mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
120TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE ROYAL OAK WOMEN'S CLUB
Gary C. Peters (Democrat, MI) \u2014 2022-11-14

I rise today to recognize the 120th anniversary of the Royal Oak Women's Club. For over 120 years, the Royal Oak Women's Club--ROWC--members have come together for the purpose of society and service within the Royal Oak community. prgtoken On the evening of November 8, 1902, 14 local Royal Oak women gathered together in the parlor of Mrs. Frances Lathrup Martin, for the purpose of creating a study club. It was Mrs. Martin herself that became the first president of the newly formed club. At the time of its founding, the club's mission included the expansion of opportunities for local women, pursuit of issues such as pediatric health and safety, and the promotion of general well-being within the Royal Oak community. prgtoken Over the years, as the ROWC expanded its presence in the area by joining larger regional organizations such as the General Federation of Women's Clubs--GFWC--the Michigan Federation of Women's Clubs--GFWC MI--Detroit Federation of Women's Clubs, and the Oakland County Federation of Women's Clubs. The club also transformed to become increasingly civic-minded, with efforts including local advocacy campaigns that resulted in better safety and sanitary equipment within Royal Oak's local public schools. prgtoken One-hundred and twenty years later the club has continued to expand and evolve, and now boasts a membership of over 120 persons, who dedicate their time toward the pursuit of community projects that promote good citizenship, civism, and quality education. The ROWC continues to hold a place of high esteem and local importance to the city, with many community groups and organizations using group's clubhouse as a location to hold meetings and events. The clubhouse itself holds significance, for both club and community. The structure, purchased by the ROWC in the 1920s, was even then one of the oldest buildings in the city. Originally a Baptist church constructed in 1839, the building has been relocated and restored as necessary for its preservation and continued use, but continues to exhibit many original features. Upkeep of this structure, which was designated in 1979 as a Michigan Registered Historical Site, 1999 a Royal Oak Historic District, and is known today as the city's oldest building, remains among the club member's highest charges. prgtoken The Royal Oak Women's club continues to make a difference today through their philanthropic efforts, as well as by providing the women of Royal Oak with a space they may gather, exchange ideas and knowledge, and pursue the ``high ideals'' envisioned by the club's original members. Their efforts to support the community continue as well; the club provides financial support to the neonatal unit at Beaumont Hospital, the Royal Oak Library, Haven of Oakland County, the Boys and Girls Club for Southeast Michigan, and the South Oakland Shelter to name just a few of their initiatives. Members of the ROWC also volunteer their time to
RECOGNIZING THE 85TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE SEYMOUR PLANETARIUM
Richard E. Neal (Democrat, MA) \u2014 2022-11-14

. Madam , I would like to take this opportunity to extend my warmest congratulations to Springfield Museums and the Seymour Planetarium on celebrating the Planetarium's 85th anniversary. This milestone achievement deserves the highest praise for the hard work and dedication of the organization's board, staff, and everyone who has contributed to the Planetarium's success. prgtoken The doors of the Seymour Planetarium first opened in 1937. Founded by Chicopee brothers Frank, John and Stanley Korkosz, the Planetarium was created to educate and inspire, just as Frank Korkosz was inspired by the 1910 appearance of Halley's Comet, later building a rudimentary comet projector with a dynamite box and carbide lamp. Through their work, they have brought a new perspective of our universe to countless families and individuals. prgtoken Over the course of 85 years, the Planetarium has inspired generations of visitors. John Korkosz stressed the importance of curiosity and exploring the universe to better understand life on Earth. Through the creation of the Korkosz starball--the world's oldest operating, American-made star projector--he and his brothers have sparked that curiosity in countless others. The past few years, in particular, have highlighted the need for looking forward and inspiring the next generation of scientists and engineers. prgtoken Madam , I would like to congratulate Springfield Museums and the Seymour Planetarium again on celebrating the Planetarium's 85th anniversary and thank them for continuing to educate and inspire our communities. The Planetarium is a cherished landmark of Massachusetts' First District, and I wish them many more years of success and prosperity.
ROY E. DICKENS POST OFFICE
Andy Levin (Democrat, MI) \u2014 2022-11-14

