mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
IN RECOGNITION OF MR. GEORGE GUASTELLO AND HIS 10-YEAR ANNIVERSARY AS PRESIDENT AND CEO OF UNION STATION KANSAS CITY
Emanuel Cleaver (Democrat, MO) \u2014 2018-10-26

I rise today to recognize Mr. George Guastello's 10-year anniversary as the President and Chief Executive Officer of Union Station Kansas City and to celebrate his countless contributions to Kansas City's rich history and vibrant culture. It is an honor to commemorate his profound career with this Congressional Record. prgtoken As a lifetime Kansas City resident, George Guastello keeps close ties to his neighborhood and continues to be a pillar of the community through his role as President and CEO of Union Station Kansas City. Although Mr. Guastello has fulfilled the duties of his role for a decade, his devotion to the Kansas City area far exceeds this single role. Mr. Guastello has an unremitting dedication to the revitalization of the city and continues to serve as an agent of change in its growth. prgtoken Mr. Guastello spearheaded the reopening of Union Station Kansas City in 1999, following years of neglect. Once dormant, Union Station is now one of the city's most beloved and well-known landmarks. Union Station has become a crown jewel of our great city, visited not only by locals, but by tourists from all over the world. Mr. Guastello's hard work to highlight the historic fabric of Kansas City through the preservation of Union Station continues to unite Kansas Citians and visitors beyond city limits. It connects individuals from across the country with innovative exhibits, significant historical background, and engaging educational experiences. As we navigate through an everchanging society, the importance of preserving aspects of our history becomes increasingly more relevant and vital to ensuring the generations to come have an opportunity to reflect on history while shaping their own. The grand reopening of Union Station Kansas City ensured that a significant piece of Kansas City's history would not become a faint memory, but, instead, would transcend time for generations to come. prgtoken Moreover, Mr. Guastello's work regarding Union Station is but one of many achievements he has championed. Mr. Guastello's role as President and CEO for the American Royal Association highlighted our region's lush agricultural heritage. In addition, as the Vice President of Marketing and Business Strategy for Starlight Theater, Mr. Guastello shined a spotlight on innovation and helped the company achieve an all- time high season attendance of over a quarter million people. While these are only a few of Mr. Guastello's many accomplishments, they speak volumes to not only the commitment Mr. Guastello makes to the greater Kansas City community, but also to his meritorious character. prgtoken IT is a privilege to stand today and recognize the work of Mr. Guastello please join me in honoring Mr. George Guastello's remarkable career and service to the people of the greater Kansas City area. I look forward to seeing the work and contributions of Mr. Guastello continue to shape and advance the greater Kansas City
RECOGNIZING CHIEF ERWIN ROY OLNEY
Rick Larsen (Democrat, WA) \u2014 2018-10-26

I rise to recognize the distinguished life and distinguished career of 100-year-old Chief Erwin Roy Olney of Burlington, Washington. prgtoken Chief Olney is a World War II and Korean War U.S. Navy veteran who served in Dutch Harbor, Alaska; Honolulu; and New York City. prgtoken He enlisted at 17 on August 4, 1936. He was discharged in October 1941, but re-enlisted in December, 1941, after the attack on Pearl Harbor. prgtoken While in Dutch Harbor, he shot down a Japanese Zero fighter plane. The recovered plane helped U.S. engineers understand their enemy and improve U.S. fighters at a critical time in the war. prgtoken Chief Olney retired in 1956 with more than 20 years of service. His rank at retirement was Chief Aviation Machinist Mate. prgtoken On October 11, 2018, Chief Olney turned 100 years old. prgtoken He is a patriot and deserves to be honored not just for this milestone birthday but also for his commitment to this country. prgtoken During the month of his 100th birthday, I rise to recognize and thank Chief Olney.
CELEBRATING THE 90TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE WARNORS THEATRE
Jim Costa (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2018-10-26

