mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
HONORING THE LIFE AND LEGACY OF DOWNTOWN INDY, INC. FOUNDER TAMARA ZAHN
Susan W. Brooks (Republican, IN) \u2014 2020-11-20

. Madam , I rise today to honor the life and legacy of Tamara Zahn, the founder of Indianapolis Downtown Inc. now known as Downtown Indy, Inc an organization tasked with developing, managing and marketing downtown Indianapolis. Known as Indy's ``greatest cheerleader,'' her loss will be felt far and wide across the city where she worked as a real estate analyst and consultant before establishing Indianapolis Downtown Inc. Her vision and enthusiasm and well-known contagious pride in the city led to national recognition for outstanding urban revitalization, development and beautification. She was an advocate for the city she loved and a valued mentor to many. prgtoken Tamara was born on June 22, 1953, in Fort Wayne, Indiana, to Phyllis and Bob Zahn. She earned her BA from Indiana University and launched her career in real estate in Indianapolis. She consulted on large scale projects and played key roles with the Simon Property Group as it developed the Mall of America in Minneapolis and Circle Centre Mall in Indianapolis. In 1993, she became the first president of Indianapolis Downtown, Inc. (IDI), where she served until 2012. During her years at IDI, Tamara parlayed her real estate experience and marketing insights to help Indianapolis expand its ability to host major conventions, events such as Several NCAA Final Four and the NFL's 2012 Super Bowl. She launched the Cultural District program, the Marge Tarplee Downtown Beautification Fund, and chaired the Indianapolis Cultural Trail. She facilitated the United Way's Executive Women's Leadership class in 2012, and in 2013, she was elected chair of the International Downtown Association (IDA). IDA provides tools, intelligence and strategies for creating healthy and dynamic centers that anchor the well-being of towns, cities and regions of the world. prgtoken Tamara received multiple awards throughout her time leading in the State of Indiana including IBJ Inaugural Class of 40 Under 40 (1993); Olympic torch bearer (1996); IBJ's Inaugural class of Most Influential Women (1997); IUPUI Notable Woman (2000); NUVO Cultural Vision (2012); Downtown Champion (2014) and in 2004 she was awarded the State of Indiana's highest civilian award, The Sagamore of the Wabash. prgtoken Tamara was known for her infectious laugh, upbeat attitude, strong vision and love for people. She was a mentor, a leader and an advocate for the growth of Indianapolis, and for women and equality. I admired Tamara and was blessed to count her among my friends. prgtoken Tamara Zahn passed away unexpectedly on October 1, 2020. I join her beloved husband of 28 years, Tim Wade, her son, Tim Wade, Jr and brother, Tom Zahn as well as countless Hoosiers in mourning the loss of a great leader and friend. The City of Indianapolis as well as the State of Indiana will miss her remarkable talents and loving personality but her legacy will live on as the city continues to flourish on the path she created.
RECOGNIZING FREDDIE AND INEZ BRYANT UPON THEIR 65TH ANNIVERSARY
James Comer (Republican, KY) \u2014 2020-11-20

I rise today to recognize my dear family friends, Freddie and Inez Bryant of Gamaliel, Kentucky, on their 65th wedding anniversary on November 4. prgtoken , I have known Freddie Bryant my entire life. He worked with and was very close with my grandfather, Harlin Comer, at my grandfather's construction company. Freddie has told my father and I countless stories about his travels and adventures with my family. prgtoken Freddie Bryant is an expert standing timber appraiser, who tried unsuccessfully to teach me the trade as a young man. Freddie and Inez have three children, nine grandchildren, 17 great-grandchildren, and one great-great-grandson. prgtoken , congratulations to the Bryants, a wonderful Monroe County family.
ONE MORE THING TO BE THANKFUL FOR
Roger Marshall (Republican, KS) \u2014 2020-11-20

bells should be ringing today, and I just don't mean on Wall Street. Across the entire Nation, bells should be ringing. prgtoken Today, as I have been promising since early summer, not one but two vaccines will ask the FDA for emergency use authorization. prgtoken Congratulations to President . Congratulations to Vice President and his Warp Speed team. Congratulations to Pfizer and BioNTech. You did it. American innovation has persevered again. prgtoken We have three million doses right now, enough to vaccinate every nursing home patient in America. We will have 50 million doses by December being distributed, as well. prgtoken Thanks to almighty God who inspired the scientists who led to the discovery. prgtoken Indeed, bells will be ringing across America this Thanksgiving. We have one more thing to be thankful for.
IN RECOGNITION OF COLONEL DALLAS RALPH HANNA
Robert J. Wittman (Republican, VA) \u2014 2020-11-20