I rise today in support of my bill, H.R. 7518, designating the post office at 23200 John R Road in Hazel Park, Michigan, as the Roy E. Dickens Post Office. prgtoken Roy Dickens was a U.S. Army vet and longtime resident of Hazel Park, Michigan, where he was deeply involved in the community. He joined the Hazel Park Police Department in 1967 and served as an officer for 28 years, but Mr. Dickens was not finished. Following his tenure at the police department, he went on to serve proudly as a court officer for another 15 years until he retired in 2010. prgtoken Roy Dickens worked for the city of Hazel Park for 43 years. That makes him the longest-serving employee in the history of the city, a record he holds posthumously to this very day. prgtoken Mr. Dickens was known in southeast Michigan as a public servant, community leader, and good neighbor to all. He made a positive impact in the lives of those around him in so many ways and is remembered fondly by many people--first and foremost, his beloved wife, Marilyn, and children, Gina and David. prgtoken Roy Dickens left a legacy as a pillar of the Hazel Park community and someone who embodied the essence of public service. I am proud to honor him for generations to come with this post office dedication. prgtoken I thank Hazel Park Mayor Michael Webb, City Manager Ed Klobucher, and other civic leaders for collaborating with me on choosing the very best recipient for this honor. From this day forward, the post office on John R will remind residents of Hazel Park and surrounding towns of an unassuming leader who helped ensure the safety, peace, and tranquility of the community for everyone, Roy Dickens.
PREVENT ALL SORING TACTICS ACT OF 2021
Frank Pallone, Jr. (Democrat, NJ) \u2014 2022-11-14

such time as I may consume. prgtoken , I rise to speak in support of H.R. 5441, the Prevent All Soring Tactics Act of 2021. prgtoken This important bill will protect horses from cruel and inhumane practices. It is necessary because today there are gaps in our animal welfare laws that have left these innocent animals vulnerable to abuse. prgtoken Despite a national ban, the abusive and barbaric practice of soring continues. Soring is a process of applying an irritating or blistering agent to the limb of a horse to accentuate the horse's gait, which may cause a horse to move with exaggerated high steps. In the 1950s and 1960s, some exhibitors used soring to improve the performance of show horses. To end this abuse, Congress passed the Horse Protection Act in 1970 to prohibit soring at horse shows, horse sales, and other horse exhibitions. prgtoken Unfortunately, despite this prohibition, soring continues today. The U.S. Department of Agriculture Inspector General found that the USDA's program for inspecting horses for soring does not adequately prevent abuse. According to the Inspector General, the program faces significant limitations. There are inadequate inspections and enforcement as the USDA relies on industry inspectors with inherent conflicts of interest. The Inspector General also found that there is insufficient information sharing and distribution, which has made it more difficult to punish violators and enforce suspensions. prgtoken The PAST Act will help end this intolerable abuse of horses by strengthening the protections and penalties for soring. This legislation requires the USDA to prescribe regulations for the licensing, training, assignment, and oversight of people responsible for detecting and diagnosing a sore horse. It also increases penalties to imprisonment up to 3 years and fines up to $5,000 per violation. The legislation mandates that the USDA publish on a website information on violations to improve the enforcement of suspensions. prgtoken I thank Representative Cohen for his leadership on this legislation, which passed out of the Committee on Energy and Commerce with strong bipartisan support in September. prgtoken , I encourage my colleagues to support this bill to help us bring an end to this cruel treatment of horses, and .
HONORING THE LIFE AND SERVICE OF DR. MATTELIA BENNETT GRAYS
Sheila Jackson Lee (Democrat, TX) \u2014 2022-11-14

