mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
HONORING MR. CHARLES ``CHUCK'' CORJAY
Donald S. Beyer, Jr. (Democrat, VA) \u2014 2019-4-25

. Madam , I rise today to ask the House of Representatives to join me in celebrating the exemplary life of Mr. Charles ``Chuck'' Corjay. prgtoken Mr. Corjay was born in 1932 in Springfield, MA to John and Helen Solenski as the youngest of three sons. He served in the U.S. Air Force for over seven years, including during the Korean War. Mr. Corjay later dedicated his life to helping others pursue an education. As a lifetime member of the Armed Forces Communications and Electronics Association he was the first recipient of the NoVa AFCEAN of the Year Award, now known as ``The Corjay Award'', for raising over $10 million in STEM scholarships and financial assistance for veterans. prgtoken Mr. Corjay also forged a lifelong career in Information Technology. As the Senior Vice President of DoD Strategy with CACI International Inc he built successful relationships at senior levels within the Department of Defense. In 2007, he was named to Federal Computer Week's Federal 100 list of IT leaders. prgtoken Mr. Corjay passed away peacefully on March 17, 2019 and is survived by his wife Diane and his daughter Marcy. He was known as a friend, mentor, and coach to all, and his spirit and character are reflected in his vast network of friends. prgtoken Madam , I extend my deep condolences to Mr. Corjay's family and friends and ask that you join me in recognizing his life and legacy.
INTRODUCTION OF THE ENSURING SUCCESSFUL REENTRY ACT OF 2019
Eleanor Holmes Norton (Democrat, DC) \u2014 2019-4-25

. Madam , today, in recognition of April as Second Chance Month, I introduce the Ensuring Successful Reentry Act of 2019, a bill to eliminate so-called ``subsistence fees.'' Federal law currently requires the Federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP) to impose a subsistence fee on the income of offenders living in residential reentry centers (RRCs), supposedly to promote financial responsibility by requiring RRC residents to pay a portion of their housing costs. The fee is currently 25 percent. However, many offenders living in RRCs often work minimum wage jobs, so the loss of 25 percent of their paychecks is a significant hurdle to successful reentry, and it makes it extremely difficult for them to save money for rent, pay child support, or fines and fees associated with their conviction (such as restitution). Recently, BOP eliminated the subsistence fee for offenders on home confinement, who cost BOP almost nothing for maintenance. Far from promoting financial responsibility, subsistence fees actually prevent returning citizens from meeting their financial obligations. prgtoken The Department of Justice (DOJ) has already recognized how ``counterproductive'' subsistence fees are, both for offenders and BOP. In a November 2016 memo, then-Deputy Attorney General Sally Q. Yates noted that prgtoken BOP's ``process for collecting these subsistence fees is costly and administratively burdensome for both RRC's and [BOP],'' and called for DOJ to ``develop a plan to limit the use of counterproductive `subsistence' fees imposed on indigent residents.'' BOP can already waive subsistence fees in certain situations for residents of RRCs, but only a change in federal law can remove this unnecessary barrier to reentry. prgtoken We should not be imposing additional burdens on returning citizens, setting them up to fail, especially those who are employed and working toward independence from the criminal justice system. Jobs and affordable housing are crucial components in ensuring successful reentry--charging subsistence fees is antithetical to this goal. I urge my colleagues to support this bill.
CELEBRATING THE 40TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE KOREAN SCHOOL OF SOUTHERN NEW JERSEY
Andy Kim (Democrat, NJ) \u2014 2019-4-25

