mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
HONORING LENORE KARLIN
Stephen F. Lynch (Democrat, MA) \u2014 2018-6-29

I rise today to pay tribute to Lenore Karlin, a resident of NewBridge on the Charles, located in Dedham, Massachusetts, who recently celebrated her 100th birthday on April 25, 2018. As the Representative of the 8th Congressional District of Massachusetts, I am honored to represent such an extraordinary woman in the United States Congress. prgtoken Recently, Lenore was celebrated by numerous family and friends in a tribute to ``A Life Well Lived.'' Lenore's story and life experiences serve as an example of a person who has made a profound difference in so many lives and continues today to bring joy to those that love and admire her. I include that story in the Record. prgtoken , during the celebration, surrounded by family and friends, Lenore's daughter told the story of this remarkable woman and spoke of Lenore's efforts to help others from an early age. A lifetime of volunteer work, Lenore has done it all, from traveling on the ``Plant Mobile'' to Boston's inner-city schools teaching students to how to grow plants to translating books into German in Braille. prgtoken , Lenore shows her love and support to family and friends by never missing an opportunity to make someone's day brighter. It is fitting today that I ask all my colleagues to wish Lenore Karlin a very Happy prgtoken Birthday and enjoy the story of ``A Life Well Lived.'' Lenore Karlin--100 Years What is a life well lived? Lenore Karlin exemplifies 100 well spent years. Lenore was the first child born to Rose Wolf Gardner and Louis Gardner on April 25, 1918. Louis, a mite senior to his darling bride, Rose, couldn't have been happier. There were days when Mr. Gardner took baby in pram (decorated with American flags), paraded them down the street and placed Lenore in pram in his Kingston street Boston storefront window for the world to see. Louis, an immigrant, was a great patriot. Two more children, Helene and Herbert followed. Louis, a shoe importer, took Rose and the children to Europe often for business and his great love, the opera. Whilst Rose and Louis enjoyed the Wagner ring in Beirut, Lenore, Helene and Herbert were tended by a nursemaid in Czechoslovakia. These were magical voyages across the Atlantic Ocean. The children had a trunk just for toys. Lenore's father took them to factories where linens and China (perhaps even the teacups today) were crafted, as he was a collector of these fineries. They would return with cases of shoes and finery. Morris Wolf, Lenore's grandfather on her mother's side was a well-respected detective for the Boston police, in fact the first Jewish one. He chased criminals around the globe. Lenore remembers as a child walking down the street with her grandfather who would don a prominent hat, and when they passed the mayor of Boston, in a gestur
RECOGNIZING JUDGE THOMAS A. RAPPA, JR. FOR HIS SERVICE TO THE NEW HAMPSHIRE JUDICIAL BRANCH
Ann M. Kuster (Democrat, NH) \u2014 2018-6-29

I rise today to recognize the retirement of the Honorable Judge Thomas A. Rappa, Jr. and to thank him for his dedicated services to the New Hampshire Judicial Branch and the people of New Hampshire for the past 30 years. prgtoken After graduating from Franklin Pierce Law Center in 1986, Judge Rappa began a long career in the New Hampshire judicial system. He first worked for the Honorable Karl T. Bruckner in Woodsville, New Hampshire before taking on his own practice. As a lawyer, Judge Rappa served the people of New Hampshire in his work on the interdisciplinary coordinating council for domestic violence, in teaching legal and paralegal classes at Plymouth State College and in the College for Life Long Learning, and in instituting a Teen Court in his Plymouth, New Hampshire court. He also served for six years on the Pro Bono Advisory Board, where he received the L. Jonathan Ross Award in 1989, and on the Board of Governors from 1991 to 1993. prgtoken Throughout his impressive tenure, Judge Rappa has truly been a leader in his community and the Granite State as a whole, demonstrating the compassion, wisdom, and fairness that is the hallmark of a great judge. I am proud to rise today in acknowledgement of his achievements and wish him the best upon his retirement.
PERSONAL EXPLANATION
Jackie Speier (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2018-6-29