I rise today to commemorate the Warnors Theatre of Fresno, CA on the occasion of its 90th anniversary. Since its creation on October 20, 1928, the Warnors Theatre has maintained its historic landmark graciously alive by providing continuous use of its facility for entertainment and live events for the local community to come together and enjoy. prgtoken For nine decades, the Warnors Theatre has thrived in the heart of downtown Fresno and today it is recognized as a historic entertainment icon. The Spanish revival architectural style facility has served the greater Fresno area through many entertainment events. The Berlin Philharmonic, AC/DC, The Clash, R.E.M. and Miles Davis are merely a small number of legendary artists and entertainers who have performed at the Warnors Theatre. prgtoken Since the amphitheater's founding, members have worked with the local community to ensure efforts towards its progression and continued success. Warnors Theatre presently strives to promote an enriched experience for the community. prgtoken With the passing of its former owner Frank Caglia, the facility was generously donated and is now looked after by a non-profit organization. Today, Warnors Theatre is a non-profit organization that continues to have a historical value in the community. prgtoken , I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing the Warnors Theatre 90th anniversary. I commend the service of all the members of this organization who have worked collectively to assure the historic landmark continue thriving in serving the community.
PRAISING SANDRA DAY O'CONNOR, THE FIRST FEMALE SUPREME COURT JUSTICE
Sheila Jackson Lee (Democrat, TX) \u2014 2018-10-26

I rise to recognize and pay tribute to Sandra Day O'Connor, the first woman to serve as an Associate Justice of the United States Supreme Court. prgtoken Among the 20th century trailblazers, Sandra Day O'Connor ranks among the greatest leaders. prgtoken It is a privilege to honor to this legal giant as we reflect on her career and commemorate her legacy as a path maker for women. prgtoken On October 23, 2018, Justice O'Connor courageously announced that she is suffering from early onset Alzheimer's disease and is retreating from public life. prgtoken Born in El Paso, Texas, on March 26, 1930, Sandra Day spent part of her youth on her family's Arizona ranch. prgtoken Her family instilled in her a love of education, but schooling options near the ranch were limited for a young woman so her parents sent her to live with her grandmother in El Paso where she excelled at the Radford School for Girls and graduated high school two years early. prgtoken After graduating from high school in 1946 and despite the probability that she might not be accepted because she was a woman, Sandra Day was accepted to Stanford University. prgtoken Sandra Day graduated in 1950 with a bachelor's degree in economics and was admitted to Stanford Law School where she was an editor of the Stanford Law Review. prgtoken Sandra Day graduated at the top of her law school class, finishing third in a class of 102 students, which included William Rehnquist whom she would later join as a colleague on the U.S. Supreme Court. prgtoken While a law student at Stanford, Sandra Day met her future husband, John Jay O'Connor III and the two were married shortly after graduation. prgtoken That union lasted for 57 years and produced 3 wonderful children: Scott O'Connor, Jay O'Connor, and Brian O'Connor. prgtoken After graduating from law school, Sandra Day O'Connor busily went about applying to law firms in San Francisco and Los Angeles, prgtoken but because of the sexism against women, could not get a paying job as a lawyer. prgtoken After turning down a paid position as a legal secretary, Sandra Day O'Connor began her legal career working as an unpaid attorney for the San Mateo County Attorney's Office, where quickly she proved her merit and eventually was promoted to Deputy County Attorney. prgtoken In 1954, Sandra Day O'Connor left California to work in Frankfurt, Germany as a civilian attorney for the Quartermaster Masker Center, a site abroad for the U.S. Army Quartermaster Corps. prgtoken In 1957, she returned to the United States, settled in Arizona with her husband, and started a private practice with another attorney. prgtoken Eight years later, she began working as the Assistant Attorney General of Arizona. prgtoken In 1969, Sandra Day O'Connor was appointed to the Arizona State Senate to fill a vacated seat and was elected to that seat in her own right in 1970. prgtoken Sandra Day O'Connor was reelected twice and was chosen by her colleagues to become the first
EDMUND A. WALENS, JR.
Donald Norcross (Democrat, NJ) \u2014 2018-10-26

