mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
INTRODUCTION OF THE FEDERAL POLICE CAMERA AND ACCOUNTABILITY ACT OF 2021
Eleanor Holmes Norton (Democrat, DC) \u2014 2021-2-18

. Madam , today, I, along with Representative Donald S. Beyer Jr introduce the Federal Police Camera and Accountability Act of 2021. This bill would require uniformed federal law enforcement officers to wear body cameras and federal marked police vehicles to have dashboard cameras. It would also require the Government Accountability Office to conduct a study on federal police officers' training, vehicle pursuits, use of force and interaction with citizens. Last Congress, we introduced a virtually identical bill, which was included in the House-passed George Floyd Justice in Policing Act of 2020. prgtoken After the January 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol, the urgency of this bill has become even more apparent. The U.S. Capitol Police tried to stop the mob attack, but without body cameras, we have been forced to rely on social media, cameras in the Capitol and public reporting to learn what happened. The events at Lafayette Square last year, where U.S. Park Police and other federal police officers forcibly removed peaceful protestors so the president could hold a photo op, is another recent example of why our bill is needed. prgtoken On November 17, 2017, Bijan Ghaisar was fatally shot in his car by uniformed U.S. Park Police officers in Fairfax County, Virginia, after a vehicle pursuit on the George Washington Memorial Parkway. Video of this shooting only became available through a camera in a Fairfax County Police Department patrol car that was providing backup. Had it not been for that footage, which was recorded and released by that local police department, the public would not have had access to the circumstances surrounding Mr. Ghaisar's death. Moreover, the footage revealed concerns about the Park Police's pursuit and engagement policies. prgtoken Body and dashboard cameras for federal law enforcement officers are particularly important for the officers stationed in the nation's capital, where the Park Police and the uniformed division of the U.S. Secret Service have full local police powers. Many other federal police departments also have local police powers near their respective agency buildings in the District of Columbia. Cameras can increase transparency for individual interactions with police, strengthen public trust and even deter future criminal behavior. For example, when criminals know that they are being recorded by a dashboard camera, they may be less likely to flee the scene of a traffic accident because they realize that their license plate will be documented. Criminals may also be less likely to batter an officer because the recording may be used as evidence. On the other hand, officers will also be less likely to commit offenses for the same reason. Body and dashboard cameras can also be used to train current and future officers more effectively in best and worst practices. prgtoken An increasing number of local police departments, including the Metropolitan Police Department in
IN RECOGNITION OF THE TRABON GROUP
Emanuel Cleaver (Democrat, MO) \u2014 2021-2-18

. Madam , I rise today with immense pride to recognize and celebrate the Trabon Group for their contributions to the fight against the COVID-19 global pandemic. Despite the many challenges posed by this virulent virus, the Trabon Group quickly shifted its business operations to help build Personal Protective Equipment for those in Kansas City and across the United States. I am truly honored to represent the Trabon Group, and their commitment to public health is admirable and well worth reflection. prgtoken The Trabon Group is a commercial printing business and menu software supplier based in Kansas City, Missouri, that has provided services to over one thousand clients nationwide and printed more than forty-three million menus and prints. Since 1975, the Trabon Group has been providing countless businesses with high quality marketing and sales prints such as brochures and flyers, as well as menu data services that have revolutionized the restaurant industry. With forty-six years of experience, the Trabon Group has become a fixture of the Kansas City business community. prgtoken The COVID-19 pandemic has wreaked destruction on American lives and on American livelihoods. One of the first economic sectors to feel the devastating effects of the pandemic was the restaurant industry. Soon to follow was the entire ecosystem of other businesses, including the Trabon Group, who counted restaurants among their most loyal clients. At the beginning of last year, as businesses began to shut their doors, paychecks began to disappear, and cases began to rise, the Trabon Group, like so many others, faced mounting challenges to stay open and pay their employees. Our nation was caught off guard by this virus, and the situation looked bleak. However, in March of 2020, the Trabon group crafted an innovative idea that allowed them to continue operations and maintain their workforce, all while serving struggling communities across the United States. prgtoken After communicating with schools, healthcare organizations, and hospitals, the Trabon Group recognized the dire need for protective equipment and began producing face shields. They then went about rethinking their printing machine capabilities and collected the supplies required to produce the shields on a large scale. Within the first few days of producing protective equipment, the Trabon Group, under the brand USA Shields LLC produced and shipped around fifty thousand medical grade face shields. As a part of this endeavor, the Trabon Group was able to bring back seventy-two of their furloughed workers and are now supplying around eight thousand face shields a day to be shipped to hospitals, restaurants, meatpacking facilities, colleges, and high schools throughout Missouri, Kansas, Iowa, and Texas. prgtoken The Trabon Group had previously set itself apart in the business community by creating the groundbreaking MenuNet software that has allowed restaurants to better man
IN RECOGNITION OF THE FLORIDA A&M UNIVERSITY BRAGG MEMORIAL COVID-19 TESTING SITE
Al Lawson, Jr. (Democrat, FL) \u2014 2021-2-18