. Madam , I rise today to honor the life of Colonel Dallas Ralph Hanna and to thank him for his service as a veteran of the U.S. Air Force. Colonel Dallas Ralph Hanna (Ret.) was born August 14, 1938 in Salem, Ohio and passed away on November 16, 2020. prgtoken In 1956, Ralph graduated from Salem High School and went on to get his undergraduate degree from Ohio Wesleyan University. He received his master's degree from Central Michigan University becoming a graduate of Air War College and starting his career in the United States military. prgtoken Following college, Ralph became a highly decorated career Fighter Pilot in the United States Air Force. He was involved in both the Cuban Missile Crisis and the Vietnam War and held two FIS command positions, retiring as a Colonel. He was stationed everywhere from Goose Bay, Labrador to Colorado Springs, Colorado to Keflavik, Iceland. Throughout his career, he flew the F-102, the F-4, the F-15, the F-106 and the T- 33 but one of his favorites was the A-1 Skyraider. Ralph became part of the biggest rescue mission in the Vietnam War flying the A-1 by rescuing downed aircrews and controlling the battlefield until additional reinforcements arrived. This mission is one example of the many times Ralph put his life on the line to serve his fellow servicemen and women and the United States of America. prgtoken I had the pleasure of working with and representing Ralph in Virginia's First District, and he will be missed dearly. Mr. Hanna was a patriot of the Commonwealth of Virginia and the United States. Ralph is survived by his loving wife of 50 years, Lou; his two daughters, Nikki and Jenny; his son-in-law, Glen; and his two granddaughters, Hanna and Marissa. prgtoken His commitment to the ideals that America stands for, his good citizenship, self-sacrifice and longevity of service are a testimony to all that is best about our country. That is evident throughout his career. Colonel Dallas Ralph Hanna (Ret.) is to be commended for his dedication and commitment to our nation's democratic principles and for the safety of our country. Therefore, Madam , I ask that you rise with me in honoring the life of Colonel Dallas Ralph Hanna and thanking him for his years of dedicated service to the United States of America.
PERSONAL EXPLANATION
Bill Huizenga (Republican, MI) \u2014 2020-11-20

. Madam , I rise today regarding missed votes due to a death in the family. Had I been present for Roll Call vote number 222, On Closing Portions of the Conference for the William M. (Mac) Thornberry National Defense Authorization Act, I would have voted ``Yea.'' Had I been present for Roll Call vote number 223, On Ordering the Previous Question Providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 8294) National Apprenticeship Act of 2020, and for other purposes, I would have voted ``Nay.'' Had I been present for Roll Call vote number 224, On Agreeing to the Resolution Providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 8294) National Apprenticeship Act of 2020, and for other purposes, I would have voted ``Nay.''
TRIBUTE TO DURHAM COUNTY COMMISSIONER ELLEN RECKHOW
David E. Price (Democrat, NC) \u2014 2020-11-24

