mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
VAISAKHI NATIONAL SIKH DAY
Mary Gay Scanlon (Democrat, PA) \u2014 2023-4-10

I rise today to recognize the 324th anniversary of Khalsa Sirjana Divas (Vaisakhi) which falls on April 14, 2023. On this historic day in Spring of 1699 the sapling of Sikhism planted by Guru Nanak and nurtured by nine successor Gurus came to full blossom with the creation of the Khalsa (Saint-Soldier Sikhs) at a historic Vaisakhi Congregation in Anandpur Sahib, Punjab prgtoken Sikhism was founded by Guru Nanak in the late 15th century in Punjab on the principles of equality, justice, and respect of all human beings. Sikhs started immigrating to the United States about 125 years ago. It is the world's fifth largest religion with around 30 million followers, including many in my district in Pennsylvania. prgtoken Sikhs share a strong sense of community, family, and selfless service. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Sikh communities across the country, including many of my constituents in Upper Darby, mobilized to deliver meals, groceries, masks, and other supplies to first responders a hundreds of thousands of families in need. prgtoken Tragically, Sikhs are frequent victims of hate crimes. In fact, Sikhs are among the most targeted for hate crimes, according to the 2022 FBI Hate crimes report. We must do everything in our power to prevent senseless violence and protect our Sikh brothers and sisters. To that end, I am hopeful that the recognition of Vaisakhi, April 14th as ``National Sikh Day'' will allow people to learn more about the vibrant Sikh religion and encourage more unity in our community. prgtoken I am proud to lead my colleagues in again introducing a resolution supporting the designation of April 14, Vaisakhi as ``National Sikh Day'' to recognize this exceptional community and the contributions to our country.
INTRODUCTION OF A BILL TO DIRECT THE SECRETARY OF TRANSPORTATION TO SUBMIT A REPORT ON HELICOPTER AND ROTOCRAFT NOISE IN THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA
Eleanor Holmes Norton (Democrat, DC) \u2014 2023-4-10

on April 7th, I introduced a bill that would direct the Secretary of Transportation to submit a report to Congress containing recommendations on how to reduce helicopter noise in the District of Columbia. Recommendations would include altitude, number of flights, flight paths, time of day of flights, types of aircraft, operating procedures and pilot training. The Secretary would be required to consult with any federal agencies or departments that fly helicopters in D.C the Metropolitan Police Department, any medical helicopter operators that routinely fly in D.C. and any other operator that routinely flies a helicopter in D.C. The report would be due to Congress no later than 180 days after the enactment of the bill. prgtoken Even though D.C. has the most restricted airspace in the country, I hear from D.C. residents almost daily about the negative impact of helicopter noise on their lives. The noise can harm health and quality of life, and helicopters can even harm the structural integrity of homes. While I recognize the need for helicopters in D.C the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and Congress must do more to mitigate the harm to D.C. residents. prgtoken In 2019, I led members of the National Capital Region (NCR) in requesting that the Government Accountability Office (GAO) study helicopter noise in the NCR. In 2021, GAO issued its report. GAO found that there had been nearly 90,000 helicopter flights in the NCR from 2017 to 2019. GAO recommended that the FAA develop a mechanism to exchange helicopter noise information with operators in the NCR. The FAA has indicated it is establishing such a mechanism. In February, I introduced the Reducing Helicopter Noise in the District of Columbia Act, which would require all helicopters in D.C. to fly at the maximum altitude permitted by the FAA in D.C with limited exceptions. prgtoken I urge my colleagues to support both bills.
RECOGNIZING THE UNIVERSITY OF NORTH TEXAS MEN'S BASKETBALL TEAM
Michael C. Burgess (Republican, TX) \u2014 2023-4-10

