mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
HONORING MARY JANE BURKE
Jared Huffman (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2022-5-27

. Madam , I rise today in recognition of Mary Jane Burke upon her retirement from Marin County Office of Education as its intrepid Superintendent of Marin County Public Schools for nearly two decades and for a lifetime of extraordinary public service. prgtoken Raised in Stockton, California, as the eldest of eight siblings, Mary Jane moved to Marin at the age of 18 to attend Dominican University in San Rafael. She graduated with a bachelor's degree in education in 1973 and proceeded to also earn her master's degree in special education in 1976. Since then, she has served our community as a teacher, principal, special education director, assistant superintendent, and deputy superintendent. In 1995, following the death of her husband, she was elected to fill his seat as the next Marin County Superintendent, a position she has held for seven terms. prgtoken As Superintendent, Mary Jane fulfilled an essential role in shaping the trajectory of students' education at a critical age and ensuring our schools receive vital funding including overseeing 40,000 students and the distribution of $450 million. Marin County Office of Education (MCOE) is responsible for the fiscal oversight of Marin County's 18 school districts budgets, and provides a variety of services including technology and educational programming for both public and private K-12 schools; managing regionalized special education programs; and offering professional development for teachers, instructional assistants, administrators, and school board trustees; among many other services. Mary Jane managed these roles with a high degree of commitment, always applying the highest standards and a laser focus on what is best for children. She developed a well-deserved reputation for her collaborative leadership style, and ability to cultivate strong partnerships among school districts, community organizations, businesses, and local governments. prgtoken Among her numerous accomplishments is the establishment of the Marin County School to Career Partnership and SchoolsRule-Marin, a joint effort by the county's public-school foundations to raise funds for K- 12 students countywide to ensure access to critical educational opportunities is available for all public students, regardless of zip code. This program continues to combat the county's equality gap more than a decade later. Unafraid to take bold stances on deeply rooted and complicated issues, Mary Jane also played an essential role in prompting the state's 2019 historic desegregation order that resulted in the Sausalito Marin City Unified School District. She has been a fierce advocate for increasing access to early education and preschool. Beyond her work with MCOE, she shares her talent and time on the Board of Directors for the Fiscal Crisis and Management Assistance Team (FCMAT), the Marin County Treasury Oversight Committee, and is the former President of the California County Superintendents Education
RECOGNIZING LOVEY HAMMEL AND DENISE McPHAIL AT THE 12TH ANNUAL HYLTON CENTER ANNIVERSARY GALA
Gerald E. Connolly (Democrat, VA) \u2014 2022-5-27

. Madam , I rise today to recognize the honorees of the 12th Annual Hylton Center Gala, Lovey Hammel and Denise McPhail, who have demonstrated incredible dedication and service to The Hylton Performing Arts Center. The Hylton Performing Arts Center serves to enrich, entertain, and celebrate the community through arts and educational programs. The Hylton Performing Arts Center provides a variety of cultural experiences for all ages, and we are thankful to have this Center in our community. prgtoken Lovey Hammel has served as the President of Employment Enterprises, Inc. for more than forty years, working to ensure everyone has the skills and opportunities they need to succeed in Northern Virginia. She worked tirelessly throughout her educational career and has given back to these institutions, including the Mason Board of Visitors, to which Governor Tim Kaine appointed her. Lovey has also served as the Chair of both the Prince William County Chamber of Commerce and the Northern Virginia Chamber of Commerce. prgtoken Her family has been dedicated to the Hylton Center before its conception. Lovey's mother, the late Jana Yeates, served as the Marketing and Outreach Committee Chair on the initial campaign to bring the Center into reality. As a display of their love for the performing arts and the work they put into creating the Hylton Center, Lovey's parents generously gave to the Center to name the Lovey Hammel Lounge in their daughter's honor. She and her family are landmark members of the Hylton Center's legacy. prgtoken Denise McPhail is the Co-Founder and Executive Director of the Creative and Performing Arts Center, Inc. (CAPAC), a position she has proudly held for years. CAPAC serves as a bridge to connect underserved communities with access to and inclusion in the performing arts. Under Denise's leadership, CAPAC has helped hundreds of students experience the thrill of performance. prgtoken After more than thirty years of civil service, Denise has retired, but her commitment to the Hylton Performing Arts Center has not wavered. She supported the Center before the ground was even broken, wowing audiences with CAPAC performances at the outset of Hylton's construction. As a current member of the Center's Executive Board, Denise continues to enshrine Northern Virginia's dedication to the arts, and this honor could not be more fitting for a woman of her commitment and expertise. prgtoken Madam , I ask that my colleagues join me in commending this year's Hylton Center honorees. Lovey Hammel and Denise McPhail have dedicated themselves to making the arts accessible and remain invaluable members of the Northern Virginia community.
RECOGNIZING NATIONAL TOURETTE SYNDROME AWARENESS MONTH
Steve Cohen (Democrat, TN) \u2014 2022-5-27

