mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
REMEMBERING RANDALL WISE
Matt Gaetz (Republican, FL) \u2014 2020-1-27

today, I rise to honor and remember the life of one of northwest Florida's great public servants, my friend and one of my mentors, Mayor Randall Wise. prgtoken Mayor Randall Wise was born in 1930 in Niceville, Florida, and spent his entire life as a dedicated servant to our town. He began his career in service in the 1950s as a member of the city council. prgtoken In 1971, he was appointed to the position of mayor, and to the day of his death, he served as mayor. He was one of the longest serving public officials in America, and he was the longest serving mayor in the State of Florida. His leadership reverberated throughout many projects in our community, including a senior center, a library, and more. prgtoken , on behalf of the United States Congress, I recognize this remarkable man for his selfless service to our community, his State, and our Nation. I am grateful for his lasting contributions to our town.
NEVER AGAIN EDUCATION ACT
David P. Joyce (Republican, OH) \u2014 2020-1-27

. Madam , unfortunately, the same cannot be said of anti-Semitism. prgtoken By educating our children on one of the cruelest times in human history, we can help eradicate the hatred that prgtoken fuels these terrible acts. It is more important than ever before that we reaffirm our commitment to defeating anti-Semitism in all of its forms and ensure the stories of Holocaust survivors live on. prgtoken My father is one of the brave American soldiers who risked his life to defeat the scourge of Nazism during World War II, and I am proud to continue his fight against anti-Semitism here in Congress. prgtoken I strongly encourage all of my colleagues to vote ``yes'' on H.R. 943, the Never Again Education Act.
HONORING DR. JAMES METTS
Earl L. "Buddy" Carter (Republican, GA) \u2014 2020-1-27

I rise today to remember the life of Dr. James C. Metts, Jr who passed away on Monday, January 20, at the age of 88. prgtoken Dr. Metts had dedicated his life to public service, working as the Chatham County coroner for more than 40 years. He started in 1973, when the officials associated with Chatham County asked for his help in finding a replacement for the retiring coroner. When nobody signed up to run for the county coroner position, Dr. Metts volunteered himself. prgtoken His colleagues remember him as someone who would always answer his phone, call you back, and perform his duties as coroner with class. prgtoken In one of his most famous cases, Dr. Metts was called to court to testify about the body of Mr. Danny Hansford, which eventually became the centerpiece for the book, ``Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil.'' prgtoken As a doctor, he continued his public service by working hard to lower the rate of heart attack and stroke deaths by founding the Community Cardiovascular Council. prgtoken Dr. Metts will be deeply missed throughout our community. His family and friends will be in my thoughts and prayers in this most difficult time.
RECOGNIZING KAYLEE TOLLESON
Pete Olson (Republican, TX) \u2014 2020-1-27

I rise today to remind America that Fort Bend County, Texas, is the ice-skating mecca of our country. prgtoken Here is Fort Bend's Tara Lipinski, the youngest woman ever to win a figure skating gold medal in Olympic history. prgtoken I regret that I have some bad news for Tara. She is about to become the second youngest woman to win a gold medal in skating. prgtoken Here is the soon-to-be youngest woman gold medalist. This is Kaylee Tolleson. She lives in Fort Bend County, just like Tara did. She has already won a gold medal--her life. prgtoken Last year, at 9 years old, young Kaylee found out that she had a cancerous tumor the size of a softball on her ovary. Kaylee fought to live. With the love of mom and dad; the miracle workers at Texas Children's Hospital; and her personal idol, Channel 13 weatherman Travis Herzog, recently, Kaylee rang a bell. She is now cancer-free. prgtoken , I invite all of America to watch Kaylee skate in the World Olympics in 2026 in Milan, Italy. May God bless Kaylee, and we look forward to watching her on TV.
BIG BEAR LAKE CITY MANAGER JEFF MATHIEU RETIRES
Paul Cook (Republican, CA) \u2014 2020-1-27

