mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
ZAC KERNS
Sam Graves (Republican, MO) \u2014 2020-7-9

. Madam , I proudly pause to recognize Zac Kerns upon his promotion from Lieutenant Colonel to Colonel in the United States Army. Zac is a peerless example for hard work, dedication and excellence not only for the United States Military, but also to his home town of St. Joseph, Missouri. prgtoken After graduating from Missouri Western State University and being commissioned as an officer through their ROTC program, Zac was selected for the demanding Special Forces Qualification Course. This led to a sixteen year career as a Green Beret. During that time, he led an element of Special Operations forces from four NATO nations. Zac then spent three years as Deputy Chief of Special Operations for the Middle East Operation Command Central. When Zac returned to the states, he did so as an instructor at the Command and General Staff College, where he began passing his real world knowledge to the next generation of officers. Since 2018, Zac has commanded the Assessment Squadron of the Asymmetric Warfare Group where in addition to training future experts in asymmetric warfare, also advised the army on establishing the Battalion and Brigade Commanders Assessment Program. Currently, Zac is a Fellow at the School for Advanced Military Studies at Fort Leavenworth, Kansas. During his career, Zac has also earned three Bronze Stars, five Meritorious Service Medals, the Special Forces and Ranger Tabs, the Combat Infantryman's Badge, Expert Infantry Badge, Senior Parachutist and Air Assault Badge. prgtoken Madam , I proudly ask you to join me in recognizing Zac Kerns for his promotion to Colonel in the United States Army. I would also like to recognize Colonel Kern's family for a moment. His lovely wife, Rosemary, and sons, Kaiden, Kale and Liam, for their support of Zac as he's served the United States of America. I want to thank Zac and his family, on behalf of the Sixth Congressional District, the State of Missouri and the United States of America for their ongoing service to each of us. I am proud to represent them in the United States Congress.
REMEMBERING OFFICER JASON JUDD
Debbie Lesko (Republican, AZ) \u2014 2020-7-9

. Madam , I rise today with great sadness over the passing of Peoria Police Officer Jason Judd who was killed in the line of duty on July 1, 2020. prgtoken He was beloved by many and was a loving husband to Teresa, and father to Terrence and Connor. prgtoken He was a veteran and served eleven years and nine months in the United States Air Force before joining the Peoria Police Department in July of 1999. prgtoken He was a 21-year veteran with the Peoria Police Department and put his life on the line every day to keep Arizonans safe. He was a well- respected leader and hero to many. prgtoken Officer Judd received numerous commendations for his excellent investigative police work, contributing to the arrests and convictions for crimes such as burglary, carjacking, DUI accidents, fraud, stabbing, and second-degree murder. prgtoken He also received the Lifesaving Medal and over 50 commendations from citizens, fellow officers, other agencies, and community leaders. prgtoken Throughout his career, he was involved in the annual Peoria Bike Rodeo, Youth Citizen's Police Academy, multi-agency DUI enforcement campaigns, school safety presentations, and the 4th of July celebrations at Lake Pleasant, just to name a few. prgtoken We are eternally grateful for his service to our state and nation. On this day, we, as a community, honor him and ask those who knew him to pray for his family during this time of mourning.
IN RECOGNITION OF MICHAEL KEILHOLZ
Vicky Hartzler (Republican, MO) \u2014 2020-7-9

