mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
HONORING TOM FLORES
Jim Costa (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2021-8-6

. Madam , I rise today along with my colleagues, Mr. Ruiz and Mr. Soto, to recognize Mr. Tom Flores for his successful career and outstanding achievements in professional football. prgtoken Tom Flores was born in Fresno and raised in Sanger, California. He is a son of immigrants who had humbled beginnings working in the agriculture fields of the San Joaquin Valley. He attended Fresno City College, where he played as quarterback for two seasons and then received an academic scholarship to study at the University of the Pacific. prgtoken Following his graduation, Flores sought to pursue a career in professional football. For him, like others, it was not easy. He was cut by the Calgary Stampeders of the Canadian Football League in 1958, and then by the Washington Redskins of the National Football League (NFL) in 1959. But that did not stop him: he persisted until his dream became a reality. prgtoken In 1960, Flores became the first Hispanic quarterback in American professional football after winning the starting quarterback job with the American Football League's Oakland Raiders. He later played for the Buffalo Bills and the Kansas City Chiefs. He won his first Super Bowl ring in 1969 playing quarterback for the Kansas City Chiefs. After a successful playing career, he retired, following the 1970 season. prgtoken Subsequently, Flores served as an assistant coach with the Buffalo Bills and Oakland Raiders. In 1979, he became the Raiders head coach and the first Hispanic head coach in NFL history. Under his leadership, the Raiders won the 1980 Super Bowl XV and 1983 Super Bowl XVIII. Tom Flores has four Super Bowl rings and is one of two individuals that earned that honor as a player, assistant coach, and head coach. prgtoken Coach Flores joined the Raiders front office after the 1987 season. A year later, he became President and General Manager of the Seattle Seahawks. In 1992, he returned to the sideline as the head coach of the Seahawks for three seasons. In twelve seasons as a head coach, Flores compiled a career record of 97-87 and an impressive playoff record of 8-3, surpassed only by the legendary coach Vince Lombardi. He later returned to the Raiders, where he spent more than two decades as a radio analyst. prgtoken After a successful career in football, both as a player and coach, Flores has used his influence to raise nearly 2 million dollars to support Sanger Unified School District's science, art, and athletics programs through the Tom Flores Foundation. Demonstrating a commitment to giving back to our communities and nation. prgtoken Coach Flores was selected to be enshrined as a member of the Class of 2021 for the Pro Football Hall of Fame, an honor well deserved and overdue. He will be the third Raiders Head Coach in the Hall of Fame. The Class of 2021 will be enshrined on Sunday, August 8, 2021, in Canton, Ohio. prgtoken Today, he remains active with the Raiders, now in Las Vegas, Nevada. Through his i
COMMEMORATING ASSYRIAN MEMORIAL DAY
James P. McGovern (Democrat, MA) \u2014 2021-8-6

. Madam , I rise today to commemorate Assyrian Memorial Day, which is observed annually on August 7 to honor the memory of all those Assyrians who have fallen victim to genocide, other mass atrocities, and persecution. I am very proud that the Second Congressional District of Massachusetts is home to a vibrant Assyrian- American community--a proud reminder of survival and perseverance in the face of mass atrocities and extreme injustice. prgtoken The Genocide that we are commemorating today is a history of persecution and the systematic destruction of a people, based on their religion and ethnicity. It is a history shared with Armenians and Hellenes, or Greeks, perpetrated between 1914 and 1923. This is the period that began to form the world's modern-day understanding of crimes against humanity and genocide, culminating 20 years later in the atrocities committed against the Jewish people of Europe. prgtoken Madam , today is a moment to remember the hundreds of thousands of Assyrians who perished during this horror were irreplaceable human beings. Each individual--man or woman, children or the elderly--were part of a family, with dreams and hopes for the future--and all those hopes, all of those dreams, all of those ``possibilities'' were erased. This was done deliberately. This was a choice made by leaders at all levels of the Ottoman Empire and those who took charge immediately after the empire's demise. prgtoken The Assyrian people and the Assyrian Catholic Church have existed for over 2,000 years. In their ancestral homes of the Middle East--in Iraq, Syria, and Turkey--they lived and worshipped, established communities, and broke bread together, centuries before Islam was born in the region. prgtoken Sadly, the minority religions and peoples of the Middle East are facing yet another test, as they are again being persecuted and targeted for extinction. Most of the world's 2 to 4 million Assyrians still live around their traditional homelands, although they are frequently displaced and fleeing violence and war like so many others in the region. It is estimated that some 60 percent of Iraqi Assyrians have been forced to abandon their homes and leave the country since the U.S. invaded Iraq in 2003. prgtoken Today, tens of thousands of Assyrians in Northern Iraq have fled persecution at the hands of ISIS, which has attacked Assyrian villages, killing or imprisoning hundreds. And with ISIS has come another form of genocide--the war against the history of mankind--with the destruction of archaeological sites, ancient books, artifacts, works of art, houses of worship, museums, centuries-old Bibles, and relics. Yet, we can take hope from the survival of towns like Alqosh in northern Iraq and the Nineveh Plains. People survive and the culture and memory survive. prgtoken We cannot sit idly by and watch this destruction continue. We need to provide aid and protection to these communities, these villages and towns--ce
AVASARALA KANYAKUMARI
Raja Krishnamoorthi (Democrat, IL) \u2014 2021-8-6

