mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
HONORING BRYAN STEVENSON--BEST-SELLING AUTHOR AND TRAILBLAZING CIVIL RIGHTS ATTORNEY
Lisa Blunt Rochester (Democrat, DE) \u2014 2022-10-4

. Madam , today I rise to welcome home the distinguished Delawarean Bryan Stevenson and to prgtoken celebrate his impressive career fighting for fairness and equity in the criminal justice system. prgtoken Mr. Stevenson was born in the town of Milton, a rural community in southern Delaware. It was in the First State and at the Prospect African Methodist Episcopal Church where Mr. Stevenson started to nurture his belief in redemption that ``each person in our society is more than the worst thing they've ever done.'' Raised by a strong Sussex County family, Mr. Stevenson began to show the leadership and passion for public service that would propel him in life. At Cape Henlopen High School, he excelled academically and served as the student body president. He won several public speaking contests, demonstrating rhetorical prowess that would soon lead him to argue landmark cases before the U.S. Supreme Court. Mr. Stevenson would go on to earn a J.D. and M.P.P. from Harvard University and the position of Professor of Law at the New York University School of Law. prgtoken In 1989, Mr. Stevenson founded the Equal Justice Initiative (EJI), a non-profit based in Montgomery, Alabama, that provides legal representation to wrongly convicted prisoners, especially Alabama prisoners on death row. One of EJI's first clients was Walter McMillian, a Black man convicted and sentenced to death for the murder of a young white woman. Due to Mr. Stevenson's systematic dismantling of the prosecution's case, the Alabama Court of Criminal Appeals ruled that Mr. McMillian's conviction was unconstitutional. The State of Alabama finally dropped charges after mounting evidence proved Mr. McMillian's innocence. On March 3, 1993, Mr. McMillian was released from death row and walked out of a courtroom a free man. At the time, Mr. McMillian was one of the first to be exonerated from death row since the end of the civil rights movement. Since Mr. McMillian was exonerated, Mr. Stevenson and EJI prevented more than 130 people from receiving the death penalty. prgtoken Mr. Stevenson personally argued several cases before the Supreme Court and won major landmark decisions reshaping American jurisprudence. In the 2012 case, Miller v Alabama, Mr. Stevenson successfully argued that the imposition of a mandatory life-sentence- without-parole for a juvenile violates the 8th Amendment prohibition against cruel and unusual punishment. In the 2019 case, Madison v. Alabama, Mr. Stevenson successfully secured a ruling that would protect prisoners who suffer from dementia from execution. These cases before the Supreme Court demonstrate Mr. Stevenson's commitment to equity in the criminal justice system and prove that Mr. Stevenson is one of America's best public interest attorneys. prgtoken Yet the good works of Mr. Stevenson were not confined to his successes in the courtroom. In 2018, Mr. Stevenson and EJI opened two new museums in Montgomery to chronicle t
RECOGNIZING TINA BUNETA
Jason Crow (Democrat, CO) \u2014 2022-10-4

. Madam , I rise today to recognize the accomplishments of Tina Buneta and congratulate her on receiving the Association of Public-Safety Communications Officials (APCO) International 2022 Director of the Year award for her life saving work as a 9-1-1 professional with the Aurora Department of Public Safety Communications. prgtoken A life-long dedicated public servant, Tina applied to become a front line telecommunicator for the Colorado State Patrol in 1999--not fully understanding what the career entailed. She soon realized she excelled at solving problems and puzzles, creating order out of chaos, and most importantly--helping people. prgtoken Over her 23-year career in emergency communications, Tina has gone from directly helping people, to helping and molding the people who help people. She previously served as a Communications Training Officer, Communications Supervisor, and Regional Center Manager for the Colorado State Patrol until 2019 when she became Director of Aurora911. Under her leadership style, Tina aims to empower new leaders and develop new ideas and strategies to ensure Aurora911 is operating at its best. prgtoken In recognition of her leadership and tireless dedication to service, Tina received the 2022 Director of the Year Award from APCO. The nationwide award is given annually to a leader who exemplifies high levels of personal and professional conduct in the line of duty. I cannot think of a leader more deserving of this award than Tina, who has dedicated her life to an instrumental career in public safety. prgtoken I am honored to recognize Tina for her dedication and commitment to making our community a better place to call home. I congratulate her for receiving the APCO International 2022 Director of the Year Award, as well as an incredible career in emergency communications.
RECOGNITION OF KOSTAS BAKOYANNIS
Carolyn B. Maloney (Democrat, NY) \u2014 2022-10-4

