mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
HONORING SERGEANT FIRST CLASS ELLIOTT J. ROBBINS
Doug Lamborn (Republican, CO) \u2014 2019-8-6

. Madam , Sergeant First Class (SFC) Elliott J. Robbins died on June 30, 2019, in Helmand Province, Afghanistan, while conducting operations in support of Operation Freedom's Sentinel. SFC Robbins was born in San Diego, California on August 18, 1987, and spent most of his life in North Ogden, Utah. He was 31 years of age. prgtoken SFC Robbins joined the Army in June 2006, and after years of training completed the Special Forces Qualification course in 2016 and was assigned to Fort Carson, Colorado. SFC Robbins was part of a unique brand of our nation's elite warrior class called the Green Berets. The Green Beret motto is ``De Oppresso Liber''--to free the oppressed. He was assigned as a Medical Sergeant with the 2nd Battalion, 10th Special Forces Group (Airborne). Robbins deployed three times in support of the United States: first to Iraq in 2007, then to Afghanistan in 2017 and again in January 2019. His third and last tour would have been over only three weeks after Robbins passed away. prgtoken SFC Robbins' decorations and awards are too numerous to list here, but include: the Army Commendation Medal with Combat Device and one Oak Leaf Cluster, the National Defense Service Medal, the Afghanistan Campaign Medal with Campaign Star, the Expert Infantryman Badge, the Military Freefall Parachutist Badge, and the Parachutist Badge, to name a few. prgtoken SFC Robbins' service epitomized the best of the American soul: courageous and selfless. He was buried with full military honors on July 19, 2019. Our hearts go out to his family and friends, especially the bereaved wife and infant son of this great patriot.
RECOGNIZING MR. AND MRS. JOHN BRADY
Bryan Steil (Republican, WI) \u2014 2019-8-6

. Madam , I rise today to recognize the 52nd wedding anniversary of Mr. and Mrs. John Brady of Lake Geneva. John and Toni are visiting Washington, D.C. to celebrate this special occasion. John is a retired U.S. Army Vietnam Veteran. prgtoken Toni and John's life long commitment to each other is admirable. As John and Toni celebrate their 52nd anniversary, may their commitment grow even stronger; as they continue to love and honor one another for years to come. prgtoken As John's love for his wife is evident, so is his love of country. On behalf of the U.S. House of Representatives, I thank John for his service to our country. John, Toni, and their family made many sacrifices for our freedoms. We owe them a debt of gratitude for their selflessness. prgtoken Madam , I ask my colleagues in the U.S. House of Representatives to join me in congratulating John and Toni on their anniversary and wish them nothing but the best.
CELEBRATING JIM MONKEN
Mike Bost (Republican, IL) \u2014 2019-8-6

. Madam , I rise today to recognize and celebrate the life of Jim Monken, a loving father, football coach, and mentor who helped young men in East St. Louis become champions on and off the gridiron. prgtoken Youth coaches serve not only to help players win games, but to teach them responsibility and accountability as they grow into men. Coach Monken will be remembered by those who played under him as a father figure who did everything in his power to ensure they succeeded in life. If you played for his team, you were a member of his family for life. In fact, before his recent passing, Coach Monken was visited by many of his former players, a testament to his life-long impact on those who played for him. prgtoken Madam , please join me in honoring Coach Jim Monken, one of the most successful youth football coaches in Illinois history and an even better human being.
CONGRATULATING BERNARD J. STANAWAY, JR. FOR BEING NAMED 2019 U.P. VETERAN OF THE YEAR
Jack Bergman (Republican, MI) \u2014 2019-8-6