. Madam , today I wish to honor the life and talent of Avasarala Kanyakumari, a revered master violinist, composer, and teacher in the Indian Carnatic musical tradition. prgtoken Born in the city of Guntur in Andhra Pradesh, India, Kanyakumari began her musical life on the violin at the age of eight. Blessed with an abundance of natural talent and nurtured by her family and dedicated teachers--including the eminent violinist Maestro Ivaturi Vijayeswara Rao--Kanyakumari was soon performing in small concerts and building a reputation as a musical prodigy. prgtoken After graduating high school, Kanyakumari moved to Chennai, where she continued her education and her musical career as an accompanist and soloist of great renown, deeply admired by critics and aficionados alike for her technical skill and exquisite musicality. prgtoken The Indian Government recognized her talent and contributions to Indian music and culture with the Padma Shri Award in 2015. The following year, Kanyakumari was honored with the Kalaimamani Award from the state of Tamil Nadu, and the prestigious Sangita Kalanidhi Award from the Madras Music Academy. prgtoken Kanyakumari is revered for her commitment to cultivating the next generation of Carnatic musicians. She offers her services without charge, as her way of paying it forward and honoring the contributions made by her teachers to developing her talents. And Kanyakumari is a wonderful musical ambassador, sharing the beauty of the Carnatic tradition with music lovers all over the world. (I was especially moved by a recent rendition of the Star-Spangled Banner on this Fourth of July, performed by Kanyakumari and her student disciples.) prgtoken Madam , I want to recognize the contributions of maestro, guru, and composer Avasarala Kanyakumari to Indian music and culture, and the gift of her talent to the millions of devotees of the Carnatic musical tradition.
HONORING PASTOR CHAD D. BRYANT
Sanford D. Bishop, Jr. (Democrat, GA) \u2014 2021-8-6

