mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
CONGRATULATING WOMEN IN LEADERSHIP
Angie Craig (Democrat, MN) \u2014 2019-8-2

. Madam , I rise today to honor the City of Burnsville for an historic achievement--for the first time ever, nearly all of the city's top leadership positions are held by women, including the mayor, the school superintendent, the city manager, the president of the Chamber of Commerce, the executive director of the convention and visitors bureau, chair of the county commissioners, five school board members, the new police chief, and an at-large City Council member. prgtoken When women hold these positions, our children grow up knowing that women are fully capable of leading and driving change in their communities. Burnsville Mayor Elizabeth Kautz is to be commended not only for her service, but also for her leadership in ensuring more women are at the policymaking table. I'm proud to not only represent the City of Burnsville, but also locate my district office there. prgtoken I'm not the only one who has taken notice--just recently, the women of Burnsville were featured on a segment on the Today show for their outstanding work to create stronger communities and serve as role models to young women everywhere. prgtoken As the first woman to ever represent Minnesota's Second Congressional District in the U.S. House of Representatives, I want to congratulate these women on their hard work, their leadership, and their demonstration to communities across Minnesota that women deserve a seat at the table. This is what leadership looks like.
MEDICAL WOMEN'S INTERNATIONAL ASSOCIATION
Kim Schrier (Democrat, WA) \u2014 2019-8-2

. Madam , I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing the 100th anniversary of the Medical Women's International Association (MWIA), one of the oldest international professional organizations, representing women doctors worldwide. prgtoken In 1919 New York City, American physician, Dr. Esther Pohl Lovejoy, along with international colleagues from 16 nations, founded MWIA and became its first President. Over the century, MWIA has grown to encompass over 80 countries as either national associations, like the American Medical Women's Association, or as individual members. prgtoken One hundred years ago, there were very few women in the medical field. Organizations like MWIA provided support for women in medicine and more importantly provided a community for them to share medical knowledge as well as promote collegiality around the world. At the time of MWIA's founding, a major challenge for women was the accessibility of medical education. Fortunately, this obstacle has been overcome in many nations. The sacrifice of these earlier trailblazing doctors helped pave the way for future ones like me. prgtoken Yet the number of women in senior leadership positions shows that the work of MWIA is far from over. By investing in women physicians, MWIA provides the network and support system to mentor and advocate for future leaders in the medical field. In addition, MWIA works to improve the health of women worldwide, advocating for gender specific healthcare, promoting equity, and addressing social determinants of health. prgtoken Congratulations again to the MWIA for their 100 years of important work. Their tireless work to open doors for women in medicine has improved the health of generations of women, men and children around the world, and for that, we all are grateful.
HONORING MS. BJ WHITE-OLSON
Jennifer Wexton (Democrat, VA) \u2014 2019-8-2

