mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
PARRY'S PIZZERIA AND TAPHOUSE
Ed Perlmutter (Democrat, CO) \u2014 2022-10-31

. Madam , I rise today to recognize Parry's Pizzeria & Taphouse of Northglenn, Colorado for earning the City of Northglenn's Large Business of the Year Award. prgtoken The Large Business of the Year Award recognizes a local business with over 50 employees and shows business growth and stability. Parry's Pizzeria & Taphouse is dedicated to providing craveable food and beer served with uncommon hospitality. With its dedication to community commitment and involvement, Parry's Pizzeria is a valued large business in Northglenn. prgtoken Congratulations to Parry's Pizzeria & Taphouse for receiving this award and I wish them all the best in the future. I thank them for their contribution to our community.
HONORING WORLD WAR II VETERAN JESUS VELA
Joaquin Castro (Democrat, TX) \u2014 2022-10-31

. Madam , I rise today to honor the service and achievements of Mr. Jesus Vela, a World War II Army Veteran who celebrated his 100th birthday this past September. prgtoken Jesus Vela was born on September 16, 1922, in Rio Grande City, Texas. Shortly after the attack on Pearl Harbor, he enlisted in the U.S. Army, where he trained as a search light operator and infantry sharpshooter. As American forces advanced in the Pacific Theater, Mr. Vela participated in island-hopping efforts to establish airfields in the Central Pacific and further assisted with U.S. operations in Guam. He earned the World War II Victory Medal, the American Theatre Campaign Medal, and the Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal, and was honorably discharged at the rank of corporal in 1946. prgtoken In March of 1946, he married the love of his life, Guadalupe Garza, and had three children--Arnoldo, Ricardo, and Noelia. Mr. Vela entered the carpentry trade and has since enjoyed many wonderful memories with his family. He inspired his children to follow in his footsteps in serving our great country and becoming leaders of their respective communities. prgtoken Madam , please join me in commemorating the life of Mr. Jesus Vela. I would like to wish Mr. Vela happy 100th birthday. He has reached a milestone and I thank him for his service to our country and community. May God continue to bless and watch over him.
REMEMBERING STAN BINGHAM
Ted Budd (Republican, NC) \u2014 2022-10-31

. Madam , I rise today to remember North Carolina state Senator Stan Bingham, and to recognize his many years of faithful service to the residents of Davidson, Davie, and Guilford counties. prgtoken Born in Winston-Salem in 1945, Stan Bingham was a remarkable figure exemplifying much of what it means to be a resident of the Old North State. After earning a degree in forestry from North Carolina State University, he founded the Bingham Lumber Co. in 1979 in his adopted hometown of Denton. Stan was a fierce proponent of Davidson County and its residents. From 1990 until 1994, he served his community on the Davidson County Board of Commissioners, and in 1995, he formed the weekly local newspaper, the Denton Orator. In 2000, while still working as a businessowner and publisher, Stan was elected to the North Carolina Senate. prgtoken Serving eight terms in the state senate, Stan was a giant in North Carolina's legislature. He was a problem-solver, an individual who was convicted in his beliefs yet willing to work across the aisle to accomplish what was best for his constituents. He was instrumental in the successful effort to amend the state constitution to prohibit convicted felons from running for Sheriff, and he proposed the state's Good Samaritan Law to ensure overdose victims receive the medical care they need. Thanks to his help, the Davidson County communities of Wallburg and Midway have become incorporated townships. Stan was a friend to everyone, and he was always eager to help in any way he could. prgtoken Madam , please join me in a moment of silence for state Senator Bingham, in recognition of his many years of service to the people of North Carolina.
TRIBUTE IN HONOR OF DR. RICK MAURER
Harold Rogers (Republican, KY) \u2014 2022-10-31