I rise to celebrate the life of Dr. Mattelia Bennett Grays. prgtoken I wear white today, having just come from Houston and celebrating her life as the International 18th president of Alpha Kappa Alpha and a major leader in The Links organization; what a remarkable woman, a woman of her era, 91 years old; graduated from Dillard, the University of Michigan, and Pacific University with a doctorate degree, a strong and vivacious woman, elegant but, as well, determined to teach children a better way. prgtoken A pioneering civil rights leader who, in fact, provided Alpha Kappa Alpha chartered groups on schools that were majority not integrated but majority Anglo, if you will, institutions that were not historically Black colleges. But she was strong and wanted to present a wonderful opportunity for young women, wanted them to have the same kind of leadership that she did. prgtoken She was the daughter of a preacher and a wonderful mother that invested in her the love of faith in God; and she was a person who benefited so many young people in her era and in her time. prgtoken Yes, this fierce lover of life, strong, determined leader, has now taken her wings, and I was pleased to be at her homegoing service to be able to honor her daughter Karen, her brother, Cornel, and Joan, her sister, grandson, Kristopher, his wife, and their children, and all her other relatives. prgtoken I was delighted that the mayor of the city of Houston named this day, November 14, 2022, as Dr. Mattelia Grays Day. I am here to honor her on the floor of the House. May she rest in peace. May her spirit continue to lift us up as we celebrate our 18th international president, Dr. Grays, as she rests in peace and goes home to join her honey-do, her husband. prgtoken , I rise to honor and praise Dr. Mattelia Bennett Grays for a life well lived--where she was dedicated to public service through education and was a member of the renowned Alpha Kappa Alpha (AKA) Sorority Incorporated. prgtoken Dr. Mattelia Bennett Grays was a remarkable woman, a mother, a community leader, and a woman of God who passed away this month at the age of 91. prgtoken Dr. Bennett Grays was the 18th International President of Alpha Kappa Alpha (AKA) Sorority Incorporated serving from 1970 to 1974. prgtoken Dr. Mattelia Bennett Grays was born on July 26, 1931, in Houston, Texas, to the Reverend Abel B. Bennett and Mrs. Delcia McNeal Bennett. prgtoken During her formative years, Dr. Mattelia Bennett Grays and her family attended Pleasant Hill Baptist Church until her father built from the ground up a small church, St. John Missionary Baptist Church, in Chappell Hill, Texas. prgtoken Dr. Mattelia Bennett Grays attended schools in the Houston Independent School District and graduated in 1948 as salutatorian of her graduating class at Booker T. Washington High School. She was blessed to have earned and received a full-ride scholarship to attend Dillard University in New Orleans,
Midterm Elections (Executive Session)
Richard J. Durbin (Democrat, IL) \u2014 2022-11-14

before I make any remarks in the Senate, I want to make remarks of a specific and personal nature to the Presiding Officer. The last time we were together was election night. And it was a wonderful night for you, for your family, and for the State of Illinois. Your victory was an amazing achievement, but your whole life has been an amazing achievement. And I particularly will remember when Brian brought the girls up to the stage, and they jumped all over their mom in her wheelchair. It was something that made the news and should have. It was a wonderful moment for you and your family. But it was a wonderful moment in American politics. prgtoken Your re-election in the State of Illinois was my No. 1 priority. And I didn't have to work as hard as I thought I would because they love you, and it showed in the vote. So congratulations to the Presiding Officer. prgtoken , in the fall of 1862, President Abraham Lincoln sent his second annual message to Congress. The Civil War was raging, and our Nation was really uncertain as to its future. prgtoken In the midst of what Lincoln called this ``fiery trial,'' he called on Congress to do something that was remarkable: to assure the freedom of every American, including the nearly 4 million Black Americans living in bondage. President Lincoln said this was the only way to ``save . . . the last best hope of earth,'' American democracy. prgtoken Last Tuesday, 160 years later, Americans across the country stood up, went to the polls, and did their part, in their time, to save the last best hope of earth. They voted to protect our fundamental freedoms and to preserve our democracy. prgtoken One of those voters was a young woman in our State named Lauren. She is a student at the University of Illinois in Champaign. The students at the university once again had to wait for hours in line. People were bringing pizzas to sustain them during their trial of waiting to vote. It worked. They voted in big numbers. And Lauren was one of them. prgtoken While she was waiting in line, a reporter with the Illinois Student Newsroom asked her, ``Why, why did you come out here and vote?'' prgtoken She said: I was voting based on women's rights in terms of candidates who were supporting women's choice. . . . It's important--as a student--as a young person to come out and vote for issues that I care about. prgtoken Thankfully, Lauren wasn't alone. In this year's election, young voters continued a trend that began in 2018 and 2020: They turned out in record numbers. They realized it is the responsibility of their generation to do a better job than our generation and to keep democracy alive. prgtoken So let's start off by thanking the young people: the sons and daughters who were raised properly when it came to their civic duty, who voted for the first time last week--and, for some, it was a repeat performance--along with every other American. Wi
ARMS SALES NOTIFICATION
Robert Menendez (Democrat, NJ) \u2014 2022-11-14

