mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
HONORING SILVIA GUADALUPE GARCIA AND HER ACHIEVEMENTS
J. Luis Correa (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2023-8-18

I rise today to honor the achievements of Silvia Guadalupe Garcia, the woman behind the Garcia family's legacy in the City of Anaheim. prgtoken Silvia Guadalupe Garcia emigrated from Guadalajara, Mexico, to Anaheim, California, in 1972, where she worked packing oranges and as a housekeeper in nearby hotels. prgtoken It was during this time that she met Frank Garcia, who was working as a cook in the restaurant industry. Silvia and Frank married and raised a son, Frank, Jr who was born in 1974, and twin daughters, Veronica and Cindy, born in 1979. prgtoken In 1985, Silvia and Frank opened La Casa Garcia Restaurant. Initially, they did it all. The couple were the cooks, waiters, cleanup crew, and dishwashers. Due to their hard work and perseverance, the restaurant became a success, leading the family to become well known throughout the community for their excellent food and philanthropic endeavors. prgtoken The Garcias, who have been married for fifty years, have continually supported those less fortunate, especially the veteran community. One of their most notable legacies was the creation of ``We Give Thanks,'' a non-profit organization that provides Thanksgiving dinner to some 15,000 people each year in Orange County. prgtoken Frank credits his success in life to his ``beautiful wife,'' without whom ``I would not be the man I am today.'' A dedicated, hardworking woman, Silvia has overcome many obstacles in her life, but has also experienced many blessings. Those blessings inspired her to create a legacy of kindness and respect for her Anaheim community and all of Orange County. prgtoken Today, Frank and Silvia still work behind the scenes, while their daughters run La Casa Garcia and Frank Jr. operates another successful Orange County restaurant. prgtoken I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring and celebrating the achievements of Silvia Guadalupe Garcia, a woman for whom we should all give thanks for bringing a bounty of joy to our community.
REMEMBERING SAUL BELZ
Steve Cohen (Democrat, TN) \u2014 2023-8-18

I rise today to remember one of my best friend and a trusted advisor, Saul Belz, a civic leader in Memphis and the Mid-South and a fine lawyer. He was a member of the firm Glankler Brown, for more than 22 years but was also a partner at Waring Cox, and a partner and associate at Burch, Porter and Johnson. Saul passed on Wednesday. Whenever I needed help, I knew I'd better call Saul. In his more than 40 years as a lawyer in Memphis, he had a reputation for handling complex litigation and was recognized one of the country's best. A highly respected attorney, he was low key and humble. He advocated for civil rights and economic opportunity for African Americans. He advised me on judicial recommendations for Western District of Tennessee and gave his highest recommendation for Andre Mathis' appointment to the Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit. Saul was a sports fan of all Memphis teams and of Vanderbilt teams, and major fan of music, including all things related to Jim Dickinson. He served as a director of the Tennessee Justice Center, director of the Center for Southern Studies at the University of Mississippi, director of the Memphis Bar Association, chairman of the Memphis Area Legal Services Fundraising Campaign, on the Supreme Court of Tennessee's Advisory Commission on the Rules of Practice and Procedure, and as a director of the Memphis Zoological Society. He received the Pillars of Excellence Award from the University of Memphis Law Alumni Association and he was a Fellow with the American College of Trial Lawyers. Saul graduated from the University of Texas in 1964 and received his law degree from Vanderbilt University in 1967. I extend my deepest condolences to his wife Betsy, and children Jennifer Belz, Heather Belz, Margaret Flanagan, and Hallie Flanagan, his extended family and his many friends. He lived a good life and will be missed.
HONORING THE LIFE OF THOMAS CHATMON, JR.
Maxwell Frost (Democrat, FL) \u2014 2023-8-18

today I honor the life and contributions of Thomas C. Chatmon, Jr a ray of light in our Central Florida community. prgtoken Thomas Chatmon was a visionary for downtown Orlando, an innovator, a family man, and a champion of downtown Orlando and the people. As executive director of the Downtown Development Board and the Community Redevelopment Agency, he reimagined a thriving downtown that serves people of all ages, races, and lifestyles. Thomas Chatmon nurtured relationships that redefined our community and ensured everyone he interacted with was seen and heard. He profoundly impacted all the lives he touched, whether through his work or kindness. prgtoken He leaves behind a legacy of transformative ideas that have become much of the parts of downtown Orlando that we know and love. prgtoken I continue to send my deepest condolences to the Chatmon family, as his passing leaves us with a hole in our hearts and community. We are empowered to carry out his legacy and vision by leading with love in all we do. May he rest in power. God bless.
RECOGNIZING THE 5th ANNIVERSARY OF PARENT CHILD RELATIONSHIP ASSOCIATION
Daniel S. Goldman (Democrat, NY) \u2014 2023-8-22

