mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
TRIBUTE TO VETERANS OF THE ARMED FORCES OF THE UNITED STATES
Sheila Jackson Lee (Democrat, TX) \u2014 2019-11-8

. Madam , I rise to pay tribute to all the men and women who have served in the Armed Forces of the United States and risked their lives to defend our freedoms and way of life and took and lived the oath to ``support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic'' and bore true faith and allegiance to the same, an obligation they took freely, without any mental reservation or purpose of evasion.'' prgtoken Veterans are truly heroes walking among us. prgtoken I want to thank all of our armed servicemen and women for their selfless dedication to our protection every day. prgtoken Veterans Day is a reminder to all of us who live in freedom that as President Kennedy said, ``The price of freedom is high, but Americans have always paid it.'' prgtoken This Veterans Day is a welcome opportunity to remember that the fallen who gave the last full measure of devotion to their country on battlefields around the world--in places whose names may be unforgettable--or locations that have slipped into the pages of history. prgtoken We will never forget: prgtoken Revolutionary War: Valley Forge; York Town. prgtoken Civil War: The Battle of Antietam; The Battle of Gettysburg. prgtoken World War I: The Battle of Argonne; Flanders Field; Verdun. prgtoken World War II: Pearl Harbor; Battle of Bataan; The Battle of Midway; D-Day; Battle of the Bulge; Battle of Anzio; Battle of Corregidor. prgtoken Korean War: Inchon; Heart Break Ridge; Pork Chop Hill. prgtoken Vietnam: Tet Offensive; Battle of Hue. prgtoken Desert Storm: September 11, 2001; Pentagon Attack (125 killed). prgtoken Operation Enduring Freedom: Battle of Kandahar. prgtoken Operation Iraqi Freedom: Second Battle of Fallujah. prgtoken The memory of the fallen are never forgotten. prgtoken Madam , each Veterans Day, Americans come together to remember those who prgtoken have served our country around the world in the name of freedom and democracy. prgtoken The debt that we owe to them is immeasurable. prgtoken Their sacrifices, and those of their families, are freedom's foundation. prgtoken Without the brave efforts of all the soldiers, sailors, airmen, marines and Coast Guardsmen and women and their families, our country would not live so freely. prgtoken I offer my deepest gratitude to our nation's troops and reservists, their families, and the 21.6 million veterans, including 29,126 here in the 18th Congressional District. prgtoken 21.6 million brave men and women are veterans of our nation's military service. prgtoken This includes more than 2 million women, 2.7 million African American men and women, 1.5 million Hispanic men and women, 342,000 Asian American Pacific Islanders, and 178,000 American Indians. prgtoken Nine in ten military families believe the public does not understand or appreciate their sacrifices. prgtoken We use Veterans Day to show our veterans and military families how important they are to us and how grateful we are for them each and
TRIBUTE TO HONOR THE LIFE OF MARY MARGARET ``MOO'' ANDERSON
Anna G. Eshoo (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2019-11-8