. Madam , I rise today to recognize Ellen Reckhow, Durham County Commissioner, who is retiring this year after over 30 years of distinguished service. Ellen was first elected to the Durham County Board of Commissioners in 1988. She served as Board Chairman from 2002 to 2008 and as Vice Chairman during two additional periods. My own term of service is largely coextensive with hers, which has made me fully appreciative of Ellen's impact on the county and our region and grateful for the many ways we have found to collaborate. prgtoken Commissioner Reckhow's tenure on the Durham County Board of Commissioners has been marked by immense transformation in Durham, challenging her and the Board to balance growth with the needs of existing residents and a diverse community. Early in her tenure, the Board led in the merger of the city and county school systems, to address financial inequities and equalize opportunities for all the county's children. Ellen takes special pride in her role as a founder of the East Durham Children's Initiative: ``Helping all our children succeed in life is a passion for me,'' she recently affirmed. prgtoken As a Board member, Commissioner Reckhow championed public-private partnerships, exemplified by the development of the Treyburn Corporate Park and Research Triangle Park, which have attracted business opportunities and economic growth across the region. She also worked with counterparts in neighboring counties to establish the Triangle Transit Authority, now GoTriangle, a bedrock of the region's transit operations, as well as of planning for the future. During Durham's significant economic transformation, Commissioner Reckhow has remained steadfast in her dedication to expanding opportunity and improving the wellbeing of her entire community. She has prioritized environmental protections and access to education, including funding for Pre-K expansion and scholarships to Durham Technical Community College for every high school graduate in Durham County. prgtoken Ellen has offered leadership to local governing boards ranging from the Carolina Theatre to the Lincoln Community Health Center. She has worked for years with our regional Metropolitan Planning Organization and has taken important assignments with the North Carolina and national associations of county governments. She has received numerous accolades for her dedication to public service, including the Goodmon Award for Exemplary Regional Leadership by an Elected Official, the North Carolina Planning Association's Elected Official of the Year, the Sierra Club Environmental Leadership Award, and the Partnership for Children Champion for Children Award. prgtoken While Commissioner Reckhow may be retiring from public service, I know she will remain engaged in strengthening and improving our Durham community. She has said as much, and I take her at her word. She and I have always had ideas to share and mutual support to offer, particul
IN MEMORY OF RAYMOND DENNY
Joe Wilson (Republican, SC) \u2014 2020-11-24

. Madam , I would like to include in the Record the following obituary for distinguished South Carolinian, Raymond A. Denny, Jr.: Raymond Denny, former sales executive in the electronics industry, passed away October 26 in Greenville. Born in New York City September 18, 1930, he was the son of Raymond and Hazel Ladner Denny. He graduated from Iona College, where he was a member of the 1954 championship debating team and President of the Young s of NY. He developed his business career with Union Carbide as sales manager for consumer products. His position as the first sales manager of Kemet Electronics brought him from Ohio to Greenville, later declaring he did not plan to live anywhere else. He later founded Electronic Marketing Associates, a successful electronics sales firm covering the south. He was a lifelong member of Toastmasters, the English Speaking Union; and a member of the Furman University Learning in Retirement program, lecturing on cathedral history and the origins of Christianity in England. He was a member of First Presbyterian Church of Greenville. He is survived by his wife of 64 years, Peggy; sons Robert of Raleigh and Tony (Beverly) of Columbia; and grandchildren Leah Grace and Marshall Denny.
CELEBRATING THE LIFE OF MS. ELAINE SHAMIR
Ted Lieu (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2020-11-27

. Madam , I rise to celebrate the life of my friend Ms. Elaine Shamir, who passed away at the age of 48 on October 5, 2020. Elaine dedicated her life to advocating for causes that would help her fellow human beings and promote democracy and fairness. Elaine believed passionately in the equality of all persons no matter what race, gender, or religion, and lived her life in a way that reflected that. She attributed her love of all mankind to the loving influence of her father, Mordechai Shamir. prgtoken Born on October 12, 1971, Elaine grew up in Randolph, New Jersey. She attended the University of Maryland and worked in Washington, D.C. until she came to Los Angeles to work for the senatorial campaign of former United States Senator Barbara Boxer. For the following 20 years, Elaine would continue to work for Senator Boxer in addition to her work as the founder of Integrity Matters, a full-service firm that provides elected officials, candidates, and organizations the tools and resources necessary to succeed. Elaine dedicated much of her time to advocating for causes close to her heart. Elaine was passionate about mental health causes and was a driving force behind the passage of mental health parity laws through Mind Matters, an organization she founded to fight for access to mental health care for all Americans. Most recently, she had been working to protect voter's rights and fight against voter suppression with Fair Fight, a national voting rights organization based in Georgia. When she wasn't working, Elaine spent her time enjoying music, cinema, swimming, the ocean, and spending time with her family and friends. prgtoken Elaine is survived by her mother, Ruth Shamir, her sister, Karen Marks, her brother-in-law, Ian Marks, her niece, Madison Marks, and her nephews Mason and Maxwell Marks, as well as many other loving family members and friends. It was an honor for me to have known and worked with Elaine. May Elaine's memory be a blessing to us all.
CELEBRATING THE LIFE OF TROY LEE JONES
Jodey C. Arrington (Republican, TX) \u2014 2020-11-27

