mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
RECOGNIZING MRS. MARIA EUGENIA OSUNA, NATIONAL ALLIANCE ON MENTAL ILLNESS (NAMI), SAN DIEGO REGION
Juan Vargas (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2022-8-16

. Madam , I rise today to honor Mrs. Maria Eugenia Osuna of the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), San Diego Region. Mrs. Osuna served as the Outreach Coordinator for this organization for ten years. She is currently retired and is a resident of the Castle Park community in the City of Chula Vista, CA. prgtoken Mrs. Osuna has been recognized for her long years of service with NAMI, during which she founded and organized various support group programs throughout San Diego County to help minority parents who have children with mental illness. prgtoken Before for her professional career with NAMI, Mrs. Osuna served as a volunteer for the organization, because her son was diagnosed with paranoid schizophrenia at the age of 17. Both her father and brother were diagnosed with mental illnesses, and both committed suicide. Mrs. Osuna did not want her son to suffer the same fate. prgtoken After realizing that resources for minority families with mental illness were limited, Mrs. Osuna took NAMI's 12-week program to learn more about her son's illness, and she began to assist other minority families with similar situations. Through her time and commitment, Mrs. Osuna was formally offered a position with NAMI. prgtoken Mrs. Osuna created and organized support groups for Latinx parents who have children with a mental illness. Her support group programs were the first in San Diego County to be held in Spanish. Mrs. Osuna's goal has always been to provide education, support, and advocacy to minority families, as well as to dispel misconceptions and stereotypes on mental illness. prgtoken Mrs. Osuna is to be honored as the 51st District Constituent of the Month, particularly during National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month, for her outstanding commitment to supporting minority families with education and advocacy on mental health awareness, as well as all her service and efforts that have helped those in need build a brighter future.
BUILD BACK BETTER ACT
Earl Blumenauer (Democrat, OR) \u2014 2022-8-16

. Madam , I came to Congress with a mission to make the federal government a better partner to local communities to make them more livable, healthy, and economically secure. prgtoken Last week, Congress made unprecedented progress on fulfilling the fundamental premise of this mission. The House and Senate both passed the Inflation Reduction Act, a historic investment in our nation's health, climate, and economy, including several provisions I authored to combat the climate crisis. President is expected to sign the legislation into law this afternoon. prgtoken The Inflation Reduction Act will save Americans $288 billion on health care over the next ten years. Critically, it will allow Medicare to negotiate prescription drug prices, starting with the ten most expensive prescriptions. These negotiations will bring down costs for patients and taxpayers alike. When combined with new provisions capping Medicare beneficiaries' out-of pocket costs at $2,000 a year, the legislation will make an extraordinary difference in peoples' lives. prgtoken This package is the single largest investment in climate action in our nation's history. It will deliver $385 billion in energy and climate investments, including for electric vehicles, solar and wind energy, pollution reduction, and support for the vulnerable communities most impacted by environmental degradation. Long term extensions to the production and investment tax credits, including direct pay and transferability provisions, are critical components in ending our dependence on fossil fuels. I am also pleased that the investment tax credit was expanded to include energy storage projects, a key piece of the puzzle in delivering renewable energy to households at any time of day. prgtoken Combatting the climate crisis also means investing in infrastructure that is sustainable and efficient. Clean transportation incentives like an expanded electric vehicle credit for new and used vehicles, an expanded credit to charge e-bikes and e-scooters, and incentives to electrify commercial fleets will help accelerate the reduction of carbon emissions and fossil fuels in our day-to-day activities. Likewise, any construction projects in the 21st century must be made to meet the needs and goals of our communities. That's why I advocated for provisions in this package that make commercial buildings more energy efficient and sustainable. prgtoken While working families in our community and across the nation are struggling to pay for basic goods like gas, groceries, and rent, ultra- wealthy corporations are raking in record profits. Inflation is hitting Americans hard while many corporations aren't paying their fair share. This legislation will enact a corporate minimum tax of 15 percent. Currently, hundreds of the largest corporations in America pay substantially less, or nothing, in taxes. This provision ensures that large corporations will pay a minimum of 15 percent in taxes. The
HONORING THE LEGACY OF DANIEL D. DOLAN, SR.
Bill Foster (Democrat, IL) \u2014 2022-8-16