. Madam , I rise today to honor a dedicated community leader, an outstanding Man of God, and a dear friend of longstanding, Pastor Chad D. Bryant who is retiring and celebrating his 40th anniversary as the distinguished pastor of Mount Pleasant Baptist Church in Columbus, Georgia. An anniversary worship service will be held on Sunday, August 8, 2021 at 3 p.m. at the church located at 3601 Yeomans Street in Columbus, Georgia. prgtoken A native son of Columbus, Georgia, Pastor Chad D. Bryant was born to the late William Bryant, Sr. and Mattie Bryant. Pastor Bryant began his Christian journey after accepting Jesus at the age of 8. At the age of 16, he confessed a calling to the preaching ministry and by 18, he was ordained--all of which happened under the tutelage of the late Reverend C.C. Cloud of New Providence Baptist Church in Columbus, Georgia. Pastor Bryant received his grade school education in the public schools of Columbus, Georgia before graduating from Spencer High School in 1974. He then went on to attend Morris Brown College, where he studied Sociology with an emphasis in Psychology. He also received a certificate in Church Administration and the Old and New Testaments from the American Baptist Theological Seminary in Columbus, Georgia. prgtoken In addition to being the beloved pastor of Mount Pleasant Baptist Church and a founding active member of the Fellowship Missionary Baptist Convention of Georgia, Inc he has also served as Assistant Pastor of Galilee Baptist Church; Associate Minister of Greater Beallwood and New Providence Baptist Churches in Columbus Georgia; a former instructor of the American Baptist College Extension Center; Assistant Director-General and Director-General for the Congress of Christian Education; and President and Dean of the Fourth District Congress of Christian Education under the General Missionary Baptist Convention of Georgia, Inc. prgtoken George Washington Carver once said, ``How far you go in life depends on your being tender with the young, compassionate with the aged, sympathetic with the striving and tolerant of the weak and strong because someday in your life you will have been all of these.'' Pastor Bryant has gone far in life because his everlasting faith in the Lord is a vivid testimony of His greatness to all whom he encounters. His love and commitment to Christ are reflected in his compassionate and considerate leadership, which makes him a guiding light within the community. He is a humble man who always puts himself in the shoes of others. It has been said that, ``The true person of success is not the person that climbs the ladder of this life with one hand, but climbs the ladder of this life with two hands and reaches back with the other.'' Pastor Bryant has always climbed the ladder of life with an eye towards helping others to reach their full potential, both spiritually and socially. prgtoken On a personal level, Pastor Bryant has been a friend
HONORING AUBREY ALVAREZ AS IOWAN OF THE WEEK
Cynthia Axne (Democrat, IA) \u2014 2021-8-6

. Madam , I rise today to ask the House of Representatives to join me in recognizing Aubrey Alvarez, the executive director of Eat Greater Des Moines, as Iowan of the Week. Since its founding in 2013, Aubrey and the Eat Greater Des Moines team have helped connect numerous nonprofit organizations, businesses, and community leaders to work to strengthen the food system in Des Moines. prgtoken Aubrey, who holds a degree in health and wellness management from the University of Northern Iowa and a Master of Public Administration degree from Drake University, has worked in various health and wellness positions throughout her professional career. Now, Aubrey works with the Eat Greater Des prgtoken Moines team to make sure no food goes to waste. They emphasize the use of local foods and community gardens, and have a food rescue system to make sure restaurants and grocery stores don't throw away good food. Their work has also proved fruitful as they have supported 90 community, school, and faith based edible gardens. prgtoken One of the organization's biggest projects, Operation Fresh Produce Drop, started in April 2020 in response to the strains put on the food system due to unexpected closures and an increase in need for food. The Operation Fresh Produce Drop initiative began as a way to help move excess bulk products from wholesale distributors while also supporting organizations serving those affected by the pandemic. This evolved into distributing almost 90,000 food boxes through the USDA Farms to Families food box program. With a team of 3 full-time staff and no warehouse space or necessary equipment, Operation Fresh Produce Drop was only possible due to collaborations with local partners like Des Moines Public Schools and Forklifts of Des Moines. prgtoken Of the over 125 groups Eat Greater Des Moines worked with, 80 percent were not and are still not able to order or access food through the Feeding America food bank network or TEFAP, which makes the work Eat Greater Des Moines is doing to partner with trusted community members to get food to individuals and families even more important. prgtoken Aubrey is committed to not only making sure individuals and families in Des Moines don't go hungry, but that they also have access to fresh and healthy foods. It's impossible to tell how many people Aubrey's work has affected directly, but I do know that because of her families have and are still able to put delicious, fresh food on their tables. It is an honor to commemorate Aubrey and recognize her as the Iowan of the Week.
HONORING THE RETIREMENT OF COMMANDER MICHAEL FILES
Lloyd Doggett (Democrat, TX) \u2014 2021-8-6

