mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
RECOGNIZING MT. JOY MISSIONARY BAPTIST CHURCH IN EDWARDSVILLE
Rodney Davis (Republican, IL) \u2014 2019-8-2

. Madam , I rise today to recognize Mt. Joy Missionary Baptist Church in Edwardsville, which is celebrating 150 years as a church congregation this year. prgtoken Mt. Joy was founded in Edwardsville in 1869 by ex-slaves who conducted church services in their homes. Early members and founders dedicated their efforts and time into selling barbeque and wild game dinners to fund the construction of a log cabin in 1871 to hold church services for their community. After overcoming many obstacles over the years, including a fire that destroyed the original cabin in 1909, the church still stands strong on its mission to spread God's word in the Metro East. prgtoken There have been countless leaders in the church's 150-year history, but I want to congratulate Pastor Steve Jackson and Chairman Donnie Howard for leading this church at this historic time. Mt. Joy Missionary Baptist Church is an important piece of Edwardsville's history, and I'm proud to honor the church and its legacy.
HONORING JERRY ZREMSKI, BUFFALO NEWS WASHINGTON BUREAU CHIEF, UPON RECEIVING THE 2018 REGIONAL REPORTING AWARD
Tom Reed (Republican, NY) \u2014 2019-8-2

. Madam , I rise today to honor Jerry Zremski, The Buffalo News' Washington Bureau Chief, for winning the National Press Club's Washington Regional Reporting Award for 2018. prgtoken Zremski was recognized for this award due to his hard work and diligence in the reporting field. He has produced thorough, well- written work that gives the people of Buffalo and beyond the information they need from a trusted voice they know and love. He has reported on breaking news regarding federal issues, several presidential elections and political conventions. Zremski was embedded as a correspondent during the Iraq War, has reported on events in France, and also spent time in Asia as part of his ``From Burma to Buffalo'' series. prgtoken Zremski has been with The Buffalo News, starting out as a business reporter, since 1984. In 1989, he began his work in Washington on behalf of the beloved Buffalo paper, and has served as the Washington Bureau Chief since 2007. Previously, Zremski was a National Press Club president and the Nieman fellow at Harvard University. He is not a stranger to awards such as this, as he won the 2016 Professional Journalists award and last year received the Washington Press Club Foundation's David Lynch Memorial Reporting Award. prgtoken Reporters are often present in places the general public cannot be, due either to restrictions or because they simply are not able to be. Jerry Zremski has done a wonderful job conveying the facts and figures of any given story to allow his readers a glimpse into what has happened. We salute and honor your work here today, Mr. Zremski. We know we can plan to see even more great things from you in the future. prgtoken Given the above, I ask that this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations and join me to honor Jerry Zremski for receiving this award and his body of work.
IN RECOGNITION OF THE DENTON VA MENTAL HEALTH ANNEX
Michael C. Burgess (Republican, TX) \u2014 2019-8-2

. Madam , I rise today to recognize the new Denton VA Mental Health Annex. North Texas is fortunate to be home to a number of veterans, and it is critical that we have the resources to support these brave men and women. This morning, we held a ribbon cutting ceremony at The Annex, a new clinic that will help ensure that our growing veteran population can access quality mental health care close to home. prgtoken It was my privilege to work alongside the Department of Veterans Affairs to assist in the opening of this new facility. This project took a team effort, and I am grateful to the many people who helped to make The Annex a reality. prgtoken In Congress, it is both my privilege and my responsibility to support North Texas veterans. Quality health care--including mental health care--is imperative to our veterans' wellbeing, and this new clinic is an important resource for our community. prgtoken Last week, I joined my fellow Members of Congress from North Texas on a letter urging the Veterans Administration to help facilitate the donation of a hospital center in Garland, Texas. Following our collaborative work in Denton, I am hopeful that communities in Garland and beyond can build on our success and ensure that veterans in North Texas have the health care they deserve. prgtoken It is imperative for Congress to support the brave men and women who have answered the call to serve our nation, including ensuring that they can access quality health care. As we mark the opening of The Annex, I hope that it is a valuable resource to our North Texas veterans.
COMMEMORATION OF THE 40TH WEDDING ANNIVERSARY OF DOLORES AND WILL GRESHAM
Mark E. Green (Republican, TN) \u2014 2019-8-2