. Madam , I rise today in celebration of the 40th anniversary of the Korean School of Southern New Jersey. prgtoken Since its founding in 1979, the Korean School of Southern New Jersey (KSSNJ) has been central to developing and strengthening ties in the Korean American community in New Jersey. The school focuses on teaching Korean cultural heritage and sharing it with the local community. prgtoken KSSNJ provides various performing arts and culture classes, organizes community events, facilitates student competitions and offers exciting summer camp programs for their students. Over the years, the school has received numerous accolades for their outstanding work supporting Korean American youth, cultural heritage and classroom achievement. prgtoken I am honored to be the first Asian American Member of Congress to serve the state of New Jersey, and the only Korean American to be currently serving in Congress. I am proud of the work that KSSNJ has done to bring the Korean American community together in Southern New Jersey, and to help develop the next generation of Korean American leaders. I wish them continued success in the many years to come.
IN RECOGNITION OF MS. MAMIE HUGHES' 90TH BIRTHDAY
Emanuel Cleaver (Democrat, MO) \u2014 2019-4-25

. Madam , today I rise to honor a dynamic woman in my district. On May 3, 2019, Mamie Currie Hughes will celebrate her 90th birthday. While turning 90 is a major feat in itself, it's what she has done during these years that makes her so special. Mamie Hughes has been a civil and women's rights champion in Kansas City since the 1950's. prgtoken Born in Jacksonville, Florida, Ms. Hughes graduated from Stanton High School at sixteen years of age. At that young age, she left Florida to attend Fisk University in Nashville, Tennessee where she met her husband Leonard Hughes, Jr. Upon graduation in 1949, the couple married and moved to his hometown of Kansas City, Missouri. prgtoken Ms. Hughes taught elementary school upon arriving in Kansas City. By 1958, as a member of Community Committee for Social Action, she became part of a movement to abolish discriminatory practices of the major department stores in downtown Kansas City, Missouri. prgtoken During the 1950's and 60's she continued to fight segregation while also raising a family, after giving birth to five children. Even so, her commitment to her community never wavered. From 1957 through 1975, Ms. Hughes served with women of all races on the Panel of American Women, an organization that gave presentations describing how discrimination, racism and bigotry affects lives. These community discussions were often held in areas that blacks and other minorities were not welcomed. In 1972, Ms. Hughes was the first black woman elected to the Jackson County legislature where she served two terms. During her time in the legislature, Ms. Hughes was the Chair of the Mid-America Regional Council (MARC) Board of Directors and its Commission on Aging. While at MARC, she assisted with the implementation of the 911 emergency assistance development and worked on the establishment of the Meals on Wheels program that provides food delivery for senior citizens. prgtoken In 1978, my House colleague, Rep. John Lewis, interviewed Ms. Hughes and recommended her to President Carter, who appointed her the Regional Administrator to ACTION/VISTA, the predecessor of AmeriCorps VISTA and the United States government agency that serves as the federal domestic volunteer agency. The agency's responsibilities included the domestic volunteer programs established under the Office of Economic Opportunity including the Foster Grandparents programs and the Peace Corps. It also assumed logistical support responsibilities for the volunteer programs of the SBA's Service Corps of Retired Executives (SCORE) and the senior companion programs that later became the Senior Corps. prgtoken After her federal service, Ms. Hughes' became President of the Black Economic Union (BEU) of Greater Kansas City, one of the country's oldest community development corporations. During her tenure at BEU, Ms. Hughes's efforts focused on the stabilization and preservation of buildings with historic significance. That work ul
PERSONAL EXPLANATION
Eric Swalwell (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2019-4-25

. Madam , I missed votes on Monday, April 8, and Tuesday, April 9. Had I been present, I would have voted as follows: Roll Call Vote Number 157 (Passage of H. Con. Res. 19): YES; Roll Call Vote Number 158 (Passage of H.R. 1331, the Local Water Protection Act): YES; Roll Call Vote Number 159 (Approval of the Journal): YES; Roll Call Vote Number 160 (Ordering the Previous Question): YES; Roll Call Vote Number 161 (Passage of H. Res. 294): YES; and Roll Call Vote Number 162 (Passage of H.R. 1759, the Building on Reemployment Improvements to Deliver Good Employment for Workers Act or BRIDGE for Workers Act): YES.
COMMEMORATING THE 500 YEARS OF THE FIRST VOYAGE AROUND THE WORLD
Jenniffer González-Colón (Republican, PR) \u2014 2019-4-25