. Madam , it's my honor to recognize Bernard J. Stanaway, Jr for being named the 2019 U.P. Veteran of the Year. Through his dedicated service, exceptional leadership, and steadfast devotion to his community, Bernard has become an indispensable part of the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. prgtoken The U.P. Veteran of the Year is chosen annually by a selection committee consisting of past commanders of various service organizations throughout the peninsula. It is given to recognize Yooper Veterans who go above and beyond in their service to their local communities and fellow Veterans. None are more deserving of this honor than Bernard. During his military career, Bernard served as a Corporal in the United States Marine Corps, where he was decorated with the Korean Defense Service Medal, National Defense Service Medal, SCR Service Deployment Medal, and Good Conduct Medal. His devotion to the people of his country and community has not wavered since he returned from military service. prgtoken It is impossible to fully list all the ways in which Bernard works to better the lives of U.P. Veterans. He is an active member and has served in a variety of leadership positions at the American Legion, AMVETs, DAV, VFW and the Paralyzed Veterans of America. Additionally, Bernard serves Veterans as the Marquette County Trust Fund Agent, aids Veterans at the D.J. Jacobetti Home on outings at AMVET picnics, visits homebound Veterans, transports Veterans to appointments to Iron Mountain with DAV, attends Veteran funerals, plows snow for homebound Veterans, and helps Veterans in need with service claims and medical bills. Bernard has devoted decades to the people of Michigan, and his tireless efforts have directly improved the lives of thousands of U.P. Veterans. prgtoken Outside of his work with Veterans organizations, Bernard is active with the Boy Scouts of America, where he has served Troop 372 as the Charter Organization Representative, Assistant Scout Master, Den Leader, and Troop Committee member. He is also an active member of the NRA, Masons, Knights Templars, Project Evergreen, and No Barriers. As a servicemember, a Veteran, a volunteer, and a Yooper, Bernard consistently puts the needs of others before his own. He will be honored as the 2019 Upper Peninsula Veteran of the Year at a ceremony during the U.P. State Fair in Escanaba on August 15th. prgtoken Madam , it's my honor to congratulate Bernard J. Stanaway, Jr for his decades of service to fellow Michigan Veterans, and for being named the 2019 Upper Peninsula Veteran of the Year. Michiganders can take great pride in knowing the First District is home to such a selfless and devoted individual. On behalf of my constituents, I wish Bernard all the best in his future endeavors.
TRIBUTE TO JOHN WIELAND
Rob Woodall (Republican, GA) \u2014 2019-8-6

. Madam , I would like to take this opportunity to pay tribute to a fantastic member of the metro Atlanta community, Mr. John Wieland, who founded John Wieland Homes and Neighborhoods in 1970. In his first year as a home builder, working out of his Volkswagen, he built 20 homes! Fast forward nearly 50 years and more than 30,000 satisfied homeowners later, he has established himself as one of the Southeast's leading builders of semi-custom homes. prgtoken Mr. Wieland is a past president of both the Greater Atlanta Home Builders Association and the Home Builders Association of Georgia, and he is a Senior Life Director of the National Association of Home Builders. In 1991, Mr. Wieland was awarded the Greater Atlanta Home Builders Association's Lewis Cenker Award for lifetime achievement and is a member of the Home Builders Association of Georgia's Hall of Fame. prgtoken And the accolades don't stop there. Mr. Wieland has been named National Builder of the Year by Professional Builder Magazine, America's Best Builder in 2005 by Builder Magazine, and his company won J.D. Power and Associates award for Highest Ranked Quality Among New Home Builders in Atlanta for three years running. prgtoken In addition to his success in the home building industry, Mr. Wieland has proven time and again his success as a member of our community through his stewardship of others. He served as the Chairman of the Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta and is a past Chair of the Advisory Council for Emory University's Center for Ethics. He also served as the Director of the High Museum of Art for three years beginning in 1998. prgtoken Mr. Wieland is a graduate of both Amherst College and the Harvard Business School, and he received an honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters from Amherst College. Additionally, he is an elder in the Presbyterian Church U.S.A where he ministers to our community every day. prgtoken On behalf of all those touched by John's dedication and service, I want to say thank you, and I wish him the best of luck in the future.
HONORING RESIDENTS OF THE VILLAGE OF LA GRANGE, ILLINOIS ON THEIR 140TH ANNIVERSARY AS A VILLAGE
Daniel Lipinski (Democrat, IL) \u2014 2019-8-6