due to a conflict, I unavoidably missed the following votes on June 28. Had I been present, I would have voted as follows: prgtoken 1. On roll call No. 306, I would have voted ``nay.'' prgtoken 2. On roll call No. 307, I would have voted ``nay.'' prgtoken 3. On roll call No. 308, I would have voted ``nay.'' prgtoken 4. On roll call No. 309, I would have voted ``aye.'' prgtoken 5. On roll call No. 310, I would have voted ``aye.'' prgtoken 6. On roll call No. 311, I would have voted ``nay.'' prgtoken 7. On roll call No. 312, I would have voted ``aye.'' prgtoken 8. On roll call No. 313, I would have voted ``nay,'' because the bill commits funding for three Littoral Combat Ships, which, as the Heritage Foundation wrote, has ``disturbingly limited capabilities against a near-peer adversary.'' Purchasing two more LCSs than the Navy has even asked for is a classic Congressional boondoggle.
REMEMBERING MR. JUAN JOSE PENA
Michelle Lujan Grisham (Democrat, NM) \u2014 2018-6-29

I rise today to remember Juan Jose Pena, who passed away this month at the age of 72. Mr. Pena was a dedicated community leader who committed much of his life to fighting for the civil rights of veterans and Hispanics. prgtoken Mr. Pena spent most of his childhood in the town of Las Vegas. He went on to receive Bachelor's and Master's Degrees from New Mexico Highlands University in Las Vegas, where he studied a range of topics including Spanish Language, Literature, and Political Science. prgtoken Mr. Pena was drafted into the Army in 1969 and went on to receive a multitude of decorations including a Bronze Star Medal for Valor. He was the most decorated member of the Fourth Infantry Division when it returned to the United States. prgtoken After serving our nation, Mr. Pena became a Spanish Professor at New Mexico Highlands University in Las Vegas. He went on to work as a supervisory interpreter at the United States District Court in Albuquerque for more than two decades. Mr. Pena continued to work as a freelance interpreter after he retired. prgtoken Mr. Pena was an active member of our community whose reach extended to a number of influential organizations. He was a leader in Partido Raza Unida, Commander of the Albuquerque and New Mexico branches of the American GI Forum, Chairman of the Hispano Round Table, and founding member of Dads Against Discrimination. Mr. Pena's tireless fight against discrimination earned him numerous honors including the City of Albuquerque Human Rights Award. prgtoken , I want to extend my heartfelt condolences to Mr. Pena's partner of 23 years Ann Tran, his brother Fernando, his daughter Margarita, his grandchildren Shar and Mariana, as well as the rest of his loved ones. I hope they are comforted by cherished memories of Mr. Pena, and by the fact that so many in our community mourn his loss and celebrate his life with them.
CONGRATULATING KATIE MILLER ON BEING NAMED 2018 OUTSTANDING JUNIOR BY THE ILLINOIS BEEF ASSOCIATION
Cheri Bustos (Democrat, IL) \u2014 2018-6-29

I rise today to recognize Katie Miller of Cambridge, Illinois, who was named the 2018 Outstanding Junior of the Year by the Illinois Beef Association. prgtoken Katie Miller has excelled on campus at Western Illinois University, where she recently completed her junior year. Her studies in agricultural sciences with an emphasis on animal science were inspired by the time she spent alongside her grandparents working with beef producers. Following the completion of her undergraduate work, she plans to pursue a graduate degree in ruminant nutrition or meat science, while partnering on the farm with her grandparents. Outside of the classroom, Ms. Miller is the Vice President of the Illinois Junior Beef Association Board and has held various other local and state leadership positions with the Illinois Beef Association further demonstrating her qualifications for this award. prgtoken It is because of dedicated citizens like Katie Miller that I proudly serve the people of the 17th District of Illinois I would like to formally congratulate Katie Miller on her outstanding achievement and journey into agricultural science.
HONORING THE PROUD PATRIOT ON ITS GRAND OPENING
Elise M. Stefanik (Republican, NY) \u2014 2018-7-3