. Madam , I rise today to congratulate Michael Keilholz on his years of devotion to the Vocational Agriculture program and its students. Mr. Keilholz retired from Pleasant Hill High School after 31 years of teaching agriculture. prgtoken Michael Keilholz grew up in the small Catholic community of Frankenstein, Missouri. He attended the University of Missouri and graduated in 1989. He had several different jobs before he began teaching at Pleasant Hill High School, where he remained for 26 years. Over the years he oversaw 77 American FFA Degrees, 113 State FFA Degrees, 7 State Stars in either FFA Star Agribusiness, Star Placement or Star Farmer with 1 State Winner in Agribusiness, 1 State FFA 1st Vice President, 85 State Qualifying Teams in Vo-Ag/FFA, 110 State Qualifying Proficiency Awards based upon FFA Leadership and SAE's (4 State Winning Proficiency awards), 14 State Talent, 2 National Talent, 1 National Band, 3 State Band, 25 State Chorus, 7 Student Teachers, 264 District Vo-Ag/FFA Teams, Countless Scrapbook and Record Books displayed at state. In addition, he worked as an instructor for 28 years. prgtoken Throughout the years he has been recognized for his efforts by being awarded Top 6 Nationally--NAAE (State and Region IV Winner); Two time State Ideas Unlimited Winner, One time Regional Winner, two time National Presenter; 30-Year Service Award, Missouri Ag Teachers; Honorary American FFA Degree, National FFA Organization, 2011; Distinguished Service Award, Missouri Vocational Agriculture Teachers Association; Honorary State FFA Degree, Missouri FFA, 1999; Supervised Agricultural Experience Best Practices, National FFA, 1998; Region IV (U.S.) New Vocational Teacher of the Year, American Vocational Association, 1993; New Vocational Teacher, Missouri Vocational Association, 1993; Outstanding Young Member, MVATA, 1993; Outstanding Young Professional, University of Missouri College of Education Alumni Award, 1993; Teaching Ideas--District Winner, 1996; Instructional Materials Lab, Sold Copyright-Crop & Weed Plant ID, 1993. prgtoken Perhaps the greatest achievement of all is the number of lives Mr. Keilholz has impacted over the years. Thousands of young people have been blessed by his tutelage as they have learned invaluable life lessons taught through agriculture, the leadership opportunities provided through FFA, and the work ethic instilled through student SAE projects. Mr. Keilholz's interest in every student, his encouragement, and personal example of character and commitment will leave a legacy of amazing future leaders in agriculture who will impact our nation and our world. prgtoken Madam , I congratulate Michael Keilholz for his hard work and dedication, and I thank him for his years of selfless devotion to agriculture.
HONORING JAMES DONALD KERR
Dan Bishop (Republican, NC) \u2014 2020-7-9

. Madam , I rise today to honor the life of James Donald Kerr, who we lost last month at the age of 86. Don was an enterprising cotton farmer, and every aspect of cotton production was a joy to him. prgtoken Don was born in his grandparents' farmhouse in Marvin, North Carolina. After high school, he attended North Carolina State University to pursue a degree in agribusiness. He left his junior year to join the U.S. Army, where he served with distinction before farming with his parents. As a member of the Southern Cotton Growers Board, the National Cotton Council, and the National Cotton Board for over three decades, Don made immense contributions to the cotton industry, with his passion leading him to researching and developing the crop for international markets. prgtoken Don lived his life doing what he loved, while also making the world a better place. I was privileged to know him and call him a friend. Today, it is my honor to memorialize his legacy.
RECOGNIZING THE LIFE OF MARTHA RUTH SANSOM WHITE
Trent Kelly (Republican, MS) \u2014 2020-7-9

. Madam , I rise today to celebrate the life of Martha Ruth Sansom White, who passed away on June 24, surrounded by her family. prgtoken Born on April 18, 1940, Martha was the firstborn of three girls to the loving parents of Russell Tilden and Idelle Gray Sansom. Following in her parents' footsteps, she received her Bachelor of Education from the University of Mississippi. While at Ole Miss, she not only earned her degree but met and fell in love with Bill White. They were married on May 12, 1962, and were happily married for 58 years. prgtoken Martha continued her passion for education by eaming her Masters in Education from Mississippi State University. Like her parents, she went on to teach at Itawamba Community College and would later teach the vocational program at Northeast Community College, only retiring after 37 years. prgtoken Left to cherish her memory is her husband William ``Bill'' Dyke White; her daughter, Kristy Moore Gibson; her son, John Russell White; as well as many other friends and extended family members. prgtoken Martha's life was one of grace and love for her family and community. She will be greatly missed by all whom she encountered.
INTRODUCTION OF THE AMERICAN FARMS, FOOD BANKS, AND FAMILIES ACT
Dan Newhouse (Republican, WA) \u2014 2020-7-9

