mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
HONORING THE LIFE AND ACCOMPLISHMENTS OF JERRY BEVERLAND
Gus M. Bilirakis (Republican, FL) \u2014 2019-4-15

. Madam , I rise today to honor a local leader who has made a tremendous impact on the Tampa Bay area through a lifetime of public service, my dear friend, former Oldsmar Mayor and City Council Member Jerry Beverland. There has been no greater champion for the city of Oldsmar than Jerry and his lovely bride, Wanda. As both Mayor and City Council member, Jerry has been a lion during decades of City Council meetings, never backing down on a stance that he believed was in the best interests of Oldsmar. He has been a lead voice on every great endeavor for the city from the Sports Complex to the Water Reclamation Facility to the Oldsmar Library. His public service has extended beyond the city limits, as he has served as President of the Northeast Pinellas County Water and Sewer Authority, and as a member on the Tampa Bay Regional Planning Council and the Pinellas County Council of Mayors. Many of the initiatives he spearheaded made a profound impact on our community. Pinellas County residents will benefit for many years to come because of his leadership. Jerry Beverland has given his time, talent and treasure to make Oldsmar a wonderful place to live, work and play. prgtoken As a local historian, Mr. Beverland has helped to preserve the rich cultural heritage and tradition of our community, publishing four books on the history of the City of Oldsmar. Proceeds from the sale of his books have benefitted the Oldsmar Library. prgtoken On a personal note, Jerry has been a trusted friend and advisor of the Bilirakis family, and me, in particular, for decades. His passion for life and for the city of Oldsmar is inextricably intertwined. The Beverlands have endured life's ups and downs for over sixty years together in the city they call home. Yet through their tribulations, no one has consistently done so much, for so long, for the city. Jerry Beverland's integrity, wide breadth of knowledge and commitment to service above self is an example to which we all should aspire. I look forward to working with him and Wanda to continue making the city of Oldsmar a great place to live.
HONORING THE 60TH REUNION OF ``THE EL COROLS BAND AND SHOW''
Eleanor Holmes Norton (Democrat, DC) \u2014 2019-4-15

. Madam , I rise today to ask the House of Representatives to join me in honoring members of ``El Corols Band and Show'' (El Corols) on their 60th reunion celebration, which will take place on Sunday, April 28, 2019, at the Westminster Presbyterian Church in Southwest, Washington, D.C. prgtoken In 1959, a group of students in the music department at Shaw Junior High School formed El Corols, the first rhythm and blues band in the District of Columbia. El Corols was highly sought-after for school and private parties all over the city and beyond. The band performed for many charitable and community organizations throughout the city. During the summer, the group spent the majority of its time performing at Carr's Beach, a public beach for African Americans in Annapolis, Maryland. (African Americans were not welcome at any of the ``white'' beaches. Although our nation was segregated, many found comfort and joy through the vibrant musical talents of El Corols.) prgtoken The band consisted of teenagers, yet the members were honored and privileged to be the ``house band'' at the beach. The band was presented with opportunities to perform and accompanied many of the famous stars of that era, including Dionne Warwick, Patti LaBelle and the Bluebells, Bobby ``Blue'' Bland, Billy Stewart, Gene Chandler, and James Brown, to name a few. As teenagers, the band members had no idea that they were making history. They were simply excited about playing music and entertaining. prgtoken The apex of El Corols' experience was their performance with Nat King Cole in 1963 at Eastern High School, where United States Attorney General Robert F. Kennedy was an honored guest. Another highlight of El Corols' experience was the invitation to perform at the Debutante Cotillion of New York Socialite Fernanda Wetherhill Wannamaker in South Hampton, Long Island. prgtoken As the members of El Corols reflect on their teenage years, they continue to cherish the lifelong memories and experiences they were afforded simply due to their dedication to and love of music. prgtoken El Corols is indebted to its manager, Captain William Rumsey, who was Dunbar High School's Military Science Teacher. Captain Rumsey later became the Principal of McKinley Technical High School, and upon his retirement from the public school system, he became Director of the District of Columbia Parks and Recreation Department. Captain Rumsey was a strict disciplinarian and assured the band members' parents that they were in capable hands and would be well cared for under his management. Captain Rumsey never failed in his commitment to the band and stands in a proud space in history alongside the members of El Corols. prgtoken Madam , it is my honor today to recognize the rich history of El Corols on the occasion of its 60th reunion. I ask my colleagues to join me in this recognition.
INTRODUCTION OF THE PROTECTIONS IN CONSUMER LENDING ACT
Jesús G. "Chuy" García (Democrat, IL) \u2014 2019-4-15