. Madam , I rise today to recognize the career and service of Big Bear Lake City Manager Jeff Mathieu, who will retire from his position on January 27, 2020. prgtoken Before coming to Big Bear Lake, Jeff Mathieu served the cities of Santa Monica and Long Beach for a combined 31 years. He came to Big Bear Lake in 2006, where he immediately hit the ground running. He has been responsible for numerous capital improvement projects, including major street improvements, the construction of new trails, the upgrade of city parks, and the creation of the iconic Boulder Bay Park. Additionally, Mathieu spearheaded the Village Renaissance Project which transformed the Village ``L'' into one of the most popular attractions in Big Bear Lake. prgtoken Jeff Mathieu has been an outstanding city manager, and I am grateful to have had the pleasure of working with him during my entire career in Congress and the California State Assembly. He truly embodies the term public servant, and his leadership, experience, and dedication to improving Big Bear Lake will be sorely missed.
MARKING NATIONAL SCHOOL CHOICE WEEK 2020
Jackie Walorski (Republican, IN) \u2014 2020-1-27

. Madam , I rise today to mark National School Choice Week and recognize all the students in Indiana's 2nd District. prgtoken I believe every child in America should have access to a high-quality education in a safe and welcoming environment. Nothing should stand in the way of a child receiving a world-class education, and parents should have the ability to make decisions about their children's education. prgtoken School choice gives students the opportunity to find the path to success that works best for them, especially in the face of obstacles in their own school district. Look no further than the examples set in my community in northern Indiana, where students cross district lines to attend public schools that offer programs not available in their own school district. These programs equip students in Indiana with the tools to succeed and set them apart from their peers. Hoosier families have the freedom to put their children first so they can achieve their goals. prgtoken Education is power, and all Americans have the right to tap into that power and put their best foot forward. It is important that our state and local governments are equipped to ensure teachers, students, and school administrators have the resources and tools they need to learn, teach, and grow. prgtoken Madam , on behalf of 2nd District Hoosiers, I affirm that National School Choice Week is critical in the fight to ensure our children have limitless potential and bright futures.
COMMEMORATING INTERNATIONAL HOLOCAUST REMEMBRANCE DAY
Lee M. Zeldin (Republican, NY) \u2014 2020-1-27

tonight, over the course of the next hour on this House floor, s and united are coming together for the 75th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz on International Holocaust Remembrance Day. For all of us, this is an extra special, extra personal moment. prgtoken Six million Jews, and millions of others, died during the Holocaust; 1.1 million people died at Auschwitz alone. Millions of lives were unfathomably cut short, tearing apart families, communities, and countries. prgtoken Thanks to the heroism of our Nation's Greatest Generation, with their strength, and their will, and their courage, good ultimately triumphed over evil. prgtoken There must be a permanent, never-ending, never-yielding commitment to never allow this form of hate and evil to ever rise again. This pledge must include combating anti-Semitism and anti-Israel hate wherever it rears its ugly head, and even when it disguises itself as legitimate. prgtoken Today, and every day, we must reaffirm our pledge, ``Never Again.'' prgtoken For everyone who is watching at home, after votes, while we are here, at times we see Special Orders and Special Orders; but this is an important moment in time for us to come together in this Chamber, united, s and , as Americans, for humanity must ensure that this never happens again. prgtoken , .
OBSERVING INTERNATIONAL HOLOCAUST REMEMBRANCE DAY
Glenn Thompson (Republican, PA) \u2014 2020-1-27

I rise today to observe International Holocaust Remembrance Day, commemorating the 75th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz. prgtoken The Holocaust is responsible for the systematic murder of more than 6 million Jews, and it is remembered as one of the darkest periods of modern history. prgtoken In the wake of this tragedy, we often utter the words, ``never forget.'' But, as time passes and memory fades, this can become a challenge. prgtoken We have a responsibility, however, to ensure that this chapter of history does not slip through the cracks. Through storytelling, the teaching of history, and great organizations like the Holocaust Museum right here in Washington, we can do our part to ensure younger generations truly never forget. prgtoken Today, I ask my colleagues to pause and remember the pain caused by the prgtoken Holocaust and the Nazi regime in Europe. I ask that we recommit ourselves to pursuing liberty and justice for all people across the globe. prgtoken The horrors of genocide still pervade the world today. We can honor the memory of the Holocaust victims by speaking and acting out against the perpetrators of such evil today and for years to come.
RECOGNIZING THE PUBLIC SERVICE AND RETIREMENT OF GAIL STOLL PATTON
Carol D. Miller (Republican, WV) \u2014 2020-1-27