. Madam , today, I am introducing the American Farms, Food Banks, and Families Act, which authorizes a new position within the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) tasked with ensuring the nation's food supply chain remains a national priority. prgtoken This legislation authorizes the establishment of an ``Agriculture Supply Chain Administrator,'' either designated or appointed by the Secretary of Agriculture within the USDA. The Administrator is charged with developing efficiencies and addressing key challenges within the domestic agriculture food supply chain. prgtoken Key points to address by the Administrator include: identifying barriers, either regulatory or statutory, which prevent or inhibit domestic growers from offering their product to the domestic market through food distribution entities; promoting the domestic supply chain; and connecting growers with surplus products with appropriate food distribution organizations. prgtoken The Administrator is also tasked with convening a Federal Advisory Committee with the USDA Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS), other appropriate federal agencies, and industry stakeholders to collaborate and advise the Administrator on addressing inefficiencies. prgtoken Finally, the American Farms, Food Banks, and Families Act will establish--in coordination with AMS and industry stakeholders--a national database to record and report excess agricultural products and food distribution organizations in need of the available products
RECOGNIZING ERIC MILLER OF JORDAN
Greg Gianforte (Republican, MT) \u2014 2020-7-9

. Madam , I rise today to honor Eric Miller of Jordan for his 20-plus years of service to Garfield County as an extension agent and a mentor to the community's young people. prgtoken For more than two decades, Eric has served as a Montana State University extension agent in Garfield County. He's a proud Bobcat who earned his master's degree in animal science with an emphasis in genetics at MSU. His connection with MSU and his love of agriculture brought him to Jordan as the county's extension agent. prgtoken Eric loves his job. He enjoys helping people, and he'll tell you no one day is like another. He wears many hats. Some days, he teaches adult education classes. Others, he solves problems. Still others, he advises the county and local farmers. Eric helps farmers increase production and profitability throughout the county, but he acknowledges these are challenging times for our agricultural community. prgtoken Eric also focuses his efforts and energies on supporting the area's youth. For more than 20 years, Eric has been the Garfield County 4-H director. While agriculture is a big focus of 4-H, the group's main priority is to empower young people with skills and through experiences. Focused on their interests, the young people undertake hands-on projects, whether it's raising and breeding livestock, farming, wood working, welding, cooking, shooting sports, or another activity. Through continuing education and mentorship, 4-H provides them the opportunity to grow and develop. prgtoken Eric's favorite part is watching kids learn. He says there's nothing like seeing a kid's light go on when working on a project. He says it's a powerful moment when a participant comes to fully understand his or her project, and you get a lot of those moments a kid is involved in 4- H for years. prgtoken For Garfield County, 4-H is more than a club. It's part of their community. It's a way for kids to interact and build relationships beyond school. One of the biggest events in the area is the Garfield County Fair where 4-H members showcase their projects for everyone to see. It's the culmination of all their hard work and dedication. prgtoken Madam , for his decades of helping people in his community, from farmers to young people, I recognize Eric Miller of Jordan for his Spirit of Montana.
REMEMBERING FLORENCE ``PEGGY'' ANDERSON
Haley M. Stevens (Democrat, MI) \u2014 2020-7-9

. Madam , I rise today to recognize the special life of Florence ``Peggy'' Anderson, a notable leader in Michigan's 11th District who passed away on June 6, 2020, at the age of 93. prgtoken Peggy was born on June 25, 1926, in Sturgis, Michigan to Arthur and Margaret (Hetherington) Carls. Peggy was a graduate of Sturgis High School, from where she went on to work as a secretary with the War Department in 1943 and later with the Pontiac School District and Clinton Valley Center. She was a long-time member of the Waterford prgtoken , the DAR Waterford Chapter and the Michigan Mayflower Society, as well as a member of the Central United Methodist Church and the State Employees Retirees Association. She enjoyed flower gardening and making arrangements for her friends and acquaintances. prgtoken Peggy lived a life filled with purpose and community, and she will be remembered by all who had the good fortune to know her as someone who showed up for what she believed in. She is survived by her children Thomas (Pat) Anderson of Petoskey and Robert (Marci) Anderson of White Lake; her grandchildren Christy Anderson, Ryan (Nikkia) Anderson, Russell (Theresa) Andersonning and Bradley (Hannah) Anderson; great- grandchildren Noah, Claire, Emrik and Myrna; and many nieces and nephews. prgtoken Madam , I ask my colleagues to join me in reflecting on the life of someone very dear to our Waterford, Michigan community, and to our greater Michigan family.
HONORING THE LIFE OF SISTER PAMELA MARIE BUGANSKI
Marcy Kaptur (Democrat, OH) \u2014 2020-7-9