. Madam , I am proud to introduce the Protections in Consumer Lending Act, which will empower the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau to understand, analyze, and scrutinize abusive practices by consumer lenders. prgtoken From mortgages to auto loans to credit applications, a pattern of discriminatory consumer lending exists throughout the economy. For instance, a recent study by the National Fair Housing Alliance found that White testers were offered better financing options on auto loans than non-White testers 75 percent of the time. prgtoken It is vital that the CFPB has access to the richest possible data on data discrimination in credit lending, and that is why I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting the Protections in Consumer Lending Act. prgtoken I encourage my colleagues to support this bill.
CELEBRATING THE DEDICATION OF THE HOBE SOUND NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE IN HONOR OF NATHANIEL P. REED
Alcee L. Hastings (Democrat, FL) \u2014 2019-4-15

. Madam , I rise today to recognize the dedication of the Hobe Sound National Wildlife Refuge in honor of the late Nathaniel P. Reed. Nathaniel, who was known as Nat, was an enviromnentalist and champion of Florida's environment. He served as Assistant Secretary of Fish, Wildlife, and Parks at the United States Department of the Interior from 1971 to 1977, under President Richard Nixon and President Gerald Ford. Furthermore, had it not been for Nathaniel, our nation would be without the Marine Mammals Protection Act, the intact and expanded Redwoods National Park, the Endangered Species Act and the Clean Water Act. prgtoken Originally born in New York City, Nathaniel spent much of his time growing up in Hobe Sound, Florida. His concern for the environment developed from his firsthand experience with the threat of overpopulation to Florida's natural landscape and by the example of his mother, who was a lead organizer in opposing the development of a theme park on an island near their home. prgtoken Nathaniel started his career in the family real estate and hotel business in Florida, where his concern for the environment steered him into public service. He went on to serve six Florida governors. prgtoken He was a member of many environmental advocacy groups, most notably the 1000 Friends of Florida, an organization which he founded, and served as president and chairman. He also served on the boards of the Everglades Foundation (which he helped found), the Nature Conservancy, the Atlantic Salmon Federation, the Natural Resources Defense Council, the National Audubon Society, Yellowstone National Park, the National Geographic Society, and the South Florida Water Management District. Throughout his career, he was one of the most eloquent and effective advocates for fish, wildlife and nature of the 20th and 21st centuries. prgtoken The Hobe Sound National Wildlife refuge is a part of the United States National Wildlife Refuge system, and is the type of vulnerable land Nathaniel dedicated his life to protecting. The newly named Nathaniel P. Reed Hobe Sound National Wildlife Refuge will rightly honor his life's work. prgtoken Madam , Nathaniel was a powerhouse of Florida politics, but more than that, he was a dear friend and a mentor to me, as well as to countless others. During his six decades of activism, he was a tireless crusader for the environment and the Everglades. Nathaniel inspired generations of conservationists, and what he did for America's River of Grass is immeasurable. Hobe Sound represents the starting place of Nathaniel's love for our nation's environment, and this dedication of the Hobe Sound National Wildlife Refuge in his honor will allow his life and legacy to always endure.
HONORING FRIENDSHIP WORSHIP CENTER 75TH ANNIVERSARY
Eliot L. Engel (Democrat, NY) \u2014 2019-4-15