. Madam , I rise to recognize Mayor prgtoken Kostas Bakoyannis for his long career of public service to the citizens of the Hellenic Republic, notably, as the current Mayor of Athens. He previously served as the Governor of Central Greece, worked at the Greek Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and held positions in the European Parliament in Brussels and the World Bank in Kosovo. He has served as the vice president of the Hellenic Agency for Local Development and Local Government. In his 2019 mayoral campaign, he visited 129 neighborhoods across Athens to become the capital's youngest mayor with the widest margin of victory ever. His commitment to his constituents is inspiring. prgtoken Born in Athens on 16 March 1978 to New Democracy politicians Dora, who was the first woman to serve as Mayor of Athens, and Pavlas Bakoyanniss. He studied history and international relations at Brown University, graduated from Harvard University with a Master of Public Administration, and received his Ph.D. from St Antony's College, Oxford focusing on disruptions, identity politics, and foreign policy in post- Cold War Greece. prgtoken His love for his hometown of Karpenis inspired him to run for local office. His deep empathy aided him in the first mayoral election, winning overwhelmingly. He served as the mayor of his hometown for three years. His positive impact on Karpenis were critical to his subsequent elections as regional governor and Mayor of Athens. His dedication to his citizens continues to this day in solving the pressing issues facing Athenians. prgtoken As Mayor of Athens, the first thing he did early in the morning was go where the sanitation workers gathered and started their rounds to show the importance and the value they have on the community. As he described it, ``Being in local government means having to work from the bottom up. At the end of the day, it's about solving the problem, not talking about or to the problem.'' prgtoken Mayor Bakoyannis is striving to make Athens greener and more sustainable by closing parts of city centers for cars to reclaim public spaces, creating more parks for the residents. In doing this, he is also protecting the archaeological sites of Athens, which makes up some of the richest cultural heritage of the Greek people and indeed humanity. To reduce emissions in the city, he initiated a project to narrow the car lanes in one of the largest avenues. He is dedicated to protecting Athenians from extreme heat and addressing the causes of climate change. prgtoken Madam , I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Mayor Kostas Bakoyannis for his dedication and service to the great people and especially the residents of Athens.
RECOGNIZING TEMPE SISTER CITIES ON ITS 50TH ANNIVERSARY
Greg Stanton (Democrat, AZ) \u2014 2022-10-4

. Madam , I rise to recognize and congratulate Tempe Sister Cities on its 50th anniversary. For five decades, this organization has empowered students and teachers through diplomacy, cultural awareness, and education. It has enriched the lives of hundreds of local families who have hosted international exchange partners. prgtoken Tempe Sister Cities serves as an enduring bridge that connects our people to 11 cities and countries throughout the world, including nine communities where high school students participate in exchanges with fellow students. Many of these exchanges create lasting lifelong friendships that transcend borders and transform how people in our community see and connect to the world. prgtoken It is no secret that Tempe Sister Cities is one of the leading sister cities organizations in the world--distinguished by an unyielding commitment to make sure that each generation of Tempe students can learn and grow. So many lives have also been improved through its humanitarian programs, which range from medical support for individuals with disabilities to empowering women and children through resources that elevate their status. prgtoken I want to recognize and thank every person who has dedicated their time and talents to make Tempe Sister Cities the tremendous change- maker that it is today. I join our community in celebration of 50 incredible years and wishes for many more.
RECOGNITION OF INTERNATIONAL PLASMA AWARENESS WEEK
Doris O. Matsui (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2022-10-4