I rise today to honor and congratulate the Proud Patriot on its grand opening. prgtoken Vanessa and Niklas Herring, co-owners of the Proud Patriot, are passionate about honoring those who serve their country. The Proud Patriot is an all-American restaurant in Rouses Point, New York, that offers a 10 percent discount to veterans, law enforcement and peace officers. Serving up classic American food, the restaurant has its slogan, ``Land of the free because of the brave,'' proudly written on its ``veterans wall,'' decorated with photos of local veterans. Vanessa and Niklas both have military lineage in their families, and Niklas is a proud Army veteran himself. Their dedication giving back to those who sacrificed so much for our country is truly admirable. prgtoken On behalf of New York's 21st District, I want to thank Vanessa and Niklas Herring for their honorable commitment to our veterans. I wish the Proud Patriot nothing but success as it opens its doors to the community.
COST ESTIMATE ON H.R. 5766, THE SECURING PUBLIC AREAS OF TRANSPORTATION FACILITIES ACT OF 2018
Michael T. McCaul (Republican, TX) \u2014 2018-7-3

the following cost estimate for H.R. 5766, the Securing Public areas of Transportation Facilities Act of 2018, prepared by the Congressional Budget Office was not made available to the Committee at the time of filing of the legislative report. U.S. Congress, Congressional Budget Office, Washington, DC, June 28, 2018. Hon. Michael McCaul, Chairman, Committee on Homeland Security, House of Representatives, Washington, DC. Dear : The Congressional Budget Office has prepared the enclosed cost estimate for H.R. 5766, the Securing Public Areas of Transportation Facilities Act of 2018. If you wish further details on this estimate, we will be pleased to provide them. The CBO staff contact is Megan Carroll. Sincerely, Keith Hall, Director. Enclosure. prgtoken H.R. 5766--Securing Public Areas of Transportation Facilities Act of 2018 prgtoken As reported by the House Committee on Homeland Security on June 22, 2018 summary H.R. 5766 would direct the Secretary of Homeland Security to establish a working group to develop, in collaboration with public and private stakeholders, recommendations for enhancing the security of public areas of transportation facilities. The bill also would authorize the secretary to provide technical assistance to owners and operators of surface transportation systems and facilities and specify a variety of administrative and reporting requirements. Assuming appropriation of the necessary amounts, CBO estimates that implementing H.R. 5766 would cost $23 million over the 2019-2022 period. Enacting the bill would not affect direct spending or revenues; therefore, pay-as-you-go procedures do not apply. CBO estimates that enacting H.R. 5766 would not increase net direct spending or on-budget deficits in any of the four consecutive 10-year periods beginning in 2029. H.R. 5766 contains no intergovernmental or private-sector mandates as defined in the Unfunded Mandates Reform Act (UMRA). estimated cost to the federal government The estimated budgetary effect of H.R. 5766 is shown in the following table. The costs of the legislation fall within budget function 400 (transportation). ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- By fiscal year, in millions of dollars--
RECOGNIZING THE 150TH BIRTHDAY OF BISMARCK, MISSOURI
Jason Smith (Republican, MO) \u2014 2018-7-3

I rise today to honor the sesquicentennial birthday of Bismarck, Missouri, which was founded in 1868. City fathers named the town for Prince Otto Von Bismarck, the `Iron Chancellor' of Germany, in hopes they'd lure German immigrants to live there. Bismarck became a shipping center for the St. Louis Iron Mountain and Southern Railway. Today, the 100-year-old train depot is a treasured landmark. prgtoken Bismarck is proud of its community spirit. The desire to serve prompted dozens of residents to join the military in wartime. The drive to succeed helped the town recover from a fire that destroyed its business district in 1901. And the determination to overcome challenges has kept the city working to meet the ever-changing needs of its citizens. prgtoken Today, Bismarck's leaders are working to increase services and add businesses. Mayor Seth Radford describes Bismarck as a place that ``looks out for its neighbors,'' offering a family-friendly community that brings people together. They look to the future with optimism, but maintain a strong connection to their past. prgtoken It is my great privilege to recognize Bismarck, Missouri before the United States House of Representatives to mark the town's 150th birthday. I celebrate the community spirit, sense of duty and pride that thrives in this St. Francois County town located in the heart of America.
HONORING GRANT COUNTY COMMISSIONER BOYD BRITTON
Greg Walden (Republican, OR) \u2014 2018-7-3