. Madam , I rise today in recognition of National Tourette Syndrome Awareness Month which runs from May 15 through June 15 each year. As a founder and Co-Chair of the Congressional Tourette Syndrome Caucus, I want to use this opportunity to address the need for additional research and, hopefully, clear up some common misconceptions about Tourette syndrome. prgtoken Tourette syndrome (TS) is a complex neurological disorder that involves tics, which are sudden movements and vocalizations or noises that people do repeatedly. It develops during childhood and changes over time. Symptoms can wax and wane across the lifespan of the individual. There is no cure for Tourette syndrome, and only three medications have been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, which each have significant side effects and contraindications. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), among children diagnosed with TS, 83 percent have at least one additional mental, behavioral, or developmental condition. These co-occurring conditions can include anxiety, Attention Deficit- Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD), autism, Oppositional Defiance Disorder (ODD), depression, learning difficulties, and other conditions. These co-occurring conditions can significantly impact the lives of those affected by TS. prgtoken Data from the CDC suggests roughly 50 percent of children and teens with TS are not diagnosed. CDC studies including children with both diagnosed and undiagnosed TS have estimated that one out of every 162 children (0.6 percent) have TS. However, these numbers do not include children with Chronic or Provisional Tic Disorders. It is estimated that one out of 100 school-aged children have TS or another tic disorder. prgtoken Tourette Syndrome is often misconstrued by media and therefore misunderstood by the public. Many people believe TS involves obscene language. However, only 10 percent of those with TS have coprolalia, the form of TS with obscene language. Continued education and awareness can help to increase understanding and reduce stigma or bullying. prgtoken Neither the full public health impact nor the true cost of living with TS is known. Yet, individuals with TS and their families often face substantial costs due to healthcare visits, special educational services, medication, psychological and behavioral counseling, occupational therapy, missed school and work, and more. prgtoken It is for these reasons that the Tourette Syndrome Program at the National Center for Birth Defects and Developmental Disabilities remains critically important. Research from this program seeks to better understand prevalence, co-occurring conditions, impact, and costs associated with TS. The Tourette Syndrome Program also educates doctors, teachers, allied professionals, parents and the public at large so that we can increase the diagnosis rate and improve the lives of those living wi
TRIBUTE IN HONOR OF TOMMY HAROLD MINK
Harold Rogers (Republican, KY) \u2014 2022-5-27