. Madam , it is with great pride that I rise today to highlight the impactful work that is being done at the Florida A&M University (FAMU) Bragg Memorial COVID-19 testing site in Tallahassee, Florida. prgtoken Since the start of the start of the worldwide COVID-19 pandemic, the FAMU testing site has been providing free testing for residents of Tallahassee/Leon County, and indeed all of North Florida and South Georgia for nearly 10 months. prgtoken The FAMU COVID-19 testing center first opened on April 25, 2020, and has administered more than 234,000 tests. I applaud FAMU for springing into action to address the needs of North Florida residents by serving as a COVID-19 testing site. I am convinced that their efforts have helped to save lives in our community. prgtoken Madam , I would especially like to thank FAMU President Larry Robinson, Tanya Tatum, FAMU Director of Student Health Services, Cynthia , Ph.D FAMU associate dean for Public Health, and all the others who saw the need and spearheaded this effort, along with the frontline heroes coordinating and administering the tests. prgtoken Their efforts are working to keep us safe and save lives. They are putting their health and safety at risk for the safety of our families and to protect our community. I understand the tremendous sacrifices they are making, and I sincerely appreciate their service.
CELEBRATING 50 YEARS OF THE ARIZONA INFORMANT
Ruben Gallego (Democrat, AZ) \u2014 2021-2-18

. Madam , I rise today to celebrate the Arizona Informant, a newspaper which for the past fifty years has reported on news that directly impacts the Black community across the Phoenix Valley. The Arizona Informant now reaches 100,000 weekly readers and is the only Black owned weekly newspaper in our state. prgtoken The Arizona Informant started with an investment of just $1 in 1971 by brothers, Clovis Campbell Sr. and Charles Campbell, who noticed there was a lack of coverage on issues affecting the Black community in Arizona. Clovis, the first Black Arizona State Senator, and Charles, an educator with a doctorate in higher education administration, were pillars of the Black community in Phoenix whose impact across the Valley is still felt today. prgtoken Still family owned and operated, the Arizona Informant has stayed true to its mission of bringing to the forefront stories of accomplishment and achievement in the Black community. The protests that erupted after George Floyd last summer and the ongoing struggle for racial justice have shown that the work of the Arizona Informant is needed now as much, if not more, than it was fifty years ago. prgtoken As we continue to celebrate Black History Month, I am proud to be able to recognize and uplift the Arizona Informant. I wish to congratulate the Arizona Informant on fifty years of `Recording Black History Every Week' and thank them for their continued work.
SUPERMARKET EMPLOYEE DAY PROCLAMATION
Mark Pocan (Democrat, WI) \u2014 2021-2-18