. Madam , one of the most important honors we have as Members of Congress is to nominate candidates from a competitive pool of young men and women who want to attend our Nation's elite military academies. Among the first I nominated was Michael Files, a James Bowie High School graduate from Austin, Texas, who sought admission to the United States Naval Academy. A nomination doesn't guarantee admission or success, but Commander Files enjoyed both. prgtoken It brings me great satisfaction to know that Commander Files has gone on to do so much on behalf of our Nation, in and out of the uniform, His service in the U.S. Navy, which led him all over world, such as Guam and Japan, earned him several awards such as the 2011 Navy Times Sailor of the Year, the Meritorious Service Medal, the Joint Service Commendation Medal and many others. prgtoken In addition to serving in the Armed Forces, Commander Files served his fellow neighbors as a Commissioner for the City of Alexandria Human Rights Commission. During his tenure from 2009 to 2011, Commander Files held public hearings related to housing discrimination and age discrimination in Employment--highlighting his dedication to civil rights. In recent years, Commander Files has led the Navy Talent Acquisition Group in San Antonio where his team recruits high-quality candidates from Texas who are interested in joining the U.S. Navy. prgtoken Outside of his uniform, Commander Files is actively involved in the community, volunteering with organizations such as Big Brothers Big Sisters, the Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc and the NAACP. Commander Files' exemplary service to America and his local community is emblematic of what makes America a great Nation. prgtoken I wish Commander Files the very best as he and his family celebrate his well-deserved retirement.
RECOGNIZING MR. AND MRS. BETTERTON ON THEIR 50TH ANNIVERSARY
Mo Brooks (Republican, AL) \u2014 2021-8-6

. Madam , I rise today to recognize Mr. and Mrs. Betterton on their fiftieth wedding anniversary. prgtoken Erby Wayne Betterton was born on February 28, 1948 in Decatur, Alabama. Four years later, Valeri Lynn Dunaway was born on May 21, 1952, in Murfreesboro, Tennessee. prgtoken While on leave from his duties in the U.S. Army, Wayne met Valeri through his brother. After Wayne finished his three-year commitment to the Army, he returned home and proposed to Valeri on her 18th birthday, which also happened to be the day she graduated from Butler High School. On August 01, 1971, Wayne and Valeri were married at West Huntsville Church of Christ. prgtoken Looking back over their life together, Wayne and Valeri recognize the many blessings they have experienced together. prgtoken For instance, Wayne served in the U.S. Army on the front lines of the Vietnam War and returned home safely. Upon returning home and completing his service, Wayne went to work as a tire builder with Dunlop Tire Company. Meanwhile, Valeri worked in the food stamp office until 1975, when she and Wayne welcomed their first daughter into their home. Later, in 1979, Valeri had another little girl. By this time, Valeri chose to change her career to become a stay-at-home mother. prgtoken Later, Valeri returned to work as a state employee and retired after twenty-five years of service. Wayne retired after thirty-three and a half years at Dunlop, which is when the plant was closed. prgtoken Today, Wayne and Valeri are enjoying retirement by being heavily involved in their grandchildren's lives and their local church and community. One of their favorite past times is watching the Atlanta Braves. prgtoken Madam , Wayne and Valeri Betterton's marriage serves as a reminder to us all, that with unwavering commitment and perseverance, marriage is truly a wonderful blessing. prgtoken I wish Mr. and Mrs. Betterton the very best as they enjoy their fiftieth wedding anniversary and celebrate with their family.
RECOGNIZING DAVID AND AMY SNYDER
John Joyce (Republican, PA) \u2014 2021-8-6

. Madam , I rise today to recognize David and Amy Snyder for being named 2019 Historians of the Year by the Bedford County Historical Society. prgtoken Throughout 2018, David and Amy Snyder worked diligently to preserve and protect the history and heritage of Bedford County through the renovation of the Loy Mansion. prgtoken The Snyder family first began their research project into the property's history in 2017, and their extensive diligence in researching the history of the mansion has led to a better understanding of the Loy Family, for whom the Village of Loy is named. prgtoken David and Amy Snyder's research into the history of the Loy Mansion has contributed to preserving the story of Bedford County for generations to come. I am grateful for their painstaking work to research our history and make that information accessible to the Bedford County Historical Society and our community's schools. prgtoken On behalf of the 13th District of Pennsylvania, I congratulate them on their achievement and wish them continued success as they work to preserve the history of Bedford County.
AMENDMENT TO DIVISION E OF H.R. 4502
David B. McKinley (Republican, WV) \u2014 2021-8-6

