mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
HONORING THE LIFE OF FORMER MICHIGAN ATTORNEY GENERAL FRANK KELLEY
Debbie Dingell (Democrat, MI) \u2014 2021-4-1

. Madam , I rise today to honor the life and legacy of Former Michigan Attorney General Frank Kelley. His contributions to the State of Michigan and to our nation are worthy of commendation. prgtoken Frank Kelley was born in Detroit, Michigan in 1924. The first in his family to graduate from college, he attended the University of Detroit where he earned his law degree and then moved to Alpena, Michigan to serve as city attorney. He was appointed to the position of Michigan Attorney General by Governor John Swainson in 1961. The longest serving attorney general in Michigan history, he served for thirty-seven years under five different Governors, both s and . He often recalled what U.S. Attorney General Robert Kertnedy told him shortly before his appointment to the office of Michigan Attorney General: ``Reach out against injustice wherever you see it and protect the public.'' He truly was the people's lawyer. prgtoken During his tenure as Michigan Attorney General, he was known for his leadership on the issues of the environment, civil rights, and consumer protection. He fought back against utility companies and powerful corporations regardless of if it could damage his political career. In the early 1960s, when it remained unpopular to advocate for racial justice, he prosecuted a White gang for the killing of a young Black man named Grady Little. From combating high interest rates and price fixing to protecting our natural resources, he was relentless in the pursuit of justice for all Michiganders. A chamion for the environment even in retirement, he was there in January 2020 when Governor Whitmer and Attorney General Dana Nessel announced a lawsuit against seventeen chemical companies accused of being responsible for PFAS contamination. The lasting impact of his work on the State of Michigan and its citizens is impossible to measure. prgtoken Madam , I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring the life and legacy of former Michigan Attorney General Frank Kelley, a friend and mentor to many. He has honorably served our State and this country. Our thoughts are with the Kelley family and the people of the State of Michigan at this time as they mourn the loss of the eternal general.
IN RECOGNITION OF PAUL J. MAHER FOR HIS LIFETIME OF SERVICE TO NORTHEASTERN PENNSYLVANIA
Matt Cartwright (Democrat, PA) \u2014 2021-4-1

. Madam , I rise today to honor the life and legacy of public servant, community leader, and United States Army veteran Paul J. Maher. Paul peacefully passed away at the age of 87 on February 19, 2021. prgtoken Paul was born in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, to Paul W. and Elizabeth Zwiebel Maher. He graduated from Mary's High School, and he remained actively involved with his alma mater as an alumnus, coordinating class reunions. He also attended Wilkes College and Wyoming Seminary. prgtoken Answering the call to serve his country, Paul enlisted in the United States Army and served during the Korean conflict. Before being discharged as a sergeant, he served at Fort Bragg, North Carolina, with the 81st Chemical Group attached to the 82nd Airborne, holding the positions of company administrator and desk sergeant. After the Army, he had successful careers in banking and sales. prgtoken In 1971, Paul began his political career as the Coordinator of Federal Funds for the City of Wilkes-Barre where he worked closely with the late Congressman Dan Flood. His service to the city was instrumental in the aftermath of Hurricane Agnes in 1972. He attended flood recovery meetings and helped set up trailer parks for displaced residents, and he was a founding member and chairman of the South Wilkes-Barre Action Committee. In 1976, the late chairman of the Commissioner Board, F.C. Wideman, Jr appointed Paul as the first Luzerne County Budget and Personnel Director where he oversaw allocations of funds and started a program to engage service clubs and women's organizations in the budget process. prgtoken In 1985, he began his 26-year career working with Congressman Paul Kanjorski of Pennsylvania's 11th Congressional District as a field representative, serving as a liaison for all unions and managing small business inquiries. He was a well-known presence in the community, representing the Congressman at community events. prgtoken Paul was generous with his time and active in South Wilkes-Barre throughout his life. He volunteered at organizations like the St. Vincent de Paul Kitchen and the Wilkes-Barre Catholic Youth Center and served on councils and authorities such as the Wyoming Valley Sanitary Authority and the Wilkes-Barre Parking Authority. He was a member of many community and social clubs, including the Wilkes-Barre and Hanover Township American Legions, the Sons of St. Patrick, and the Donegal Society. Following his interest in politics, he served as ic State committeeman for four decades. Paul organized and coached football for youth and high school teams, and he was inducted into the Wyoming Valley Boxing Hall of Fame in 1998 as a boxing judge. prgtoken Paul was married to his wife, Judith Delong, for 18 years, and he took great joy connecting with his extended family. Paul dedicated his time and energy to the betterment of his community and his county, and I am humbled to honor the life of this true public ser
CONGRATULATING JAMES C. DUFF ON HIS RETIREMENT FROM THE ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICE OF THE U.S. COURTS
Jerrold Nadler (Democrat, NY) \u2014 2021-4-1

