mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
STAFF SERGEANT RYAN SCOTT OSTROM POST OFFICE
Tom Marino (Republican, PA) \u2014 2017-10-10

I rise today in support of my legislation to rename the Liberty, Pennsylvania, post office after Staff Sergeant Ryan Scott Ostrom. prgtoken Ryan was born on September 23, 1979, in Wellsboro, Pennsylvania, where he attended Liberty High School. While in high school, Ryan excelled in soccer, basketball, and baseball--serving as the captain for the soccer and basketball teams. prgtoken After graduating from high school, he attended Mansfield University and pursued a degree in education science. Ryan planned to become a teacher and a coach to help young people become successful students, athletes, and leaders within the community. prgtoken However, just months before Ryan was set to graduate from college, his National Guard unit was deployed to Iraq. While serving his country in Iraq, Ryan made the ultimate sacrifice, as he was killed in action on August 9, 2005. prgtoken Ryan enlisted in the Pennsylvania Army National Guard in 1997, serving with Company B, First Battalion 109th in Williamsport, Pennsylvania. Ryan was an accomplished soldier with a bevy of previous accomplishments and commendations. prgtoken During his time enlisted, Ryan earned a Purple Heart, Combat Information Badge, Gold Star, Armed Service Ribbon, and numerous other awards that gave Ryan the recognition he deserved for his heroic years of service. prgtoken Beyond these awards, Ryan also took advantage of what the military had to offer, graduating from the U.S. Army Europe Primary Leadership Development Course, which furthered his ability to lead both on deployment and in the communities about which he cared so deeply. prgtoken While Ryan will always be remembered for his valor and his years of military service, he will also be remembered for what he brought to the communities of which he was a part. prgtoken In his free time, Ryan could be found playing Monday night basketball with his friends at home and was an active member of the Eagle Base basketball team during his deployment. prgtoken Staff Sergeant Ryan Ostrom prioritized the world around him--his country, his community, his family--all over himself. His years of service and his record speak for themselves, but beyond that, Ryan made a positive impact as a friend and a role model wherever he was. prgtoken He was a soldier and leader on his deployments and an active member of the community back home in Wellsboro I ask that all Members support this legislation to honor Ryan by renaming the Liberty Post Office as the Staff Sergeant Ryan Scott Ostrom Post Office.
SPECIALIST JEFFREY L. WHITE, JR. POST OFFICE
Blaine Luetkemeyer (Republican, MO) \u2014 2017-10-10

I rise today in support of H.R. 452, legislation to designate the United States Postal Service facility located at 324 West Saint Louis Street in Pacific, Missouri, as the Specialist Jeffrey L. White, Jr. Post Office. prgtoken U.S. Army Specialist White grew up in Catawissa, Missouri, with his parents, Jeff and Paula White, and his brothers, Michael and Kyle. He graduated from Pacific High School in 2008, and enlisted in the Army in October of 2009. prgtoken Specialist White served our country honorably as a member of the First Battalion, 501st Airborne, Fourth Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division, Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska, unit. prgtoken Specialist White deployed for Afghanistan in December 2011, and after serving our country bravely, he gave his life for our country when an IED detonated near his unit on April 3, 2012, roughly one week before he was scheduled to return to the United States. prgtoken Specialist White was a highly decorated servicemember. His awards and medals include the Bronze Star Medal, Purple Heart, Army Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal with Bronze Service Star, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Army prgtoken Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon, and the NATO Medal, among many others. prgtoken As an avid sports fan, White shared my love of the St. Louis Cardinals. He witnessed their 2011 World Series Championship win shortly before his deployment and was planning to attend opening day in 2012. Specialist White was honored by the Cardinals, who invited his family to raise the 2011 World Championship flag on opening day in his memory. prgtoken Specialist White was an upstanding citizen and beloved by his family, friends, and community. Hundreds of individuals lined the streets in the pouring rain to honor his final journey home and memorial service. prgtoken We can never fully express our thanks to our military and their families. Their service and sacrifice for this country goes beyond a level of bravery most people have never seen. While the naming of this post office is not nearly enough to honor Jeffery White, nor will it heal the pain felt each day and every day by the family he left he behind, it is my sincere hope each time the Whites and folks in the Pacific community pass by this building they are reminded of how grateful and how proud we are to call Specialist White one of our own. prgtoken , I thank the Missouri delegation and Pacific community for their support of this designation, and I ask every Member of the House to join us in honoring our hometown hero, Jeffery L. White, Jr.
RECOGNIZING THE QUINCY AIR EVAC LIFETEAM'S 20TH ANNIVERSARY
Darin LaHood (Republican, IL) \u2014 2017-10-10