I rise to pay tribute to Parent Child Relationship Association (PCR) on the occasion of its 5th anniversary. PCR is a volunteer run nonprofit organization that rose to the challenge to provide essential services to some of the most vulnerable residents of New York's Congressional District 10. prgtoken The South Brooklyn neighborhood of Sunset Park and its neighboring Dyker Height and Bensonhurst are home to New York's fastest growing Chinese immigrant community. The influx of the immigrant population invigorated local cultural and economic life, and it also brought great needs for social services. Nicole Huang established PCR in 2018, after having successfully organized local immigrant parents and youths to volunteer for community improvement projects and to provide mutual assistance. prgtoken In the 5 years since, PCR has expanded rapidly, becoming an essential service provider for Chinese-speaking community members that are in need of culturally competent services in Sunset Park. Every year, hundreds of volunteers contribute countless hours through PCR to provide services that benefit many thousands that are in need. In addition to promoting civic engagement and providing essential social services, PCR also organizes community mental health workshops and steadfastly champions mental health awareness for youths, mothers and the elderly. prgtoken When the COVID-19 pandemic devastated New York City in 2020, PCR stepped up to serve when the community fell into crisis. From collecting PPE donation and distributing them to hospitals and senior centers, to managing a weekly community food pantry, to assisting the victims of multiple devastating fires in Sunset Park who faced threat of homelessness in the middle of the pandemic, Nicole Huang and her volunteers were always on the frontline serving and uplifting the most vulnerable. prgtoken , I ask that my colleagues join me in celebrating the ongoing work of PCR for the Chinese immigrant community of Brooklyn. It has made a significant contribution in making New York the vibrant city of immigrants and diverse cultures that exemplifies the promise of the United States and the American Dream.
COMMEMORATING THE PUBLIC SERVICE OF NEIL McKIERNAN
Joe Courtney (Democrat, CT) \u2014 2023-8-22

I rise today to honor Mr. Neil McKiernan, an outstanding, diligent public servant who just passed the milestone of 20 years of service in the U.S. House of Representatives. The Second District of Connecticut, which I have the privilege to represent, is the office where Neil worked for 17 of those years, the last 7 as Chief of Staff. Neil recently announced that at the end of September 2023, he is going to begin a new chapter of his life in the private sector and depart this institution where he has done so much good, for so many people, for so many years. prgtoken A native of Connecticut, Neil began his journey on Capitol Hill at a young age. Immediately upon earning his college degree from Roger Williams University in Rhode Island in 2003, he moved to Washington, D.C and joined the Office of Representative Linda Sanchez of California, a new member in the House, and immediately demonstrated an aptitude for the complexity of policy work in the Legislative Branch. In 2004, he took a legislative assistant position in the Office of Congressman John Larson of the First District of Connecticut. Congressman Larson was a member of the House Armed Services Committee at the time and Neil was given that portfolio, which, given the strong presence of defense contractors in the State of Connecticut, was a huge responsibility. Even at that young age, Neil's work ethic impressed stakeholders in both Washington and back home, showing that he understood the issues and the process of John's committee work. He performed that job for Congressman Larson for 3 years before taking a leave of absence in 2006, from the office to head back to Connecticut to help me in my own journey to the U.S. House. prgtoken It was in that summer of 2006, I first crossed paths with Neil when I hired him to be 1 of my field organizers during my 2006 House campaign as a challenger for the Second District. He took the risk of leaving Washington, D.C to support the effort to flip this seat which was recognized by both major political parties as a ``toss-up'' race. He again continued to prove himself, successfully managing 1 of the most contested precincts in this very contested district. His efforts, along with an army of grass roots supporters from across Eastern Connecticut, delivered a razor-thin victory margin of 83 votes out of 241,000 cast. It was the closest House race by far in 2006, and Neil's efforts, along with countless other staff and volunteers, made the difference between victory and defeat. prgtoken After being elected to represent the Second District of Connecticut, I brought Neil onto my congressional staff. As a freshman, I secured a seat on the House Armed Services Committee and the Seapower and Projection Forces subcommittee. When Neil accepted my offer of employment, he returned to his passion for the extensive portfolio of defense issues of Connecticut as my Military Legislative Assistant, this time with a particular f
HONORING REBECCA KINNEY
Abigail Davis Spanberger (Democrat, VA) \u2014 2023-8-22

