mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
COMMEMORATING THE 100TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE J. HOWARD SNYDER VFW POST 781
Guy Reschenthaler (Republican, PA) \u2014 2021-7-6

. Madam , I rise to recognize the 100th anniversary of the J. Howard Snyder Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 781 (VFW), which was founded in North Huntingdon, Pennsylvania on June 24, 1921. prgtoken Post 781 is named after Corporal J. Howard Snyder, the first American soldier from Irwin, Pennsylvania to die in World War I. Cpl. Snyder passed away on August 13, 1918, three days after his twenty-second birthday and three months before the truce that ended the war. On April 3, 1921, Cpl. Snyder's body came home to Irwin and a burial service was held the next day. The community came together to mourn the death of a young man whose life was taken too soon, with shops along main street closing to observe the procession and burial. With the funeral fresh on their minds, local veterans decided to honor J. Howard Snyder when founding VFW Post 781. prgtoken For the last 100 years, Post 781 has been an invaluable resource for generations of veterans, as well as an integral part of the local community. Post 781 brings residents together for fish fries, sponsors the annual Irwin Memorial Day parade, and maintains the gravesites of local veterans. In 2017, members of Post 781 sourced a headstone for a Civil War veteran whose grave had been unmarked for 125 years in Irwin Union Cemetery. Forever devoted to improving the lives of their fellow veterans, Post 781 distributes food to veterans in need and provides an outlet for those processing their service to our country. prgtoken Madam , members of the J. Howard Snyder Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 781 have demonstrated remarkable commitment to those who served and to the local community. As an Iraq War veteran, I'm honored to recognize the 100th birthday of an organization that does so much for my fellow veterans. I have no doubt that Post 781 will remain an integral part or their community in their next 100 years.
HONORING THE 100TH ANNIVERSARY OF NANCY DAVIS REAGAN'S BIRTH
Young Kim (Republican, CA) \u2014 2021-7-6

. Madam , I rise today joined by my colleague, Rep. Steel, to commemorate the birthday of one of our Nation's greatest First Ladies and a true American patriot. 100 years ago, on July 6, Nancy Reagan was born. Throughout her lifetime, she served in many roles--from movie star to loving mother, from First Lady of both California and the United States to distinguished philanthropist. No matter her position, she fulfilled her duties with grace; elegance; and, above all, class. prgtoken As First Lady of California, Nancy became involved with important charitable work, including visiting Vietnam War veterans, homes for the elderly, and schools for physically and emotionally handicapped children. She participated in events raising awareness about prisoners of war and servicemembers missing in action. She also promoted the Foster Grandparent Program, a volunteer opportunity for older Americans to mentor, guide, and care for children with exceptional needs. This program continues to make important contributions to this day, benefitting both children and elderly people. According to the Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation and Institute, showcasing the power of Mrs. Reagan's attention, in the program's first year of operation, 782 foster grandparents carried out projects in 27 States. By 1985, some 19,000 foster grandparents served 65,000 children in all 50 states. prgtoken As First Lady during President Reagan's two terms, she led the charge on educating our Nation' s youth on the dangers of drug use and addiction, teaching a generation of children and young adults to ``Just Say No.'' In 1985, she hosted First Ladies from across the world for a briefing in Washington and Atlanta on the topic of drug abuse and what can be done to help those who are suffering from it. Her drive to educate young people about the dangers of illicit drugs demonstrates her commitment to the future of our nation. prgtoken After her time in the White House, Nancy had a profound impact in our own communities through her support of the Reagan Library in Simi Valley. It was through her guidance and influence that the Reagan Library became one of the most esteemed centers for learning and Presidential scholarship in the country. She also continued the push to educate people on the perils of substance abuse and established the Nancy Reagan Foundation and the Nancy Reagan Afterschool Program to support this mission. prgtoken After President Reagan passed away, she became a leading advocate for individuals suffering from Alzheimer's Disease and their caregivers. Nancy worked with the National Alzheimer's Association and its affiliate, the Ronald & Nancy Reagan Research Institute in Chicago, Illinois, to find a cure or treatment for this terrible disease that plagues so many in our country. She courageously continued President Reagan's legacy in serving our country until her death in 2016. She is buried on the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library g
CONGRATULATING THE ROTARY CLUB OF QUITMAN, TEXAS, ON 75 YEARS OF SERVICE
Lance Gooden (Republican, TX) \u2014 2021-7-6