. Madam , I rise today to pay tribute to Tommy Harold Mink in celebration of his retirement from the Rockcastle County Industrial Development Board in Mount Vernon, Kentucky, where he has dedicated 45 years of service to the community and southeastern Kentucky. prgtoken Mr. Mink has been instrumental in providing wisdom and guidance for industrial development, job creation, and economic growth in Rockcastle County, beginning with the Rockcastle County Improvement Board and continuing to aid in acquisition, retention, and development of local land for new opportunities for more than four decades as a charter member of the Rockcastle County Industrial Development Board. prgtoken Mr. Mink is also a member of the Kentucky Cattleman's Association Hall of Fame, as a result of his life-long, successful career in the farming industry. His passion for farming began as a child in Rockcastle County where he was born and raised on a 35-acre dairy farm. He became a first-generation college graduate in his family, earning a degree in agriculture in 1958. Today, he and his sons still own and operate a 350 cow/calf and back-grounding operation. prgtoken His expertise has been highly sought after by a number of local and state organizations, including serving as a board member of the Rockcastle County Cattlemen's Association since 1985, serving as Master Conservationist in 1981, a charter member of the Rockcastle County Forage Council, the Rockcastle County Soil Conservation District since 1982 and Chairman from 1983 to 2019, a charter member of the Rockcastle County Saddle Club for more than 20 years, an Extension Agency Board Member, Chairman of the Western Rockcastle Water District, the Farmers Home Administration, a Farm Bureau board member, the Vocational Educational Regional Advisory Board in Harlan County, and a court- appointed appraiser for the Commonwealth of Kentucky. He is also Chairman of the Brindle Ridge Fire Department, a founding member of Cedar Rapids Country Club, and a deacon of the Brindle Ridge Baptist Church. Mr. Mink has also been a Kentucky Colonel since the late 1960's. prgtoken As a veteran of the U.S. Army, with two tours of active duty from 1959 to 1966, this nation owes Mr. Mink a great debt of gratitude for his military service. His overall lifetime of service is truly inspiring, from working on the farm as a young boy, to becoming a member of the U.S. Armed Forces, to establishing a Veterans Honor Guard in Rockcastle County, to building a successful business and providing tireless community service throughout his entire adult life. prgtoken Mr. Mink has sincerely earned his due retirement and I wish him and his family the very best in the years to come.
RECOGNIZING THE SERVICE OF CURRAN SMOLINSKY
Robert J. Wittman (Republican, VA) \u2014 2022-5-27

. Madam , I rise today in recognition of Curran Smolinsky and his service to Virginia's First District and the Nation. prgtoken Curran earned his bachelor's degree in Political Science and Government from the University of Mary Washington, a prestigious university in Virginia's First District. As the Captain of the soccer team, Curran helped lead the Eagles to their first Continental Athletic Conference soccer championship in 16 years. Needless to say, Curran was as integral to the Mary Washington team as he was to my staff. prgtoken Curran first joined my office as an intern in my office during the summer of 2015. During the summer of 2016, he rejoined my staff and assisted the other interns with integrating into our office. After graduation, Curran worked at Infinity Support Services as a program analyst, but after a call to rejoin our office, Curran gladly accepted. He has been with us for over three years now. During his time serving Virginia's First District, Curran admirably worked as a staff assistant, and quickly climbed the professional ladder to become a Legislative Aide in the Spring of 2021. Throughout his tenure here, Curran always put the concerns of Virginia's First District's constituents first. prgtoken Curran has devoted his talents to the common good and dedicated his heart and mind to civil service. I would like to thank Curran for his contributions over the past three years. I wish Curran the best as he continues his career on the other side of the Potomac as he continues serving the nation at the Department of Defense. prgtoken Madam , I ask you to join me in recognizing Curran Smolinsky for his dedicated service to Virginia's First District. May prgtoken God bless Curran as he continues his career in public service.
HONORING THE LIFE OF MR. ALBERT J. RINOW, SR.
Chris Jacobs (Republican, NY) \u2014 2022-5-27