I rise to commend the work of Ms. Rebecca Kinney, who has been an exemplary public servant over the last 37 years. prgtoken Ms. Kinney has served as a printing specialist and program manager for the Publishing and Logistics Systems Management Section (ARDE) of Headquarters, U.S. Marine Corps (HQMC). Throughout her career, she printed more than 1 million documents for the U.S. Marine Corps. prgtoken Ms. Kinney has demonstrated hard work, dedication, and a commitment to serving her country. Her efforts have been a great benefit to her team, the U.S. Marine Corps, and our National security. As she prepares for her next steps, please join me in thanking her for more than 37 years of contributions to the HQMC ARDE. prgtoken , I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating Ms. Rebecca Kinney on a well-deserved retirement.
CAUCUS MEMBERSHIP
Brad Sherman (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2023-8-22

I wish to clarify that when I join a Congressional Caucus, it does not necessarily mean that I agree with every position of the Caucus. At a minimum, my membership indicates that I seek to learn more about related issues and legislative agendas, and I look forward to a robust dialogue on topics under consideration by the Caucus. In particular, as mentioned by my colleague, Congressman Brad Schneider, in his announcement of the Family Business Caucus, membership in that Caucus is open to all Members of Congress seeking to learn more about generationally owned family business issues.
HONORING THE LEGACY OF CATTY MOORE
Wiley Nickel (Democrat, NC) \u2014 2023-8-22

it's my honor to pay tribute to the distinguished career of Wake County Public School System Superintendent Catty Moore. It's my privilege to recognize her invaluable contributions to the families and students of Wake County and to wish her a happy and well-deserved retirement. prgtoken Superintendent Moore received her bachelor's degree at North Carolina State University before earning her master's degree at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. She's currently pursuing a doctoral degree at East Carolina University. prgtoken She began her career as a high school French teacher in the Nash- Rocky Mount Public School system, before moving to teach in Wake County at Enloe High School. She then became the assistant principal of Enloe before moving to Apex High School and finally working as the principal of Sanderson High School. During her time at Sanderson High School, she was awarded Principal of the Year by the Wake County Public Schools and was awarded Regional Principal of the Year by the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction. prgtoken She became Wake County Public School System's Superintendent in 2018 and is the first woman and first Latina to serve in the role. She was awarded the Superintendent of the Year by the North Carolina PTA in 2021 for her ``steady and focused leadership'' throughout the COVID-19 pandemic and was awarded National Superintendent of the Year by Magnet Schools of America in 2022. prgtoken Under Superintendent Moore's leadership, Wake County has made significant strides toward ensuring the safety and well-being of its students by conducting a comprehensive school-by-school safety audit, writing the district's first equity policy, and pioneering covid safety protocols in a time of great uncertainty. prgtoken I'd like to extend my sincerest gratitude to Wake County Public School System's Superintendent Catty Moore for her years of service to North Carolina and wish her all the best in her retirement from the Wake County Public School System. prgtoken I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring and celebrating Superintendent Catty Moore.
HONORING THE VIETNAM AND KOREAN WAR VETERANS OF ILLINOIS
Mike Quigley (Democrat, IL) \u2014 2023-8-22