. Madam , I rise today, along with Representative Hank Johnson, chair of the Subcommittee on Courts, Intellectual Property, and the Internet to honor and congratulate James Duff, who recently retired from his position as Director of the Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts. In his role as Director, he also served as Secretary of the Judicial Conference of the United States, the principal policy-making body of the federal Judiciary. The Supreme Court and our federal court system are a cornerstone of our democracy; the third branch of our government is tasked with rendering impartial justice through interpreting and applying the laws that we in Congress pass, and of course, the Constitution. The judges and Justices who have this enormous responsibility rely on the Administrative Office to set them up for success, and this is no small undertaking. During his more than eleven years of service, Director Duff guided the courts through government shutdowns and the COVID-19 pandemic among other challenges, dedicating his efforts to ensuring that our federal courts have the resources and support they need to faithfully fulfill their constitutional role as the third branch of government. prgtoken Even prior to his role as Director, Mr. Duff had a long history of public service with the courts, particularly the Supreme Court. He was an assistant to Chief Justice Warren E. Burger while studying at Georgetown Law. From 1996-2000, he was a counselor/administrative assistant to Chief Justice William H. Rehnquist. In that role, he was the Court's liaison to Congress, the executive branch, and various state and federal organizations involved with the administration of justice and assisted the Chief Justice in his duties as Chancellor of the Smithsonian Institution. prgtoken Besides his work for the courts, Director Duff has been active in the community and educating the next generation of lawyers. He has served as the chairman of the Supreme Court Fellows Commission, a board member of the Supreme Court Historical Society, and an adjunct faculty member at Georgetown University, teaching constitutional law and civil liberties. In 2012, he was named to the University of Kentucky Arts & Sciences Hall of Fame and was the recipient of the Georgetown Entertainment and Media Law Achievement Award. In 2014, Director Duff was appointed to Georgetown Law's Board of Visitors and was named the Peter Mullen Professor of Law. prgtoken Upon appointment from Chief Justice Roberts, Director Duff twice served as the Director of the Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts, from 2006 to 2011, and from 2015 to 2021. About his tenure, the Chief Justice shared the following congratulatory words which are worth reiterating here: Jim Duff has provided invaluable service to the Judiciary during his first term as Director from 2006 to 2011 and his second term from 2015 to the present. During these periods, he has provided
INFANT FORMULA PROTECTION ACT OF 2021
Grace Meng (Democrat, NY) \u2014 2021-4-1

. Madam , I rise today to announce the reintroduction of my Infant Formula Protection Act of 2021. The measure would prevent pharmacies, supermarkets, convenience stores, and other establishments from selling expired baby formula and would consider the sale of baby formula after the product's ``use by'' date to be a prohibited act. A retailer that commits such an act can incur fines and penalties. prgtoken The practice of selling expired baby formula is not only legal but widespread. As a mom, I know the fear and pressure that comes with caring for a newborn; all a new parent wants is to make sure their baby is healthy. Busy parents need to be able to rely on the safety of products, like formula, that they buy in grocery stores in order to make sure that their newborns are well-fed and healthy. Retailers that stock expired formula--even by just a few days--pose real health risks to infants. prgtoken Madam , we cannot take chances with what we feed our babies, and parents must be able to trust the safety of the products that they buy in their stores. I urge all of my colleagues to support the Infant Formula Protection Act.
ADDISON LENCHNER
Ed Perlmutter (Democrat, CO) \u2014 2021-4-1