. Madam , I rise to honor and celebrate the transformational life of Sister Pamela Marie Buganski. Hailing from Toledo, Ohio's Old Orchard neighborhood, Sister Pamela began her service to the Toledo community in 1975. For forty-five long years, she dedicated her life in service to her religious community, embracing the poor and needy in communities across Northern Ohio, Guatemala, Papua New Guinea, Mexico, and Texas. prgtoken I wish to extend my deepest sympathies to her parents, Dr. Raymond and Ruth Buganski; her four sisters Cynthia, Lynn, Laura, and Joan; her five brothers Mark, Joseph, Robert, David, and Michael; and her numerous nieces and nephews. prgtoken Most recently I had the honor of meeting Sister Pamela again during my visit to the U.S. Southern Border with the Congressional Hispanic Caucus in January 2020. I was so impressed by her dedication to help those struggling to survive in the face of dire circumstances. She stood at the edge of freedom and hope for them. Many of those detained had traveled thousands of miles to the U.S. border to seek refuge only to find the passage blocked by the Administration's immoral ``Remain in Mexico'' policy. What we saw were families fleeing violence forced to live in squalor in the outskirts of our country by a broken immigration system that has little regard for the human condition. She bore witness to the anguish, misery, illness, and desperation. Sister Pamela recognized that we are all truly God's children. She treated everyone who crossed her path with the love and respect endowed to them by our Creator. prgtoken Sister Pamela was born in St. Louis, Missouri in 1956 and her family eventually moved to Toledo, OH. There she attended St. Pius and Notre Dame Academy and eventually entered the Sisters of Notre Dame in 1975, professing her vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience in 1978. prgtoken She pursued graduate studies at the University of Dayton and the University of Notre Dame. Recognizing the importance of investing in our nation's youth, she dedicated twelve years of her life teaching at junior high schools across Northwestern Ohio and then another ten years teaching math and computer science at St. Mary High School and Notre Dame Academy. prgtoken Sister Pamela's deep devotion to her faith and service took her on three mission trips, one to Papua New Guinea and two to Guatemala. After studying Spanish, Sister Pamela's drive to support social justice initiatives and marginalized communities brought her to Texas. prgtoken Here, she helped devastated communities after Hurricane Harvey and was accredited by CLINIC to advocate for those seeking refuge at the U.S.'s Southern border. Her sister Cynthia described her best as someone who ``was a genuine caregiver from the beginning . . . she could bring calm to chaos''. prgtoken On behalf of so many grateful communities in Northern Ohio and across our hemisphere, prgtoken I express deepest gratitude for th
RECOGNIZING THE ASTRO JELLY DOGS' ACHIEVEMENT OF BEING SELECTED AS A GLOBAL INNOVATION SEMI-FINALIST TEAM
Jamie Raskin (Democrat, MD) \u2014 2020-7-9

. Madam , I rise today to recognize the remarkable accomplishment of my constituents, the Astro Jelly Dogs, who were selected as a Global Innovation Semi-Finalist Team for the FIRST LEGO League Global Innovation Award. I congratulate Ryan Vollmer, Mary Jane Gibson, Tyler Carney, Samuel Perretta, Jack Stauder, Molly Richards, Benjamin Richards and their coach, Kelly Vollmer, on their passionate commitment to environmentally sustainable solutions and their impressive results. Through their innovation, the Grow Home, the Astro Jelly Dogs will renovate an abandoned row house to provide Baltimore City residents more access to fruits and vegetables. prgtoken The FIRST LEGO League Global Innovation Award recognizes and celebrates the next generation of innovators. Teams identify a problem in their local community and then work to design a unique and environmentally sustainable solution. Teams are tasked with considering barriers to implementation, evaluating their invention and validating their invention with STEM professionals. 20 semi-finalist teams are chosen from 40,000 FIRST LEGO League teams from over 100 countries to receive further assistance and ultimately win a cash prize. prgtoken Madam , I am honored to recognize the extraordinaiy achievement of these bright children and I hope my colleagues and constituents will join me in congratulating the Astro Jelly Dogs on a job well done
CELEBRATING THE LIFE OF JANE MORRISON
Nancy Pelosi (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2020-7-9