. Madam , I rise today to honor a wonderful institution in Mount Vernon, the Friendship Worship Center, which this year celebrates its remarkable 75th Anniversary in the community. prgtoken Friendship Worship empowers people with solid biblical principles, while advocating for justice, fairness, and delivering social services. The story of Friendship Worship begins in 1942, when a group of women from the Mount Vernon Community led by Mother Lillian Davis, an active missionary, began a Freewill Baptist Mission work. For two years these women shared in their homes the message and work of Christ. In 1944, the officials of the Freewill Baptist Conference came and officially organized the St. Paul Freewill Baptist Church of Mount Vernon, New York. Around the late 1940s the church was renamed Little Friendship United American Freewill Baptist Church. In 1950, Little Friendship became incorporated in the State of New York. During those early stages of the church development many different ministers and layperson held the church together. This was done under the supervision of the late Rev. N.E. Sharp, Moderator of the Northern Annual Conference of the United American Freewill Baptist Church. The first elected pastor of this church was the late Rev. B.T. Johnson who led the church from 1948-1956. During his tenure Little Friendship purchased its church building at 358 South Ninth Avenue, Mount Vernon, New York. The successions of Pastors were Rev. S.H. Wylie 1956-1957, Rev. H. Miller 1957-1958, Rev. O. E. Davis 1958-1959, Rev. Otis Park 1959-1983, Rev. Joe L. Brown 1983-1988, and finally my friend Elder C. Nathan Edwers 1988 to present. In 1997, the church name was changed, and Corporation papers were amended to Friendship Unified Freewill Baptist Church of Mount Vernon, New York. prgtoken Under the strong leadership of Pastor Edwers many new programs were established. Due to an expansion and betterment of the prgtoken church, over $200,000 has been done in renovations since 1989. In August 1998 Pastor C. Nathan Edwers was led by the Lord to move Friendship Unified Freewill Baptist Church into $1.3 million edifice located at 261 East Lincoln Avenue in Mount Vernon at present. The church seating capacity is 1,200. prgtoken In September 1998 the church was renamed Friendship Worship Center, The Family Center. In March 20, 1999 Pastor Edwers was consecrated as a Bishop. Friendship Worship Center is now on the cutting edge of the 21st Century and every day its parishioners are helping to improve the Mount Vernon community and beyond. prgtoken On this special occasion, I want to congratulate the entire Friendship Worship Center community on 75 amazing years of love and service.
CELEBRATING SENIOR DIRECTOR RICK PHILLIPS 35 YEARS OF WORK AT SEMPRA ENERGY UTILITIES COMPANIES (SoCalGas & SDG&E)
Jimmy Gomez (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2019-4-15

. Madam , I rise today to honor Rick Phillips, Senior Director of the Pipeline Safety Enhancement Plan (PSEP) at SoCalGas, one of the nation's largest natural gas distribution companies. As the Sr. Director of PSEP, Mr. Phillips oversees a multi-year, three- billion-dollar project that advances SoCalGas' natural gas transmission. This project requires him to oversee a team of 800 contractors and manage 230 projects that range from San Diego to Visalia. prgtoken In over 35 years at Sempra Energy utilities companies (SoCalGas & SDG&E), Mr. Phillips has held various leadership roles such as Director of Engineering, Director of Supply Management, Director of Regional Operations, and Director of Underground Storage. As Program Director in IT, Mr. Phillips led a half-billion dollar IT upgrade project that made improvements to GIS, call centers, and field workforce applications. prgtoken Previously, Mr. Phillips graduated cum laude with a bachelor's degree in Engineering from UC Irvine, and he served on the UC Riverside Foundation Board of Trustees and the Industry Advisory Board for UC Riverside's Anderson School of Management. prgtoken Mr. Phillips has demonstrated tremendous leadership within his company and the 34th Congressional district through his direct involvement in community projects, and by mentoring young professionals at the Gas Company. It is leaders like him that keep paving the path for future generations to continue the positive impacts in our communities. prgtoken I ask all members to join with me in commending Mr. Phillips for his 35 years of hard work, leadership, and mentorship of young professionals at SoCalGas & SDG&E.
IN RECOGNITION OF THE LIFE, LEGACY, AND SERVICE OF CLINTONVILLE POLICE CHIEF JAMES BEGGS
Mike Gallagher (Republican, WI) \u2014 2019-4-18

