mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
TRIBUTE TO ZYGMUND KOWALESKI
Don Young (Republican, AK) \u2014 2019-3-28

. Madam , today I'd like to congratulate Zygmund Kowaleski on the occasion of his 99th birthday on April 7th, and thank him for his service to the United States Navy and to the United States of America. prgtoken Mr. Kowaleski enlisted as a gunner on a twin-engine PBM flying boat in October of 1941, just two months before the ambush at Pearl Harbor would launch the U.S. into World War II. As a part of Torpedo Squadron Eight present at the Battle of Midway, he and his fellow crew members earned commendations for bravery in engagements at Guadalcanal, Midway, and the British Solomon Islands. prgtoken Attempting to fly a mail route off the coast of the Fiji Islands, Mr. Kowaleski's plane stalled on takeoff and crashed into the Pacific Ocean. He was forced to free himself from the downed plane and paddle from the wreckage, fearful the ship's 500-pound depth charges would detonate. prgtoken Madam , even after receiving combat honors twice for his heroics, Mr. Kowaleski once again piloted a U.S. Navy plane, instead hunting German submarines in the North Atlantic Ocean. prgtoken Mr. Kowaleski moved out to Alaska in 1967 after fulfilling his Naval service, continuing to fly as an FAA Airway Systems Inspection Pilot. But whether he was piloting a torpedo bomber or a twin-engine Cessna, he always conducted himself with valor and should be considered among Alaska's finest Naval Aviators for his service. prgtoken An aviator needs quick decision-making and a cool head to fly a plane in combat. Many of us will not know the kind of mental toughness required to see a mission to its conclusion, even under the most dire flight conditions. prgtoken Madam , I rise today to honor Zygmund Kowaleski, who now at the age of 99, will have spent nearly one quarter of his life's work in service to his country having flown missions from Dutch Harbor to the Panama Canal. There are few people that can claim to have sacrificed as much under our flag, and he is owed the thanks and gratitude of all of us here in Washington and in Alaska.
IN RECOGNITION OF COLONEL (RET.) GEORGE W. STEUBER
Sanford D. Bishop, Jr. (Democrat, GA) \u2014 2019-3-29

. Madam , I rise today to recognize the career and service of a dedicated military officer, civil servant, and outstanding citizen, Col. (ret.) George W. Steuber. Col. Steuber will be retiring from his post as Deputy Garrison Commander at Fort Benning on March 31, 2019, after almost a decade of extraordinary service, and will be honored in a retirement ceremony on Friday, March 29, 2019, at 3 p.m. prgtoken Col. Steuber received a bachelor's degree in Sociology and Psychology from the University of Minnesota and master's degrees in National Security Affairs, from the Naval Postgraduate School, and Strategic Studies, from the Naval War College. In addition to his extensive academic background, Col. Steuber is also a qualified linguist in Chinese (Mandarin) and Thai. prgtoken For almost five decades, Col. Steuber has been a well-respected and long-standing figure as an officer and civilian in our nation's military. He built quite an impressive career, which began shortly after his 17th birthday when he enlisted in the U.S. Army. He commenced his uniformed career as a private in basic training at Fort Leonard Wood, MO, later completed Officer Candidate School, and then served in several prestigious positions, including the Colonel directing TRADOC's International Armies Program Directorate at Fort Monroe, VA; a foreign area officer on peacekeeping missions in Cambodia, Somalia, and Haiti; a senior military advisor to the Czech Republic's Training and Doctrine Command; a senior military analyst in JFCOM J-9 working the Joint Urban Fires Program; and Garrison Commander for Fort Sill (2001-2003). Then as a civilian, he served as Deputy Garrison Commander for Fort Rucker (2005 to 2009). prgtoken Col. Steuber has received several prestigious awards for his outstanding military and civilian service, including the Legion of Merit (with Oak Leaf Cluster); Defense Meritorious Service Medal (with 2 Oak Leaf Clusters); Meritorious Service Medal (with 2 Oak Leaf Clusters); Joint Service Commendation Medal (with Oak Leaf Cluster); Army Commendation Medal (with Oak Leaf Cluster); Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry with Palm; Combat Infantryman Badge; Aerial Observer Badge; U.S. Parachute Badge; Joint Chief of Staff Identification Badge; Royal Thai Army Parachute Badge and Red Silk Aiguillette; Royal Thai Army Command and General Staff Badge; Republic of Vietnam Parachute Badge; Superior Civilian Service Award; and Commander's Award for Civilian Service. prgtoken During his tenure as Deputy Garrison Commander at Fort Benning, he was instrumental in the development of the newly formed Maneuver Center of Excellence, oversaw implementation of the Base Realignment and Closure activities, provided support for the complex integration of several key matters--including all missions on post, Forces Command in the inactivation of the 3D Infantry Division, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, and the reflagging and activation of the first task force in
BRIANN MOLINA-STEVENS
Ed Perlmutter (Democrat, CO) \u2014 2019-3-29

