mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
HONORING THE LIFE OF DR. MILDRED FAY JEFFERSON
Louie Gohmert (Republican, TX) \u2014 2018-2-16

we are blessed, in the First District of Texas, to have been home to a multitude of extraordinary individuals who have made significant impacts upon not only the State of Texas and our nation, but the entire world. Today, we honor one of these extraordinary individuals from east Texas, the late Dr. Mildred Fay Jefferson. prgtoken Dr. Jefferson was a young prodigy, raised in the town of Carthage, Texas. Her early education was completed before she reached the age of fifteen, graduating from Carthage Colored High School--later known as Turner High School--in 1943. prgtoken The determined young woman obtained a Bachelor's degree in Medicine from Texas College at the age of eighteen, and in 1947, she completed her Master's degree in Biology from Tufts University. Dr. Jefferson then conquered the odds and became the first African American woman to graduate with a Ph.D. from Harvard Medical School, in 1951. prgtoken After becoming a medical doctor, Dr. Jefferson continued to make history with a long string of ``firsts'' for women--including being the first woman to serve on staff at Boston City Hospital, the first woman to be granted membership in the Boston Surgical Society, and the first female Surgeon General at Boston University Medical Center. prgtoken Dr. Jefferson married former Navy Lieutenant Shane Cunningham in 1961. After their divorce in 1978, Dr. Jefferson turned her life to activism, by establishing the Massachusetts Citizens for Life Council. prgtoken It was a decision made by the American Medical Association in 1970, however, that ignited Dr. Jefferson's passion to defend life. It was at this time that the American Medical Association decided that they would allow member physicians, who performed abortions in states where this procedure was already allowed, to perform abortions and view them ethically. Viewing this decision as the abandonment of the Hippocratic Oath to ``do no harm,'' Dr. Jefferson began a nationwide outcry against abortion. prgtoken Dr. Jefferson helped form the Value of Life Committee which was one of the organizations that initiated the national ``right-to-life'' movement which endures to this day. She quickly became one of the most sought after and fervent spokespersons in the nation to represent the pro-life stance. In 1981, Dr. Jefferson testified before Congress as a result of the historic 1973 Supreme Court case, Roe v. Wade. prgtoken Dr. Jefferson was quoted as saying, ``I became a physician in order to save lives, not to destroy them.'' She also said, ``I am not willing to stand aside and allow this concept of expendable human lives to turn this great land of ours into just another exclusive reservation where only the perfect, the privileged, and the planned have the right to live.'' prgtoken The National Right to Life Committee (NRLC) was co-founded by Dr. Jefferson in 1973. She then entered the world of politics, running for the U.S. Senate from Massachusetts in 1982, 1
IN RECOGNITION OF GEORGE G. DODGE INTERMEDIATE SCHOOL
David P. Joyce (Republican, OH) \u2014 2018-2-16

I would like to acknowledge an exceptional school in my district, the George G. Dodge Intermediate School in Twinsburg, which has been recognized by the Ohio Department of Education as an Ohio School to Watch and a National Forum School. An Ohio School to Watch is a school that exceeds in academic excellence, developmental responsiveness, social equity, and organizational structures and processes. Students who attend George G. Dodge Intermediate get one of the best hands-on education experiences in the nation. The teachers and administrators go above and beyond their normal duties to educate and influence young minds to succeed academically, socially, and in their future professions. There is no greater cause than educating the minds of the future. As a father, I know the amount of trust parents put into the hands of our educators. Knowing our school districts are exceeding in efforts for our children to succeed creates a closer, more positive community for the students, parents, and all involved in the surrounding neighborhoods. George G. Dodge Intermediate School's mission is to create an environment of pride for one's education while engaging with parents, administration, and fellow students to grow in civic engagement and extracurricular activities. This recognition is all due to the hard work by George G. Dodge Intermediate School Principal Reggie Holland, his staff, Twinsburg City School District Superintendent Kathi Powers, and Twinsburg City School District School Board members Matt Cellura, Rob Felber, Matt Curtis, Tina Davis, and Angela DeFabio. The dedication and leadership of these men and women is remarkable and unmatched. I am truly proud to have such a great education system in Ohio's fourteenth district and congratulate George G. Dodge Intermediate School on this well-deserved distinction.
PERSONAL EXPLANATION
Harold Rogers (Republican, KY) \u2014 2018-2-16