. Madam , I rise today to honor my constituent, Ms. BJ White-Olson, who is retiring from the Department of the Navy after more than 46 years of faithful civilian service to our nation, culminating as the Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Navy, Management and Budget (DASN (M&B)) for the past 10 years. prgtoken As a senior advisor, she reported to the Assistant Secretary of the Navy (Research Development and Acquisition) (ASN (RD&A)), whose significant responsibilities include development and acquisition of Navy & Marine Corps platforms and weapon systems. ASN (RD&A) is the Service Acquisition Executive for Navy and Marine Corps, which includes responsibility of procuring all Ships, Submarines, Aircraft and Weapon Systems, exceeding $100B in contracts annually and necessitating testimony before our Defense Authorization and Appropriation Oversight Committees, and maintaining close relationships with fellow Members of Congress and Professional Staff Members. prgtoken Ms. White-Olson's broad and diverse portfolio included policy and oversight responsibilities for matters pertaining to the Planning Programming Budgeting and Execution System, Strategic Acquisition Planning, Acquisition Governance, Analysis of Contractor Performance, and a responsive Congressional Liaison Division. She covered dynamic issues across all organizational domains and additionally was the Navy Secretariat representative for the Federally Funded Research Development Centers oversight. prgtoken Prior to her current assignment, Ms. White-Olson served in the Department of the Air Force. From January 2006 to December 2009, she was the Director for Budget Management and Execution, Office of the Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Air Force for Budget. During her assignment, she was responsible for the management, budget formulation, and execution of $130B in Air Force appropriations, establishing and enforcing budget policy Air Force wide, as well as formulation, justification and execution of the Air Force Working Capital Funds and for Air Force Security Assistance budgets. prgtoken From July 2002 to January 2006, Ms. White-Olson was the Associate Deputy Assistant Secretary for Cost and Economics, Office of the Assistant Secretary of the Air Force for Financial Management and Comptroller, where she assisted the Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Air Force for Cost and Economics in supervising Air Force cost, economic and business case analysis. prgtoken Prior to becoming a member of the Senior Executive Service, her assignments included Special Assistant for Financial Management Transformation, Office of the Assistant Secretary of the Air Force for Financial Management and Comptroller; Technical Director, Office of the Deputy Assistant Secretary for Cost and Economics, Office of the Assistant Secretary of the Air Force for Financial Management and Comptroller; and assignments at major command and base levels. prgtoken Ms. White-Olson is a Certif
HONORING FRANK WILLS
Dwight Evans (Democrat, PA) \u2014 2019-8-2

. Madam , I rise today to honor Frank Wills, who in 1972, at the age of 24 years old, worked as a security guard at the Watergate Complex in Washington, DC. prgtoken June 17, 1972, Mr. Wills was on-duty and making his routine rounds of surveilling the property he was hired to secure. During his rounds, he discovered duct tape placed over a latch bolt on the basement door of the building adjacent to a stairwell near the parking garage. prgtoken It is now known that the tape was placed by burglars who entered the building to steal confidential documents from the office of the ic National Committee headquarters, which was located on the sixth floor of the building. Mr. Wills explained to federal investigators that he checked the basement door 45 minutes ahead of his scheduled time because he had a sense that something was amiss. He was correct. prgtoken President Richard Nixon had hired five men, including a former CIA official to commit the burglary. Thanks to Mr. Wills keen and observant eye, a trail of related break-ins, corruption, wiretapping, slush funds and connected crimes were revealed. It led to the eventual resignation of a president. prgtoken By most accounts, Mr. Wills should have been a decorated member of the law enforcement community as, he played a pivotal role in exposing what would later become one of America's most notorious scandals. He wasn't. He resigned from his position due to racist treatment at work and had difficulty finding suitable employment due to prospective employers being afraid of associating with him. Employers were fearful of hiring him due to the threat of losing federal funding. He moved to Georgia with his mother and lived off her monthly Social Security payment. prgtoken Frank Wills passed away on September 27, 2000 at the age of 52. He should be remembered as a hidden figure in our nation as his actions created a catalyst for one of our nation's greatest political scandals. prgtoken On behalf of the 3rd Congressional District of Pennsylvania and the city of Philadelphia I extend gratitude to the late Frank Wills for his bravery and service to our country.
COMMEMORATING THE HON. MARGIE GARRETT
Nanette Diaz Barragán (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2019-8-2

. Madam , we lost a pillar of the Compton community and a dedicated champion for our students, Hon. Margie Garrett. Although she will be greatly missed by her friends, family, and our community, we take comfort in knowing that her accomplishments in her mission for educational excellence has forever left a mark on the life of every child in the Compton Unified School District. Let us honor her legacy by providing everyone with the highest quality of education they deserve.
REMEMBERING THE LIFE AND WORK OF RONALD CLIFFORD CLARK
Eleanor Holmes Norton (Democrat, DC) \u2014 2019-8-2

