mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
RECOGNIZING CHAIRMAN CURTIS W. CRANDALL ON HIS RETIREMENT
Tom Reed (Republican, NY) \u2014 2021-12-23

. Madam , today I rise to recognize Curtis W. Crandall, Chairman, on his retirement from the Allegany County Legislature. prgtoken Chairman Crandall was appointed to the Legislature on March 13, 2000 to replace Alton Sylor. His service continued for nearly twenty-two years, sixteen of which were as Chairman. He was Majority Leader for one year, in 2005, before obtaining the Chairmanship. In his years of dedication to Allegany County, Chairman Crandall was a member of every committee, acting in various leadership roles including Chair of the Special Budget Committee in 2016 and 2017. prgtoken Chairman Crandall has been active on Advisory Boards throughout his tenure as well. Over the years, he served on the Citizens Advisory Council to the Office for the Aging from February 2003 to January 2006, Public Safety Building Planning Committee from January to December 2005, Court Facilities Financial Impact Ad Hoc Committee from November through December 2008, Comprehensive Plan Implementation Group from October 2008 through December 2009, and continues longstanding terms of service on the Broadband Task Force, Crossroads Development Advisory Committee, and Radio Communications Task Force. Additionally, Chairman Crandall has been the ex-officio member of the Southern Tier West Regional Planning & Economic Development Board since January of 2006. prgtoken Chairman Crandall worked tirelessly for his constituents, and we are thankful for his efforts in reducing the county property tax rate for many consecutive years. Chairman Crandall's commitment to his community goes above and beyond as shown through his volunteer work with the Lions Club, Boy Scouts of America, and Farm Bureau, just to name a few. prgtoken As a successful entrepreneur and businessman of over forty years, a loyal member of the Legislature, faithful volunteer and a loving husband, father and grandfather, we applaud his valued leadership and dedicated service as he moves forward in the next chapter of his life. prgtoken Given the above, I ask that this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations and join me in recognizing Allegany County Legislative Chairman, Curtis W. Crandall, on his longstanding service and retirement. Congratulations on this tremendous milestone.
HONORING THE LIVES OF DOYLE ORVAL ``KORN BREAD'' COWART, SR. AND CATHY ANNE MOORE COWART
Brian Babin (Republican, TX) \u2014 2021-12-23

. Madam , I rise today to honor the life and legacy of my friend, Doyle Orval ``Korn Bread'' Cowart, and his wife, Kathy Anne Moore Cowart, both of whom passed away on Thursday, December 16, 2021. prgtoken Doyle was born in Colmesneil, Texas, on September 10, 1937, to Doyle and Trudie Cowart. He worked as a supervisor in the petrochemical industry for 38 years before retiring. Doyle had a passion for syrup making, trail riding, and farming. Doyle and I served together in The Gideons International. Kathy was born on February 22, 1940, also in Colmesneil, Texas, to Moot and Alice Moore. She worked as a bank teller for 40 years before retiring. Kathy's passions were hospitality, gardening, and community fellowship. prgtoken Doyle and Kathy were high school sweethearts, and their love led to a wonderful marriage. They spent 63 lovely years together before going home to be with their Lord and Savior. The couple were lifelong residents of Colmesneil, Texas, and devoted members of First Baptist Church Colmesneil, where Doyle served as a Deacon and Kathy sang in the choir. Doyle and Kathy never met a stranger and welcomed all into their home to share a warm meal, a time of prayer, and the gospel of Jesus Christ. Together, they built the Gathering Place, an event venue, in Colmesneil which served as a perfect representation of the passion they shared for their community, fellowship, and Christ's love. prgtoken Doyle and Kathy were preceded in death by their parents, Doyle Cleveland, Trudie Ollie Davis Cowart, Moot Jacob, and Alice Victoria Woodward Moore. They are survived by their daughter, Amy Hornsby of Anahuac, Texas; son, Doyle Orval Cowart, Jr. and his wife, Shelley, of Port Neches, Texas; son, Jerry Vance Cowart, and his wife, Tina Cowart, of Colmesneil, Texas; Kathy's brother, L.B. Hanks, and his wife, Joyce, of Port Neches, Texas; and her sisters, Wilma Jo Thweatt and Iris Gall, of San Antonio, Texas. They also leave behind their grandchildren: Amanda Abshier, Heath Abshier, Harlie Cowart, Kallie Cowart, Travis Cowart, and Brandon Cowart and his wife, Clara, and their great- grandchildren: Bella Abshier, Maddox Abshier, Bentley Abshier, Thomas Cowart, Peyton Cowart, and Paisley Cowart. prgtoken Madam , today, please join me in remembering Doyle and Kathy Cowart, two Godly people who will be missed. My heartfelt prayers remain with their family and friends during this difficult time.
HONORING WILLIAM THOMAS, JR.
H. Morgan Griffith (Republican, VA) \u2014 2021-12-23