. Madam , I rise today to recognize and applaud Addison Lenchner for receiving the Arvada Wheat Ridge Service Ambassadors for Youth award. prgtoken Addison Lenchner is a student at Arvada K-8 and received this award because her determination and hard work have allowed her to overcome adversities. prgtoken The dedication demonstrated by Addison Lenchner is exemplary of the type of achievement that can be attained with hard work and perseverance. It is essential students at all levels strive to make the most of their education and develop a work ethic which will guide them for the rest of their lives. prgtoken I extend my deepest congratulations to Addison Lenchner for winning the Arvada Wheat Ridge Service Ambassador for Youth award. I have no doubt she will exhibit the same dedication and character in all of her future accomplishments.
INTRODUCTION OF THE HISTORIC TAX CREDIT GROWTH AND OPPORTUNITY ACT OF 2021
Earl Blumenauer (Democrat, OR) \u2014 2021-4-1

. Madam , today I introduced the Historic Tax Credit Growth and Opportunity Act of 2021. This legislation passed the House last session in Title III of Division M of the Moving Forward Act (H.R. 2, 116th Cong.). It would bring relief to historic rehabilitation projects impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic while also improving the credit for smaller projects and expanding the number of projects eligible to receive the credit. prgtoken Since its inception in 1976, the Historic Tax Credit (HTC) has incentivized private sector investment in rehabilitating historic buildings. The HTC has attracted approximately $173 billion in private capital in the last 45 years, helping to rehabilitate and revitalize communities. More than 45,000 buildings have been rehabilitated using the credit, creating nearly 3 million jobs. Unlike many other tax incentives, HTC projects spur enough economic development to return money to the Treasury. In 2019 the National Park Service reported that the HTC has generated $38.1 billion in federal tax revenue from $32.9 billion in tax credits. prgtoken The Historic Tax Credit Growth and Opportunity Act of 2021 first recognizes the challenges that historic rehabilitation projects have faced during the COVID-19 pandemic and provides a temporary increase in the credit value to address market volatility and projects' difficulty in accessing capital. The legislation also increases the credit value for small projects, which are often more difficult to finance. Finally, HTC-GO makes several changes to the structure of the credit to make more buildings eligible for the credit and allow for the credit to be more easily paired with the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit. prgtoken I look forward to working with my colleagues in the House and Senate to enact this legislation in a comprehensive infrastructure package this year.
INTRODUCTION OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA NATIONAL GUARD COMMANDING GENERAL RESIDENCY ACT
Eleanor Holmes Norton (Democrat, DC) \u2014 2021-4-1

. Madam , today, I introduce the District of Columbia National Guard Commanding General Residency Act, which would require the Commanding General of the D.C. National Guard to reside in the District of Columbia, just as States and territories can require that the top official of their National Guard reside within their State or territory. prgtoken The D.C. National Guard is a Federal entity. Currently, the Commanding General of the D.C. National Guard is not required to reside in the District. Congress has justifiably required that certain Federal officials reside in the jurisdiction they serve to ensure in-depth knowledge of the unique issues and challenges residents and these Federal officials face. Additionally, the Mayor of D.C unlike the Governors of the States and territories, cannot deploy the National Guard, making residency of the Commanding General of the National Guard that much more important, though my District of Columbia National Guard Home Rule Act (H.R. 657) would give the Mayor the authority to deploy the D.C. National Guard. The appointment of the Commanding General of the D.C. National Guard is made by the President, not the Mayor, whereas the top official of the National Guards in the States and territories are usually appointed by the Governor. All of these are compelling reasons why the Commanding General of the D.C. Guard should be required to be a D.C. resident. prgtoken This bill follows in the footsteps of several other bills that I have introduced that would require Federal officials serving D.C. exclusively to reside in the District. For example, my District of Columbia Federal Officials Residency Equality Act (H.R. 3785, 116th Congress) would require the Federal district court judges, Federal circuit court judges, U.S. Attorneys and U.S. Marshals for the District to live in D.C. I have also previously introduced a bill (H.R. 4184, 116th Congress) that would require the Director of the Court Services and Offender Supervision Agency for the District of Columbia and the Director of the District of Columbia Pretrial Services Agency to reside in the District. prgtoken With the nomination of the current D.C. National Guard Commanding General, Major General William J. Walker, to be the House Sergeant at Arms, this bill is more timely than ever. Moreover, the attack of the U.S. Capitol on January 6, 2021, and the events at Lafayette Square on June 1, 2020, are prime examples of why this bill is so important. Residents of the District would feel at least somewhat more confident in the D.C. National Guard if the Commanding General were required to be a D.C. resident. prgtoken I urge my colleagues to support this bill.
HONORING THE LIFE OF JAMES MATZORKIS
Mark DeSaulnier (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2021-4-1