. Madam , I rise today to ask the House of Representatives to join me in remembering the life and work of Ronald Clifford Clark. Clark, the co-founder and former executive director of Regional Addiction Prevention, now known as RAP, Inc passed away on May 14, 2019. He will be remembered by District of Columbia residents for his contributions to the battle against drug addiction and for his love and appreciation of life. prgtoken Clark moved to the District of Columbia in 1970, at a time when D.C. was facing an addiction epidemic. Originally on a path of becoming a musician, Clark's life took on new purpose after seeing firsthand the damages of drug addiction and a society ill-equipped to handle it. Clark took a novel approach to providing treatment for substance abusers and created a holistic program that was African-centered and drug free. RAP, Inc. was one of the first programs in the District to allow mothers to bring their children into the facility with them while they participated in treatment. It was also one of the first programs to provide services to individuals living with AIDS. Over the years, his strategy proved to be lifesaving and redeeming for many D.C. residents. prgtoken Clark will also be remembered for his love of music, in particular jazz, which he carried into his work, making sure that music was ever- present in his facilities. As the son of the musician Roy T. Clark, Clark learned how to play piano, saxophone and bass at a young age and later formed a Modern Jazz Society in his early 20s. He was devoted to jazz and for a period of time he had a show called Transitions that aired on Thursdays from midnight to 4am on WPFW-FM 89.3. prgtoken His organization continues to serve those in need. His work touched and changed thousands of lives in D.C bringing families back together, motivating individuals to choose different pathways for their lives and changing attitudes of the public about the value of treatment over of sending addicted people to prison. prgtoken Madam , I ask the House of Representatives to join me in remembering Ronald Clifford Clark for his strength of character, his capacity for love, and his commitment to helping others and giving many District of Columbia residents a second chance at a better life.
RECOGNIZING IOWA SAFE SCHOOLS' SECOND ANNUAL PRIDE CAMP
Abby Finkenauer (Democrat, IA) \u2014 2019-8-2

. Madam , I am honored to join in celebrating the second annual Pride Camp at Iowa Safe Schools and to congratulate everyone involved in making this incredible resource for LGBTQ youth in our state a reality. This week-long program is designed for LGBTQ youth to have an opportunity to learn, grow, and simply have fun in a safe and supportive environment. prgtoken I was a page in Iowa's State House when the ``Iowa Safe Schools Law''--the Anti-Bullying and Anti-Harassment Act of 2007--was passed. It was the result of years of tireless work from advocates and legislators, including many of the Iowans who have dedicated themselves to Pride Camp. I am honored to be a voice for LGBTQ Iowans of all ages in Congress. prgtoken I applaud Iowa Safe Schools for the inspiring work that it does in our communities, year-round, to create a nurturing environment for LGBTQ youth, by providing critical resources and training for students, educators, parents, and young allies.
HONORING BILL SOMERVILLE
Anna G. Eshoo (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2019-8-2

. Madam , I rise today to honor the work of Bill Somerville, an extraordinary philanthropist, grant-maker, advisor, and a generous, creative, and devoted advocate for those in need. prgtoken Bill Somerville grew up in Berkeley, California, and later attended the University of California. He served for 17 years as Executive Director of the pioneering and highly regarded Peninsula Community Foundation and is a nationally recognized expert on creative grant- making, having advised more than 400 community foundations in the United States, Canada, and abroad on effective operations and grantmaking. He has taught courses on prgtoken philanthropy at Stanford University, UC Berkeley's Osher Lifelong Learning Institute, and Laney Community College, in Oakland, California. Bill was honored with the 2004 Gerbode Fellowship Award in recognition of outstanding achievement as a nonprofit executive and is a founding member of the National Advisory Board of the Haas Center for Public Service at Stanford University. He has also been an advisor to the Dean of the UC Berkeley School of Social Welfare and serves as an advisor to the Peery Family Foundation and the Junior League of Palo Alto. prgtoken Bill is the author, with Fred Setterberg, of Grassroots Philanthropy: Field Notes of a Maverick Grantmaker, a guide to creative grantmaking. In it, according to the Financial Times, May 2008, ``Somerville describes in engaging prose how to be an effective philanthropist. With no agenda other than his need to set things right in the world, he lays out a series of principles that can be adopted by both endowed national foundations and those with lesser means, providing they have an urge to use their wealth to improve the world.'' prgtoken Bill Somerville's career as a maverick grant-maker spans 50 years in nonprofit work. In 1990, he founded Philanthropic Ventures Foundation (PVF) which specializes in creative giving programs customized to donors' interests. Under his stewardship, PVF has distinguished itself as a leader in ``venture philanthropy,'' a term coined by Somerville to describe PVF's quick-response, high-impact grant mode, including immediate response grants and paperless giving. prgtoken Larry Purcell, the highly respected founder of the Catholic Worker House in Redwood City, California, reports that more than 40 years ago he and Bill Somerville became teamsters for the poor by picking up free fresh produce from the South San Francisco Produce Terminal. The Catholic Worker House has continued to distribute thousands of pounds of produce each week, using three 15,000-pound trucks acquired through Bill Somerville's generosity and that of Philanthropic Ventures. A decade ago, Bill Somerville and Philanthropic Ventures Foundation gave the Catholic Worker House seed money to purchase a two-bedroom house in Redwood City for day laborers. In 2018 Bill Somerville and Philanthropic Ventures Foundation provided seed money for Catholi
RECOGNIZING PEORIA ILLINOIS AMERICAN WATER ON THEIR 130TH ANNIVERSARY
Cheri Bustos (Democrat, IL) \u2014 2019-8-2