section 36(b) of the Arms Export Control Act requires that Congress receive prior notification of certain proposed arms sales as defined by that statute. Upon such notification, the Congress has 30 calendar days during which the sale may be reviewed. The provision stipulates that, in the Senate, the notification of proposed sales shall be sent to the chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. prgtoken In keeping with the committee's intention to see that relevant information is available to the full Senate, I ask unanimous consent to have printed in the Record the notifications which have been received. If the cover letter references a classified annex, then such annex is available to all Senators in the office of the Foreign Relations Committee, room SD-423.
LT. COL. LUKE WEATHERS, JR. VA MEDICAL CENTER
Steve Cohen (Democrat, TN) \u2014 2022-11-14

I thank Chairman Takano and Ranking Member Bost for bringing this bill to the floor. prgtoken , I rise today in support of our bill, H.R. 6863, to name the Memphis VA hospital in honor of a true World War II hero and a hero in American life, Lieutenant Colonel Luke Weathers, Jr. prgtoken I didn't know of Lieutenant Colonel Weathers until his passing, and I read about his passing in the Memphis newspaper, the Commercial Appeal, and I went and attended his funeral at St. Theresa Little Flower Church, where he was a member. I think he integrated the church. The church is a large church and it was packed. prgtoken In spite of the fact that he had moved to retire to Arizona, possibly in Tucson, maybe 15 or 20 years earlier, the people knew Lieutenant Colonel Weathers, they knew his work, they knew his good deeds in the community, and they knew his actions. I was honored to be at that funeral, and I thought this man is something else. prgtoken It has been well documented what he did with his life and with the Tuskegee Airmen and the Red Tails and the several airplanes he shot down. prgtoken There is a movie coming out now that is getting a lot of advertisement, and all Members of Congress have been invited to see this week, called ``Devotion,'' about an African-American pilot who was a star in the Korean war. prgtoken It was Lieutenant Colonel Weathers and the Tuskegee Airmen who were the predecessors of that gentleman's opportunity to defend his country and to show his skills. That is another reason why his name at the veterans hospital will be so important, to inspire people to go into a military career and pursue aviation, which Lieutenant Colonel Weathers encouraged people to do, particularly African-American young men. prgtoken I was also honored to attend his funeral. It was a funeral with a flyover, military caisson, and ``Taps,'' as befitting a gentleman who had served his country as he did. prgtoken His family is very strong in Memphis in support of their father's legacy. I met them in St. Theresa Little Flower Church at his funeral in 2011. prgtoken Lieutenant Colonel Weathers paved the way for many to become pilots, and his legacy endures in the countless lives that he touched. prgtoken I thank our Tennessee delegation who unanimously supported this legislation and this naming of the new Memphis VA Medical Center. It was also endorsed by The American Legion, the Disabled American Veterans, and the Veterans of Foreign Wars. prgtoken I thank Chairman Takano, Ranking Member Bost, and the members of the House Veterans' Affairs Committee for advancing the bill through committee and bringing it to the floor today. I thank Mr. Hoyer for his help with that, too. prgtoken We have done a good thing today to honor a true American hero. I think fondly of him. I had commissioned a plaque to be created and installed at the Memphis airport recognizing his service in the Federal Aviation Administration and integrating that fa
LIFE AND LEGACY OF MONSIGNOR MICHAEL DOYLE
Donald Norcross (Democrat, NJ) \u2014 2022-11-14