. Madam , I rise today to recognize Gail Stoll Patton, who is retiring from her position as Executive Director of Unlimited Future Inc. Mrs. Patton has been involved in the start-up of many small businesses in the Greater Huntington region. She is a visionary, a dreamer and has left quite a legacy behind for others to enact. She is a friend. Mrs. Patton is truly a dedicated community member whose work has sought to significantly benefit the life in Southern West Virginia and the Tri-State Region surrounding Huntington. She is happily married to her husband Paul, and they own their own business, Top Hat Ballroom, a social ballroom dance studio. She also has two daughters, Phoebe and Lydia and two grandsons. Mrs. Patton has devoted much of her life to ensuring the success of small businesses, especially those operated by women and people of color. In 2018, she was instrumental in securing a $1 million grant from the Rockefeller Foundation and the Chan Zuckerberg Initiative to increase economic opportunities in the Tri-State area. This grant went toward improving the economy of 100 local communities. Mrs. Patton has proven time and time again that she is a true asset to Huntington and the Mountain State. She helped lead the creation of The Wild Ramp, a year-round, non-profit farmers market-based in Huntington, West Virginia. It has already helped support countless local farmers and producers and revitalize the economy in the Central City District. It is because of people like Mrs. Patton who make me proud to represent West Virginia's Third Congressional District. Madam , I would like to again formally recognize Mrs. Patton for this momentous achievement. I ask you and my colleagues to join me in sending her gratitude and best wishes upon her retirement.
COMMEMORATING THE 75TH ANNIVERSARY OF AUSCHWITZ LIBERATION
Joe Wilson (Republican, SC) \u2014 2020-1-27

last week, I was grateful to serve on a congressional delegation to Poland and Israel, led by Nancy Pelosi, with colleagues Eliot Engel, Chairwoman Nita Lowey, Chairman Ted Deutch, with Debbie Wasserman Schultz and Brad Schneider. prgtoken On the occasion of the 75th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz-Birkenau, we saw, firsthand, the horrors of the innocent Jews at the death camps. prgtoken From the ashes of German Nazism and despotic Soviet communism, Poland is now a dynamic, prosperous democracy. prgtoken We were welcomed to Jerusalem by Ambassador David Friedman, then meeting with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. At the Fifth World Holocaust Forum, Israeli President Reuven Rivlin introduced Vice President , President Emmanuel Macron, Prince Charles, and President Vladimir Putin. Heads of state from over 30 countries attended, and I and fellow co-chair of the Bulgarian Caucus, Brad Schneider, were honored to be with President Rumen Radev with our alliance for freedom. prgtoken America's associations with Poland and Israel have never been stronger, citing President 's placing 5,000 American troops in Poland to deter further Russian aggression and Israel still celebrating his moving of the U.S. Embassy to Jerusalem. prgtoken In conclusion, God bless our troops, and we will never forget September the 11th in the global war on terrorism.
COMMEMORATING THE 75TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE LIBERATION OF AUSCHWITZ- BIRKENAU
David Kustoff (Republican, TN) \u2014 2020-1-27