. Madam , I rise today to honor the residents of La Grange, Illinois as the village celebrates its 140th anniversary. prgtoken La Grange enjoys a long and vibrant history beginning in the early 19th century. The area, originally consisting of prairie land, was first settled as a result of land grants offered by President Martin Van Buren. One of the early residents was Franklin D. Cossitt. After leaving Tennessee, Mr. Cossitt moved to Chicago and started the largest wholesale grocery business in the area. The Great Chicago Fire of 1871 destroyed Mr. Cossitt's business and drove people westward to the suburbs. prgtoken Mr. Cossitt's dream for constructing a community began when he bought and developed 600 acres of land that was later incorporated as the village of La Grange in 1879. In 1873, Mr. Cossitt quickly began laying out streets and building homes. By 1890, La Grange had already seen tremendous growth and now included twenty-eight retail businesses, a new high school, churches, a newspaper, paved roads, and a railroad station. The Village of La Grange quickly became known as the largest town between Chicago and Aurora. prgtoken The Village of La Grange has continued to develop and today is home to more than 130 businesses and 15,550 residents. Although La Grange has come a long way, it is still a safe and quiet place to live. The La Grange historic district is home to many of the original buildings built by Mr. Cossitt in the 1870's. Because of the quality of the architecture and the historic significance, the Village of La Grange historic district was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1979. prgtoken I am proud to represent the residents of La Grange and I will gather with them on the Village Hall lawn on August 8th to celebrate the village's anniversary. I ask you to join me in honoring the residents of La Grange, Illinois, on their 140th anniversary as a village. May they enjoy this celebration and may the Village continue to thrive as a close-knit community.
PERSECUTION OF FALUN GONG PRACTITIONERS IN CHINA
Zoe Lofgren (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2019-8-6

. Madam , twenty years ago, in July of 1999, it was widely reported that the Chinese government began the persecution of Falun Gong practitioners. Reports of the Chinese government's human rights abuses against this group have continued during the last two decades. prgtoken Human rights, including freedom of expression and freedom of religion, should be universal. Members of Congress must work to promote tolerance and basic human freedoms worldwide.
HONORING DR. DANIEL P. KING
Vicente Gonzalez (Democrat, TX) \u2014 2019-8-6

. Madam , I rise today to honor Dr. Daniel P. King, an educator, innovator, and leader. prgtoken For the past 12 years, Dr. King served as superintendent of the Pharr-San Juan-Alamo Independent School District (PSJA ISD), working tirelessly to ensure PSJA ISD provides its students with the resources necessary to succeed. He announced his plans to retire from his position this past fall, and I find it only fitting to take this time on the House floor to honor a man that has done so much for South Texas. Dr. King spent 42 years in public education, 20 of those years as superintendent at two school districts in the Rio Grande Valley. prgtoken During Dr. King's tenure, he introduced programs and procedures that have had lasting positive effects on the students and the PSJA community as a whole. He was one of the first to start an Early College High School Program in South Texas that provides thousands of students concurrent and dual enrollment opportunities, college and career connected pathways, and the opportunity to graduate with college credentials up to an associate's degree while still enrolled in high school. prgtoken Dr. King demonstrated his commitment to replacing outdated bilingual education models with dual language or dual immersion programs to equip students for a brighter future. His actions afforded students the opportunity to graduate from high school ready for higher education, putting PSJA on the course to become a national leader in producing college ready, academically bi-literate, high school graduates. Thanks to Dr. King, our students are more prepared and able to be successful and productive members of society. prgtoken Madam , Dr. Daniel P. King has worked diligently to give countless students the tools they need to succeed. He is a pillar of our community and an example to us all. It is an honor to represent a selfless and committed individuals like him. Dr. King has forever changed and strengthened the foundation of education in South Texas. I wish Daniel P. King and his family all the best in their future endeavors and thank you for this time.
IN HONOR OF THE BICENTENNIAL OF THE CRAWFORD PATH
Chris Pappas (Democrat, NH) \u2014 2019-8-6