I rise to honor the Vietnam and Korean War veterans who traveled to Washington, D.C. on August 23, 2023, with Honor Flight Chicago, a program that provides WWII, Vietnam, and Korean War veterans the opportunity to visit their memorials on The National Mall in Washington, D.C. These memorials were built to honor their courage and service to their country. prgtoken The American Veteran is 1 of our greatest treasures. The Soldiers, Airmen, Sailors, Marines, and Coast Guardsmen who traveled here on August 23rd answered our Nation's call to service during 1 of its greatest times of need. From the Pacific Asian Theatre to the Korean Theater, these brave Americans risked life and limb, gave service, and sacrificed much, all while embodying what it is to be a hero. We owe them more gratitude than can ever be expressed. prgtoken I welcome these brave veterans to Washington and to their memorials. I am proud to include in the Record the names of these men and women for all to see, hear, and recognize, and I call on my colleagues to rise and join me in expressing gratitude. prgtoken Cody Anderson, Alfredo Angeloni, Raymond J. Ariaz, Charles R. Ashley, William P. Atkins, Casmir R. Bachara, Lawrence A. Beaudin, Jr Larry Behrens, Stephen W. Bengtson, Larry D. Berger, Lawrence W. Bosshart, Thomas J. Bowler, Lucille C. Bozek, James M. Brongiel, Sr Clarence L. Broomfield, Danny T. Burns, Francis J. Caise, Richard G. Carsley, Frederick Cederholm, Frank J. Chellino, Lawrence J. Coleman, William J. Cooper, Jr Shirley A. Carbonella Crallie, John M. Cruz, Ronald J.E. Cunat, Sherwyn I. Davis, James G. DeJong, Nickolas D. DeTrana, Roger A. Dexter, Robert J. Dodier, Thomas W. Donnelly, Richard G. Dumas, Les W. Durov, Marshall R. Erickson, Joseph W. Etten, Steven A. Ferry, John C. Freislinger, Michael Fresso, Thomas E. Fronczak, Walter G. Fudala, Vincent D. Galassie, Elmer T. Gerhardt, Joseph J. Gesicki, Mildred C. Gort, Dominic P. Guarraci, Robert E. Hahn, Gary M. Haynes, Gary A. Heitsch, Michael W. Henkelman, Leroy T. Hyatt, Donald E. James, Robert A. James, Leonard A. Johnson, Joseph J. Kafka, Ollie R. Kelly, Gloria H. Kerzner, Bernard E. Klinedinst, Jerome P. Koch, Jack C. Kosinski, Ronald E. Kowalski, Terry R. Lenz, Raymond D. Limbach, Michael J. Lorentz, Arthur L. Lott, Michael P. Lyng, William A. Malinow, Edward P. Maluska, Jr Robert W. Markgraf, Edward M. Marshall, Raymond E. Massie, Lawrence J. Maurer, Ronald A. Mikicich, Keith R. Miller, Wayne H. Mitchell, Robert P. Mitchell, Wilbur R. Mixter, Donald G. Monahan, Michael F. Monahan, Thomas J. Monahan, Guy E. Mylander, Charles T. Ohrn, Richard A. Panozzo, James A. Parker, George L. Pearson, Richard T. Perrott, Frank J. Pilch, Daniel E. Porch, Richard Q. Poynter, Ralph L. Puralewski, Dennis J. Regan, Michael Relaz, Derrick L. Roberson, David M. Robertson, Robert T. Royce, Dale E. Sasse, James K. Sawyer, Joseph P. Scanlon, Kenneth A. Schmars, Edward L. Schuck, Ron
RECOGNIZING THE RETIREMENT OF DR. JOHN MASCIA
Mike Rogers (Republican, AL) \u2014 2023-8-22

I rise today to recognize the retirement of Dr. John Mascia, who has dedicated over 10 years of service as the President of the Alabama Institute for Deaf and Blind. prgtoken On January 1, 2013, Dr. Mascia became the 17th President of the Alabama Institute for Deaf and Blind, the nation's most comprehensive education and service program for children, adults, and seniors with hearing and vision loss. prgtoken Dr. Mascia received his doctorate in Audiology from the Pennsylvania College of Optometry. Additionally, he holds a master's degree in Audiology and a B.A. degree in Speech Pathology/Audiology from Hofstra University. Dr. Mascia began his work with the Alabama Institute for Deaf and Blind in January 2005 where he served as Executive Director of the Gentry Facility and Regional Centers until his 2009 promotion to Vice President of Adult Services. prgtoken Dr. Mascia has received awards from the Association for the Education and Rehabilitation of the Blind-Alabama-Grider Award, the Alabama Association of the Deaf Alabama Citizen Award, the Council of Organizations Serving Deaf Alabamians Professional of the Year, the Audiology Foundation of America Professional Leadership Award, and the Joan Fox Memorial Award in Audiology. prgtoken Dr. Mascia is married to Dr. Nancy Mascia, and they have three children, Katie, Chris and Annie. prgtoken , please join me in recognizing the retirement of Dr. John Mascia and his service to the state of Alabama.
HONORING ENERGIZER'S 75th ANNIVERSARY IN ASHEBORO, NORTH CAROLINA
Richard Hudson (Republican, NC) \u2014 2023-8-22