. Madam , as the Co-Chair of the bipartisan Congressional Friends of Spain Caucus, I'd like to commemorate the 500th anniversary of the first circumnavigation of the globe. On April 26, 2019, the Spanish tall ship Juan Sebastian de Elcano will arrive in Boston, Massachusetts after stops in the U.S. ports including in my district of San Juan, Puerto Rico, as it continues its voyage to commemorate Commissioned in 1928, Elcano is a training ship for the Spanish Royal Navy. This Quincentennial presents an opportunity to reflect on the beginnings of our current era of globalization. This first circumnavigation took place between 1519 and 1522 under the orders of Emperor Charles I of Spain. Started by the distinguished Portuguese captain, Ferdinand Magellan, this periplus was completed after his death mid-way through the trip by the Spaniard Juan Sebastian Elcano, the ship's name sake. prgtoken The first circumnavigation is a milestone that transformed and connected the world. This sea voyage had profound and lasting scientific repercussions by proving that the earth was in fact not only round but spherical. It not only enhanced the total sum of human knowledge but also promoted transnational interconnectivity, thereby laying the foundation for today's world, defined by economic, political, and cultural globalization. prgtoken The visit by Elcano to the United States as part of the commemoration of this transcendental event in the history of mankind, provides a great opportunity, not only to reflect on this feat, but for strengthening the already robust ties that bind Spain and the United States. prgtoken Therefore, as we salute the arrival of the tall ship Juan Sebastian de Elcano, let's take a moment to commemorate the beginning of the current era of globalization, the legacy and great achievements of expeditionary trailblazers like Magellan and Elcano, and the longstanding relationship between the United States and Spain
LARRY KIKER
Francis Rooney (Republican, FL) \u2014 2019-4-25

. Madam , I rise today in honor of Lee County Commissioner Larry Kiker, who passed away early Tuesday, April 23 at Hope Hospice. prgtoken Mr. Kiker grew up in Clovis, New Mexico and moved to Southwest Florida two decades ago. After moving to Florida, he became a charter boat captain and then owned and operated a Fort Myers Beach realty company with his beloved wife, Paula. prgtoken Larry was first elected to the county commission in 2012--defeating a 24-year incumbent commissioner--and won re-election in 2016. Prior to his service as commissioner, Mr. Kiker had a long career in managing customer service at several high-tech companies, and served as a Fort Myers Beach Town Councilman and as mayor. Larry's leadership and team building skills were well recognized by his peers and the citizens of Southwest Florida. prgtoken Larry served our community with honor. We are all grateful for his contributions and commitment to our community. His passion, intellect, and wit will be long remembered, and prgtoken greatly missed. Our prayers are with his wife, Paula, and his entire family.
CONGRATULATING LA GRANDE AMERICAN LEGION POST NO. 43
Greg Walden (Republican, OR) \u2014 2019-4-25

. Madam , I rise today to congratulate the La Grande American Legion Post No. 43 on 100 years of service to eastern Oregon, and for their continued support and leadership in my home state. prgtoken In Oregon, we understand how important it is to support our veterans. The La Grande Post No. 43 has been a steadfast partner in this effort. With over 117 Posts and 17,000 fraternal members in Oregon--and over 2 million affiliate members--the American Legion is a strong advocate for the veteran community in our great state of Oregon and across the country. prgtoken The La Grande Post No. 43 has been a vital part of the community during these last one hundred years. They place American flags on veterans' graves on Memorial Day and organize and participate in local veterans' parades. They also lead donation efforts for local firefighters' organizations, make monthly visits to veterans in retirement homes in our community, mount up the Patriot Guard to attend funerals with aims-firing details, and volunteering thousands of hours at VA medical facilities. prgtoken A little over a year ago, I had breakfast with a group of veterans-- some of whom are members of Post No. 43--that spend time every week serving ice cream to disabled veterans throughout La Grande and the surrounding community. They call themselves the ``Vets Ice Cream Patrol,'' and the time and energy they spend with veterans every week is a simple, but powerful, gesture of camaraderie and service. prgtoken Over the past 100 years, the American Legion has assisted over 700,000 veterans and families across the nation in collecting their benefits; honored our veterans and led memorial tributes for fallen comrades; and volunteered thousands of hours at VA medical facilities. La Grande Post No. 43 has been a valued part of that tradition. prgtoken Being a champion for our veterans is an endeavor that transcends party lines and is a small expression of gratitude for all they have done to protect our freedoms. The American Legion has led the effort in this, with an emphasis on service to the local community and volunteerism to improve the quality of life for Oregon veterans. prgtoken In celebration and gratitude for all that they do, I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating the La Grande American Legion Post No. 43 on 100 years of unwavering service to Oregon veterans.
HONORING DALE FREEMAN
A. Drew Ferguson IV (Republican, GA) \u2014 2019-4-25