I rise today to honor the University of North Texas Men's Basketball team for winning the 2023 National Invitational Tournament. Starting in 1916, the UNT Mean Green have a rich history. However, this year's accomplishment on the court is arguably the most exciting and meaningful. prgtoken On March 30, 2023, led by Coach Grant McCasland, the team completed their remarkable 31-7 season with the school's first ever NIT Tournament Championship. In doing so, the Mean Green successfully battled through five successive games, starting with dominating wins over Alcorn State and Sam Houston. They then advanced to the tournament semifinals with a chilling overtime win over Oklahoma State. The team then showed its grit to hold Wisconsin scoreless for over nine minutes in closing-out a final-four victory for the chance to redeem a Conference USA Tournament loss to the University of Alabama-Birmingham. They completed the run with a 68 to 61 NIT Championship game victory. prgtoken Led by NIT Most Outstanding Tournament Player Tylor Perry, Kai Huntsberry and Aaron Scott stepped-up to record double-digits as UAB unsuccessfully struggled to limit Perry on the court during the championship. Rubin Jones stepped-up with scoring and rebounds at critical points throughout the tournament, complimenting Moulaye Sissoko's domination of the backboard in each game and highlighted with his double-double in the victory over Wisconsin. A team accomplishment, the postseason opportunity and victory could not have happened without critical individual contributions throughout the season from Abou Ousmane, Jayden Martinez, Matthew Stone, Tyree Eady, Rasheed Browne, Christian Moore, Grayson Allo, Chris Morgan and Arsh Mattu. prgtoken The historic NIT Tournament Championship victory underscored the original strength of UNT's Conference USA schedule and set a new standard at a critical time for UNT's national profile. UNT became one of four C-USA teams setting national notice by either winning, or competing in at least the final four of the three major post-season college tournaments, as a final benchmark before moving up to join the American Athletic Conference this Fall. prgtoken The accomplishment is bittersweet, as it also marks the last game that Coach McCasland will be at the helm of the squad. UNT's President Dr. Neal Smatresk extended his sincerest thanks and best wishes to Coach McCasland and his family, recognizing that he `` . . . has been a great mentor and leader for the student athletes on our men's basketball teams for six seasons, and he has taken our program to great successes including this national championship run in the NIT.'' However, a strong foundation has already been set for the next stage, with longtime Assistant Coach Ross Hodge announced as the team's new head coach, ensuring that opponents in the new AAC can expect no relief from the suffocating defense experienced throughout the season by UNT's challengers. <
RECOGNIZING MS. MARIA ELENA GRIJALVA
David G. Valadao (Republican, CA) \u2014 2023-4-10

I rise today to recognize Maria Elena Grijalva as she receives the Celeste Castillo Lee Patient Engagement Award from the National Kidney Foundation. Maria's advocacy began 36 years ago, when her own kidneys began to fail, and she found herself in need of a donor. Her brother, John Arriola, volunteered to become a donor without hesitation. While the average life expectancy for someone living with a kidney transplant is between 12 and 20 years, Maria has been going strong with her transplant for 36 years--a testament to Maria's resiliency that she has displayed throughout all aspects of her life. The National Kidney Foundation (NKF) is the largest organization dedicated to the awareness, prevention, and treatment of kidney disease in the United States. Each year, the NKF considers the efforts of advocates like Maria, and patients who work on behalf of others, recognizing the one advocate who best exemplifies the work of longtime advocate Celeste Castillo Lee. This year, Maria was selected as the recipient of the Celeste Castillo Lee Patient Engagement Award for her decades of dedication and commitment to advocating for patient-centered care and empowerment. Today, Maria and John work together to help others facing the same situation they faced over 30 years ago. Maria also devotes many of her efforts to educating Native Americans and farmworkers in the agricultural communities in California to raise awareness among high-risk populations about kidney health, disease, and prevention measures I ask my colleagues in the United States House of Representatives to join me in honoring Maria Elena Grijalva as she receives the Celeste Castillo Lee Patient Engagement Award from the National Kidney Foundation.
HONORING THE VALOROUS SERVICE OF CW5 BENJAMIN ARPS
Mark E. Green (Republican, TN) \u2014 2023-4-10

