mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
DELIVERING FOR AMERICA ACT
Lucille Roybal-Allard (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2020-8-28

I am proud to support H.R. 8015, the Delivering for America Act. This legislation is an important first step to ensure our Postal Service is not undermined by the reckless and political actions undertaken by President 's hand-picked postmaster general. prgtoken The United States Postal Service is enshrined in our Constitution and is a critical thread of the fabric of American life. prgtoken Our postal workers and letter carriers work six days a week and often long hours to support business and provide Americans with essential services that keep us connected to our family, friends, and the world at large. prgtoken We celebrate our heritage and accomplishments through designs on postage stamps. Young men enroll in our Selective Service at the post office. When we drop a birthday card, a bill, or a mail-in ballot into the mailbox, we know it will be delivered on time. And for many Americans, the USPS is a vital lifeline. prgtoken For example, millions of seniors depend on the USPS for their Social Security check, for the delivery of their essential medications, for their ability to vote, and to stay connected to their family and the world. prgtoken For many seniors, a Social Security check is their only source of income. It pays for their food, their rent, and other essential needs, including paying for their life-saving medications. prgtoken Twenty percent of Americans over forty with a chronic disease receive their medications through mail order, and over half are over the age of sixty-five. Fifty-four percent of this group take more than four types of medications. For these Americans, including millions of veterans, the collapse of our USPS would be literally a matter of life or death. prgtoken Currently, with our nation and the world in the midst of a deadly pandemic, without the postal service, it would be impossible to live our lives as we would normally. We must have safe and secure ways to continue to participate in community life, which includes the ability to exercise our most fundamental right as American citizens: the right to vote. prgtoken More than ever, with the approaching national election, it is critical for Americans to be able to trust their mail-in ballots will be safely delivered in time to be counted. prgtoken It is unconscionable that instead of expanding and securing our mail- in voting, President 's postmaster general is deliberately trying to undermine and destroy trust in our postal service. prgtoken , I share the concern and outrage expressed by my constituents about delays in their mail, reduced accessibility to postal services, and efforts to weaken or destroy the USPS. prgtoken H.R. 8015 will prevent the president, and his postmaster general, from weakening or destroying our U.S. Postal Service and the essential services it provides to the American people. prgtoken I am proud to vote for the Delivering for America Act to protect the millions of Americans whose very lives depen
RECOGNIZING THE TURKISH AMERICAN NATIONAL STEERING COMMITTEE (TASC)
David J. Trone (Democrat, MD) \u2014 2020-8-28

. Madam , I rise today to recognize the Turkish American National Steering Committee (TASC), which is lead by Potomac resident Gunay Evinch, and the Turkish Exporters Assembly, which is lead by Mr. Ismail Gulle, for their humanitarianism and generosity in donating critical personal protective equipment (PPE) to the State of Maryland. On July 20, these two organizations delivered more than 100,000 surgical masks and 1,000 surgical suits to the Maryland Office of the Secretary of State. prgtoken Along with other residents of Maryland's Sixth District, I am grateful for the generosity of Turkish Americans and their gracious support to our fellow Marylanders. These PPE deliveries complement shipments made by the Turkish Republic, which sent two military cargo plane loads of PPE to the United States, including surgical masks, surgical suits, disinfectant, goggles, N-95 masks, and face shields. Our frontline healthcare workforce has been heroic throughout this pandemic, and I am heartened to see contributions like those made by the Turkish American community. prgtoken As TASC says, ``Be Negative on COVID, Stay Positive on Life.''
HONORING MICHAEL LEAVITT
Michael C. Burgess (Republican, TX) \u2014 2020-8-28