. Madam , I rise today to honor the passing of Mr. Dale Freeman. Mr. Dale Freeman was, simply put, the best teacher I ever had at any level of education. More than any other instructor, he taught me how to think independently and creatively. He taught me how to be disciplined in the basic foundations of writing and critical thinking. Having a solid foundation is essential to creativity because it provides a place to return to after exploring new ideas. Mr. Freeman truly loved learning and teaching. He cared deeply about his students and made them better equipped to handle the world around them. In fact, his work with students has given them the tools to shape the world around them. He was a compassionate person and I am grateful to have had him as an instructor. As we mark his passing here today, I wish his family healing in this season of loss
CONGRATULATING FOUR MEMBERS OF TROOP 146 FOR EARNING THE EAGLE SCOUT RANK
Doug Collins (Republican, GA) \u2014 2019-4-25

. Madam , I rise today to honor four outstanding young men, Ryan Calhoun, James Hicks, James Hunt and Evan Welch of Troop 146 in Braselton, Georgia, for attaining the rank of Eagle Scout with the Boy Scouts of America. prgtoken Eagle Scout is the highest honor a Boy Scout can attain, and only a small fraction of Boy Scouts ever reach the rank. This achievement requires years upon years of tireless work and dedication to develop the requisite leadership, service and outdoor skills. prgtoken Each of these young men have earned their Eagle Scout rank by completing hundreds of hours of community service, earning merit badges and completing a final Eagle Scout project. For his final project, Ryan completed a bird sanctuary at his local church which featured an inspiring biblical theme. James Hicks built a bee habitat to educate his community about the importance of supporting declining bee populations. James Hunt repaired two picnic tables and an entire bridge in the Georgia State Arboretum to ensure the forest can continue meeting the safety needs of its visitors. Evan Welch completed the landscaping and construction of an entire picnic area which will surely provide guests enjoyment for years to come. prgtoken On behalf of the people of Northeast Georgia, I want to congratulate these young men for becoming Eagle Scouts. I am incredibly proud of the many hours they have dedicated to making a difference in their communities, and I look forward to watching them continue to serve as exceptional leaders.
REMEMBERING THE LIFE OF FRED STARRH, SR.
Kevin McCarthy (Republican, CA) \u2014 2019-4-25