. Madam , I rise today to pay tribute to Dr. Richard C. Maurer for his long-time service as a board member of The Center for Rural Development in Somerset, Kentucky. prgtoken Dr. Maurer is Professor Emeritus of Community and Leadership Development for the University of Kentucky College of Agriculture, Food and Environment, where he has been on faculty since 1977. He was also the Assistant Director of Cooperative Extension Service for Community and Economic Development Programs for 15 years. His expertise in business retention, expansion, and community development have been valuable to the vision and execution of projects led by The Center for Rural Development. prgtoken The overall goal of The Center for Rural Development is to provide opportunities to people in Kentucky's Appalachian Region so they can attain a college degree and acquire a good paying job without leaving the region and state that they call home. Dr. Maurer has helped us advance those opportunities, ensuring we remain on the forefront of rural broadband expansion, youth leadership opportunities, job creation, infrastructure development and much more. He has ensured that youth programs like Rogers Scholars, Rogers Explorers and the Entrepreneurial Leadership Institute continue to provide vital scholarships, introductions to community leaders, job opportunities, and a pathway to accomplish their dreams in our region. prgtoken I deeply appreciate his dedication and the investment of his time and talents to help revitalize southern and eastern Kentucky through his service on the Board of Directors at The Center for Rural Development.
IN RECOGNITION OF MS. MAGAZINE
Carolyn B. Maloney (Democrat, NY) \u2014 2022-11-3

. Madam , I rise to recognize Ms. Magazine for its work to provide comprehensive coverage of women's issues and to celebrate the magazine's fiftieth anniversary. prgtoken When feminist activists Gloria Steinem and Dorothy Pittman Hughes started Ms. Magazine in December 1971 with a 40-page insert inside New York magazine, few could have predicted its longevity and its far- reaching impact. But the magazine immediately struck a chord with women, selling 300,000 copies in eight days and generating 26,000 subscription orders and more than 20,000 reader letters within weeks. prgtoken While most magazines marketed to women at the time emphasized domestic topics such as the importance of finding a husband, Ms. Magazine featured stories on prominent women's issues including abortion, the Equal Rights Amendment, domestic violence, and sexual harassment. prgtoken In July 1972, the first issue of Ms. Magazine was published with an image of Wonder Woman on the cover. In the same issue, 53 women, including Billie Jean King, Nora Ephron, and Gloria Steinem, signed a ``we have had abortions petition,'' one year before the Supreme Court's landmark decision in Roe v. Wade. prgtoken In the years following, Ms. Magazine has covered and influenced the feminist movement. On a personal note, the magazine also profoundly impacted my career aspirations and legislative agenda in both the New York City Council and in Congress. prgtoken Over the course of my career, I didn't have to call Ms. five times to convince them to cover issues and legislation like the Debbie Smith Act, the horrific crime of sex trafficking, and the Equal Rights Amendment. prgtoken Ms. also faithfully chronicled my 20-year fight to create the National Women's History prgtoken Museum on the Mall. Without Ms.' coverage and advocacy, we might still be fighting. prgtoken Women comprise half the population. But we get nowhere near half the attention on critical issues. Most other magazines and new outlets swoop in to cover monumental women's issues like the rollback of Roe. v. Wade. But Ms. is there every day to cover issues of importance to women and to shine the light on women's often-hidden contributions to all fields. prgtoken Today, the Feminist Majority--the magazine's longest-serving publisher--is proudly maintaining Ms.'s 50-year leadership role in shaping and meeting the feminist agenda. prgtoken I join millions of women worldwide in recognizing the extraordinary accomplishments and contributions of Ms. Magazine over the past 50 years, and in wishing them every success in the next 50. Because Ms. isn't just a magazine. It's a movement.
IN RECOGNITION OF MR. RICHARD KOEPKE ON HIS RETIREMENT FROM THE INTERNATIONAL SOCIETY FOR TRAUMATIC STRESS STUDIES
Danny K. Davis (Democrat, IL) \u2014 2022-11-3

. Madam , it is my great pleasure to congratulate Mr. Richard Koepke of Oak Park, Illinois, on his retirement earlier this year from the International Society for Traumatic Stress Studies (ISTSS). prgtoken With its headquarters in Chicago, ISTSS is the premier, global, interdisciplinary, professional organization promoting the advancement and exchange of knowledge about traumatic stress. prgtoken As Executive Director of ISTSS for over two decades, Mr. Koepke worked tirelessly with ISTSS leaders to advance the traumatic stress field and promote healing and recovery among survivors of trauma. prgtoken Prior to joining ISTSS, Mr. Koepke served in other non-profit management roles across Chicago, including with the American Hospital Association and the YMCA of Metropolitan Chicago. prgtoken As a social worker, Mr. Koepke also provided front-line clinical services for mental health consumers and their families. prgtoken I join the members of ISTSS in congratulating Mr. Koepke on his outstanding career, and wish him much health and happiness in his well- deserved retirement.
HONORING THE LIFE AND SERVICE OF CARL DENNIS ANDERSON
Joe Courtney (Democrat, CT) \u2014 2022-11-3