. Madam , I rise today to recognize and applaud Briann Molina-Stevens for receiving the Arvada Wheat Ridge Service Ambassadors for Youth award. prgtoken Briann Molina-Stevens is a student at Moore Middle School and received this award because her determination and hard work have allowed her to overcome adversities. prgtoken The dedication demonstrated by Briann Molina-Stevens is exemplary of the type of achievement that can be attained with hard work and perseverance. It is essential students at all levels strive to make the most of their education and develop a work ethic which will guide them for the rest of their lives. prgtoken I extend my deepest congratulations to Briann Molina-Stevens for winning the Arvada Wheat Ridge Service Ambassadors for Youth award. I have no doubt she will exhibit the same dedication and character in all of her future accomplishments.
IN HONOR OF SUE BRICKER DORN'S 85TH BIRTHDAY
Carolyn B. Maloney (Democrat, NY) \u2014 2019-3-29

. Madam , I rise today to recognize Mrs. Sue Bricker Dorn as she celebrates her 85th birthday this weekend. A longtime resident of New York City, Mrs. Dorn has fulfilled the finest American traditions of family, faith and service to community. prgtoken Born on April 21, 1934 to Barney and Frances Bricker in Seattle, Washington, Mrs. Dorn was raised in Seattle, Washington and Portland, Oregon. In 1955, Mrs. Dorn graduated from Stanford University, where she met and later married Philip Henry Dorn. As the Dorns settled in Southern California and Michigan for his work in the burgeoning computer industry, she got involved in the local community. Most notably, in Warren, Michigan, Mrs. Dorn was elected President of the League of Women Voters and was even selected as Warren's ``Man of the Year.'' Mrs. Dorn later earned a Master of Science degree from the Bank Street College of Education and served on the College's Board of Trustees. prgtoken Mrs. Dorn began her career as a public-school teacher in Long Island City, where she taught students with special needs. Later in her career, she pivoted to the development industry, where she served in high-level roles for some of the world's major cultural institutions including Yale University, the Museum of Modern Art, the Aspen Institute and New York Hospital. Mrs. Dorn was also appointed to the Regional Selection Panel of the President's Commission on White House Fellowships. In the years since retiring, she has become a tireless volunteer in New York City, including with Central Synagogue, where she sits on the Social Action Committee. She also played an instrumental effort in the creation of New York's municipal ID program. prgtoken Finally, Mrs. Dorn is the matriarch of a proud family. For nearly 40 years she shared a loving marriage with Philip Dorn. Whether known as ``Mom,'' ``Nana,'' ``Tante,'' or another title, Mrs. Dorn's home and ear are always open to her son, daughter-in-law, daughter, three grandchildren, five grandnieces and nephews and more. Mrs. Dorn also remains close with her siblings Monte and Nadine, with whom she regularly travels. In her spare time, she enjoys patronizing Lincoln Center, the Metropolitan Opera and attending the theatre. prgtoken We are grateful for the spirit and service of Mrs. Dorn. Her life has been a blessing to so many in our local community, and it is an honor to celebrate her 85th birthday. prgtoken Madam , I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring Sue Bricker Dorn. Her life has been dedicated to family, faith, and serving others.
RECOGNIZING RICHLAND ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
Jason Smith (Republican, MO) \u2014 2019-3-29