. Madam , I rise today to recognize the bicentennial of the Crawford Path, the oldest continuously maintained hiking trail in the United States. For two centuries, the Crawford Path has opened New Hampshire's White Mountains to adventure-seekers and nature lovers of all backgrounds and abilities. prgtoken Originally built in 1819 by Ethan Allen Crawford and his father, Abel, the Crawford Path is one of America's most popular recreational trails. Following a mountainous ridgeline across miles of open alpine environment, the trail affords impressive views of the peaks and valleys of the White Mountains. The trail's convergence with the famed Appalachian Trail and its conclusion at the summit of Mt. Washington, the tallest peak in the Northeastern U.S make it an attraction for experienced and recreational hikers alike. While the trail's popularity affords many visitors the chance to enjoy the natural beauty of the Granite State, its frequent use has unfortunately caused significant degradation of the beloved trail. Maintaining such a well-trodden path over such a long time is no small task. I am proud of the White Mountain Region's local legacy of over 100 years of active trail maintenance, with critical leadership from stakeholders such as the U.S. Forest Service and the Appalachian Mountain Club. prgtoken On behalf of my constituents in New Hampshire's First Congressional District, I want to commemorate the Crawford Path's bicentennial and thank all those who have maintained it for their service to our community. I thank them for all that they do to make the Granite State such a wonderful place, to work, live, and play. Let us celebrate this exciting anniversary by committing ourselves to ensuring that Crawford Path remains a jewel of the White Mountains for another 200 years.
IN RECOGNITION OF ALPHAPOINTE
Emanuel Cleaver (Democrat, MO) \u2014 2019-8-6

. Madam , I rise today to recognize Kansas City's Alphapointe for their 108 years of service to the blind and visually impaired community. For the last century, Alphapointe has worked to empower those without sight to live independent and fulfilling lives. The organization stands out as our country's third largest single employer of individuals experiencing vision loss, providing meaningful jobs to over four-hundred people across their nine locations. prgtoken Alphapointe traces its roots to Labor Day of 1911, when thirty advocates for the blind gathered in Kansas City's Budd Park to ``promote the social intercourse and general welfare of those without sight,'' leading to the establishment of the Workers for the Blind of Greater Kansas City. Present at this gathering were Eugene E. Condon and his sister, Catherine Hale. Determined to overcome his own vision loss, Condon had enrolled at the Nebraska Institute for the Blind in 1900, a residential school that taught blind individuals the skills needed to lead independent lives. Inspired by the transformative impact that the institution had on her brother, Hale set out to prove that people without sight were fully capable of supporting themselves when presented with opportunity. prgtoken Indeed, it was this campaign that led Hale to accompany her brother to the rally in Budd Park, and when she helped the Workers for the Blind of Greater Kansas City incorporate as the Kansas City Association for the Blind in 1916, Hale did so to create an organization centered around the concept of helping the blind help themselves. Now at the helm of what would later be renamed Alphapointe, Hale immediately took action to address the rampant unemployment and lack of opportunity available for those throughout the city experiencing vision loss. At the time, a mere sixteen industrial programs existed in the United States that trained and employed blind individuals, but Hale knew that those without sight need not rely only on charity. Hale's brother, for example, went on to attend the Palmer School of Chiropractic while Alphapointe's Vice President, Hayes Brooks, was the first blind student to graduate from the Kansas City School of Law. prgtoken Taking inspiration from these two trailblazers, Hale opened a workshop in 1918 where eight blind workers assembled brooms, mats, and cane chairs. Attached to the brooms were labels that proudly asserted ``The Blind Man's Broom is the Best Broom,'' and the project that began in Hale's own living room soon began to turn a profit. Notably, this venture established Alphapointe's reputation not only as an employer of the blind, but as a manufacturer of high-quality products, thereby marking the beginning of a long tradition in the organization's history. A year later, following the conclusion of the First World War, young men from across the country who had lost their vision on battlefields overseas headed to Kansas City in search of jobs and
INTRODUCTION OF THE ROCK CREEK NATIONAL PARK ACT
Eleanor Holmes Norton (Democrat, DC) \u2014 2019-8-6