. Madam , I rise today to celebrate the legacy of Mr. Daniel D. Dolan, Sr. Mr. Dolan was a U.S. Navy veteran, serving his country during the Korean War, who went on to serve both in the Aurora, IL Fire Department and the U.S. Postal Service before starting his own business, Dolan & Murphy Real Estate in 1965. Dan loved selling and buying real estate throughout his career, especially land. His legacy development being Farnsworth International, which encompassed 450 acres of land on the North side of the I-88 and Farnsworth Avenue Cloverleaf Interchange in Aurora and is home to millions of square feet of Commercial and Industrial buildings (including Chicago Premium Outlet Mall) and is the largest Real Estate Tax base in Kane County, Ill. Dan was also very proud and instrumental in the extension of Indian Trail Road from Farnsworth Ave to the far eastern boundary of Aurora. Dolan and Murphy had just celebrated their 55th year in business when Dan passed on February 20, 2020. prgtoken Born and raised in Aurora, IL, Mr. Dolan believed strongly in giving back to his community. He often did so through his business and life's passion, Dolan & Murphy Real Estate. Dolan & Murphy has sponsored little league baseball for over 50 years and fastpitch softball for over 35 years and Dan was inducted into the International Softball Congress Hall of Fame in August of 2016 for his long-time contribution as a sponsor. Dan believed that ``what's good for Dolan & Murphy is good for Aurora'' and worked hard to be charitable to the hometown he loved so deeply. prgtoken Dan also spent much of his personal time giving back. He was instrumental in the funding and construction of Aurora Central Catholic High School's current campus, which opened in the fall of 1995. As a graduate of East Aurora High School, he was committed to being a ``lifelong Tomcat,'' coaching and mentoring many Aurora students throughout his life. Dan was honored by his Alma Mater in 2011 by receiving the coveted East Aurora High school ``Distinguished Alumni Award''. prgtoken I am proud to represent Aurora, and I am grateful for the support and kindness Dan and his family have shown over the years. Daniel D. Dolan, Sr. was an Aurora icon, is an Aurora legend, and his generosity and contribution to the city will never be forgotten. I ask my colleagues to join me in celebrating Mr. Dolan's incredible life.
HONORING THE LIFE OF DR. JOHN SHIRLEY
Jerry McNerney (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2022-8-16

. Madam , I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring the life of Dr. John Shirley, who dedicated his life to serving his country and his community. John passed away on December 22, 2021, leaving a legacy of service to and love of country and community. prgtoken Dr. John Shirley was born in Santa Ana, California on December 8, 1924. At 19 years old, after being drafted and rising quickly to the rank of Staff Sergeant, John was part of the Anzio breakout with the 3rd Infantry Division. After taking part in the invasion of Southern France, he was wounded by fragments of a shell from a German tank and taken prisoner. As he and other prisoners were being marched to the rear, a young German soldier bringing up the rear of the column got too close, and John turned around and slugged him, rendering him unconscious and allowing John to escape to Allied lines. John was awarded a battlefield commission to Second Lieutenant when he rejoined his unit after three months in the hospital recovering from his wounds. prgtoken Aside from his commission, John was awarded a Purple Heart, Silver Star, and two Bronze Stars with Oak Leaf Cluster and V for Valor devise. He earned the European Theater of Operation Medal with six campaign stars and a bronze arrowhead for the invasion of Southern France, as well as the French Fouragere de Guerre. prgtoken After the war, John attended the University of California at Davis Veterinary College, graduating in its first class. He set up the first veterinary clinic in Livermore, California and was knowns as ``Doc Shirley'' to the ranchers in the area. John was considered one of the best veterinarians in the region, with the toughest cases referred to him by his peers. prgtoken John became active in the Livermore community, winning a seat on the Livermore City Council, where he served from 1958 until 1966. He served as Livermore's Mayor from 1963 until 1966. prgtoken He was a member of the Rotary Club and Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW). He led and was instrumental in many projects to improve the quality of life for Livermore residents and served on the VFW Honor Guard, firing gun salutes into his late seventies. John served as president of the Livermore Valley Opera, and as a member of the Livermore Symphony Association. prgtoken As a member of the 3rd Infantry Division Veterans organization, he raised money for high school Junior ROTC programs in San Francisco and Oakland. He was also instrumental in creating the Veterans First program at Las Positas Community College to provide services to veterans returning to school. prgtoken John loved sports, and was an avid skier, hiker, tennis player, and golfer. He was also a skilled instrument-rated pilot, which led him to further public service on the Livermore Airport Commission. John said, ``You can be a bad golfer, skier, or tennis player, but you have to be a good pilot.'' prgtoken On July 13, 2019, Livermore City Council honored John by naming the n
AUGUST DECEIT
Joe Wilson (Republican, SC) \u2014 2022-8-16