. Madam , I rise today to honor the life of Fred Starrh, Sr who passed away on April 16, 2019 at the age of 89. Fred was a renowned farmer in California's Central Valley whose career spanned nearly seventy years. He was also a devoted family man, philanthropist, follower of Jesus Christ, and my dear friend. prgtoken Born to a family of cotton farmers at the onset of the Great Depression and having come of age during the Second World War, the value of hard work and the importance of serving one's country were instilled in Fred at a young age. In fact, Fred answered the call to serve when his draft number was selected during the Korean War. Stationed in Fort Lewis in Washington State, it was there he met his first loving wife of 54 years, Nancy Johnson, who passed away in 2009. Fred then fell in love with and married Linda. prgtoken Fred returned to his roots after the war, managing the 35-acre family cotton farm in Shafter, California, that his father founded in 1935. The operation quickly expanded and diversified under Fred's guidance, with an additional location in Buttonwillow, California, and the production of specialty crops, including pistachios and almonds. Today, the Starrh Family Farms operation spans over 9,000 acres. prgtoken Fred was also a staunch advocate for Kern County and Central Valley farmers and the farming industry generally. For instance, when the U.S. Department of Agriculture closed a research facility in Shafter, California, that was doing critical research on a cotton disease, Fred, through the San Joaquin Valley Quality Cotton Growers Association, stepped up to the plate and led the charge to keep the facility open and in operation by partnering with Kern County and the local community college. prgtoken Throughout his 68-year career, Fred also advanced agricultural interests by serving on countless boards and councils, and joining numerous associations. Among these, Fred was particularly proud to sit on the Kern County Water Agency Board of Directors. In this capacity, Fred played a critical role and was a key decision-maker advancing commonsense water policies in Kern County and California. For those of you who know California water politics, things can get heated quickly, but Fred, the consummate gentleman, could draw on his vast experience and detailed knowledge to find common ground to bring people back to the table to get solutions--all without raising his voice. prgtoken Fred also served on the Kern County Farm Bureau's Board of Directors, was a Director for the California Farm Bureau Federation, and was appointed to serve on the Cotton Agricultural Trade Advisory Committee and the Cotton Marketing Committee by then-Secretary of Agriculture Ed Madigan, where he advised the Secretary and other officials at the U.S. Department of Agriculture on the landmark 1990 Farm Bill. Fred further served his beloved Central Valley community on the board of the Kern High School District for
HONORING THE LIFE OF CARL McGEE, JR.
Kevin Brady (Republican, TX) \u2014 2019-4-25

. Madam , today, I rise in recognition and celebration of the life of a fellow Texan and decorated WWII Veteran, Carl McGee, Jr. His commitment to his community, the Great State of Texas, and the United States of America represents the best of our country and I encourage all members to join me in honoring this American hero's life. prgtoken In December of 1941, as the world inched ever closer to the Second World War, 18-year-old Carl McGee, Jr. made the decision to enlist and serve his country. He began training at the Army Air Forces Technical School, at Chanute Field III, and was later appointed to the Air Corps Advanced Flying School in Lubbock, Texas. prgtoken Following his success in flight school, First Lieutenant McGee received his wings on January 14, 1943 and subsequently moved to California to join the 450th AAF Base Unit Squadron-A at Hammer Field. As a C-47 pilot, Lieutenant McGee operated in the Pacific Theater, including the Western Pacific, Southern Philippines, New Guinea, and the Bismarck Archipelago. By the remarkable young age of 20, Lieutenant McGee had participated in 50 flight missions where hostile contact was not only probable, but expected. prgtoken In recognition of his service and dedication, Lieutenant McGee was awarded the prestigious Distinguished Flying Cross to commend his efforts in safely transporting troops and supplies through adverse weather, low altitudes, and dangerous mountain terrain. Upon receiving this award, he became the youngest member of the Distinguished Flying Cross Society. Lieutenant McGee was also awarded the Air Medal, with three Oak Leaf Clusters, as well as the Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal, with four bronze service stars, and the American Defense Service Medal. His many awards and recognitions serve as important reminders of the dedicated years he served our nation. prgtoken Lieutenant McGee then went on to begin his professional career as a pilot for Pioneer Airlines, which later became Continental Airlines. After many years of service to both our country and the aviation community, Lieutenant McGee began his well-deserved retirement on his 60th birthday in 1983. Lieutenant McGee passed away on April 8, 2019, surrounded by his friends and family, beloved by all who knew him. He is preceded in death by his parents, Carl and Florence McGee, and his son, Patrick McGee. He is survived by his wife, Cinda McGee; and his wonderful children, Dennis McGee, Andrew McGee, and Michelle Ciancio. prgtoken Today, it is my honor to celebrate the long life of a decorated veteran, devoted father, and extraordinary Texan. He is a member of the Greatest Generation, and I know I speak for the entire Eighth District of Texas when I say: Thank you for all you have done for our Country, you will be deeply missed.