I rise today to honor CW5 Benjamin S. Arps for his remarkable military service and valorous leadership in the War on Terror, and to congratulate him on a well- deserved retirement. prgtoken A native of Woodbine, Iowa, CW5 Arps enlisted in the Army in June 1997, marking the beginning of a singularly impressive career of service. After completing One Station Unit Training at Fort Knox, he graduated as a 19D Cavalry Scout. His first assignment was with the 5th Squadron, 15th Cavalry Regiment, where he distinguished himself as a Bradley Fighting Vehicle gunner and instructor. In July 2001, he graduated from the Warrant Officer Flight Training Program at Fort Rucker and was assigned to Bravo Company, 5th Battalion, 158th Aviation Regiment at Aviano Airbase, Italy. While in Italy, he served as a UH60 Pilot in Command, Unit Trainer, Tactical Operations officer, and Operations Officers. prgtoken In January 2005, CW5 Arps answered the call to serve that few will answer. He successfully assessed for the 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment (Airborne), the most elite special operations night- operating aviation force in the world. Upon his graduation from Officer Green Platoon in February 2006, he was assigned to Delta Company, Task Force, 1st Battalion, 160th SOAR (ABN) at Fort Campbell. Through rigorous preparation, training, and testing, he achieved Fully Mission Qualified and Flight Lead status, and lead as the D Co. Safety Officer and the 1-160th SOAR (ABN) Safety Officer. From November 2014 to January 2017, CW5 Arps served as the 160th SOAR (ABN) Regiment Recruiting Director. Accepting the next challenge in his career, he was assigned to 2nd Battalion where he served as Regiment Flight Lead, ultimately rising to be the Battalion Senior Warrant Officer. He served as the senior warrant officer for the second battalion for a number of years, multiple combat assignments, many of them classified, and all of them at great risk to his life. prgtoken Recognizing CW5 Arps' leadership, he was selected by the US Army Special Operations Command to become the 8th Regiment Command Chief Warrant Officer for the 160th SOAR (ABN). In that position, Command Chief Warrant Officer Arps led every warrant officer assigned to the 160th SOAR, the world's premiere special operations aviation regiment. prgtoken After indicating to the Command his intent to retire, CW5 Arps was asked to stay in service for another position. There, he stood up a brand-new office designed to assist special operations aviators transitioning to civilian service. Without hesitation, he said ``yes'' to becoming the first Officer in Charge for the 160th SOAR (ABN) EXFIL Transition Program. prgtoken His 26 year-career has been marked by uncommon valor, honor, and a dedication to excellence on and off the battlefield. He deployed thirty times in support of the Global War on Terror and in several other sensitive, often classified, overseas contingency operat
INTRODUCTION OF THE RESTAURANT REVITALIZATION TAX CREDIT ACT
Earl Blumenauer (Democrat, OR) \u2014 2023-4-13

today I introduced the Restaurant Revitalization Tax Credit Act. This legislation creates a tax credit to offset restaurants' payroll tax liabilities and help the industry stay afloat as it rebounds from the COVID-19 pandemic. prgtoken The restaurant industry was uniquely devastated by the pandemic, at one point accounting for a quarter of all job losses. The pandemic cost restaurants and bars more than $280 billion in sales and left devastating impacts on the entire food supply chain. 90,000 restaurants have permanently closed and hundreds of thousands more have significantly scaled down their operations. prgtoken Created in the American Rescue Plan Act, the Restaurant Revitalization Fund provided $28.6 billion for restaurants, bars, food trucks, caterers, tasting rooms, and taprooms to recover from the COVID-19 pandemic. Within days of opening the Fund, the Small Business Administration received requests for more funding than was available and was forced to close the application portal on May 24, 2021, leaving 177,000 applicants without any aid. prgtoken My Restaurant Revitalization Tax Credit Act provides restaurants who applied for, but did prgtoken not receive, aid with long overdue support. Despite months of steady job growth and families dining out again, restaurants and bars are still under a mountain of debt from years of anemic business in wave after wave of the pandemic. I appreciate the support of my colleague Dean Phillips (MN) on this legislation and I look forward to working with him to provide the support our independent restaurants so desperately need.
RECOGNIZING LOUIS HOELMAN III
Jamie Raskin (Democrat, MD) \u2014 2023-4-13