I have the flu, and my doctor told me not to travel this week. Had I been present, I would have voted as followed: prgtoken Yea on Roll Call No. 70, prgtoken Yea on Roll Call No. 71, prgtoken Yea on Roll Call No. 72, prgtoken Yea on Roll Call No. 73, prgtoken Yea on Roll Call No. 74, prgtoken Yea on Roll Call No. 75, prgtoken Nay on Roll Call No. 76, prgtoken Yea on Roll Call No. 77, prgtoken Yea on Roll Call No. 78, prgtoken Nay on Roll Call No. 79, prgtoken Yea on Roll Call No. 80.
TRIBUTE TO PAT AND CLINTON SUNDERMAN
David Young (Republican, IA) \u2014 2018-2-16

I rise today to recognize and congratulate Pat and Clinton Sunderman of Clarinda, Iowa on the very special occasion of their 50th wedding anniversary. They were married on December 16, 1967 at First Baptist Church in Clarinda. prgtoken Pat and Clinton's lifelong commitment to each other and their family truly embodies Iowa values. As they reflect on their 50th anniversary, may their commitment grow even stronger, as they continue to love, cherish, and honor one another for many years to come. prgtoken , I commend this great couple on their 50th year together and I wish them many more. I ask that my colleagues in the United States House of Representatives join me in congratulating them on this momentous occasion.
RECOGNITION OF 150TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE BENEVOLENT AND PROTECTIVE ORDER OF ELKS
David P. Roe (Republican, TN) \u2014 2018-2-16

I rise today to recognize the 150th anniversary of the founding of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks. prgtoken As Chairman of the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs, it is both a pleasure and an honor for me to commemorate such an enormous milestone for an organization that does so much for America's veterans. prgtoken Founded by a small group of friends in New York City on February 16, 1868, the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks is an American fraternal society committed to the virtues of charity, justice, brotherly love and fidelity. Over the past 150 years, the Order has grown to include nearly 1,000,000 Elks Members and 2,000 lodges across the country. prgtoken The Elks have a long and storied history of supporting America's veterans. This is evident through the century-old Elks pledge: ``So long as there are veterans, the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks will never forget them.'' prgtoken In fact, during World War I, at the behest of General Pershing--who was an Elk, himself--the Order donated over $2,000,000 to assist U.S. soldiers going abroad; and organized, constructed and equipped the first two American field hospitals in France. prgtoken Following World War I, the Elks empowered nearly 50,000 disabled veterans by providing rehabilitation, vocation and education loans. It was this act of generosity that prompted the federal government to offer the first ever G.I. Bill for education benefits. prgtoken Every day, Elks across the country visit VA medical facilities to provide support and friendship to the men and women who have borne the battle for our freedoms. Last year alone, the Elks provided over 1,000,000 hours of service to veterans and donated nearly $41,000,000 worth of goods, supplies and cash in support of America's veterans. prgtoken , as I mentioned before, it is an absolute honor for me to commemorate the 150th anniversary of this incredible and selfless organization, the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks. I would like to extend my most sincere gratitude for their work over the past 150 years and I wish them the absolute best for 150 years to come
COMMENDING MICHAEL THOMAS AND OTHER CITIZEN-ACTIVISTS DEVOTED TO PUBLIC SERVICE
Sheila Jackson Lee (Democrat, TX) \u2014 2018-2-16

