mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
HONORING THE SERVICE OF GLENDA GLOVER AS INTERNATIONAL PRESIDENT AND CEO OF ALPHA KAPPA ALPHA SORORITY, INC.
Nikema Williams (Democrat, GA) \u2014 2022-7-7

. Madam , I rise today to honor the service of Dr. Glenda Glover, Ph.D JD, CPA, as International President and CEO of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated. As a proud member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, I could not have asked for a better person to lead our more than 320,000 Sorors spread over at least 1,046 chapters from all over the world through the last four years. prgtoken Dr. Glover was born in Memphis, Tennessee the daughter of a civil rights activist and raised in the Civil Rights Movement. She graduated from Tennessee State University, an illustrious Historically Black College and University, before getting her MBA at another incomparable HBCU, Clark Atlanta University, proving that, truly, Atlanta Influences Everything. Not yet satisfied, she moved to Washington, D.C. and obtained a Ph.D. in Economics from George Washington University and a law degree from Georgetown University. prgtoken Professionally, Dr. Glover is a star. She spearheaded the creation of the country's first HBCU-based Ph.D. program in business at Jackson State University, and chaired the Department of Accounting at Howard University's School of Business. She has been a leader in the private sector, and currently serves as the President of her beloved alma mater, Tennessee State University, since 2013. Dr. Glover is not just the President either: she was the Thurgood Marshall College Fund's HBCU President of the Year in 2018, and HBCU Digest's 2019 Female President of the Year. prgtoken Dr. Glover did all of that while maintaining a leadership role in Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated. Initiated into the Alpha Psi Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated at Tennessee State University, where she served as President and Vice-President as an undergraduate. Dr. Glover has also served as President, Vice-President, and Treasurer of Beta Delta Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated in Jackson, Mississippi before moving up to International Vice-President, International Treasurer, and Treasurer to the Educational Advancement Foundation (EAF) of the entire Sorority. prgtoken Since assuming the International Presidency and CEO role in 2018, Dr. Glover has led our Sorors powerfully to sustain us through the pandemic, and raised our voices on critical issues like Voting Rights and Black Maternal Health--ensuring that Sorors of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated are the VOICE of the movement, not the ECHO. Dr. Glover's Alpha Kappa Alpha Congressional Women's Roundtable continues to lead the charge toward solutions to create a better world for future generations by fighting for continued, meaningful investments in HBCUs, a comprehensive approach to ending the maternal health crisis in America and protecting our democracy through safeguarding and expanding voting rights. prgtoken Dr. Glover has convened meetings with our Soror, Vice-President , to bring our community'
TRIBUTE IN MEMORY OF JACOB CHAFFINS
Harold Rogers (Republican, KY) \u2014 2022-7-7

