mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
IN MEMORY OF EMILIO GUGLIELMELLI, JR.
Cathy McMorris Rodgers (Republican, WA) \u2014 2020-10-6

. Madam , I rise today in memory of Emilio Guglielmelli, Jr. A valiant World War II veteran who was a deeply treasured member of the Walla Walla, Washington community. prgtoken Emilio was born and raised in Walla Walla, where he learned the values of hard work and the American dream on his family farm. After graduating from St. Vincent's Academy, he took the brave call to serve our country during one of the world's darkest times. After just 10 weeks of basic training in the United States Army infantry, Emilio was sent to the Philippine Islands. After the liberation, Emilio continued his service in Japan until 1946 when he was welcomed home to the family farm. prgtoken For the 50th Anniversary of the liberation, Emilio traveled back to the Philippines. He valued this trip to be one of the highlights of his life. Emilio was proud to be a WWII veteran. Like so many of his brothers and sisters of the Greatest Generation, he would have never called himself a hero but he was. Emilio lived a full life of courage, honor, and love of country. prgtoken Emilio and his wife Pauline S. Andreas raised a family full of several children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. Emilio was a well-known and active community member, serving on several community leadership boards and clubs. His Walla Walla sweet onions became a token best seller around town. Emilio was a talented drum player. He shared his love for music wherever he went. prgtoken Emilio's faith guided him in all that he did. His dedication to the Catholic Church was constant. Emilio frequently served as a lecture and volunteer for many St. Patrick Catholic Church masses and events. Because he shared his time and talents, he made the world around him a better place. prgtoken On behalf of a grateful nation and the United States House of Representatives, I rise to remember Emilio and his remarkable legacy of service to our nation. I pray for comfort and peace to all who mourn his passing. May we honor Emilio's legacy of service and sacrifice by continuing to honor him and all the members of the Greatest Generation. We must never forget their sacrifices for keeping our freedom and the Promise of America alive.
RECOGNIZING MAYOR SANDY SMITH OF MONROEVILLE
Bradley Byrne (Republican, AL) \u2014 2020-10-6

. Madam , I rise today to offer my thanks and appreciation to Mayor Sandy Smith for her years of service to the people of Monroeville and Monroe County. All the area's residents owe her a debt for her unwavering dedications over many years. prgtoken As the longtime Executive Director of the Monroeville/Monroe County Chamber of Commerce, Sandy was tireless in pursuing jobs and economic development opportunities for all the county's citizens. prgtoken Once elevated to mayor, Sandy's advocacy for Monroeville continued with the same professionalism, positivity, kindness, and inclusiveness everyone who knows Sandy would expect. prgtoken Throughout the years, Sandy has been instrumental in promoting Monroeville as the home of its native daughter, the beloved author Harper Lee, and making Monroeville the tourism center it is today. Truly, her heart is with Monroeville. prgtoken I wish Sandy, Rayford, their children, and their growing family all the best. I know God will continue to bless them all.
IN MEMORY OF THE HONORABLE ROBERT STEPHEN ``BOB'' POYDASHEFF, SR.
Sanford D. Bishop, Jr. (Democrat, GA) \u2014 2020-10-9