. Madam , I rise to honor the life and legacy of a ``man of the people'' from eastern Connecticut, Mr. Carl Anderson. Carl recently passed away on June 21, 2022, at age 79, leaving a rich legacy of devotion to his community, family and the pursuit of justice on behalf of thousands of clients in the courts of the State of Connecticut. Carl's life was a rich one, which he led with great gusto, arguing cases before countless juries, raising a beautiful family or pursuing his love of fishing. prgtoken Born on Independence Day in Voluntown, Connecticut, in 1942 to Carl Sr. and Ellen Anderson, Carl was a living image of the American story. Much of Carl's life and community-oriented perspective was afforded by his nurturing family and hometown. For instance, he was raised in his parent's family-owned business, Tamarack Lodge, and met the love of his life, Karen, who he was wed to for nearly 50 years, in Voluntown. Tamarack Lodge was eventually passed down to Carl Jr. and Karen, which they then used to continue the family tradition by raising children of their own, Christopher, Michael, and Kate, while contributing to the local economy for nearly 30 years. prgtoken The strong foundation which Carl formed through the Town of Voluntown cannot be understated. His strong sense for community caused him to be quite an adept advocate on behalf of others. Backed by his passion for community, Carl attended the University of Connecticut, also in the eastern district of the State, where he ultimately earned his law degree. Carl employed that law degree towards the good of the region starting his own law firm representing individuals and families first with his closest partners, before bringing his sons Christopher and Michael into the fold. prgtoken Throughout his tenure as a trial lawyer, Carl built a brand of commitment toward helping all those in need, whether it was an injured victim or an individual in need of trusted advice. His character and skill to practice law proved remarkable. Carl performed a true dedication in service to Connecticut's civil justice system, which was recognized by his colleagues in the Connecticut bar who elected him as president of the Connecticut trial lawyers association. Carl also was extremely involved in the political life of eastern Connecticut, supporting campaigns of former congressman and Senator Christopher Dodd, Congressman Sam Gejdenson,--and I am proud to say--myself. Carl was a true-blue friend whose support and advice were treasured by us all. prgtoken Known for being proud of his background, Carl also volunteered time toward causes which he felt strongly close to. With his Northern European family roots, Carl acted as the Honorary Consul in Connecticut on behalf of the nation of Finland, supporting the country's diplomatic network and nationals abroad with his local, legal ties. His more than 40 years of service in this part time role earned him the Finnish accolade, the Command
HONORING ANNE STARR AS IOWAN OF THE WEEK
Cynthia Axne (Democrat, IA) \u2014 2022-11-3

. Madam , I rise today to ask the House of Representatives to join me in recognizing Anne Starr who is the CEO of Orchard Place in Des Moines. May is Mental Health Awareness Month, and I couldn't think of a better advocate and leader on mental health than Mrs. Starr. prgtoken Orchard Place works closely with children and youth who have mental health illnesses, behavioral health challenges, battle substance abuse, suffer from trauma, and more. Through early intervention and appropriate care, Orchard Place is developing strong futures for children and their families. Orchard Place offers comprehensive mental health and behavioral health services designed specifically for children and adolescents. These services are delivered by compassionate and highly trained physicians, nurses, therapists, social workers, residential treatment staff, and psychologists. Our behavioral and mental health services include mental health consultation, psychiatric therapy, residential treatment, outpatient mental health therapy, school-based therapy, social skill development, and many more great services. prgtoken Anne Starr is a native Iowan, graduating from Fort Dodge High School, the University of Northern Iowa with a BA in Psychology, and from the University of Iowa with a master's in social work. She has been in the human services delivery field for more than 30 years. Her career began as a live-in direct care staff in a residential group care setting. She spent fifteen years as a mental health clinician at Iowa Lutheran Hospital, Orchard Place, and in private practice. During the past 20 years, she has served in administrative roles as a Senior Vice President of Program and Policy for Mosaic with corporate headquarters in Omaha, NE; President and CEO of Buckhorn Children and Family Services, with corporate headquarters in Buckhorn, KY; and Executive Director of Hamilton County's Child Welfare Collaborative in Cincinnati, OH. Starr returned to Orchard Place as the CEO in March of 2013. She has been involved in children's mental health and disability public policy and advocacy efforts across multiple states and at the federal level. prgtoken Each year, Anne, and her team at Orchard Place work with around 8,000 children and adolescents of all ages from all over Iowa who need individual help and support. Their goal is to help develop strong futures for children suffering from mental illnesses, behavioral health challenges, substance abuse issues, severe trauma, and more. Under Anne's leadership, she and her team have changed thousands of lives and made our community stronger and helped to destigmatize mental health. I will continue to fight in Congress to support leaders like Anne and organizations like Orchard place to ensure Iowans have access to the mental health care that they need. It is my pleasure to recognize Anne Starr as Iowan of the Week.
OCTOBER CONSTITUENT OF THE MONTH
Mike Levin (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2022-11-3