. Madam , I rise to honor the life and leadership of legendary progressive organizer Jane Morrison: an historic and trailblazing force for progress in America, beloved by all who were blessed to know her, particularly in our home city of San Francisco. prgtoken Jane and her late husband, former San Francisco Supervisor Jack Morrison, lived their lives at the crossroads of some of the most pivotal moments in our nation's history. Jane helped elect some of our most transformational leaders, from President John F. Kennedy to California Governor Jerry Brown. In 2012, I had the great honor to appoint Jane, who was born before women had won the right to vote, to cast our district's vote in the Electoral College for President : a true measure of our progress as a nation. prgtoken Forged in Depression-era Oklahoma, Jane was known by all for her optimism, perseverance and courage. She began her career as a reporter during the Second World War, at a time when women were rarely in the newsroom, and later joined KNBR, where she would work for more than 30 years to bring more women into broadcasting. The same spirit of justice, progress and commitment to the truth propelled her to enter political activism and action. prgtoken Over five decades, Jane was a godmother of progressive causes in San Francisco. She was a grassroots champion who brought unwavering grace and good humor, boundless energy and extraordinary persistence to her life's mission to make our City and Country more just, equal and fair. Her home was a gathering place and a launching pad, where she masterfully wove together progressive coalitions for change in our city and country. She was a volunteer in the truest sense: dedicating every degree of her time, energy and passion to achieving social justice, from empowering women to combating homelessness to championing the environment and the economic prosperity of all San Franciscans. prgtoken Jane advanced progress both from behind the scenes and from the center of the political arena. As she helped elect progressive leaders, she served in her own right, including as Delegate to the ic National Convention in 1960 and 1964, Women's Chair of the California ic Party in 1960, president of the San Francisco Human Rights Commission, president of the San Francisco ic Women's Forum, Chair of the San Francisco ic County Central Committee, longtime president of San Francisco Tomorrow and on the Chinese Newcomers Service Center. Her greatness was recognized in her many awards, including the California State Assembly's ``Woman of the Year,'' which she received several times. prgtoken Jane was a mentor and friend to so many. Personally, I learned so much from her. May her lifetime of courageous leadership be a source of inspiration to all. And may it be a comfort to Gimmy Park Li and all Jane's loved ones that so many mourn their loss and are praying for them at this sad time.
MELANIE ARLENE
Joe Cunningham (Democrat, SC) \u2014 2020-7-9

. Madam , it is with a heavy heart that I stand today to remember the brilliant life of Melanie Arlene Thwing-Eastman. prgtoken Melanie and I met while serving in the American Bar Association's Law Student Division. With Melanie's easy-going charm and sarcastic humor, it just made sense we would become friends. Her zest for life, personal integrity, and her genuine passion for the practice of law made her a natural leader. prgtoken Melanie knew how to brighten a room. She knew that kindness went a long way. And she knew that she could not stand idly by when injustice occurred, and she was a fearless truthteller who always strove to do what was right. She made a real difference in the courtroom and the classroom and has left the world a better and brighter place. prgtoken My deepest sympathies and prayers are with her husband Justin and her family, friends, and the many lives she touched. I join them in mourning this tragic loss.
HONORING THE LEFLORE COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS
Bennie G. Thompson (Democrat, MS) \u2014 2020-7-9

. Madam , I rise today to honor a remarkable group of leaders, the Leflore County Board of Supervisors. prgtoken On Monday, June 22, 2020 the Leflore County Board of Supervisors voted to remove the Confederate monument located on the Leflore County Courthouse lawn. This Confederate monument has long been a divisive symbol for the citizens in the city of Greenwood, MS and Leflore County. prgtoken Unveiled on October 9, 1913 on the courthouse lawn, this monument has intimidated and invoked fear for over 100 years in citizens that have come to the courthouse to conduct county business. As a symbol of treason and slavery, this monument had no right to be in a public place. prgtoken After legal advisement from Board Attorney Joyce Chiles, Supervisor Reginald Moore made a motion to have the Confederate monument removed from the courthouse lawn. The motion was seconded by Supervisor Eric Mitchell. Supervisors Robert Collins and Anjuan Brown joined in support and the motion was carried 4-0, with one member, Sam Abraham, absent from the meeting. This is a historic achievement for Leflore County as Mississippians move to create a more inclusive climate throughout the state. prgtoken Madam , I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing the Leflore County Board of Supervisors for their dedication and bravery to promote racial equality.