. Madam , I rise today to congratulate Richland Elementary School of Essex, Missouri for being recognized as a National Blue Ribbon School in 2018, a distinction bestowed upon only 349 public and private schools across the country. prgtoken The National Blue Ribbon Schools Program recognizes public and private elementary, middle, and high schools based on their overall academic excellence or their progress in closing achievement gaps among student subgroups. This award affirms Richland Elementary School's hard work in creating an environment for educational attainment that is recognized as a symbol of exemplary teaching and learning. prgtoken By believing in, and maintaining positive, open lines of communication between parents, students, and educators, Richland Elementary created an educational environment to prepare productive and responsible citizens. This school is a model for success that starts with the leadership of Superintendent Frank Killian and Principal Cara Merritt. prgtoken On behalf of the Eighth Congressional District of Missouri, it is my great privilege to congratulate the entire Richland Elementary School community for this remarkable achievement.
HONORING THE AMERICAN LEGION ON THEIR CENTENNIAL ANNIVERSARY
Elise M. Stefanik (Republican, NY) \u2014 2019-3-29

. Madam , I rise today to honor the American Legion as a whole and specifically, the Lowville American Legion Post 162 on their 100th anniversary. prgtoken The American Legion was chartered by Congress in September 1919 after members of the American Expeditionary Force, who fought in World War I, convened to create an organization to represent veterans of that conflict. Today, the American Legion focuses on serving veterans, current service members children and communities with a membership numbering over two million from 13,000 posts worldwide. The American Legion, under the leadership of its National Commander Brett Reistad, continues to grow and advocate on behalf of those who have served our nation with honor and distinction. prgtoken One of the very first posts to come into existence in the months following the creation of the American Legion was the Lowville American Legion Post 162. The National organization came into existence in March 1919 and the Lowville post was founded just three months later, in June. Since then, they have been a leading post, sending members to serve on national, state, and district committees. They have made an indelible impact on the Lowville community over the past century and I wish them continued success. On behalf of New York's 21st District, I want to congratulate them on this milestone and thank them for their century-long tradition of service.
HONORING MR. SMITH OF LEBANON, PENNSYLVANIA
Daniel Meuser (Republican, PA) \u2014 2019-3-29

. Madam , it is with great respect and admiration that I rise today to recognize the brave service of World War II U.S. Army Veteran Henry W. Smith of Lebanon, Pennsylvania. He is the esteemed recipient of the rank of Knight in the order of the Legion of Honour. prgtoken Established in 1802 by Napoleon Bonaparte, the Legion of Honour is the highest French order of merit for military or civilian service. This award is reserved for those extraordinary individuals around the world who have made outstanding achievements and have dedicated themselves to defending the principles of liberty and equality. In the case of Mr. Smith, through his courage and conviction, he went above and beyond his call to serve during the Second World War. prgtoken Mr. Smith bravely fought on the shores of Normandy, even surviving a boat crash and supporting our frontline efforts. He also participated in campaigns in Germany, Belgium, Holland and the Ardennes. He has received various military awards and decorations, including five Bronze Stars, the World War II Victory Medal, the American Campaign Medal, European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal, and the Army Good Conduct Medal. prgtoken By virtue of his service, Mr. Smith has made great contributions to the American story, defended democracy, and most importantly, preserved our freedom. On behalf of the constituents of Pennsylvania's Ninth Congressional District and the U.S. House of Representatives, I offer my most sincere and humble thanks to Mr. Smith for his service and sacrifice.
SUPPLEMENTAL APPROPRIATIONS ACT, 2019--Resumed
Chuck Grassley (Republican, IA) \u2014 2019-4-1