. Madam , I include in the Record the following proclamation. On behalf of the people of Wisconsin I, Mark Pocan, United States Representative of Wisconsin, do hereby proclaim February 22, 2021, as Supermarket Employee Day. prgtoken Whereas, there are nearly six million supermarket employees in the United States; and prgtoken Whereas, in Wisconsin there are 148,959 food retail jobs that generate $15,630,033,800 in economic activity; and prgtoken Whereas, supermarket employees provide all Americans with access to safe, healthy, and affordable food; and prgtoken Whereas, supermarket employees work to enhance the health and well- being of each customer; and prgtoken Whereas, supermarket employees contribute and volunteer countless hours in their communities; and prgtoken Whereas, supermarket employees face unprecedented challenges keeping grocery shelves stocked during the COVID-19 Pandemic; and prgtoken Whereas, supermarket employees have and continue to meet and exceed these challenges, while displaying courage, compassion, dedication, and leadership, as well as exemplifying customer service and community outreach; and prgtoken Whereas, the need for supermarket employees is greater than ever because of current and growing consumer demands as well as their reputation for excellence; now therefore I, Mark Pocan, United States Representative of Wisconsin, do hereby proclaim February 22, 2021 as Supermarket Employee Day and ask all citizens to join in honoring our Supermarket Heroes.
CARL CERVENY
Ed Perlmutter (Democrat, CO) \u2014 2021-2-18

. Madam , I rise today to recognize Carl Cerveny of Wheat Ridge, Colorado who passed away on January 27, 2021. prgtoken Carl Albert Cerveny was born on October 11, 1929. He attended Columbine Elementary School, Smiley Middle School and graduated from East High in 1947. He then enrolled at the University of Colorado as a second-generation CU student in the business school and graduated with a degree in marketing in 1951. prgtoken In 1957, Carl helped to found the Wheat Ridge Optimist Club. Being a founding member was no coincidence, with family and friends frequently describing Carl as one of the most optimistic people they knew. He ran their annual Optimist Pancake Supper for 60 years and served as president of the club twice. In 2010, the Club established the Carl Cerveny Scholarship Fund for graduates of Wheat Ridge High School. prgtoken Carl was known and admired for his passion for community service and his dedication to the Wheat Ridge community. He played an active role in enforcing the special election provision of the TABOR amendment in the city. Carl served on the board of the Westridge Sanitation District for 10 years, also serving as its president, and also served on the Planning Commission of Wheat Ridge for 10 years. In 1997, he walked the entire length of Wheat Ridge with his wife, Gretchen, when she ran and was elected the Mayor of Wheat Ridge. prgtoken Carl had a separate career running the Scotchman Restaurant in Wyoming. After the closure of the restaurant in 1977, Carl began his second career in real estate. After earning a Broker Certification from the University of Colorado and working for several agencies, Carl owned/operated Carl Cerveny Realty until he retired in 1999. Carl served on the Legislative Committee of the Colorado Association of Realtors and was honored with the Political Service Award by the Jefferson County Association of Realtors in 1991. prgtoken Carl was a devoted husband and a loving father and grandfather. He is survived by his wife of 66 years, Gretchen, along with their three children and families: daughter Mara Marks, husband Stephen and their son Colby; daughter Carla Rail, husband Anton and their son Jacob, daughter Martha, and son Nathan with his wife Emily; son Chris Cerveny, wife Lorie Chandler and their sons Chandler and Chase. I appreciate and thank him for his lifetime of service to our community.
HONORING THE LIVES OF AL AND DORA PADILLA
Judy Chu (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2021-2-18

