mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
MEMORIAL RESOLUTION FOR HOWARD H. MILES
Marc A. Veasey (Democrat, TX) \u2014 2021-7-16

. Madam , it is with a heavy heart and solemn remembrance that I rise today to pay tribute to a longstanding stalwart from Fort Worth, Texas, Howard Henry Miles. It's his birthday today, and I'd like to share how Howard's contributions to our community have helped shape us for the better. prgtoken Howard Henry Miles committed much of his life to his family and his community, when the family of seven were forced to relocate to the city after an unfortunate event by an angry White mob. The family went on to become influential pillars in the African-American community as they opened various businesses in which Howard took ample pride. prgtoken Howard is a graduate of the historic I.M. Terrell High School. As a student, Howard ran track, and played the clarinet in multiple bands at the school before graduating in 1951. Howard then earned a science degree in chemistry in 1958 from Wiley College in Marshall, Texas, where he was also a cherished member of the Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. Amidst his educational journey, Howard served as a supply clerk for the U.S. Army in the United Kingdom from 1954 to 1956 due to the Korean War. prgtoken Howard Henry Miles returned to his high school, I.M. Terrell, as a Science teacher and beloved coach while he simultaneously earned a master of science degree in biochemistry from Syracuse University. Howard continued his teaching and coaching career at Amon Carter- Riverside High School in 1970 and Polytechnic High School in 1975 where he spent more than 20 years doing what he loved most: teaching AP science courses and coaching sports teams. He is respectfully remembered and admired by many students as ``Coach Miles,'' one who helped break down racial barriers for them between the 60's and 70's. prgtoken Howard is also recognized for his tough love teaching style and ``painstaking drills'' which resulted in his girls track team winning two state championships for which he was recognized by the Texas State House representatives. Howard was given many opportunities to move up in his career, however his heart belonged to the city of Fort Worth where he retired in 1999. prgtoken Howard's long and varied service to Fort Worth also includes playing in the Fort Worth Civic Orchestra and Arlington Band, religiously attending St. Andrews United Methodist Church serving as a youth leader, Sunday school teacher, male chorus member and youth choir director. Therefore, I am honored to have had Howard Henry Miles as my constituent in Texas' 33rd District.
IN RECOGNITION OF FRED ROGERS
Michael C. Burgess (Republican, TX) \u2014 2021-7-16

. Madam , I rise today to honor the exemplary life of Fred Rogers, the outgoing commander of American Legion Peter J. Courcy Post 178 in Frisco, Texas. Mr. Rogers has conducted his life with distinguished service to his community and nation through his service in the U.S. Armed Forces and his subsequent volunteer efforts. prgtoken Mr. Rogers served honorably as an Air Policeman in the U.S. Air Force from 1960 to 1964. After retiring from his decades-long civilian career as a pilot, Mr. Rogers joined the American Legion in 2008. Mr. Rogers' leadership roles at Holley-Riddle Post 21--Frisco and Bill Bryan Post 110--McKinney led to him receiving Pioneer Awards for the organization of those two posts. In 2013, he was named the Texas 4th District Adjutant. prgtoken Being a founding post member, Mr. Rogers has served as Post 178's commander since its inception in December 2013. His tireless efforts to bolster the new post's community involvement and promote its membership led to Post 178 earning the Texas Post Excellence Award from 2015 through 2019. Only three posts in Texas receive this honor yearly, and Mr. Rogers' dedicated leadership as commander merited the award for four consecutive years. From 2016 to 2018, Post 178 was also awarded the National Post Excellence award. Despite the post's recent founding, it is one of the most recognized and fastest growing in the state of Texas. prgtoken During his time as Post 178 Commander, Mr. Rogers has organized Memorial Day events, sponsored dozens of high school juniors for American Legion Boys State and American Legion Auxiliary Girls State, promoted the annual American Legion High School Oratorical contest, and worked alongside the Wreaths Across America organization at the Dallas- Fort Worth national cemetery. Mr. Rogers served as the Texas State Vice Commander in 2014 through 2015. In 2019, he received a third Pioneer Award for the organization of Post 268--Sanger. prgtoken I join Post 178 and the Frisco community in thanking Mr. Rogers for his devoted service to our veterans and his fellow citizens. He is truly an outstanding model of selfless civic service.
HONORING MAJOR GENERAL BRIAN J. MENNES FOR HIS EXCEPTIONAL SERVICE DURING HIS TENURE AT FORT DRUM
Elise M. Stefanik (Republican, NY) \u2014 2021-7-16