. Madam , I rise to recognize and honor Dolores and Will Gresham of Somerville, Tennessee on the very special occasion of their 40th wedding anniversary. prgtoken Dolores and Will were married on August 2, 1969. Together, their lives have been marked by service to their community, with both retiring from the United States Marine Corps with the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. During her military service, Dolores completed USMC Amphibious Warfare School, USMC Command and Staff College, and an MS in Industrial Management at George Washington University before she and Will returned to a cattle farm in West Tennessee where they currently live. Dolores has served in the Tennessee State Senate since 2008. prgtoken In addition to their service, their marriage of forty faithful years embodies the values of Tennessee which have and will keep our state and our nation strong. There is no doubt that they have lived an All- American life with their family--raising Hereford cattle on their farm, investing in their neighbors, and holding fast to their strong values and shared faith, giving us all an ideal to which we can aspire. May their commitment grow even stronger as they love, cherish, and honor one another for many years to come. prgtoken Madam , I commend this great couple on their 40th year of marriage. I ask that my colleagues in the United States House of Representatives join me in congratulating them on this momentous occasion.
COMMEMORATING THE 170TH ANNIVERSARY OF TEMPLE SHALOM
David B. McKinley (Republican, WV) \u2014 2019-8-2

. Madam , I rise today to commemorate the 1701h anniversary of Temple Shalom, West Virginia's oldest Jewish congregation. prgtoken Temple Shalom is in my hometown of Wheeling, West Virginia--the city in which West Virginia officially declared statehood in 1861. The congregation has been active longer than West Virginia has been a state. prgtoken The Jewish community has played a pivotal role in the fabric of our society. As our founding father George Washington came before the Hebrew Congregations of Newport, Rhode Island, in 1790, he promised to deliver the religious freedom and liberty sought by individuals in pursuit of ``a more perfect Union.'' prgtoken On Saturday mornings, the respected members of Temple Shalom gather together to pray to G-d and read Torah. prgtoken It is with the upmost respect and honor that I would like to extend my highest regards and gratitude to Temple Shalom and its active role in the city of Wheeling. prgtoken Mazel tov to Temple Shalom as they celebrate their 170th year. We look forward to your continued legacy in our community.
RECOGNIZING THE STUDENT VETERANS OF AMERICA CHAPTER AT FOX VALLEY TECHNICAL COLLEGE
Mike Gallagher (Republican, WI) \u2014 2019-8-2

. Madam , I rise today to recognize the dedication and outstanding service ofthe Student Veterans of America Chapter at Fox Valley Technical College. prgtoken In 2008, the national Student Veterans of America organization was created to provide programs, resources, and support to student- veterans. Student Veterans of America's mission is to offer the assistance needed in higher education to support veterans through their graduation to gainful employment. prgtoken Shortly after its establishment, student-veterans like Chris McKeithan at Fox Valley Technical College saw the need for a veterans' club on campus and worked to institute the club at FVTC. prgtoken Since the establishment of the Student Veterans of America chapter in 2011, members have worked closely with the Appleton community to coordinate veteran events and resource fairs, as well as raise funds for veteran causes throughout the area. prgtoken Staff Advisors Bill Trombley and Mike Gawel, along with current club officers Rodney Schreiber, Thomas Barrett, and Chris McKeithan are pivotal in creating a campus where veterans feel connected and supported by both the staff and fellow students at FVTC. prgtoken I am proud to have a veteran-run organization in my district whose dedication to helping other veterans goes beyond their active duty or deployments. To answer the call to serve the nation and to continue their service to the local community is truly inspiring. prgtoken Madam , I urge all members of this body to join me in applauding the Student Veterans of America Chapter at Fox Valley Technical College, its club officers, and its staff advisors for their service to veterans and servicemembers within the Fox Valley Technical College District.
PERYL KELLEY SCHAAF
Scott R. Tipton (Republican, CO) \u2014 2019-8-2

