mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
IN HONOR OF THE 2018-2019 AAAA STATE CHAMPIONS: THE CARVER TIGERS GIRLS BASKETBALL TEAM
Sanford D. Bishop, Jr. (Democrat, GA) \u2014 2019-3-21

. Madam , I rise today to recognize the undefeated 2018-2019 AAAA Girls Basketball Georgia State Champions, the George Washington Carver High School Tigers of Columbus, Georgia. The team commemorated this significant milestone on Sunday, March 17, 2019, with a celebratory parade followed by a celebration of honor at the Columbus Civic Center. prgtoken On Friday, March 8, 2019, the Tigers won the state championship game against the Spalding Jaguars by a score of 56-44. This historic victory marked the first championship and undefeated season for the Tigers after coming up short in three Final Fours and two state championships. The team placed No. 1 in the MaxPreps AAAA Girls Basketball rankings for Region 1 and have won all but two of their previous 31 games this season by double digits. prgtoken Their victory in this year's AAAA state championship follows years of frustration, hard work, and determination bursting forth into an unbelievable season of teamwork and athletic excellence. The perseverance of these Tigers, after coming so close the past two seasons, including a 68-67 overtime loss to in-town rival Columbus High in the 2017 finals, was shown this year in their exciting victory. Moreover, the team completed this spectacular season with an astonishing overall win-loss record of 33-0. prgtoken I cannot put into words the tremendous pride that the citizens of Columbus, and indeed the entire Second Congressional District, have in being able to call this outstanding team of athletes their own. They have accomplished an incredible feat, one that could not have been possible without the tireless leadership and encouragement from their head coach, Anson Hundley and his staff, as well as their families, classmates, and members of the community who believed in them and their ability to bring home a state championship title. prgtoken Madam , I ask my colleagues to join my wife, Vivian, and me, along with the more prgtoken than 730,000 people of Georgia's Second Congressional District in congratulating and honoring these hardworking young women who have persevered, sacrificed, and achieved the pinnacle of success in basketball--the Georgia AAAA State Championship title.
INTRODUCTION OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA COURTS VACANCY REDUCTION ACT
Eleanor Holmes Norton (Democrat, DC) \u2014 2019-3-21

. Madam , today, I introduce the District of Columbia Courts Vacancy Reduction Act. This bill would allow local District of Columbia court nominees to be seated after a 30-day congressional review period unless a resolution of disapproval is enacted into law during that period. Currently, nominees cannot be seated without affirmative Senate approval. The congressional review process for nominees would be the same one used for legislation passed by the D.C. Council. It is therefore a reliable process, long- recognized by Congress. My bill is prompted by the unique requirement that judges for the local D.C. courts be confirmed by the Senate, where nominees for the federal courts, understandably, get the primary focus and priority. There is currently a vacancy crisis facing the District's criminal and civil courts, and the D.C. courts have raised serious concerns due to longstanding vacancies. prgtoken Whether or s control the Senate, the local D.C. courts regularly face vacancy crises, which harm the operations of the judicial system in the District. Congress created the D.C. Judicial Nomination Commission (JNC) to recommend candidates, and Congress should generally defer to its judgment. This bill is a compromise, useful to all concerned, that retains a congressional role while saving the Senate time by removing the need for committee and floor action and increasing the odds that D.C. will have a full complement of local judges. prgtoken Currently, there are seven vacancies out of 62 authorized judges on the D.C. Superior Court and two vacancies out of nine authorized judges on the D.C. Court of Appeals. prgtoken Both pre- and post-home rule, the District has never had control over the nomination and approval of local D.C. judges. My bill would not alter the role of the JNC or the President in the nomination process. Under the Home Rule Act, the JNC recommends to the President a list of three persons for each vacancy on the Superior Court and Court of Appeals. The President must nominate a candidate recommended by the JNC within 60 days to the Senate for advice and consent. If the President fails to nominate such a person within 60 days, the JNC must nominate a recommended person directly to the Senate for advice and consent. The Senate has no obligation to provide its advice and consent. Under this bill, once a name has been transmitted to Congress, the nomination would be deemed approved unless a resolution of disapproval is enacted into law during a 30-legislative-day review period. prgtoken I urge my colleagues to support this important legislation.
RECOGNIZING DR. ROBERT DANN ON HIS RETIREMENT
Mike Quigley (Democrat, IL) \u2014 2019-3-21

