mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
IN RECOGNITION OF THE 100TH BIRTHDAY OF DELIMA ``DEL'' GENARD
William R. Keating (Democrat, MA) \u2014 2018-8-17

I rise today in recognition of Delima ``Del'' Genard, a resident of Acushnet, Massachusetts, who turns 100 years young on August 18th. prgtoken Del was born in Thetford Mines, Quebec, Canada in 1918 to parents Cesaire and Rose Anna Darcy. She was one of six children, with four brothers and one sister. Her family moved to the United States when she was an infant. During the Great Depression, Del left school in the 6th grade and began working to help support her family. prgtoken In 1939, Del became a United States Citizen, and two years later she married Alcide Genard on November 20, 1941. She was a devoted and loving stay-at-home mother to their three children: Priscilla, Robert, and Florence. During World War II, Del took care of prgtoken her family while her husband was deployed overseas. Then, in 1957 she returned to work as a seamstress until retiring at the age of 62. In her free time, she enjoyed dancing the Quadrille, attending Whiss parties at church, going to the movies, attending clambakes, and going for long walks. prgtoken Today she can be found playing cards and bingo, doing puzzles, and going on day trips with friends. Above all, she enjoys spending time with her growing family. Family is incredibly important to Del, who has 18 grandchildren, 31 great-grandchildren, and four great-great- grandchildren. prgtoken , I am proud to honor Delima ``Del'' Genard on this joyous occasion of her 100th birthday. I ask that my colleagues join me in wishing her many more years of health and happiness
COMMEMORATING 83RD ANNIVERSARY OF SOCIAL SECURITY ACT OF 1935
Sheila Jackson Lee (Democrat, TX) \u2014 2018-8-17

I rise to commemorate the 83rd anniversary of the passage of the landmark Social Security Act of 1935, the most famous of the New Deal measures and perhaps the most beneficial and consequential government program in American history. prgtoken On August 14, 1935, President Franklin Delano Roosevelt signed into law the Social Security Act of 1935 and made good on the ic Party's commitment to provide income security to Americans in their old age. prgtoken Social Security has transformed what it means to grow old in this country. prgtoken For 83 years, Social Security has represented a bedrock promise to the American people: that a lifetime of work will be rewarded with the peace of mind, certainty, and sense of security of a stable retirement. prgtoken As we celebrate the 83rd anniversary of the Social Security Act of 1935, we should reflect also on the real-life transformative impact America's most successful program continues to have on millions of Americans each year. prgtoken Social Security has been a stable and secure source of income for millions of seniors and families, many of whom desperately need it, over these last more than seven decades. prgtoken In the 18th Congressional District of Texas, Social Security is the primary economic lifeline for more than 91,000 seniors and disabled persons. Social Security's economic impact also goes well beyond the seniors and families receiving benefits. prgtoken It also benefits state economies and local businesses all across the country. prgtoken In the 18th Congressional District of Texas, Social Security recipients inject more than $97 million into the local economy annually; nationwide, this figures is $775 billion. prgtoken When more than 58 million Americans use the purchasing power of those benefits, they are supporting businesses with dollars they would not have without Social Security. prgtoken It is shameful that there are congressional s who continue to promote various plans to privatize or partially privatize Social Security--plans that would rob seniors of the economic security they count on. prgtoken Over the last 83 years, House have protected and strengthened Social Security; and now and in the future, House will always act to preserve Social Security and safeguard the rights of our nation's seniors. prgtoken And as we look to the future, we can celebrate that what was put in place in 1935 with the Social Security Act of 1935 has given us the foundation for a secure and prosperous future for all Americans.
LOSS OF MONTCLAIR MAYOR PAUL M. EATON
Norma J. Torres (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2018-8-17