. Madam , I rise today to congratulate the Rotary Club of Quitman, Texas, which is celebrating 75 years of service. prgtoken Since January 7, 1946, the Rotary Club of Quitman has consistently served not only the Quitman community, but also Wood County, Texas, and beyond. prgtoken The membership of this club has included innovative leaders of business and government, city council members, mayors, school principals, administrators, superintendents, doctors, lawyers, members of the clergy, and numerous prominent citizens of the Quitman community. prgtoken While membership is important, the true measure of a club or organization is the service they provide to their community. In this regard, the Rotary Club of Quitman is truly admirable. prgtoken The club concentrates its efforts to support the youth of the Quitman Independent School District and other worthy community initiatives. During its long history, it has funded college scholarships for graduating seniors, sponsored a Rotaract club for high school students, funded the first infrared camera for the city's fire department, supported youth at Rotary Youth Leadership Awards (RYLA) camp, as well as other efforts to support the youth. One of the scholarships honors a local veteran of the Vietnam Conflict who, after a distinguished military career, served as Wood County Judge and a Rotarian. prgtoken I wish to thank each member of the Rotary Club of Quitman for their continuous, dedicated commitment to improving the lives of others. It is an honor to represent these members in our Nation's Capital. prgtoken Again, congratulations to the Rotary Club of Quitman, Texas on 75 outstanding years.
HONORING AND REMEMBERING THE LIFE OF BJ BOATMAN
Paul A. Gosar (Republican, AZ) \u2014 2021-7-6

. Madam , I rise today to honor the dedicated service and life of the loved firefighter, Bryan Jeffrey Boatman. prgtoken Known as ``BJ'' to his loved ones and friends, BJ passed away at the young age of 37 in the service of his community, while assisting the U.S. Forest Service fighting wildland fires on Tuesday, July 7, 2020, near Payson, Arizona. prgtoken BJ leaves behind his devoted wife, Elizabeth Marie Boatman, and his young 8-year-old daughter, Claire Elizabeth Boatman. BJ loved what he did, serving and helping others his whole life. In this steadfast support of his community, he made the ultimate sacrifice, giving his life battling wildland fires, which so threaten our Western communities. Boatman is a hero whose selflessness and sacrifice exemplifies the best qualities of what it means to be good father, husband, and American. prgtoken Madam , I express a sincere form of gratitude to BJ Boatman, and I offer my prayers to Elizabeth and Claire, who lost a father and a husband far too soon. I encourage my colleagues to join me in honoring BJ's legacy and bravery, standing humbly in his memory having benefitted from the protection he gave our country. It is on the backs of great men like BJ that our Nation is protected, and how we can sleep peacefully at night knowing people watch over the safety of our families, homes, and communities. prgtoken BJ will never be forgotten.
PERSONAL EXPLANATION
Jim Hagedorn (Republican, MN) \u2014 2021-7-6

. Madam , had I been present for the vote on Agreeing to the prgtoken Davids Amendment En Bloc No. 5, I would have voted Nay; had I been present for the vote on Agreeing to the Lee Amendment No. 132, I would have voted Nay; had I been present for the vote on Agreeing to the Motion to Recommit H.R. 3684 With Instructions, I would have voted Yea; and had I been present for the vote on Final Passage of H.R. 3684, as amended, I would have voted Nay
INTRODUCTION OF A BILL TO PERMIT THE FLAG OF THE UNITED STATES TO BE FLOWN AT HALF-STAFF IN THE EVENT OF THE DEATH OF A MAYOR OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA
Eleanor Holmes Norton (Democrat, DC) \u2014 2021-7-6