. Madam , I rise today to pay tribute to one of Eastern Kentucky's fallen heroes, Jacob Russell Chaffins, a 28- year-old law enforcement officer and certified canine handler who was one of three officers killed in the line of duty in Allen, Kentucky. prgtoken Chaffins' life should not be measured by his number of years on Earth, but by the magnitude of his service and courageous action during his short lifetime. He not only earned Badge No. 533 from the Prestonsburg Police Department, but he was also a member of the Prestonsburg Fire Department, a certified EMT, and a U.S. Marshal. Chaffins was also enlisted in the U.S. Armed Forces, serving as a Combat Engineer Sergeant in the Kentucky Army National Guard's 577th Sapper Company in Prestonsburg, Kentucky. As a guardsman, Sgt. Chaffins was deployed during multiple state emergencies, including the Winter Storm Response of February 2015 and COVID-19 pandemic relief efforts in March 2020, dedicating countless hours to serve and protect the people of the Commonwealth of Kentucky. Sgt. Chaffins was awarded the Army Service Ribbon, the Army Reserve Component Achievement Medal, and the Florida Commendation Medal for meritorious achievement in Exportable Combat Training Capability. Sgt. Chaffins was also awarded the Army Achievement Medal in recognition of his excellence as a team leader in preparing and equipping troops to defend this great Nation and the values we hold dear. prgtoken President Theodore Roosevelt, who was a former commissioner of the New York City Police Department once said, ``No man is worth his salt, who is not ready at all times to risk his body, to risk his well-being, to risk his life in a great cause.'' On Friday, July 1, 2022, Officer Chaffins paid the ultimate sacrifice after he valiantly risked his life and answered the call of duty to protect others in Floyd County. prgtoken His heroic death was the greatest display of love described in John 15:13, ``Greater love prgtoken has no man than this: to lay down his life for his friends.'' It was with great courage of conviction that Jacob Chaffins lived to protect the people of the United States, the Commonwealth of Kentucky, and especially those in Floyd County. prgtoken In a Nation where police forces have been vilified in recent years by the actions of a few bad actors, may Officer Chaffins' life be a reminder of the outstanding integrity and sacrifice that the thin blue line represents. We must continue to support our law enforcement officers across the United States, ensuring they are fully equipped, adequately prepared, and never at the mercy of evildoers. prgtoken This Nation owes a great debt of gratitude for the life and service of Officer Jacob Chaffins. Our thoughts and prayers are with his wife Savannah, their daughter Paisley, his mother April and his siblings, as well as the widespread band of brothers and sisters in uniform who served alongside him. May his loved ones find peace and
HONORING THE LIFE AND LEGACY OF MR. JOHN W. RYAN
Barry Loudermilk (Republican, GA) \u2014 2022-7-7

. Madam , I rise today to honor the life and legacy of Mr. John W. Ryan, president and CEO of the Conference of State Bank Supervisors, who unexpectedly passed away on May 16, 2022. prgtoken John was a steadfast advocate of state financial supervision as the leader of CSBS, the nationwide organization of financial regulators from all 50 states, the District of Columbia and U.S. territories, for 11 years. prgtoken But John was more than just an advocate and leader. He was a rare consensus builder in Washington. While he fiercely defended the dual banking system, he tempered his passion with humility, humor, and integrity. As tributes have poured in from across the nation, it is clear that he touched many with his humility, kindness, and vast knowledge of financial regulation. prgtoken John was also a visionary. In recent years, he crafted strategies that empowered states to retain their authority and function on a local level while working together with federal regulators as one system; he called this strategy ``networked supervision.'' prgtoken John grew up in a banking family. He would recount summers spent working for his father, who ran the Bank of Walnut Creek in Northern California. Among his many early jobs, he often told of filing checks, and when he was old enough, driving them over the Golden Gate Bridge to the San Francisco Federal Reserve Bank. His early experience with the payments system informed his career and helped shape his idea for a more seamless system. prgtoken After graduating from the University of California, Berkeley with a degree in political science and economics, John moved to Washington, D.C where he worked on the House Banking, Finance and Urban Affairs Committee, now the House Committee on Financial Services. While there, he worked on groundbreaking legislation, including the 1994 Riegle-Neal Interstate Banking and Branching Efficiency Act. He later took a fellowship with the financial services commission in Brussels and worked for a public policy consulting firm. prgtoken In 1997, John joined CSBS as an assistant vice president of legislative affairs. He rose through the ranks to become President and Chief Executive Officer in 2011. Throughout his career, John helped define the contributions and accountabilities of state financial regulators. He was a key contributor to protecting the states' role in financial services legislation, including the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act, the Housing and Economic Recovery Act, the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act and the Secure and Fair Enforcement for Mortgage Licensing Act. John also played a critical role in the creation of what is now the Nationwide Multistate Licensing System. prgtoken After the financial crisis of 2008, John recognized the need for policymakers to have facts and figures about community banking when writing legislation that would impact them. He was instrumental in creating the Community Bank Research
HONORING BLOUNT MEMORIAL HOSPITAL'S 75TH ANNIVERSARY
Tim Burchett (Republican, TN) \u2014 2022-7-7