. Madam , I rise today to congratulate Illinois American Water from Peoria, IL, for achieving the milestone of 130 years of continued water quality service to 1.3 million citizens in the State of Illinois. prgtoken Illinois American Water has represented exemplary values since its founding in 1890. With a dedicated and skilled work force, members of Illinois American Water ensure the safety of the Peoria area's water supply. They offer an abundance of water services and provide education to the public about our world's most precious resource. They are invested in new technologies and renewable energy methods that continue to set the standard for their industry. Their 130 years of integrity and environmental stewardship displayed in the community is to be celebrated. prgtoken Madam , I would like to again formally congratulate Illinois American Water on 130 years of service, and I join the rest of the community in wishing them every success in the future.
HONORING MARY RUTH PARDUE
Pete Stauber (Republican, MN) \u2014 2019-8-2

. Madam , I rise today to honor a remarkable woman named Mary Ruth Pardue. Mary's life serves as an example of what it means to be a true American patriot, public servant, and caregiver. prgtoken Mary became a registered nurse after receiving a bachelor's degree in nursing from the University of Virginia Nursing College. Shortly after the United States entered World War II, Mary joined the United States Army Nurse Corps and was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant. prgtoken She served our country courageously in the North African and Italian campaigns as a trauma and surgical nurse. When a soldier received a terrible injury, Mary was often the first person on the scene, ready to provide first-rate care. prgtoken Mary's bravery and compassion did not go unnoticed. She was awarded a Bronze Star for her actions in protecting her patients while under fire from hostile forces in northern Italy. prgtoken Madam , Mary recently passed away in Duluth, Minnesota shortly after her 100th birthday. Her devotion to her country and to the health of our citizens will never be forgotten. My prayers and condolences go out to her family and loved ones.
THE EMERY COUNTY PUBLIC LAND MANAGEMENT ACT INCLUDED IN S. 47, THE JOHN D. DINGELL, JR. CONSERVATION, MANAGEMENT, AND RECREATION ACT
John R. Curtis (Republican, UT) \u2014 2019-8-2