. Madam , it is with a heavy heart and solemn remembrance that I rise today to pay tribute to an extraordinary husband, father, grandfather, soldier, veteran, attorney, public servant, and dear friend of longstanding--Former Mayor of Columbus, Georgia, Colonel Robert Stephen ``Bob'' Poydasheff, Sr USA, Ret. Sadly, Bob passed away on Thursday, September 24, 2020. A private family graveside service was held on Saturday, September 26, 2020, at Parkhill Cemetery in Columbus, Georgia, and a memorial service will be held at the National Infantry Museum and Soldier Center in Columbus, Georgia on Friday, October 30, 2020 at 3 p.m. prgtoken A native of Bronx, New York, Bob was born with an innate determination to excel, which was apparent in virtually every aspect of his life--and especially in his pursuit of education. After completing his primary and secondary education in New York, he earned a B.A. in Political Science from The Citadel, The Military College of South Carolina, in 1954, along with his commission as a Second Lieutenant; earned his Juris Doctorate from Tulane University in Louisiana in 1957; and in 1967, he received an M.A. in International Relations from Boston College. In addition, he attended The Hague Academy of International Law in the Netherlands as well as The Army War College. prgtoken He served in the U.S. Army for twenty-four years and retired at the rank of Colonel. He began his distinguished military career as an Infantry Officer and he was a parachutist, serving one combat tour in Vietnam. He then transferred to the Judge Advocate General Corps, where he was prominent in the trials of high-ranking officers involved in the My Lai incident. Bob also served as Legislative Counsel to Secretary of the Army, Howard (Bo) Calloway; Staff Judge Advocate at Ft. Belvoir, VA; and Legal Counsel to the Secretary of the Army and Secretary of Defense on Labor Relations (1955 to 1979). In recognition of his exemplary service to our country, he received the Vietnam Ribbon, Legion of Merit, Commendation Medal, 2 Oak Leaf Clusters, and he was elected to the Ranger Hall of Fame. In addition to these prominent awards, he later received the Clara Barton Award, the highest honor bestowed by the Red Cross. prgtoken Following his military service, Colonel Poydasheff made Columbus, Georgia his permanent home and entered the private practice of law. Bob loved Columbus, Georgia, and through his leadership, the City of Columbus experienced extraordinary growth and prosperity which stemmed from his terms as a City Counselor from 1994 to 2002 and as Mayor from 2003 to 2007. During his tenure as Mayor, the area gained more than seven thousand new jobs and under his leadership the Columbus Consolidated Government exercised fiscal responsibility resulting in balanced budgets and a surplus. A staunch advocate for equal opportunity and diversity, he made history on February 1, 2005 by appointing the first African Americ
HONORING THE FORDHAM UNIVERSITY HENRY C. RAVAZZIN CENTER ON AGING AND INTERGENERATIONAL STUDIES
Bill Pascrell, Jr. (Democrat, NJ) \u2014 2020-10-9

. Madam , I rise today to recognize a great American institution of research and higher learning. prgtoken This year marks the 25th anniversary of the Fordham University Henry C. Ravazzin Center on Aging and Intergenerational Studies. The Henry C. Ravazzin Center on Aging and Intergenerational Studies is nationally recognized for its strong partnerships with community organizations to enhance research and evaluation initiatives. The Center has been recognized for empowering students, professionals, and communities to address the needs of older adults and their families through practice, policy, and research. prgtoken The Center's work focuses on a broad range of impact areas including Social Work Education, Health Care, lnterprofessional Practice, Palliative Care, Intergenerational Care, Community Program Evaluation, Foster Care and Family Supports, Loneliness and Social Isolation. prgtoken The Center was established in 1995 by the Fordham University Graduate School of Social Service under the leadership of the former Dean, Dr. Mary Ann Quaranta, and Dr. Irene Gutheil, the first chair of the Center on Aging and Intergenerational Studies. Dean Dr. Debra McPhee has led the Center since 2013, overseeing recent expansions of study and services along with Endowed Chairwoman, Dr. Janna Heyman. prgtoken Madam , I ask you and my colleagues to join me in officially recognizing the Fordham University Henry C. Ravazzin Center on Aging and Intergenerational Studies in the Congressional Record for its significant contributions to an improved quality of life for older adults and their families over the past 25 years. prgtoken Go Rams.
THE COMPREHENSIVE BREAST RECONSTRUCTION ACT OF 2020
Alcee L. Hastings (Democrat, FL) \u2014 2020-10-9