. Madam , I rise today to honor the professional achievements and service of Michael Leavitt, City Manager for the City of Highland Village, Texas. Mr. Leavitt is retiring following more than thirty-three years of exemplary service to the public. prgtoken Upon graduation from Truman University in Kirksville, Missouri with a B.S. in Industrial Science, Mr. Leavitt worked for the cities of Kirksville, Missouri and Denton, Texas. In 2000, Leavitt moved to the City of Highland Village, first serving as the public works director followed by his appointed as City Manager in 2003. prgtoken A true advocate for public safety and fiscal responsibility, Leavitt spearheaded the transformation from a volunteer fire department to a full-time professional department. Under his leadership as City Manager, the ad valorem tax rate was reduced, and tax exemptions increased by fifty per-cent for those with a disability and those over the age of 65. Through his capable direction, sales tax revenue has grown from just over $400,000 in 2003 to $4 million in 2020, accomplishing a goal set by the City Council to increase funding available for city improvement. This tremendous growth was spurred by the construction and development of premier dining and shopping districts: The Marketplace at Highland Village and The Shops at Highland Village. prgtoken The quality of life for Highland Village residents has been raised during his tenure as City Manager. Leavitt has overseen extensive improvements to the City's recreation infrastructure with the addition and growth of the City's biking and walking trails and the purchase and development of the City's principal park, Doubletree Ranch Park. While local in nature, many of these projects also involved federal interests where I was honored to work with Mr. Leavitt and the City. Among these included the continuation and expansion of FM 2499 and the widening of I-35 East, a priority project I worked with Mr. Leavitt, local leaders and Deputy Secretary of Transportation Thomas Barrett to highlight during a media day from Highland Village's Copperas Branch Park. A couple of years later in 2010, I worked with Mr. Leavitt and the Highland Village Police Department to secure 707 Highland Village Road. Ultimately deeded to the City as an outcome of an IRS seizure involving federal charges of racketeering, obscenity, fraud and income tax evasion, it allowed City Manager Leavitt the opportunity to replace a home that had attracted criminal activity to this beautiful lakeside community with its first lakeside park. Only a couple of years later, the Double Tree Ranch, another city park improved in large part through Mr. Leavitt's coordinated efforts with myself and local officials, was the appropriate site in 2017 to finally celebrate the Phase 1 completion of the I-35E project. prgtoken Michael Leavitt has been an outstanding public servant to the residents and businesses of Highland Village. His profe
HONORING SGT DAVID SCUDDER FOR BRAVERY IN ACTION
Bruce Westerman (Republican, AR) \u2014 2020-8-28

. Madam , I rise today to honor the distinguished service of Sgt. David Scudder of Hot Springs, Arkansas. Sgt. Scudder was severely wounded while serving with the 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division in Afghanistan. His fellow Paratroopers quickly came to his aid. prgtoken During a September 12, 2019 mission to retake a district center held by the Taliban in Farah Province, Sgt. Scudder took a bullet to the leg. Members of his unit, Specialist Joseph Sturgill and Specialist Dominic Green, took quick action. Placing Scudder on a stretcher, they carried him two miles to safety while taking enemy fire from a second ambush. prgtoken It is stories like this one which remind us of the price our service members pay for the defense of liberty. It is my hope that all of Hot Springs, the State of Arkansas, and this nation will join me in honoring the valor of individuals like Sgt. Scudder. prgtoken I take this time to honor the heroism of Sgt. David Scudder and his team and to thank them for their commitment to higher service. It is from them that we should all learn the ultimate example of bravery, of sacrifice, and what it means to be a patriot.
CONGRATULATING DR. MARK PETERS
Michael K. Simpson (Republican, ID) \u2014 2020-8-28

. Madam , I rise today to thank Dr. Mark Peters for his excellent service as Director at Idaho National Laboratory. After nearly five years of capable leadership, Dr. Peters has accepted a position as Executive Vice President for Laboratory Operations for the Battelle Memorial Institute. I wish him well in this new endeavor and take comfort that he will continue to have a role in oversight, not just at INL, but each of the national laboratories managed by Battelle. prgtoken Dr. Peters spent considerable time on Capitol Hill and many of you have gotten to know him and rely upon his expertise. prgtoken One of the benefits of representing a Department of Energy national laboratory is you get to meet and work with some of our nation's best and brightest. Intelligent and driven people come to these crown jewels of science and innovation and contribute so much to our economic prosperity and national security. prgtoken Mark's service at INL is an example of operational excellence, energy innovation, and national security impact. prgtoken Under Dr. Peters' leadership, INL has delivered on the grand challenges we ask of our national labs. Since Mark arrived at INL on Oct. 1, 2015, the laboratory has helped push forward development and demonstration of advanced nuclear technologies and deployed new capabilities to secure our nation's critical infrastructure from cyberattack. prgtoken Mark's vision and ability to bring people together allowed INL's clean energy program to expand and contribute to new and exciting areas. I'm talking integrated energy systems, advanced manufacturing, biomass upgrades, and so much more. prgtoken Under Mark's leadership, the laboratory assembled the power source for the Mars 2020 Perseverance Rover, continues to meet the Army's needs for tank armor, is helping DoD explore the use of microreactors, and is producing new nuclear fuels and materials. prgtoken A personal priority of mine has been revitalizing the lab's infrastructure and putting INL's talented workforce into world-class facilities. Mark has been a great ally in this process, an innovator and collaborator. prgtoken He brought the Department of Energy and lab together with the State of Idaho to build two new facilities on INL's in-town campus. One of those facilities is dedicated to protecting our nation from cyberattack. The other is dedicated to collaborations in high- performance computing. prgtoken Dr. Peters has worked hard to introduce the lab to all corners of our state and region, demonstrating to the people of Idaho that our national laboratories are places of innovation and intellectual curiosity rather than secretive outposts often rumored about, but rarely understood. prgtoken Mark has been dedicated to partnerships, building relationships with universities, industry, governments, and schools. He showed our state and region that so much can be accomplished when we work together and in pursuit of lofty, even idealistic, goals
HONORING RONNIE McLAUGHLIN
Dan Bishop (Republican, NC) \u2014 2020-8-28