. Madam , I rise today to celebrate the life, and honor the memory of Troy Lee Jones, a member of the Greatest Generation who I had the privilege of representing in the United States House of Representatives. prgtoken It cannot be disputed, Madam , that Mr. Jones' life was defined by his devotion to the Lord, a fierce American patriotism, and a specialty for salesmanship--traits he no doubt passed along to the children and grandchildren he raised, all of whom have made tremendous contributions to the economic, health and educational wellbeing of West Texas. prgtoken Troy Lee Jones drew the first breath of his extraordinary life on May 14, 1924, in Radium, Jones County, Texas. Born to Georgia Mae and Lacy D. Jones, Mr. Jones grew up in small towns on the South Plains before graduating in 1941 from Sparenberg High School, located at Five Mile, Dawson County, Texas. After high school, he worked several jobs, including that of Civilian Quartermaster at Lamesa Field, a United States Army Air Force glider training school. Despite qualifying for a deferment, and against his mother's wishes, Mr. Jones enlisted in the United States Army in 1943. He trained at Fort Sill, Oklahoma, Indiantown Gap Military Reservation, Fort Indiantown Gap, Pennsylvania, and Fort Hamilton, Brooklyn, New York. prgtoken A member of the 487th Port Battalion, Company B, 5th Engineers Special Brigade, 1st Army, Mr. Jones trained for Operation Overlord with his fellow soldiers in Wales' Rhondda Valley before landing on Omaha Beach during the first wave of the Allied invasion of Normandy on June 6, 1944. A recipient of multiple campaign awards and the Purple Heart, Private Jones served the remainder of the war in Antwerp, supporting supply chains to arm and feed the Allied Forces, all the while, under constant bombardment by the Nazis. prgtoken After returning from Europe, Mr. Jones lived in Lamesa where he worked for several years before meeting the woman with whom he would spend the rest of his life. Troy and Minnie Margaret ``Marge'' Ward met on a blind date on New Year's Eve, 1947 and the couple married on March 31, 1950, in Lovington, New Mexico. Troy and Marge lived and worked alongside one another for the next seventy years, and their devotion to one another was evident even during the final days of their life together. During the decade following their nuptials, the couple was blessed with three children, Cathy, Terry and Jeff. prgtoken A natural-born salesman, Mr. Jones peddled ointment door-to-door as a boy before beginning his formal sales career at Fair Department Store in Lamesa the week following his marriage. He worked in and managed consumer sales enterprises for over fifteen years until he operated his own--Jones Department Store--in Silverton, Texas. Not only was Mr. Jones a business leader in Briscoe County, he was elected to the Silverton City Council and served as the town's mayor during the twenty-two years he lived there
PERSONAL EXPLANATION
Barbara Lee (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2020-11-30

. Madam , due to a family obligation, I was absent from the House on November 20, 2020. Had I been present for Roll Call Vote 225 on House Amendment 901, I would have voted ``yea.'' Had I been present for Roll Call Vote 226 on House Amendment 902, I would have voted ``nay.'' Had I been present for Roll Call Vote 227 on Final Passage of H.R. 8294, the National Apprenticeship Act of 2020, I would have voted ``yea.'' I am pleased that this legislation to modernize our nation's system of registered apprenticeships passed decisively in the House.
HONORING MAYOR JILL TECHEL
Mike Thompson (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2020-11-30