I appreciate the gentleman for helping organize this evening. prgtoken , today, as we commemorate International Holocaust Remembrance Day and the 75 years since the liberation of Auschwitz, it is important that we honor the 6 million Jewish victims of the Holocaust and the millions of other victims of the evil Nazi regime--we honor their memory, we honor their bravery, and we honor their spirit. prgtoken It is also important that we pay tribute to the survivors who continue to share their stories to ensure that all of us, especially the younger generations, never forget the grave tragedy that took place. As Elie Wiesel said: ``For the dead and the living, we must bear witness.'' prgtoken Sadly, the frequency and the scale of anti-Semitic incidents in our Nation and across the globe have increased, causing deep alarm. We must continue to speak up, and we must continue to play a role in shining a spotlight on the ugly resurgence of this hate. prgtoken Today, on the annual day of commemoration, my colleagues and I came together and we passed legislation, the Never Again Education Act, which will ensure our children, tomorrow's leaders, are taught about the horrors of the Holocaust. prgtoken I appreciate my colleagues for joining me in being united in our mission to combat the rise of anti-Semitism around the world, as well as taking this time to honor the victims of the Holocaust. prgtoken We must take this opportunity to reflect on the past in hopes of preventing this type of evil from reoccurring. Let us remember those who perished in the Holocaust and pray that this never happens again.
MOMENT OF SILENCE IN MEMORY OF FORMER REPRESENTATIVE MIKE FITZPATRICK
Kevin McCarthy (Republican, CA) \u2014 2020-1-27

. Madam , I rise in remembrance of Congressman Mike Fitzpatrick who passed away 3 weeks ago after a 12-year battle with cancer. prgtoken Mike was a public servant in the best sense of the word, a tireless champion who loved his community and always worked to improve the lives of his neighbors. prgtoken His long list of accomplishments--from the conservation of public land as a county commissioner to the creation of the Washington Crossing National Cemetery where he now rests, are achievements that any Representative would be proud to have. prgtoken But one cannot accurately capture Mike's legacy without talking about the kindness that motivated his 20 years of public service. prgtoken Years ago, a county park officer called Mike about a homeless man who was living in the park and needed a place to stay. The shelters in town were full and the park officer didn't know what to do. But Mike Fitzpatrick did. He let the homeless man stay on his couch for the night until he found him shelter the next day. prgtoken Not everybody here knows that story. But for those who know Mike, it comes as no surprise. Mike never stopped trying to help his neighbors, even after retiring from Congress and while battling a very terrible disease. He was focused on what the late columnist Charles Krauthammer called ``the things that matter,'' such as one's family and community. prgtoken For Mike, politics wasn't a career, but public service was a never- ending commitment--a passion to do good that was rooted in values like patriotism and faith and was shaped by his upbringing in Levittown. prgtoken Certainly, Mike will be remembered for his willingness to cross party lines. That is fitting. He believed the measure of a person went beyond their partisan label. His bipartisan spirit has united this body many times before, and it is uniting us once again today, even in one of the most divided times in recent memory. prgtoken He did not apologize for being a or a conservative. But in truth, those were not the titles that mattered most to him. It was titles like: ``father,'' ``Catholic,'' and ``brother'' that mattered. prgtoken He was faithful and he was honest. He lived with integrity and honor. He turned the toughest moments in his personal life and career into examples of courage, grit, and grace. Most importantly, he never shied away from asking in the words of the old prayer: ``Lord, make me an instrument of Your peace.'' prgtoken In this body, we remember people and their legacies by portraits, and I am sure there will be public memorials for him, but legacies of change last so much longer. In fact, it grows from generation to generation, like compounding interest or a snowball rolling downhill. prgtoken Mike's legacy is right here in Congress and back home in Bucks County. They will be more than a tribute to one man. It will be an internal reminder of the values he stood for, the hard work, the faith in God, and never giving up. prgtoken
LIMB LOSS AWARENESS MONTH
Eric A. "Rick" Crawford (Republican, AR) \u2014 2020-1-27

. Madam , I rise today to recognize the importance of Limb Loss Awareness Month. Over 2.1 million Americans live with limb loss or difference, and over 500 Americans lose a limb every day. The number of Americans living with limb loss or difference is projected to rise to over 3.6 million by 2050. prgtoken April is an appropriate month to designate as Limb Loss Awareness Month as spring is a time of renewal and inspiration. I encourage everyone to learn about the issues affecting people with limb loss and express gratitude to families and caregivers who are a source of support and motivation. prgtoken Finally, I salute our veterans who have lost their limbs in service to this country or in retirement.
COMMEMORATING THE 75TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE LIBERATION OF AUSCHWITZ- BIRKENAU
Mario Diaz-Balart (Republican, FL) \u2014 2020-1-27