I rise today to recognize and congratulate Energizer Holdings on its 75th anniversary in Asheboro, North Carolina. prgtoken Energizer Holdings is a dynamic and diverse company, operating within a wide range of industries and producing an equally wide range of products and services. Perhaps best known for Energizer batteries and its bunny mascot, this company also runs Rayovac and Eveready, as well as prominent auto care brands like Armor All and STP. Energizer's impact on our Nation's economy is tremendous, especially within my community in North Carolina. prgtoken Energizer set up shop in Asheboro, North Carolina 75 years ago and has since remained an economic staple of the community. Energizer hosts hundreds of high paying, local jobs and has brought in millions of dollars in economic development into the region. Yet, its impact is soon to grow even more. Last spring, Energizer announced a new investment of $43 million into its Asheboro-based facilities that will add 143 new jobs with wages far above the average for the county. This investment will greatly benefit both the city of Asheboro and our region at-large. prgtoken Energizer is an esteemed member of our community down in North Carolina. Its economic and community impact is astounding, and I am pleased that they have called Asheboro home for the last 75 years. I look forward to continuing to work with Energizer to see what they will accomplish in the future. prgtoken , please join me today in recognizing Energizer, its leaders, and employees on this momentous occasion and to thank them for all they do for the community in Randolph County.
REMEMBERING THE LIFE AND LEGACY OF DR. ELBRIDGE BRUBAKER
Harriet M. Hageman (Republican, WY) \u2014 2023-8-22

respect for one's neighbors and service to one's community are the values that have built this great Nation. However, solitary acts of kindness and assistance were not nearly enough for Dr. Elbridge Brubaker who throughout his entire career consistently made it his goal to improve the quality of someone's day. Dr. Brubaker was a born and raised Wyomingite who always recognized his lifelong dream to become a physician. He would later realize that dream after completing his education at the University of Wyoming in 1961 and obtaining his medical degree from the University of Tennessee in 1965. Upon graduating with his medical degree, he made the decision to serve our country in the Army as the Chief Medical Officer in Montgomery, Alabama, where he was responsible for performing physicals of potential recruits. Following his time in the Army, Dr. Brubaker returned to Casper, Wyoming, and opened a family medical practice that he operated for over 5 decades. His exceptional ability to provide compassionate care was valued by each and every 1 of his patients. However, most importantly, he was a loving husband, father, and grandfather who valued time with his family and the good Lord above all else. Dr. Brubaker's kindness and expertise have undoubtedly left a powerful mark on the community of Casper and in the hearts of everyone who knew him.
CELEBRATING THE ACHIEVEMENTS OF MAROLYN OVERTON
Earl L. "Buddy" Carter (Republican, GA) \u2014 2023-8-22

I rise today to celebrate the achievements of Marolyn Overton, the outgoing chair of ``Ladies on the Right.'' prgtoken Marolyn has always been involved in her community and in politics. She was once the President of the Skidaway Island Club, and she founded ``Ladies on the Right'' in 2020. prgtoken To quote their website, ``when most folks were thinking of retiring, Marolyn started the Tea Party movement in Savannah.'' prgtoken Since 2020, Ladies on the Right has been a home for conservative values in Savannah, Georgia hosting monthly meetings and events about the Constitution, the dangers of socialism, and many other topics. prgtoken Ladies on the Right does not just stop at meetings, either. The group works to develop solutions to issues facing our country while holding politicians accountable. prgtoken Ms. Overton has created an impressive organization, and I commend her lifelong commitment to fighting for what is right.
HONORING HOMETOWN HERO LISA GOODWIN
Beth Van Duyne (Republican, TX) \u2014 2023-8-22

I rise today to recognize Lisa Goodwin, a shepherd of altruism in North Texas. Lisa routinely goes the extra mile to give back to our North Texas community through her charitable conduct and volunteerism. Lisa has earned a well-deserved reputation for going above and beyond to help others, including using her own resources to purchase childcare products for families in need. In her free time, Lisa visits nursing home residents and refugees in the Fort Worth area to offer them companionship. When Lisa is not volunteering her time at church, she can be found helping teens register for volunteer hours. prgtoken I want to thank Lisa for being a shining beacon of light in our community.