. Madam , today, I rise to introduce a bill to redesignate the National Park Service-owned Rock Creek Park, in the District of Columbia, as ``Rock Creek National Park.'' Renaming this park will highlight its significance to the nation, including visitors to the nation's capital, and will help get much-needed funding for the park's inviting trails, waterways and other unique features. No additional federal funds will be required. prgtoken Rock Creek Park is already a national park, established by Congress in 1890 ``for the benefit and enjoyment of the people of the United States,'' and is the oldest urban park and the third federal park ever created, after Yellowstone and Sequoia. Rock Creek Park was designed to preserve animals, timber, forestry and other interests in the park, and to ensure that its natural state is maintained as much as possible, for all American people, not just for D.C. residents. prgtoken Over time, several structures have been established or donated to further preserve Rock Creek Park. In 1892, for example, the federal government acquired Peirce Mill in Rock Creek Park, one of the mills used by local farmers during the 18th, 19th and 20th centuries. In 1950, the Old Stone House, located at 3051 M Street NW, with its great pre-Revolutionary War architecture, was acquired by the park. The building was restored, and programs explain the house's rich history from the colonial period to the present day. The Fort Circle Parks were also acquired to interpret and preserve the Civil War Defenses of Washington, which created a ring of protection for the nation's capital during the Civil War. prgtoken Today, Rock Creek Park offers residents of the District of Columbia, Maryland and Northern Virginia, as well as thousands of visitors, an escape from our increasingly urban environment. Residents and tourists alike enjoy many activities in the park's 2,000 acres, including hiking and biking on the historical trails, horseback riding, picnicking, tennis and other recreational activities in some of the open fields. Our residents have expressed their appreciation by volunteering to clean up and maintain the trails and waterways. prgtoken Redesignating Rock Creek Park as Rock Creek National Park will help recognize the national status of the park and protect and revitalize this remarkable resource in our nation's capital. prgtoken I strongly urge my colleagues to support this legislation.
RECOGNIZING JOSEPH ALEXANDER
Eric Swalwell (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2019-8-6

. Madam , I rise to recognize United States Marine Corps Private First Class (PFC) Joseph Alexander on the occasion of his receiving the Congressional Gold Medal issued to the Montford Point Marines. The approximately 20,000 Montford Point Marines were the first African Americans to enlist in the United States Marine Corps after an executive order issued by President Franklin Roosevelt in June 1941 took the first steps to end racial discrimination in employment with federal government agencies. prgtoken Originally from New Orleans, Louisiana, Joseph's personal service began when he was just 19 years old in June 1943. He went through boot camp at Montford Point, North Carolina, as the nearby Camp Lejeune was off-limits if you were not being escorted by a white Marine. When his training was complete, Joseph shipped out to fight in the Pacific theater where he participated in the effort to push Japanese forces out of the Marshall Islands. prgtoken Like many veterans, Joseph chose not to speak much about his experience during the war. He returned home, got married, raised five children, and settled in Hayward in 1972. Only recently, in an effort to get him connected with benefits through the Veterans Administration, did the family find documentation that connected Joseph to the Montford Point Marines. prgtoken Our community has rallied together to honor Joseph, who will be 95 years old in September. He recently received his own copy of the Congressional Gold Medal from the National Montford Point Marine Association at a ceremony hosted by American Legion Hayward Post 870 and American Veterans Post 911 at the Hayward Veterans Memorial Building. prgtoken Joseph, thank you for your service. Not only for your bravery in war, but also for your contribution to breaking down the barriers that prevented all people from fighting for our country and the freedom of its people.