supported its innovation and growth under Mario's leadership. prgtoken Mario Rodriguez has long been a dedicated aviation expert and community advocate, and has used his knowledge to serve not only the city of Indianapolis, but also the nation at large. For 30 years, he has held leadership positions in airports around the country, and, under his leadership, the Indianapolis International Airport has continued to receive recognition for its world class service. Mario has also championed a diverse workforce and to-date, more than 50 percent of senior leadership and 35 percent of professional staff at the Indianapolis Airport Authority are women and racial monitories. Mario's aviation expertise also led to his appointment in 2016 to the National Department of Transportation Committee for Aviation Consumer Protection by President . prgtoken Mario is also well-known for his commitment to civic engagement. He is board member for many nonprofits in our community, including Immigrant Welcome Center, Indiana Latino Institute, Indy and Indiana Chambers, The Indiana Sports Corps, The Economic Club of Indiana, Visit Indy, and the 500 Festival. For this good work, he has received numerous awards acknowledging his efforts to strengthen Central Indiana and improve the lives of its residents. prgtoken Mario Rodriguez is a leader and a trailblazer. Today, I ask my colleagues to join me in celebrating his contributions to our community, state and country.