. Madam , it is my honor to recognize Retired Army Maj. Gen. Peggy C. Combs as my October Constituent of the Month. Maj. Gen. Combs is a perfect example of a courageous leader who has gone above and beyond to serve our country and enrich our community. prgtoken Maj. Gen. Combs is now the 16th President and first woman to lead the Army and Navy Academy in my district. In this role, President Combs leads the 112-year-old preparatory school and helps instill excellence and character traits in its students. She brings over three decades of military service to this position and serves as a role model to all. prgtoken Ahead of Veterans Day, I am proud to honor an esteemed veteran like Maj. Gen. Combs, who bravely served our county and continues to contribute to our unique and beautiful district. Maj. Gen. Combs' expansive military and academic background and experience with ROTC programs make her an excellent choice for this role, and I'm proud to honor Army Maj. Gen. Peggy C. Combs as my October Constituent of the Month.
HONORING PAUL AND BETTY WILSON
Lois Frankel (Democrat, FL) \u2014 2022-11-3

. Madam , I rise today to honor Paul and Betty Wilson, who are celebrating their 60th wedding anniversary on November 3, 2022. Paul and Betty live in my hometown, West Palm Beach, Florida and are loved members of our community. prgtoken Paul and Betty met at a farm dance in the small town of Whiteland, Indiana. They planned a date that required an hour drive to meet up. On the way, Paul got a flat tire and was late. Betty thought he wasn't going to show up. prgtoken Paul not only showed up, he and Betty have been showing up for each other for 60 years. And along the way came five children, many grandchildren and great-grandchildren, who fill their lives with joy. prgtoken I wish Paul and Betty a very happy anniversary and best wishes for many more blissful years together.
CELEBRATING THE 51ST ANNIVERSARY OF THE SOUTHERN POVERTY LAW CENTER IN MONTGOMERY, AL
Terri A. Sewell (Democrat, AL) \u2014 2022-11-3