. Madam , I rise today to honor Major General Brian J. Mennes for his service to the United States of America over the course of his 33-year career with the U.S. Army and his two years in command of Fort Drum in Northern New York, which I proudly represent. prgtoken Major General Mennes graduated from the United States Military Academy in West Point, New York in 1988 and immediately commissioned into the U.S. Army as an Infantry officer. Since then, MG Mennes has deployed three times in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom and five times in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. In addition to leading the famed 10th Mountain Division, MG Mennes has also served in the storied 82nd Airborne Division at Fort Bragg, North Carolina. A highly decorated officer, MG Mennes is known for his exceptional leadership skills, commitment to his soldiers and families, and ability to cultivate a supportive community. MG Mennes easily fit into the culture of the North Country and leaves Fort Drum after changing it for the better. prgtoken During his tenure at Fort Drum, Major General Mennes was influential in ensuring his soldiers were combat-ready while building a strong support system within the community. He led the 10th Mountain Division through an Afghanistan deployment and drawdown as the U.S. prepares to bring our troops home after nearly twenty years in the country. In addition, MG Mennes has faced unprecedented challenges in commanding Fort Drum through the Coronavirus pandemic where he was responsible for the lives, health, and safety of thousands of soldiers, families, and civilians. prgtoken On behalf of New York's 2lst district and the entire Fort Drum community, I would like to thank Major General Mennes for his exceptional leadership and continued investment in his community. I congratulate him on his achievements thus far and wish him the best of luck during his next assignment at Joint Base Lewis--McChord, Washington.
TRIBUTE TO DENA BARON
Kay Granger (Republican, TX) \u2014 2021-7-16

. Madam , I rise today to recognize Dena Baron, a long-time member of the professional staff of the House Appropriations Committee, who is retiring after more than 25 years of service in the Federal Government. prgtoken Dena began her career at the Environmental Protection Agency in 1995. While a budget analyst at the Environmental Protection Agency, she was detailed to the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Veterans Affairs and Housing and Urban Development. prgtoken Following her detail, in 1999, Dena became professional staff for the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Veterans Affairs and Housing and Urban Development. In 2004, she moved to the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Transportation and Treasury until the House Appropriations Committee reorganized in the 109th Congress. Following the reorganization, Dena became Clerk for the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Transportation, Treasury, Housing and Urban Development, the Judiciary, and the District of Columbia. prgtoken When the House of Representatives switched control in 2007, and the House Appropriations Committee underwent another reorganization setting the subcommittees to their current form, Dena became Minority Clerk for the Transportation, Housing and Urban Development Subcommittee. Continuing her trend of versatility, Dena simultaneously worked on the Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Financial Services and General Government subcommittees. prgtoken When the s took control of the House of Representatives in the 112th Congress, Dena became Clerk for the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, and then in 2017, she became Clerk for the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Financial Services and General Government. prgtoken When the House of Representatives switched control in 2019, as only fitting, Dena ventured into uncharted territory and became Minority Clerk for the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Homeland Security. This opportunity presented a range of new challenges, and she, once again, demonstrated her ability to handle any task put before her and performed remarkably. prgtoken Dena was an exceptional member of the Appropriations Committee staff for more than twenty years, and she served on my staff for three of those years. I asked Dena to work on some of the most divisive issues of the day, and she saw us through one of the longest government shutdowns in history two years ago by finding common ground with her colleagues. prgtoken Dena has spent many hours away from her loved ones over the course of her long Federal career, and I know she is looking forward to spending more time with her husband, Jim Smith, her son, Andrew, and her daughter, Emily. Dena will be greatly missed, and I wish her the best in her next chapter and thank her for her dedicated service to the United States.
RECOGNITION OF MR. JOHN LYNSKEY'S SERVICE TO CHRISTOPHER COLUMBUS HIGH SCHOOL
Carlos A. Gimenez (Republican, FL) \u2014 2021-7-16