with pride I rise to pay tribute to Michael Thomas, a multi-talented young man and professional football player, who is volunteering as an NFLPA extern in my office. prgtoken Before he joined the Miami Dolphins in 2013 to bolster its secondary as a free safety, Michael Thomas, who starred and attended Chester W. Nimitz High School in Houston, Texas, was rated the 75th best high school player in the nation by ESPN. prgtoken Michael went on to collegiate stardom at Stanford University earning All-Pac-12 Honorable-Mention after his senior year campaign with the Cardinal. prgtoken Michael Thomas is one of those rare individuals who has a knack for making good things happen. prgtoken In the very first game he played with the Miami Dolphins, Michael made the game-saving play against the New England Patriots with an end- zone interception of the great Tom Brady. prgtoken But what I find most exciting and inspiring about this winner is that Michael Thomas also earned his degree from Stanford University and continued his education by earning his MBA from the University of Miami Business School. prgtoken Michael Thomas comes to my Washington office as an extern during the Second Session of the 115th Congress to get hands on experience on how the legislative branch of the federal government works. prgtoken During his time in my office, Michael has made a difference by: prgtoken Attending committee hearings, meetings, and briefings; prgtoken Researching legislative proposals, advocacy documents, and policy analyses; prgtoken Contributing to my Budget Committee work; and prgtoken Drafting memoranda regarding important legislative priorities. prgtoken Michael Thomas has observed and contributed to the important legislative work that is performed every day in my office to advance a positive legislative agenda that puts children, families and the elderly first at the forefront of public policy initiatives and funding. prgtoken Michael's work in public service did not begin with his decision to become an extern, nor did it begin when he decided to take a knee in silent protest against a criminal justice system that too often appears to value some lives less than others. prgtoken Michael Thomas is determined to make a difference in the world of professional sports and in society at large, which inspired him and other athletes to engage in next-step initiatives beyond ``Taking A Knee.'' prgtoken Michael's commitment to making the world just a little bit better is exemplified by his work on education reform in the city of Houston, as well as with the Miami Dolphins. prgtoken Michael Thomas is a leader and public entrepreneur in his own right. prgtoken He proposed that the Miami Dolphins create a ``Project Change Scholarship'' through the Dolphins Foundation, which made its first award this year. prgtoken Michael is now expanding this effort into a campaign to persuade every sports organization to adopt a similar scholarship program. prgtoken Micha
HONORING RICHARD KUNDE
Mike Thompson (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2018-2-16

I rise today to honor the life of Richard Kunde, who worked tirelessly to establish Sonoma County as a world-renowned wine community and food destination. prgtoken Mr. Kunde was born on September 6, 1942 in Glen Ellen, California and grew up on the ranch that his German immigrant grandfather founded in 1904. He graduated from the University of California, Davis in 1964 with a bachelor's degree in viticulture and went on to earn a master's degree in horticulture in 1966. prgtoken Mr. Kunde worked as a viticultural consultant and then Director of Grower Relations for the North Coast Grape Growers Association before purchasing Sonoma Grapevine Inc. in 1982. He transformed the Santa Rosa nursery into the largest grapevine nursery in the United States. At its height, the nursery produced as many as 14 million vines every year, which were planted at vineyards across California. prgtoken Over his half-century career, Mr. Kunde promoted the California wine community in many ways. He co-founded the Sonoma County Grape Growers and was elected to serve as its first president in 1984. He also served as a Director and President of the Sonoma County Harvest Fair and held offices in the California Nurserymens Association and the California Association of Winegrape Growers. And, Mr. Kunde was the first to promote the concept of American Viticultural Areas within the region believing it was important to protect the quality and value of Sonoma County grapes. prgtoken Mr. Kunde dedicated himself to the scientific development of California's wine community. He collaborated with the leading viticulturists, pathologists and entomologists at UC Davis to improve the quality and profitability of California wine grapes. Together, they grafted clonal budwood to produce superior grapes and created rootstock resistant to phylloxera, which strengthened the viability of our local and state wine communities, and beyond. To spread these new techniques, Mr. Kunde co-founded the Sonoma County Technical Group, which taught growers about the latest grape production research. prgtoken Mr. Kunde was a celebrated philanthropist who, with his late wife Saralee McClelland Kunde, generously donated their time, money and energy to agricultural causes. The couple raised millions of dollars for agricultural education programs like 4-H, Future Farmers of America, and the Sonoma County Fair Foundation at an event space they built themselves, Richard's Grove and Saralee's Vineyard. prgtoken In addition, the Kundes established a charitable trust to provide millions of dollars for agricultural education in years to come. Through the trust, the University of California, Davis received $1.5 million for an endowed chair in the Department of Viticulture and Enology. Another beneficiary, the Sonoma County Fair Foundation received $1 million to establish the Saralee and Richard Kunde Education Fund, which will provide young people interested in agricultural care
RECOGNIZING RICKY LE
Eric Swalwell (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2018-2-16