. Madam , I rise in honor of William Franklin Thomas, Jr. of Pulaski, Virginia, who died on November 29, 2021 at the age of 87. Judge Thomas was a distinguished jurist who served for over two decades as a juvenile and domestic court judge. prgtoken Judge Thomas was born on January 2, 1934. He grew up in Pulaski and made it his lifelong home. After graduating from Pulaski High School in 1950, he attended Emory & Henry College and graduated from the University of Richmond. After earning a law degree from the University of Virginia, he began his legal career at the firm known at the time as Gilmer, Sadler, Harman & Thomas, mainly practicing real estate law. prgtoken In 1973, the Virginia General Assembly named him a Juvenile and Domestic Court Judge for the 27th Judicial Circuit. He sat on the bench until retirement on December 31, 1995, and served the Counties of Pulaski, Wythe, Carroll, Grayson, and Bland and the City of Galax. During his judicial career, Judge Thomas was widely respected for his commitment to the work and care for the children that came before him in court. As a symbol of the esteem in which Judge Thomas was held, the Pulaski County Bar Association commissioned a portrait of him, which now hangs in the county courthouse. prgtoken Beyond the bench, Judge Thomas found ways to serve his beloved Pulaski. He belonged to the Pulaski Jaycees, the Elks, and the Masons, and as a devout member of First United Methodist Church served on the Church Council. A keen interest in politics drove him to the 1960 ic National Convention as a delegate and to run in 2007 for the Virginia House of Delegates in the Sixth District. prgtoken Judge Thomas was preceded in death by his wife, Gertrude Davis Thomas; his parents, William Franklin Thomas Sr. and Virginia Saunders Thomas; and his sister, Elizabeth ``Betty'' Thomas Hicks. He is survived by a son, Lee Mason Thomas, and four nieces and nephews. I would like to offer my condolences on the loss of this good man and dedicated jurist.
HONORING JOHNSTOWN MAYOR VERN JACKSON FOR OVER FIFTY YEARS OF PUBLIC SERVICE TO THE NORTH COUNTRY AND THE UNITED STATES
Elise M. Stefanik (Republican, NY) \u2014 2021-12-23

. Madam , I rise today to honor Johnstown Mayor Vern Jackson who has valiantly served the North Country and the United States for over fifty years. I would also like to congratulate Mr. Jackson on his retirement after five great years as mayor of Johnstown. prgtoken Mayor Jackson has been dedicated to serving his community in many capacities throughout his storied career. Prior to entering politics, Mr. Jackson served in the United States Navy for twenty-five years and then worked for the Social Security Administration in Utica and Gloversville. After nearly thirty years at the Gloversville Social Security Office, Mr. Jackson retired and served as the chairman for the Johnstown Charter Review Commission. Subsequently, Mr. Jackson became the 4th Ward councilman and in 2017 was sworn in as the mayor of Johnstown. He was elected to complete the last year of the four-year term of his friend, the late Mayor Michael Julius. prgtoken Throughout the last five years, Mayor Jackson has worked hard to better the lives of the people of Johnstown. He prioritized cooperation with the city of Gloversville and Fulton County on issues that impacted their communities. Mayor Jackson understood the importance of a city's first impression after traveling prgtoken to many areas while working for the Social Security Administration. As mayor, he worked to stimulate business and motivate business owners to enhance the downtown high traffic areas and preserve historical Johnstown, providing the town with a better first impression. prgtoken Mayor Jackson always had an open-door policy for any constituent who wished to meet with him. His accomplished record and willingness to serve are evident in his over fifty years of public service. On behalf of New York's 21st Congressional District, I am honored to recognize his exceptional leadership and his example as a true public servant and wish him the best of luck in his next chapter.
REMEMBRANCE OF ROSEMARY HOLLEY
Gwen Moore (Democrat, WI) \u2014 2021-12-27