. Madam , I rise today to recognize Chief James Beggs' 44 years of service in law enforcement. prgtoken Chief James Beggs began working for the Clintonville Police Department as a full-time Patrol Officer in September of 1975. Through hard work and dedication, he rose up in the ranks of the department from Patrol Lieutenant to Police Patrol Captain, a position he held for 22 years. In 2016, Beggs was promoted to Police Chief, a position he served in for three years. prgtoken Throughout his career, Chief Beggs served his community in capacities that went far beyond his role as Police Chief. During his 44 years of service with the Clintonville Police Department, Chief Beggs served as a firearms instructor for the Clintonville Police Department, served 13 years with the Clintonville Area Ambulance Service, and 14 years on the Waupaca County SWAT Team. Outside of his work with the Clintonville Police Department, Chief Beggs achieved a number of academic successes, including an Associates Degree in Police Science. He also attended the FBI Law Enforcement Executive Development School where he was trained in emergency management, crisis negotiations, internal affairs, and first level leadership, as well as Homeland Security-Weapons of Mass Destruction. prgtoken During Chief James Beggs' 44-year career with the Clintonville Police Department, he went above and beyond to serve and protect his community. His dedication to and his leadership in Northeast Wisconsin stands as a prgtoken model for all police officers and citizens who strive to make a positive contribution to their community. prgtoken Chief Beggs leaves large shoes to fill and the impact that he has had on his community will not soon be forgotten. There is no doubt that Chief Beggs will be missed by the officers he worked with and by the community to which he dedicated his career. As Chief Beggs steps down to pursue other interests, I have no doubt he will continue to serve as a leader for Clintonville and the surrounding area. prgtoken Madam , I urge all members of this body to join me in commending Chief Beggs for his 44 years of service with the Clintonville Police Department
IN RECOGNITION OF KIM FRANKSON, JESS JOHNSON, AND LAURIE ORTEL OF ASHLEY ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
Michael C. Burgess (Republican, TX) \u2014 2019-4-18

. Madam , I rise alongside Rep. Van Taylor and Rep. Ben Cline to honor Kim Frankson, Jess Johnson, and Laurie Ortel of Ashley Elementary School in the Frisco Independent School District. At the end of last year, these North Texas school administrators used quick thinking and teamwork to help save a life 1,200 miles away. prgtoken In December 2018, Ashley Elementary School principal Kim Frankson, assistant principal Laurie Ortel, and counselor Jess Johnson received a concerning message from a student via the STOPit app, an online platform designed to allow students and parents to send anonymous reports of bullying to school officials. prgtoken The North Texas educators soon discovered that the student was in Waynesboro, Virginia--more than 1,000 miles from Frisco--and sprang into action. As Laurie Ortel said in an interview with the Dallas Morning News: ``We didn't know her, but in that moment, she became ours.'' prgtoken In spite of the distance, Jess Johnson began communicating with the student, who was threatening suicide, on the STOPit app. At the same time, Kim Frankson and Laurie Ortel attempted to contact the Waynesboro Police Department and administrators at the student's school, which already had closed for winter break. Thanks to the efforts of the North Texas teachers, local authorities in Virginia were able to locate the endangered teenager and provide lifesaving assistance. prgtoken Thankfully, the student's message for help reached the right people. prgtoken On February 14, 2019, the Dallas Morning News published an article telling their story. In recognition of their lifesaving efforts, Kim Frankson, Laurie Ortel, and Jess Johnson were honored at the Frisco ISD board meeting on April 8, 2019. They were presented the inaugural Helping Hands Life Saver Award from the makers of the STOPit mobile app, and have received well-earned praise from Americans in North Texas, Virginia, and around the country. prgtoken As Members of Congress representing Frisco, Texas and Waynesboro, Virginia, we extend our sincere gratitude to these North Texas educators for their extraordinary work and dedication. There is no doubt that they have touched the lives of students in Frisco, Waynesboro, and beyond.
IN RECOGNITION OF KIM FRANKSON, JESS JOHNSON, AND LAURIE ORTEL OF ASHLEY ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
Ben Cline (Republican, VA) \u2014 2019-4-18