. Madam , today I rise to honor Ronnie McLaughlin, decorated fire chief in the town of Ellerbe. After over 30 years, Ronnie has decided to retire from what he calls his ``dream job.'' prgtoken Ronnie started his career in 1986 and worked his way through the ranks, becoming the first African American Fire Chief for the town. He served in that position until 2002, when he became Deputy Fire Chief. Throughout his service, he received many awards, including Fireman of the Year, the Distinguished Service Award on multiple occasions, and finally the Chief's Award in 1994. prgtoken Ronnie wanted to be a fireman since he was a little boy. Like all those who attain their dreams, he persisted in his desire and made that dream come true. His story is an inspiration to me and all the constituents of the Ninth District in North Carolina. prgtoken Ronnie is leaving on a high note: the Ellerbe Fire Department recently secured a brand new firetruck worth half a million dollars. prgtoken I thank Ronnie for his service to Ellerbe and to Richmond County.
HONORING THE LIFE OF MRS. KARLA JO KROEKER
Doug Lamborn (Republican, CO) \u2014 2020-8-28

. Madam , I rise today to honor the life of Mrs. Karla Jo Kroeker, cherished wife, sister, mother, grandmother, patriot, and friend. prgtoken Karla was born May 13, 1945, and adopted by her loving parents, Kenneth and Dorothy Willich, when she was just thirteen days old. Her father was a rancher, and mother, a school teacher. Karla and her brother, David, enjoyed ranch life, riding horses, working cattle, and growing various crops. prgtoken Karla graduated from Stoneham High School in 1963. She attended Northeastern Jr. College in Sterling, Colorado, where she met and married the love of her life, Phillip [LTC (Ret)], on June 4, 1967. prgtoken After graduating from college, Karla worked as an elementary school teacher, and Phillip was stationed at Fort Carson Army Base in Colorado Springs before being drafted to serve in Vietnam. prgtoken Phillip returned safely from the war, and they had two beloved children, a son Kendell in 1972, and daughter Krystal in 1975. prgtoken After their children were born, they bought their family home in Monument, Colorado. Karla left her career in education and began running a health and wellness company from home, which gave her the freedom to dedicate her time and energy to her family. She was a ``hands-on'' classroom mom to her children--going to every field trip, band concert, and sporting event. Karla never missed an opportunity to shower her family with grace and love. prgtoken Seventeen years ago, Karla discovered and met her biological twin sisters, Madelyn and Marilyn, and instantly formed a sisterly bond that grew and lasted until her passing. prgtoken Karla was a person of great Christian faith; her love for the Lord was boundless and unmistakable. She led a local high school Bible study group for over 28 years and was a member of Cathedral Rock Church in Monument, Colorado. prgtoken A founding member of Sunrise Women, Karla served in various leadership roles, contributing her wit, humor, and occasional sass to their skits and events. Karla loved to decorate floats for the Monument 4th of July parade and was always wearing a smile on her face and flag in her hand. She was a dedicated and faithful patriot. prgtoken Karla loved to read, work in her yard, and, most of all, spend time with her four grandsons. She found joy in every aspect of life. Her zeal was contagious. prgtoken Karla is survived by her husband (of 53 years) Phillip, son Kendell (Christy), daughter Krystal (Bill), brother David, sisters Madelyn and Marilyn, and grandsons Joshua, Daniel, Liam, and Evan. Karla will be greatly missed. prgtoken She of all people would want everyone to know that she has met her Savior face to face, and is in a far better place.
REMEMBERING AND HONORING JOHN E. ``JACK'' HARDMAN
Earl L. "Buddy" Carter (Republican, GA) \u2014 2020-8-28