. Madam , I rise today in remembrance of Rosemary Holley, a lifelong advocate for the poor and needy, a community leader, a trailblazer, and a multiple tenure Chairperson of the Board of Commissioners for Milwaukee's Social Development Commission (SDC). It saddens me to say that Mrs. Holley passed away on December 7, 2021, at the age of 95. prgtoken The Social Development Commission is a community action agency with the sole purpose of advocating for and assisting Milwaukee County residents living in poverty. SDC is a citizen led coalition designed to give people in poverty the organizing power to influence policies that will directly affect them. The members of SDC are not politicians or bureaucrats--they are everyday citizens that care deeply about their communities and want to have their voices heard. One-third of the governing board members live in poverty. The SDC equips its members to affect meaningful change in their own lives. prgtoken None of this would have been possible without the hard work and self- sacrifice of Mrs. Rosemary Holley. prgtoken Mrs. Holley has been with SDC since its creation. She first served on the Head Start Parent Council and was elected to the SDC's Board of Commissioners. Her passion and leadership were soon recognized by all and in 1996, she was elected as the Chairperson of the SDC's Board of Commissioners. She was reelected as the Chairperson in 1998 and served until 1999. prgtoken Mrs. Holley stepped away from SDC in 1999 while in her mid-70s. Most people would have then retired, but Mrs. Holley continued to serve the Fourth Congressional District on a volunteer basis. She coached young leaders with her wisdom and experience, all while continuing to serve the very neighbors who inspired her in the first place. In 2013, she rejoined SDC's Board to serve as Governance Technical Assistance Resource Provider, using her knowledge and experience on the SDC Board to provide advice on matters related to Board Governance. SDC and the Milwaukee Community are indebted to Mrs. Holley for her lifelong, tireless service. prgtoken Mrs. Holley was a lifelong advocate for the poor and needy. She had multiple opportunities to work in more financially rewarding positions but found her purpose in helping those who were not able to help themselves. Mrs. Holley was the epitome of public service and altruism--to say Rosemary Holley has been a beacon of light to this community is not an exaggeration. Her altruistic spirit and love for others are an inspiration of what we all should strive for in our service to the public. prgtoken The citizens of the Fourth Congressional District, the State of Wisconsin and the Nation have benefited tremendously from her expansive service. As a former employee of the SDC and as both a Congresswoman and a mentee of Mrs. Rosemary Holley, I am deeply grateful for her service and impact on our community. I am honored for these reasons to pay tribute to Rosemary Holle
REMEMBERING LEWIS EARL POWELL, JR.
Joe Wilson (Republican, SC) \u2014 2021-12-30

. Madam , my deepest sympathies go out to the family of Lewis Earl Powell, Jr. He was someone that was cherished by his family and community. His wife, Millie Powell, has been a valued member of the Congressional staff of the Second District and this is a loss for us all. Obituary of Lewis Earl Powell, Jr. Lewis Earl Powell Jr 78, of Cayce, left his earthly home surrounded by his loving family, on Wednesday, December 22, 2021. He was born October 9, 1943, in Johnston, SC to the late Cora Powell and Lewis Earl Powell, Sr. Lewis was a loving husband, father, and grandfather. He was employed with 3M National Advertising for many years and later the owner and operator of Powell Sign Company, Inc. His kindness, generosity, and humor were known by all who knew him. He is survived by his wife of 41 years Mildred ``Millie'' Powell; his children: Teresa Rinder (Johnny), Dawn Kimura, Kristian Hall (Michael), and Scott Dorsey (Victoria); grandchildren: Joshua Rinder (Elizabeth), Jeremy Rinder (Whitney), Amber McCormick (Rhett), Corali Kimura, Amelia Kimura, Brandon Dorsey, and Brianna Dorsey; four great- grandchildren; his sister, Sandra Holmes; his brother, Laverne (Carolyn) Powell; and a beloved sister-in-law, Wanda Gunter. He was predeceased by his brother, Jimmy Powell; and his sister, Sara Bryan. A private graveside service will be held at Celestial Memorial Gardens. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Prisma Health Hospice. The family wishes to thank the staff at Prisma Health Hospice and extend our deepest graditude to Dr. Karin Jenkins and nurse Freia W. for their compassionate care.
RECOGNIZING EAGLE SCOUT AWARD RECIPIENTS
Brian K. Fitzpatrick (Republican, PA) \u2014 2021-12-30