. Madam , I rise today to honor the life of an extraordinary woman and legendary supporter of art and artists, Mary Margaret Anderson, affectionately known to all as ``Moo''. prgtoken Moo was born in Boston in 1926 and died on October 22, 2019, at the age of 92. She was a graduate of D'Youville College and met her husband Harry, known as Hunk, in 1948. While in college, Hunk started a food service business, Saga Corporation. After Moo and Hunk married in 1950, they moved to Ohio and then to California to expand the business. prgtoken A trip to Europe and a visit to the Louvre in the 1960's ignited Moo and Hunk's love for contemporary art. They began collecting art which reflected their beliefs in the importance of `head and hands', or ingenuity as well as masterful craftsmanship. They wanted to see the creativity of the artist but also wanted to know that real work went into the art. Much of the family's art collection was hung in their one-story Silicon Valley home and in the Saga headquarters in Menlo Park. The collection contained important Abstract Expressionists, Color Field Painting, Post-Minimalism, California Funk Art, Bay Area Figurative Art, and Contemporary abstract painting. Many of the most significant works are now housed in the Anderson Collection at Stanford University, a collection of 121 works by 86 artists which the Andersons donated in 2014. Two important works by Jackson Pollock and Willem De Koonig were donated shortly before Moo's death, adding to paintings by Helen Frankenthaler, Agnes Martin, Joan Mitchell, Robert Motherwell, Frank Stella, Wayne Thiebaud and many other important American artists. prgtoken In addition to the eponymous museum at Stanford, the Andersons donated works to the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art, and the Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco, among others. prgtoken Moo loved her husband, daughter, granddaughter, philanthropy, and golf. She gave generously of her time and considerable talents in service to Sacred Heart Schools, St. Francis Center, and Stanford Hospital, and she taught children through Art in Action in Menlo Park. prgtoken On hearing of Moo's death, Stanford University President Marc Tessier-Levigne, said ``Moo Anderson will forever be remembered for her love of art, but also for her love of sharing art. She opened her home so that students could have that same experience of looking and learning about art. We are so deeply grateful that Moo and Hunk trusted Stanford to be stewards of their remarkable collection and enable people of all ages to experience it on a daily basis.'' prgtoken Moo was predeceased by her husband Hunk, and leaves her daughter Mary Patricia ``Putter'' Anderson and her beloved granddaughter, Devin . She will be deeply missed by them and by all who had the good fortune to know her. Her legacy will live on through the magnificent art she and Hunk have so generously shared with Stanford and all of us. prgtoken Madam , I
HONORING UNITED HEBREW OF NEW ROCHELLE 100TH ANNIVERSARY
Eliot L. Engel (Democrat, NY) \u2014 2019-11-8

. Madam , it is an honor to recognize an institution in my district, United Hebrew of New Rochelle, as it celebrates its remarkable 100th anniversary this year. prgtoken Founded in 1919 as The United Home for Aged Hebrews, the home quickly grew over its first decade to include 51 elderly men and women in need in a large two-story frame house surrounded by three park-like acres on Pelham Road in New Rochelle. In 1934, a three-story, red-brick addition to the original building was made possible by a generous contribution from Adolph Arber. The United Home was at that time the largest institution of its kind in Westchester County with 155 residents. prgtoken In 1954, ground was broken for a $1.5 million building to replace the original house and 1934 wing. The new development, the Saul and Ada Gutner Pavilion, opened 3 years later and this new 102-bed facility was hailed as ``an entirely new concept in living for the elderly in need and the first major departure from the institutional atmosphere of the traditional old age home.'' The building incorporated the newest architectural concepts with modem social thought. In 1976, the Lola and Saul Kramer Pavilion, a $5.25 million skilled-nursing facility, was built with the assistance of a mortgage loan from the New York State Medical Care Facilities Finance Agency. The four-story building brought the United Home to a 270-bed capacity. prgtoken From there, United Home continued to grow. In 1983 it launched a Long-Term Home Health Care Program. In 1996, AZOR Licensed Home Health Care was launched, extending our award-winning services into the community to serve those who chose to stay in their own home. In 2003, the Beverly and Alfred J. Green Pavilion--Willow Towers Assisted Living--opened its doors. And in 2009, in its 90th year, United Hebrew Geriatric Center was renamed United Hebrew. The new name and logo honored their founders while reflecting the essence of United Hebrew's comprehensive services: united for its residents, caregivers, and their families. prgtoken Madam , this is the 100-year legacy of United Hebrew: a dedication to caring for those in need. As we mark this special occasion, I want to congratulate and thank the leadership and team at United Hebrew for serving our community with great distinction for a century.
HONORING SAINTS CYRIL AND METHODIUS PARISH ON ITS 135TH ANNIVERSARY
Daniel Lipinski (Democrat, IL) \u2014 2019-11-8