. Madam , I rise today to introduce the Comprehensive Breast Reconstruction Act of 2020. This bill would provide breast cancer patients the option to have comprehensive reconstruction, including nipple-areola complex tattooing. prgtoken Approximately 275,000 new cases of breast cancer will be diagnosed in the United States this year. As surgical options have improved in prgtoken recent decades, the number of women pursuing breast reconstruction has continued to increase. In 2019 alone, 107,238 breast reconstructive procedures were performed in the United States--a 36 percent increase since 2000 when 78,832 procedures were performed. Post-mastectomy breast reconstruction is now universally recognized as a gold standard component of comprehensive breast cancer treatment. Breast reconstruction has been proven to significantly improve a woman's psychological and physical well-being, providing self-assurance, and affording women a new beginning. prgtoken The final stage of breast reconstruction surgery is to the nipple- areolar complex. This results in fully restoring the breast to a natural, symmetric appearance. This is achieved by a combination of tattooing with or without the addition of a surgical procedure to create a nipple. At times, tattooing is the only option for nipple- areolar reconstruction in patients that may have damaged tissue due to radiation therapy or simply want to avoid an additional surgical procedure. Most commonly, nipple-areolar tattooing is performed in a surgeon's office if a woman selects to have tattooing performed, which is not always the case. However, plastic and reconstructive surgeons are increasingly recognizing that professional tattoo artists can achieve superior results, including an impressively realistic 3-D nipple-areola complex tattoo. The price of tattooing can start at approximately $400 for a single breast and reach as high as $1,000 for both breasts. prgtoken Greater standardization of insurance coverage for nipple-areolar reconstruction across insurance carriers is needed. In order to achieve this consistency, we need to amend the Women's Health and Cancer Rights Act of 1998 (WHCRA), within the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974. Further, we need to enhance the requirements for Medicare and Medicaid through the Social Security Act to protect a woman's right to comprehensive breast reconstruction, including nipple-areola complex tattooing. prgtoken My bill will: prgtoken Amend the Women's Health and Cancer Rights Act of 1998 (WHCRA) to state that nipple-areola complex tattooing is medical necessary and is a part of breast reconstruction; prgtoken Amend the Social Security Act to require Medicare to follow the Women's Health and Cancer Rights Act of 1998; prgtoken Amend the Social Security Act to add licensed tattoo artists to the list of Medicare providers; and prgtoken Amend the Social Security Act to require Medicaid to add nipple- areola complex tattooing (as
RECOGNIZING THE ORANGE COUNTY VETERANS AND MILITARY FAMILIES COLLABORATIVE
Harley Rouda (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2020-10-9

. Madam , I rise today to honor the Orange County Veterans and Military Families Collaborative for its outstanding service to the veterans and military families of Orange County, California. This organization, a commendable group of dedicated professionals and volunteers, embodies the spirit of collaboration and demonstrates the power of our community to come together and solve our toughest challenges. prgtoken Established in 2012 by a small, passionate group of Vietnam War Veterans, who answered yet another call of duty, the Collaborative helps to connect veterans, active duty and reserve service members, and military families across Orange County to quality benefits, services, and community-based opportunities. prgtoken Today, the Collaborative consists of nearly 120 member organizations, including businesses, government offices at the federal, state and local levels, non-profits, and officials from the Veterans Administration. The Collaborative serves the Orange County veteran community through eleven focus groups--dealing with critical topics like homelessness, education, and employment--and other efforts, such as a task force that works with older veterans. prgtoken The Collaborative works to ensure all veterans have a place to call home by helping veterans to secure HUD-VASH benefits and by filling the gaps for veterans where federal resources are unable to compensate. Their Housing Working Group monitors the by-name list of homeless veteran populations in Orange County and deploys rapid responses to veterans facing homelessness. Their Housing Group has also worked to house over 100 veterans and their families over the course of the COVID-19 pandemic. prgtoken In addition, the Collaborative has made meaningful progress towards addressing the tragedy of suicide among our veterans. In 2019, the Collaborative partnered with America's Warrior Partnership to conduct Operation Deep Dive, a forensic study on the causes of veteran suicides and self-harm. Their commitment to finding solutions to these issues reminds us of Congress' own duty and the urgent need to support veteran groups working on this issue. prgtoken In 2018, the Collaborative was recognized as the Community Veteran Engagement Board for Orange County by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, deepening their role as an integral part of the Orange County community. prgtoken I ask all Members join me in honoring the Orange County Veterans and Military Families Collaborative for their work on behalf of over 130,000 Orange County veterans and their families.
HONORING THE MEMORY OF MANUEL ``MEMO'' CAVADA
Juan Vargas (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2020-10-9