. Madam , I rise in support of my amendment to Division E of H.R. 4502, which provides funding for the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, EPA, for fiscal year 2022. The purpose of this amendment is to highlight the need for additional financial resources for our rural water systems to address lead in drinking water. prgtoken It was recently reported that the drinking water at three locations in Clarksburg, West Virginia, contained lead levels above 15 parts per billion, which is EPA's action level for lead contamination. The Clarksburg Water Board, CWB has done everything in its power to address the issue at hand, yet they are still constrained and need assistance to address this issue. The $8,804,000 this amendment subtracts and adds back to the funding level for capitalization grants under the Drinking Water State Revolving Fund is the total amount the CWB would need to replace their water lines and improve their drinking water distribution system. By highlighting this needed funding, Congress will ensure that our rural water systems are given the assistance they deserve.
HONORING THE LIFE AND SERVICE OF MR. HIRAM ``H'' BOWLIN
Diana Harshbarger (Republican, TN) \u2014 2021-8-6

. Madam , I rise to recognize Mr. Hiram ``H'' Bowlin, who is a distinguished veteran that served our country in World War II and recently celebrated his 101st birthday on June 7, 2021. I extend my sincerest gratitude to Hiram for his dedicated service to our country, and I further thank him for his continued service to our community. I am delighted to wish him a very happy and joyful 101st birthday. prgtoken Hiram's service began when he was sent to Europe and assigned to the 94th Infantry, which was a part of the 3rd Army commanded by the great General George Patton. This infantry saw a total of 209 days of combat and participated in campaigns in Northern France, Rhineland, Ardennes- Alsace, and Central Europe. Hiram served as a Communications Sergeant and was responsible for stringing ``commo wire'' to different command posts during the war. prgtoken He was discharged January 16, 1946, and he returned home to the U.S. on February 6, 1946. For his service, Hiram has been awarded the Bronze Star, the World War II Victory Medal, Good Conduct Medal, and the M-1 Rifle Marksmanship Badge Medal, among other awards. prgtoken Hiram is described by his friends as a man of God who is beloved by his community. He often exchanges a warm smile and friendly wave with his neighbors as they pass by his home. He spent his 101st birthday surrounded by his friends and loved ones and even got the opportunity to ride in an antique fire truck that is as old as Hiram himself. When asked about the secret to living a long life by a local reporter, Hiram jokingly quipped, ``Keep breathing.'' prgtoken Hiram is a blessing to everyone that knows him, and he has made a large impact on our community. He is known as a kind, caring man who loves Jesus. Veterans like Hiram are the backbone of our nation, and we owe them our sincerest gratitude. His service and sacrifice are a testament to his character and his deep love for our country. I want to extend my deepest thanks to Hiram for his dedicated service to our nation, and once again, wish him a very happy birthday.
HONORING CAPTAIN LAURA HEGGINS FOR 29 YEARS OF SERVICE TO CABARRUS COUNTY
Richard Hudson (Republican, NC) \u2014 2021-8-6

. Madam , I rise today to honor Captain Laura Heggins for 29 years of service to Cabarrus County, located in North Carolina's Eighth Congressional District. prgtoken Captain Heggins began her career in law enforcement with the Cabarrus County Sheriff's Office in 1992 and retires today as Captain of the Administrative Support Services Division, where she oversaw all operations related to School Recourse Officers, Records, Civil Process and Training and Recruitment. prgtoken Captain Heggins has led a career of distinction and is a strong and effective leader. She became the first African American and the first woman to rise to the rank of Captain with the Cabarrus County Sheriff's Office, paving the way for and inspiring others. During her tenure with Cabarrus County, she supervised the daily operations and personnel of the Courthouse Security and Bailiff Division, led all courthouse safety operations, managed the recruitment and hiring of all personnel for the Cabarrus County Sheriff's Office, served as the Team Leader of the Crisis/Hostage Negotiator Team, and was instrumental in the development and oversight of the College Intern Program. In addition to her work with Cabarrus County, she also serves as a member of the Cabarrus County Mental Health Task Force, works with homeless populations through Main Street Mission, teaches a Detention Officers Certification Course and is an active member of Oak Grove Baptist Church. prgtoken Renee and I would like to extend our most heartfelt appreciation to Captain Heggins for her years of exemplary service to Cabarrus County, which is a better place today due to her work. I know I speak for our entire community in wishing her and her family continued success and happiness as they move on to their next great adventure. prgtoken Madam , please join me today in honoring Captain Laura Heggins for 29 years of service to Cabarrus County.