today, I recognize the Quincy Air Evac Lifeteam for their commitment to our community as they celebrate their 20th anniversary. prgtoken For twenty years, the Quincy Air Evac Lifeteam provided lifesaving access to crucial medical services for those who need it most. By providing air ambulance support, the Quincy Air Evac Lifeteam provided safe and rapid emergency transportation to the most vulnerable in the Quincy community. The Quincy Air Evac Lifeteam is essential to the safety of citizens in the rural communities of Illinois' 18th Congressional District. prgtoken The Quincy Air Evac Lifeteam sets the gold standard for care among Air Evac Lifeteams around the country. In 2017, the National Paramedic of the year for Air Evac Lifeteam was awarded to a member of Quincy's team. I am grateful to the Quincy Air Evac Lifeteam for their service to our community and the lives they have saved. prgtoken I extend my sincere congratulations to the Quincy Air Evac Lifeteam on twenty years of service and I wish for their continued safety as they continue to protect the Quincy community.
HONORING MR. ED McMILLAN, 2018 RECIPIENT OF THE ORDER OF LINCOLN
John Shimkus (Republican, IL) \u2014 2017-10-10

I rise today for a very special purpose, to recognize Mr. Ed McMillan of Greenville, IL, as a 2018 recipient of the Order of Lincoln. prgtoken Established in 1964, the Order of Lincoln is the state's highest award and each honoree receives a warrant signed by the Governor and bearing the Great Seal of the State of Illinois, certifying his or her investiture as a Laureate of the Order of Lincoln. prgtoken The purpose of the award is to ``honor individuals whose outstanding contributions to the betterment of mankind have been accomplished in or on behalf of the State of Illinois.'' Mr. McMillan is a worthy recipient of this award. He grew up in McDonough County on a family farm, graduated from the University of Illinois at Champaign, and is currently the President & CEO of Purina Mills. He has served on many industry boards of directors plus extensive civic and philanthropic organizations, including Chairman, Board of Trustees, University of Illinois System. prgtoken Mr. McMillan's selection by the Academy is in recognition of his leadership in state and national agribusiness. His investiture will occur during the Lincoln Academy's annual convocation next year, when he will join a cohort of 340 distinguished Illinois citizens who have been honored over the past 54 years. prgtoken , I wish to extend to Mr. McMillan, as well as the other Order of Lincoln recipients, my sincerest congratulations and very best wishes.
TRIBUTE TO CURT HAENSEL
Bill Shuster (Republican, PA) \u2014 2017-10-10

according to their website, ``The Office of the Legislative Counsel provides legislative drafting services to the Committees and Members of the House of Representatives on a non- partisan, impartial, and confidential basis. Our goal is to work with Committees and Members to understand their policy preferences in order to implement those preferences through clear, concise, and legally effective legislative language.'' For the last 30 years, no one has performed all of the above more professionally and more successfully than Curt Haensel. prgtoken Curt has specialized in transportation law his entire career. His sharp mind and relentless pursuit of perfection (sometimes in spite of staff and Member interference) ensured that bills considered by the Committee and the House were clear and coherent expressions of legislative intent. I and my predecessors have relied on Curt's expertise and creativity to draft legislative solutions to many complex issues. Even under immense pressure, Curt's guidance was always calm, balanced, and fair. I don't know how many bills or amendments Curt has drafted (it must be in the thousands), but I can tell you that a great many of our Nation's most profound laws bear his fingerprints. prgtoken Curt not only cared about the work product, but more importantly, he cared about the people he was working with. He has infinite patience, is humble, and is kind. He served as a mentor and tremendous professional example to many young legislative counsels and Committee staff over the last 30 years. prgtoken On behalf of myself, the staff of the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, and the entire House of Representatives, I want to express my sincere gratitude to Curt for his years of service. His contributions to this institution have been invaluable and the impact of his guidance will be felt for many, many years to come. I wish him, his wife Meg, and his two children well. I wish him good luck with his future endeavors. He will be missed.
BEAU BIDEN FOUNDATION
Brian K. Fitzpatrick (Republican, PA) \u2014 2017-10-10