. Madam , I rise today to remember and honor the life of Albert J. Rinow, Sr who passed away on May 2, 2022, at the age of 96. prgtoken Mr. Rinow worked at Trico for 43 years, all the while serving in the Lancaster Fire Department. Mr. Rinow joined the Lancaster Fire Department in 1950 with the Rescue Hook and Ladder Company and joined the Citizens Hose Company in 1954. For his service, in 2001 and 2006, Mr. Rinow was awarded the Lancaster Fire Department Firefighter of the Year Award. From 2003 through 2017 Mr. Rinow served as the Lancaster Fire Department Chaplain, and in 2017, Mr. Rinow attained life membership status in the Lancaster Fire Department, after 67 years of active service. For all his noble work with the Lancaster Fire Department, Mr. Rinow was also named to the Erie County Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Services Wall of Honor. prgtoken At the age of 20, Mr. Rinow married Shirley Pearles at Sacred Heart Church in Bowmansville, NY. Together, Mr. and Mrs. Rinow had six children: Judith; David; Daniel; Patricia; Albert, Jr.; and Nancy. Additionally, Mr. Rinow had 15 grandchildren, 26 great-grandchildren, and a great-great grandchild named Georgia. Of note, Mr. Rinow's son Daniel and his grandson Marc are 3rd and 4th generation firefighters with the Lancaster Fire Department. prgtoken Mr. Rinow was also a man of faith and active in his church. Mr. Rinow worked as the cemetery director for St. Mary's Cemetery and served as a Eucharistic minister for the church. In his free time, Mr. Rinow also was a basketball coach, and enjoyed fishing. prgtoken Madam , please join me in mourning Mr. Rinow's passing, and in honoring his life's work and all his achievements.
RECOGNIZING THE 75TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE CITY OF CRESTWOOD, MISSOURI
Ann Wagner (Republican, MO) \u2014 2022-5-27

. Madam , I rise today to recognize an amazing community in my district. This year marks the 75th anniversary of the City of Crestwood, Missouri. prgtoken With a population of over 12,000 proud Americans, Crestwood has grown into a vibrant city since its incorporation in 1947. From its steadfast and hardworking Police and Fire Departments to its dedicated Parks and Recreation and Public Works Departments, the local government of Crestwood continues to provide outstanding public service to the families living there. prgtoken Crestwood is also a city rich in history. It is the burial place of Sergeant John S. Sappington, who fought alongside George Washington during the Revolutionary War, and the city sits directly adjacent to the Ulysses S. Grant National Historic Site, or White Haven, where the former President and Civil War General lived with his family. prgtoken Crestwood remains an incredible community to raise a family, with numerous outstanding schools, parks, and recreational facilities in the area. I want to thank the caring residents and public servants of Crestwood, who continue to work together to improve their community, and I have no doubt that the next 75 years will be even greater than the last.
HONORING THE 21ST CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT OF TEXAS 2022 SERVICE ACADEMY APPOINTEES
Chip Roy (Republican, TX) \u2014 2022-5-27

. Madam , today we congratulate the 2022 Service Academy appointees from the 21st Congressional District of Texas. prgtoken The following individuals have accepted Academy Appointments: prgtoken Hudson T. Baese, Canyon High School, New Braunfels, United States Air Force Academy. prgtoken Austin G. Curtis, Robert G. Cole High School, San Antonio, United States Air Force Academy. prgtoken Walker L. Cunningham, Robert G. Cole High School, San Antonio, United States Merchant Marine Academy. prgtoken Bradley J. DeMeritt, UTSA, Franklin High School, New Braunfels, United States Military Academy. prgtoken Joseph G. Drastata, Canyon High School, New Braunfels, United States Military Academy. prgtoken Logan J. Kitchen, Claudia Taylor Lady Bird Johnson High School, San Antonio, United States Military Academy. prgtoken Austin W. Locke, UTSA, Boerne High School, Boerne, United States Merchant Marine Academy. prgtoken John T. Murphy, Wimberly High School, Wimberly, United States Naval Academy. prgtoken Noah A. Purify, USNAPS, Claudia Taylor Lady Bird Johnson High School, San Antonio, United States Naval Academy. prgtoken Ella M. Rudik, BASIS Shavano, San Antonio, United States Air Force Academy. prgtoken These outstanding students have much to contribute to their chosen Academy and to our country. We appreciate their talents and their patriotism. prgtoken I hope my colleagues in the House of Representatives will join me in congratulating these truly heroic young men and young women.
HONORING MR. WINDELL CUROLE
Garret Graves (Republican, LA) \u2014 2022-5-27