. Madam , I rise today to recognize Dr. Robert Dann, a beloved family man, a pillar of his community, and a lauded veterinarian, in celebration of his recent retirement. A 1979 graduate of the University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine, Dr. Dann shortly thereafter became an owner and director of Blum Animal Hospital, a mainstay of Chicago's Lakeview neighborhood. Over the course of four decades, Dr. Dann has served countless animals and their owners from across the city, seeing firsthand time and again the power for good that pets can be. After transitioning from several roles within the Hospital to spend more time with his family, Dr. Dann has remained practicing until today. prgtoken Ever since I was a kid visiting the Lincoln Park Zoo for the first time, a love for animals has been a through-line of my entire life. Since coming to Congress, I've had the privilege of defending endangered species and working on key animal protection issues; however; I've never forgotten just how much joy my family's own furry friend, our dog Scout, has brought us over the years. prgtoken Without caring and committed veterinarians like Dr. Dann, millions of pet owners across the country just like myself would not have the same happy memories that I do. Dr. Dann's work has been repeatedly recognized, including when he was named one of Chicago's top veterinarians. Beyond his contributions to the city's canine and feline populations, Dr. Dann has remained engaged in his community, sitting on the boards of two charitable foundations. Through his decades-long commitment to the veterinary medicine profession, and his work to support others in his community, Dr. Dann truly embodies the best of our neighborhoods and our city. prgtoken I thoroughly congratulate Dr. Dann on his forty-year career, on behalf of myself and the thousands of animals he has cared for along the way.
HONORING SUE MERRILL CRAWFORD ANTLE
Jimmy Panetta (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2019-3-21

. Madam , I rise today to celebrate the life of Sue Merrill Crawford Antle, the matriarch of the central coast of California's Antle family. Sue will be remembered as a devoted mother and wife, talented sewing artist, and active supporter of her community. prgtoken Sue Antle was born on February 23, 1936 in Watsonville, California. A native of the Central Coast, Sue attended Watsonville High School, where she met Bob Antle. The two would eventually enjoy 58 years of marriage together. prgtoken Sue and Bob would remain on the Central Coast throughout their lives, establishing even deeper roots in their community. As Bob managed his family's lettuce company, Sue tended to the family home and raised their four children. Sue could often be found in her home's sewing room, where she created beautiful and precious keepsakes for her family, friends, and community. These pieces included Christmas stockings for her entire family and colorful jackets frequently auctioned for charity. prgtoken Sue and Bob's family on the Central Coast continued to grow to include her children's spouses, grandchildren, great grandchildren, and nieces and nephews. Sue's beloved family was a foundation for her life and a blessing that guided her desire to give back to her community. Sue co-chaired California State University Monterey Bay's Have a Heart fundraiser for student scholarships and, as an avid booklover, took joy in reading to children through the Monterey County Reads program established by the Panetta Institute for Public Policy. Sue was a passionate advocate for the children of field workers and leaves a legacy of fostering early childhood education and supporting first- generation college students. prgtoken Sue will be remembered for unfailing kindness and generosity. We, as a community, celebrate her legacy and life well-lived. Madam , I ask that my colleagues join me in honoring the life of Sue Merrill Crawford Antle.
HONORING THE LIFE OF DR. WING MAR
Ted Lieu (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2019-3-21