. Madam , I rise today to honor the lives of Al Padilla, who passed away on October 4, 2020, at the age of 90, and his wife, Dora Padilla, who passed away on January 8, 2021, at the age of 86 from COVID-19. Al and Dora touched the lives of countless students in the San Gabriel Valley and were larger than life figures in their communities. prgtoken Hector Albert ``Al'' Padilla was born on March 22, 1930 in Tucson, Arizona, and moved to Los Angeles in 1939. Following high school, Al joined the United States Army and then enrolled in junior college. He transferred to Occidental College and was an all-conference guard on the Occidental football team. After years of playing sports at a young age, Al knew that coaching and mentoring young athletes was his calling. Al coached football at his alma mater, Roosevelt High School, before moving to rival Garfield High School. He went on to be the head football coach at East L.A. College, where he coached the Huskies to a state title in 1974 and was voted the California ``Coach of the Year.'' But it wasn't just wins and losses that made Al a legend in the East L.A. community, it was his impact on the lives of generations of players. Al demanded good grades and sportsmanship from all of his players, and taught them the importance of caring for their loved ones, teammates, and community. And long after his players would graduate, he would stay in touch with them, because he believed that his role as a mentor didn't end when he left the football field. prgtoken Al's wife, Dora Padilla, was born on October 4, 1934 to Mexican immigrants. Dora began her long career in education by helping in her children's kindergarten classroom and by leading fundraisers as her children grew up in the Alhambra Unified School District. As she became more involved in school functions, she personally saw what students needed and was determined to bring change at the district level. She ran for the Alhambra Unified School District Board of Education on the slogan ``Querer al nino es educarlo,'' or ``To love a child is to educate a child,'' and won her seat prgtoken in 1978. She became well-known as a reliable defender of arts and music programs at a time when the state cut the district's budget, and she has been credited as the reason the school district has maintained a K- 8 musical education program until today. She helped create the Alhambra Latino Association in 1995 and advocated for bilingual education, but also believed she represented all students regardless of their background. Dora was elected to five terms on the Board of Education and served for 20 years. In honor of her legacy, Alhambra High School dedicated a plaque outside of their new library in 1996, praising her ``continued support and love of students seeking the American dream and equal opportunity.'' prgtoken Al and Dora were married for 64 years and made a lasting impression on their community and on many constituents in my d
IN MEMORY OF HUEY CLIFTON McLEAN
Joe Wilson (Republican, SC) \u2014 2021-2-18

. Madam , I would like to include in the Record the following obituary for Huey Clifton McLean. Huey Clifton McLean Huey Clifton McLean, 69, of Lexington passed away Wednesday, November 4, 2020. He was born to the late Pete Monroe and Glennie Mae McLean. Huey proudly served in the United States Army during Vietnam. He retired his military career with the South Carolina National Guard. Surviving are his wife, Rebekah McLean; son, Michael (Jennifer) McLean; daughter, Kelly (Keith) Veidt; and grandchildren, Ryan (Emma) Veidt, Reilly Veidt, Kenlee McLean and Adam McLean. He is also survived by his sister, Patricia McLean Parrish and pre-deceded in death by his brother, Wallace Monroe McLean.
FEBRUARY VETERAN OF THE MONTH, COL. WEYDAN FLAX, USMC (RET)
Kevin Hern (Republican, OK) \u2014 2021-2-18

. Madam , I rise to honor the First District of Oklahoma's February Veteran of the Month, Col. Weydan Flax, USMC (Ret). prgtoken An artillery and communications officer in the United States Marine Corps, Col. Weydan Flax honorably served our nation for 30 years. He served in Desert Storm, Iraq and Afghanistan. prgtoken After his retirement, he has faithfully served his fellow veterans and community through his volunteer work with the VFW, and Marine Corps League. In addition to volunteering with veteran organizations, Flax is an active board member for The Center for Individuals with Physical Disabilities. prgtoken He answered the call to defend freedom across the globe and sacrificed whatever was necessary in the name of that noble cause. It is my honor to recognize Col. Flax as the First Congressional District of Oklahoma's February Veteran of the Month.
HONORING MR. SAM SPRUELL OF MOUNT HOPE, ALABAMA
Robert B. Aderholt (Republican, AL) \u2014 2021-2-18

. Madam , I would like to recognize Mr. Sam Spruell from Mount Hope, Alabama who passed away on January 7, 2021 after a life of sixty-three years. He was an upstanding citizen of our state, a respected member of the Mount Hope community, and an outstanding businessman and farmer. prgtoken Sam Spruell was an Alabamian through and through, widely known for the kindness and friendship he displayed throughout his entire life. More importantly, Sam was a husband, father, and farmer who cared deeply about his work and the people around him. Never missing an opportunity to lend a helping hand, Sam was always available to those who needed him. prgtoken Sam was also a champion for Alabama cotton and the producers throughout the state. He served as President of the Southern Cotton Growers from 2004 through 2005, a testament to his dedication and passion to the industry. He was also a member of the Southeastern Boll Weevil Eradication Foundation, the Alabama Cotton Commission, and the National Cotton Council. There is no doubt that Sam's countless hours of hard work in these arenas made an indelible impact for the State of Alabama and the nation--one that will continue for years to come. prgtoken Sam Spruell was a sincere and true man of God. As a leader of the Community Clothes Closet and Ministry of Hope, Sam played a key role in serving those around him. He went on to donate an entire building to The Caring Place, a charity near and dear to his heart. prgtoken Sam Spruell is now survived by his wife Lynn Spruell, and two children, Jonathon Spruell and Liz Rhodes. In addition, he is survived by his five grandchildren, Shelby, Madi, Max, Mia, and Cam. prgtoken Our thoughts and prayers go out to all of Sam's family and friends. The Fourth District, the state of Alabama, and the nation have lost a friend and patriot. However, there is no question that his legacy and impact will live on well into the future.
HONORING THE LIFE AND SERVICE OF CATHERINE ``CATHY'' WAGNER OF BURLINGTON
Bryan Steil (Republican, WI) \u2014 2021-2-18