. Madam , I rise today in support of patients across the United States and worldwide who rely upon medicines made from donated plasma. October 3-7 is International Plasma Awareness Week (IPAW), and this year, 2022 marks the 10th annual IPAW. The need for plasma donation remains ongoing coming out of the decline in donations seen during the COVID-19 pandemic and helps create lifesaving therapies to treat individuals living with rare diseases. This week, patients, plasma donors, and plasma collection centers will join together to observe IPAW via a range of events seeking to raise global awareness of the crucial need for plasma to create lifesaving therapies, recognize that plasma donors contribute greatly in saving and improving lives, and increase the understanding of the many rare diseases and plasma protein therapies that help to treat them. prgtoken Plasma-derived therapies and recombinant blood clotting factors, collectively known as plasma protein therapies, are unique biologic medicines that are either infused or injected to treat a variety of rare, life-threatening, chronic, and genetic diseases, including bleeding disorders, hereditary angioedema, immune deficiencies, pulmonary disorders, neurological disorders, and infectious diseases such as tetanus, hepatitis, and rabies. Hundreds of thousands people in the U.S. who live with these rare diseases, and countless others facing trauma and emergency medical needs every day, rely on plasma protein therapies that are only available because of the commitment of dedicated plasma donors. prgtoken Plasma protein therapies have significantly improved the quality of life, markedly improved patient outcomes, and extended the life expectancy of men, women, and children in every community across the country. Healthy, committed donors provide the plasma essential to manufacture these lifesaving therapies. There are now over 1,000 plasma collection centers in the U.S. that have demonstrated their commitment to plasma donor and patient safety and quality by earning International Quality Plasma Program (IQPP) certification. I ask that my colleagues in the House of Representatives join me and rise in commemoration of International Plasma Awareness Week, honoring those committed donors and collection centers who make and collect needed and lifesaving contributions.
PAYING TRIBUTE TO THE HONORABLE JAMES J. FLORIO: LIFE AND LEGACY
Donald Norcross (Democrat, NJ) \u2014 2022-10-4

. Madam , I rise today to pay tribute to my late friend and former governor, Jim Florio--a dedicated public servant who cared deeply for those in New Jersey and the Nation. prgtoken Governor James J. Florio was born in Brooklyn, New York on August 29, 1937. He was raised by his mother, a homemaker, and his father, an Italian American shipyard painter. Before completing high school, James Florio enlisted in the United States Navy and served for three years before his discharge in 1958. He continued to serve as a naval reservist for eighteen years, achieving the rank of Lieutenant Commander. Following his service, Governor Florio earned his high school equivalency degree from the State of New Jersey. He went on to complete an undergraduate degree from Trenton State College before earning a J.D. from Rutgers University in 1967. Prior to being elected to the New Jersey General Assembly in 1969, Governor Florio was the Assistant City Attorney for the City of Camden, New Jersey. He would serve in the General Assembly for four years, and in 1974 was elected to the House of Representatives for fifteen years before being elected Governor of New Jersey in 1989. prgtoken Governor Florio was an environmentalist long before it was popular. In Congress, Governor Florio was the prime sponsor of the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act, known as the Superfund Act, which was one of the most remarkable pieces of legislation which cleaned up hazardous sites across the country. It was an initiative that aimed to reduce the number of toxic dumping sites across the United States and especially in the State of New Jersey. prgtoken On January 16, 1990, Governor James Florio was inaugurated as the 49th Governor of New Jersey, becoming the first Italian American to hold the position. Governor Florio helped to craft legislation that led to the creation of the Pinelands National Reserve and signed the Clean Water Act, one of the strictest in the Nation at the time. He also oversaw legislation restricting semi-automatic assault weapons in the State of New Jersey and received the John F. Kennedy Profiles in Courage Award for his efforts in championing gun control. prgtoken After his term as Governor, he was appointed as a Professor of Public Policy and Administration at the Edward J. Blaustein School at Rutgers University, and was also a founding partner of Florio, Perrucci, Steinhardt, Cappelli, Tipton & Taylor, LLC. In 2002, he was appointed Chair of the New Jersey Pinelands Commission by former Governor James McGreevey, a role he proudly held for three years before serving as Chairman of the Federal Home Loan Bank of New York's Board of Directors. prgtoken Governor James J. Florio was the beloved husband of 42 years to Lucinda (Coleman) and loving father of Christopher, Gregory, Catherine (Pipas) as well as stepfather to Mark Rowe. He also was a brother, grandfather of ten and great grandfather of two. <
RECOGNITION OF WILLIAM EMMONS AND HIS SERVICE TO THE HOUSE COMMITTEE ON THE JUDICIARY
Jerrold Nadler (Democrat, NY) \u2014 2022-10-4