. Madam , I rise today to remember and honor the life of John E. ``Jack'' Hardman of Glynn County. prgtoken Jack was a loyal friend and leader who served others with selfless devotion. He attended college in France and New Mexico, where he served as class president. After he received his degree from The Hiram Scott College in Nebraska, he moved to Brunswick, Georgia and was employed in the radio broadcasting business for the Wiggins family. When he worked in radio, he was known as Jack Pride, and managed three different radio stations in Georgia and Florida. prgtoken Jack worked for Nationwide Insurance starting in 1984, and he retired in 2018 after 34 years. He took his leadership skills to new heights when he served on the Glynn County Board of Commissioners for two terms, and he was appointed as Chairman in 1995. prgtoken Jack was a founding shareholder of the Atlantic National Bank and served on the Board for the Georgia Underwriting Association for many years. prgtoken He was also an accomplished fisherman and a Licensed Master Captain. prgtoken My thoughts and prayers are with his family, friends, and everyone who knew him during this most difficult time.
CELEBRATING THE CENTENNIAL OF WOMEN'S SUFFRAGE IN THE UNITED STATES
Robert J. Wittman (Republican, VA) \u2014 2020-8-28

. Madam , I rise today to honor the Centennial of Women's Suffrage in the United States of America. On August 26, 2020, we celebrated 100 years since the certification of the ratification of the 19th Amendment and the importance of all women's constitutional right to vote. prgtoken I want to take a moment to recognize all the female elected leaders throughout the First District of Virginia. I especially would like to pay respect to my close friend, Jo Ann Davis, who served as the second Congresswoman in Virginia, and the first Congresswoman for the First District of Virginia. Congresswoman Davis was a dedicated public servant of the First District of Virginia, and her leadership still benefits our community today. prgtoken I include in the Record the names of the women in Westmoreland County, my home, who registered to vote on the first day they were eligible: Bessie Carte, Azele Ida Caruthers, Mazie Caruthers, Edna Coakley, Ada L. (Cosden) Cooke, Virginia Cox, Mabel (Lampkin) Evans, Anna Elizabeth (Alexander) Fox, Dena Fox, Linda (Lena) E. (Redding) Franklin, Nannie B. Gouldman, Risa Bryan Haynie, Elinor Heflin, Angellis Jackson, Ethel Marie Johnson, Dillie Kelly, Bessie Koher, Marni Marshall, Janice (Jane) (Miller) Mason, Frances Mensh. Naomi L. (Johnson) Miller, Homozelle Montgomery, Carrie Fitzhugh (Ashton) Omohundro, Annie Petty, Virginia Peyton, Mrs. Genevieve (Grisby) Suttle, Clara Inez (Page) Stone, Laura Sullivan, Madoline Taylor, Edna Thomas, Elsie H. Warren, Charlotte Dent Watson, Clara (Denmead) Williams, Alice C. Arnest, Mrs. Gertrude Purcell Anthony, Helen Blackistone, Lucy Bowman, Effie Rae (Dobyns) English, Mrs. M.W. Jackson, Mary Massey. Bertha Effington Lawrence Newton, Helen Tayloe, Gladys Halley Tubman, Mrs. Maria C. Berryman, Judith Amelia (McCoy) Johnson, Alverta N. Johnson, Marietta Johnson, Virginia Alberta (Storrs) Henderson, Maria Jane (Stewart) Gordon, Mattie Fauntleroy, Rose Baber (Porter) Baker, Neenah L. Baker, Mary Emma (Andrews) Brownley, Alice Rebecca (Robertson) Carver, Sallie Thornton Edwards, Ada V. Goodridge, Lizzie Young (McKenny) Goodridge, Frances Hall, Naomi Jane (Harrington) Hall, Naomi Washington Hall. Mrs. E.C. (Juanita ``Nita'') Naomi (Porter) Harrington, M.C E Annie Young Harvey, Ruth (Atwill) Harvey, Sophie Harvey, Mary Edith Healy, Mary Hersey, E.L. Jenkins, Mrs. Nannie Bell (Doleman) Jones, Pauline Harvey Lewis, Lucy Young McKenney, Nannie Lee Robertson, Mary Blanche Robertson, Minnie B. Sanford, Lydia Ann (Marmaduke) Stuart, Clara (Delp) Stuart, Jane (Newton) Walker, Garnett (Newbill) Heflin, Edna Martha (Lyell) Omohundro, and Sarah Jane (Ashton) Reed. prgtoken I want to thank the Women's Suffrage Centennial Commission (WSCC) for their hard work in coordinating this
HONORING TROY AND TANNER BARABY, FOUNDERS OF SOUTH JUNCTION ENTERPRISES, FOR THEIR SUCCESSFUL REVITALIZATION OF THE PLATTSBURGH RAIL YARD
Elise M. Stefanik (Republican, NY) \u2014 2020-8-28