. Madam , I rise to celebrate the 75th anniversary of Blount Memorial Hospital. prgtoken Blount Memorial Hospital first opened its doors on July 24, 1947, thanks to members of the community who worked together to make it a reality. They named the hospital in honor of the brave Blount County citizens who served our country, those who died or went missing in the line of duty, and those who continue to serve today. prgtoken For over seven decades, Blount Memorial Hospital grew and expanded its ability to provide care to East Tennesseans. In 2019, the hospital joined the Mayo Clinic network and gained access to research, diagnostic, and treatment resources that allow Blount Memorial to provide better care to every patient that walks through its doors. prgtoken Today, Blount Memorial Hospital is nationally recognized for its heart attack and stroke care, and currently has fifteen facilities in two counties that treat hundreds of thousands of patients each year. Residents of Blount County also benefit economically from the hospital's presence, since Blount Memorial Hospital contributes roughly 15 to 20 percent of the county's economy, employs over 2,500 local citizens, and has--over the past 10 years--provided over $400 million in charity and uncompensated care for folks in our community. prgtoken For 75 years, Blount Memorial Hospital and its employees have valiantly served the citizens of Blount County while forging lasting relationships with the community. It is my honor to recognize them on this historic anniversary.
REMEMBERING THE IMPACT OF NORTH COUNTRY AGRICULTURAL LEADER BOB RULFS
Elise M. Stefanik (Republican, NY) \u2014 2022-7-7

. Madam , I rise today to honor and remember the incredible life and impact of Bob Rulfs. Mr. Rulfs was the founder of Rulfs Orchard in Peru, New York, a family-owned and operated orchard, bakery, cafe, and roadside farm stand. prgtoken Mr. Rulfs always dreamed of owning his own dairy farm when he was growing up. This dream was realized in 1952 when he purchased a farm in Peru, New York. The farm's humble beginnings consisted of four milk cows, twelve acres of apple trees, and Mr. Rulfs selling his apples out of a wagon on his front lawn. Over the years, Rulfs Orchard has expanded and now includes over fifty acres of corn, forty acres of apples, a thirty-acre pumpkin patch, and much more. The orchard has become a cornerstone of the Peru community. Mr. Rulfs worked on the orchard for seventy years and was always happy to greet and talk with everyone that stepped into the shop. His prgtoken positive impact was apparent to everyone who had the pleasure of stepping into Rulfs Orchard, and he will be dearly missed by the North Country community. prgtoken Mr. Rulfs is a glowing example of everything that is good about farming, family, and the North Country. He loved his community and lovingly referred to the North Country as ``God's Country.'' His legacy will live on in the hearts of everyone who had the pleasure of knowing him. On behalf of New York's 21st Congressional District, it is my honor to remember and celebrate the life of Bob Rulfs.
RECOGNIZING PMC PHARMACY
Brian K. Fitzpatrick (Republican, PA) \u2014 2022-7-7

. Madam , I rise today in recognition and appreciation of the employees of PMC Pharmacy, located in our community in Horsham, Pennsylvania for their tireless efforts in combating the Nation's opioid epidemic while balancing the need to serve patients suffering with chronic pain via the pharmacy's RelieveRx Program. For over 18 years, the employees of PMC Pharmacy have dedicated their professional careers to serving a population of patients who have traditionally been left underserved because of the social stigma that oftentimes accompanies a patient suffering from a chronic pain condition. prgtoken Throughout PMC's existence, their employees have helped improve the quality of life for countless patients in my district while ensuring that bad actors are identified and removed from the legitimate patient population. Our nation's opioid epidemic is complex, and thanks to the efforts of PMC's employees, those in need of care continue to find the service that they deserve and require to simply live their lives. I am proud to recognize and celebrate the following PMC Pharmacy employees who are exceptional examples of service to our community: prgtoken Brian Dunleavy prgtoken Alex Antosh prgtoken Harry Branson prgtoken Jordan Capanna prgtoken Tracy Clerihan prgtoken Christine Deni prgtoken Mark Knopka prgtoken Steve Kulp prgtoken James McMenamin prgtoken Stefanie Stein prgtoken Cindy Thomson prgtoken We are incredibly grateful for the positive impact these women and men have had on our community through their commitment to serve those suffering with chronic pain, and we wish them continued success as they continue their much-needed work.
REMEMBERING THE LIFE OF BRADFORD C. FREEMAN
Trent Kelly (Republican, MS) \u2014 2022-7-7