it is with a heavy heart that I rise today to announce that on July 21st, the City of Montclair in my district experienced the great loss of Mayor Paul M. Eaton, a gracious public servant who devoted 48 years of his life to serving the people of Montclair through government. prgtoken Mayor Eaton was raised in San Diego County's City of El Cajon, where his father owned a septic tank business. His time spent helping his father operate a tractor and equipment for the family business instilled in Eaton a lifelong love for machines and inspired him to live out the business' slogan: ``Ask Your Neighbor!'' prgtoken Eaton's passion for the Montclair community began in 1965 when he and his wife, Ginger, moved to the Inland Empire. The two began their service at Bethany Baptist church and at the Ontario-Montclair School District volunteering with elementary students. In 1970, Eaton began his career in public service as a founding, appointed member of Montclair's Community Action Committee. The reputation he earned in this position for his commitment to advocating for Montclair residents resulted in his appointment to the Montclair Planning Commission four years later, which he served on until becoming a City Council member in 1988. prgtoken Following Mayor Larry Rhinehart's sudden departure, Eaton was unanimously installed into the position by his fellow City Council members. He served as the city's leader for 23 consecutive years, totaling nearly six terms in office, and becoming the longest serving mayor in Montclair history. His greatest achievements included constructing a state-of-the-art police facility and Youth and Senior Centers, widening Central Avenue on the I-10 Freeway, making critical improvements to the Mission Boulevard and Hold Corridors, and ensuring future service to the Montclair Transcenter for the Gold Line light rail service. Mayor Eaton's decades of unwavering devotion to the city he loved has resulted in a well-deserved and honorable title of Mayor Emeritus of Montclair, an accolade bestowed upon him by his city council colleagues following his passing. prgtoken For his exemplary life of service, , it is on the House floor an honor to recognize Mayor Paul M. Eaton. His decades of commitment and contributions to the City of Montclair are worthy of admiration, and his memory will live on through the countless lives he has impacted. Mayor Eaton is survived by his wife and current mayor of Montclair, Ginger Eaton, their four children, nine grandchildren, and 14 great-grandchildren. May he rest in peace.
HONORING JAMES KELLY
Josh Gottheimer (Democrat, NJ) \u2014 2018-8-17

I rise today in honor of James Kelly, who celebrated his 90th birthday on July 20, 2018. James is known by his friends and neighbors in Tenafly as a deeply committed member of our community. Always there for others, James is a dedicated father, husband, grandfather, and career police officer, who has devoted his life to keeping his community safe. People like James are what make North Jersey such a special place to live. prgtoken Born in 1928 in Philadelphia, James moved to New York City with his family in his teenage years. In New York, James worked in his family's grocery store, until joining the New York Police Department. In 1950, James married his adored wife Lorraine, with whom he enjoyed a loving marriage of fifty-eight years. With Lorraine, James raised three daughters, Pat, Adrienne, and Lisa, and now has seven grandchildren and one great grandchild. A lover of Jazz music and corny jokes, James always makes sure to entertain his entire family during each and every gathering. James continues to be an essential member of his family and community, and is cherished by all who know him. prgtoken , I am deeply grateful for James Kelly's invaluable contributions to our community and our country, and I am confident that he will continue to inspire everyone around him with his quick wit and abiding commitment to service. I congratulate James Kelly on his 90th birthday and wish him many more years of success and happiness
NATIONAL HEALTH CENTER WEEK
Michael F. Doyle (Democrat, PA) \u2014 2018-8-17

I rise today to recognize National Health Center Week and commend Community Health Centers for their important role in America's health care system. prgtoken For over 50 years, Community Health Centers have provided high- quality, affordable, comprehensive primary and preventive health care in our nation's underserved communities, delivering value to, and having a significant impact on, our health care system. prgtoken Today, Community Health Centers serve as primary care for more than 27 million Americans in rural and urban areas. Often, these Health Centers are the only accessible and dependable source of primary care in their communities. In Pennsylvania, Community Health Centers serve more than 800,000 patients at more than 300 sites every year. In Pittsburgh alone, there are seven different Health Center organizations that serve over 44,000 patients at 33 delivery sites, including mobile health clinics. These Health Centers provide access to a variety of primary care services such as vision, oral, and behavioral health, as well as preventative care services for chronic illnesses such as diabetes, asthma, heart and lung disease, cancer, and HIV/AIDS. prgtoken Community Health Centers also help the American economy by generating $24 billion in savings for our health care system annually. Their facilities offer care for patients outside of the emergency rooms and hospitals which place a greater financial burden on our health care system. Health Centers also generate $45.6 billion in economic impact in areas with slower economic growth and employ more than 200,000 physicians, nurses, and staff across the country. prgtoken Congress has spent a great part of the past year debating the future of our nation's health care system. Despite uncertainty about the Affordable Care Act and instability surrounding our health care markets, Community Health Centers have remained a core source of care for low-income Americans and underserved populations. It is with their help that we can make affordable, high-quality healthcare accessible for all Americans regardless of geography, income, and insurance status. It is also with their help that we will overcome our nation's most pressing health crises such as the opioid epidemic, public health threats, and care for veterans. prgtoken I encourage all Americans to observe National Health Center Week by visiting their local Health Centers, learning about their services, and thanking the Health Center staff in their communities. prgtoken I believe the best way to recognize National Health Center Week is to support full funding for Community Health Centers and to advocate for programs which help patients to access their services. I will continue to support Community Health Centers and I hope my colleagues will join me.
HONORING PENNGROVE COMMUNITY CHURCH
Mike Thompson (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2018-8-17