I rise today to recognize the formation of a partnership between the Beau Foundation and Doylestown Health, which will clear the way for efforts to prevent, recognize, and react appropriately to child sexual abuse in our community. prgtoken This critical program will be funded through the generous support of the Cowhey Family ShopRite in Warminster and will train local medical staff in the Darkness to Light's Stewards of Children course utilizing online education tools. prgtoken There is no doubt that because of the compassionate efforts of these organizations, the Beau Foundation, Doylestown Health, and the Cowhey Family ShopRite in Warminster, Bucks County, children will be safer and our community stronger. prgtoken , I stand in strong support of this vital new partnership and all efforts to protect our society's most vulnerable. Honoring the Life of Christopher Ward, Sr.
DOMESTIC VIOLENCE AWARENESS MONTH
Joe Wilson (Republican, SC) \u2014 2017-10-10

domestic violence is a scourge. Its physical and psychological effects have lifelong consequences for survivors, their families, and their children. prgtoken I appreciate South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster and Attorney General Alan Wilson, both of whom who are working hard to stop domestic violence in our State, encouraged by Laura Hudson of the Crime Victims' Council. The Governor issued a statewide proclamation that designates October as Domestic Violence Awareness Month. prgtoken Attorney General Wilson's 20th annual Silent Witness ceremony, which he held last week, honored the past year's victims of domestic violence at the statehouse. Specifically, the South Carolina Office of the Attorney General works to combat domestic violence through the STOP Violence Against Women program, dedicated to providing representation to victims of domestic violence and raising awareness of the issue; also, with the Pro Bono program, dedicated to providing pro bono legal representation in prosecution of domestic violence cases. prgtoken Eliminating domestic violence should be something we fight for during the month of October and every day of the year. prgtoken In conclusion, God bless our troops, and we will never forget September the 11th in the global war on terrorism.
HONORING THE LIFE OF TROOPER TIMOTHY O'NEILL
Paul Mitchell (Republican, MI) \u2014 2017-10-10

I rise to honor a fallen hero. Tragically, Michigan State Trooper Timothy O'Neill made the ultimate sacrifice in an on-duty motorcycle accident. prgtoken I rise to offer my support and love to Trooper O'Neill's friends, family, and all who were fortunate enough to know him. As the proud parent of a police officer, I can only imagine the pain you must feel. Words are inadequate at such a time of sorrow, but please know you are in my prayers. prgtoken Trooper O'Neill was known by his friends, fiancee, and family for his sense of humor, compassion for animals, and deep love for his family. He is also remembered for his commitment to bettering our community and our safety. prgtoken I ask my colleagues and all those watching to join me in a prayer for Trooper O'Neill; his fiancee, Carli Hicks; parents, Kristine and Michael O'Neill; siblings, Sara O'Neill and Brian O'Neill; and his entire family. prgtoken May God bless them all.
50TH ANNIVERSARY OF FATHER CAPODANNO'S PASSING
Daniel M. Donovan, Jr. (Republican, NY) \u2014 2017-10-10