the Senate will soon vote on the disaster spending bill. That bill contains funds for the 2018 hurricanes and wildfires and renews the extra funds for nutrition assistance in Puerto Rico, which is about to expire. prgtoken The Senate amendment also expands eligibility to include ongoing Midwest floods like we presently have in Missouri, Kansas, Iowa, and Nebraska, but other States will have it as well. prgtoken At a time when some families in Iowa have everything that they own underwater and the people of Puerto Rico are facing a funding cliff, now is not the time to play politics with the disaster relief bill. prgtoken To my colleagues across the aisle who have been spending a lot of time in Iowa lately as Presidential candidates, if you vote against moving forward with the Shelby amendment, how are you going to look Iowans in the eye and justify a vote against moving this disaster relief bill ahead? Tariffs prgtoken , now I will talk about trade. I am calling on the administration, specifically on President , to promptly remove section 232 tariffs on steel and aluminum imports from Canada and Mexico. This will help to clear the path for the USMCA agreement and have it ratified not just in the Congress of the United States but in all three countries. prgtoken These tariffs and the retaliations are having a negative impact on Americans. The agreement for Mexico, Canada, and the United States is supposed to be a free trade agreement, but we don't have free trade with these tariffs in place. prgtoken As Finance Committee chairman, I look forward to helping the President with this important task. I had a chance to be at the White House with several other Senators on that very same issue. I said to the President something like this: You said you put the tariffs on because Mexico and Canada weren't going to negotiate. They have negotiated you say that you have a good agreement, and I agree that you do have a good agreement. They negotiated in good faith. Then, wouldn't you think that the right thing to do would be to remove the tariffs so we can move ahead? prgtoken Now, one of the important things about this is the situation in Canada more than in the United States. Their House of Commons will adjourn in June for their elections in October. This must be done in the next 2 months. Well, I guess now you would say in the next 3 months, if this is going to be done this year, and I would think the President would want to get it done this year. Holds Disclosure Requirements prgtoken , this is my last 1-minute comment. All Senators now have a copy of my letter sent with Senator Wyden's signature explaining the holds on nominations and bills and the disclosure of those holds and the requirements that come with such holds. prgtoken After many years of working on the issue, the two of us, meaning Senator Gra
RECOGNIZING SUNSHINE PEANUT COMPANY
Marco Rubio (Republican, FL) \u2014 2019-4-1

as chairman of the Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship, each week I recognize a small business that exemplifies the unique American entrepreneurial spirit. It is my privilege to honor a Florida small business that has worked so diligently to expand opportunity within their community, proving that small businesses are the backbone of our economy and the heartbeat of Main Street. This week it is my privilege to honor Sunshine Peanut Company of Jacksonville, FL, as the Senate Small Business of the Week. prgtoken Founded in 2005, Sunshine Peanut Company is Florida's only peanut butter producer and processes more than 10 million pounds of peanut butter each year. Sunshine Peanut Company, owned by CEO Jeff Turbeville and his brother David, completes every phase of production, from roasting to packaging, entirely in house. prgtoken Focusing on competitive cost, high quality, and timely delivery and with the help of the Jacksonville Small Business Development Center, Sunshine Peanut Company has become a leader in the peanut processing industry. Through the utilization of their Small Business Administration HUBZone certification, Sunshine Peanut Company has been awarded contracts to sell their high-quality peanut butter to hospitals, schools, universities, and correctional facilities. prgtoken Sunshine Peanut Company's work with the Florida Department of Corrections goes far beyond just supplying peanut butter. Jeff employs a number of rehabilitated offenders, and David, a former police officer, understands firsthand the criminal justice system and the support that parolees need. Jeff takes his role as an employer and community sponsor seriously, and his dedication to provide dignified work to the members of his community that need it the most is an outstanding example of community support. Sunshine Peanut Company's efforts have resulted in reduced recidivism and increased opportunity within his community. prgtoken Jeff's efforts and Sunshine Peanut Company's success has not gone unnoticed. He was recently honored as the 2019 Florida Small business Person of the Year by the Small Business Administration. This distinction is awarded to an entrepreneur who represents diversity, hard work, and perseverance. Jeff's commitment to both his company and his community have made him a clear choice for this award. He will be honored this year in Washington, DC, at the beginning of National Small Business Week. prgtoken Sunshine Peanut Company is a great example of how dignified work can lead to community engagement and business expansion, while changing lives for the better. I commend Jeff and the Sunshine Peanut Company on their dedication to their community and am honored to name them as the Senate Small Business of the Week. I wish them good luck and look forward to watching their continued growth and success.
IN HONOR OF THE LIFE OF ADMIRAL DENNIS MATTHEW BROOKS
Mike Rogers (Republican, AL) \u2014 2019-4-1