I thank the gentleman for yielding. prgtoken , today we stand in support of the international day of commemoration in the memory of those victims of the Holocaust. January 27 is also the day, again, 75 years ago, when Auschwitz was liberated, a day to remember the atrocities of the Holocaust so we may never allow such a horror to happen again anywhere on this planet. We must rededicate ourselves to ensuring that we confront evil and oppose all forms of anti-Semitism. prgtoken , inconceivably, some have the audacity to deny that the Holocaust happened. Others advocate for boycott, divestment, and sanctions in regard to our democratic ally, the State of Israel. prgtoken We have seen shocking anti-Semitic attacks waged against Jewish communities all over the world and even here in the United States. That is why I am so proud to join with my colleagues here in the House from both sides of the aisle in remembering our responsibility to confront indifference to evil whenever evil raises its head. prgtoken Last week, I met with friends from the American Jewish Committee back home in the district, and I learned that 25 percent of Jews are afraid to visit their place of worship or to proudly display their deeply held beliefs in public because they are concerned or potentially afraid for their safety. prgtoken Seventy-five years ago, the world saw this horrific revelation of the depths of human depravity. That is why, today, on the House floor, we stand united, together. Despite our potential differences, our religious traditions, our backgrounds, we stand united, together, to reiterate that anti-Semitism will not be tolerated, , and that Israel will always have the support of the United States of America.
ADVANCING RESEARCH TO PREVENT SUICIDE ACT
Anthony Gonzalez (Republican, OH) \u2014 2020-1-27

. Madam , such time as I may consume. prgtoken Madam , I rise in strong support of H.R. 4704, the Advancing Research to Prevent Suicide Act. I was proud to join my friend, Congressman McAdams, in introducing this legislation, and I thank him for his leadership and his efforts to reduce suicide rates. prgtoken H.R. 4704 directs the National Science Foundation to support multidisciplinary research to discover the root causes of the growing suicide epidemic across the United States. prgtoken The Advancing Research to Prevent Suicide Act will work to address suicide from all angles. The research authorized under this bill will look at social and economic factors, the use of technology, and the stigma associated with mental health conditions. prgtoken Madam , just this past week, I participated in a suicide prevention roundtable organized by my office to hear from local community leaders and stakeholders about the ongoing efforts to prevent suicide among youth and veterans and to stop suicide contagions from spreading. I left the meeting encouraged by the ongoing efforts in my community, but I also left knowing that there is still much to be done. prgtoken Madam , I want to provide my colleagues with some raw data to give a full picture of the scope of the crisis in our country and in my home State of Ohio. prgtoken The National Center for Health Statistics and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention released data ranking suicide as the 10th most common cause of death among Americans of all ages in 2017. Between 1999 and 2017, the suicide rate increased by 33 percent in the United States. prgtoken Nationally, the veteran suicide rate is 1\1/2\ times the rate of nonveteran adults, with 6,139 veterans dying from suicide in 2017 alone. prgtoken Closer to my district, according to a report published by the Northeast Ohio Youth Health Survey, between August 2017 and March 2018, the suicide rate among Stark County youth ages 10-19 rose to more than 7 times the national rate and 11 times the 2011-2016 Stark County rate. Furthermore, between 2000 and 2016, suicide rates increased by 36 percent in the entire State of Ohio. prgtoken Personally, three of my own college football teammates have taken their lives in the past 12 months alone. prgtoken We all know we have a mental health crisis in this country, but for me and my constituents, the suicide problem has impacted far too many close to home, as seen by the suicide rates in Stark County and the State of Ohio. prgtoken Too many times, when I have met with a group of constituents to discuss an international trade or veteran-related policy issue, often, the biggest problem on their mind is the growing suicide threat. prgtoken In 2018, a high school near my district suffered from what CDC called a suicide contagion, when six students killed themselves within a 6- month timeframe. prgtoken I sincerely believe that if we want to make a dent in the issue at hand,