I rise to congratulate my constituent Louis Hoelman III on everything he has accomplished to date in a dazzling teaching and coaching career in Montgomery County, Maryland. prgtoken Mr. Hoelman is himself a proud graduate of Montgomery County Public Schools. He attended Parkside Elementary School, Highland View Elementary School, Eastern Junior High School (as it was known at the time), and the great Montgomery Blair High School. He went on to Montgomery College and graduated from the University of Maryland with a degree in Kinesiology. prgtoken Mr. Hoelman launched his career as an Athletic Director at the Silver Spring Boys and Girls Club. In 1993, he returned to Montgomery County Public Schools as a physical education teacher at Piney Branch Elementary School. In 1999, he joined the staff of Montgomery Blair High School as a physical education teacher and, in 2001, he became the head coach of Blair's varsity girls' softball team. Over the years he has also coached basketball, team handball, field hockey, and cross country. In 2022, he became the head coach of Blair's varsity co-ed golf team and led them to the final round of the State Golf Championship. In addition to his very busy teaching and coaching career, he is the founder of the renowned Takoma Sports Camp for boys and girls. prgtoken By the end of Blair's 2022 softball season, Mr. Hoelman had amassed a total of 294 wins over his softball coaching career. I understand that as of today, he stands on the cusp of racking up 300 career wins. He has received numerous Coach of the Year awards, including citations from the Montgomery Gazette, the Washington Examiner, Montgomery Blair High School, and, most recently, the National Federation of State High School Associations. prgtoken Beyond his remarkable record of successful coaching, Mr. Hoelman is known for his warm, prgtoken inclusive and exuberantly friendly attitude towards all students. He displays great enthusiasm for ensuring that every student experiences the physical and mental health benefits of exercise. He is dedicated to helping young people develop a positive relationship with physical activity to benefit them for the rest of their lives. prgtoken During remote learning at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, Mr. Hoelman taught physical education from his living room. Under the most arduous conditions, he went all out to keep his students active and engaged--from leading them in 20-minute workouts every class to coaching them on how to improvise sports equipment using whatever materials they had at home. His dedication and creativity gave students a much-needed energetic break from the isolating and stressful circumstances of the pandemic period. prgtoken Like people in thousands of families in Montgomery County, I am profoundly grateful to Mr. Hoelman for his three decades of passionate service to our community and our children, and I look forward to seeing everything he will accomplish i
TRIBUTE IN HONOR OF MARK GHILARDUCCI
Anna G. Eshoo (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2023-4-13

I rise today to honor Mark Ghilarducci on his retirement from his position as the Director of the California Governor's Office of Emergency Services. He served in this role since 2012 and retired at the end of 2022 and is an extraordinary public servant. prgtoken Mark Ghilarducci grew up in the San Francisco Bay Area and began responding to emergencies when he was 16 years old as a volunteer on a mountain rescue team. A graduate of UC Davis, he decided to become a paramedic at age 19, leading to his lifetime of coordinating resources, caring for people and cleaning up after various community catastrophes. He worked in Asia, including China and Indonesia, and that work helped shape his career. Responding to the earthquake in Humboldt County, a cyber-attack on the California Department of Finance, dreadful fires and disastrous floods were all part of his job and his mission. prgtoken In 2020, when the Santa Cruz Mountains were set ablaze by the CZU Lightning Complex Fire, Mark was instrumental in coordinating with federal and local partners to help put out the fires and get thousands of displaced residents back on their feet. He was steadfast when my constituents needed it the most, and he was one of our strongest advocates in Sacramento, pushing for resources to be allocated to our region during one of the worst fire seasons in recent history. After the fires, Mark met with me personally to solve individual constituents' problems, which helped Santa Cruz County to rebuild. It was Mark's unique combination of courage and compassion that made responding to this catastrophe possible. prgtoken Mark has been a dedicated and dependable partner in working to update California's emergency communications infrastructure. He supported the adoption of FirstNet in California, advocated strongly for implementing the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, and has worked closely with me to secure federal funding for California and other states to transition to Next Generation 9-1-1. prgtoken Mark loved his work and he loved the people he worked with. Retirement won't come easily to him and we know he'll be there for us when he's needed. It's now time for him to take some well-earned rest and spend some uninterrupted time with his family. prgtoken Governor Newsom trusted Mark to tackle the state's most difficult crises, and he reflected on Mark's distinguished service with the following statement: ``For more than a decade, Mark has expertly guided our state through some of the most complex and challenging disaster conditions in the nation--coordinating California's emergency response to unprecedented wildfires, severe drought, earthquakes and cybersecurity threats, as well as our nation-leading efforts to combat the COVID-19 pandemic. ``Mark's tireless work to improve and modernize our emergency management, preparedness and recovery efforts has protected communities across Californ
CONGRATULATING CHIEF GORDON OLSON
Yadira Caraveo (Democrat, CO) \u2014 2023-4-13