I rise to recognize the 50th anniversary of the passing of Father Vincent Capodanno. Fr. Capodanno was born on February 13, 1929, in Mariners Harbor on Staten Island. Growing up, he attended P.S. 44 and Curtis High School, after which he attended Fordham University for one year. A proud lifelong Staten Islander, he loved volunteering in the Staten Island community. Perhaps this dedication to serving others led him to find his true calling from God. Vincent Capodanno made a decision to devote his life to God and joined the Maryknoll prgtoken Missionary Seminary in Ossining, New York. He was ordained as a priest in June 1957 and spent the rest of his life serving all of God's children. After his ordination, Fr. Capodanno traveled to Taiwan as a missionary and then ventured to Hong Kong to teach disadvantaged children. As America's involvement in Vietnam increased, he decided to join the Army as a chaplain. It was in the jungles of Vietnam where Fr. Capodanno sacrificed his life protecting others. On September 4, 1967, as American troops were taking fire, Fr. Capodanno moved from soldier to soldier administering Last Rites. By then, the enemy had shot him over 20 times. Despite it all, he carried on and with his dying breath, he used his body to protect his fellow Americans from the gunfire. At just 38 years old, Fr. Vincent Capodanno died as a man of peace during a war of destruction. His heroic actions earned him the Purple Heart, Bronze Star, Silver Star, and the Medal of Honor Fr. Vincent Capodanno embodied the virtues of courage, altruism, and piety. While many know him as the namesake of one of Staten Island's thoroughfares, we must never forget the sacrifices he made. He was a true American hero, and with the recent anniversary of his death, I rise to salute him and everything he did for his community, country, and faith.
CHRIS PENDLETON
Francis Rooney (Republican, FL) \u2014 2017-10-10

I rise today to recognize Chris Pendleton, President & CEO of the Edison & Ford Winter Estates, who has announced her retirement at the end of the year. For the past 16 years, Chris has been a cornerstone of our community and is leaving the Estates well positioned for the future. More than 250,000 people each year visit the Edison & Ford Winter Estates. In fact, the annual Holiday Nights event was named by USA Today as one of the `10 Best Historic Homes for the Holidays.' While the Estates and our entire community are still recovering from Hurricane Irma and the damage left behind, the Estates are open for visitors. I thank Chris for her years of service to Southwest Florida. Her actions to preserve the history and honor of Thomas Edison and Henry Ford for future generations are invaluable.
HONORING THOMAS MACAULAY'S 50 YEARS OF SERVICE IN THE MASSENA VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT
Elise M. Stefanik (Republican, NY) \u2014 2017-10-10

I rise today to honor Thomas Macaulay for his 50 years of service in the Massena Volunteer Fire Department. prgtoken Since joining the department in 1967, Mr. Macaulay has proven to be an effective leader, advancing through the ranks of Lieutenant, Captain, and Assistant Chief of the department. As a testament to his distinguished service, he was chosen by his peers as Fireman of the Year in 1998. A decade later, Mr. Macaulay was elected to serve as Chief of the department until 2010. Currently serving as Treasurer, he continues to be a valuable asset to the Massena community. prgtoken On behalf of New York's 21st District, I would like to thank Mr. Macaulay for the sacrifices he has made in protecting the residents of Massena for over half a century. We applaud Mr. Macaulay for his selfless service, and for acting as an example for future generations of firefighters.
TRIBUTE TO CURT HAENSEL
Peter A. DeFazio (Democrat, OR) \u2014 2017-10-10