. Madam , today, I introduce a bill that would make a small but respectful change to federal law by adding the Mayor of the District of Columbia to the list of named principals for whom the President shall order the U.S. flag be flown at half-staff. Current law states that the President shall make this order ``upon the death of principal figures of the United States Government and the Governor of a State, territory, or possession, as a mark of respect to their memory.'' Surely the D.C. Mayor should qualify as such a principal. My bill would add the D.C. Mayor, who has the same responsibilities as state and territory governors, to the current list of officials. This bill is a continuation of our ``Free and Equal D.C.'' series to ensure fair recognition of the nearly 700,000 citizens of the District of Columbia. Last Congress, the Judiciary Committee passed the bill. prgtoken Congress has already acknowledged that the District of Columbia is entitled to a place among the states for certain honors. The requested addition is not as expansive as others that Congress has already recognized. For example, legislation I have gotten enacted has ensured that the District of Columbia War Memorial honors only District residents who served in World War I, as intended, and that D.C.'s Frederick Douglass statue sits in the Capitol, alongside statues from the 50 states. We also successfully worked with the U.S. Postal Service to create a D.C. stamp, like the stamps for the 50 states, and worked with the National Park Service to add the D.C. flag alongside the state flags near Union Station. prgtoken Legislation was also enacted to give D.C. a coin after it was omitted from legislation creating coins for the 50 states. Legislation required the armed services to display the District flag whenever the flags of the states are displayed. With these significant actions by Congress, it is not too much to ask to add the Mayor to the list of principals who are recognized upon their deaths. prgtoken I urge my colleagues to support this bill.
HONORING THOMAS HARPER
Andy Kim (Democrat, NJ) \u2014 2021-7-6

. Madam , I rise today to honor Thomas A. Harper. prgtoken Mr. Harper proudly served his country during the Korea War and embodies the resilience and fortitude of the great men and women who serve in our Nation's military. During his time in the U.S. Army, Mr. Harper gained the role of Sergeant First Class, served in the Battle of Pork Chop Hill and was awarded two Purple Hearts. For Mr. Harper's valor and service in the Battle of Pork Chop Hill, Gregory Peck, an actor in the movie, Pork Chip Hill, met with Mr. Harper to conduct research for his role. prgtoken I would like to formally thank Mr. Harper for his service to the United States of America.
REMEMBERING DUDLEY WILLIAMS
James A. Himes (Democrat, CT) \u2014 2021-7-6

. Madam , I rise today to honor the life of Dudley Williams, a beloved public servant and my good friend. prgtoken Dudley committed so much of his distinguished career to the betterment of the City of Stamford. He first moved to Stamford in 1989, with his wife, Juanita James, and son, Dudley Williams III. He contributed greatly to the vibrancy of the Stamford community. Dudley served three terms on the Stamford Board of Education, two as President. prgtoken Dudley also served on the Stamford Planning Board and the Stamford Board of Finance. His involvement in Connecticut and the City of Stamford goes beyond these positions, as Dudley held leadership positions at a variety of nonprofits, including the Ferguson Library, Avon Theatre, the Children's Learning Center, and the Stamford YMCA. In these positions, he enriched the lives and livelihoods of families throughout southwestern Connecticut. He also served as President and CEO of the Mill River Park Collaborative, where he used his ability to bring people together to create a space to strengthen the community. prgtoken Dudley made many immeasurable contributions to the community throughout his life. We will forever be grateful for Dudley's spirit, compassion, generosity, and we will miss him dearly.
HONORING WILLIAM HAVEMANN'S SERVICE TO THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Jerrold Nadler (Democrat, NY) \u2014 2021-7-6