I rise today to recognize Ricky Le, who just concluded over five years as my chief of staff. prgtoken Ricky's story is truly an inspirational and American one. He was just four years old when his family fled communist Vietnam as refugees in a raft and came to the United States, seeking freedom and opportunity. prgtoken Ricky grew up in San Jose, California, raised by his parents Tan Xuan Le and Kim Phi Luu. With the help of a local mentor, he was the first in his family to go to college. With the help of scholarships and grants, he graduated from the University of California, Santa Cruz. As someone appreciative of the opportunities he was offered by our country, Ricky has devoted his career to public service. prgtoken He began by serving as an intern for my California colleague, Congresswoman Zoe Lofgren, before assuming the role of scheduler and staff assistant. Following a break to earn a law degree from Santa Clara University School of Law, Ricky went back to Congresswoman Lofgren's office as a policy advisor and eventually deputy chief of staff. He also worked for her on the House Administration Committee and as executive director of the California ic Congressional Delegation. prgtoken His wealth of congressional experience, knowledge of California, and policy expertise is why I was grateful when Ricky agreed to be my chief of staff when I was first elected to Congress in 2012. He is believed to be the first Vietnamese American congressional chief of staff and has served as a mentor to dozens of congressional staffers from the Asian American and Pacific Islander community. prgtoken Ricky did a remarkable job in setting up my office. He assembled a great team, provided able counsel to me on the innerworkings of the House, and strived tirelessly to prgtoken help fulfill my vision of bringing new energy and ideas to Congress. prgtoken For over five years Ricky has continued that great work. Day or night he has always been there to see that I am doing the best job I can to represent the East Bay. The residents of the Fifteenth Congressional District and I will be forever indebted for his service. prgtoken On a personal level, I have come to deeply value Ricky's friendship. My staff and I will truly miss his presence in our office. prgtoken I know I speak for all of us as I wish Ricky all the best as he takes on his next challenge.
TRIBUTE IN HONOR OF THE LIFE AND MEMORY OF LYNDA CATHERINE McDOUGALD
Joseph Crowley (Democrat, NY) \u2014 2018-2-16

I rise today to pay tribute to the life and service of Lynda Catherine McDougald, Lynda passed on December 25, 2017 at the age of 67, after a lifetime of dedication to the East Elmhurst and Corona communities of Queens. Lynda's dutiful efforts in Queens through her leadership positions at civic organizations of all kinds made her a role model and an inspiration to those around her, as well as a model citizen who represents the very best of what it means to be a member of our community. Lynda's experiences as an activist began in 1963 when her parents took her to the March on Washington, and soon after she participated in the first New York City Board of Education Sit-in. Thus, Lynda understood early in her life the power of community organization as an effective tool for bringing about real and righteous change. prgtoken In 1978 Lynda became one of the very first members of the Curtis Street Block Association, where she would eventually serve multiple terms as the association's president. Lynda also served several terms as president of both the East Elmhurst-Corona Civic Association and the Frederick Douglass ic Association. In addition to leading these influential groups during her life, Lynda was also an executive board member on the Community Planning Board #3 as well as the Jerome Hardeman Sr. Child Care Center board. Lynda was a participant of the 115th Precinct Council, a member of the Corona-East Elmhurst N.A.A.C.P. chapter, and a member of the Valley Brook Community Church Married Couples Ministry. Lynda was well known for her work within the Couples Ministry at the Antioch Baptist Church of Corona along with her husband of 40 years, Thomas McDougald. prgtoken Lynda grew up on 104th Street between Northern Boulevard and 32nd Avenue and began working at the age of 18 at the Equitable. She continued to work tirelessly in addition to her community involvements and finally retired in late 2016 from her position of Parent Coordinator at Thurgood Marshall High School. Lynda was perfectly suited for the position of Parent Coordinator, a job she performed with great care and love. With her abundant warmth and kindness, it is no surprise that she collected lifelong friends everywhere she went. prgtoken When Lynda and Thomas physically left the Queens community in 2016, moving to Laurel, Maryland to be closer to their children, there can be no doubt that our community lost an immense force for positive civic engagement. Unsurprisingly, within a year of living in Laurel Lynda was already attending local political and civic events and looking for ways to move forward in her commitment to public service, although accolades never factored into the reasons Lynda worked on behalf of those around her. prgtoken Lynda is survived by her husband, Thomas; daughters Alicia and Jennifer; son, Ruxton; granddaughter Aria; Son-in-law, Kenton; sisters Adrienne and Vivienne; nieces Larinda and Janeene; nephews Evan
IN RECOGNITION OF HER SERVICE TO THE AMERICAN PEOPLE: MS. DONNA JIMENEZ
Alan S. Lowenthal (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2018-2-16