. Madam , I rise today to recognize the phenomenal young men and women in my district who attained the rank of Eagle Scout in 2021. Our community is proud of their achievement and grateful for their commitment to service. prgtoken Aaron Michael, Troop 153; Adam L. Cameron, Troop 79; A. J. Hirsch, Troop 10; Alex Borzillo, Troop 137; Alex Freeman, Troop 145; Alex Wood, Troop 6; Andrew Dreyzin, Troop 6; Aryan Patil, Troop 137; Benjamin Gromer, Troop 30; Benjamin Parks Stanell, Troop 34; Bennett Drakas, Troop 172; Bennett Smith, Troop 10; Bobby Evans, Troop 71; Brendan Bolte, Troop 547; Bryce Pannone, Troop 102. prgtoken Caleb Reese Gilbert, Troop 461; Cameron Walsh, Troop 229; Chris Strickland, Troop 6; Christian Gary van der Kleut, Troop 461; Christian Kruse, Troop 34; Christopher Richard Hogan, Troop 10; C.J. Frisbie, Troop 6; Collin McGuire, Troop 229; Connor Blaise Harkiewicz, Troop 10; Connor V. Wilson, Troop 61; Dalton Bell, Troop 133; Dan Goldberg, Troop 137; Daniel Allan Kitchen, Troop 11; David Slavtcheff, Troop 99; Dean Richard DiDomenico, Troop 147. prgtoken Derek Lee Graver, Troop 16; Erik Ulmer, Troop 187; Ethan J. Ford, Troop 547; Ethan Wight, Troop 36; Evan Gerdy, Troop 30; Greg Kraynak, Troop 229; Gregory Andrew Sanborn, Troop 113; Hope Evanko, Troop 99G; Jack Flaherty, Troop 24; Jack Mannarino, Troop 10; Jack Reed, Troop 51; Jack Weldon, Troop 6; Jackson Rugarber, Troop 11; Jacob Rea, Troop 10; Jacob Webb, Troop 456. prgtoken James Sholly, Jr Troop 137; Jared Daniel, Troop 36; Jason Hemminger, Troop 27; Jayden Morris, Troop 48; Jesse Caimi, Troop 137; Jesse Hirowski, Troop 137; Jodi Decker, Troop 30G; John Hutchins, Troop 10; John P. Daley, Troop 16; John Saveriano, Troop 67; Joseph Benincasa, Troop 145; Joseph Cook, Troop 153; Joseph P. Deitzel, Troop 547; Joshua Rowlands, Troop 145; Justin Kruse, Troop 34. prgtoken Kamren DeJesus, Troop 102; Larson Hunt, Troop 316; Logan McHenry, Troop 51; Marcus Milkowich, Troop 87; Matthew Aber, Troop 16; Matthew Grindle, Troop 67; Matthew Hanly, Troop 34; Matthew Miok, Troop 36; Michael Krajci, Troop 10; Michael Scott Lorenz, Troop 461; Michael Socci, Troop 6; Nathan Trilling, Troop 870; Nicholas Phillipps, Troop 27; Nick Fuchs, Troop 229; Owen Webster, Troop 36. prgtoken Pawan Chivukula, Troop 10; Preston Ziegenfuss, Troop 14; Quinn Keller, Troop 67; Reed Stoltz, Troop 147; Robert M. Blum, Troop 10; Roman Berretta, Troop 36; Ryan Killenbeck, Troop 137; Ryan Swope, Troop 145; Sam Dessino, Troop 137; Sarah Elizabeth Hogan, Troop 99G; Sean M. Gutekunst, Troop 82; Stephen Nothum, Troop 24; Thomas Clifford Warren, Troop 64; Tim Goldberg, Troop 137; Timothy Grindle, Troop 167. prgtoken Tristin Kilgore, Troop 99; Tyler Kennedy, Troop 6; Tyler Rugarber, Troop 10; Will Cusick, Troop 10; William Callum, Troop 36; William Holzel, Troop 141; William Isaac Leyland, Troop 461; Zachary Charles Lincoln, Troop 1.
COMMUNICATIONS STANDARDS COMMISSION MINORITY REPORT AND LETTER
Kat Cammack (Republican, FL) \u2014 2021-12-30