. Madam , I rise today in order to share a story of Cajun ingenuity and recognize a man who went beyond the call of duty for his community. Windell Curole, Manager of the South Lafourche Levee District, fought tooth and nail to build a more secure flood protection system. Mr. Curole knew the area's levees weren't high enough to defend against a major storm; he began gathering funds and bringing in the necessary resources to raise the levees. Mr. Curole understands his community and gained their support--guided by his leadership, the Parish self-taxed in order to improve their own levee system. prgtoken Mr. Curole is no stranger to challenge: the U.S. Corps of Engineers issued cease and desist orders, even going so far as to threaten him with legal repercussions for lacking the correct permits. Driven by a just cause, Mr. Curole simply kept building. Mr. Curole's efforts successfully protected South Lafourche from Hurricane Ida, which devastated most of the surrounding area. His vision and efforts prevented extensive flooding and helped the region back on its feet after this terrible storm. Come hell, high water, or even legal threats, Windell Curole has always and will always take appropriate action to defend his community. I am proud to call Mr. Curole a fellow Louisianian--and friend.
RECOGNIZING PEACE LUTHERAN SCHOOL FOR THEIR MEMORIAL DAY PROGRAM
Lisa C. McClain (Republican, MI) \u2014 2022-5-27

. Madam , I rise today to recognize Peace Lutheran School in Shelby Township, Michigan, for their dedication to honoring the brave men and women who gave their lives in service to our country. prgtoken The Peace Lutheran School Memorial Day program consists of songs, recitations, and tributes to honor those who gave the ultimate sacrifice. prgtoken Freedom is never free, and it is only secured through the courage of those who serve. We must never forget the sacrifice of those who gave their lives fighting to secure the freedoms we in our country hold dear. I applaud the work of Peace Lutheran School for never forgetting and always honoring these brave men and women.
MAY CONSTITUENT OF THE MONTH ROSE TEDING
Mike Levin (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2022-5-31

. Madam , it is my great honor to recognize Oceanside resident Rose Teding as my May Constituent of the Month. Rose has dedicated countless hours to various community service projects to help the Oceanside community and has inspired many others to join in her efforts. prgtoken As President of the Woman's Club of Oceanside, Rose Teding has been donating more than half of her time in a volunteer capacity to the Oceanside community for years. In her capacity as President, Rose oversees a large volunteer team that facilitates community service programs, engages in civic outreach, supports children and domestic and sexual assault victims, helps individuals experiencing homelessness, and more. Even during COVID-19, the Woman's Club of Oceanside still organized and found ways to safely serve our community members. prgtoken During Asian American and Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander Heritage Month, I am proud to celebrate the exceptional work of individuals like Rose Teding who volunteer their time and contribute to our unique and beautiful district. I'm so grateful for CA-49 residents who dedicate their lives to the betterment of our residents and community, and I'm proud to honor Rose Teding as my May Constituent of the Month.
INTRODUCTION OF THE ENSURING CHILD HEALTH COVERAGE COMPENSATION IN DIVORCE ACT OF 2022
Eleanor Holmes Norton (Democrat, DC) \u2014 2022-5-31

. Madam , today, I introduce the Ensuring Child Health Coverage Compensation in Divorce Act of 2022. This bill would require that when a court directs a non-custodial parent (including a stepparent) to provide health insurance for a child, the other parent can get reimbursed directly from the insurer for any out-of-pocket medical expenses for the child incurred by such parent, regardless of the source of insurance. prgtoken In a divorce, one parent is typically court-ordered to provide health insurance for the child to prevent the child from being uninsured. However, the other parent may pay for out-of-pocket medical expenses for the child that are reimbursable by the insurer. Under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, group health insurers are required to directly reimburse a parent who pays for reimbursable out- of-pocket medical expenses when the other parent has been court-ordered to provide health insurance for the child. However, other health insurers are not required to directly reimburse the other parent. prgtoken This bill would provide the same requirements for all health insurers to ensure that the parent who pays for the out-of-pocket medical expenses is reimbursed. prgtoken I strongly urge my colleagues to support this bill.