I rise today to congratulate Chief Gordon Olson on his well-deserved retirement from the City of Thornton's Fire Department. prgtoken Chief Olson dedicated 40 years to protecting our community. I know I join every resident of Thornton in deep gratitude for his service and sacrifice on our behalf. prgtoken His accomplishments, dedication, and tireless labors in pursuit of protecting lives, will be remembered fondly for years to come. Our first responders put their lives on the line each day and for that we are all grateful. prgtoken From COVID-19 to wildfires, emergency workers have continued to answer the call to service and their efforts should never go unnoticed. Chief Olson's achievements are numerous, and he is an inspiration to those who may wish to follow in his footsteps. prgtoken As he enters a new phase of his life, I wish him the best in all his future endeavors.
RECOGNIZING THE 75TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE BURKE VOLUNTEER FIRE AND RESCUE DEPARTMENT
Gerald E. Connolly (Democrat, VA) \u2014 2023-4-13

I rise to recognize the Burke Volunteer Fire and Rescue Department on the occasion of its 75th Annual Installation of Officers Banquet, and to thank its volunteers for filling an essential role in keeping our community safe. prgtoken The Burke Volunteer Fire and Rescue Department was founded in January 1948, and for more than seven decades it has provided lifesaving fire suppression, fire prevention, and emergency medical and rescue services to the residents of Burke and the surrounding communities. It also provides, houses, and maintains firefighting and emergency medical equipment, provides opportunities for professional growth and development for the membership, and maintains and fosters a strong viable organization. prgtoken As one of the county's most active volunteer fire and rescue departments, the Burke Volunteer Fire and Rescue Department works in cooperation with the Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department to serve the community. I am honored to recognize the dedicated men and women of the Burke Volunteer Fire Department who have volunteered for extra duty as Officers or as members of the Board of Directors and to include their names in the Record: prgtoken Board of Directors: prgtoken President--Ian Dickinson prgtoken Vice President--John Powers prgtoken Secretary--Maria Suarez Ortiz prgtoken Treasurer--Larry Bocknek prgtoken Director--Kathleen Beer prgtoken Director--James Stahlman prgtoken Director--Kenneth Senn prgtoken Officers: prgtoken Chief--Keith O'Connor prgtoken Deputy Chief--Tina Godfrey prgtoken Deputy Chief--John Hudak prgtoken Captain--Melissa Ashby prgtoken Captain--Kevin Grottle prgtoken Lieutenant--Caitlin Edwards prgtoken Sergeant--Gavin Kuzemchak prgtoken Sergeant--Noah Bilger prgtoken In addition to the men and women who have generously assumed the responsibilities of serving as an Officer or a member of the Board of Directors, the Burke Volunteer Fire Department is also presenting awards to the following individuals in recognition of their exemplary service during the last year: prgtoken Rookie of the Year--James Stahlman prgtoken Officer of the Year--Gavin Kuzemchak prgtoken EMS Officer of the Year--Noah Bilger prgtoken Career Member of the Year--Charles Arntson prgtoken Founders Award--Charlene Murphy prgtoken Administrative Member of the Year--Matt Bryant prgtoken Administrative Member of the Year--Tonya McCreary prgtoken Chief's Award--Thomas Warnock prgtoken President's Award--Larry Bocknek prgtoken , I ask that my colleagues join me in congratulating the department for 75 years of service and in thanking all of the prgtoken brave volunteers who do not hesitate to drop everything when the community calls in need of help. To all of these men and women who put themselves in harm's way to protect our residents I say: ``Stay safe.''