. Madam , on May 24, 2021, the Chair of the House Communications Standards Commission conducted Poll 117-1: Based on the Complaint submitted to the Commission on April 22, 2021, by Representative Earl L. ``Buddy'' Carter against Representative Zoe Lofgren and Representative Lofgren's Answer to the Complaint, submitted to the Commission on May 6, 2021, this Commission was asked to decide if a violation of the House of Representatives Communications Standards Manual occurred. prgtoken Poll 117-1 was conducted prematurely per the Commission rules of procedures, absent of proper investigation, and therefore invalid. The Members were unable to offer a vote to a poll that was invalid. May 24, 2021. Hon. Mary Gay Scanlon, Chairwoman, Communication Standards Commission, Longworth House Office Building, Washington, DC. Chairwoman Scanlon: On May 21, you sent a poll regarding the Communication Standards violation complaint brought against Representative Zoe Lofgren (``Complaint'') to the Members of the Communications Standards Commission for consideration. As you have conceded, this poll is invalid because it is procedurally unripe and violates Commission Rules. Commission Rules are quite clear. Upon receipt of a valid complaint, the Commission has thirty days to adjudicate the complaint and issue its written decision. Rule 9. The Commission's adjudication process begins with Rule 6, which requires the Commission's Chair and Ranking Member to ``review the respondent's answer to the complaint'' in order to agree to dismiss the complaint or jointly or independently conclude that the complaint ``presents a reasonable justification to warrant further review''. Following a ``decision by either the Chair and/or the Ranking Member that further review of the complaint is warranted to determine if a violation has occurred, the respondent shall be given notice of further review.'' Rule 7 (emphases added). Following ``further review'', the Commission may ``determine[ ] there is substantial reason to believe that a violation has occurred'', which may lead to a hearing. Rule 8. Following a vote on ``substantial reason to believe'' and/or a hearing, a majority of the Commission may decide to dismiss the complaint (Rule 10), or the Chair and Ranking Member may determine a violation has occurred. Rule 11. Only if the Complaint is not dismissed and the Chair and Ranking Member are unable to reach a determination, shall the full Commission vote on such a determination. Rule 13. The complaint was received by the Commission on April 22, and your first availability to meet with Ranking Member Cammack to discuss the complaint was on May 19. This Rule 6 meeting on May 19 was an op
HONORING 50 YEARS OF ALLIGATOR RECORDS
Janice D. Schakowsky (Democrat, IL) \u2014 2021-12-30

. Madam , I rise today along with my colleagues, Congressman Chuy Garcia, Congressman Casten, Congressman Krishnamoorthi, Congressman Kinzinger, Congresswoman Robin Kelly, Congressman Schneider, Congresswoman Bustos, Congressman Rush, Congresswoman Marie Newman, Congressman Bill Foster, Congresswoman Underwood, and Congressman Quigley, to honor the 50th anniversary of Alligator Records. Chicago blues music has its roots deep in the Mississippi Delta and was carried north in the Great Migration of 1916 through 1970 by the millions of African Americans who migrated to northern industrial cities in search of good jobs and to escape from Jim Crow racism. Chicago's blues community nurtured thousands of musicians and dozens of record labels, and the city became the world capital of blues and eventually gave birth to Alligator Records and the rich, soulful Chicago blues heritage and culture that we know and love today. With nothing but his love of the blues and entrepreneurial spirit, Bruce Iglauer founded Alligator Records in 1971 at the age of 23, using all his savings to record his favorite Chicago blues band, Hound Dog Taylor and the HouseRockers, although the band had no national presence, no booking agent, no manager, no publicist, and played almost entirely in tiny neighborhood clubs on the South and West Sides of Chicago. Beginning with this one album, Iglauer built a blues record label that is now celebrating its 50th birthday. Today, Alligator Records is the largest independent blues label in the world, with over 350 albums and an artist roster that ranges in age from 22 to 78, and has won three Grammy Awards and an astonishing 48 nominations, as well as over 150 Blues Music Awards and over 115 Living Blues Awards. Alligator Records has been a driving force in support of Chicago blues and blues music worldwide, and a glowing example of our country's rich tradition of musical and entrepreneurial spirit. Now, my colleagues in the House of Representatives and I honor Alligator Records on 50 years of business and celebrates the American cultural legacy of Chicago blues music. Together we urge the United States Government to take all necessary steps to preserve and advance the art form of Chicago blues music; recommit itself to ensuring that recording labels like Alligator Records and their artists receive fair protection under the copyright laws of the United States for their contributions to culture in the United States; and reaffirm the status of Chicago blues as a unique national treasure.