. Madam , I rise today to honor Manuel ``Memo'' Cavada, community leader, artist, and Purple Heart recipient, who passed away on Saturday, October 3, 2020, at the age of 76. prgtoken Memo was born in National City, CA in 1944. He attended and graduated from Kimball Elementary School, National City Junior High, and Sweetwater High School. He later graduated from Sacramento City College and the Glen Fishback School of Photography. prgtoken Memo served honorably in the United States Air Force for four years as a Crew Chief for 552nd Air Force Squadron in Sacramento, CA. He was a recipient of the Purple Heart Medal, and numerous other medals, for being wounded in action during the Vietnam War. prgtoken Among his many accomplishments, Memo was the lead photographer of ``100 Portraits, Pioneers, Visionaries & Role Models,'' a 1994 collaborative, travelling photographic exhibit and book (published in 2001) that highlighted the contributions of San Diego's Mexican- American community. He recruited nine other Latino photographers to work on this project. prgtoken During a ten-year period, Memo travelled with a backpack and his camera gear and visited numerous villages in Mexico to capture the Mexican culture and its people. The beautiful exhibit was also displayed at the State Capitol for a month. prgtoken As a community leader, Memo owned and operated Creative Images Photography Studio in National City, CA for over 45 years, and he taught photography at the Centro Cultural de la Raza in Balboa Park. prgtoken One of Memo's most honorable accomplishments was that he developed one of the first programs for the prevention of alcohol abuse among the youth in the community. The program used puppetry, as a revolutionary form of entertainment, to convey the message of health issues to the children of the National School District in National City, CA. prgtoken Additionally, Memo served Sweetwater High School for 25 years as a resident photographer. Along with working on the school yearbook, he devoted his time to career counseling high school seniors. At the average of 600 seniors per year for 25 years, Memo served 15,000 Sweetwater High School students. prgtoken In 2012, the National City Chamber of Commerce honored Memo as the volunteer of the year, and he was recognized not only for his service to the organization, but also for his contributions to helping others succeed in business and community affairs. prgtoken In 2015, Memo was honored as a ``Latino Champion'' by the San Diego Union Tribune. He shared the stage with two other honorees, Roberto Pozos and Daniel Hernandez, two of his dear friends and community activists. prgtoken Memo will be remembered for his long history of selfless commitment and service to the community. He is survived by his three children, Stephanie, Jennifer, and Martin. prgtoken For his contributions to the community and for his countless achievements, I would like to honor Manuel ``Memo'' Cavada and his
SAVE OUR SEAS 2.0 ACT
Haley M. Stevens (Democrat, MI) \u2014 2020-10-9