. Madam , I rise today to recognize a pioneer and a standout citizen of Durango, Colorado, Peryl Schaaf. Peryl began her life as a homesteader in southwest Colorado and eventually served as one of the highest officer positions at the Bank of Durango. prgtoken Peryl is the daughter of two homesteading families in Durango, CO. She eloped and married her husband, Ernie Schaaf, at the age of fifteen, on August 20, 1939. The couple had four children, nine grandchildren, and five great-grandchildren. Her family was full of strong hardworking women including her Aunt, Olga Little, a local mining legend and a trailblazer. prgtoken Peryl was no stranger to hard work herself. She started working at the young age of six. She was the family homemaker while her mother taught at remote one room school houses. She worked as a gas pump attendant at her father's station during World War II, and years later, started a job at the Bank of Durango as a teller. Despite being paid only half of what her male counterparts made, her hard work did not go unnoticed by her colleagues or management and she eventually rose through the ranks to serve as the Vice President of the bank. prgtoken Madam , it is my pleasure to honor Peryl. As a renowned storyteller in her community, Peryl will continue to highlight her remarkable life through the Durango Native Stories--a reoccurring public series offering first-hand recollections of personal stories from Durango locals. Her life of hard work, perseverance and achievement is worthy of commendation and I am proud to honor her legacy.
RECOGNIZING THE 20TH ANNIVERSARY OF WOMEN & HI TECH
Susan W. Brooks (Republican, IN) \u2014 2019-8-2

. Madam , I rise today in recognition of the 20th anniversary of the Indiana based nonprofit, Women & Hi Tech. Founded in 1999, the organization seeks to promote the participation of women in science and technology fields, and to ensure that opportunities in STEM jobs are equally inclusive for all. The organization has demonstrated consistent leadership in our community and helped open doors for many women. The people of the Fifth Congressional District are grateful for Women & Hi Tech, and it is my pleasure to congratulate the organization in celebration of this special occasion. prgtoken In 1999, two women leaders in our community, Joyce Gustafson, a scientist working for Eli Lilly, and Georgia Miller, an academic at Indiana University, discovered that there were few women like themselves working in high tech jobs in Indiana. Together, they sought to create an organization that would fill the gaps they saw in women leaders in the Indianapolis area. Their initial launch saw much support from the community, including many professionals in a wide variety of industries. The first Board of Directors of Women & Hi Tech included Jennifer Sander, Donna Gastevich, Jamie Eicher, Lisa Robertson, Jennifer Scheerer, Sue Ream, Suzanne Nutter, Cindy Royer, and Julie Nahvi. Other significant contributions to Women & Hi Tech in its infancy were provided by Susan E. Ziel, Esq a female attorney who drafted and filed the organization's incorporation documents, and other women and men who have served on the organization's all-volunteer Board of Directors over the years. prgtoken With a mission to make careers in STEM equally inclusive to all, Women & Hi Tech has grown its membership to nearly 2,000 professionals and students. Their focus is broad. Some programs support girls as young as kindergarten, while others support women in academic careers and on to their professional lives. Programs like Passport to Hi-Tech and Ignite Your Superpower (IYS) teach young girls about the wide variety of opportunities available to them in science and technology fields, while simultaneously connecting them with leaders already working in those fields. Other programs including OperationAll, Executive Women's Forums and the Leading Light Awards focus on working professionals, educating and empowering them to achieve higher in their careers. They also hold seasonal networking events, which are held at notable locations around Indiana like the Indianapolis Motor Speedway and serve to reinforce their already robust series of education and empowerment programs. prgtoken Women & Hi Tech continues to invest into the future of our community through their efforts to build lasting partnerships with local businesses. These partnerships give the organization a unique ability to support women in a wide variety of industries, and for a wide variety of purposes. For example, as part of their #WHT20for20 campaign, Women & Hi Tech will be donating over
75TH ANNIVERSARY OF OPERATION DRAGOON AND THE SOUTHERN FRANCE CAMPAIGN--THE SECOND D-DAY IN FRANCE AND THE LIBERATION OF SOUTHERN FRANCE
Mark E. Green (Republican, TN) \u2014 2019-8-6