. Madam , I rise today to honor the tremendous effort Troy and Tanner Baraby have put into revitalizing the rail yard in Plattsburgh, New York. prgtoken In 2017, the Baraby brothers established South Junction Enterprises to provide local businesses the opportunity to ship inventory in and out of the area by rail. The company has facilitated local farmers in reaching a wide customer base as their cars ship products across the North Country, New England and Canada. This project has successfully repurposed an abandoned rail yard to a thriving business. In the first two years of operations, South Junction Enterprise has quadrupled its rail car capacity to greater fulfill the community needs. prgtoken Local businesses are the backbone of the North Country economy and push innovation forward. Job creation and economic growth stemming from entrepreneurship are vital for long term sustainable development in our community. I applaud the entrepreneurial spirit that runs within the Baraby family and their commitment to serving our community that has continued over many generations. In addition to South Junction Enterprises, the brothers continue to operate Moore Recycling in Keeseville, New York which was founded by their grandfather, Louis Baraby. prgtoken On behalf of New York's 21st District, I would like to thank the Baraby family and the entire South Junction Enterprises team for their dedication to the community and congratulate them on their hard earned achievements thus far
HONORING MR. LEE BOND AND THE SINGING RIVER HEALTH SYSTEM
Steven M. Palazzo (Republican, MS) \u2014 2020-9-1

. Madam , today I rise to recognize Mr. Lee Bond and Singing River Health System for their outstanding service to the community of the Mississippi Gulf Coast. prgtoken Mr. Bond has significant family roots on the Gulf Coast. He was born at Singing River Hospital in Pascagoula, Mississippi. His great, great, great grandfather was Fernando Upton Gautier, the first settler of the City of Gautier, and its namesake. Mr. Bond earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting from the University of South Alabama, where he graduated Summa Cum Laude. prgtoken Mr. Bond is currently the Chief Executive Officer at Singing River Health System. Outside of work, he has held community leadership roles in both Jackson and on Counties. He has served on the Gulf Coast Business Council, the Bacot McCarty Foundation, the Pascagoula River Audubon Center, Ducks Unlimited Gulf Coast Chapter, the Board of Directors for the Jackson County Chamber of Commerce, as well as the Past President of the Gulf Coast Chapter of Mississippi Society of CPAs. Mr. Bond is a graduate of Leadership Jackson County, and was humbly recognized as a Top 10 Outstanding Community Leader for South Mississippi. prgtoken During these unprecedented times, Mr. Bond and the entire Singing River Health System has gone above and beyond to help the community suffering from this global pandemic. prgtoken Singing River Health System is the largest COVID-19 provider on the Gulf Coast. It has cared for over 2,200 patients diagnosed with the virus. In response to the increased demand, it continues to make improvements to its critical care nursing units to meet the needs of the most ill patients, has established community-based clinical patient navigators to conduct local contact tracing, and supports patients recovering at home. prgtoken Mr. Bond credits the entire Singing River care and support services team for their efforts to deliver lifesaving care to those hit hardest by the virus and continue to be their greatest advocate. Despite all the long hours and very difficult days, he and the Singing River team have remained ``Singing River Strong'' and dedicated to their mission of improving health and saving lives.