I rise today to honor Staff Sargent Edmund A. Walens, Jr of Gloucester City, New Jersey for his service to our nation. prgtoken Edmund A. Walens, Jr. was a graduate of Gloucester High School. He then, entered the United States Air Force in June, l952. He was unable to finish the basic training due to the Korean War, the Airforce needed Aircraft Mechanics and he was immediately transferred to the Shepard Air Force Base in Wichita Falls, Texas. prgtoken He served at Savannah Georgia refueling planes, then the 307 Bomb Wing, Okinawa Island, in Japan. In 1953, the Korean Armistice Agreement was signed, this ended the Korean War. prgtoken After ending the war Mr. Walens was assigned to the 98th Bomb Wing and shipped statewide though his time he served in New York, Texas, and then he received an honorable discharge in 1960 in Lincoln, Nebraska. prgtoken Mr. Walens has been married for sixty years and has four children. Additionally, he served as a volunteer firefighter for nine and a half years and was in the New Jersey National Guard for fourteen years, receiving an honorable discharge in 1991. prgtoken Mr. Walens also was the overseer in designing the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post No. 3620, Donald ``Doc'' Doherty Veterans Museum. The museum has artifacts that date back to the 1600's, and has been around for the community's enjoyment for fourteen years. prgtoken , Edmund A. Walens, Jr. is the living embodiment of the ``Greatest Generation.'' I ask you to join me in saluting and thanking him for his service to our country.
HONORING KATHIE O'CALLAGHAN
Eliot L. Engel (Democrat, NY) \u2014 2018-10-26

communities draw their strength from individuals who are willing prgtoken to work hard for the greater good. The Pelham community which I represent has no doubt been strengthened by the work of Kathie O'Callaghan, who has done so much not just to help her fellow Pelham residents, but also people from all over the world. prgtoken A Pelhamite for over 30 years, Kathie is a visionary who has broken conventional barriers and applied her talents to a wide range of charitable causes that have truly made a difference. Kathie's most recent accomplishment is being the Founder & President of Hearts and Homes for Refugees, an innovative grassroots non-profit that supports U.S. Department of State designated agencies in welcoming, protecting and advocating for refugees resettling in U.S. communities. Inspired by the crisis in Syria, Kathie created a group to advocate for resettlement in Westchester County. HHR is now comprised of 400 volunteers that welcomed the first refugee family to Westchester County: a Syrian family of six that was resettled in Pelham. In 2018, Kathie led HHR in creating the Westchester Refugee Initiative, a county-wide coalition to support and grow the network of over 20 community and interfaith organizations and 1,500 individuals who support the welcoming movement in Westchester. Under Kathie's leadership, the Westchester Refugee Initiative's volunteers continue to welcome and advocate for new refugee arrivals and supports refugees who are already in the country and need of help. prgtoken Beyond her incredible work with refugees, Kathie has also been an integral part of the formation of the Friends of the Pelham Library; a Member of the Rotary Club of the Pelham; an In-Home Hospice Volunteer at Jansen Hospice & Palliative Care; a Pelham Manor Volunteer Firefighter; a Member of the leadership team of Huguenot Memorial Church; a Lector at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church; and was an honoree at the 2017 Pelham Woman of Distinction event. prgtoken Kathie has done it all, and the work she has done in Pelham is nothing short of inspirational. This year, the Pelham Civics are honoring Kathie at their 2018 Dinner. They could not have picked a more deserving honoree. Congratulations to Kathie O'Callaghan on this tremendous honor.
HONORING LYN CALIENDO ON THE OCCASION OF HER RETIREMENT
Rosa L. DeLauro (Democrat, CT) \u2014 2018-10-26