after twenty years of dedicated service to the American people as a staff member with the United States House of Representatives, Ms. Donna Jimenez will officially retire on February 28, 2018. prgtoken Ms. Jimenez served with honor and distinction as the longtime District Office Manager for Congressman David Dreier from 1997 to 2012, and as a Senior Constituent Services Representative for my office and the residents of California's 47th District from 2013 until her retirement. prgtoken During her time in the Legislative Branch, Ms. Jimenez served thousands of constituents of both Congressional districts, helping solve challenging cases with numerous federal departments and agencies. She demonstrated leadership and dedication in helping people navigate the federal bureaucracy, and derived great joy and satisfaction in serving those in most need of advocacy and assistance, among them including our nation's veterans, seniors, the disabled, and those immigrants seeking a brighter future in America. prgtoken In addition to her dedicated service to the American people, Ms. Jimenez further distinguished herself by earning her Master of Public Administration degree with an emphasis in Immigration, from the University of LaVerne in 2002. prgtoken It is with great pride and gratitude that I extend my best wishes to Ms. Donna Jimenez upon her retirement from the United States House of Representatives.
TRIBUTE TO RAY BAUM
Ben Ray Luján (Democrat, NM) \u2014 2018-2-16

I was deeply saddened to learn of Ray Baum's passing. Ray was a consummate professional--a true gentleman, whose decency and graciousness showed through in everything he did. prgtoken He brought decades of expertise and a depth of knowledge to his role as Majority Staff Director of the House Energy and Commerce Committee partly due to his prior service as member of the Oregon State Legislature. prgtoken Ray was also a dear friend, who I was proud to work with when we both served as public utility commissioners for our respective states of Oregon and New Mexico. prgtoken But more than that, Ray was a kind, brilliant, patient, and dedicated public servant. prgtoken He will be deeply missed by Members of Congress on both sides of the aisle and his prgtoken service to our committee and to our nation will not be forgotten. prgtoken May God bless Ray, and may He keep his wife Kristine and the rest of his family in His embrace.
PERSONAL EXPLANATION
Luis V. Gutiérrez (Democrat, IL) \u2014 2018-2-20

I was unavoidably absent in the House chamber for roll call votes 79 and 80 on Thursday, February 15, 2018. Had I been present, I would have voted ``Yea'' on roll call vote 79 and ``Nay'' on roll call vote 80. prgtoken Had I been present for roll call vote 80, on final passage of the ADA Education and Reform Act of 2017 (H.R. 620), I would have voted nay due to the vast setbacks this bill poses for the disability community. As a civil rights issue, the ADA Education and Reform Act would gut protections and key enforcements for an already vulnerable population. The onus falls on businesses to be proactive and to follow proper guidelines to ensure access for all. I particularly find troubling the ``notice and cure'' provisions detailed in the bill, which allows businesses to postpone compliance and fundamentally changes the American with Disabilities Act.