I rise today to honor the 120 years of service that Penngrove Community Church has provided to Penngrove, California and our surrounding community. prgtoken The Penngrove Community Church started in 1897 when the Thompson brothers came to hold revival meetings. After conducting church meetings in the Eagle School building, a church was eventually built half a mile from Penngrove. In 1910, the church was moved closer to town and placed on its current site on Oak Street. In 1937, the church changed its denominational affiliation to Congregational Church and adopted the name it has today. In the 1950s, Penngrove Community Church was affiliated with the United Church of Christ and later, became the independent community church that it is today. prgtoken Penngrove Community Church has several local missions and remains deeply involved in our community. The Redwood Gospel Mission provides homeless shelters, facilitates food drives and holds school supply drives for children. The Intervarsity Christian Fellowship, which is affiliated with the Penngrove Community Church, serves students at Santa Rosa Junior College and Sonoma State University. The church is also affiliated with Mt. Gilead Bible Camp and Conference Center. Penngrove Community Church is a member of City Ministries of Petaluma, a non-profit informal prayer group. prgtoken Penngrove Community Church is a host for Committee On The Shelterless, a nationally recognized program that provides living space for homeless families with children and helps them secure housing. The church holds an after school bible study at Penngrove School and holds an Annual Women's Tea and an Annual Aebleskiver Breakfast. They also assist with the Penngrove Social Firemen with an annual gift giving to needy families in the community. The church donates to Partners International Harvest of Hope, a mission to provide a practical solution to poverty in some of the poorest nations in the world. prgtoken , Penngrove Community Church is an important pillar in our community. It is therefore fitting and proper that we honor its 120th anniversary here today.
RECOGNIZING THE 75TH ANNIVERSARY OF HOLLIN HALL VILLAGE
Donald S. Beyer, Jr. (Democrat, VA) \u2014 2018-8-17

I rise today to recognize the 75th anniversary of the Hollin Hall Village neighborhood in Fairfax County. This historic milestone is a testament to the strength and spirit of both Fairfax County and Northern Virginia. prgtoken The neighborhood of Hollin Hall Village was established in 1943 under the leadership of developer John McPherson, Sr who believed in the future of both the community and Fairfax County. During the 1950s, the fledgling Hollin Hall Village witnessed an explosion of home development and expansion. Since then, generations of residents have called Hollin Hall Village their home and enjoyed the small-town feel located just 10 miles south of Washington, D.C. prgtoken Today, Hollin Hall Village is a community of approximately 700 single-family homes and businesses located in Fairfax County's Mount Vernon District. Hollin Hall Village contains two shopping centers with community staples and specialty stores, a seniors' center, Mount Vernon Park, and a baseball field that countless little league teams call home. prgtoken A community's health can be judged by its level of civic engagement. The Hollin Hall Village Citizen's Association brings together locals who faithfully volunteer to support their community, represent their neighborhood at County meetings, and serve on County boards and committees. Thanks to those efforts, Hollin Hall Village has grown and thrived while maintaining the small-town feeling that early residents envisioned. prgtoken , Virginia's 8th Congressional District remains one of the best places in the country in which to live, work, and raise a family. Behind this achievement are generations of individuals who have, in the spirit of Hollin Hall Village's founders, worked tirelessly to maintain the area's undeniable charm. I commend the Hollin Hall Village Citizen's Association for its work and congratulate the citizens of Hollin Hall Village for reaching this historic milestone. I ask my colleagues to join me in wishing them great success in their future endeavors.
CONGRATULATING THE NORTHERN MARIANA ISLANDS NATIONAL SPEECH AND DEBATE ASSOCIATION TEAM
Gregorio Kilili Camacho Sablan (Democrat, MP) \u2014 2018-8-17