. Madam , I rise today to honor the 135th anniversary of Saints Cyril and Methodius Parish in Lemont, Illinois. On Sunday, November 3rd, the church held a celebration to commemorate their long history of faith and service to the community, and I am pleased to join them. prgtoken Founded in 1884, Saints Cyril and Methodius Parish has remained an unwavering example to our local community. Father Leopold Bonaventura Maria Moczygemba established this parish at the direction of the Archbishop of Chicago, the Most Reverend Patrick Augustine Feehanas. Saints Cyril and Methodius became a place of worship to serve the spiritual and cultural needs of Lemont's growing Polish-American community. prgtoken Father Witusik, who was assigned as an associate pastor in 1979, founded the Polish Club of Lemont and helped introduce a Polish Mass at Saints Cyril and Methodius to better serve the Polish-speaking parishioners. To this clay, the parish continues to support the Polish community and its heritage. prgtoken In the 135 years since Father Moczygemba presided over the first mass, Saints Cyril and Methodius Parish has undergone many renovations and improvements to accommodate its ever-growing congregation. In 1898 and 1928, tragic fires struck Saints Cyril and Methodius. Each time the parishioners banded together to ensure that the church was rebuilt. This endeavor required hard work, commitment, and sincerity, all unifying characteristics of the church's parishioners. prgtoken What has remained constant through all the changes is the commitment of Saints Cyril and Methodius's parishioners to come together and work towards the fulfillment of their faith and the betterment of their community. This hard work has not gone unnoticed by the local community who benefit from the services that the church provides. The parish has a Ministry of Care which provides prayer, comfort, and healing to those who are unable to physically attend Mass. Father Stawiarski and his congregation also organize the Helping Hands program to distribute food items and other products to those in need. prgtoken In addition to the Parish, Saints Cyril and Methodius School serves our community and provides the children of Lemont an opportunity for an outstanding Catholic education. The school has been honored with the prestigious 2019 U.S. Department of Education National Blue Ribbon School Award. In 1982, the Department of Education established the National Blue Ribbon Schools Program to recognize a select group of public and private schools with high or significantly improved achievement. I am proud that Saints Cyril and Methodius School has been honored as one of these exceptional schools. prgtoken Madam , I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Saints Cyril and Methodius Parish on its 135th anniversary and congratulating the Parish on its many accomplishments. May Saints Cyril and Methodius continue their great work in the community, while inspiri
HONORING THE ACCOMPLISHMENTS OF NORMA MALONE COOK
Marcy Kaptur (Democrat, OH) \u2014 2019-11-8

. Madam , I rise today to recognize the accomplishments of Norma Malone Cook of Huron, Ohio. On Sunday, November 17, 2019, the Huron United Methodist Church will honor Norma for 50 years of service to their congregation. prgtoken Norma began playing the organ at age 15 for the Huron United Methodist Church on September 14, 1969. prgtoken Norma tells the story of the night that her parents dropped her off at the church to practice music and forgot to pick her up. She recalled the darkness and the sounds of the heat registers, and, there being no telephone near the choir loft, Norma just waited at the back door until her apologetic father showed up around midnight. Despite that event, Norma continued to serve her church with a smile. prgtoken There have been many changes at the Huron United Methodist Church during the time that Norma has served, and she has improvised and changed alongside the church. One such change that marked the end of an era was in 1995, when the Hemry Organ Company increased the organ from 7 to 11 ranks, which made the organ four feet higher and moved to another location. Previously, the organist was in a sunken pit and could not see the activity of the sanctuary aisles. The organist relied on taking cues from the minister as to when music should commence or end, making it extremely difficult to play for a wedding as one could not see the bride walking down the aisle. Norma and Rev. Carothers formulated a communication strategy during his ministry by which the Reverend would crack open the parlor folding doors to bare the light. He would switch the light on and off as the cue for Norma to start the Wedding March. The wedding observers in the pew never suspected anything. prgtoken Over the decades, Norma has brought over 300 brides down the aisle for weddings and comforted more than 400 families with funeral music. prgtoken An active member of the Huron United Methodist Church congregation, Norma works with choirs of all ages and serves on multiple church committees. She always brings a sense of humor to choir rehearsals and helps make music fun for all who work with her or hear her play. prgtoken Norma has played ecumenical services at almost every church in Huron, serving as an asset to the entire Huron community. prgtoken Norma has been married to her husband Ron for over 35 years. Norma has three children and three grandchildren. prgtoken We congratulate Norma on all her accomplishments and dedication to her service to the Huron United Methodist Church and the entire Huron community.
IN HONOR OF FRANK BOUDREAU
Chris Pappas (Democrat, NH) \u2014 2019-11-8