. Madam , I rise today to recognize the outstanding career of one Mr. John Lynskey for his service in: educating, coaching and mentoring the young men at Christopher Columbus High School for the last 37 years. prgtoken Mr. John Lynskey has dedicated the last 37 years of his life to educating and teaching the students of Christopher Columbus High School what it takes to become a responsible man. What began as a teaching/ coaching career in 1984, evolved into a prestigious reputation as one of the schools finest and most respected mentors to thousands of Explorers who have walked the halls of Christopher Columbus. Mr. Lynskey is one of the few Explorers inducted into both the School's main hall of fame and Athletic Hall of Fame; he joins the ranks with several professional athletes including: former NFL Quarterback Brian Griese, MLB outfielder Jon Jay, and Olympic athlete Eddie Alvarez (just to name a few). prgtoken Although the entire Christopher Columbus community alumni and students will miss Mr. Lynskey, he is leaving behind an unshakeable legacy. From teaching Social Studies for over thirty years and more recently as the Dean of Students, to having his own Podcast (Looking Back with Lynskey) John Lynskey will be remembered as more than just an educator and administrator but as truly a Renaissance man in the realm of education in the South Florida Community. prgtoken John Lynskey will be moving to Macon, GA to be the director of the legendary Allman Brothers Band Museum but will remain active in the Development Department for the school in the years to come. prgtoken Moving forward (Adelante).
IN SPECIAL RECOGNITION OF THE ONE HUNDREDTH ANNIVERSARY OF THE McCOMB PUBLIC LIBRARY
Robert E. Latta (Republican, OH) \u2014 2021-7-16

. Madam , I rise today and ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing the One Hundredth Anniversary of the McComb Public Library. The McComb Public Library is a staple in the local community where people of all ages are able to gather to read and learn about an array of topics. prgtoken The library has a deep-rooted history of serving the people of McComb and the surrounding area, and this anniversary highlights its commitment to the area. Its continued dedication speaks volumes about the library's value to the community and is evidence of an unwavering devotion to public service amongst its staff, past and present. prgtoken A century ago, Reverend W.D. Trumbull, the Church of Christ pastor in McComb, decided that it was time for the community to have a library. With the help from Mrs. C.V. Griswolf, Mrs. Joe Wasson, and Mrs. Sam Light, the McComb Public Library was created. Throughout its history, the library has changed locations, grown, and continued to be a beacon of education for McComb and Hancock County. The generosity of community members like Mrs. Blanche Fletcher, who left her entire estate to help construct the current building, and Jane Rader, who was library director for forty-four years, has continued to help the library become what it is today. prgtoken Congratulations to the McComb Public Library on its One Hundredth Anniversary. The people of the Fifth Congressional District of Ohio are grateful for the contributions of the library and its staff to the community and wish them all the best in the future.
HONORING LIEUTENANT GENERAL FRANCIS M. BEAUDETTE FOR 32 YEARS OF MILITARY SERVICE
Richard Hudson (Republican, NC) \u2014 2021-7-16

. Madam , I rise today to honor Lieutenant General Francis M. Beaudette for 32 years of distinguished military service. prgtoken Lt. Gen. Beaudette has made immeasurable contributions to our great Nation and continues to personify the core U.S. Army values of honor, integrity, personal courage, and selfless service. He began his career in 1989 as a military intelligence officer and retires as the Commanding General of the U.S. Army Special Operations Command at Fort Bragg. prgtoken After graduating from The Citadel, Lt. Gen. Beaudette went on to serve as a battalion assistant, crewmember, and armor platoon leader in Germany, Saudi Arabia, and Iraq. He completed Special Forces training in 1995 and was assigned to the 3rd Special Forces Group before serving as the aide-de-camp to the commanding general of the U.S. Army John F. Kennedy Special Warfare Center and School and the aide-de-camp to the deputy commanding general of Kosovo Forces. prgtoken Over the course of his extraordinary career, Lt. Gen. Beaudette has answered the call to duty many times. He previously served as the Deputy Commanding General of the 1st Armored Division, Assistant Commander of the Joint Special Operations Command, and Commanding General of the 1st Special Forces Command. Lt. Gen. Beaudette retires as a decorated military leader and true American hero, having earned some of the most prestigious awards bestowed by our military. He represents the best our Nation has to offer, and his legacy of leadership will be felt for generations. prgtoken As Fort Bragg's Congressman, I know I speak for our Nation and our community when I say we are truly grateful for Lt. Gen. Beaudette's extraordinary service and cannot thank him enough. I have personally benefited from his friendship and counsel and would like to offer my sincerest appreciation and wish him success in his future endeavors. prgtoken Madam , please join me today in honoring Lieutenant General Francis M. Beaudette for 32 years of military service.
IN HONOR OF LEE KIEFER
Andy Barr (Republican, KY) \u2014 2021-7-16