it gives me great pleasure to rise today to join the many family, friends, and colleagues who have gather to extend heartfelt congratulations to my dear friend, Lyn Caliendo, as she marks her retirement from Vinal Technical High School in Middletown, Connecticut. Lyn has spent her professional life as an educator and administrator having a profound impact on the thousands of students with whom she has worked. prgtoken I have often spoke of our nation's need for talented, creative educators who stand ready to help our children learn and grown. For so many years, Lyn has been just that kind of teacher. She has helped to shape the lives of countless young people, ensuring that they have a strong academic foundation on which to build their future success. Her hard work and imaginative spirit have earned her the respect and admiration of students and colleagues alike. I have no doubt that her presence will be missed in the halls of Vinal Tech. prgtoken Lyn's work as an educator extends beyond school walls as well. For many years, she has been deeply involved in helping to promote and expand the work of Discovery to Cure--an effort to provide women with new methods for the prevention, early detection and treatment of gynecologic cancers. The largest annual awareness and fundraising event hosted by Discovery to Cure is the Bev Levy Walk. Named after a dear friend who lost her battle with breast cancer, Lyn has helped to organize the event since its inception, spending untold hours ensuring the event's great success each year. prgtoken Though she will no longer be teaching at Vinal, Lyn does not know how not to work. In her retirement, she will teach part-time at Gateway Community College and holds an additional part-time position with Connecticut Open--continuing to indulge in two of her greatest passions, education and tennis. I have no doubt she will continue her efforts with Discovery to Cure and perhaps expand her volunteer efforts with other causes close to her heart. Lyn is a force of nature and I know she will continue her good work on behalf of others for many years to come. prgtoken It would be remiss if I did not extend a personal note of thanks to Lyn for her many prgtoken years of friendship and support. She has been a kindred spirit since we first met--she is more than a friend, she is family. I am grateful every day that she is always in my corner. Today, as she marks the end of one career and looks ahead to new opportunities, I am honored to stand and express my deepest thanks to Lyn Caliendo for her many invaluable contributions to our community. I wish her many more years of health and happiness as she embarks on this new chapter.
CONGRATULATING MRS. WINONA BLOHM ON HER 100TH BIRTHDAY
Blaine Luetkemeyer (Republican, MO) \u2014 2018-10-26

I rise today to honor Mrs. Winona Blohm who is celebrating her 100th Birthday. prgtoken The world was a different place in 1918. The Model T was the newest car style with gas prices around 25 cents per gallon; the Eiffel Tower was the tallest structure in the world; Woodrow Wilson was President; and the Boston Red Sox won the World Series with the help of Babe Ruth. The average price for bread was 10 cents, butter was 58 cents, and eggs were 57 cents. And World War I officially ended with Armistice Day on November 11. The changes to the world in Mrs. Blohm's lifetime have been monumental and extremely exciting. prgtoken Mrs. Blohm was born in Black Walnut, Missouri and lived in the Portage Des Sioux area until she married Vincent Blohm in 1941. Vincent and Winona bought their farm in Orchard Farm, Missouri where she continues to live today. prgtoken Throughout her life, Mrs. Blohm has enjoyed numerous hobbies. For many years Winona and her husband served on the board of St. Charles County Farm Bureau and were active members. She is a skilled gardener and has produced many bountiful harvests. Using the lessons learned from their mother, Mrs. Blohm's children now plant a beautiful flower garden for her to enjoy every year. Of her many pastimes, she also loves creating beautiful wedding cakes and quilting elegant quilts for her family and loved ones. prgtoken Mrs. Blohm and I share a love of baseball and the St. Louis Cardinals. She enjoys watching the games and cheering the Cardinals on faithfully throughout their season. prgtoken Most importantly to her, Winona's daughters, Sharon and Janet and their husbands Vince and John, her six grandchildren, and 13 great- grandchildren are all joining her in celebrating this incredible milestone birthday. prgtoken , please join all of us in wishing Mrs. Winona Blohm a very Happy 100th Birthday Best wishes for much happiness and health in the years to come.
TRIBUTE TO DOUGLASS BELLIS
Bob Goodlatte (Republican, VA) \u2014 2018-10-26