. Madam , I rise today to honor Frank Boudreau, who is retiring after 45 years of service to the citizens of New Hampshire. Throughout his distinguished career, Mr. Boudreau has served as a Program Planner for the Southern NH Services, a CETA Program Operations Director, a Member of the NH Job Training Council, SNHS NH Employment Program and, most recently, overseeing SNHS's workforce activities and services to TANF public assistance recipients. prgtoken Mr. Boudreau has always distinguished himself as a person of the highest integrity and a champion of public service. He received a bachelor's degree in Political Science from Saint Anselm College and a master's degree in Public Administration from the University of New Hampshire. prgtoken For the better part of the past five decades, Mr. Boudreau has helped support our communities through his critical work at SNHS. He has led programs which assist low income residents of New Hampshire in securing employment, attaining adequate education, and addressing critical needs such as access to quality health care and housing. Throughout his career, Mr. Boudreau's commitment to serving his community has left an indelible impact on countless Granite Staters. prgtoken On behalf of my constituents in New Hampshire's First Congressional District, I want to thank Frank Boudreau for his decades of dedication to our community. I congratulate him on his accomplished public service career, and I wish him all the best in his well-deserved retirement.
PERSONAL EXPLANATION
A. Donald McEachin (Democrat, VA) \u2014 2019-11-8

. Madam , I was unavoidably detained on October 31, 2019 during roll call no. 603, On Ordering the Previous Question, H. Res. 660, Directing certain committees to continue their ongoing investigations as part of the existing House of Representatives inquiry into whether sufficient prgtoken grounds exist for the House of Representatives to exercise its Constitutional power to impeach , President of the United States of America. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yea.'' I was also unavoidably detained during roll call no. 604, On Agreeing to the Resolution, H. Res. 660, Directing certain committees to continue their ongoing investigations as part of the existing House of Representatives inquiry into whether sufficient grounds exist for the House of Representatives to exercise its Constitutional power to impeach , President of the United States of America. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yea.'' I was also unavoidably detained during roll call no. 605, On Agreeing to the Amendment, H.R. 823, Curtis of Utah Part B Amendment No. 1. Had I been present, I would have voted ``no.'' I was also unavoidably detained during roll call no. 606, On Agreeing to the Amendment, H.R. 823, Tipton of Colorado Part B Amendment No. 5. Had I been present, I would have voted ``no.'' I was also unavoidably detained during roll call no. 607, On Agreeing to the Amendment, H.R. 823, Crow of Colorado Part B Amendment No. 6. Had I been present, I would have voted ``aye.'' I was also unavoidably detained during roll call no. 608, On Motion to Recommit with Instructions, H.R. 823, Colorado Outdoor Recreation and Economy Act. Had I been present, I would have voted ``no.'' I was also unavoidably detained during roll call no. 609, On Passage, H.R. 823, Colorado Outdoor Recreation and Economy Act. Had I been present, I would have voted ``aye.''
HONORING ALUMINUM CASTING COMPANY
Russ Fulcher (Republican, ID) \u2014 2019-11-8

. Madam , I rise today to honor a hometown business in Hayden, Idaho that is receiving the Department of Labor's Honoring Investment in Recruiting and Employing (HIRE) Vets Medallion Award today. Founded as the Los Angeles Aluminum Casting Company in 1947, LA Aluminum has been a staple of the local community in Hayden since 1972. LA Aluminum makes castings for critical components that support the aerospace, automotive, dental, and military industries. As a third- generation family-owned business in Idaho, Robert Oswald and his daughter Sarah continue the great tradition of making American products for American companies in Idaho. That's why I am proud to honor the Oswald family and the wonderful employees of LA Aluminum for their investments in recruiting, employing, and retaining military veterans in Idaho. Our veterans answer the call to serve, protect our way of life, our system of government, and the freedoms that we want to enjoy every day. The HIRE Vets Award is the only federal-level veterans' employment award that recognizes companies committed to hiring and retaining veterans. I thank the employees of LA Aluminum for prioritizing our veterans and those that answered the call to service. The HIRE Vets Medallion Award is a symbol of their culture, passion, and love for our country and our armed services.
RECOGNIZING SERGEANT MAJOR MICHAEL GRINSTON ON HIS SELECTION TO BECOME THE SIXTEENTH SERGEANT MAJOR OF THE U.S. ARMY
Robert B. Aderholt (Republican, AL) \u2014 2019-11-8