. Madam , I rise today regarding the Emery County Public Land Management Act, that was included in S. 47, the John D. Dingell, Jr. Conservation, Management, and Recreation Act. This became Public Law 116-9 on March 12th, 2019. prgtoken Throughout 2018 and early 2019, Senator Hatch, Senator Romney, and myself heavily engaged with the Emery County Commissioners and Emery County Public Lands Council to draft this important piece of legislation. After Senator Hatch's retirement, Senator Romney helped to carry the ball across the finish line. prgtoken This law is the result of countless hours of deliberation, and thus I find it important to highlight some areas of congressional intent of particular interest. While these should generally be clear in the text and corresponding map, the historical context of how we arrived at some of these decisions may be of benefit to the Department of the Interior, future members of the Utah delegation, or those in Utah. The Utah delegation, and particularly myself, look forward to the implementation of this new law. prgtoken Of note, Jake Bornstein (my Legislative Director), Romel Nicholas (Senator Hatch's public lands staffer), and Kelsey Berg (Senator Romney's Deputy Chief of Staff) were the main staff points of contact in our respective offices for the bill. Jake and Romel have extensive correspondence with the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) that further demonstrates the accurate characterization of the congressional intent I outline here. prgtoken Most important to this process, our founding principle was to never take any action that would end a current ongoing use. For example, we were immensely careful to not close a road, trail, air strip, or other existing use in the legislative text or corresponding map with a wilderness designation. Further, we worked extensively to avoid more restrictive designations, such as wilderness, to areas it would limit ongoing activity. We worked to draw designation boundaries along geographic and physical features, or just outside a cherry stem, to ensure management made sense for the area. prgtoken Any designation boundary that does not follow these trends, particularly any designation that puts at risk an existing use due to a poorly drawn boundary, was a clerical error and should be resolved under the authority clearly provided in Sec. 1221. Given the pure scale of this bill and legislative map, we realized this authority would be a vital tool to resolve these errors. prgtoken I'd also like to point out the clear intent within Sec. 1232. Section (e), which clearly states that non-wilderness activities or uses that can be seen or heard from areas within wilderness are to be left uninterrupted by this legislation. prgtoken On the topic of roads, we worked closely with BLM to ensure all roads in the 2008 RMP were not put into a wilderness designation, often referred to as ``cherry stemmed''. Our intent was to preserve these roads and for them
HONORING CHARLES SMITH
Sam Graves (Republican, MO) \u2014 2019-8-2

. Madam , I rise today to honor my dear friend, Charles Smith, and to congratulate him on the completion of his term as President of the Missouri-National Education Association (MNEA) and wish him well as he enters into retirement. prgtoken A graduate of Northwest Missouri State University, Charles taught communication arts in the Center School District of Kansas City for over three decades. Through being an active member of his church and the head of the Communication Arts Department and High School Newspaper Advisor, Charles always sought to find every opportunity to help his students and serve his community. prgtoken It was this desire to serve that led Charles to seek the position of MNEA President six years ago. As President, Charles chaired the MNEA Board of Directors, served as the association's official spokesperson for the state of Missouri and represented over 35,000 members of the MNEA. prgtoken Madam , dedicated and hardworking educators, such as Charles, put in an immense amount of effort to ensure our children receive the best education possible and help students realize their dreams. One thing is certain; I know that I could have never served in the halls of Congress without the help of devoted and caring teachers along the way, and Charles has certainly made a lasting impact on my career. I am grateful for his friendship and comradery over the years and wish him well in his future endeavors.
SOUTHWEST FLORIDA'S 12-YEAR-OLD SABINE RIVERA ADVOCATES FOR MORE DIABETES RESEARCH FUNDING
Francis Rooney (Republican, FL) \u2014 2019-8-2

. Madam , I rise today to congratulate Sabine Rivera, a 12-year-old from Southwest Florida who is doing important work to advocate for more diabetes research funding. She and more than 100 other children have traveled to Washington with the Junior Diabetes Research Foundation to ask that members of Congress renew the special diabetes program. prgtoken Sabine has type 1 diabetes and relies on insulin in her day-to-day life. As the price of insulin continues to rise drastically, some Americans are being forced to ration their doses, which is dangerous and potentially deadly. Last summer, Sabine's family was paying $450 a month for insulin. prgtoken This is why Sabine advocates for herself and other diabetes patients. She is working hard to convince legislators to fund more diabetes research and to hopefully find a cure. In 30 years, more than 5 million Americans are expected to have type 1 diabetes, so decreasing the cost of insulin and working to find a cure is an important issue for a growing portion of America's citizens. prgtoken I am grateful for Sabine and her passion to fight for diabetes patients across the nation. I am proud to have her as a member of our Southwest Florida community and look forward to her bright future.