today, I recognize Douglass Bellis, Senior Counsel at the Office of Legislative Counsel, U.S. House of Representatives. prgtoken Doug passed on Monday, October 15, 2018. He was born in Penn Yan, New York, on March 25, 1947. He graduated with Honors from Cornell University in 1968 with a double major in Government and Greek and Latin Classics, Language and Literature, and received his Juris Doctor degree from the Duke University School of Law in 1971. Since then, Doug worked at the Office of Legislative Counsel, U.S. House of Representatives, in Washington, D.C rising from Assistant Counsel to Deputy Legislative Counsel and then Senior Counsel. He was universally recognized by legislative experts for his intellectually rigorous approach to legislative drafting and for his encyclopedic knowledge of court cases related to the Congress and its powers. prgtoken For almost 30 years, Doug also served as advisor to the Commonwealth Association of Legislative Counsel, consulting with foreign parliamentary bodies regarding the strengthening of their parliamentary institutions in the context of increased democratic participation in government. Since 2008, Doug also served as an Adjunct Professor at George Washington University. Throughout his life, he pursued his passionate intellectual curiosity about science, religion, philosophy, law, history and music. Doug is survived by his beloved wife Suzanne Bellis, his brother Vincent Bellis (wife Ann), his daughters Margaret English and Elizabeth Wolfe, Andrew English, Matthew English and Bradley English, and six grandchildren. prgtoken Among too many achievements to recount, Doug was responsible for codifying Title 11 of the U.S. Code consisting of the nation's bankruptcy laws, the first and only title of the U.S. Code not to originate in or go through the Law Revision Counsel's Office. Doug also worked extensively on the Federal Rules of Evidence and drafted numerous bills amending, restructuring, and improving the criminal statutes of the United States, including an ambitious, multi-year project to overhaul the federal criminal code. He drafted many articles of impeachment. Doug trained many counsels at the House Office of Legislative Counsel as well as countless Committee staff. prgtoken As Judge Robert A. Katzmann, Chief Judge U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit wrote, Doug ``was a firm believer in the importance of dialogue between the courts and Congress, someone who believed that with improved communication, understanding and proper care, that government could be made to work better.'' Judge Katzmann came to know Doug through their work on a Governance Institute project whereby statutory opinions of the courts of appeals, identifying issues of possible interest to Congress, were sent to Congress for its information and consideration. Doug was a champion for the project for the last quarter century and he outlined his views in an essay published in 19
HONORING SHERIFF RICHARD CUTTING AND UNDERSHERIFF MICHAEL BADGER ON THEIR RETIREMENTS
Elise M. Stefanik (Republican, NY) \u2014 2018-10-26

I rise today to congratulate both Sheriff Richard Cutting and Undersheriff Michael Badger on their retirements from the Essex County Sheriff's Department. prgtoken After two years of service with the United States Marine Corps, Sheriff Cutting joined the Essex County Sheriff's Department in 1977 as a Deputy Sheriff. He became the first Essex prgtoken County Deputy to become a certified Police and Corrections Instructor as well as the first Jail Administrator before taking on the role of Undersheriff. In 2010, he was appointed to fill the office of Essex County Sheriff and has since then run two successful campaigns. From the opening of the Department's new Public Safety Building to the success of his animal cruelty and opioid task forces, Sheriff Richard Cutting has undoubtedly made a lasting, positive impact on the Department. prgtoken Undersheriff Michael Badger started in the Sheriff's Department in 1987 as a Deputy Sheriff and Jail Dispatcher, and worked his way up through the ranks until he became Undersheriff in 2011. During his tenure in the Department, he implemented the Project Life Saver Program in Essex County and was instrumental in the Essex County Jail's transition to its modem Public Safety Building. Truly dedicated to serving his community, Undersheriff Badger also sits on the Essex County Drug Court and has served for 19 years as a volunteer firefighter in Moriah. prgtoken Both men have exhibited outstanding commitment to Essex County, leaving their positions with big shoes to fill. On behalf of New York's 21st District, I want to join the Essex County community in honoring Sheriff Richard Cutting and Undersheriff Michael Badger and thanking them for their many years of public service.
HONORING THE 70TH BIRTHDAY OF PAT POPRIK
Brian K. Fitzpatrick (Republican, PA) \u2014 2018-10-26

I'm proud to recognize a dear friend, trusted partner, and community icon who is celebrating her 70th birthday this month. prgtoken Pat Poprik continues to work tirelessly to improve the lives of all Bucks County residents. For decades, she championed the virtues of limited government, individual freedom, and liberty for all people of this great nation. prgtoken For the past four decades, Pat has provided wisdom and mentorship for Pennsylvania s, rising to become the party's state treasurer. Her work culminated in her current position as chairwoman of the Bucks County Party, where her deep understanding of local issues and community concerns has delivered lasting, positive results for our community. prgtoken It is hard to name anyone who works harder or is more connected to Bucks County than Pat. On behalf of a grateful, civic minded community, I wish Pat a very happy birthday.