I rise today to recognize Curt Haensel, Senior Counsel of the Office of the Legislative Counsel of the U.S. House of Representatives. prgtoken For the past 30 years, Curt has served as Legislative Counsel to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. In that time, Curt has worked to assist the Committee under eight different Committee Chairmen, half a dozen Ranking Members, and hundreds of our Committee colleagues. He formally began working with the Committee in 1989 and one of the first bills he worked on was H.R. 598, which banned smoking on commercial airlines. At the Committee markup, Curt drafted dozens of amendments as the smokers and their advocates worked to fill the amendment tree, as they tried to kill the bill by endless amendment. The back row of the dais filled with cigarette smoke as the Committee slowly worked its will and ultimately banned smoking on airlines. prgtoken After this baptism by fire, Curt went on to work on every single surface transportation, aviation, water resources, and environmental law that this Committee has enacted. He took our ideas, and working with our staffs, used his gifted legislative craftsmanship to shape our transportation future. ISTEA, TEA 21, SAFETEA-LU, and the FAST Act; Federal Aviation Administration Reauthorization Acts; WRDA after WRDA; and dozens of other Acts all bear his stamp. prgtoken One of Curt's great achievements was his work, in the wake of the September 11 terrorist attacks, on the Aviation and Transportation Security Act (ATSA), which enhanced aviation and surface transportation security and created the Transportation Security Administration (TSA). After months of negotiation and as the Thanksgiving break approached, House and Senate Committee staffs and House Legislative Counsel spent 20-hour days drafting the agreement. The Committee Chairmen and Ranking Members finally resolved the remaining critical issues on a Thursday afternoon. House and Senate Leaders wanted the agreement passed the following day, Friday, before the House and Senate adjourned for Thanksgiving. As Committee staffs and Legislative Counsels Curt Haensel and Dave Mendelsohn finished drafting the conference agreement around 4:30 a.m the Office of Legislative Counsel computers failed and the computer files of the agreement were completely lost. The Committees faced the prospect that Congress may not be able to pass the legislation before the Thanksgiving break There was a genuine fear that, over the break, the hard-fought agreement could fall apart. Instead, Curt and his colleagues, after a walk around the block to clear their heads, recreated the text from memory and, later that day, both the House and Senate passed the agreement. Two days later, President signed the bill into law and the U.S. Department of Transportation began immediately implementing it to make our country safer. This little-known story is but one example of Curt's contrib
RECENT DISASTERS THAT HAVE BEFALLEN OUR AMERICAN PEOPLE
John Garamendi (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2017-10-10

there are so many things that we need to talk about. Important events are spilling upon Americans, just cascading upon us. We could spend hours and, indeed, should spend hours talking about North Korea. We should and will spend hours talking about tax reform, or tax reductions, or serious benefits for the superwealthy in America, and we will talk about that. We will debate that. prgtoken But what is on my mind right now are the disasters that have befallen our American people. We think about what has happened over the last 11 months--floods on the East Coast, people forced out of their homes as the rivers rose in the Carolinas. prgtoken We think about California, and the massive floods, and the 200,000 people who were evacuated from their homes in my district. prgtoken We think about the recent hurricanes as they slammed into Houston, Florida, the Keys; and Hurricane Maria, as that hurricane devastated Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands. These traumatic disasters are now in our memory, but they are also our reality. prgtoken In California today, in my district, and in my colleague Mike Thompson's district, thousands of homes have been burned to the ground and people have died. prgtoken These disasters are not new to America, and, over the years, we have set up a mechanism to deal with them. That mechanism is the firefighters across this Nation who respond, the emergency plans that have been put in place. prgtoken I know during my period as insurance commissioner in California, I would often arrive at these disasters, some of which go back more than 30 or 40 years, and console people who will have lost their home and attempt to deal with their insurance issues. And I would always remind those who were in the path of these flames, or hurricanes, or tornadoes, to be prepared; that Boy Scout motto: Be Prepared. prgtoken And now, in California, the same message goes out by the first responders and, indeed, by myself here on the floor of the House of Representatives: Be prepared. Be prepared to evacuate. Think about what it is you need to take ahead of time, those important papers, those scrapbooks, those photo albums, the dog, the cat; and when the time to go arrives, when that message arrives on your cell phone, or on the loud speaker from the police car out in front, obey it. Get out. Get out because you have already prepared. prgtoken Yes, you should have had that insurance policy that you forgot, that flood insurance program. Yes, you should have had it. And all too often, we have to rely upon the generosity of charities, and, thankfully, they are there. And we also rely upon the Federal, State and county governments. prgtoken Today, here in the House of Representatives, and in the Senate, as well as in the administration, we are beginning to gear up for yet another emergency appropriation to pay for the relief efforts that are underway. It is not going to be enough. It may take care of part of what occurred in