. Madam , I would like to honor a special Kentuckian and a member of the 2020 U.S. Olympic Team, Lee Kiefer, from Lexington, Kentucky. prgtoken At the age of 5, Ms. Kiefer began the sport of fencing. She participated in World Championships beginning in 2009, earning a team gold medal in 2018, a team silver medal in 2017, a team bronze medal in 2019, and an individual bronze medal in 2011. Ms. Kiefer competed in the Pan-American Games in 2011, earning gold team and individual medals, and in 2015, earning gold individual medal and a silver team medal. Ms. Kiefer was the youngest member of the 2009 U.S. Senior World Foil Team. In 2011, she was the only athlete in the world to have earned individual podium finishes at the senior, junior, and cadet world championships. prgtoken Representing the United States of America, Ms. Kiefer competed in the London Olympic Games in 2012, the Rio Olympic Games in 2016, and is currently on the team that will compete in the Tokyo Olympic Games. prgtoken Ms. Kiefer is the daughter of Steve and Teresa Kiefer. Her husband is also a member of Team USA, fellow fencer, Gerek Meinhardt. She is a graduate of Paul Laurence Dunbar High School in Lexington, the University of Notre Dame, and is currently a student at the University of Kentucky College of Medicine. prgtoken I wish all the best to this accomplished Kentucky athlete as she competes in Tokyo representing the United States. It is my honor to recognize Lee Kiefer before the United States Congress.
RECOGNIZING CMSGT BRIAN MARQUARDT ON THE OCCASION OF HIS RETIREMENT FROM THE UNITED STATES AIR FORCE AFTER 33 YEARS OF HONORABLE SERVICE
Lisa C. McClain (Republican, MI) \u2014 2021-7-16

. Madam , I rise to recognize Chief Master Sergeant Brian Marquardt of on Township on the occasion of his retirement from the United States Air Force after 33 years of honorable service. prgtoken After growing up in Saint Clair Shores, CMSgt Marquardt entered the Air Force in July 1988. After completing basic military training at Lackland Air Force Base in Texas, he was assigned to the 88th Medical Group at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base in Ohio for on-the-job training as an Aerospace Medical Technician. His subsequent career includes various aspects of the medical technician field and included Aeromedical Evacuation, Aeromedical Staging and Transportation, and most recently, a ground medical unit with a physical exam package and a shared Air Force Theater Hospital. prgtoken His last position was as the Senior Enlisted Advisor for the 910th Medical Squadron at Youngstown Air Reserve Station in Ohio. In this role he advised the commander on matters concerning the health, morale, welfare, and the effective utilization of the Reserve members within the squadron. He also served as the commander's representative to numerous committees, councils, boards, and military and civilian functions. Prior to assuming this most recent position, he served as the Functional Manager for the Aerospace Medical Technician career field at Selfridge Air National Guard Base, as well as Youngstown Air Reserve Station. prgtoken CMSgt Marquardt has received numerous awards and decorations including Meritorious Service Medal with oak leaf cluster, Aerial Achievement Medal, Air Force Commendation Medal with oak leaf cluster, Meritorious Unit Award with 2 oak leaf cluster, AF Outstanding Unit Award with Valor Device and 2 oak leaf clusters, Iraqi Campaign Medal with one service star and the Humanitarian Service Medal. prgtoken CMSgt Marquardt has given over three decades of his life in service to our country. I commend him for this selfless display of love and patriotism. He has certainly made his home state of Michigan proud, and I know the example of service he has set will be followed for years to come. I wish CMSgt Marquardt the best as he takes on life's next great adventure. We are so thankful for his service.
FR. CAPODANNO LODGE 50TH ANNIVERSARY
Nicole Malliotakis (Republican, NY) \u2014 2021-7-19