. Madam , I rise today to honor the life of Bradford Clark Freeman. Mr. Freeman (Mr. B. to his friends) was born September 4, 1924, in Artesia, MS to Erwyn and Ollie Freeman. He had four brothers and three sisters. prgtoken He graduated from Artesia High School in 1942. He was a freshman at Mississippi State when WWII started. He then volunteered for the paratroopers. On February 5, 1944, he went into Foreign Service with 506th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 101st Airborne Division. He was a mortarman for Easy Company. He jumped in the D-Day Normandy invasion, fought in Operation Market-Garden, and was part of the defense of Bastogne during the Battle of the Bulge, where he was wounded. He was able to rejoin his unit and participated in the occupations of Berchtesgaden and Austria. prgtoken After the war, he returned to Caledonia and married Willie Louise Gurley on June 29, 1947, and worked as a mail carrier for 32 years. prgtoken He is survived by his sister, Claydeen Allen of Amory, Mississippi, and 2 daughters, Beverly Bowles and Becky (Don) Clardy. He has 4 grandchildren: Brad (Carmen) Gore, Chris (Heather) Clardy, Kelly (David) Perkins, and Michael (Whitney) Clardy. He has 10 great- grandchildren. prgtoken Mr. Freeman also leaves special friends: Jo Ann Gunn, Cindy Boyd, Tony Smith, Benny Coleman, Cheryl Reichling, Erik Dorr, Rose and Danny Coggins.
HONORING CURT MORGAN
Beth Van Duyne (Republican, TX) \u2014 2022-7-7

. Madam , I rise to honor Curt Morgan, who is concluding his nearly six-year service as Chief Executive Officer of Vistra Corp one of the nation's largest integrated retail electricity and power generation companies, which is headquartered in the 24th District of Texas. prgtoken When Curt took over Vistra, the company operated exclusively in Texas. Today, its operations span more than 20 states, and its businesses serve more than 4.25 million customers. prgtoken Throughout its rapid growth, Curt ensured the company took proactive steps to create a culture of inclusion, improve its spending with diverse-owned enterprises, and be a company that does business the right way. prgtoken Curt has always believed that electricity is the lifeblood of our society, and access to reliable electricity is a fundamental necessity of life. To prepare Vistra for the future, he has spearheaded the transformation of the company's fleet to meet the challenges of producing reliable, affordable electricity in a rapidly changing world. prgtoken The Vistra Zero initiative is a years-long commitment to powering America's zero-carbon, clean energy future. Under this plan, Vistra has already built the world's largest battery energy storage facility, reduced its company's carbon footprint, and initiated or completed over a dozen solar and energy storage facilities. prgtoken A native of Galesburg, Illinois, Curt never forgot the impact power plants have historically played in their host communities. He has ensured an orderly and responsible retirement process that treated workers and the local community with dignity and respect. Through his advocacy, Illinois lawmakers passed the Coal to Solar and Energy Storage Initiative, which will transform nine retiring coal-fired plant sites into renewable energy centers. prgtoken Because of Curt's vision, business acumen, and leadership, for years to come, thousands of hardworking men and women in our nation's building trades and energy industry will safely operate power plants, install miles and miles of solar panels, configure hundreds of thousands of battery modules, responsibly retire legacy plants, and reclaim thousands of acres at retired plant sites. prgtoken Despite all the regulatory, environmental, and economic changes, including the unprecedented impact of a global pandemic and weather events, thanks to Curt's management Vistra's future is as bright as ever. I want to express my appreciation and best wishes to Curt, and I hope that he will continue to guide America's energy transition in his next professional chapter and wish he and his family well.
CELEBRATING THE 300TH ANNIVERSARY OF PRAIRIE DU ROCHER, ILLINOIS
Mike Bost (Republican, IL) \u2014 2022-7-11