. Madam , I rise to recognize the life of Admiral Dennis Matthew Brooks. prgtoken Admiral Brooks was born on November 23, 1934 in Fairfield, Alabama. He married the love of his life Dolores (Lorrie) Gober following his graduation from the Naval Academy in 1957. They had three children, Mark, Amy and Allison and two grandchildren, James and Mary Katherine. prgtoken He served his country for 35 years until his retirement in 1992. His assignments included fighter pilot, test pilot and teacher at the Naval Academy. His command assignments included fighter squadrons VF-51 ``Screaming Eagles'' and VF-121 ``Pacemakers'', USS Kansas City and USS Constellation, Carrier Group Seven and Battle Force and Carrier Strike Forces of the U.S. Seventh Fleet. In 1988, he was assigned as the initial commander of the Combined Joint Task Force, Middle East, involving all U.S. Forces in the Persian Gulf. Ashore Admiral Brooks' major assignments included Director, Navy Space Command and Military Director of the National Reconnaissance Office. prgtoken The USS Constellation (Connie) under the command of then Captain Brooks was visited by Ronald Reagan shortly after the President's recovery from wounds received in an assassination attempt. Following his inspection, the President declared ``Connie'' to be ``America's Flagship'', presented the crew a presidential flag and announced: ``Let friend and foe alike know that America has the muscle to back up its words, and ships like this and men like you are that muscle.'' Later the Connie gained her motto, ``Go Ahead Make My Day'', which was painted on the ship's island. prgtoken Following his Navy career, the Admiral and Lorrie retired to Pell City where he continued his service as Rotary District Governor for District 6860. His philanthropic efforts included Pell City's Habitat for Humanity, the Board of the Eastern Health Foundation and the Pell City Library Guild. He was an Eagle Scout and continued throughout his life to be involved in Scouting. Posthumously, the Greater Alabama Scout Council presented the ``Heart of an Eagle'' Award to his family. prgtoken Admiral Dennis Matthew Brooks, United States Navy (Ret), of Pell City, Alabama, passed away November 12, 2018. Admiral Brooks lived an exemplary life and brought out the very best in those who were fortunate to serve with him in the Navy and those who were fortunate enough to know him in civilian life. prgtoken Madam , please join me in recognizing the life of Admiral Brooks.
BICENTENNIAL ANNIVERSARY OF THE BIRTH OF RABBI ISAAC MAYER WISE
Rob Portman (Republican, OH) \u2014 2019-4-1

I rise today with my colleague from Ohio, Sherrod Brown, to mark the bicentennial anniversary of the birth of Rabbi Isaac Mayer Wise. Rabbi Isaac Mayer Wise founded the Central Conference of American Rabbis in 1889, and this year, its members are celebrating the 130th anniversary of its establishment at their annual convention in my hometown of Cincinnati, OH. Rabbi Isaac Mayer Wise is widely acknowledged as one of the fathers of American Reform Judaism. We would like to recognize the bicentennial anniversary of Rabbi Isaac Mayer Wise's birth, as well as his extraordinary professional achievements, which have had an indelible effect on the religious life of the American nation. prgtoken He created three major American institutions, all still vibrant today: the Union of American Hebrew Congregations, now the Union for Reform Judaism, in 1873; the Hebrew Union College, HUC, in 1875; and the Central Conference of American Rabbis, CCAR, in 1889. As founding president and faculty member of HUC for 25 years, Wise shaped and established Jewish seminary education in America. As CCAR president, he guided a fledgling American rabbinate to take its place within the broader American clergy as equal partners. Celebrating the 130th anniversary of its founding in 2019, the CCAR is today the world's oldest and largest rabbinical association. prgtoken In 1854, Wise founded and edited a weekly newspaper, the Israelite-- later, The American Israelite--in Cincinnati. The following year, Wise founded and edited a German language newspaper, ``Die Deborah.'' Wise was also a scholar and educator. He authored over a dozen volumes, both fiction and nonfiction, many of which dealt with intergroup relations and the place of the Jew within American society. prgtoken It is a deep source of pride to us and so many Ohioans that the roots of Reform Judaism run through Cincinnati and endure there. We are so proud of Hebrew Union College and all who serve there and learn there now, and we know that all leads back to the man we honor today, Rabbi Isaac Mayer Wise. prgtoken Isaac Mayer Wise was an American icon. His writings have been studied by scholars of many disciplines and backgrounds and we are proud to recognize him today.