. Madam , I rise today, along with Congresswoman Barbara Lee, to recognize the life of James ``Jim'' Matzorkis. prgtoken Born in Chicago in 1952, Jim moved with his parents to California as a child. He later graduated from the University of Maryland with a bachelor of Arts in Business Administration. After gaining experience in both the private and public sectors, Jim began working for the Port of Richmond in 1998 as a Marketing Manager and became the Executive Director in 2001. One of Jim's many accomplishments is completing the Honda Port of Entry, which brought significant profitability to the Port. As a testament to Jim's leadership, out of the 149 ports in the United States, the Port of Richmond is currently ranked 27th in total trade. The Port has generated millions of dollars in revenue for the City of Richmond and brought local and international business to our community. prgtoken Jim's professional knowledge and dedication led to him serving on the Bay Planning Coalition Board of Directors and the California Association of Port Authorities Executive Advisory Committee. He also participated in Richmond's sister cities program and helped facilitate a strong and lasting relationship with Zhoushan, China, one of Richmond's three sister cities. prgtoken In his personal life, Jim married his high school sweetheart, Beverly, and the couple had two daughters. He was known as the patriarch of his family, organizing family reunions and ensuring everyone stayed connected. He loved to travel, especially to Greece where his family would all come together. Jim also enjoyed regaling others with stories from his time working as a concert promoter and security in the rock and roll industry. prgtoken Sadly, at just 68 years old, Jim passed away at his home in Oakland, California in December 2020. Jim is remembered by his friends and colleagues as kind and enthusiastic, and someone who made sure everyone around him was happy. Please join me and Congresswoman Barbara Lee in honoring James Matzorkis for his many contributions to our community.
RECOGNIZING THE ETA NU CHAPTER OF ALPHA PHI ALPHA FRATERNITY, INCORPORATED ON THEIR 50 YEAR ANNIVERSARY
G. K. Butterfield (Democrat, NC) \u2014 2021-4-1