. Madam , I rise, along with Representative Steve Cohen, Chair of the Subcommittee on the Constitution, Civil Rights, and Civil Liberties, to thank William Emmons for his service to the Committee on the Judiciary. prgtoken Will received his bachelor's degree from The College of William and Mary and began his career in public policy as a Legislative Intern for Representative Suzanne Bonamici. Will first joined the Judiciary Committee as an intern in 2018 and he returned in 2019 as Professional Staff Member for the Subcommittee on the Constitution, Civil Rights, and Civil Liberties. prgtoken Will's work was essential to the success of much of the Constitution subcommittee's activities, including its 13 hearings on voting rights, two field hearings where he handled almost all of the logistical matters regarding transporting equipment and setting up hearing locations, and a number of other high-profile hearings like the one marking the 100th anniversary of the Tulsa race riots. prgtoken Will assisted considerably with respect to helping various counsels involved in the first impeachment of and he also contributed substantive work product on important and politically sensitive matters, most notably with respect to researching the background on our hearing on Congressional authority over member conduct and discipline. prgtoken Through it all, in demanding and stressful situations, he proved to be a smart, dedicated staffer who worked very hard on many critical but often unseen tasks with conscientiousness, grace, and good humor. prgtoken For nearly four years, I have been fortunate to count Will among my staff. I, and the American people, have greatly benefited from his passion for public policy, his dedication to service, and his commitment to excellence. No doubt he will be successful in his future endeavors and an asset to his future colleagues. prgtoken While we are sad to see Will go and he will certainly be missed, we are happy that he will continue to serve the public interest in his new non-profit role in New York. prgtoken We thank William Emmons for his service to the Committee and wish him the best of luck with this new chapter.
CONGRATULATING RON HERRERA ON HIS RETIREMENT FROM TEAMSTERS LOCAL 396
Lucille Roybal-Allard (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2022-10-4