. Madam , I rise to celebrate the life of Dr. Wing Mar, esteemed doctor, beloved husband, father, and former member of the Torrance-South Bay YMCA Board of Managers. prgtoken Dr. Wing Mar was born on January 15, 1924 in China and immigrated to the United States as a very young child with his family. After serving with the 10th Army Corps as an intelligence member of the 711th Tank Battalion headquarters during World War II, he attended University of California, Berkeley, and later graduated from the University of South Dakota Medical School. prgtoken Dr. Mar had a long and impressive career in medicine while also serving for many decades as a leader in his local YMCA. He has always been an important member of his community, working to improve medical care for the elderly, participating as a member of Physicians for Social Responsibility in the 1980s and becoming a charter member of the Chinese Historical Society of Southern California in Los Angeles. It was thanks to Dr. Mar's fundraising skills that the Chinese Historical Society was able to financially secure a Los Angeles headquarters in two beautiful historical homes in Chinatown. He will forever be remembered for his work as a doctor and volunteer with a desire to make an impact in his community and beyond. prgtoken Dr. Mar is survived by his wife Joyce, their children Jeff, Gayle and Carolyn, six grandchildren, and four great-grandchildren whom I hope take comfort in the way he lived his life as a healer, a community leader and compassionate citizen. May his memory be a blessing to us all.
REMEMBERING THE LATE U.S. ARMY CAPTAIN ANTOINE LEWIS
Robin L. Kelly (Democrat, IL) \u2014 2019-3-21

. Madam , I rise to remember the late U.S. Army Captain Antoine Lewis of Matteson, IL in the Second Congressional District. prgtoken I was shocked and saddened to learn that Captain Lewis was among the 157 people killed in the tragic plane crash in Ethiopia on March 10th. prgtoken This incredible young man had so much more to give the world and constantly gave of himself to others. He possessed an irrepressible curiosity and a desire to make the world a better place. prgtoken Captain Lewis was a man of passionate commitment to his family, to the Matteson community, to our country, and to his faith. prgtoken An honorable man, he represented the very best of America whenever he served in uniform or wherever he traveled in the world. prgtoken Captain Lewis was a patriot who proudly served his country. He had been stationed in Afghanistan, South Korea and Canada. He had an adventuresome and free spirit and was filled with wonder and curiosity about other people and cultures. prgtoken While he was raised in Matteson, he belonged to the world. prgtoken He, like many others, went to Africa to offer hope and opportunity to others through mission work. As called to do by St. James, he put his faith into actions and deeds that uplifted others and worked to build a better world. prgtoken The entire Second District mourn this tremendous loss to our community. prgtoken As we grieve with his family and friends, we are comforted by the knowledge that he did fulfill his desire to make the world a better place--by the love he gave to every person and mission that he encountered.
RECOGNITION OF MAJOR SEAN M. DONOHUE
Denny Heck (Democrat, WA) \u2014 2019-3-21

. Madam , today I recognize Major Sean M. Donohue of the United States Army for his extraordinary dedication to duty and service to our Nation. Major Donohue will soon transition from his current assignment as an Army Congressional Liaison in the House of Representatives to serve as the Command Surgeon for the Center for Initial Military Training at the US Army Training and Doctrine Command. This unit is the largest charged with training all initial entry Soldiers in the Army. prgtoken A native of Tacoma, WA, Sean began his military career after graduating from the University of Puget Sound, enlisting after the 9/11 attacks as a medic in 2002. Sean was commissioned in 2009, completed his clinical training as a Physician Assistant at Fort Carson and promptly deployed to Afghanistan as a Battalion Surgeon with the 173rd Airborne Brigade Combat Team. Since then, Sean has served in numerous leadership and staff positions around the world. His wife is a dedicated military spouse, Lexey, and they have three boys: William, Jack and Maximus. prgtoken In 2017, Army Medicine selected Major Donohue to serve as Legislative Liaison to serve in the Army House Liaison Office. In his role as a legislative liaison, Major Donohue served as the primary liaison between Members of the 115th and 116th Congresses, their Staff, Legislative Committees, and the U.S. Army. In this role, he planned, coordinated, and accompanied Congressional and Staff Delegations on numerous worldwide fact-finding and investigative missions and built the relationships and trust needed to increase the trust and confidence the U.S. Congress has in the U.S. Army. prgtoken Madam , it is my honor to recognize the selfless service of Major Sean M. Donohue and his family as they proceed to the next chapter in his remarkable career as they continue to serve our great Nation.
RECOGNIZING SHAUN LIVINGSTON FOR HIS CONTRIBUTION TO THE PEORIA COMMUNITY
Cheri Bustos (Democrat, IL) \u2014 2019-3-21