. Madam , I would like to take this opportunity to recognize the exceptional service of William E. Havemann, who served in the House's Office of General Counsel as an Associate General Counsel. prgtoken During his tenure, Mr. Havemann played an integral role in advancing and protecting the legal interests of the House of Representatives and its Members, Officers, and employees in connection with Federal court litigation involving issues of the highest institutional importance. Mr. Havemann provided invaluable legal counsel and representation to numerous Committees of the House, greatly assisting them both in fulfilling their constitutionally authorized oversight functions and defending those prerogatives in litigation. In particular, Mr. Havemann was primarily responsible for developing the House's legal position in support of challenges to the administration's attempt to change the criteria for determining whether immigrants to the United States are likely to become a ``public charge.'' The amicus briefs filed by the House and oral arguments presented by Mr. Havemann directly contributed to the administration's position being invalidated by multiple federal courts. prgtoken Additionally, Mr. Havemann provided essential legal counsel to the House regarding both Presidential impeachments, as well as with respect to the defense of long-standing institutional powers, including House Committees' authority to enforce its subpoenas and the House's constitutional authority to adopt rules permitting its Members to participate in the legislative process remotely by proxy during an unprecedented global pandemic. prgtoken Mr. Havemann's work on behalf of the House has been of the highest caliber and I have no doubt that clients of the Hogan Lovells' law firm will benefit from his excellent legal counsel. On behalf of the entire House community, I thank Mr. Havemann for his dedicated service to the House, and I wish for him the very best in all of his future endeavors.
HONORING THE PHILADELPHIA ORCHESTRA AND KIMMEL CENTER
Dwight Evans (Democrat, PA) \u2014 2021-7-6

. Madam , I rise today to honor two cultural institutions in my district who have announced that they are formally merging. The Philadelphia Orchestra and the Kimmel Center are poised to bring the greatest performances and most impactful education and community programs, in person and digitally, to audiences in Philadelphia, nationally and worldwide. prgtoken This merger is an example of how cultural and creative non-profits can be drivers of a post-pandemic economy. The creative and performing arts play an integral role in Philadelphia and across all Congressional Districts. This new cultural and creative non-profit will be led by Matias Tarnopolsky. America is a land of immigrants and his family's journey from Argentina to the United Kingdom to California to Pennsylvania is inspiring. prgtoken The Kimmel Center is America's premier performing arts venue. I join countless Philadelphians with unforgettable memories from visits to this exquisite hall. My constituents and visitors from across the world have watched performances there as well as celebrating weddings and graduations. prgtoken The Philadelphia Orchestra has a deep partnership with the State Department. They are the only American orchestra to visit Vietnam. They have performed for our troops in Korea and to mark 30 years of democracy, they made history by traveling to Mongolia. prgtoken I join the constituents of Pennsylvania's 3rd Congressional District in extending warm wishes to the Philadelphia Orchestra and the Kimmel Center in this new venture.
REMEMBERING PHILLIP COX
Devin Nunes (Republican, CA) \u2014 2021-7-9