. Madam , somehow in August the travesties of deceit by the Administration are especially shocking, dangerous, and insulting to common sense. prgtoken The abandonment of Afghanistan last year was the most horrific national security and foreign policy debacle in American history. Thirteen American servicemembers were murdered and numerous others were left behind, as a familiar safe haven for terrorists was re-established as the one we gruesomely experienced on September 11, 2001. prgtoken Dangerous criminals on the Terrorist Watch List are now invading the open Southern border, as cartels are enriched with human trafficking and fentanyl smuggling at the cost of American lives. prgtoken The raid on the Home on Monday is an inconceivable political assault on democracy, repeating the hoax of Russian Collusion. FBI agents are abused as pawns by deranged, political zealots. prgtoken And on Wednesday, the absurd declaration by of ``zero inflation'' is a disconnect from reality. Inflation is 8.5 percent, the highest in forty years. American families know gasoline is up 44 percent, electricity up 15.2 percent, food up 13.1 percent, and transportation up 9.2 percent. prgtoken Despite the universal definition of a recession in two quarters of GDP decline, denies the truth and persists with his failing agenda of raising taxes, borrowing, and foolish massive spending, sparking inflation and destroying jobs. prgtoken Sadly, the failures of have created inconceivable threats at home and abroad and he should change policies immediately to protect American families.
HONORING JAMES TIPTON
Andy Barr (Republican, KY) \u2014 2022-8-16

. Madam , I rise to honor the life of a patriotic American, Mr. James Tipton. Mr. Tipton lives in Waco, Kentucky. He celebrated his 99th birthday on July 24, 2022. prgtoken Mr. Tipton grew up on his family's farm in Union City, Kentucky. In 1941, a new Ordinance called the Bluegrass Army Depot was opening in Richmond and Mr. Tipton helped work on it. In December of 1942, he decided to enlist and joined the United States Army Air Corps. Following basic training, he was assigned as a right-wing gunner. He was sent overseas and flew missions over Europe. On his last mission in April of 1944, his plane ran short of fuel, and they lost engine power. The crew had to jump out of the camera hatch. They landed over enemy territory in France and were captured by German soldiers and taken as prisoners of war. Mr. Tipton spent 13 months as a POW in Krems, Austria in STALAG XVII-B. After a march of about 160 miles, the prisoners were liberated on April 26, 1945. prgtoken Following his time in the service, Mr. Tipton returned to Madison County and worked at the Bluegrass Ordinance for many years. He is a faithful member of the Waco Baptist Church, where he is the oldest male member. Mr. Tipton is well-respected by his community. prgtoken It is my honor to recognize Mr. James Tipton, celebrate his 99th birthday and thank him for his service and sacrifice to our nation during World War II. As a part of ``The Greatest Generation,'' Mr. Tipton and his fellow soldiers are true heroes who bravely served and sacrificed to preserve the freedoms that we enjoy today, and we can never thank them enough. I am forever grateful for Americans like James Tipton.
HONORING DINA VELOCCI
Carlos A. Gimenez (Republican, FL) \u2014 2022-8-16

. Madam , I rise today to honor Dina Velocci, DNP, CRNA, APRN. Ms. Velocci, who is a constituent of Florida's 26th Congressional District, will soon complete her year as national president of the American Association of Nurse Anesthesiology (AANA). I am proud that Ms. Velocci was elected as the 2021-2022 president of this prestigious national organization. prgtoken Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNAs) are advanced practice registered nurses who administer more than 50 million anesthetics to patients each year. They work in every setting in which anesthesia is delivered, including hospital surgical suites, obstetrical delivery rooms, ambulatory surgical centers, and the offices of dentists, podiatrists, and specialty surgeons. They also provide acute and chronic pain management services to patients in need of such care. CRNAs provide anesthesia for all types of surgical cases and are the sole anesthesia providers in many rural hospitals. prgtoken As a member of the AANA for 20 years, Ms. Velocci has contributed greatly to the healthcare community in the Key West area and nationwide. Ms. Velocci has long been active in nurse anesthesiology as both a CRNA and as a clinical and didactic instructor for nurse anesthetists. She supplied anesthesia services for office-based practices and free-standing surgery centers. She is also an innovator and entrepreneur and assisted in building and marketing an interactive web-based learning resource for CRNAs. Throughout her career in nurse anesthesiology, Ms. Velocci served on committees, advisory panels, and boards of directors at the state and national levels. She is a former president of the Tennessee Association of Nurse Anesthetists. prgtoken I extend my sincere congratulations to Ms. Velocci on a job well done. Her service to her patients and to our community represents the best of our district. I am always proud to recognize constituents that go above and beyond for our community. I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Ms. Velocci's notable career and outstanding achievements.
CELEBRATING THE 90TH BIRTHDAY OF RICHARD E. LEWIS
Ralph Norman (Republican, SC) \u2014 2022-8-16