. Madam , I rise today in recognition of the upcoming 75th Anniversary of Operation Dragoon and the Southern France Campaign--the Second D-Day in France and the Liberation of Southern France. prgtoken Operation Dragoon began on 15 August 1944 and the subsequent Southern France Campaign lasted until 14 September 1944. The 7th US Army under Lieutenant General Alexander M. Patch, commanded the VIth US Corps under Major General Lucian K. Truscott, II, comprised of three of the Army's most combat-experienced divisions--the 3rd Infantry Division commanded by Major General John Wilson ``Iron Mike'' O'Daniel, the 36th Infantry Division commanded by Major General John E. Dahlquist, and the 45th Infantry Division commanded by Major General William W. Eagles, and Corps troops; the 1st Airborne Task Force commanded by Brigadier General Robert T. Frederick, the Canadian-American 1st Special Service Force commanded by Colonel Edwin A. Walker; and French Army B, later to be renamed the 1st French Army, commanded by General Jean de Lattre de Tassigny. Office of Strategic Services (OSS) teams were inserted in the months to link up with French Forces of the Interior (FFI, or the Resistance) prior to prepare for the invasion. The landing forces were ably supported by the Mediterranean Allied Air Force under Lieutenant General Ira C. Eaker and the Western Naval Task Force under Vice Admiral Henry K. Hewitt, conducted the second largest amphibious landing in Europe on 15 August 1944. prgtoken The primary objective of Operation Dragoon was to threaten the southern flank of Nazi forces fighting in northern France. Further objectives were the seizing of the ports of Toulon and Marseille to provide critical logistical support for Allied forces fighting in the whole of France, the introduction of French forces into France, and the stationing of Allied Air Forces in Southern France to better support combat operations. prgtoken Allied military personnel from France, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, Canada, Greece, and Poland participated in Operation Dragoon and provided critical air and naval support to open the second front in Southern France. 885 ships and landing craft, carrying nearly 1,375 smaller landing craft, with their crews, carried 151,000 troops; 21,400 trucks, tanks, tank destroyers, prime-movers, bulldozers, tractors and other vehicles to the beaches. Included were 40,850 French personnel and 2,610 vehicles of the 1st French Army. 444 aircraft sorties and 408 glider sorties delivered 6,488 paratroopers, 2,611 glider troops, 213 pieces of artillery, and 221 vehicles to the target area. prgtoken The 1st Airborne Task Force successfully landed near LeMay, La Motte, and Les Arcs causing serious disarray in German command channels which prevented a rapid coordinated response to the main force landings. Draguignan fell on 16 August. The 1st Special Service Force and cleared the offshore islands of Port Cros and Levant to
HONORING JIM McCULLEY
Denver Riggleman (Republican, VA) \u2014 2019-8-6

. Madam , I rise to honor Jim McCulley of the U.S. Air Force who passed away this spring. Lieutenant Colonel McCulley was a decorated fighter pilot who flew over 100 combat missions in the Korean Conflict and was awarded two Distinguished Flying Crosses. prgtoken After being honorably discharged from the Air Force, Jim returned home to Virginia where he continued his life of service to his country, this time working as an engineer supporting the Gemini and Apollo space programs. prgtoken In his tireless service to our nation Jim McCulley was, and is, an American hero. He has been a valuable member of our 5th District community and we miss him greatly. It is my hope that we here in this chamber remember his work, his legacy, and his service.
IN RECOGNITION OF LONNIE NICHOLSON
Michael C. Burgess (Republican, TX) \u2014 2019-8-6

. Madam , I rise today to congratulate Lonnie Nicholson on his recent election to the Board of Directors of the National Association of Federally-Insured Credit Unions (NAFCU). prgtoken Mr. Nicholson currently serves as President and Chief Executive Officer of EECU Credit Union, located in Fort Worth, Texas. He has 36 years of experience in the credit union industry, including serving as President and CEO of EECU since April of 2006. During his tenure as CEO, EECU has quadrupled in size while maintaining a strong financial position. Mr. Nicholson is a dedicated leader in the credit union community and has served in numerous volunteer positions. He also currently serves as Chairman of the Fort Worth Chamber of Commerce Board. prgtoken Mr. Nicholson has a deep understanding of legislative and regulatory issues facing credit prgtoken unions across the county. His expertise and years of experience will benefit the NAFCU Board and local credit unions for years to come. prgtoken I congratulate Lonnie Nicholson on this achievement and wish him success in his new role on the NAFCU Board of Directors.
RECOGNIZING J.V. FLUEHR
Brian K. Fitzpatrick (Republican, PA) \u2014 2019-8-6