. Madam , I rise today to honor the life of Phillip Andrew Cox, a lifelong Visalia resident, businessman, and public servant. prgtoken Born to Samuel Elmer Cox and Lou Emma Strange on a small farm in Laton, California on April 17, 1957, Phil moved to Visalia before his second birthday. He remained dedicated to the Visalia community throughout his life. prgtoken After graduating from Mt. Whitney High School, Phil served in Switzerland as a missionary for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter- day Saints. Following his service, Phil returned to Visalia to attend the College of the Sequoias. In 1985, Phillip founded Cox Sheet Metal Company. Twelve years later, he opened Visalia Paintball Supply. During this period, Phillip was also an advisory committee member and served on the Visalia Planning Commission. prgtoken Phil's love for his community motivated him to pursue elected office, where he worked to improve the health of his community and build a reputation for his tireless dedication to public service. In 2001, Phil was first elected to the Visalia City Council; he then served on the Tulare County Board of Supervisors for twelve distinguished years. Phil later returned to his roots, rejoining the Visalia City Council. prgtoken Outside of public office, Phil served as a scoutmaster and merit badge counselor for the Boy Scouts of America and was a local varsity athletics coach. Whether government or extracurriculars, Phillip's dedication to his community was unparalleled. prgtoken Phil died on June 16, 2021. A beloved member of his community, he will be greatly missed by many. prgtoken Phillip is survived by his wife, Connie, and his children, Phillip II, Robert, Matthew, Kevin, Timothy, Kimberly, and Heidi. He also leaves behind twenty-two grandchildren. I offer his family my deepest condolences. His presence will be greatly missed.
HAPPY 100TH BIRTHDAY TO MRS. GERALDINE (GERRY) PRICE CHILDRESS BAGLEY
Doug Lamborn (Republican, CO) \u2014 2021-7-9

. Madam , I rise today to extend my sincerest congratulations and Happy Birthday wishes to a true woman of God and public servant, Mrs. Geraldine (Gerry) Price Childress Bagley, who celebrated her 100th birthday on June 15, 2021. prgtoken Over the last century, Gerry has lived through the Roaring '20s, the Great Depression, countless wars, the Cold War, the moon landings, and amazing innovations such as the discovery of penicillin, color television and the internet. She has also witnessed the tenure of 18 United States Presidents beginning with Warren G. Harding. prgtoken Mrs. Geraldine Price Childress Bagley has lived with conviction, genuine faith, and dignity for the past century. Through her 100 years, she says, ``God is faithful.'' prgtoken Madam , I ask my colleagues in the U.S. House of Representatives to join my wife, Jeanie, and I, along with the people of Colorado's Fifth Congressional District, in honoring an outstanding patriot, friend, and prayer warrior, Mrs. Geraldine Price Childress Bagley, for a lifetime of dedicated service to her family, her community, and her Nation. God has blessed her for over 100 years, and for that, and the lives she has touched, we can only say, To God be the glory.
CONGRATULATING CHRIS NILSEN
Dusty Johnson (Republican, SD) \u2014 2021-7-9

. Madam , I rise today to congratulate University of South Dakota alum Chris Nilsen for placing first in the pole vault at the U.S. Olympic Trials and qualifying for the 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo. prgtoken During the Trials, Chris made his first six attempts, clearing both the Olympic standard and the championship clinching height without a miss. He currently ranks fifth in the world heading into the Games. His success at the Trials is just one of the many impressive feats in his pole-vaulting career. prgtoken As a Coyote, Chris was a three-time NCAA Champion and seven-time All- American. He was also named USTFCCCA National Field Athlete of the Year. He graduated from USD in 2020. prgtoken This is not the first time Chris Nilsen will represent USD and the U.S. on the big stage. In 2019, he won gold at the Pan American Games. He also represented the U.S. at the 2017 World Championships and qualified for the 2016 Olympic Trials at the age of 18. prgtoken I want to congratulate Chris on winning the event and punching his ticket to Tokyo. I look forward to cheering him and the rest of Team USA on at the Olympic Games.
PERSONAL EXPLANATION
Jodey C. Arrington (Republican, TX) \u2014 2021-7-9

. Madam , unfortunately, I was unable to be present for several votes. prgtoken Had I been present, I would have voted ``nay'' on rollcall No. 193; ``yea'' on rollcall No. 194; ``nay'' on rollcall No. 195; ``nay'' on rollcall No. 196; ``nay'' on rollcall No. 197; ``nay'' on rollcall No. 198; ``nay'' on rollcall No. 199; ``nay'' on rollcall No. 200; ``nay'' on rollcall No. 201; ``yea'' on rollcall No. 202; ``nay'' on rollcall No. 203; and ``yea'' on rollcall No. 204.