. Madam , I rise today to recognize Mr. Shaun Livingston for his willingness to invest in the Peoria community where he grew up. Mr. Livingston is a 31-year-old point guard for the National Basketball Association's Golden State Warriors. prgtoken Mr Livingston recently made a one-million-dollar donation to his elementary school, Concordia Lutheran School, in Peoria, Illinois. The veteran point guard's generosity will be put towards expanding the school. Specifically, the expansion will consist of a performance stage for band and theater, a renovated gym, new offices and locker rooms and a storm shelter. As a former athlete, I understand the amount of hard work and commitment it takes to have a career as successful as Mr Livingston's. I am grateful for his passion to give back to the community and am confident his selfless actions will help provide young students with the opportunity to succeed. His leadership demonstrates to kids everywhere that they too can follow their ambitions and reach their goals. prgtoken Dedicated leaders like Mr. Shaun Livingston make me especially proud to serve Illinois' 17th Congressional District. Madam , I would like to again formally thank Mr. Shaun Livingston on his investment in the Peoria community, and commend him on his kindness and generosity.
HONORING MR. RAFAEL B. CRUZ ON HIS 80TH BIRTHDAY
Kenny Marchant (Republican, TX) \u2014 2019-3-21

. Madam , I rise today to honor and recognize my constituent, Mr. Rafael B. Cruz for his 80th birthday on March 22nd. A man of strong faith and uncompromising willpower, Rafael embodies the meaning of persistence, and serves as a leading example of what the American Dream can look like with enough hard work and an unwavering belief in the prospect of liberty. prgtoken Born in Cuba under the oppressive Batista regime, Rafael experienced assault and imprisonment as a teenager for taking an active stance against the injustices he witnessed. In search of a better life, he left his home at the age of eighteen to pursue a degree in higher education, and arrived in Austin, Texas where he studied Mathematics and Chemical Engineering. While in school, he worked seven days a week for fifty cents an hour until he obtained his degree in 1961. In addition to his obligations as a student, Rafael maintained strong ties with his community in Cuba and advocated against the abuses of the newly empowered Castro forces. prgtoken A family man by the early 1960s, Rafael balanced his new career in the energy industry with raising two daughters and his son, current Texas Senator, Ted Cruz. Rafael moved to Houston with his family to work and found a lasting home in the state Texas. Today, he resides in my district, in the City of Carrollton, where he is a pastor, a supportive father and grandfather, and an exemplary member of our community. prgtoken Madam , it is a pleasure to recognize the inspiring life story of Rafael Cruz, who has fought for freedom, family and faith for all of his life, and whose contributions to our country will continue to make a mark on the character of our American spirit. I ask all of my distinguished colleagues to join me in wishing a very happy 80th birthday to Mr. Rafael Cruz.
RECOGNIZING THE SERVICE OF MERDOLPH WALKER
Brian Babin (Republican, TX) \u2014 2019-3-21

. Madam , I rise today to honor the life of World War II veteran, teacher, professional football player and rancher, Mr. Merdolph Walker. prgtoken Merdolph was born on a cold winter's night on January 16, 1923, in Soda, Texas. He was born in a small wooden house as sleet and snow fell outside. The midwife attending to his mother had to walk a mile home that night holding kindling for a light. The oldest of seven children, Merdolph attended Soda Grammar School, walking two miles to and from school each day. prgtoken While attending college at Sam Houston State University, Merdolph was drafted into the Army, serving from 1942 to 1946 as a combat engineer. Stationed in Guam during World War II, he received orders in his first week to search for land mines. Merdolph spent his next six weeks on open waters unloading cargo boats. There were no beds onboard, so he slept wherever he could find an empty space. In one combat mission, gunfire was exchanged. Later, for seven months, Merdolph and other combat engineers would spend twelve hours a day building the runway used by the aircraft which dropped the atomic bomb and ended World War II. By that time, Merdolph was in Okinawa, Japan, where upon hearing shots fired and shouting, he and a buddy ran outside to learn the war had finally ended. prgtoken After returning to the states, Merdolph reenrolled at Sam Houston College. He received his master's degree in administration, majored in physical education and minored in industrial arts. In 1948, he began a short career playing professional football in Pittsburg before deciding he could make more money teaching and coaching. Merdolph taught and coached for thirty-four years before retiring. prgtoken Madam , let us pause to honor this patriot who has faithfully, and humbly served our country, state and community.
HAPPY SESQUICENTENNIAL--CELEBRATING 150 YEARS OF THE WEST POINT ASSOCIATION OF GRADUATES
John Shimkus (Republican, IL) \u2014 2019-3-21