I rise in support of S. 1982, Save Our Seas 2.0, and to commend my colleagues for their work to resolve the serious issues our country and our world have with marine debris. prgtoken For over 70 years, plastic has evolved to be invaluable in many applications. It's used as a high-performance material for medical devices and in safety components for automobiles. Plastic is also convenient. It's a mainstay in American households from our toothbrushes to food storage to shampoo and detergent bottles. Global plastic production increased from 2 million tons per year in 1950 to 400 million tons annually in recent years. prgtoken What happens to all of this discarded plastic is why I am speaking out in support of this legislation today. We can no longer deny that we face a plastic waste crisis. There are plenty of reasons for why and how we got here; however, a major factor is because we failed as a nation to invest in domestic recycling infrastructure and policies to account for the growing demand for plastic. As a result, today, the U.S. recycles just 9 percent of its plastic waste. prgtoken At least 8 million tons of plastic end up in our oceans and Great Lakes every year and make up 80 percent of all marine debris from surface waters to deep-sea sediments. This marine debris ends up being ingested or entangled by marine life, from whales to sea birds, causing severe injuries and death. prgtoken In addition to the harm it causes our marine ecosystem, plastic debris also endangers our human health, coastal tourism, and threatens our food safety. This important bill works to improve the domestic response to marine debris, incentivize international engagement on marine debris, and strengthen domestic waste management infrastructure to prevent the creation of new marine debris. prgtoken This crisis will not be solved by only one bill or another. We need to work together as a Congress on bicameral, bipartisan solutions that have the potential to create jobs, develop supply chains, and meet environmental needs. prgtoken This summer, I was proud to introduce the bipartisan Plastic Waste Reduction and Recycling Act which directs the establishment of a plastic waste reduction and recycling research and development program to develop a world-leading U.S. industry in advanced plastics recycling technologies, and unleash the innovative potential of our nation to address our plastic waste crisis and generate greater value from the plastics we do produce. prgtoken I would like to congratulate my colleagues, Congresswoman Suzanne Bonamici, Congressman Don Young, Senator Dan Sullivan, and Senator Sheldon Whitehouse, on the passage of this historic bill, and I look forward to working with them and our colleagues on powerful solutions to solve our plastic waste crisis.
HONORING THE CAREER OF JANE GOFF
Ed Perlmutter (Democrat, CO) \u2014 2020-10-9

. Madam , I rise today to honor the career of Jane Goff, a lifelong educator who will be retiring from the Colorado State Board of Education after 12 years as the representative from the 7th Congressional District. Jane's dedication to education for the State of Colorado made a significant impact which will last for years to come. prgtoken A native of Colorado, Jane graduated from Jefferson County Public Schools where she would later spend 34 years as a French and Spanish teacher. During this time, Jane coordinated the district's first Administrator and Teacher Performance Pay Pilots, served on the Jeffco PTA Board of Directors, and helped design the Links for Learning program, a teacher-employer partnership between the Jeffco Schools and the West Chamber of Commerce. She also served as the Coordinator of World Languages and International Student Exchange, as President of the Jefferson County Education Association (JCEA) and as Vice-President of the Colorado Education Association (CEA), and four years as Vice President for Education on the Jefferson Symphony Board of Directors. Jane's hard work and dedication serving the Jefferson County School District leaves a lasting legacy. prgtoken After the Columbine High School tragedy, Jane was frequently consulted on school safety and crisis response providing a teacher's perspective to a variety of local, state, and national audiences. prgtoken After her retirement from Jefferson County Public Schools in 2006, Jane worked as a legislative aide for the Colorado House of Representatives. Jane was first elected to the Colorado State Board of Education in 2008 representing the 7th Congressional District and was re-elected in 2014. From 20I0-2016, Jane was a member of the original Governors' P-20 and Education Leadership Councils. She served as a member of the National Association of State Boards of Education's (NASBE) Board of Directors for three years before being elected President of that association in 2014. In 2018, she received NASBE's Distinguished Service Award which honors current and former state board members who have made exceptional contributions to education. prgtoken Currently, Jane is the Colorado Board of Education's liaison to the Gifted Education State Advisory Committee, and liaison to Colorado's Teacher of the Year and Milken Family Teaching Award selection committees. She is also the Board's appointed ic contact to the state legislature, and Colorado's representative to NASBE's Government Affairs Committee. prgtoken Jane has worked side by side with students, educators, and me to help improve outcomes for students and our entire community. She leaves a lasting legacy for Colorado's students and she will be dearly missed on the State of Board of Education. Jane, thank you for your friendship, your partnership, and your service to public education and to the State of Colorado. I wish you the best in your retirement.