I rise to congratulate the 28 young men and women from the Northern Mariana Islands who competed laudably at this year's National Speech and Debate Association National Tournament in Fort Lauderdale, Florida in June. Members of the Marianas team in both the junior and senior divisions performed excellently, some even placing in the top 10 in the country. prgtoken The Junior Team earned handsomely with Elaine Fernandez of Francisco Sablan Middle School and Jonathan Wolf of Dandan Middle School both making it to the finals and placing number five in the nation in their categories, Story Telling and Humorous Interpretation, respectively. Vladimir Palma of Hopwood Middle School placed in the semi-finals, finishing top eight in the nation. prgtoken Placing in the quarter finals for the Junior Team were Jonathan and Lars Wolf, who finished top 24 in the nation, with Jonathan also placing top 24 in Poetry Reading. Vladimir Palma placed top 30 in the nation in Prose Reading. prgtoken The rest of Junior Team members performed excellently and included Patreisha Concillado and Elaine Fernandez from Fransisco Sablan Middle School; Dane Hodges and Cevina Huang from Saipan International School; Juliet Innocencio, Oceana and Issa Teigita from Dandan Middle School; Vivien Liu and Edgardo Palma from Hopwood Middle School; Jill Mallari from Mount Carmel School and Christian Pamintuan from Green Meadow School. prgtoken On the Senior Team, Kate Ishida of Marianas High School placed in the semi-finals, earning number 12 in the nation in Poetry Reading. She also placed in the quarter finals in Prose Reading, finishing in the top seven percent in the nation. Elizabeth Rose Jones of Kagman High School placed in the quarter finals and earned number 15 in the nation in Expository Speech. prgtoken Senior Team members who placed highly include Shea Hartig of Saipan International School who places in the top 17 percent in the nation for Impromptu Speech and top 38% percent in Poetry Reading. Su Min (Melody) Woo of Grace Christian Academy finished in the top 36 percent for Prose Reading. Nina Validismo of Kagman High School, Jeremiah Fernandez of Saipan Southern High School and Elijah Joshua Pajarillaga from Grace Christian Academy all placed in the top 40% in the nation in their respective categories: Story Telling for the two former and Impromptu Speech for the later. prgtoken The rest of the Senior Team members performed superbly and included Neamiah Fernandez from Saipan Southern High School; Jeff Melchor from Mount Carmel School; Esther Park, Kelvin Wolf, Joseph Zhang and Emma Timmons from Marianas High School; and Lanz Jabez Victoria from Grace Christian Academy. prgtoken These young orators were able to compete at such a high level with the guidance of all their coaches. The Junior Team was coached by Criselda Aldan from Mount Carmel School, Cary Bertoncini from Saipan International School, Lorelisa Espiritu from Great Meadow Sch
CONGRATULATING HARRISON FRANK OF THE RUSSELLVILLE INDIANS
Blaine Luetkemeyer (Republican, MO) \u2014 2018-8-17

I rise today to ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating on Frank of the Russellville Indians for his first-place finish in the 800m Run at the 2018 Missouri Class 2 State Track and Field Championship. prgtoken on and his coach should be commended for all of their hard work throughout this past year and for bringing home the state championship to their school and community. prgtoken , please join me in recognizing on Frank for a job well done
HONORING DEPUTY MARSHAL JOSHUA KATZ
Ken Buck (Republican, CO) \u2014 2018-8-17

I rise today to recognize the heroic action of Deputy Marshal Joshua Katz, a law enforcement officer in Log Lane Village, CO. prgtoken On August 3rd, while Deputy Katz was on duty, he received a call from dispatch regarding a man found unconscious in the town of Log Lane Village. Katz quickly arrived on the scene and noticed a needle in the man's arm. It was later discovered that the man had overdosed on a combination of heroin and fentanyl. Utilizing the training that he had received on drug overdose prevention, Katz administered Narcan nasal spray and performed rescue breathing until an ambulance arrived-- actions which likely saved the man's life. prgtoken The use of opioids is a growing issue and Eastern Colorado has been increasingly harmed by the scourge of opioid addiction. This is why our communities rely on the training of our first responders and law enforcement officers. prgtoken , I am proud to join the people of Log Lane Village in thanking Deputy Marshal Joshua Katz for his courage, quick-thinking, and dedication to protecting our community.
SOROS MUST STOP MEDDLING IN THE DEMOCRATIC PROCESS OF OTHER NATIONS
Ted Poe (Republican, TX) \u2014 2018-8-17

billionaire George Soros is undermining our democratic allies in Europe. For decades he has spent billions of dollars financing activists, journalists, and politicians to challenge democratically elected leaders who do not prescribe to Mr. Soros' left-wing worldview. His meddling in foreign politics is far from a noble cause and should be discouraged. prgtoken Mr. Soros has targeted much of his efforts on our NATO ally Hungary, where he opposes the policies of the democratically elected prime minister. By trying to subvert an elected leader, Mr. Soros and his network of well-paid activists are working against the will of the Hungarian people. Through his propaganda networks and so-called ``policy institutes'' he is trying to manipulate public opinion to support his left-wing causes and tarnish the image of our Hungarian allies. prgtoken Like every sovereign democratic nation, Hungarians have the right to elect their own leaders and not be the target of some billionaire's schemes. Mr. Soros is even using his lavishly funded organizations to lobby other European states to pressure Hungary. This is unacceptable. We too, as an independent free nation, do not want big money or foreign influences meddling in our political process. prgtoken Mr. Soros must cease undermining our freedom-loving allies. His foreign wealth should not afford him outsized influence to push his left-wing agenda on the people of Hungary. If we want money and foreign influence out of politics here, we must expect that wealthy Americans show the same respect abroad. prgtoken And that's just the way it is.