I rise today to recognize my good friend Boyd Britton for his many years of dedicated public service in Grant County. Boyd has executed faithfully his duty as a Grant County Commissioner for 15 years, and I would like to pay tribute to his leadership for the people of Grant County and Eastern Oregon. prgtoken Boyd was born in Biloxi, Mississippi, but due to his father's service in the United States Air Force, spent much of his early childhood on the move. His father was a co-pilot of the famed World War II B-17 Bomber known as Old '666, which was the most decorated B-17 aircraft in the history of the United States Air Force. Eventually, his family settled in Mesquite, New Mexico. After he started college, he transferred from New Mexico State to Western New Mexico University, which is where he met his soon-to-be wife, Bonnie. Boyd and Bonnie were married in 1974. prgtoken Boyd worked 17 years for James Hamilton Construction Company, eventually becoming a superintendent of the company. At the time, it was one of the biggest construction companies in New Mexico. Meanwhile, his wife, Bonnie, worked for the United States Forest Service as a Financial Manager. prgtoken Bonnie's job with the United States Forest Service moved the family to Susanville, California, where Boyd started his welding business, and where their daughter, Brandi, graduated high school. In 1995, Boyd and Bonnie moved to John Day, Oregon, where Boyd planned to become an artist but quickly realized it was a lonely craft. Boyd again opened a welding business, but that trade also lacked the social interaction he craved. prgtoken In 2002, Boyd won his first Grant County Commissioner race and served for 15 years until June 30, 2018. Commissioner Britton had a unique talent for recognizing potential in people, skillfully bringing them together to accomplish nearly every challenge the county faced. Boyd's ability to bridge political divides led him to build the Blue Mountain Forest Partners collaborative group, which has helped improve log supply to the local timber industry. That same skillset helped Boyd negotiate a contract for Community Counseling Solutions to operate Grant County Health Department, which brought mental health services to Grant County for the first time in its history. Boyd had a reputation as the most polite commissioner the Association of Oregon Counties had ever known. That said, it was never a mystery where he stood on any issue. prgtoken Boyd has always taken pride in three notable things: his beautiful marriage to Bonnie, his highly successful daughter Brandi, and having the most famous mustache in Grant County. I know Boyd will take that same pride with him to his new home in Show Low, Arizona. Boyd has never stood on the sidelines and watched the world move. Rather, he has always tried to be a driving force behind the motion. I am confident he will continue to be a key player wherever his travels take him. prgtoken a
CONGRATULATING ZACHARY J. COREY AND KAREN MARIE MALLON FOR RECEIVING THE CARNEGIE MEDAL OF HEROISM
Jack Bergman (Republican, MI) \u2014 2018-7-3

it's my honor to congratulate Zachary J. Corey and Karen Marie Mallon for receiving the Carnegie Medal in recognition of their act of extraordinary heroism. Through their actions, Karen and Zachary have shown themselves to be selfless, courageous, and indispensable parts of Michigan's First District. prgtoken The Carnegie Medal was established in 1904 by the industrialist and philanthropist Andrew Carnegie. It is given to recognize those who perform extraordinary acts of heroism in civilian life, and to provide financial assistance for those disabled and the dependents of those killed saving or attempting to save others. Since 1904, more than 10,000 awardees have been honored, with more than $40 million given in grants, scholarships, death benefits, and other assistance. There is no doubt that Karen and Zachary are deserving of this honor. prgtoken Six-year-old Olivia Thomas and her sister Addalyn, just 13 days old, along with their mother and eight year-old sister were in a vehicle that struck a tow truck head on, veered off the road, and into a shallow ditch where it caught fire. Zachary, the driver of the tow truck, ran to the passenger side of the vehicle where he saw Olivia in the front passenger seat. Unable to open the door, Zachary grasped the window frame and pulled on it, forcing the door open slightly. He extended his upper body inside the vehicle, removed Olivia's seat belt, and pulled her out. When Karen arrived, she entered through the open rear passenger-side door and knelt on the seat while trying to remove Addalyn from her car seat. With difficulty Mallon freed Addalyn from the seat, picked her up, and exited the vehicle, taking her to safety. Soon after, the vehicle was engulfed by flames. While their mother and 8-year-old sister did not survive the crash, the heroic actions of Zachary and Karen ensured that this tragedy did not take the lives of these two young girls. Their courage has touched the lives of countless community members, and the impact of their heroism cannot be overstated. prgtoken , It's my honor to recognize Zachary and Karen for their exceptional heroism in saving the lives of Olivia and Addalyn. Michiganders can take great pride in knowing the First District is home to such selfless and courageous individuals. On behalf of my constituents, I wish Karen and Zachary all the best in their future endeavors.
IN RECOGNITION OF THE 120TH ANNIVERSARY OF DOWD INSURANCE
Richard E. Neal (Democrat, MA) \u2014 2018-7-3