. Madam , I rise today to recognize the 300th anniversary of Prairie du Rocher, Illinois. prgtoken Three centuries ago, French settlers established roots along the Mississippi River, where an open prairie stretched from near the river's edge to tall limestone bluffs. prgtoken They called the settlement Prairie du Rocher--``Prairie of the Rock.'' It once represented the western boundary of the United States; and it still stands as one of the finest historical and architectural examples of French Colonial Heritage in the United States. prgtoken Here they tilled the soil and built their homes, caring for their families, their community, and their land. Traditions, celebrations, and their social fabric have held fast to this day. In its tricentennial year, Prairie du Rocher seeks to preserve the historical significance of this city. In such a fast-moving, ever-changing world, it's more important than ever that we treasure such a unique past, as it moves forward in today's world. prgtoken Madam , please join me in celebrating 300 years of Prairie du Rocher. May there be many, many more.
UKRAINE
Rob Portman (Republican, OH) \u2014 2022-7-11

. I also come to the floor today, as was noted, to talk about Ukraine. Russia's brutal assault continues. We must do more here, not just in the United States but around the world, to help Ukraine stand up to this brutality. prgtoken This marks the 17th consecutive week in session that I have been on the floor to discuss the unprovoked illegal and deadly assault on the people of Ukraine. prgtoken This invasion started 138 days ago, and it is more critical than ever that the United States and our allies support the efforts of Ukraine to defend itself against this assault. prgtoken Let me just recap briefly the situation on the ground. A lot has happened since we talked a couple of weeks ago. First, here in the north, you can see the light blue, which is the Ukrainian advances. The Ukrainians have been successful in pushing back against the Russian offensive and taking back some of the territory around the city of Kharkiv. This is a critical area, obviously. prgtoken Kharkiv is the sister city of my hometown, Cincinnati, OH. I was involved in that sister city arrangement 40 years ago, and it is a beautiful city. It has been almost flattened by the unending and barbaric attacks from Russia. prgtoken In the outskirts of Kharkiv, again, Ukrainian forces are not just holding the line but also making gradual advances, same as through here, in Kherson. You can see there is, again, the light blue here that indicates where the Ukrainians have made progress here in the south. prgtoken In the south and in Kharkiv, there has been progress made. This is very important in the south here because, as you know, Russia's goal is to try to shut off the entire Black Sea from Ukraine being able to access and, therefore, to continue to be one of the great exporters of the world. They have blocked any passage here of the ships that could be sending wheat and other grains to the rest of the world, including to Africa, where they are very dependent on Ukrainian wheat to keep people from starving, and yet the Russians are blocking these. But these cities are still in the control of Ukraine, and it is essential that continue, that Russia not create a landlocked Ukraine, which would, over the long term, be incredibly detrimental to the economy of Ukraine. It is vital that they do well there. prgtoken I will say, though, that here in the east, it is a different situation. Here is Donetsk and Luhansk, the Donbas region. Here is where Russia has made incremental progress in the last couple of weeks, using, again, bombs and missiles that are flattening cities, killing civilians. prgtoken This city of Severodonetsk, you have heard about--it is about right here--has fallen to the Russian forces after a months-long battle in the last couple of weeks. prgtoken Its twin city, Lysychansk, which is also in this region, has also fallen, completing Russia's brutal conquest of what is called the Luhansk region. So Donetsk is still partly in Russian control--p