. Madam , I rise today to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the founding of the Eta Nu Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Incorporated. The Eta Nu Chapter was chartered on April 3, 1971 on the campus of East Carolina University (ECU) located in Greenville, North Carolina. prgtoken Under the direction of eight men, A.A. Best, J.J. Wise, W.G. Keys, O.T. Faison, C.H.G. White, J.C. Bryant, J.P. on, and A.D. Moseley, Eta Nu was established on the campus of ECU. prgtoken At that moment, the Eta Nu Chapter became ECU's first Black fraternity and the first Black Greek-lettered organization (BGLO) to be chartered on the campus of a Predominantly White Institution (PWI) in the State of North Carolina. As a result, the Chapter became a leader as one of the first Black fraternities established at a PWI in the South. The first initiates into the Eta Nu Chapter were known as the Undisputed Truth. Members of that first line are as follows: David Franklin, Gregory Clark, Jerry Congelton, John Clark, Tony Sedgewick, Jimmy Louis, Tommy Patterson, James Mitchell, Kenneth Hammond, James Johnson, and Kenneth Wright. These men promoted brotherhood, understanding, and a cohesive unity influencing future members of the Chapter to help form the Black Student Union--an organization that brought Black students together across campus to bring unity and advocate for issues affecting them to campus faculty and administration. prgtoken Throughout the years, the Eta Nu Chapter has excelled and raised the bar for others to follow, maintaining high standards of scholastic achievement and service to the community--most notably, hosting an annual scholarship pageant whose winner eventually became Miss America 2019. The Chapter holds several distinguished honors for their contributions to ECU and the community: The first Black Student Government President, the first Black Student Government Vice President, the first three Black Homecoming kings crowned in consecutive years followed by a fourth member of the Chapter who won in 2014, and nine awardees of the ECU 40 Under 40 Leadership Award since the initial awards were presented in 2015. prgtoken Members of the Eta Nu Chapter have worked diligently to increase the number of opportunities available to our youth; they have engaged in relentless efforts toward the improvement of the campus and the community. One such measure is a leadership academy partnering with the Zeta Eta Lambda graduate chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha's Pharaohs Program to help mentor young Black men. Additionally, countless fundraisers to raise scholarship money for youth and young adults in the community have also been part of the Chapter's philanthropic initiatives. prgtoken Madam , it is my understanding that the members of the Eta Nu Chapter at East Carolina University are committed to distinguishing themselves as the most exemplary prgtoken Chapter through their insatiable attitude towards public service. I ask m
HONORING THE LIFE AND LEGACY OF BOONE COUNTY COUNCILMAN STEVE JACOB
Victoria Spartz (Republican, IN) \u2014 2021-4-1

. Madam , I rise today to honor the life of a dedicated public servant and constituent, Steve Jacob. Steve passed away peacefully on Wednesday, March 17, 2021, surrounded by his family. prgtoken Steve Jacob was born on March 16, 1947, to parents William and Marietta. He grew up on the family farm in Jasonville, Indiana, going on to attend Purdue University. Upon graduation, Steve began his career at Indiana Bell, working his way to the role of vice president of Ameritech. Through his knowledge and experience, Steve served as a Congressional Fellow here in Washington, D.C working for the telecom industry. prgtoken Though Steve had many commendable experiences in his career, he is perhaps best known in my district for his 20-plus years in public service. Steve served on the Boone County Council and at the time of his passing was the president of the council. His work on numerous boards and committees is to be commended. I am confident that the impact he made in public office will be felt for many years to come. prgtoken I extend my deepest condolences to his wife, Janet; his children Jeff, Jill, and Chris; and to the rest of his family and friends.
HONORING FRANK BRADY
H. Morgan Griffith (Republican, VA) \u2014 2021-4-1

. Madam , I rise in honor of Frank Brady of Bluefield, Virginia, who has announced his retirement as General Manager of WVVA-TV. Frank is a 47-year veteran broadcaster who devotes his professional and personal time to improving the greater Bluefield region. prgtoken WVVA broadcasts to residents of Virginia's Ninth District as well as in West Virginia. Many Southwest Virginians tune into WVVA for their news. Frank arrived at WVVA in 2005 from KHQA-TV in Quincy, Illinois, bringing his extensive knowledge of the broadcasting industry to the Bluefield market. Under his management, WVVA added nine additional hours of news programming and four additional channels to its digital signal. His professional work has been honored by the Mel Burka Distinguished Broadcaster Award for lifetime achievement by the West Virginia Broadcasters Association. prgtoken Frank's time in Bluefield has also been characterized by community service and advocacy for the region. Under his management, WVVA regularly engages in charity work in its viewing area, including food and clothing drives. It partners each holiday season with the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve in the Toys for Tots campaign, providing toys for over 2,600 children in the region. Frank has chaired the Bluefield Chamber of Commerce and serves on the boards of the Community Foundation of the Two Virginias and the Bluefield State College Foundation. He promotes the region's economic development and cultural events. prgtoken As Congressman for Virginia's Ninth District, I have been a regular visitor to WVVA and participant in the debates it sponsors. When I am in the Bluefield area, I appreciate the opportunity to come by the studio and communicate with constituents about my work in the House of Representatives, but I also appreciate the chance to stop in and see Frank, and over the years we have developed a friendship. I would like to congratulate Frank on concluding his impressive career in broadcasting and wish him all the best upon his retirement.