. Madam , I would like to recognize Sergeant Major Michael Grinston on his selection to become the sixteenth Sergeant Major of the United States Army. prgtoken Having grown up in Jasper, Alabama, in Alabama's Fourth Congressional District, Sergeant Major of the Army Grinston enlisted in the Army in 1987 to serve as an artilleryman. During his thirty-two years in the Army, his deployments included two tours each to Operation Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom, as well as Desert Shield/Desert Storm and a deployment to Kosovo. He also served as the senior enlisted leader for the Army's first deployment of a division headquarters, with the First Infantry Division, in support of Operation Inherent Resolve from October 2014 to June 2015. prgtoken In addition to serving as the I Corps Command Sergeant Major, Sergeant Major of the Army Grinston most recently served as the senior enlisted leader for U.S. Army Forces Command (FORSCOM), the U.S. Army's largest command. He is a combat veteran who has served in every level of leadership from gunner to his current role as the United States Army's senior enlisted leader. prgtoken His awards and decorations include the Army Distinguished Service Medal, Defense Superior Service Medal, Legion of Merit (two awards), and five Bronze Stars (two with ``V'' devices). He has earned the Ranger tab, Master Parachutist Badge, Air Assault Badge, Drill Sergeant Identification Badge, and the Combat Action Badge. prgtoken Sergeant Major of the Army Grinston earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Business Administration from the University of Maryland University College. prgtoken Madam , it is a great privilege to recognize such an accomplished and dedicated leader. I join his family, friends and colleagues in wishing him the greatest success in this new role.
RECOGNIZING THE HONORABLE BOB MAY
Jason Smith (Republican, MO) \u2014 2019-11-8

. Madam , I rise today to honor a longtime friend and mentor, Bob May, on his numerous achievements and contributions to our community, the State of Missouri, and our extraordinary country. prgtoken Originally from Champaign, Illinois, Bob joined the United States Navy in 1953, where he served four years as an Electricians Mate on a U.S. Atlantic Fleet Destroyer. After his stint with the U.S. Navy, Bob began his career prgtoken with the United States Forest Service. In 1973, Bob accepted a position with the Rolla District Rangers, relocating to Missouri. After twenty- eight years of employment with the USFS, Bob retired from federal service and turned his focus to representing his community at the state level. prgtoken Bob was elected to the Missouri House of Representatives, serving from 2001 to 2008. It was during this time that our paths first crossed. He gave me my first job in government as a legislative intern in Jefferson City where I saw firsthand how he always placed people over politics. prgtoken Bob has been married to his loving wife Carlene for over 64 years. He and Carlene have been active members of the First Presbyterian Church since they moved to Rolla and he now serves as an Elder and is involved in the church in countless ways. Bob is the former President of the United Way and is also a founding member of the Community Partnership and the Rolla Public Schools Partnership in Education Committee. In addition, Bob is active in the Rolla Optimist Club, American Legion Post 270, Korean War Veterans Association Chapter 281, the Missouri Veterans Home Assistance League, and Prevention Consultants of Missouri. Following the passing of their 24-year-old son, Pat, after a battle with cancer, Bob and Carlene became active with Compassionate Friends, a support group for bereaved families of deceased children. prgtoken Bob has had a profound impact on my life and I will always have the utmost respect for his political understanding, polite courage, and unwavering dedication to service. It is truly an honor to know this amazing person and call him a friend. I am privileged today to recognize Bob May before the United States House of Representatives.