. Madam , I rise today to honor the life and service of Catherine ``Cathy'' Wagner of Burlington. Cathy was born and raised in Southeast Wisconsin and dedicated her career to serving our Racine County community. Growing up on the family farm, Cathy developed strong values and a hard work ethic that would remain with her throughout her life. Cathy graduated from Burlington High School and later joined the ranks of Rochester Volunteer Fire Company and enrolled at Gateway Technical College to study firefighting and police work. prgtoken Cathy Wagner was a dedicated public servant. She served a combined 31 years for the Rochester and Burlington Town Fire Departments. She was a firefighter, an EMT, and became Assistant Chief of the Rochester Volunteer Fire Company. Cathy instilled this passion to service in her two children, who are involved in the Rochester Fire Company. prgtoken When her son was born with spina bifida, Cathy enrolled in nursing school to learn how she could better care for him and would go on to obtain a master's degree in nursing. For years, she worked as a registered nurse in hospital rooms where she was able to follow her passion of caring for others. prgtoken Cathy passed away on February 2, 2021. She is remembered by her family, colleagues, and friends for her generosity, empathy, and service. Cathy was a valued member of our community and inspiration to many. She is remembered by colleagues at the Rochester Fire Company or being ``the heart and soul'' of the department. prgtoken Racine County will be forever grateful for Cathy's dedication to public service. Cathy's work to make our community a better place will always be remembered. On behalf of Wisconsin's First Congressional District, I offer my sincere condolences and prayers to Cathy's children, family, friends, and colleagues during this difficult time. She will be missed by many, but her passion for service and positive impact on those she met will continue to inspire us all.
HONORING THE LIFE OF FORMER JEFFERSON COUNTY SHERIFF, ``BOE'' FONTAINE
Bruce Westerman (Republican, AR) \u2014 2021-2-18

. Madam , I rise today to celebrate the life of Former Jefferson County Sheriff Edward Lewis ``Boe'' Fontaine. Sheriff Fontaine passed away on Sunday, January 17 following a battle with COVID-19, leaving behind a county and Fourth District which mourns the loss of a friend, a helper, and a true servant leader. prgtoken Beginning his law enforcement career as a deputy sheriff assigned to the Uniformed Patrol Division in 1980, he was later elected as the 30th Jefferson County Sheriff, serving two terms from 1999 to 2006. Appointed by then Arkansas Governor Mike Huckabee in 2001, Sheriff Fontaine served as a Commissioner on the Arkansas Commission on Law Enforcement Standards and Training (CLEST). Prior to his service at home, Sheriff Fontaine served 21 years in the United States Marine Corps, retiring as a gunnery sergeant. For his heroism in action, he became one of the most decorated Arkansan service members in history. Most notable of those awards include four Purple Hearts, the Silver Star, and the Bronze Star with a combat ``V.'' prgtoken In addition to his life of leadership in the military and in local law enforcement, Sheriff Fontaine was known as a family man and valuable member of the community, along with his wife of 60 years, Maye Winston Fontaine. Together, they raised a daughter, Kim, and worshipped as members of Bethany Missionary Baptist Church. prgtoken I take this time today to honor the life of service exemplified by Sheriff ``Boe'' Fontaine. I thank him and his family for their dedication to our fellow citizens and our beloved Fourth District.