. Madam , I rise today to recognize the 51st Anniversary of the Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC) in Montgomery, Alabama. prgtoken Though the SPLC was founded after the passing of the Civil Rights Law of 1964 and the Voting Rights Law of 1965, the founders of the SPLC, two young civil rights lawyers from Montgomery recognized that despite the promises of these laws, life for African Americans in the South remained the same. They witnessed first-hand the devastating effects of racial injustice, and together, Joseph Levin Jr. and Morris Dees committed themselves to provide a voice for the disenfranchised. prgtoken Watching our communities strategically excluded from a range of economic and educational opportunities, they took pro bona cases few others were willing to pursue, resulting in the desegregation of recreational facilities, the reapportionment of the Alabama Legislature, and reforms in the state prison system. It was from the work and vision of these two men that the Southern Poverty Law Center was born in 1971. prgtoken Specializing in civil rights and public interest litigation, the SPLC has remained dedicated to working directly with communities to dismantle white supremacy, protect voting rights, eradicate poverty, and reform the criminal justice system. Through more than 30 landmark legal victories, the work of the SPLC has spurred systemic reforms in the Deep South and fought to protect our most sacred and fundamental rights. prgtoken During its 1981 litigation efforts against the Ku Klux Klan, the SPLC discovered the lack of comprehensive information on American radical groups. Recognizing the vitalness of this resource in the fight to battle injustice, the SPLC created its Intelligence Project and Hatewatch program to monitor and expose such groups. Today, their Intelligence Project tracks more than 1,600 extremist groups in the United States and is an invaluable resource for training and educating the public. prgtoken As a forward-facing organization, the SPLC has transformed over the years as a catalyst of change; while also ensuring that we never forget the sacrifice and bravery of those on whose shoulders we stand. Through the Civil Rights Memorial Center, the SPLC has memorialized the stories of the countless known and prgtoken unknown Foot Soldiers that fought bled, and died, holding our Nation accountable to its highest ideals of justice and equality. Through honoring the martyrs of the Civil Rights Movement, this center inspires and empowers all its visitors to continue the fight for racial equality and civil rights. prgtoken Remaining true to its founding mission--ensure that the promise of the Civil Rights Movement became a reality for all, the SPLC has remained on the front lines in the fight for civil rights, standing up for the powerless, the exploited, and other victims of discrimination and hate. Their critical work has dismantled vestiges of Jim Crow, reformed juvenile justice p
IN MEMORY OF DENISE BACON
Suzanne Bonamici (Democrat, OR) \u2014 2022-11-3

. Madam , I rise today to honor the life of Denise Bacon, and to recognize her many years of service to the residents of Newberg, Oregon. prgtoken Denise was an advocate, active community member, and treasured friend and colleague to many. As a longtime city council member, Denise was a champion for families and worked tirelessly to better the lives of the residents of Newberg, especially its most vulnerable community members. In times of crisis and stability, Denise was a leader, a bridge- builder, and a policymaker with deeply-rooted integrity. Yamhill County is a better place because of Denise's devotion to improving the lives of those around her. prgtoken I express my sincere condolences to Denise's family, colleagues, and all those she served. We can honor her legacy by building kinder communities and leading with respect. Let us continue to serve others in her memory.
HONORING THE LIFE ACHIEVEMENTS OF CHRISTINE HOLOWACZ
Nydia M. Velázquez (Democrat, NY) \u2014 2022-11-3

. Madam , I rise to honor the life achievements of my longtime constituent Christine Holowacz, a community activist and environmental champion in Greenpoint, Brooklyn, New York. Christine immigrated from Poland in 1972 and attended high school here where she quickly learned English. Having a voice here was something she did not take lightly. As an early homeowner in the neighborhood, she became engaged in community issues and rose to become the president of the Greenpoint Property Owners Association. This fits a pattern for Christine over the last 25 years: she becomes involved, leads the charge, and works to find solutions for what seem to be intractable problems. prgtoken Christine Holowacz is emblazoned in my mind being at the forefront of the fight to cleanup one of the most environmentally impacted neighborhoods in New York City. Greenpoint today hosts two Superfund cleanup sites and the largest oil spill in the country. Christine was there in our effort to get the sites on the National Priorities List and played a key role ensuring a measure of relief from the devastation of the Greenpoint oil spill through the Greenpoint Community Environmental Fund. Many, including her children growing up, recall her advocacy at countless meetings: ``No power plants! Less garbage, more cleanups!'' She stepped up to become a founding member of Newtown Creek Alliance and played a pivotal role in the reconstruction of the Newtown Creek Wastewater Treatment Plant and its Newtown Creek Monitoring Committee (1999 to 2012), and the construction of the massive Kosciuszko Bridge Project (2013 to 2020) leveraging community amenities in open space. Christine has played a lead role in Greenpoint Waterfront Association for Parks and Planning, the North Brooklyn Community Boathouse, Neighbors Allied for Good Growth, the Newtown Creek Superfund Community Advisory Group, to name a few. prgtoken Christine is respected by generations of neighbors and leaders. Indeed, Christine Holowacz is honored today at the Newtown Creek Alliance 20th-anniversary ``Tidal Toast'' gala with the Revitalize Award for her life-long dedication. I too raise a toast to Christine Holowacz, who has made North Brooklyn a better place to live. May Christine continue this work for another 25 years.