. Madam , I rise today to honor Mayor Jill Techel for her leadership and accomplishments, and to mark her retirement after 16 years as Mayor of the City of Napa. prgtoken Jill Techel grew up in Grand Forks, North Dakota and earned a Bachelor's degree in social work from the University of North Dakota. She moved to Napa in 1971, where she began her public service career as a member of the Napa Parks and Recreation Commission and the Napa Valley Unified School District Board, eventually serving as the leader of both organizations, all while raising her two children. In 1996, she was appointed to the Napa City Council, where she was reelected twice before being elected Mayor in 2005. prgtoken One of Mayor Techel 's most important achievements during her tenure was championing the Napa River and Napa Creek Flood Protection Project, which rerouted the Napa River to prevent devastating floods in downtown Napa, a consistent problem in the city before her efforts. Without Mayor Techel's persistence in advocating for funding in Washington on behalf of Napa, this project would not have been realized. prgtoken Mayor Techel's legacy extends far beyond her commitment to flood prevention. She has helped build up Napa 's world-class reputation by cultivating a vibrant arts scene through the creation of the Rail Arts District, BottleRock Festival, and the Napa Art Walk. She has also supported arts education, collaborating with the school district to allow students to display their art at the Napa Lighted Art Festival, Napa 's newest public art efforts. Through her calming presence, Mayor Techel has led the city through multiple crises, including the 2005 flood, the 2014 earthquake, the 2017 fires, and the coronavirus pandemic. prgtoken Throughout her time as mayor, Mayor Techel has been recognized countless times for leadership and dedication to her community. In 2004, she received the Preceptor Award for Outstanding Leadership Professionals from the National Community Leadership Association. Following the 2014 South Napa Earthquake, Mayor Techel was named the Napa Chamber Citizen of the Year for demonstrating immense leadership in her fight for resources to assist in Napa's recovery. prgtoken Madam , I join Napa in wishing Mayor Techel well as she goes from caring for her city to caring for her grandchildren in retirement. Mayor Jill Techel exemplifies a strong, commonsense leader with admirable dedication to serving her community. It is therefore fitting and proper that we honor her today.
HONORING THE LIFE OF TOM UNTERMANN
Jared Huffman (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2020-11-30

. Madam , I rise today in memory of Tom Untermann who passed away on October 27, 2020, at the age of 73 after a lifetime of exemplary public service to his community. prgtoken Born in 1947 to Anne and Karl Untermann, Tom followed in his family's footsteps in developing deep roots in the community through the family business. His great uncle, Richard Lohrmann, emigrated from Germany in 1909 to San Rafael in pursuit of the American dream. Upon arrival, he purchased a small plot of land and opened a neighborhood nursery. In 1954, having inherited the family green thumb, Tom's father purchased the nursery. Today, West End Nursery celebrates 110 years as a valued business of San Rafael. prgtoken In his youth, Tom excelled as an athlete both at San Rafael High School and the University of California, Davis, where he won two conference championships as a power forward for the basketball team. It was at UC Davis that Tom met his wife, Merrie, and the two returned to San Rafael to raise their sons, Chris and Kurt. Once back in San Rafael, Tom inherited West End Nursery from his father, becoming a third generation family owner. prgtoken Working closely with his son Chris, Tom fostered a welcoming environment at the nursery, sharing his vast knowledge of plants with all customers, from experienced green thumbs to first time gardeners. Every December, with the support of Merrie and his daughter-in-law Barbara, Tom would construct a beautiful Christmas display within the nursery inviting community members to visit and marvel in the holiday spirit. prgtoken Tom's positive impact on the community extended beyond the nursery. He spent many years coaching San Rafael High School athletics and played a lead role in the construction of the high school's new baseball field, investing many years and his personal funds into the project. In honor of his tireless dedication to community athletics, Tom was awarded a special recognition by the Marin Athletic Foundation Hall of Fame in 2007. prgtoken Tom was a well-respected community leader who will be remembered for his generosity of spirit and enduring commitment to public service. He is survived by wife, Merrie; sons, Chris and Kurt; daughters-in-law, Barbara and Elizabeth; grandchildren, Walker, Wade, Waylen, Tanner, Hudson, and Emilia; and siblings, Richard, Dennis and Jeanne. Madam , while Tom Untermann will be greatly missed, his legacy will live on through the indelible positive impact he had on his many friends, family and the community at large. Please join me in extending our deepest condolences to his family and friends.