. Madam , I rise today to congratulate and thank Ron Herrera on his retirement earlier this summer from Teamsters Local 396 following nearly two decades leading his local union. prgtoken Ron Herrera grew up in a working-class neighborhood in Wilmington, CA as part of a proud union family. For generations, the Herrera family has fought to improve the lives of workers. Ron's grandfather was a veteran of the copper mines of Arizona, fighting the kinds of abuses and discrimination portrayed in the classic strike film Salt of the Earth. His father was a committed union man who worked the Ports of Long Beach, Los Angeles, and Oakland as a member of the Longshoremen's Union. He instilled in Ron a profound respect for worker rights, social justice, and the invaluable role the labor movement plays in advancing the interests of working people. Ron Herrera began his own union career in 1975 as a package car driver for United Parcel Service. At the time, he was one of a handful of Latino drivers employed by UPS. He first distinguished himself as a leader in the labor movement during the 1997 UPS Teamsters strike--the largest strike in U.S. history. prgtoken Teamsters champion freight drivers and warehouse workers but organize for numerous occupations. Teamsters Local 396 represents UPS and Sanitation workers in Southern California. The local union also serves members in other industries such as logistics, recycling, and feed delivery services. During his 24 years as a rank-and-file Teamster member, Ron Herrera represented his fellow members as a United Parcel Service Shop Steward. In 2000, he was hired as Business Representative for Teamsters Local 396 and in 2001 he became the President of his local union. In 2003, he was elected to the Local 396 Principal Officer position. prgtoken Ron Herrera has led many successful organizing campaigns and helped pass prgtoken groundbreaking legislation at the municipal and state levels. These campaigns have helped workers become Teamsters Union members, allowing them to provide a better-quality life for their families. prgtoken In 2011, Ron Herrera was elected as a Trustee of the International Brotherhood of Teamsters Executive Board and he later served as Western Region Vice President from 2015 to 2022. prgtoken On September 16, 2019, Ron Herrera was nominated and elected President of the LA County Federation. The LA County Federation is the second largest labor council in the United States with over 300 affiliated union and labor organizations that represents more than 800,000 members in the Los Angeles County area. prgtoken In 2020, Ron Herrera cast his vote as one of California's fifty-five Electoral College Electors for now President and Vice President . prgtoken Ron's efforts over two decades included raising the standard of living for sanitation workers. He fought for higher wages, better benefits, and secured contract language to protect immigrant workers
HONORING TRICIA NICESWANGER AS IOWAN OF THE WEEK
Cynthia Axne (Democrat, IA) \u2014 2022-10-4

. Madam , I rise today to ask the House of Representatives to join me in recognizing Trisha Niceswanger, a teacher and Speech & Debate coach at Atlantic High School, as our Iowan of the Week. prgtoken Speech & Debate teams provide high school students with incredible skills that can be applied everywhere in the real world, like public speaking, speech writing, performance, and self-confidence. It also teaches students how to build perspective, prepare formal remarks, and think critically about how they portray themselves and their message. These life skills and abilities have never been more crucial than they are today, and it takes someone truly special to be able to successfully show our students what they are capable of. That is why, today, I am so proud to be honoring Trisha Niceswanger for her work and dedication as the Speech & Debate coach for Atlantic High School. prgtoken Trisha has been at Atlantic High School for 8 years. She not only serves as the Speech & Debate coach, but she also serves Atlantic High School as a Spanish teacher. No matter the capacity she is working in, she is always finding ways to teach and inspire our future generations to realize their own potential. Trisha co-coaches the Speech & Debate team, with her primary focus being on coaching the Individual and Large Group Speech teams. This year, during the Individual Speech season, 28 of Trisha's students received Division 1 ratings at the District Speech competition. This rating automatically advanced those students to the State Speech competition. Of those 28 students, 8 were freshmen. Ultimately, this year Trisha coached 3 students, I freshman and 2 juniors, who were nominated for the All-State Speech competition taking prgtoken place on March 28th at the University of Northern Iowa. prgtoken Trisha's clear leadership in her role as the Speech & Debate coach has not only produced outstanding results, but she's also notable because of the impact she makes on her students. Trisha participated in Speech & Debate when she was in high school, and it showed her that these competitions are much more than standing up and talking. She coaches her students through the performance of speech, and how every category within the competition caters to unique strengths we all have within us. Review or Spontaneous Speaking can be for students who thrive in analytical or argumentative settings, while Poetry or Prose allows students to tap into illustrations and emotions through words. Trisha helps guide these students to find the strengths they carry as people, and when students realize these strengths, she sees the impact it has on every one of them. prgtoken Trisha says the most fulfilling aspect of the work she does is seeing students try something new and come out of their shell. Speech & Debate can be a daunting activity for students to try out. It puts the student in the spotlight, especially for Individual Speech, where students perform so