. Madam , I rise today to celebrate Richard E. Lewis's ninetieth birthday. prgtoken Born in Sedalia, Missouri in 1932, Mr. Lewis has lived a full and vibrant life for the last ninety years. His father, J.D. Perry Lewis, built the first automobile west of the Mississippi River in 1883. With the automotive business in Dick's blood, he graduated from General Motors Institute in Flint, Michigan and later moved to Charlotte, North Carolina where he worked for the Pontiac Motor Division of General Motors. During this time, Dick and his beautiful wife Darla fell in love with the Lake Wylie area. He retired in 1987, and the couple built a home in River Hills. prgtoken Following his retirement from General Motors, Dick began serving with Dick Keffer Automotive and helped establish the Keffer Management Company Foundation. In 1990, Dick was named Executive Director of the Greater Charlotte Automobile Dealer Association. He grew association membership from forty dealers to over 100 until his retirement in 2010. prgtoken Dick also founded the Charlotte International Auto Show, which remains one of the largest automobiles shows in the Southeast. The Auto Show raises money for charities in the Charlotte area and has donated over 7 million dollars to local charities since its inception. prgtoken In addition to his automotive business success, Dick has a passion for sparking synergy between people and groups and is always on the hunt for new projects, especially those that help his community. He has been an active member of the River Hills/Lake Wylie Lions Club for over forty years, during which he served as President of the Club for numerous years and received the Melvin Jones Award and other accolades in recognition of his service and involvement. Dick was instrumental in helping form the River Hills/Lake Wylie Lions Club Charitable Foundation, which provides ongoing support to local charities. He is also involved with the Charlotte Rescue Mission, which provides faith- based recovery programs to help those struggling with the disease of addiction. prgtoken Dick Lewis has lived a remarkable life full of success and service. On behalf of the Fifth District of South Carolina, it is my sincere pleasure to wish Dick a happy 90th birthday. May the next 90 be even better.
RECOGNIZING THE COMMUNITY SERVICE OF JIM OLIVER
Mike Garcia (Republican, CA) \u2014 2022-8-16

. Madam , I rise today in celebration, honoring a man who has dedicated himself to serving his community of Santa Clarita and beyond in an astounding manner: Jim Oliver. After serving in the United States Army, he became a member of the service organization Optimist International and has remained involved for over 52 years. His continued involvement reflects his genuine belief in the organization's goals, which is evident in his optimism and compassion towards everyone he encounters. As a member of Optimist International, Jim Oliver prioritizes meeting the needs of young people across the world alongside the mission of bringing out the best in every individual as they develop into their greatest potential. prgtoken Jim has consistently recruited and sought new members to sponsor and mentor within Optimist while upholding a steady commitment to the Optimist Creed. Since 1970, Jim has been named an officer at the Optimist International and district level 78 times and maintained membership in 9 different clubs. Putting the Optimist Creed into action, he has dedicated time to the Blind Olympics, taught water skiing to the Braille Institute, and provided necessities to an orphanage in Mazatlan, Mexico. These philanthropic exploits are just a few of the many examples of service that Jim has displayed in his over five decades of membership to Optimist International. prgtoken His service has left a remarkable impact on not only our local community, but in communities around the world. Those that have served alongside can attest he is undoubtedly due recognition by his nation and Optimist International. It is an honor to represent him in the United States Congress.
RECOGNIZING THE LIFE OF MR. KEN SPEARS OF NESHOBA COUNTY
Michael Guest (Republican, MS) \u2014 2022-8-16

. Madam , I rise today to recognize the life and legacy of Mr. Ken Spears of Neshoba County, Mississippi. In Matthew 5:16 Jesus says, ``let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.'' Ken Spears undoubtably was a man who embodied a servant's heart. prgtoken Mr. Spears dedicated his life to serving his community. He began his service as a law enforcement officer and continued in that role for 20 years. He cared for his community as a school bus driver for the Neshoba County School System. As a founding member of the Linwood Fire Department, he also served as a firefighter and board president. prgtoken Philippians 2:3-4 says, ``Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.'' Mr. Spears's life was an example of selflessly serving others and living a life of purpose that our Lord has called for us. He served his community wholeheartedly, was adored by many, and lived a life with compassion. I am inspired by Ken Spears's goodwill and selflessness, and I am grateful for his actions that touched numerous lives. The great State of Mississippi is proud to call Ken Spears one of its own.