. Madam , I rise to include in the Record an article by Keith J. Hamel honoring the 150th Anniversary of the West Point Association of Graduates. ``On May 22, 2019, the West Point Association of Graduates will turn 150 years old. Think about it--one hundred and fifty years! When ``the Association,'' as it used to be known, held its first organizational meeting in the office of Dr. Horace Webster, Class of 1818, President of the College of the City of New York, the light bulb had yet to be invented; the telephone had not been patented; the U.S. flag had only 37 stars; and the machine gun, dynamite, and the torpedo were less than a decade old. The year was 1869, an important year in the history of West Point graduates. On March 4 of that year, Ulysses S. Grant, Class of 1843, became the 18th President of the United States. Grant, of course, received national acclaim for commanding the Union Army to victory during the U.S. Civil War, accepting the surrender of Confederate forces from another West Point graduate, Robert E. Lee, Class of 1829. That recent conflict, roughly four years over by the time a handful of graduates met in Webster's office one Saturday afternoon for that first meeting, is often cited as the reason the ``Association'' was formed; that is, to heal the divide between West Point graduates who fought on opposing sides of the U.S. Civil War. While it may be romanticized, such a theory is plausible. After all, bridging chasms seemed to be the spirit of the age in 1869. On May 2 of that year the ``golden spike'' of the First Transcontinental Railroad was driven into the ground at Promontory Summit of Utah Territory, linking America's East Coast with its West Coast. Later that year, on November 17, the Suez Canal officially opened, finally completing a centuries-old idea to create a waterway between the Mediterranean and the Indian Ocean. Yet when Robert Anderson, Class of 1825, wrote to Sylvanus Thayer, Class of 1808, on January 28, 1869 to propose the formation of ``an association of the graduates of the Military Academy,'' he never mentioned the Civil War as a raison d'etre for this endeavor (and Anderson was the officer in charge of Fort Sumter when it was fired upon by P. G. T. Beauregard, Class of 1838, to start that war!) Instead, Anderson plainly told Thayer he wanted to form an association ``to see what should be done to perfect and perpetuate this truly national Institution,'' [West Point] and, in his February 12, 1869 reply to Anderson, Thayer agreed. Three months later, 15 graduates gathered in Webster's office for the purposes of officially forming an ``Association of the Graduates of the U.S. Military Academy.'' Neither the Civil War nor the ``per
HONORING MS. DELINA RODRIGUES OF CARBON COUNTY
Daniel Meuser (Republican, PA) \u2014 2019-3-21

. Madam , I rise today to recognize and honor Ms. Delina Rodrigues of Carbon County, who represented the United States at the Special Olympics World Games in the United Arab Emirates. Delina took home three medals from the games: a bronze medal in the bench press competition and two gold medals in the deadlift and overall lifting events. prgtoken Delina's success at the Special Olympics is the result of her many years of hard work and dedication to power lifting and track and field events. Having competed in various sports for Carbon County's Special Olympics Organization for fourteen years, she continues to exhibit great mental strength, athletic skill, and sportsmanship as she competes on the global stage. prgtoken In addition to her outstanding athletic accomplishments, Delina is also a graduate of Carbon County Technical Institute. She is a great representation of the values we hold dear in Pennsylvania's Ninth District: courage, enthusiasm, and perseverance. prgtoken Madam , I ask that my colleagues in the U.S. House of Representatives join me in celebrating Delina's remarkable achievements and wishing her continued success in all her future endeavors and competitions.