I would like to take this opportunity to recognize and congratulate Dowd Insurance on the occasion of its 120th anniversary. Established in 1898, Dowd is one of the oldest, largest, and most experienced insurance agencies in Massachusetts. Since prgtoken its founding, the group has been under continuous Dowd family ownership for four generations, providing counsel and insurance protection for a diverse range of clients. prgtoken In 1865, James J. Dowd, an immigrant from County Kerry, Ireland, arrived in Holyoke, Massachusetts with his wife and fourteen children. He began working in a textile mill in hopes of building a better life for himself and his family. A few decades later, one of his sons, who bore his name, went on to found Dowd Insurance--laying the foundation for a family legacy that has spanned multiple generations and continues to flourish today. James J. Dowd, II gave up his career as a professional baseball player and joined the firm in 1916 after his father passed away, and James J. Dowd, Jr. and John E. Dowd entered the family business in 1947 and 1951 respectively after each serving in World War II. The fourth generation of the Dowd family was ushered into the business in 1974 when James J. Dowd, III became a member of the agency. He was then joined by John E. Dowd, Jr Dowd Insurance's current President and CEO, in 1982. After more than a century of operation marked by profound growth and success, including having joined the International Network of Insurance and opening multiple new branch offices, it is evident that Dowd Insurance has made numerous positive contributions to the community of which it takes pride in being an integral part. prgtoken , over the course of its history Dowd Insurance has demonstrated exemplary service, leadership, and dedication. Those traits are hallmarks of the agency's long and admirable tradition of service in western Massachusetts, and are certainly worthy of recognition. On the occasion of Dowd Insurance's 120th anniversary, I wish the Dowd family, the agency's partners, and the dedicated men and women who work with them all the best and much continued prosperity.
HONORING DAVID GOMEZ
Vicente Gonzalez (Democrat, TX) \u2014 2018-7-3

I rise today to honor Mr. David Gomez, a school bus driver with the McAllen Independent School District. prgtoken Every morning, Mr. Gomez starts his day at 4:30 a.m. to pick up his 200 plus students for their daily bus ride to school. Mr. Gomez dedicates his time to getting to know the many students that ride his bus, motivating them to do their best work and always maintaining a positive outlook. prgtoken His words of encouragement and motivation inspire students to strive for excellence in their daily lives. The interest Mr. Gomez takes in the lives of these students has empowered them in an uplifting way. Mr. Gomez's heartfelt sentiment should not go unrecognized. Recently, students who graduated this summer honored him by thanking him for his work and service, and I wish to honor him here as well. prgtoken , today I share my deepest admiration for Mr. Gomez. His hard work for the McAllen Independent School District over the past four years has inspired so many in our community. He has made South Texas a better place, and I am honored to represent individuals like him in the U.S. House of Representatives.
RECOGNIZING THE 2018 UNITED STATES PARK POLICE VALOR AWARD RECIPIENTS
Gerald E. Connolly (Democrat, VA) \u2014 2018-7-3

I rise today to recognize an outstanding group of men and women in Northern Virginia. These individuals have demonstrated superior dedication to public safety and have been awarded the prestigious Valor Award by the Northern Virginia Chamber of Commerce. prgtoken This is the 40th Annual Valor Awards sponsored by the Northern Virginia Chamber of Commerce. This event honors the remarkable heroism and bravery in the line of duty exemplified by our public safety officers. Our public safety and law enforcement personnel put their lives on the line every day to keep our families and neighborhoods safe. This year's ceremony will present ninety-one awards to recognize extraordinary actions above and beyond the call of duty in a variety of categories including the Lifesaving Certificate, the Certificate of Valor, and the Bronze, Silver, and Gold Medal of Valor. prgtoken Sergeant Mark Asmussen of the U.S. Park Police is being honored this year for his exceptional service with the Certificate of Valor, and it is with great pride that I include his name in the Record. prgtoken , I congratulate Sergeant Asmussen and all of the 2018 Valor Award Recipients, and extend my thanks to all of the men and women who serve in the United States Park Police. Their efforts, made on behalf of the citizens of our community, are selfless acts of heroism and truly merit our highest praise. I ask my colleagues to join me in applauding this group of remarkable citizens.