. Madam , I rise alongside Rep. Michael Burgess and Rep. Van Taylor to honor Kim Frankson, Jess Johnson, and Laurie Ortel of Ashley Elementary School in the Frisco Independent School District. At the end of last year, these North Texas school administrators used quick thinking and teamwork to help save a life 1,200 miles away. prgtoken In December 2018, Ashley Elementary School principal Kim Frankson, assistant principal Laurie Ortel, and counselor Jess Johnson received a concerning message from a student via the STOPit app, an online platform designed to allow students and parents to send anonymous reports of bullying to school officials. prgtoken The North Texas educators soon discovered that the student was in Waynesboro, Virginia--more than 1,000 miles from Frisco--and sprang into action. As Laurie Ortel said in an interview with the Dallas Morning News: ``We didn't know her, but in that moment, she became ours.'' prgtoken In spite of the distance, Jess Johnson began communicating with the student, who was threatening suicide, on the STOPit app. At the same time, Kim Frankson and Laurie Ortel attempted to contact the Waynesboro Police Department and administrators at the student's school, which already had closed for winter break. Thanks to the efforts of the North Texas teachers, local authorities in Virginia were able to locate the endangered teenager and provide lifesaving assistance. prgtoken Thankfully, the student's message for help reached the right people. prgtoken On February 14, 2019, the Dallas Morning News published an article telling their story. In recognition of their lifesaving efforts, Kim Frankson, Laurie Ortel, and Jess Johnson were honored at the Frisco ISD board meeting on April 8, 2019. They were presented the inaugural Helping Hands Life Saver Award from the makers of the STOPit mobile app, and have received well-earned praise from Americans in North Texas, Virginia, and around the country. prgtoken As Members of Congress representing Frisco, Texas and Waynesboro, Virginia, we extend our sincere gratitude to these North prgtoken Texas educators for their extraordinary work and dedication. There is no doubt that they have touched the lives of students in Frisco, Waynesboro, and beyond.
IN RECOGNITION OF KIM FRANKSON, JESS JOHNSON, AND LAURIE ORTEL OF ASHLEY ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
Van Taylor (Republican, TX) \u2014 2019-4-18

. Madam , I rise alongside Rep. Michael Burgess and Rep. Ben Cline to honor Kim Frankson, Jess Johnson, and Laurie Ortel of Ashley Elementary School in the Frisco Independent School District. At the end of last year, these North Texas school administrators used quick thinking and teamwork to help save a life 1,200 miles away. prgtoken In December 2018, Ashley Elementary School principal Kim Frankson, assistant principal Laurie Ortel, and counselor Jess Johnson received a concerning message from a student via the STOPit app, an online platform designed to allow students and parents to send anonymous reports of bullying to school officials. prgtoken The North Texas educators soon discovered that the student was in Waynesboro, Virginia--more than 1,000 miles from Frisco--and sprang into action. As Laurie Ortel said in an interview with the Dallas Morning News: ``We didn't know her, but in that moment, she became ours.'' prgtoken In spite of the distance, Jess Johnson began communicating with the student, who was threatening suicide, on the STOPit app. At the same time, Kim Frankson and Laurie Ortel attempted to contact the Waynesboro Police Department and administrators at the student's school, which already had closed for winter break. Thanks to the efforts of the North Texas teachers, local authorities in Virginia were able to locate the endangered teenager and provide lifesaving assistance. prgtoken Thankfully, the student's message for help reached the right people. prgtoken On February 14, 2019, the Dallas Morning News published an article telling their story. In recognition of their lifesaving efforts, Kim Frankson, Laurie Ortel, and Jess Johnson were honored at the Frisco ISD board meeting on April 8, 2019. They were presented the inaugural Helping Hands Life Saver Award from the makers of the STOPit mobile app, and have received well-earned praise from Americans in North Texas, Virginia, and around the country. prgtoken As Members of Congress representing Frisco, Texas and Waynesboro, Virginia, we extend our sincere gratitude to these North Texas educators for their extraordinary work and dedication. There is no doubt that they have touched the lives of students in Frisco, Waynesboro, and beyond.
TRIBUTE TO BILL GOSSARD
Jim Jordan (Republican, OH) \u2014 2019-4-18

. Madam , I am honored to commend to the House the life and career of Billy L. Gossard of Harrod, Ohio, who passed away last month at age 84. prgtoken Bill was born in Hardin County, Ohio, in 1934. Following his service in the Army, he worked for many years as a trucking salesman for a variety of area companies. prgtoken Bill was a proud resident of the Village of Harrod, where he opened Bill's World Famous Barbershop in 1964. He was soon elected to the Harrod Village Council, on which he served for nearly three decades. prgtoken For twenty years, starting in 1976, Bill served as mayor of Harrod. He cited his work to fund and install a village-wide sewer system as his biggest accomplishment in office. He also took great pride in acquiring land for Harrod's Railroad Heritage Park, which commemorates the village's history as a major rail town. The village recognized his many achievements with the proclamation and celebration of Bill Gossard Day in 2017. prgtoken Madam , Bill is survived by his wife of 63 years, Janet; three children; and numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and many extended family members. On behalf of the people of Ohio's Fourth Congressional District, I offer them my condolences as they remember Bill's life and his many contributions to the Village of Harrod.