. Madam , Monsignor Michael Doyle was originally born in County Longford, Ireland and raised on a farm in Rossduff. He immigrated to the United States of America in 1959 after becoming ordained into the priesthood in Wexford, Ireland and dedicated his life to the pursuit of helping others and embodied the principals of transformational love. prgtoken Upon his arrival as a member of the Diocese of Camden, Monsignor Doyle taught within the high school and had a hand in the success of fellow Camden city parishes such as St. Joseph's, St. George, and St. Joan of Arc. A graduate of Villanova University, Monsignor Doyle earned a master's degree in Education in 1962 and received an honorary doctorate in Humanities from his alma mater in 2007. He was installed as a priest in 1974 and was chosen and appointed as pastor of Sacred Heart Parish where he continued to serve for over fifty years. prgtoken Monsignor Michael Doyle was also a celebrated poet, pacifist, and provocateur. In 1971, he was a member of the Camden 28, a group of anti-Vietnam War activists who plotted to raid the Camden draft board office until the plan was revealed to the authorities. Doyle and three other Catholic priests were eventually acquitted of their charges. In addition, Doyle helped plant crosses memorializing Camden City's murder victims in front of Camden City Hall when he felt more could be done to stem rampant violence. His activism extends beyond nonviolence, Monsignor Michael Doyle is a champion of education, improved medical care, community beautification, and affordable housing. prgtoken Monsignor Doyle has been profiled by media outlets and documentaries for his work in the southern part of the City of Camden throughout the decades. As a literary force, Monsignor Doyle inspired residents both in and outside of the City of Camden through his sermons, poetry, and desire to improve the social justice landscape until retiring from active ministry in 2020. prgtoken Following his service through Sacred Heart Parish and the Camden Diocese, Monsignor Michael Doyle remained steadfast in his efforts to better the lives of those around him. He could be found actively writing letters to parishioners in efforts to fundraise for local school children. prgtoken Madam , I ask you to join me in honoring the life and legacy of Monsignor Michael Doyle and his lifelong commitment as a dedicated humanitarian and advocate for peace within the community.
CIVIL RIGHTS COLD CASE INVESTIGATIONS SUPPORT ACT OF 2022
Bobby L. Rush (Democrat, IL) \u2014 2022-11-14

I thank the chair of the committee, my good friend Congresswoman Maloney. prgtoken , I rise today in support of S. 3655, the Civil Rights Cold Case Investigation Support Act of 2022. This bill is the Senate companion to my bill, H.R. 6818, and I am pleased beyond measure to support its passage on the floor today. prgtoken Four years ago, , Congress passed my bill, the Civil Rights Cold Case Records Collection Act of 2018, into law. That law created a collection of civil rights cold case records to be disclosed to the public, helping to resolve by bringing closure to the more than 100 unsolved cold cases from the civil rights era. It was designed to bring some small measure of comfort to families and communities that have waited far, far too long for answers about the loss of their loved ones so many decades ago. I hope today's passage will bring some sense of closure to these families. prgtoken A crucial part of that bill was the creation of the Civil Rights Cold Case Records Review Board, which serves as an independent oversight agency that reviews requests to delay making civil rights cold case records public. prgtoken President has appointed, and the Senate has confirmed, some wonderfully qualified nominees to the board, but since the previous administration failed to appoint any members to the board, the board is about to run out of its legislative time before it can truly bring its mission to fruition. prgtoken , the bill passed in the Senate, and I see no reason why the House cannot pass the bill today. I urge passage of the bill today.
HONORING THE SERVICE OF MICHAEL SCHRAGE
Frank J. Mrvan (Democrat, IN) \u2014 2022-11-14

it is with great respect and admiration that I rise to congratulate Michael Schrage, Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Board of Centier Bank as he celebrates his 50th work anniversary. prgtoken Under his outstanding leadership, Centier Bank has been recognized as the largest private, family-owned bank in the State of Indiana and, since 2007, has annually been named one of Indiana's best places to work. I believe that this is due to Michael's value-based work ethic that fosters a supportive and thoughtful work environment. prgtoken I also appreciate that Michael has proven himself to be a pillar in the community, volunteering his time and efforts to countless charity organizations. prgtoken , please join me in honoring Michael Schrage on this incredible accomplishment and his commitment to our region and helping those in need.