. Madam , I rise today to honor the 50th anniversary of the Fr. Capodanno Lodge. A part of The Order Sons of Italy in America, the oldest and largest Italian American fraternal association in the nation, the Lodge was originally chartered on November 9, 1971. Since 2007, the Lodge has been named after Fr. Capodanno, a Catholic chaplain from Staten Island who died in service in Vietnam. Like its namesake, the lodge has dedicated itself to the community, hosting social events, raising money for charity, and offering scholarships. This September, the anniversary picnic will be celebrated concurrently with the grand opening celebration of the Garibaldi-Meucci Museum in September. I congratulate the Lodge for their fifty years of service.
STANDING WITH THE PEOPLE OF CUBA
Michael Waltz (Republican, FL) \u2014 2021-7-19

. Madam , I rise today to stand with the people of Cuba. I rise today to stand with these brave people who are risking everything, their lives, their families, their livelihoods. prgtoken Standing for freedom in Cuba isn't an academic exercise. They not only put their lives on the line, they put their entire family's lives on the line. And as they do this they are reading from the Constitution of the United States of America, they are reading from the Declaration of Independence, they are waving the American flag. They are not waving flags of Europe or other countries. They are waving the American flag, the international symbol of freedom. prgtoken Madam , socialism does not work, is not working, has never worked anywhere around the world. The only place in the world where the Cuban people are not succeeding is in Cuba. We must stand with them. We will stand with them. And the Cuban people will be free.
UNANIMOUS CONSENT REQUEST--S. 1520
Chuck Grassley (Republican, IA) \u2014 2021-7-19

I have been to the floor several times with Senator Gillibrand not only to compliment her on the hard work she has put into this bill for so many years now--I think going back to 2013--but also to give my support to this effort as well. She doesn't need the compliments. She doesn't want them. But I say that she is entitled to the hard work that she has put into this bill, and it is time that we pass this legislation. prgtoken We are told that the bill will be considered by the Armed Services Committee as part of the NDAA. That is not a good reason to deny consideration as a stand-alone bill on the floor, which is what Senator Gillibrand has been to this floor numerous times to get done, and each time was objected to. prgtoken Now, the Armed Services Committee serves this Senate well for what it does on military policy, but when it comes to this particular piece of legislation, it is unfortunate that the Committee has a track record of gutting provisions that they don't like, even after the provisions receive the votes to be included. prgtoken On another issue, I want to recall what the Senate and House conferees did to a bill to prevent cuts to the Air National Guard. The provision was included in both the House and Senate NDAA but was quietly struck from the conference report. And bringing this bill separately on the floor of the U.S. Senate and getting it passed will prevent like things from happening to this sexual assault legislation. prgtoken So this legislation is needed now. prgtoken I think Senator Gillibrand has said it has 66 cosponsors, and that is exactly right, because there are far too many women and men in the Armed Forces being sexually assaulted and most never see justice. The rates of retaliation are too high, and prosecutions are too low. prgtoken Now, over the past month, I have heard favorable comments about attacking this issue from President . I have heard an independent commission at the Pentagon speak to it. I have heard Secretary Austin speak to it. Now, whether they specifically support this legislation or not, they at least have admitted that sexual assault in the military is a major, major problem that needs to be dealt with in some way, but I am saying it will never be dealt with until we get Senator Gillibrand's legislation passed. prgtoken More importantly, it has the votes--66 votes in the U.S. Senate, for sure, and probably more when people have to put their vote on the line to be a stand-alone piece of legislation. It is time for the legislation to finally move forward, and I would urge my colleagues to allow it to proceed. prgtoken But as has happened before, we found out today is not that day. But that day should have been years ago, considering this problem is getting worse from year to year and, more importantly, the fact that it is such a big problem, and retaliation is such a big problem that you don't even get accurate statistics on the number of peo