. Madam , I would like to recognize J.V. Fluehr, an outstanding citizen from Doylestown, Pennsylvania, who recently attained the rank of Eagle Scout. prgtoken J.V. is committed to service to our community. For his Eagle Scout project, Jack beautified the property of the nonprofit organization Shamrock Reins. J.V. is dedicated to ensuring our veterans are properly honored upon their return home. prgtoken On behalf of all residents of the First Congressional District, I congratulate J.V. on his achievement.
CELEBRATING THE 75TH ANNIVERSARY OF FORT ONTARIO EMERGENCY REFUGEE SHELTER
John Katko (Republican, NY) \u2014 2019-8-6

. Madam , I rise today to recognize the 75th anniversary of the Fort Ontario Emergency Refugee Shelter located in Oswego, New York. Fort Ontario holds historical significance as the only shelter for European Holocaust victims in the United States during World War II. At the time, the Fort was America's first exposure to the damaging extent of the Holocaust and today serves as an important reminder of our nation's responsibility to defend the freedoms and rights of all individuals. prgtoken On July 17, 1944, 982 European refugees from 18 different countries boarded the USNS Henry Gibbons in Naples, Italy to cross the Atlantic Ocean as they fled Nazi persecution. The refugees arrived at the Fort Ontario Emergency Refugee Shelter on August 5 following the 19-day journey, which marked the beginning of their ten month stay at the fort. prgtoken Fort Ontario, which was also known as Safe Haven, shielded the refugees from violent persecution and tyranny in Europe. The shelter was closed in June 1945 and many refugees became American citizens, while some returned to Europe. Although it was open for less than a year, the Fort Ontario Emergency Refugee Shelter played a critical role in saving the lives of the 982 refugees who resided in the fort. prgtoken Madam , I ask my colleagues in the House to join me in celebrating Fort Ontario Emergency Refugee Shelter's 75th anniversary. Since serving as a shelter for European refugees, Fort Ontario has been recognized as a significant site by the U.S. National Register of Historic Places. Thousands of visitors travel to Fort Ontario each year, and they are reminded of the Holocaust victims who took refuge there and America's role in protecting these vulnerable individuals.
COMMEMORATING THE SEVENTY-FIFTH ANNUAL GERRY RODEO
Tom Reed (Republican, NY) \u2014 2019-8-6

. Madam , I rise today to commemorate the seventy- fifth annual Gerry Rodeo. prgtoken The village of Gerry in western New York is the proud home of the oldest consecutive rodeo east of the Mississippi. Each year approximately seven thousand fans, and two hundred and fifty cowboys and cowgirls travel to Gerry, NY to enjoy the competition. For four days the quiet village of Gerry becomes ``The Rodeo Capital of the East''. prgtoken The Gerry Rodeo began in 1945, when a former working cowboy named Jack Cox moved from the West to Gerry and suggested a rodeo as a way of fundraising for the newly formed fire department. In seventy days fire department members and volunteers transformed four acres of swampland into an arena and parking lot, borrowing bleachers from local schools and renting portable lights. prgtoken From the very beginning, the Gerry Fire Department wanted to ensure their rodeo was a top-notch competition and for that reason, they have always ensured their rodeo is sanctioned by the Professional Rodeo Cowboys' Association. Today, the competition consists of the same competitive events as the first Rodeo seventy-five years ago: bareback bronc riding, tie-down roping, saddle bronc riding, bull riding, steer wrestling, team roping, and cowgirls' barrel racing. prgtoken Seventy-five years of community tradition is certainly a cause for celebration. I congratulate the Gerry Rodeo on this impressive milestone and look forward to many more rodeos in the years to come. prgtoken Given the above, I ask that this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations and join me to celebrate the seventy-fifth annual Gerry Rodeo.